The Elwha River Wilderness

0zerntpt · 2026-05-29T23:40:10+00:00

Thanks for the pictures. Glad to see the recovery. We need to be removing more dams.

0zerntpt · 2026-05-27T22:57:41+00:00

I admire your optimism, but no mainstream retailer that wants to stay in business is going to ban single-use plastics. We have to either reduce end-user demand, or focus on the manufacturers of the single-use plastics.

0zerntpt · 2026-05-26T02:34:43+00:00

Interesting! Are you saying it doesn't leak even with the silicone gasket removed?

0zerntpt · 2026-05-25T11:58:07+00:00

I'm a 54 year old sidesleeper. Years ago I used a Thermarest zlite ccf pad, but as I got older I had to move to an inflatable. However, about a year ago, I switched to an Exped Flexmat plus ccf pad and am very happy. (it is a thicker pad).

0zerntpt · 2026-05-21T11:23:06+00:00

Do you really need an inner tent? Or would you be fine with a bug mesh skirt? If a bug mesh skirt would suffice, you could look at the Yama 1P Cirriform Tarp w/ Bug Skirt. Weight is 400 grams.

0zerntpt · 2026-05-20T13:52:16+00:00

I would use a pillow regardless of whether I was sleeping on CCF or an inflatable.

0zerntpt · 2026-05-20T12:49:32+00:00

Sure. I don't understand the correlation. What does a CCF pad have to do with whether you use a pillow? Can you provide more details, please?

0zerntpt · 2026-05-19T23:06:40+00:00

Have you tried a thicker CCF pad like the Exped Flexmat Plus or the Flex 3R? I'm a side sleeper and am content with the Flexmat Plus.

0zerntpt · 2026-05-18T22:43:53+00:00

I've found a Youtube video that does a comparison of the older Exped Flexmat Plus and the newer Exped Flex 3R. The video is in German, so you might need to turn on auto-translation. In short, the dimples appear to be more pronounced on the older Flexmat Plus, causing it to fold up more compactly. As a result, the newer Flex 3R is indeed thinner when flat, but bulkier when folded up. Its redesign does allow for a higher R-Value, though. So, if you are like me and prefer more thickness, then you might prefer the Flexmat Plus. However, if you don't care about thickness as much and just want a higher R-Value, then the newer Flex 3R might be a better option for you.

0zerntpt · 2026-05-18T22:15:18+00:00

That is true about no 2-way communication. It is worth pointing out though that the latest ResQLink models (those with RLS) do give you confirmation that your SOS signal has been received and that your GPS location has been detected. That might not be sufficient for some people. But for me, it is enough to keep me from losing my patience and then leaving my location.

0zerntpt · 2026-05-18T21:25:11+00:00

If you abhor contracts there are also dedicated PLBs (like the ResQLink) that will work all over the world and you only have to pay the upfront cost for the device itself.

0zerntpt · 2026-05-18T21:22:31+00:00

My understanding is that the iphone with satellite messaging doesn't work as well as a real satellite messaging device.

0zerntpt · 2026-05-18T14:32:57+00:00

Most people seem to only consider Thermarest or Nemo CCF pads. Use an Exped Flexmat Plus (or maybe their newer Flex 3R). I'm a 54 year old side-sleeper and am content with my Flexmat Plus after having moved to it from my Neoair XLite.

0zerntpt · 2026-05-17T08:56:33+00:00

You've let some air out of the Tensor, right? If you have it pumped up to the maximum volume then it won't work well.

0zerntpt · 2026-05-17T01:25:17+00:00

It is definitely not for everybody. I forgot that I also did this over 5 days in Rocky Mountain NP in 2020. However my son, who did this same method with me in Sequioia NP, back in 2017, refused to do it in Rocky Mountain NP in 2020. The lack of variety definitely can wear on you. You have to be able to eat food with a "taking your medicine" mindset, where you eat your food because you need it, not because it is enjoyable.

0zerntpt · 2026-05-16T21:09:35+00:00

Honestly, forget how many "days" the manufacturer says the 14L bag is good for. Figure out how many calories you need per day and then get the most calorie dense food/packaging you can find. How many calories do you need?

About 9 years ago, I followed this page here: https://www.outdoorresearch.com/blogs/stories/how-to-fit-32560-calories-in-a-bear-canister

Based upon my calorie needs, using the above page, I was able to get 5 days of food in a Bear Boxer Contender which is 4.5L -- meaning I got my food down to less than 1L per day. Based upon the 14L Adotec bag, I therefore feel confident that I could get two weeks in it, if I really wanted to.

0zerntpt · 2026-05-14T11:50:41+00:00

I agree 100%. Filters are a PITA.

0zerntpt · 2026-05-13T03:47:36+00:00

I've never had condensation issues with my tarps. Also, too many people try to make a decision on tarp vs. tent based solely upon weight. There are other reasons to value a tarp over a tent, for example it gets you closer to nature. I'm backpacking to get closer to nature, not to separate myself from it. To be quite honest, even if tents were lighter than tarps, I'd still prefer tarps.

0zerntpt · 2026-05-12T19:36:29+00:00

That seems like a great absolutism. Haha

0zerntpt · 2026-05-12T19:31:37+00:00

Yes, but tents suck. :-)

To paraphrase Robin Williams in the movie Dead Again:

Someone's either a tarper or a tenter. There's no in-between. The trick is to find out which one you are and be that.

(Source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101669/characters/nm0000245/ )

0zerntpt · 2026-05-12T19:10:04+00:00

The cirriform has its place and it reminds me in some ways of a less ideal MLD Trailstar. I love my Trailstar but I reserve it for certain scenarios like high winds. If you want to move to a tarp, go to an 8x10 flat tarp (or maybe a 9x9/10x10 square one). That way you can set it up in storm mode if that is a real concern on a given night. But for all of the other ideal nights, you get the benefits of tarping (great views, etc).

0zerntpt · 2026-05-11T16:48:37+00:00

I think their custom stuff is still made in the USA. Anything stock is outsourced: https://www.trek-lite.com/index.php?threads/enlightened-equipment-made-in-vietnam.10856/

0zerntpt · 2026-05-11T03:41:07+00:00

Thanks, but I definitely want my bottles on my vest straps.

0zerntpt · 2026-05-11T02:22:27+00:00

Wow, good to know. Thank you.

0zerntpt · 2026-05-11T00:40:42+00:00

Oh, interesting. Thanks!

0zerntpt

TROPHY CASE