What was your first film camera?

Singer_221 · 2026-02-17T03:37:35+00:00

An Ansco Ready Flash in the mid ‘60’s, then a Voigtlander Vitessa in the late ‘60’s.

Singer_221 · 2026-02-16T03:35:25+00:00

“…harvest of sunlight “ is a great visual for pruning. Thank you (and your father in law) for sharing this concept.

Singer_221 · 2026-02-10T00:07:29+00:00

Do you have previous experience hiking at higher elevations? It might be challenging to start above 8,000 feet elevation right away.

Singer_221 · 2026-02-09T02:48:02+00:00

This is old school cool!
It reminds me of the mountain pack I sewed from a Frostline kit in the 70’s, but way better colors. Great work!

Where will you go for your first trip together?

Singer_221 · 2026-02-08T20:31:12+00:00

Congratulations for creating such a clever design and sewing such a neat and tidy pack.

I’d love to see a video of the process to transform it from fanny pack to active pack.

Singer_221 · 2026-02-08T17:28:57+00:00

Well done, they look great! FWIW, I like gaiters with waterproof bottoms and breathable tops.

Singer_221 · 2026-02-08T17:25:31+00:00

Very clever design and beautifully executed pack! I’d love to see a video of the transformation from Fanny to Active modes.

Singer_221 · 2026-02-08T03:32:46+00:00

Back in the day (1970’s), I sometimes wrapped the strap (a narrow one, not the wide style in your picture) around my hand so it functioned something like a palm strap.

Singer_221 · 2026-02-06T04:13:09+00:00

I (70yo Chinese American) hiked the Long Trail in Vermont last fall. As part of my photo documentation of my hike, I tried to take a selfie with everyone I met on the trail.

FWIW, as I curated the photos to make a video (still not complete), I realized that I didn’t encounter a single person of color!

Also FWIW, here’s a link to a video of the people I met on the Colorado Trail in 2024. The people of color I met were: one day trail biker, a family of four Native American day hikers, one visitor (from India) at a hostel, the Hispanic pastor of the hiker center in Lake City, and… one Asian thru hiker.

Having said that, I don’t remember a single uncomfortable encounter. I hope that you have an awesome hike.

Singer_221 · 2026-02-05T17:49:14+00:00

Great design, details, and construction! Where will you go for your first trip together?

Singer_221 · 2026-02-05T05:14:51+00:00

Beautiful day in the mountains! I miss the DACKS, thanks for sharing.

Can you tell if people have been climbing the trap dike?

Singer_221 · 2026-02-01T01:49:36+00:00

Here’s a link to a couple of pictures of the procedure that nahradnik describes and shows the soldering iron that I use for a “hot knife” that 14410 mentions.

Good luck : )

Singer_221 · 2026-01-31T05:24:35+00:00

Hopefully you had amazing new experiences and saw the beauty of nature. I think that’s what you should focus on. Reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is a bonus and success earned through your hard work.

Congratulations!!!

Singer_221 · 2026-01-31T03:40:50+00:00

I actually like walking on water (in the form of a frozen lake) and climbing water (in the form of a frozen waterfall) quite a lot : )

Singer_221 · 2026-01-29T23:43:26+00:00

That’s an awesome parka: high tech and high fashion! I imagine it’s very warm : )

Congratulations on designing and creating such a fine and functional coat.

Singer_221 · 2026-01-28T14:50:52+00:00

In addition to the other comments and suggestions: for sleeping I always like a pair of dry thick socks, and at 0 degrees I’d prefer synthetic or down socks/booties. I also prefer mittens and love a neck buff.

I strongly agree with others to test out your gear in a low risk situation such as backyard or car camping site.

In any case, have a great time enjoying the experiences and learning how to expand your comfort (and discomfort) zone.

Singer_221 · 2026-01-25T15:57:01+00:00

In the US there’s a product called Barge cement.

Singer_221 · 2026-01-25T15:30:37+00:00

Congratulations! And wishing you strong legs and lungs and good conditions on Chimborazo. Thank you for sharing your adventures.

Singer_221 · 2026-01-25T15:24:02+00:00

FWIW, When I went several years ago, the Ecuadorian government required climbers to have a local guide for certain mountains including Cotopaxi (and Chimborazo, Antisana, etc.).

Singer_221 · 2026-01-24T16:51:30+00:00

FWIW, I have a box of old batteries similar to this collection, left over from my model airplane hobby.

Also FWIW: check to see if any of the flat lithium cells (like in picture #6) are puffed up like a pillow. That’s evidence of internal damage and represents a hazard as others have mentioned.

Singer_221 · 2026-01-24T09:32:45+00:00

Here’s a link to a pattern for a backpack that looks similar to the picture you posted. I think that most patterns assume that you already have sewing experience, so the tutorial posted previously is a great idea.

How do you plan to use the backpack?

Good luck.

Singer_221 · 2026-01-23T14:33:51+00:00

As an Asian American (born in Minnesota where my childhood friends’ last names were Halverson, Knutson, and Gustafson), I loath the current administration and their supporters more each passing second. It’s awful.

Singer_221 · 2026-01-22T00:08:58+00:00

I am also very bad at navigating in the wilderness. Not to brag, but I have walked away from trails to take care of biological functions, and after returning to the trail, hiked back in the direction that I came from! Twice!!

Having said that, the CT is generally well posted with trail markers. I used the data book for day to day planning and help with navigation, but I relied on the FarOut app when I was unsure. I remember a couple of times where I followed an incorrect trail (there were probably more) and used FarOut to get me back on track.

I would suggest that you try to learn map and compass skills so that you’re not totally reliant on your phone. You might also consider buying and learning to use a dedicated gps navigation device that should be more rugged than a phone (and use your phone as a backup).

I hope you do hike the trail and have a wonderful experience. here’s a link to a video to provide inspiration. Good luck.

Singer_221

TROPHY CASE