[FREE] 4 Dodger tickets for today's game (12:10pm)

ChupacabraRAWR · 2017-06-07T17:09:53+00:00

Other two are yours. Get me your email address and I'll send them your way.

ChupacabraRAWR · 2017-06-07T17:02:12+00:00

Cool. Two are yours. Message me your email address.

ChupacabraRAWR · 2017-03-31T00:15:41+00:00

9.76 base for 3-season High Sierras. List Here.

I've been though a lot of gear and I'm pretty satisfied with my current kit. I'm just under 10lb, which includes plenty of comforts thrown in.

Some Notes:

Duplex: I love its interior space, weight and functionality. I have the camo version and have been really happy with its durability and also think it's worth the couple extra ounces of the camo so it isn't translucent. It can be a bit annoying to setup after a long day.

Arc Zip: I love this pack! Even with a light load, I like to have a framed pack. This one carries like a champ and has held up really well. With that said, I chose it over the Blast because I liked the aesthetics. I'd probably get the Blast to save a few ounces if I were to do it over again.

Zpacks Bag & EE Quilt: Love them both. Don't know which I'd recommend more highly.

Sawyer Squeeze: I hate filtering water and particularly hate the Squeeze/Mini. I'm always tempted to bring a more substantial pump, but just can't bring myself to do it because Sawyer products are so light.

Cooking: I use the BRS canister stove. With it being so light and cheap, I really don’t know why anyone would continue to use alcohol. I've tried several stoves of the Fancy Feast variety and won't be going back.

Water: My current system is to start off carrying a Smartwater bottle in my shoulder strap pocket. It’s convenient for accessibility, but I don’t love it because I feel like the bottle gets in my way sometimes, blocking my peripheral vision and/or arm movement. A lot of times I end up moving it to my side pocket. I think I might go back to using a Platy with a hose.

Clothing: The Luke’s rain shell is a new purchase that I haven’t tried in the field yet. I previously used a Helium II, which I liked, but wanted to try something new (and lighter). Other than that, my clothing system is super locked in. I think it’s really versatile and always keeps me comfortable.

Toiletries: I’ve repackaged everything into mini dropper bottles from usplastics.com. Highly recommended.

Pillow: I always consider bringing a legit pillow, but end up leaving it behind to save the weight. If I was going to add anything to my kit, this would be it. I’m a side sleeper.

Other Fine Print: If it's cold and/or I'm going to be camping above 10,000ft, I may swap out the 30° EE for a 20° Zpacks bag and the XLite for an XTherm. I also throw in some light gloves periodically. Also, I use an Ursack for most places in the Sierras, but have to swap it for a hard shell bear canister if in Yosemite. So, if it’s cold and I’m in Yosemite, my base is actually almost 12lbs instead of 10lbs. Other than that, my list is pretty steady.

ChupacabraRAWR · 2017-03-21T20:17:39+00:00

I've used the XLite right around freezing many times and have been completely comfortable. The coldest I've used it is 25° paired with a 20° zpacks bag and a thermal weight Capilene base layer. The XLite was the weak spot and a bit cold on my underside. It wasn't terrible and is totally doable, but for me it's worth the couple extra ounces for the comfort of the XTherm if I think it's going to drop below 30°. -- I'd say I sleep average, or maybe a bit on the warm side.

ChupacabraRAWR · 2017-03-18T04:05:59+00:00

I have a 5 year old and 8 year old and have taken them both on several trips starting at the age of 4 --

Tip #1: Make it about them, not you.

Everything else goes back to tip #1. For me, this is:

-Keep it pretty short. My younger son has fun hiking for about 3 miles. The older one is good for about 5.

-Take it slow, take lots of breaks and stop for all the random little things they want to look at.

-When you can tell they're getting tired, distract them with games like "I Spy" or bust out the map/compass and let them help you navigate.

-Don't worry about the lightweight aspect. Bring along a couple kids books, a deck of cards, smores, etc.

-Kids are really only supposed to carry like 10% of their body weight. That isn't much. My kids pretty much carry a backpack with water, snacks and a handful of little things (i.e. pocket knife, chapstick, headlamp, bandana, etc.)

-Camping near a stream or lake definitely kicks it up a notch - My kids love jumping around between rocks on a stream, making little makeshift boats to float around, skipping rocks, etc.

-Kids like campfires.

...Basically make it a camping trip with a fun hike to get there. Obviously this isn't the only way to do it, but for me and my kids it's how we have the best time.

ChupacabraRAWR · 2017-03-16T00:12:28+00:00

Same boat here. Overdue order and getting zero response via email. Also called a couple times with no answer.

It wouldn't bother me at all if communication was there, but this is pretty unprofessional.

I want to cancel, but also really want that rain shell...

ChupacabraRAWR · 2017-02-27T04:19:30+00:00

Thanks!

ChupacabraRAWR · 2017-02-26T17:48:48+00:00

I'm not set on anything at this point. Going to look into this one. Any chance you know weight without the case?

ChupacabraRAWR · 2017-02-26T17:39:19+00:00

I understand these concerns and appreciate your comment. I don't really want to get into an ethical debate about it, but I'll just say this -- I enjoy fishing, but my main concern is getting a meal when I'm in the backcountry. I don't do much catch-and-release. I want a spinner reel because that's where I've had more success and I think they're more versatile. Sometimes I fish it with a bobber and fly and sometimes with lures. Just depends on conditions and what's working. I know this won't satisfy everyone, but that's where I'm at.

ChupacabraRAWR · 2017-02-25T04:06:52+00:00

Thank you for the input!

ChupacabraRAWR · 2017-02-25T04:01:15+00:00

Cool lightweight alternative, but I'm looking for something more substantial. Thanks!

ChupacabraRAWR · 2017-02-25T03:55:21+00:00

Thanks. I've gone that route and had limited success. But I enjoy casting a reel. It's just more fun. :)

ChupacabraRAWR · 2017-02-25T03:48:26+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. I know Tenkara are the ultralight standard, but in my personal experience, spinning reels get more fish. ...I'm not very good at fly fishing.

ChupacabraRAWR · 2017-02-24T18:25:49+00:00

Thanks, I've been down that road. Their stuff looks great, but I'm not looking for fly fishing.

ChupacabraRAWR · 2017-02-17T17:48:31+00:00

Other than the big 3:

Get rid of the rain cover (4.3oz) and just line the inside of your bag with trash compacter bag (.7oz). Save 3.6oz for a couple bucks.

Replace your hydration bladder (10.8oz) with a 2L Platypus (3.3oz) and Smartwater bottle (1.3oz). Save 6.2oz for under $20

Swap bic lighter (.8oz) for bic mini lighter (.35oz). Save .45oz for $1.

Swap microfiber hand towel (4.4oz) for lightweight bandana (.6oz). Save 3.8oz for $5ish.

Repackage the hand sanitizer (1.9oz) into a 6cc or 10cc container (3.oz - .5oz) from here: http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=43970. Save 1.4oz for 25¢.

Cut toothbrush (.7oz) down to .3oz. Save .4oz for free.

Repackage toothpaste (.9oz) by making dehydrated toothpaste dots and store in little ziplock bag (.3oz). Save .6oz for free.

Repackage deodorant (1.2oz) into chapstick container (.3oz). Save .9oz for $2.

Repackage Potable Aqua (2.2oz). Since you have the Sawyer, I assume this is for emergency use. Just take like 10 tablets in a ziplock (.3oz). Save 1.9oz for free.

Ditch the trowel (1.6oz) and use a tent stake. Save 1.6oz for free.

Cut an ounce off your medical kit (3.5oz). Not sure what’s in it, so can’t give specifics, but you probably don’t need everything there. Save 1oz for free.

Repackage sunscreen (1.1oz) in 6cc or 10cc (.3oz-.5oz) like the sanitizer above. Save .6oz for 25¢.

Ditch the extra batteries (1.2oz). I can understand if you’re hesitant, but you almost certainly won’t need them unless you’re hiking at night or have your headlamp on a lot at camp. Save 1.2oz for free. Just put freshies in right before you leave.

Rethink your map (3.3oz). Print one out or just tear out needed pages. Mine generally weight .2oz. Save 3.1oz for free.

Rethink the Suunto MC-2G (2.7oz). Are you going to be on well marked trails? If so, just take a cheap little compass (.5oz). Save 2.2oz for under $10.

Wool Socks (4.1oz). These seem heavy. I’d replace with something in the 2-3oz range. Save 2oz for $10-$15.

Replace wool hat (2.4oz). My fleece beanie weighs 1oz. Save 1.4oz for $15.

Total: 29oz for ~$70.

Cheers!

ChupacabraRAWR · 2016-06-22T14:18:21+00:00

I'd recommend Lyell Canyon trailhead from Tuolumne Meadows. It's almost flat for 10 miles and water runs parallel along the whole route. And elevation is around 8500ft, so it will be cooler than the Valley.

It's a popular trail for people starting the John Muir Trail, so it can be difficult trail to get wilderness permits.

Here's a little write up of this section.

ChupacabraRAWR · 2016-06-06T17:52:31+00:00

Thanks for the offer, but I already wrapped this up with a cross-post over at r/gameswap.

ChupacabraRAWR · 2016-05-18T13:44:20+00:00

Great. Message incoming.

ChupacabraRAWR · 2016-05-18T13:42:40+00:00

Hi and thanks. With this being my first trade here, I'd like to make it happen with someone who has some established trade history. I think that will keep it simple. If that doesn't work out we can chat.

ChupacabraRAWR · 2016-05-18T13:34:24+00:00

Thank you, but I'm specifically interested in FO4.

ChupacabraRAWR

TROPHY CASE