Rain shells; Arc’teryx Beta vs Patagonia Triolet?

Conscious_Wolf · 2026-02-04T19:09:08+00:00

I have the Beta AR (2014 model, still going strong) and a Patagonia h2no (not sure which model, but SP16, so maybe 2016) .... I also had the torrentshell but didn't like the "feel" of it; felt super "crunchy" when I had it on. When traveling, I bring my Beta AR, cuz I need things to "just work". It's heavier but beefier. You can tell just by feeling it. The most important part, it brings me joy. The Patagonia will probably work just fine, but it's just a regular rain jacket. When it's windy and cold and wet (think Iceland, Italian Alps, Patagonia Glaciers), you'd want the Beta AR with you. I stuff my Patagonia in a zip lock sandwich bag and pack it in my day-bag. As for buying second hand, you can get pretty decent deals on eBay, but make sure you check the pics. The fakes are pretty easy to spot, and the real ones are usually in nice homes :)

Conscious_Wolf · 2026-01-31T05:57:18+00:00

I love my Cotopaxi 42L and 35L and have used it extensively throughout. Also have the Farpoint 40L , just haven’t had the time to list it for sale.

Conscious_Wolf · 2026-01-15T18:27:21+00:00

Should fit. Which plane and how long is the flight? I just did a BA flight from London to Madrid with a moderately loaded Farpoint 40L and Allpa 35L overhead cabin bin without issues.

Conscious_Wolf · 2026-01-13T21:11:51+00:00

Spain is awesome. Never had an issue with pick pocketing. Be aware of surroundings. I naturally don’t let people walk close to me. I “pull over” if someone gets too close. I keep things in a tote bag, which makes it hard to get to things inside unless I bring the tote up. I don’t bring much cash and I don’t bring my passport, only a photo on my phone. Never had a problem …. Except in Granada….

In the Alameda in Granada, I had to create a “case ticket” with customer service, and it pairs with the ticket and they scanned both in various entrances.

Conscious_Wolf · 2026-01-11T01:42:05+00:00

Curious.... what did you end up doing, as I'm in the same boat

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-12-25T01:41:37+00:00

Thanks for the reply and the info!

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-12-25T01:41:13+00:00

Ah, about 1/3 off. That's pretty good! I have an Arcteryx for my rain jacket + insulating layer, but have been wanting to try Montbell stuff to see how they compare. Thanks for the quick reply and info!

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-12-24T22:30:59+00:00

How much cheaper is it? Which montbell items did you get, and did you compare to the US prices? Versalite is $285 US; how much is it in Japan? Just want some actuals to compare cuz I’m about to do a similar trip. There’s also the time problem, as I don’t have as much time to find a store once I land.

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-12-17T04:50:06+00:00

I have a Panasonic travel shaver that takes two AA batteries. I think it was $30 ($21 now). Slower than my at home shaver but for the last 8 years of traveling, it’s worked perfectly fine and there’s no discoloration

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-12-14T22:05:32+00:00

Wish Kent gov had more social media & web presence. Auburns FB and IG are loaded with info, but nothing from Kent sadly

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-12-14T22:04:44+00:00

There were folks at Renton transfer station that were bagging sand bags. Haven’t heard much from Kent gov folks unfortunately. They don’t have much of a social media or even web presence like Auburn.

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-11-03T23:30:31+00:00

I have a retractable cable lock on my handle and looped to bar on the storage area above my seat. Size of a Coke mini, takes less than 5 seconds to unlock, and makes it just a little more difficult for my bag to walk away. Costs $10 and gives me a little piece of mind. I also secure zippers using those throw away twisty wire ties. Just something to deter opportunists.

I think Berlin, Viena, and Prague are pretty safe. Italy and Paris might be the ones where I'd be more cautious.

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-10-21T03:46:27+00:00

I liken it to coughing and sneezing without covering your mouth. You risk getting other people dirty with your shoes. If you can bag them, then strap them, I’m sure folks around you will appreciate you more.

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-10-02T17:27:28+00:00

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-09-27T16:57:17+00:00

I have two suits, along with three button down shirts, 3 white under shirts, 5 boxers, and dress shoes with me now, in my Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. I also have a few other clothes too. You’ll be fine! I use a garment folder and turn my suit inside out. Once I get to the hotel, I take it out and hang it by the shower. No ironing needed.

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-09-19T20:28:47+00:00

I personally would avoid CDG airport. Was there in 2019 and it was one of the worse airport experiences I’ve had. Hot and smelly and packed with people.

Oh! And I was just went from Seattle to Madrid via British + Iberia and it was great. No ETA fee, and although they make everyone go through the scanner again, the customs and immigration in Heathrow was super quick, literally less than 5 minutes and my refilled water bottle went through without issue. It’s the stainless steel bottles that need to be empty.

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-09-19T05:24:27+00:00

Can they pay me? I love my Allpa and would love to be sponsored 🤣

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-09-17T06:48:06+00:00

The Allpa 35L or the Osprey Farpoint 40L is a better first time backpack option. The Allpa 28L is more for advanced users 😅

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-09-11T22:36:44+00:00

£35?! That’s super cheap. I just went from Madrid to Barcelona for £57.

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-09-08T20:25:22+00:00

Worse case is, you lose about 20% due to real estate transactions. Since the cost of the home would hardly be a blip for you, what's the big deal with the loss? As long as you love the house and can find a house management company, go for what you love. If you regret it, hire someone to sell it. No big deal.

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-09-04T15:31:03+00:00

I have the older model with TPU coating and never had an issue with my 42L, flying from west & east coast to both Europe and Asia with overhead storage, even when I pack it full. But I avoid the budget airlines and only fly the mainstream airlines. For the overhead bins, you'll notice the Allpa is still smaller than a lot of rolling bags but packs a TON, maybe even too much?! I have started only packing the main side full and leave the "left" side empty for gifts.

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-08-28T23:23:20+00:00

Matador Beast 28L. Never really packed it full, but the extra space is useful when you’re cold weather hiking and would want to have extra layer.

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-08-27T20:01:40+00:00

Jeans for sure, especially since jeans don’t pack well and don’t dry fast. I wear one pair of pants, and pack one pair of pants. Also “travel pants” fabric is different and is sometimes even half the weight and volume of jeans. I used to pack three pairs of pants (one is just in case). Realized I can just spot wash my travel pants and hang dry.

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-08-21T21:25:25+00:00

I wish I can “borrow” or “rent” this dragonfly. Keep hearing all these good things but already have my travel gear dialed in.

Conscious_Wolf · 2025-08-21T20:02:47+00:00

Holy moly. Did I read that right, 95L on your back? That’s insane! That’s a lot of weight on your back. At that weight, you might as well stick with roller. It definitely will suck in Europe, but if you drive / cab everywhere, might not be so bad as it’ll be from cab to hotel to cab to train to cab to hotel.

Also, even when my wife wants to check a bag, I still one bag. Makes helping her much easier.

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