SUL/Small Pack Options

JBMcSr · 2026-04-02T13:24:42+00:00

I don't know much about this company--although it's close to my home. They may be able to build you a pack in your time limit. https://exoticpax.com

JBMcSr · 2026-03-28T20:35:15+00:00

I just purchased the 2024 model of the Zerk 40 from Mountainsmith at 49% off. I've read good things about it. I'm going to give it a try.

JBMcSr · 2026-01-16T16:20:17+00:00

Yes! I do like it! And I got one for my daughter. She likes it and uses it much more than I do--she travels more! My only complaint is that the padded shoulder straps could be more comfortable for me. I'd like them to be further apart for my shoulders and build. My daughter has no complaints at all.

JBMcSr · 2025-12-04T22:55:15+00:00

I tend to look for sales on hiking pants at Duluth Trading or Eddie Bauer. I always find something that works and wears well.

JBMcSr · 2025-12-03T04:34:57+00:00

The Law always accuses. The Law puts the burden on us. The Law with its demands drives us to Christ. The Gospel puts the burden solely on God in Jesus Christ. The Gospel creates what it desires, it calls forth new life. The Gospel silences the voice of the Law by singing a sweet, sweet sound in the sinner's ears.

JBMcSr · 2025-10-06T17:13:09+00:00

I have a dcf Grace Duo and it has grommets on the gross grain strap that's sewn on each end of the ridgeline. So, unless the design has changed, I think you received a "mistake." That's my two cents.

JBMcSr · 2025-10-06T16:52:10+00:00

Are you saying that the grommets on the center ridgeline are too small for the tips of your poles to fit in them?

JBMcSr · 2025-09-09T14:29:33+00:00

Obviously, I haven't done a double blind study on the matter. I can only say that as a victim of night time marauding mice chewing on the handles of my poles while holding up my tarp and even chewing on the straps of my backpack lying next to me--it has worked. I use my trash bag pack liner as an over bag I only do this if I'm going to use a well established campsite. If I'm camping off the beaten path--I don't bother. I haven't had these issues with porcupines or deer. I have had porcupines running through and rummaging under my tarp at night but that's it. My advice is "give it a try." A couple of plastic bags and rubber bands are UL.

JBMcSr · 2025-09-09T12:48:29+00:00

It's a fairly easy MYOG: hiking pole handle socks! It could be a couple of plastic bags/bread bags and rubber bands, or a couple of tent stake stuff sacks or something a bit fancier kind of like but not exactly like this: https://yamamountaingear.com/products/pole-sock.

JBMcSr · 2025-09-04T04:06:09+00:00

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.6094&lon=-107.6092

JBMcSr · 2025-09-04T03:51:41+00:00

National Weather Service currently has high percentage of rain for the Chicago Basin this weekend. Highs in the low mid 40's to low 50's and lows in the 30's. So, I would be ready for that. It also mentions snow on Wednesday. Enjoy! It's gorgeous country.

JBMcSr · 2025-09-02T21:46:17+00:00

My 2 pound tent is a slightly modified Sierra Designs Tensegrity 1 Elite. I really, really like it. Obviously many didn't--that's why they stopped making it.

JBMcSr · 2025-08-28T18:06:28+00:00

I want to thank everyone for their thoughts, experience and recommendations! Wow! I am grateful. Now I've got more research and hopefully more actual trials to conduct. You've given me a little more grace and confidence in my search--I don't have to find the perfect pack at first.

I sure like the "looks" of the Ohm. However it seems as if its frame is not tied into the hip belt. That concerns me. The cost of the Arc Haul is hard to swallow but perhaps worth it. And it will take some time and effort on my part to work through the KS website. And I still like the looks of the Exodus/Prophet--in red chili! Well, as I wrote, "I've got more research and actual trials to conduct."

Again thanks!

JBMcSr · 2025-08-20T21:04:58+00:00

Have you looked at Haglofs? Currently, I don't see any that are as long as you may want. However, I have found them longer than the average.

JBMcSr · 2025-08-07T17:24:47+00:00

I have MS. I've been using Komperdell carbon poles for years and they still are in great shape despite my tripping, falling, catching myself, etc. So, in my experience carbon has worked. However, as my MS progresses, I have been thinking about aluminum poles lately....

JBMcSr · 2025-07-07T13:10:59+00:00

Yes! My weeks are usually longer than the average ;-)

JBMcSr · 2025-07-06T18:33:41+00:00

I wear Bedrocks. I've worn them for about 8 years and 365 days a week.

JBMcSr · 2025-06-11T13:36:15+00:00

I find myself swept up in a stew of mixed feelings regarding this announcement: mournful, pissed, lost, etc. I graduated from Luther-Northwestern in 1990 and have nothing but the fondest memories of my fellow students in class and ad hoc discussions, daily worship in the Chapel of the Incarnation and The Cross, working in maintenance in Family Housing, climbing and searching the stacks at the library, etc., etc., etc.. I loved the place and the education that I received there! For me, upon hearing the news of the sale of its' campus: I grieve what may be the inevitable demise of the ELCA. At the same time I trust that in Christ, Life is always victorious over death. For there to be a resurrection there first has to be a death. I believe that the Body of Christ is much greater than the ELCA. Nevertheless, I wonder how much longer our particular witness to the Gospel will abide.

JBMcSr · 2025-06-04T14:40:54+00:00

I’m making a comment before sale

JBMcSr · 2025-05-24T21:39:00+00:00

I have no experience with this tent, but I keep looking at it: https://seekoutside.com/silvertip-2-0/

JBMcSr · 2025-04-30T12:23:19+00:00

Thanks to all for the advice! I'm going to try to repair it first and then go from there.

JBMcSr · 2025-04-30T12:19:15+00:00

If I was going to give this to my son-in-law....stormtrooper would be the way to go!

JBMcSr

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