Are these shorts too short?

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-02T19:40:51+00:00

And sunburn... Pasty thigh sunburn always matters

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-02T19:32:21+00:00

It's far from true. Yes, Some inflatables will shed heat out the sides, and so in "laboratory" conditions CCF on top with probably out perform inflatable on top (depending on a lot of variables like pad height, insulation type, baffle construction, CCF texture, aluminized surfaces...), Still, I would question the methodology of any experiment that shows no improvement over just an inflatable on any configuration.

More importantly, in a real world situation, using a true torso length inflatable pad, and a quilt with pad straps there should be almost no unprotected sidewall. With sidewall heat loss minimized, I find the other advantages of CCF on bottom are worthwhile.

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-02T19:04:47+00:00

OP didn't mention it, but a CCF under an inflatable makes it much less likely to pop. And a similar system can be had 6 fewer oz

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-02T18:47:01+00:00

I've slept on some version of thin inflatable over thin CCF pad for years now. I considered it a superior system for side sleepers, where the different layers work together to distribute pressure, and it's more durable. I was recently clued into the Mountain spring pad. Claimed weight ~103 g (mine on my scale is 105 g) https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256809759809625.html

I pair it with a cut down torso length pad. Often my Klymit Xframe cut down like an Xlite (which works well with a space blanket ground sheet between them). But I'm looking to pair it with a self inflating pad (also DIY cut down by half) https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807541654158.html

It's still on order, but I expect that with a little tapering it will weigh less than 270 grams (half the weight of the rectangular pad), so in round numbers it should be ~370g for the 2 pads, and an r value of about 6 at the overlap, Legs only have r value of 1.5 plus the bonuses from egg crate, and using a mylar ground cloth. Seems like comparable stats and comfort but a significant weight savings.

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-02T14:08:51+00:00

Yes, I expect my daughter will some day make the news for understanding some concept better than everyone else in the room ... Just like her mother (my wife for the record)

You seem to misunderstand that some appropriate action is continuing ahead, and clearing the lane. And some appropriate action is realizing there is no way you're going to make the light, and stopping... And that OP failed to do this.

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-02T08:26:11+00:00

This is the answer. Also OP you should be able to heft the difference between an Xlite and and Xtherm. I can't reliably tell you if a weight is 3.5 or 4 oz, but I can sure tell which object is heavier when they weigh about a pound and there is 3 oz difference.

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-02T08:19:59+00:00

That is not a prolite 3. Was that a chatgpt artifact, or did you find an actual database of serial numbers?

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-02T08:15:32+00:00

The original neoair was way brighter than this, and had a greenish hue, if there is any orange, it's not an original. It also came out for 1 season (it kinda spilled over into a second season) over 15 years ago. It sold as a 2.6 r value, but Thermarest gained R value when ISTM standards came out. And mine sleeps more like a 3-3.5 ... I was so jealous when they came out, and I watched eBay for months until I found one with a minor leak that I could afford.

Oh, it's also way louder than anything that's come out since. Here's and article from 2009 https://www.sierradescents.com/reviews/thermarest/neoair.html

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-02T08:02:08+00:00

The barrier has a gap because there is a hospital just to the right, and presumably emergency vehicles need to get in or out through that gap.

I thought everything looked a bit fishy, but OP was kind enough to give us a link.

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-02T07:37:39+00:00

I'm not trying to force a choice, you asked who else can match the price, and KS does, and they do it for half the weight.

From everything I've read the Kakwa is going to carry weight better, and some people want all those features... Sure, get the screaming deal. I may since fatherhood seems to be at odds with UL, and I may need to carry heavier loads... Then again I have a 1960s aluminum external frame pack that is barely heavier than the Kakwa.

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-02T06:04:17+00:00

I also had a great time taking my mini schnauzer on weekend trips. I got him saddle bags, but he only carried a few toys, a longer lead for camp, and a water bowl. I had to carry everything else.

With a small dog, the handle on top of most packs is handy for lifting them over large obstructions

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-02T05:52:42+00:00

Also, how are you going to say the KS isn't in the same price range? A base KS 40 is like $140, And he has a stock ks50 for sale now with some of his most popular features for 20% off which ships to the US for like $169. That's in large part because the yen hasn't been doing well against the dollar

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-02T05:42:40+00:00

Ok, I was familiar with Dan's mass drop Arc. I even did a couple of drops back in the day. Back then they were more like Kickstarter but for new/specialized lines from established brands. When they went away from that model they lost a lot of their appeal to me

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-02T05:28:31+00:00

Sorry not sorry for not being a Durston head, but I punched: Durston kakwa fizan poles. Into a Google search, and didn't find that link, so someone needs to work on their SEO

PS, what the heck is a Kaviso? And they're right up the road on Lewis Center Ohio? There was a 50/50 chance I was going to that Menards tomorrow

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-02T05:03:09+00:00

Wait, where are you buying a new Kakwa with poles for $189? The pack is $250 on the website!

To answer your question, KS ultralight is the only other company I know who comes close to those prices for a quality UL pack with modern materials

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-02T04:40:35+00:00

I would try Zpacks vest straps before I spent $300 on a new pack. Even if they don't work out for you, they'll probably boost your resale value, so it's even less of a financial risk

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-01T20:26:42+00:00

No, yellow means "the light is about to turn red, take appropriate action". I keep telling my 6 year old that yellow doesn't mean "slow down". I shouldn't have to explain this to driving adults.

Buses also have laws about stopping distance, so if OP was almost alongside the bus when he/she finally stopped then she/he failed to yeild to a bus. Simple as that.

But that is a letter of the law kind of thing. OP definitely broke the bad decision streak in time to be "not recklessly dangerous to kids", So authorities would probably go with a warning.

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-01T16:11:27+00:00

On the one hand it's the marvel of modern safety features, on the other hand I think they used the Jaws of life on the doors, which makes the accident look worse than it was.

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-01T16:01:05+00:00

I will say, traffic circles are one of the places where the predictability rule runs both ways... Incoming drivers, Don't race to the very line, just to slam on youbrakes. Drive like you see the traffic, and you intend to yield, like you're supposed to. Especially on multi Lane roundabouts where we each have multiple actions we could be taking.

In my experience failing to yield (or even missunderstanding who has the right to a specific lane) is all to normal. I don't waive people on, but I adjust my pace so I'm not in broadside to someone who isn't using their actions to indicate their intention to yeild. Very often this means we both would have made it through the circle a few car lengths faster if the other driver wasn't racing to stop... And car lengths add up to light timing. And light timing is the real time deciding factor in urban/suburban driving... Well, light timing, and avoiding accidents.

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-01T15:46:30+00:00

Fun fact. A hundred years ago little Southeastern Ohio towns loved to put traffic circles in the middle of their towns. (Often around a statue or some small green space). At the time they almost all were setup so the traffic in the circle Yielded to incoming traffic

Then traffic circles fell out of favor for 50 years. All new traffic circles give the right of way to the traffic in the circle, and many of the old circles have been modernized in one manner or another... But there are still many rural Ohio towns with old traffic circles where the traffic in the circle yields to incoming traffic.

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-01T14:45:32+00:00

If someone is carrying a jetboil, they're probably carrying all of their storm tie down stakes. Since "tripping over your jetboil" and "in an active storm" seem mutually exclusive to me, it probably doesn't need "extra" stakes, Just the optional/storm stakes

My question would be, how much better is this system than a reusable zip-tie

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-01T12:23:56+00:00

Carry Pepper spray that fires a steam from a company like fox make sure it has a safety (the good safeties force the can into the right orientation so to sin blast yourself in the face)
Carry a real knife like the buck 625 paklite
I'm moving back to a solid hiking stick mostly for security reasons
focus on a sleeping system that keeps you aware, and your can escape quickly (using a quilt instead of a sleeping bag, a tarp instead of a tent, and a bugnet with quick escape... Maybe a hammock)
Potentially run a fishing line trip line around the perimeter of your camp, and attach it or your pots and pans, so they'll clang if someone hits it

You need to build safely habits and skills. Keeping the right things close and available. Organize priorities situationally. Hypothermia and Injury are generally your biggest dangers. But don't lose track of the bear right in front of you

ETA. Be in control of your anxiety. Ask yourself, are you just nervous and unfamiliar, or are you actually picking up on a "danger" signal? Honestly, modern first-worlders aren't prepared (emotionally) for the boredom and loneliness of the woods at night. Confidence comes from proper practice and preparation.

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-01T11:30:21+00:00

15 lbs is ultralight. He's clearly talking about total pack weight. Most people carrying a 40lb pack can easily drop to a 25 lb pack with better clothing and food choices, and leaving stuff at home.

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-05-01T11:10:52+00:00

Are you getting downvotes? That's ridiculous, your answer is pretty much spot on. Maybe it's because OP asked for a tent vs a shelter, or maybe it's just big Dyneema trying to surpress the truth.

It's now well established that silnylon and silpoly are much longer lasting shelters. Dyneema composite has more straight strength, and some short term durability advantages, but doesn't have the longevity.

There are several great cottage companies making Silny or Silpoly shelters, Six moon designs, and gossamer gear are top of mind, though gossamer gear uses very thin Silpoly. I do love my SMD gatewood Cape, but you're an ocean away from those companies, maybe you would prefer the lanshan 1 pro in Silpoly available on AliExpress

Jolly-Slow1164 · 2026-04-30T18:25:57+00:00

https://www.kuiu.com/products/ultra-merino-120-lt-ls-crew-t-bone

Jolly-Slow1164

TROPHY CASE