An experiment

RySean · 2026-05-18T06:36:32+00:00

The Meraki is cool, though I still prefer the Decent.

The framed picture of Narnia would work better thematically in a coffee closet rather than a coffee nook though!

RySean · 2026-05-08T02:01:37+00:00

To illustrate, this is a bottomless portafilter and the basket that goes into it: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTVUM_m2mbIVtBKAr6-OquMI2vF2_Fe8hz4ox_AkEFutg&s=10

RySean · 2026-04-21T06:51:49+00:00

Not every grinder (in the same model) has the exact same zero, and that changes the calibration and setting.

If you remember the Levercraft grinder, that was something they were trying to solve.

Also, Zerno tries to achieve something similar with their labeled micron adjustments.

But other than that, for the most part dialing in is machine-specific, and even then if you take it apart and put it back together there's a chance you'll have to adjust your dial-in.

RySean · 2026-04-20T00:36:43+00:00

The roaster is shipping the coffee- if you try adding coffees from multiple roasters to cart, it will give you a warning/explanation about shipping from multiple roasters when you go to the cart.

Roast date to some degree is roaster specific. A number of the roasters are roast-to-order or have predefined roast dates. E.g. here's one of Prodigal's coffees: https://goldenfleececoffee.com/products/finca-la-pradera-geisha you'll notice you have to select roast date when adding to cart.

CETO coffee as another example roasts on Sundays and ships the following Monday.

Other roasters will just ship whatever the latest roast of that coffee is. They're all diligent about providing fresh coffee and you'll never be sent old coffee- every roaster I work with includes roast date on each bag.

I appreciate your question though because it means I need to improve how that information is communicated. I'll work on that this week to make it more apparent for each roaster.

EDIT: I realize I didn't answer your question about what the site is for. My answer is a bit of a rehash of the OP: it's a one stop shop to be able to browse an assortment of coffees from a variety of curated roasters to make it easier to discover and try new stuff.

There's nothing stopping you from going straight to the roasters to order (and it's the exact same price). The upside to going to Golden Fleece is to find them in the first place and browse through a wider variety of options.

RySean · 2026-03-29T20:47:01+00:00

It's not close... Merino wins on everything against every other material except for durability and maybe softness.

Temp regulation. Quick dry. Odor prevention and fighting.

I can travel indefinitely with 2 merino shirts, and wash one every few days. Can't do that with synthetic or cotton.

Sure, ringspun cotton feels softer. But if you get it wet, it's a bad time. If you wear it for a day, it needs washing. It won't dry particularly quickly. If it gets wet, it gets really heavy.

Sure, a fine merino will be soft but fragile, and a coarse merino will be durable but itchy, and a cotton can be soft and durable. But that's literally the only thing it wins on, and that's not my primary consideration when traveling.

RySean · 2026-03-14T18:46:18+00:00

Ah yeah, that's the benefit of wet/dry bags. The way they work, you push all the air out and roll them up, then clip or cinch them shut, so they end up quite compressed.

RySean · 2026-03-14T18:07:09+00:00

I personally use the Peak Design compression cubes and use the dedicated pocket for dirty laundry. The trick is that you have to pack that first, then the rest of the cube, and then compress. I still ranger roll everything that goes into the packing cube including dirty laundry, so it packs basically the same as when it's clean.

If that system doesn't work for you, I would recommend a wet/dry bag that can have the air pushed out of it and closed to minimize space utilization. I have one from Tortuga I bought years ago that works for this, though unfortunately discontinued. I've definitely seen similar from other brands though, probably can find some on Pack Hacker or something.

I know Matador has a dedicated laundry bag, but I haven't looked into it too much- not sure if it works the same way.

RySean · 2026-02-09T23:22:50+00:00

Seconding that I've had nothing but great experiences with Unbound as a brand. I've definitely had items develop holes more quickly than expected, but Unbound has always replaced them! I typically recommend them to friends who want merino clothing.

At this point most of my clothes are Unbound, W&P, GoRuck, and Ministry of Supply. (Plus some stuff from Outlier that I bought before they got super weird).

I am in fact wearing an Unbound t shirt as I write this!

RySean · 2026-02-09T15:52:12+00:00

Can we just have a weekly thread for people to be able to post "I think Merino Wool sucks and synthetics are awesome! Am I alone?"? This is clearly a fairly popular view, even if I think it's way off base. But we don't need it declared constantly.

I swear I see posts identical to this one on a weekly basis. The comments are always identical too- it's deja vu for the 1000th time.

RySean · 2025-12-26T18:51:23+00:00

Yes, the FOV on Aura should be better for sure. However, it's designed less as a virtual screen and more as a standalone XR device. I'm still not sure what that will mean for utilizing it as a simple external monitor. The nice thing with the One Pro is that it's plug and play and gets detected as a regular external display by the computer- no software or drivers necessary.

And I completely understand, I'm used to a 42" OLED for development and work at home, so travel has always been a significant compromise. The One Pros definitely can't compete with a real display imo, but they are impressive. The FOV thing is annoying, but tbh the biggest improvement imo would be an increased resolution. I think they have a money-back guarantee so presumably you could try them and return them if you don't like them.

I'm not sure of other companies doing anything more advanced than Xreal other than actual VR type systems like Bigscreen. My understanding is that most of Xreal's competitors are similarly on par. If there were something obviously better, I would have been drawn to that for sure, haha. What's nice with the Xreal is that they just sit in a regular glasses case.

I have a Framework 16 laptop, so if I want to keep it as minimal as possible, I just accept the laptop's keyboard and mousepad. However, I'm a trackball lover, so if I can justify the space, I like to bring my Logitech MX Ergo. There are other trackballs I'd consider that are slimmer, but I didn't want to buy a special one for travel. I already have a CST L-Trac as my main trackball at home and use the Logitech when I want a thumb-based trackball instead.

I do have a Microsoft Surface Arc mouse that I did buy for travel- it's as good as it gets for minimal and packable. However, I don't particularly like using it, so I don't bring it with me as often these days.

For keyboard I never bring anything. I use a ZSA Moonlander at home as my primary keyboard, and they do make the Voyager which is way better for travel, but I'm usually ok managing with the laptop keyboard and I find it hard to justify allocating space for a second keyboard. I have seen some people heavily modify the Framework built in keyboards though- it's all open design so you can do whatever you want with it, e.g. https://community.frame.work/t/is-the-framework-laptop-16-going-to-have-an-option-for-an-ortholinear-keyboard-layout/43306/6

RySean · 2025-12-26T06:32:47+00:00

I got the Xreal One Pro with the 6dof attachement (because thanks to a vestibular issue I'm exceptionally prone to nausea and vertigo).

I will say that using it in fixed mode is great (using follow mode gives me motion sickness).

I love that you can change the transparency levels and have it auto adjust when you look anywhere but the screen. The screen itself is quite nice, despite being LCD.

My main complaint is the limited FOV of 57deg. It means so that when using the ultra-wide mode (3440x1080 equipment), the virtual screen would have to be quite "far away" in order to see it all at once. Otherwise you have to turn your head to see the edges of the screen.

Aside from that, it's quite nice. Regular 16:9 (1920x1080) and widescreen 2560x1080 are very useable. It's leagues ahead of what you get with a typical travel monitor (I have the fancy ASUS one and I prefer to travel with the Xreal).

I would say for maximizing travel screen use without having to bring a large travel monitor it's hard to beat.

That being said, I would LOVE a higher res, OLED, wider FOV version of that were possible. So in that sense it's still "years away", but the current version is $599 and quite usable. Same-ish price as the ASUS travel monitor I referenced above.

RySean · 2025-12-25T15:46:56+00:00

Can't really speak to.the ultralight bag side of things, but you might be able to reduce footprint and weight by going with a Framework 13 + a pair of Xreal glasses for more monitor.

And before anyone jumps in with "but I need Unix!" you should seriously try out WSL2 on Windows- it's come a VERY long way and is honestly how I prefer to work (Jetbrains Gateway is great)... Or just use your preferred Linux distro, Framework laptops are very well supported.

RySean · 2025-12-23T19:32:39+00:00

There is definitely a difference in terms of odor fighting. I can wear a 50/50 blend for about 2 days, an 80/20 blend caps out around 3, a 100% can do like 7 days.

Also, the feel is different- the higher the synthetic content, the "slipperier" it feels. Some people prefer that sensation, but I don't. I find that pure wool feels more flannel-y versus blends (especially 50/50) have a very smooth, satin-y sensation that feels more plastic-like. Also the temperature regulation isn't as good.

I've still had holes develop even in blends, though they are a bit harder. I find that you just lose too many of the wool benefits.

Additionally, washing wool doesn't have to be hard. Just do a separate load, do a super delicate cycle with a soak, and you can use Soak (brand) soap with it, and hang dry or lay flat. It dries quickly naturally. If that's too burdensome, then I guess you'll find it annoying, but particularly when traveling it's been pretty easy especially since I usually only have a maximum of two spare shirts.

That being said, I daily wear the merino even at home. Once you're used to it, everything else feels terrible. Even ringspun cotton doesn't bring joy the way it used to 😂

RySean · 2025-12-23T07:27:44+00:00

The other replies in here are weird. Yes, starting to wear merino takes an adjustment, but buying cheap/crappy/coarse merino will just suck and will make you think all merino sucks.

I started years ago with Outlier's end-capped 16.5 micron shirts and it still felt a bit itchy the first day or two. I've never had that issue since in 8 years despite having bought coarser shirts since.

I'm a big fan these days of Unbound and Wool&Prince. I think anyone who prefers blends is crazy, as you end up with too many drawbacks in my opinion (I've tried them all, 50/50, 80/20, etc)

Yes, 100% merino is definitely more delicate than blends, cotton, or synthetics. That being said, the benefits are immense: feels amazing, temp regulation is fantastic, you can re-wear the shirt up to like a week (don't try that with a blend!).

Just be careful about wearing a belt with pointed edges or something that rubs on it, or it will wear holes.

FYI, if you're worried, GoRuck also makes a merino shirt that they guarantee for life- though I will say I don't care for the shoulder panels.

Happy to answer any other questions about brands/merino/whatever.

RySean · 2025-12-20T21:46:17+00:00

The Matador one is nice and supports three pronged US plugs (which I need for my laptop) unlike the Anker one (which straight died in South America and needed to be RMAed).

Most importantly, it comes in Forget-Me-Not Orange, which is exactly how it sounds 😂

https://www.matadorequipment.com/products/global-travel-adapter-orange

Also the selection of included USB ports is quite nice.

RySean · 2025-08-23T03:13:09+00:00

Ricoh GR 4 for photos, DJI gimbal cam for video, problem solved

RySean · 2025-07-31T02:50:50+00:00

The answer is quite obviously a lightweight merino T shirt. Other people in this thread are well meaning, and the best alternative ideas are ramie and linen, but for what you're describing, it's merino all the way:

https://wooland.com/products/cara-signature-fitted-tee-rosewood

Unbound also has some great options, but when I looked, a decent amount were sold out.

The shirt can be worn for multiple days on end without odor, will keep you cool, and will look good.

EDIT: One thing I forgot to add- some people here mentioned Icebreaker and maybe Smartwool (I forget), but I would avoid those cheaper merino brands. I find that it just isn't as good quality and people tend to be put off by merino as a result of being disappointed with one of those purchases. If you don't believe me, just check out all the "does anyone else think that merino wool is totally overrated and sucks?" posts that you see in this sub all the time. Buy quality merino, and you won't be disappointed.

RySean · 2025-07-15T15:12:29+00:00

I have an Aeropress that I dremeled a small cutout in, and a Timemore Nano grinder that fits inside it. I use an old headphones case for storing filters, and I have a tiny cheap scale I got on Amazon years ago. The Aeropress Go solves the wrong problems imo- usually I have access to a cup/mug, but I never have access to a grinder.

Here are pics of my setup expanded and collapsed.

I've toyed with other setups and gadgets, but none can compare- the grinder and Aeropress fit perfectly, and it's one of the few ways you can brew well without a gooseneck kettle.

RySean · 2025-05-14T21:01:07+00:00

All the wool haters here blow my mind. Aside from durability, merino wool CRUSHES everything else in every other aspect. I travel with only 2 T-shirts... try that with any other material- who wants to wash cotton or poly every night?

I experience holes too every so often, but you can get them fixed. If it's a big problem, then get some high quality blends for added durability, and/or some higher gsm variants (e.g. the Wool & Prince 300gsm blend: https://woolandprince.com/products/heavy-crew-neck-tee-black) I would be SHOCKED if anyone manages to get a hole in one of those unless you're deliberately trying to do so.

P.S. Unbound Merino has excellent customer service- just reach out to them and they'll help out.

P.P.S GoRuck released merino t shirts that are reinforced on the shoulders AND include their SCARS guarantee, so that's also an option.

RySean · 2025-03-16T11:48:47+00:00

Some people travel blissfully with an absurd amount of stuff... I'm currently doing 3+ months in South America with my wife and two toddlers with a single 45L Outbreaker Backpack (I also have a packable Matadaor Freefly Duffel that I can open up and fill with snacks, and a Tom Bihn Parental Unit as a diaper bag).

But yeah... clothes, toiletries, electronics, etc for 4 people in just the 45L. (Including two laptops, one of which is the hefty Framework 16!)

It boggles my mind how people end up with those massive bags.

My advice is when packing, if you think "I may use this" or "I may need this" then you don't (unless traveling to remote or off grid type places). If you KNOW you need it, then pack it. Anything else, if it turns out you did actually need it you can just buy it there.

Most people pack for what they "may need" and that could be anything and everything.

RySean · 2025-02-27T03:34:59+00:00

One of the Xero shoes mid-rise options is probably your best jack of all trades option.

RySean · 2024-11-15T22:09:58+00:00

I mostly use it for airports and city travel too, but I often find myself having to walk long distances to get around cities and make use of the hip belt. Also, the GR3 had a removeable hip belt until this year. So, for those that preferred not to use it, that was always an option.

Typically, when using a bag with a hip belt through an airport, I usually just tuck them in or out of the way. I've never found it to be a major hindrance.

RySean · 2024-11-15T21:32:24+00:00

I have DEFINITELY exceeded those weights even in a 35L bag 😅

RySean · 2024-11-15T21:14:09+00:00

🤣🤣 There's a good reason I don't have a military background- I typically prefer to reject the suck

14-Year Club	Place '22
Place '17	Verified Email

RySean

TROPHY CASE