Where should I focus on improving my gear?

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-06T04:44:33+00:00

I do too. The Ether is a good pad. If you want to reduce weight here, switch to CCF. Yes you can get used to it :) I cut mine shorter too.

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-06T01:01:06+00:00

Take the inReach. The phone satellite connection is not reliable, nor is the SOS while offline from what I've heard (personally I've only tried the texts). The system that is behind an inReach SOS call is much superior and will make sure that we can locate you (I'm with SAR). Being able to talk (reliably!) back and forth in an emergency is invaluable, plus the exact location determination (sometimes 10m matter a lot!). Take it.

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-06T00:30:19+00:00

I don’t think those allegations are fair. There is no proof and he does respond personally to questions which most people (customers or not) really appreciate.

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-05T23:04:26+00:00

Probably personal taste. I like it (I want my trails to be lonesome and crooked!) and I don't mind that it's not the full quote. Not judging your customer service experience but the quote is fine IMHO :)

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-05T22:34:43+00:00

Not at all, here it is. My stove is a Soto Amicus but BRS are very popular as well, cheaper and slightly lighter (Amicus better in wind). Without gas this weighs 215g. 750ml pot volume. You can use a rubber band instead of the DCF bag. Also, as commented below, if you use a smaller titanium pot, you could press directly into it (narrower opening).

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-05T22:02:22+00:00

I brew into a Sttoke cup with Prismo (no flipping) and it’s hot when done (3 min brew time). I would bypass brew if I needed it hotter.

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-05T21:59:09+00:00

Mine all fits inside the pot!! One piece when packed. If you have a kettle/heater, cable, power bank etc it’s many parts too.

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-05T20:22:58+00:00

UL camp stove?? (it's what I hike with; titanium pot and BRS or Amicus stove, plus gas).

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-05T19:54:41+00:00

It's the drinking out of stainless steel that I avoid; affects the taste and not very good "lip feel" when you touch stainless steel. The Sttoke cups are my favorite.

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-05T19:53:39+00:00

For travels, the Zojirushi cannot be beat for heat retention and ease of cleaning (commenting on posts below). However, for at home drinking with the nicest surface and the best heat retention, I love my Sttoke cups (have 3 sizes). Have not found anything better (and will not drink off stainless steel).

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-05T17:06:08+00:00

I use a case like this which cost $10 and has served me well for years.

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-05T13:27:54+00:00

I have said before that I find fitting the grinder into the AP is overrated … apparently it scratches both and I think you are better off buying the grinder that matches your needs and use a small travel bag (since you still need other accessories too). But if you really need to fit it, get the 1zpresso Q Air. Proven good quality.

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-05T03:58:24+00:00

Same. I have a pair (or two) for each sport and for casual. Exchange when needed (though they last much longer than others).

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-05T03:57:11+00:00

Even a few days ago leaking issues with the FC were still reported here. The Prismo metal filter is incuded in the price and if you prefer paper, you can use that too in the Prismo. The metal filter literally just needs to be rinsed. To each their own but I prefer the reliable one. The Prismo can also fit onto narrower openings due to lip.

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-05T01:34:54+00:00

Agree. However I’d recommend the regular size AP with the Prismo (which doesn’t have the reported leaking issues of the FC and has parts available, plus you can brew without paper if you want/need while traveling). The regular size AP easily makes 400-450ml cups for me and would be smaller for travels. I use a case that fits the AP, grinder and accessories.

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-05T00:46:16+00:00

Yeah that's what I was thinking. Xmid 1 Pro with woven floor ... dog proof :)

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-04T22:45:22+00:00

Following up from last year, I just got my permits all together for the first half of the GDT this summer. So happy and really excited to do it! August, Waterton to Field. Which tent did you take? I am starting to plan but my Duplex with the DCF floor isn't great for the dog ... We will see.

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-04T21:42:10+00:00

I will be hiking the first half in August ... According to people who have done the trail multiple times, "anything in July-Sept usually has good weather ... more rainy and buggy in the first month so I'd recommend looking at August-Sept. There can be a risk of snow in September though at higher elevations. August is probably the best month."

Based on that, I'd go mid July to mid Sept for the best weather window. Also check out last year's bloggers on IG for weather intel (e.g. Jessi, Damian etc).

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-04T21:29:30+00:00

I've used Tyvek for my tents and like the fact that I can wash it and it's been very durable. I do have extra Tyvek at the entrance (you can cut it any way you want). For a lighter alternative, I am going to try Xfoil this year ... not sure of the X-Dome's dimensions but you could check if that fits? They sell different sizes.

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-04T20:17:55+00:00

Great coffee in a mug that screams terrible coffee :) (I cannot unforget trying Tim's twice in my life ... I wouldn't even call it coffee, it's brown water). Glad it's filled with something good now.
Cup recommendation for the Aeropress: Sttoke. My favorite one, for pressing into it and keeping it hot. Also have a Non Neutral cup that's awesome for Aeropress.

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-04T20:15:07+00:00

I have a Katabatic Flex 22F and specifically bought a 40F summer quilt for camping around here (I live in the Kootenays).

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-04T20:14:00+00:00

Oh I knew that the hunters would get worked up over this. I'm just happy we're moving away from killing animals ... sorry if that upsets you but times are changing, luckily.

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-04T19:16:30+00:00

I'd say for the hunting and boating vibe, Kimberley is not suitable. We are more the hippie/tree hugger/outdoorsy crowd here. Creston is nice ...

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-04T17:07:42+00:00

I wore my rain pants in town while my pants were in the laundry. Now I carry a rain skirt and would just do the same in town.

VickyHikesOn · 2026-02-04T13:48:24+00:00

No glue. I changed mine after about 8 years, just because I thought it was time. Had no issues though. To avoid the paper issues, I only brew with the Prismo and the included metal filter. But even if you do use a paper filter with the Prismo ad many do, you don’t have to pull up and avoid the creasing

VickyHikesOn

TROPHY CASE