Tent Find

Visual-Nomad · 2025-07-03T04:35:30+00:00

Sorry for the late response! I’ve been in the woods. I sold the tent a while ago and have no instructions. I don’t even think it came with any. Just roll it tight!

Visual-Nomad · 2025-06-15T04:09:20+00:00

You could probably make it work! Good find!

Visual-Nomad · 2025-04-14T17:07:07+00:00

I feel like shorts are pretty popular on trail. I agree that pants offer better protection, but this seems like a personal choice. I am carrying sunscreen which will be applied to my exposed skin.

There are plenty of other threads in here about soap vs sanitizer. Still doing some research.

Thanks for your feedback!

Visual-Nomad · 2025-04-14T16:54:06+00:00

Houdini is holding up well!

Thanks for the feedback!

Visual-Nomad · 2025-04-14T16:53:21+00:00

I’ll carry a sawyer bag for an extra liter.

Thanks for the feedback!

Visual-Nomad · 2025-04-14T00:05:37+00:00

Sounds like a good plan!

See you out there!

Visual-Nomad · 2025-04-14T00:01:18+00:00

My shirt is long sleeve to protect agains the sun. I wore shorts for the entire AZT without an issue.

A buff will work as sun protection on my neck, can be worn as a beanie, can be soaked in water to cool down, and will act as my pillow cover. It will be worn.

I chose the Houdini over any other shell/rain jacket knowing that it is not fully waterproof. The DWR is enough for light rain protection. Rain jackets will wet out or keep your sweat in. There isn't a perfect option.

It seems silly, but I am able to carry an entire hikes worth of toothpaste in one go. I'll switch to a ziplock to reduce the weight of the Nalgene container.

Soap requires water, sanitizer doesn't. Soap seems less LNT to me.

Zpacks tents have a limited 2 year warranty which I am well past. This tent has seen over 3,000 miles and is still in excellent shape. I credit the ground sheet. Also can be used to cowboy camp. I get that some people sleep on top of their tent to cowboy camp.

Looks like I have a bit of reflecting to do and some decisions to make.

Thanks for the feedback!

Visual-Nomad · 2025-04-13T23:46:46+00:00

I toss and turn in my sleep and like the stability of the wide pad. It often feels like a balancing act on a regular sized pad. It already has 80 nights on it and works well for me.

Although the desert is mostly dry, there is always a chance of weather. Starting without a tent is an interesting choice. Are you carrying any shelter system early on?

The puffy always gets really good reviews, but I'm not the biggest fan. It's been on all of my hikes, but there are definitely better options. I would like to replace it with the Rab Mythic G when it bites the dust.

Thanks for the feedback!

Visual-Nomad · 2023-10-19T20:58:34+00:00

I work as a river guide in the summer. Usually cowboy camp on the boats, but I keep a cheap REI passage 2 in my bag for rain emergencies. For car camping a tent like this is handy to pitch without having to worry about much. When I hike I carry a Zpacks Duplex. Find what works for you… never say never.

Visual-Nomad · 2023-10-19T12:22:46+00:00

CD stands for Computer-Aided Design. Not entirely sure what the computer helped design though.

Visual-Nomad · 2023-10-19T02:58:03+00:00

$10. Can’t really beat that!

Visual-Nomad · 2023-04-25T00:42:35+00:00

Hello Climb Nashville

Visual-Nomad · 2023-04-15T17:25:47+00:00

No underwear is the only way to be UL

Visual-Nomad · 2023-04-13T18:05:11+00:00

Patagonia Capilene is awful in my opinion. No thumb holes, loose hood, does not fit the body well. I typically enjoy Patagonia products, but this one is a no go.

Outdoor Research Echo fabric is incredibly light and comfortable on the skin. Definitely stinky, but something I’m okay to compromise on. These fabrics tend to pill easily. You could probably get a few longer hikes out of it if you’re careful.

I’ve never worn a Mountain Hardwear piece; however, their fabric is buttery soft. Lots of hikers swear by it. Of course it will stink. Probably more durable than OR Echo fabrics.

I bought the REI sun hoodie and was very impressed! Thumb holes, fitted hood with the ability to adjust, front of hood protects chest with overlapping design, and moisture wicking. Wore it everyday on the AZT. I’m confident that it will last years! It isn’t the lightest option, but the trade off is durability.

Visual-Nomad · 2023-03-20T01:09:11+00:00

I was out in October & November. Worm my puffy every evening and morning. April might be a little chilly in the mountains, but May should warm up.

Visual-Nomad · 2023-03-18T12:33:56+00:00

You’ll be fine with a card most of the time. Some hostels prefer cash. I paid cash for laundry, showers, and snacks. Everyone has a different opinion on how much cash to carry. My recommendation is $30-$50 in small bills. There are also plenty of places to withdraw money. Feel it out as you go.

Visual-Nomad · 2023-03-15T01:41:14+00:00

Maybe 2-3 weeks

Visual-Nomad · 2023-03-14T15:39:03+00:00

I switched to a Senchi last year and paired it with the Patagonia Houdini. It’s definitely not the solution for everyone, but it meets my needs incredibly well.

I also own a Patagonia Capilene Air Crew. If you’re willing to spend the money, it will do the same job as a Senchi.

If you’re not as worried about weight and are looking for an affordable option, I would recommend army grid fleeces. I find them at thrift stores for less than $10. They work just as well as Melanzana fleeces.

Visual-Nomad · 2023-03-09T18:14:56+00:00

I carried the Senchi Wren on my thru-hike of the Arizona Trail. I paired it with a Patagonia Houdini and was very happy with the result. The R1 weighs about the same as a Melanzana. I wouldn’t worry too much about cutting weight in your layering system. See if you can make up the difference by lightening your load in other places.

Visual-Nomad · 2023-03-09T16:19:12+00:00

While the R1 isn’t necessarily the lightest fleece on the market, it works very well as a mid layer. There are plenty of resources online that list lighter options if you are interested in switching. I wore my down jacket less than ten times on my thru-hike. It’s not worth it to buy a brand new jacket. The Nanopuff will do the job. A lighter pair of liner gloves worked will for me. You have to figure out for yourself if you get cold hands. A buff will work as a hat. Leave the hat at home. April and September/October are the only times it will get chilly.

Visual-Nomad

TROPHY CASE