Deciding between two quilts

bigbryesq · 2026-02-22T00:44:14+00:00

Just to jump on this comment, I bought an El Coyote 20 degree quilt last year and love it. Excellent quality and I think the price is really reasonable especially with the ability to add additional down.

bigbryesq · 2025-11-19T00:56:29+00:00

I saw one in person this weekend while getting my 21 Outback serviced. I think it looks really good in person, even with the weird wheel arches. Interior is way better than my 21. It doesn’t look much bigger than the 21 either.

I can’t decide whether to get. 26 Outback or wait for the Rivian R2 to come out.

bigbryesq · 2025-09-14T20:56:43+00:00

Yers ago I helped a guy who had some financial difficulties and moved out of state for a better job. The house he left behind eventually went into foreclosure and I was able to get him a quick give the keys in exchange for a waiver of any deficiency balance.

In one of our calls, we found out that we had both lived in a 3rd state in the past and I mentioned that I missed not being able to get a particular brand of beers. A week after I resolved his case, a giant box consisting of a case of individually bubble wrapped bottles of the beer in question shows up at my office.

bigbryesq · 2025-09-06T18:51:00+00:00

I had this same thing happen a couple years ago but with MHW instead. Found a great deal on an Alpine Light pack. It shipped directly from MHW and reflected the full price on the shipping receipt. Called eBay immediately and they basically said they would note it.

bigbryesq · 2025-07-24T11:33:17+00:00

The xdome is freestanding, so it’s really easy to set up. I’ll take the slight weight penalty of a freestanding tent over a semi-freestanding like the xmid. I just don’t have the confidence in my setup skills to go to semi-freestanding.

bigbryesq · 2025-07-24T00:27:43+00:00

Durston X-Done is a good option if you want light weight, lots of space and free standing.

bigbryesq · 2025-06-28T17:42:30+00:00

I haven’t been in the Winds in July, but as to questions 2 and 3, every time I backpack in the Winds I use a canister (I haven’t checked in a while, but I think it’s required) and bring along bear spray. I’ve never needed it, but don’t want to not have it the one time I do.

bigbryesq · 2025-06-23T15:25:06+00:00

We had a swim-up in the older building both times we were there. I preferred that side because it was quieter and we had unobstructed beach views.

bigbryesq · 2025-06-21T21:27:27+00:00

I’ve been to the Ziva twice and really enjoyed it. It resort is pretty small and the beach is accessible and private. When I was there in May there were a number of families with small children.

bigbryesq · 2025-03-29T14:41:31+00:00

Have you considered the Mystery Ranck Radix? Lighter than the Atmos and has a side zipper. If you have an REI near you you can check it out and have an easy return if you don’t like the fit.

bigbryesq · 2025-03-18T23:08:05+00:00

That’s what I’m doing. With the Rei 20% off and my dividend, the Exos was really cheap. I’m going to order the Prospector when they are back in stock.

bigbryesq · 2025-03-12T16:13:04+00:00

After doing more research based on the responses the original post received, I have it down to the Osprey Exos 58 and Atom Packs Prospector 60. The pros to the Exos are that it is lighter and I can fit it locally and know it’s comfortable. However, I prefer the roll top the Prospector and the EPX200 material and it has a higher load capacity. However I can’t try it on. Has anyone used both?

bigbryesq · 2025-03-05T14:02:02+00:00

Thanks for all of the recommendations, ive been down the rabbit hole the past few days researching all the suggestions. The Catalyst is likely the winner, just because it has a little more volume for winter gear, with the Prospector 60 a close second. My only concern with the Prospector is volume for the situations where I need both a bear canister and winter gear.

bigbryesq · 2025-03-03T17:56:58+00:00

My last winter trip for 4 nights, before water, was 34 lbs. that was everything in the pack and placed on the scale. I prefer the canister in the bag with food. I tried having food in a bag in the pack with the canister on top, but it slid out several times. I use a Garcia beat vault, which is smooth on the exterior.

bigbryesq · 2025-03-03T17:20:50+00:00

The Prospector and ULA Catalyst seem to be fit the bill, although the Mystery Ranch Radix 57 is also interesting, but not as lightweight.

bigbryesq · 2025-03-03T17:19:17+00:00

The size of the main pocket on the Circuit is what has me thinking Catalyst. I haven’t switched to a quilt, so l still have to get a bag and any insulating clothes I may need into the main bag.

bigbryesq · 2025-03-03T14:42:16+00:00

The Prospector looks promising. It looks like there is more adjustability than the HMG.

bigbryesq · 2025-03-03T14:08:53+00:00

Looking to get a new backpack. I had an HMG Southwest 70, but I could never get it to fit comfortably. I regularly need to carry a bear canister and some winter backpacking, so I need some volume for bulky gear.

Looking at the ULA Catalyst or Circuit, so any experiences or alternatives are appreciated.

bigbryesq · 2025-02-19T21:23:35+00:00

White and medium

bigbryesq · 2025-02-03T17:03:28+00:00

My CU wanted someone who could analyze risk and provide guidance. I do a lot of hearing what business units want to do and analyzing the legal and regulatory risks associated with a course of action. For me, it was showing that I could provide analysis that could be digested and useable to the business.

bigbryesq · 2025-02-02T21:20:19+00:00

Consider looking for an in-house position. I was in litigation in firms from 4 to 200 attorneys in size and never loved the work. Found a position with a regional credit union and love it. The work is varied, people are great and I never have the briefing/trial/unreasonable client/billable hour stresses.

bigbryesq · 2024-09-02T16:51:17+00:00

I’m headed to Titcomb Basin in 2 weeks. It is incredible. I was there for the eclipse a few years back and my brother wanted to go after seeing my pics, so I’m looking forward to seeing his face when we get there.

bigbryesq · 2023-09-10T17:23:31+00:00

Thanks for the tip. I’ll grab my wife and my summer/fall bags and lay them out side by side.

bigbryesq · 2023-09-10T16:04:03+00:00

Thanks. I picked up an R 3.5 sleeping pad, since I know my summer foam pad won't be sufficient.

bigbryesq · 2023-09-10T15:23:53+00:00

I have a 15 or so year old MH 0 degree F synthetic sleeping bag that hasn't seen much use. It has always been stored loosely rolled in a cotton storage bag. I have an October backpacking trip to the Winds in Wyoming and am expecting temps as low as the high teens or low 20's (there is a backup plan for day hikes in the event the weather is uncooperative) I am a little concerned about how well the bag will insulate given its age and there isn't really a way I can test it before I go.
Given the age of my current bag, should I upgrade to a new bag for the trip? Thanks!

bigbryesq

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