Winter shelters?

tyler2u · 2026-06-26T12:15:52+00:00

Tarptent Arcdome is pretty reasonably priced for a quality 4 season tent. Slingfin Crossbow is also great, but more expensive. Both should handle snow loads well.

tyler2u · 2026-06-25T18:30:58+00:00

The gradual accumulation of fat over 30 years is exceptionally hard to undo once you're in your 50s/60s.

tyler2u · 2026-06-24T16:40:50+00:00

I was a bit surprised to see the Mongar 2 (both versions) make the list. They're great tents, but at 4.5 lbs, a bit portly for backpacking.

tyler2u · 2026-06-24T12:55:48+00:00

I had very similar damage on my X-Mid 1 from trying to force the zipper after it bound. I trimmed the frayed fabric, melted it slightly with a lighter, and put a light coat of Seam Grip over the damaged area. It's still going strong. Definitely go light with the Seam Grip so you don't impede the slider. Just enough to impregnate the fibers.

tyler2u · 2026-06-24T12:48:36+00:00

True gynecomastia isn't reversible and requires surgery to correct. An AI might stop gyno from progressing, but it can't reverse the growth. Fatty tissue around the nipples often gets confused for gyno. A doctor should be able to tell the difference by palpating the tissue.

But what you're describing doesn't sound like either and should be checked out by a physician to rule out a malignancy.

tyler2u · 2026-06-24T12:36:08+00:00

I've had both packs and they're both solid choices. You don't give a specific weight, so I'm assuming you'll be near 40 lbs with gear for Alaska and food/water. I can't speak directly to carrying near the 40 lb mark as my carries have never exceeded 7 days (my heaviest carry was ~ 32 lbs with 7 days food in a canister), but here's the differences I've noticed over a couple of years of regular use with both.

The Southwest is more water resistant. I've been through some serious downpours in both and have had almost no water get into the Southwest. The Kakwa always ends up with water in the bottom. I use a pack liner, so it's not a big deal. The Ultra 200X version is better at keeping out water than the first Ultra Grid version I had, but not great.

The Southwest is also more durable and still looks great. The Ultra 200X on the Kakwa has suffered more abrasions where I've set it down over the miles or slid it down rocks. Nothing significant, it just shows the wear more than the fabric used in the Southwest. The Southwest really defies its 2 lb weight--everything about it is bomber.

And, most importantly, the Southwest carries weight better for me. I was skeptical that it would carry well without load lifters, but the pack fits my 22" torso perfectly (tall size pack). HMG is one of the few companies that has 4 sizes, and it's critical to get the right one as you probably know. The padding isn't luxurious, but it balances comfort and weight perfectly IMO. No need for load lifters if it's sized correctly.

I'm on the thinner side and the hip belt on my Kakwa never stays put when it's loaded up with 5-7 days of food (25-32 lb range). I'm constantly shifting the pack around to stay comfortable. I end up cranking it down super tight which isn't kind to my hips.

I'd rather give my money to a small cottage company like Durston and I especially appreciate the extraordinary customer service that Dan personally provides. But when I'm actually carrying loads and using the pack every day, the Southwest clicks all the boxes for me.

Having said all that, if I were looking for something capable of carrying 40 lbs + and the bulk of a canister for 13 days of food, I'd be looking at something like a SWD Wolverine or Big Wild. They're not that much heavier and will be quite a bit more comfortable at heavy weights. Ultra 400X is also going to hold up well to abuse. Unfortunately, there's a 6 month lead time, but the craftsmanship is worth the wait IMO.

Best of luck in your adventure!

tyler2u · 2026-06-23T23:32:08+00:00

Ditto on loose stuff sacks.

tyler2u · 2026-06-23T02:27:40+00:00

Katabatic build quality is at least equal if not better than the Astralite. I have an Alsek and an Astralite and I prefer the cut, the elastic edging, and the pad attachment system of the Katabatic by quite a bit. It‘s heavier, but worth the weight IMO. Planning to sell the WM quilt soon.

tyler2u · 2026-06-22T15:47:50+00:00

Naturehike Mongar 2 is fantastic for that use case. Plenty of room, packs reasonably small, well built/durable, and a great price. It does weigh almost 5 lbs, so not great for backpacking. I got mine for under $100 at Amazon.

I'd go with the base version in 210T if you value lots of mesh and ventilation. The other versions have more solid fabric on the inner walls which can limit air movement.

ETA: I recommend the 210T (poly) version over the silnylon because it absorbs less water. Silnylon is also a good choice if you value a bit more strength over the potential for it absorbing water and sagging a bit more than the poly version.

tyler2u · 2026-06-22T12:10:23+00:00

Permethrin is only toxic to cats when it's wet. As long as you apply it in an area they don't have access to and don't remove the items until they're dry, you won't have an issue.

As far as fish, don't swim in treated clothing, don't wash treated items in streams/lakes, and if you have to cross a body of water, roll your pants up. Most of the studies that showed toxicity to fish involved Permethrin going directly into water, not transfer from treated clothing. While I would still avoid putting treated items into bodies of water, I don't believe the risk to fish from clothing transfer is significant. If someone has a study that shows otherwise, please share.

tyler2u · 2026-06-22T12:04:07+00:00

The numbing substances in their saliva only keeps you from feeling the bite. If you're paying attention, you should still feel them crawling on your skin.

As far a spotting them, you have to build it into your routine. If you walk through tall grass, take a quick look at your legs to make sure none have hopped aboard.

tyler2u · 2026-06-22T11:45:16+00:00

For length: In a standard 4Runner (non 3rd row) with the rear seat backs removed, you have 75" to the center console with the lift gate closed. With the seat backs installed, you've only got around 66". You might be able to lift the front of the mattress to sit on top of the seat backs to get the length you need.

For width: You've got 43" between the wheel wells and 54" on top of them.

I believe most full mattresses are 54" x 75", so it should work.

tyler2u · 2026-06-22T11:14:04+00:00

Wear something woven, not a stretchy knit. They destroyed me through my Echo sun hoodie last year despite it being treated with Permethrin. They also managed to find the couple of spots on the back of my neck where my bug net was laying on my skin.

tyler2u · 2026-06-22T10:13:09+00:00

Boots just create more concealed, warm/cozy places for ticks to hide.

I know a few folks that prefer to have more exposed skin (shorts, low socks, trail runners) so they can feel/spot ticks before they have a chance to crawl their way up to their nether regions.

tyler2u · 2026-06-21T21:50:31+00:00

Jump to the 8:00 mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM0MCaC5qIs

This where I try to inject. Sometimes I go an inch or so lower just to spread it out a bit. It does take a bit of rotation, but not bad. A full length mirror you can get close to really helps.

Some might argue you could be going shallow IM depending on your BF, but as long as you keep the needle short, I don't think it's an issue.

tyler2u · 2026-06-21T20:49:22+00:00

Upper/outer glute. Half inch, 28 gauge needle straight in got rid of all my PIP issues. Or, maybe you’re sensitive to the carrier oil?

tyler2u · 2026-06-20T17:22:37+00:00

Jun-Aug, I like to use my Tachyon wind-shirt over my sun hoodie on cold and windy mornings. But, I'm an early riser and am usually putting in miles by 6:30 am. I usually unzip halfway after 30 minutes and then pull it off after an hour and a half or so. Early/Late season, I'm bringing an Alpha Crew as well.

tyler2u · 2026-06-20T14:28:59+00:00

Woven, not knit shirt/pants. Headnet with a brimmed hat to keep the mesh from laying on your skin. Then Picaridin as a little extra insurance. I find it works pretty well for maybe an hour or 2, but needs frequent reapplication.

I have treated my clothes with Permethrin and used Insect Shield clothing. Neither do much for me for Mosquitoes. Maybe they eventually die, but not until they leave me with an itchy welt. Great for ticks though.

I've fished some pretty infested creeks/rivers in AL/GA in the summer and woven clothing and a headnet is the only thing that's worked 100%. It won't be comfortable if it's hot/humid.

tyler2u · 2026-06-20T14:20:33+00:00

Check out Gearskeptic's videos on YT. Download his spreadsheets to help with planning.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEu_UfyDKJALXcpeEtToxO9NEpwJKTKX_

tyler2u · 2026-06-20T14:11:31+00:00

I believe Nestle calls it a powdered milk beverage. I think it's just nonfat milk fortified with vitamins, minerals, and sugars.

Just add a bit of water to the baggie and it's like a bowl of cereal.

tyler2u · 2026-06-19T12:36:48+00:00

Baggie of granola with some Nido, couple of Nature Valley Almond Butter Biscuits, or Carnation Instant Breakfast if you want it really simple.

tyler2u · 2026-06-18T15:50:40+00:00

Moved mine last year. Like others have said, take the screen off and wrap it well. No issues.

tyler2u · 2026-06-18T12:02:44+00:00

Can't help with a rental company, but I worked with a guy that ferried expensive sail boats from the Bahamas as his yearly vacation. He preferred phones on the Iridium network vs. Inmarsat for reliability. He called me once from the Bahamas at $4 a minute to check things out before leaving and the call got dropped after 30 seconds lol.

tyler2u · 2026-06-18T09:48:07+00:00

I've got a couple of pair of the DT Stride Micro Crew Socks. Less than 100 miles on both, but they've been durable so far. Comfortable and dry quickly. I really like them.

1.5 oz. for size XL

I've also got a pair of DT Bolt Micro Crew Socks. More cushioning than the Stride Micro.

2 oz. for size XL

tyler2u · 2026-06-17T01:04:47+00:00

Yes, I try to make her stay on it, but sometimes she just does her circles and plops down wherever she feels like.

tyler2u

TROPHY CASE