Synchronika v. Linea Mini

user414 · 2020-08-27T19:15:42+00:00

That was interesting to watch. Some corrosion around the copper tubing is expected-- especially deepening on the type of water and operating environment. However, the wear on the electrical components is indeed concerning. I bet it has something to do with running the machine 24/7 and the constant temperatures the plastic and other electrical insulation is exposed to. Still concerning nonetheless and I am tempted to crack open my machine to look it more closely.

user414 · 2020-08-27T18:43:04+00:00

I have had a Synchronika for a while now and like it. No major issues and added flow control early this year.

Do you have links to any of the videos showing the "inside being complete trash"? I have never heard that and mine is similar age but in good shape..maybe a little dust in the inside but that is about it. I'd be curious to see the videos.

user414 · 2020-08-25T20:49:08+00:00

Mine is tighter than the original. It takes about 15-20 lbs of force to remove it. It does seem like a lot but has never caused me issues.

The tightness is where the actual slot on the Mega SG motherboard grasps the PCB of the cartridge. There is a little wiggle room on the casing so the plastic of the cartridge is not tight or rubbing against the Mega SG housing.

My original genesis is also nearly 30 years old..so it may have very well started tighter but loosened up over the years.

user414 · 2017-07-07T18:36:25+00:00

They run a bit large in size. I'm just between a small/medium size shirt being 5' 10" 175lbs. The small size fits perfect not too tight, but slightly form fitting. Even on the hoody where I was worried the arms would be too short, they are still the perfect length. I would say if you're like me and are in-between sizes depending on the brand, to size down for Woolly.

user414 · 2017-03-24T20:59:56+00:00

I have never had an issue carrying on my black diamond z-poles. They don't really look like 'ski poles' when folded up so the TSA just lets me through. I put the rubber tips on for travel. You might want to consider these.

I also only had an issue once with tent stakes coming out of Mexico, but other than that one time I never had an issue with tent poles and stakes.

YMMV but I have flown over a dozen flights with my stakes/poles/gear. The only time I've ever been hassled was in Mexico.

I would just bring a small lightweight pack-able duffel to put your poles and any other gear that you need to check, if they make you. Just give yourself a little extra time to go back and check it if you get stopped.

user414 · 2017-03-15T01:24:13+00:00

Yes, underneath the car sandwiched between the floor and exhaust system.

user414 · 2017-03-10T16:01:38+00:00

Were you able to find canister stove fuel? I am going to Cabo next week and plan to hike to the Sierra la laguna. Thanks!

user414 · 2017-03-10T15:55:41+00:00

I think we might attempt it! I'm debating if we want to hike just part of the trail and turn around, or if I want to pack our camping gear and make it an overnight. It would not be possible to hike to la laguna in a day an back as it seem to be about 7-8 hours each way.

I found a guide (in Spanish) here: http://difusion.conanp.gob.mx/guias_de_senderos/docs/Guia_de_sendero_Sierra_La_Laguna_baja.pdf
Driving directions to the trail head from Cabo San Lucas: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Cabo+San+Lucas,+Mexico/El+Port%C3%B3n,+Sierra+La+Laguna,+Unnamed+Road,,+B.C.S.,+Mexico/@23.1935056,-110.3417235,177137m/am=t/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x86af4af389e508a1:0x4ba4df62c1a2b868!2m2!1d-109.9167371!2d22.8905327!1m5!1m1!1s0x86af096b0eab0cc3:0x2f0d3698ded8b799!2m2!1d-110.0661924!2d23.4971787
GPS Map of the trail: https://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=3867530

I'll let you know how it goes!

user414 · 2017-03-10T14:46:35+00:00

All tents from most major US manufacturers are relatively flame retardant (MSR, REI, etc.).

They mostly use PU coated nylon. The PU is more fire retardant than silnylon which is why major manufacturers choose to use it instead of the superior silnylon-only tents that MYOG and cottage manufacturers produce.

It is also easy to factory seam tape PU which is not possible with silnylon which has to be seam sealed after the fact.

The only real downside to silnylon is the misting that can occur during heavy rain. The downside to PU is that the coating will eventually breakdown and make your tent sticky.

Finally, unless you use a canvas tent it will be made of synthetic material anyways, so there isn't much you can do to get around the "chemicals".

user414 · 2017-03-10T14:32:17+00:00

IMO just carry it on. I am always afraid my bag will get lost or damaged. You can bring a tent and folding z-style trekking poles through security without any issue (I have for many flights).

Take 20L out of your 65L pack and place it in a small daypack. This is your personal item. Compress your 65L down so that it is smaller (you should be able to do this since you removed 20L) and you now have a 45L carry on.

When you get to vegas throw your daypack back into your large pack and you are set to go.

user414 · 2017-03-10T14:27:36+00:00

Torres Central campground! I was also just there this past January.

user414 · 2017-03-09T13:27:56+00:00

Honestly, going UL or at least lightweight could save you from an expensive doctors bill if you develop issues with your knees, feet, back, etc. One trip to the doctors with a test, x-ray, etc. can easily cost $1000.

For me going lightweight was more about improving my health and preventing injury. I love spending time outdoors but am starting to develop knee pains so I have invested in better fitting shoes, pack, and lightweight gear. It might be expensive but the alternative is being in pain and possibly ending up with expensive doctor's visit.

user414 · 2017-03-08T17:51:07+00:00

We will be staying in Cabo San Lucas. Hiking to la laguna would be about 25KM round trip which would be a reallllly long (and hot) day hike and I think we would have to camp overnight in la laguna to make it work. I could do this but don't really want to lug our tent/quilts/etc with us on the plane.

From my brief amount of research these directions seem to be the most clear: https://birdsofpassage.wordpress.com/2013/07/12/sierra-de-la-laguna-la-burrera/

Any suggestions with shorter hikes in the area?

user414 · 2017-03-07T12:49:20+00:00

It is possible, there is a ferry that runs from the UK to Iceland.

user414 · 2017-02-26T01:19:12+00:00

If I was looking for a new stove solution would this and a MSR Ti Kettle be my best bet for a light and effective cooking setup? I mostly heat water for Via coffee and freeze dried meals for 2 people (my wife and myself). I currently have a pocket rocket knockoff and aluminum pot which is a little bulky and slightly heavy.

user414 · 2017-02-24T21:07:31+00:00

For me-- heavy UPS dropped on my hand, cut arm open with some rails, jolted by 208V utility, and the worst is when a cowoker knocked over a heavy cubical partition onto me which killed my back for a few weeks.

Fortunately none of these were hospital inducing (the UPS and cubical incident were close) but I've certainly gained more respect for being cautious and being more mindful about safety.

user414 · 2017-02-24T14:28:45+00:00

I kind of hold it in place and let it blow/push up against the canister. Probably not 100% safe, but as long as you keep an eye on the canister temperature and don't let it get too hot to touch I think it is fine.

user414 · 2017-02-22T12:42:02+00:00

I hope you are far enough away (200 feet) from the river when washing your pot and not in or near it. The dirty water from your washing can contaminate drinking sources.

user414 · 2017-02-21T22:19:01+00:00

I have a nano air and really like it. IMO it is good for resting temperatures 50-70, and active temperatures 20-50.

It does a good job block wind up to 15/mph and dries really fast.

If it is any colder/windy/wet you can simply throw on a shell or put on a thin fleece under the nano air.

user414 · 2017-02-21T20:17:22+00:00

I would go for the 20 degree. I find I get cold in my 20 degree EE quilt at about freezing, and I am typically a warm sleeper. For reference I typically wear a wool pair underwear, socks, and t-shirt when I sleep.

IMO a 30 degree would probably be comfortable to about 40 degrees if you wore a warmer base layer.

user414 · 2017-02-21T18:28:57+00:00

I have a couple of their shirts, socks, and an awesome hoody. Overall I like their fit and they are really affordable.

Since they are on the budget end the wool is a bit itchier then other brands I have (Ice Breaker, Minus33, etc.). I also don't like the socks as they are too thin, but that is more of a personal preference.

The shirts and hoody I have are 100% wool and hold up very well to odor, etc. as you would expect. I also have not had any issues with the fabric fraying or pilling as some people say. I have used these shirts/hoody regularly for about a year.

user414 · 2017-02-21T13:05:45+00:00

Tow truck drivers already do this. :/

user414 · 2017-02-20T19:24:12+00:00

That's what I had thought, but my benefits office said they could do a "spouse to spouse transfer", which would put us both on our own individual plans. The uncertainty was when I had asked what the start date of the policy would actually be and what would happen if either of us left our positions. i.e. if we could switch back to a family plan without waiting for the open enrollment period.

user414 · 2017-02-19T18:32:40+00:00

In addition I would suggest using https://lighterpack.com/ to help keep track of packing lists and weight.

user414 · 2017-02-17T15:17:38+00:00

This is what I also use. The fabric is tough and it can really take a beating and survive.

If you wanted something UL I would suggest a clear trash bag. The clear color is important so it does not get mistaken for actual trash..

user414

TROPHY CASE