‘Down and synthetics both have pros and cons. Down is: Warmer for its weight, More compressible, and Longer-lasting. Synthetics are: Less expensive, More humane (no live plucking), and Less adversely affected by moisture. In specific regard to the issue of moisture sensitivity, I want to point out that synthetic insulations are absolutely not “warm when […]
I admit I had not just realised how much mud (and grass seeds) a pair of lightweight ankle gaiters would keep out of your shoes/socks. Della wore a pair of Sea to Summit ones on our recent South Coast Track hike (See http://www.theultralighthiker.com/westies-hut/ & ff) and managed to retain completely clean socks/shoes. Since then we
Of course there must be some (lower) limit to how light things can go. It seems insulated clothing & sleeping bags are about to experience one of those quantum falls. Introducing Aerogel & Graphene: http://futurism.com/jackets-withstand-liquid-nitrogen-made-using-solid-material-thats-99-8-air/ You can already buy Aerogel blanket insulation eg here: http://www.buyaerogel.com/product-category/blankets/ Could be the ‘must do’ for DIYprojects? It will probably
Mountain Laurel Designs: Event Rain Mitts: Della and I both have a 42 gram pair of these. I can tell you they are well made and durable, and enormously welcome when cold rain would otherwise result in frozen hands (I have had this happen in surprisingly mild warm autumn weather when a sudden squall comes
You all know I love Tyvek. My little chaps can get quite wet and cold if we are in the bush for long days in the winter so I thought I would treat them to some waterproofing. Surprisingly, my first effort worked very well – you can see Spot modelling it here. He was quite
It comes in a small plastic box that fits comfortably in your pocket. The 50 metres of cordage inside can be completely withdrawn and tied onto a pole for conventional fishing. Alternatively you can tie an overhand knot on the end and slip it onto your finger or wrist. Take your floss box and
Sneakers and runners are one of the best choices (for light weight – but bear in mind foot PROTECTION) providing they will not puncture too readily from below (or from the side) and (IF – check!) they are still light when they are wet and they are not too narrow in the toes (because
23 grams that may save your life. See also: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/fun-with-sticky-tape-mylar-poncho/ Patterns will follow Eventually) Se also: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/the-pocket-poncho-tent/
More Fun With Sticky Tape: Ultralight Mylar Vest: Read More »
49 grams and five minutes that may Save your Life: Follow the instructions here: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/hole-less-ponchoshelter/ As you can see you can sit down against a tree in front of a fire wearing it and be perfectly dry – with a little help from your small dog, Spot! See also: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/more-fun-with-sticky-tape-ultralight-mylar-vest/ Actually you can buy
Here is my poncho/shelter which I promised some time ago. When we first made this (back in 2000 – for my first ‘moose hunting’ trip to Supper Cove, Fiordland) there was no such thing as a waterproof zip. As you can see we used 2 oz ripstop and Velcro. Della made three of them in
