Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 9, 2020 17:22:56 GMT -8
I've never looked at it as spending $$ to lose weight. To me it is just taking advantage of the evolution of backpacking gear and finding what works for me. All told, between the big three and other stuff over 35 years, probably about two-three grand or so. I agree with you. I haven't spent quite that much in the same period of time, but it seems whenever I cut the weight, it's one of the big four. Recently it was the Stratospire that started this discussion, but earlier this year I went from my Deuter pack to a ULA Catalyst. Together, I dropped better than three pounds which will definitely help
One of the best purchases I made about 10 years ago was a Valandre Mirage sleeping bag, It's been my go-to bag ever since. Fortunately for me, at the time I received a decent sized gift certificate which really helped with the cost.
if you're not at least slightly obsessed with gear, you're not a true backpacker eh??
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Post by johntpenca on Dec 9, 2020 18:26:07 GMT -8
if you're not at least slightly obsessed with gear, you're not a true backpacker eh?? Pretty much got over my gear obsession. But still pay attention to what is new and improves my experience.
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Post by cweston on Dec 10, 2020 5:33:00 GMT -8
if you're not at least slightly obsessed with gear, you're not a true backpacker eh?? Yeah, I would push back against that a little, also. I think that I fall well short of "gear obsessed." If a piece of gear that I have is worn out, too heavy, or there's just a better alternative available, then I may replace it. And sure, I get a certain amount of pleasure from having "new toys." But honestly, I don't think about my gear that much. It's all very utilitarian in my mind--it's what makes it possible for me to get out there and do that thing that I love.
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panatomicx
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Post by panatomicx on Dec 10, 2020 16:40:39 GMT -8
You could always get one of these: btw-My Versalite, Statospire, Flash jacket, Exped pad have been very worthwhile acquisitions.
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Mar 3, 2021 13:27:26 GMT -8
Latest purchase. Have had very good results with Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite purchased 6 years ago. Going give the Therm-a-Rest UberLite a try for a 3.6 ounce weight savings at the cost of $56 per ounce saved. Beside weight R value decreases from R-4.2 to R-2.3. Will report after strenuous field testing.
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franco
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Post by franco on Mar 3, 2021 14:22:59 GMT -8
There is a different aspect to all of this. Yes, it is possible that,say, one spends $500 just to lose a pound, but I would think most often we spend money to buy something that we think will perform better and or give us more pleasure using it. What is the dollar value in " I'm having more fun " ? On the converse, I remember a mate of mine buying a backpack that was almost two pounds lighter than what he had. With postage I guess he paid about $250 for it. Loaded on his shoulders it looked (and felt to me on my back) like a sack of potatoes. So, in that case, he spent money to lose weight but in fact it felt like he was carrying extra load. (he sold it after enduring with it for a few walks ) Lose-lose situation.
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franco
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Post by franco on Mar 3, 2021 14:25:55 GMT -8
You could always get one of these: btw-My Versalite, Statospire, Flash jacket, Exped pad have been very worthwhile acquisitions. Bicycle store London..... you will never see a sign like that in London or anywhere in the UK. (but yes, it is funny)
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Mar 3, 2021 16:18:35 GMT -8
We have a London in Ky and Ohio in the US. I'm guessing the sign was from one of them, as the UK wouldn't be using $. However, the Trek Bicycle Shop in London, Ontario would make a sign like that, and not bother to mention CAD, as it is in Canada.
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Post by bradmacmt on Mar 3, 2021 17:09:56 GMT -8
The giveaway is the sign has a dollar symbol rather than a pound sterling symbol so indeed it’s probably London, Ontario. www.trekbicyclestorelondon.com/Thanks panatomicx you gave me a chuckle!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2021 17:43:10 GMT -8
I just paid $300.00 for an inch. Been having some progressive issues with my boots and me in my great wisdom and experience, I just dealt with it, until my wife mentioned how her shoe size is now 1 full size larger than in her younger days. Got me thinking. Went to REI and for the first time in many years, I got fitted. Turns out my feet too are aging along with the rest of me. My size 10 is now 10-1/2 to 11. Ended up purchasing a new set of treads that are 1 size larger than what I thought was my 'normal'.
Now I'm thinking about the new work boots I just got. but those will wear a lot faster than the hikers........
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Post by swmtnbackpacker on Mar 3, 2021 19:49:46 GMT -8
Think the new UL saying goes losing pounds is cheap, losing ounces is expensive.
Honestly much of my made to order gear is roughly the same price as buying an equivalent item at REI. In the case of cuben fiber (now DCF) there’s really not that much weight savings in the fabric vs the design. People buy DCF for mostly resistance to stretch unlike nylon. Now most pieces of gear have cut away extraneous features and have got to more premium materials that weigh less. Altogether you get the weight savings.
Some of that is branding however. I’m about to get an UL headlamp at half price vs the big name players so there’s that too. That said if I replace my stove at 2.5 oz with a 2.1 oz titanium competitor at almost double the price, that would prove the remarks I italicized above
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Mar 5, 2021 19:16:32 GMT -8
Latest purchase. Have had very good results with Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite purchased 6 years ago. Going give the Therm-a-Rest UberLite a try for a 3.6 ounce weight savings at the cost of $56 per ounce saved. Beside weight R value decreases from R-4.2 to R-2.3. Will report after strenuous field testing. I've thought about the UberLite, but wondered whether the R-value would be enough for spring and fall. I'll stay tuned for your report.
I love how my XLite has performed over the years, but it won't last forever.
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Post by bradmacmt on Mar 6, 2021 8:08:57 GMT -8
Latest purchase. Have had very good results with Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite purchased 6 years ago. Going give the Therm-a-Rest UberLite a try for a 3.6 ounce weight savings at the cost of $56 per ounce saved. Beside weight R value decreases from R-4.2 to R-2.3. Will report after strenuous field testing. I've thought about the UberLite, but wondered whether the R-value would be enough for spring and fall. I'll stay tuned for your report.
I love how my XLite has performed over the years, but it won't last forever.
After reading a fair bit on backpackinglight about the UberLite in the intervening couple years since its introduction, I've decided to pass on it. And no, I'm not opposed to spending seemingly silly amounts of money to lose 3-6oz's... it's just not that warm or durable. I'll be sticking with the XLite and XTherm.
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Mar 18, 2021 9:10:45 GMT -8
BigLoad I've thought about the UberLite, but wondered whether the R-value would be enough for spring and fall. I'll stay tuned for your report. First UberLite Field Test: Grand Canyon, AZ 5 nights, 6 days Mostly a mid-canyon level Bright Angel Shale outing commonly known as Tonto. Temps deteriorated during test period. Day Range 69°-50°. Night Range 45°-30°, acerbating factors - Winds 6 to 23 MPH with gusts 18 to 35 MPH. Intermittent bits of snows and rain with several late afternoon and evening multi-hour moderate rain. UberLite used with Hilleberg Enan and Tyvek ground sheet with FF Swallow UL 20°, 950+ goose down sleeping bag. Had first puncture at home being carless with a sharp object. Utilized in field repair, was easy and effective. Will purchase a couple of back-ups. Each field kit can repair two (2) puncture, will feel more comfortable in future with two (2) kits. Getting used to a new feel was noticeable compared to NeoAir XLite pad. Lighter weight, noticeably thinner with fear of a puncture. As nights passed by became more comfortable handling the pad without precaution and on a level equal on how I would abuse the NeoAir XLite. UberLite packs small so had to get used to new folding protocol. Felt cold on two (2) of the nights. The ground was cold and damp and temperature was likely 35° or lower. On those two nights I could see my breath during nature calls. The cold spots were most noticeable side sleeping (hip), sitting or kneeling on a a specific spot win which you could feel the ground, rather than entire pad. Body heat did not seem to transfer to the pad, so overall cooler. What is the hardest to get used to is the WingLock Valve and Pump sack. I gave up on the Pump sack, not intuitive and seemed like a feature with no realistic benefit. The WingLock Valve is like a heavy duty item attached to a light duty pad. Have and still have a fear of accidentally torqueing it off. Wings toggle for one-way inflation to save breath and easy control for mini-deflation to suit personal preference. Another feature not really needed. Straightforward and simple works for me. The WingLock is now standard on the NeoAir XLite. Time will tell. Probably OK if Therm-a-Rest engineering validated the design and marketing made decision to implement. The 3.6 oz. savings.....I like the weight reduction and consolidated pack profile. The reduction in R-rating from 4.2 to 2.3 R is OK. An inconvenience on two, marginal shoulder season nights seems reasonable for weight savings. Have another GCNP hike for first week in April. Will use for further in field evaluation. Next weight reduction a zillion dollars a ounce likely to the the Garmin Mini to replace my Delorme InReach SE. Have to see it work in the field or authentic demo first.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Mar 18, 2021 10:58:31 GMT -8
WestyThat sounds promising for warmer weather. I've done one field repair on my XLite (cactus spine) and found it easier to fix than my old Big Agnes (two failures that I never could fix).
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