Category: Gear

Gregory Zulu 40

On By arcoleoIn Backpacking, Backpacks, Camping, Gear, Jungle, Summer, TravelLeave a comment

Got this because of the four day Cuidad Perdido (Lost City) trek in Colombia.  It will be hot and humid.  I needed a pack that would keep the gear off my back.  The mesh back does the job.  I also needed a hip belt because of my shoulder surgery.  This was on clearance, so it fit the bill.

It’s quite light by my standards and easily big enough for the trip.

GregoryZulu40

Mountain Hardwear Phantom Down Hooded Jacket

On By arcoleoIn Alpine, Backpacking, Camping, Jackets, Snow, WinterLeave a comment

Super warm down jacket.

Update: This thing is crazy hot.  I put it on to go for a walk in 50F weather and within five minutes I was sweating.  There is absolutely no reason to wear this above 40F, maybe even 30F.

In retrospect, I would have been better off with the lighter version of this to wear over my Nano-Air, but oh well.  Now I just have to swap them as I get warmer or colder.

Outdoor Research Bolin Jacket

On By arcoleoIn Alpine, Backpacking, Camping, Jackets, Rain, Snow, TravelLeave a comment

Fabric:

  • AscentShell™ 3L
  • 100% nylon 20D ripstop with 100% polyester backer Upper: AscentShell™ 3L
  • 100% nylon 70D plain weave with 100% polyester backer

bolin-red

So this jacket is sized rather strangely.  It’s arm length is good, but it’s even tighter than the Nano-Air around the gut.  It’s an XL, but every other XL I own is far larger.  If this wasn’t 75% off, I would return it.  I’ll just see if I can lose a few pounds to fit in it better.

Wyeth-Scott More Power Puller

On By arcoleoIn Gear, Recovery, VehiclesLeave a comment

For those who want something cheaper and more versatile than a Warn winch on your truck and are willing to sacrifice sweat to get it, you may want to look at this.  I haven’t had to use it yet, but it’s far stronger and heavier than the cheap “two ton” $50 winches I see on Amazon.

It only weighs 25 pounds and can supposedly pull 12k.  We’ll see when I first use it.

wyeth_scott

Rejuvenating old water-repelling gear

On By arcoleoIn Camping, Gear, OutdoorsLeave a comment

I have a few old jackets that were water-proof/resistant in their prime.  Currently researching the best products to make them as functional as possible so I can avoid simply donating them away.

Products to Try

Sport Wash

Sport Wash Laundry Detergent

sport_wash_laundry_detergent

Gangers

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ReviveX

Gear Aid ReviveX Durable Water Repellent For Outerwear

revivex_durable_water_repellant

Nikwax

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Tectron

Performance Polymer Water Proofer

tectron_performance_polymer

Opportunistic buys

On By arcoleoIn Camping, Gear, OutdoorsLeave a comment

I picked up the REI Co-op Amorphum Utility Parka today for 50% off.  Feels very comfortable.  About as heavy as a coat as you’d want in San Francisco.  We’ll see how well it does.

parka

Update: It did well at Lake Tahoe in 25 degrees dry conditions.  I wouldn’t use this for wet, but it was good in the dry, and the removable liner comes in handy when you warm up.

Update 2: Returned the parka because it was just too big.  It’s no longer on sale so I couldn’t downsize.