I am rather proud of our new folding staircase for the camper: In the fully folded position the staircase takes up less than 2″ (50 mm) of space on the side of the camper (and is exactly the same height). In the fully down position there are six comfy steps which even our 15 year […]
I liked the ‘Grip Socks, the ‘mylar survival poncho’ and the new ‘Vasque shoes’, for example: http://gossamergear.com/wp/buzz-blog/outdoor-retailer-delivers-again-loads-of-new-updated-lighter-better-and-outrageous-gear-and-some-items-you-didnt-know-you-needed-or-not
NEVER have to sharpen your knife again: GREAT for hunting; these made useful gifts for myself and the two ‘boys’ @ US$34.95 on Amazon (105 grams): http://www.outdooredge.com/Razor-Blaze-p/razor-blaze.htm These little guys, the Gerber ‘E.A.B. Lite’ utilising a standard ‘Stanley’ knife blade (@67 grams) are very handy for everyday use: http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-31-000345-E-A-B-Pocket-Knife/dp/B002RILCLY
Already a lightweight hiker, I have nonetheless managed to shave off nearly 2kg from my pack weight in prep for our next foray into the Fiordland wilderness. These were amongst the savings: Cuben Raincoat (save 334 grams), http://www.zpacks.com/ Waterproof Over Booties (save 365 grams), https://goosefeetgear.com/ Extra Light Down Jacket (save 200 grams), http://www.montbell.com/ New Pot
My new raincoat. 154 grams (in my size) in waterproof, 40,000ml breathable cuben fibre from http://www.zpacks.com/ It is spectacular. Rolls up to the size of a pack of cigs. It comes in this attractive white colour only. Can hardly wait for some rain so I can try it out! It has Spot’s seal of approval
A transparent canoe would be great for a while but unfortunately I would soon scratch it up: http://www.dudeiwantthat.com/outdoors/watersports/see-through-bottom-canoe.asp For many other cool gift ideas, see their main web page: http://www.dudeiwantthat.com/
Exped Ultralight Pillow @45 grams http://www.moontrail.com/exped-airpillow-ul-m.php). I received one of these for Xmas and tried it out last night. VERY comfortable. I have been seeking a new hiking pillow since Graham Medical stopped making their dual chamber ‘Flexair’ pillow http://www.theultralighthiker.com/diy-super-ultralight-pillow/ This could well be it. Unlike Bonnie Prince Charlie who famously used a rock for a
Spot’s birthday trip: Amazing really how (too) busy you can be. THIS lovely waterfall (one of a series of three!) is just around the corner from us (on the Morwell River), yet having lived nearby for 22 years we had never visited it until Wednesday. Spot (as you can see) enjoyed it too. I hope
29/12/2013: Have fitted a second pair of heavy duty shocks to the rear of the old Defender. That seems to have finally settled the camper down so that it is just like driving a car now. Looking forward to our next trip! Update: There is now a new instant gas water heater for campers which
A pair of hiking pants which you can wear for 365 days and even sleep in which weigh 75 grams and a raincoat that you can ALSO sleep in @ 123 grams. That’s REAL weight saving: http://hikelighter.com/2012/01/26/montbell-dynamo-wind-pants/ & http://hikelighter.com/2013/11/07/zpacks-rain-jacket/ Update: I bought a pair of these as a dry change pair and for sleeping in –
