Comments on: Ten Ghosts of Gear Past

By: Bill

Bill — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 01:58:29 +0000

I don’t have the Fenix UC02, but I do have a couple of Coast HX5 flashlights which will take either a AA cell or a 14500 Lithium Ion cell. I suppose that you could us an AA NIMH rechargeable with them and I have a few of them that charge on a USB cable. The 14500 cells that I have require a separate charger. There is supposed to be about a three times brighter beam with the Lithium Ion cells, but I haven’t done a side by side comparison. It happens that I have one light with a Lithium Ion cell and have left the Alkaline AA cell in the other one. I’ve had these flashlights for some months now and have yet to replace either battery. The lithium Ion batteries are supposed to lose charge over time, but I haven’t noticed any loss, so far. I haven’t been trying to keep up with the advancements in flashlight or headlamp technology, but I still prefer replaceable batteries. The biggest problem is that the lamps have to be designed to operate on both Alkaline and Lithium Ion cells because the Alkaline cells are 1.5 Volts and the Lithium Ion cells are 3 Volts. Even though the cells are the same size, if you put a 14500 Lithium cell in a light that wasn’t designed for it, it will burn the light out. I’ve got several Petzl Zipka headlamps that I have been using since around 2005 that take 3 AAA cells. I really like them, but I’m pretty much stuck with Alkaline cells in them. I’ve tried to use NiCads and NIMH cells, but have never been happy with their performance. When I use Alkaline batteries, I tend to put in a fresh set before I leave. The Duracell Fusion Alkalines seem to have a much longer life along with a premium price. If the Lithium Ion cells can be used in their place, it may well put an end to this dilemma.

By: grannyhiker

grannyhiker — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 04:25:15 +0000

I bought a 2.5 oz. Montbell wind shirt some years ago after being chewed on by horseflies and deerflies in the Wind Rivers–I wanted something the flies couldn’t bite through. (They chomped right through my permethrin-sprayed hiking shirt). The wind shirt became my most-used garment! It’s what I wear during fall hikes on cool, windy (but not rainy) days. On warm days when the flies are out, it’s what I put on during stops. I don’t use breathable rain gear (it’s too pricey, too heavy, not breathable enough, and it soon leaks).

As for the Ti tent stakes, some outfits sell them coated with blaze orange enamel, making them findable. (Spray-painting at home wears off the stakes in a couple of days.) I do use a couple of MSR groundhogs for the critical stakes (center front and back).

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 01:59:53 +0000

In reply to Iago.

I had a shmancy one similar to the ones you prefer. Had it for testing purposes. Sweated like a pig in it. And end up donating it a year later. 🙂

Though, to be fair, I think these garments, including the ones you mentioned, are aimed more at climbers with stop-and-go activity and meant to wear 100% of the time rather than stowe in a pack. If I did more alpine climbing, I’d probably keep mine.

By: Iago

Iago — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 00:19:22 +0000

Softshells, I was thinking more along the lines of lighter fabrics than the Costco one. I have the Black Diamond Alpine Start and Rab Boreas, and both meet my needs for breathability and wind resistance.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 20:22:19 +0000

In reply to Iago.

AS mentioned, I use the Coughlan stakes for car camping and not backpacking. Not as mission-critical vs. backpacking. I find this trick works well to make sure I do not bend the stakes.
https://pmags.com/quick-tip-tent-stakes-in-hard-ground
I’ll have to update the article to mention this tip.

Re: Softshells Ah..I love them for town. But not on the trail.
https://pmags.com/outdoor-coats-for-everyday-use

By: Iago

Iago — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 20:17:38 +0000

Nice list. I like windshirts, but prefer the soft shell type. More breathable than the examples provided, although also heavier. I hate the Coughlan stakes, though. They are the easiest to bend I ever used. And unlike others, bending them back results in breakage. Of course, it can depend on the type of soil one treks on…