-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Charles Lindsey, 12/29/97 This bag was over-rated, in my opinion. I say "was" because Marmot doesn't make it any more. But, anyway, I tested this bag and wasn't happy with the results. I tested it the same as all bags - bivy with only a therm-a-rest underneath - and I got cold. The temp was only around 35 degrees and I experienced cold spots, mainly around the knees. The bag was supposed to have 750 fill power down and a 5" loft. I'm not sure about the down, but it definitely didn't have a 5" loft. Also, the shell they used is a heavy polyester/dryloft rather than the much lighter ripstop nylon. It had a very efficient design, I just think it had insufficient down stuffed into it. Anyway, I didn't pursue this bag any further after that test. For a totally different result with a Marmot bag, read my gushing report on the Aiguille - Marmot still makes that bag and it's well worth the look.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Charles Lindsey, 12/29/97 Being snuggled up in this bag reminded me of being in a feather bed. Very, very comfortable. This narrow cut mummy bag has a very comfy, yet heavy, polyester/dryloft shell with a very comfortable light nylon gossamer lining. It features a plump draft collar and zipper draft tube. To be sure, when you're bundled up in this bag, the weather won't get you. The side seams and zipper track are at ground level to prevent cold air from getting in. It has a great (the best) anatomical hood with baffles running vertically - which keep the down in place even when the thing is cinched tight around your head. I bivied (without bivy sack) in this bag, in the snow, at about 20 degrees (clear night, no wind) - had to keep my head out and the bag unzipped a tag. It is definitely a toasty bag and will more than suffice in mild Winter conditions. I had to sell it before I could use it through an entire season, but I would mainly use it as my Winter bag. Mine was filled with 725 fill power goose down but they are now advertsing 750 fill power. Probably the same "stuff" - pun intended. If you don't mind carrying a few extra ounces in order to achieve maximum comfort, and you're looking for a bag that will do well from Late Fall through Early Spring (in most environments), then you really should take a look at this wonderful bag.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Charles Lindsey Cascade Designs has come out with a (New for 1996) version of their Therm-a-Rest mattresses. This one is the Ultra-Lite II. It is an updated version of the original Ultra-Lite which uses stretched open-cell foam which gives cushioning comparable to thicker pads, yet is super light and packs tiny. The Ultra Lite II 3/4 is 1"x20"x47", weighs 14 oz; the Ultra Lite II Long is 1"x20"x72" and weighs 21 oz. Some folks have complained that it punctures easily and that may be so. I am very careful with my gear and have not experienced any durability problems with this mattress. Its weight and comfort and ideal for me.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Charles Lindsey
FOR OFF-TRAIL ALPINE SCRAMBLING (IN THE SNOW): I don't use them for trekking or hiking because they have such a stiff sole with virtually no rocker. Every time I take a step my heel raises up without the boot such that I do get a blister on each heel after awhile -- I compensate by putting a patch of moleskin on before going out. Nevertheless, I use them, now, only in snow, where that problem is minimized by the nature of snow travel. The Dolomites are narrower in the ball and heel area of the foot, and roomier in the arch and ankle and, thus,are especially well suited for women's feet, although men with narrow feet might like them also (my daughter and I both have a pair--and like them !).
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Charles Lindsey
FOR OFF-TRAIL ALPINE SCRAMBLING (ON ROCK): I love these boots. They fit my feet like gloves. I used to wear size 9 boots, but in the last couple years have changed to 9 1/2 for most manufacturers. But these boots are size 10. Raichle boots tend to be on the small size.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Charles Lindsey
FOR HIKING & TREKKING:
-------------------------------------------------------------
|
-Return to Top of this Page-----------------------------------
© Copyright 1997.