As a request from Earthling (which I thought was an excellent idea), I am willing to ask questions to different experts I 'run into' at the OR Show. Upon my return, I will try to address these the best I can. Know that I will be super busy with many appointments and obligations. As a side note, If you have a question about anything Cascade Designs (MSR, Thermarest, Sealine, Platypus), Granite Gear, Princeton Tec, Westcomb, and/or ACR, I will have a much better opportunity than other manufacturers. I've already been asked to inquire more specifically how the Internal Pressure Regulator works in the MSR Reactor. I know the engineer really well (believe me, I've asked him my fair share of questions) and look forward to hear what he has to say.
I will have some time to walk the show as well. If you have any questions about anything you've wanted to know, such as a material question (Pertex, Primaloft, Polartec, Goretex, eVENT, Epic, etc, etc,) or gear questions (Marmot, Western Mtneering, Henessy Hammocks, Hilleburg, etc), I will do my best to ask. Again, I might not have enough time to answer them all, but it should be pretty informative.
I will also bring back a general report of what I saw and things that I think are worth mentioning. For instance, the winter show is when they announce the Backpacker Mag's Editor's Choice Award for 2008. Ask away! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
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Believe, then you will Understand...
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> Me first! I want to know why Platypus stopped making our much beloved .5L Platy <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Ask, cajole, beg, strong arm'em whatever you have to do Jason to get them to make them again <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
Find someone making decent Hard Anodized Aluminum cookware, and then ask them why they are'nt making it in sizes for Single backpackers like a decent sized 6-800 ml pot, not mug, that I find is easier to pack and uses fuel more efficently <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Rounded corners make cleaning easier IME. All the sets I see for single hikers have grooves or ridges that make cooking in them a hassle to clean.....GSI Double boiler comes to mind...
Thanks for being a sport jason, we know it's work, so take some time to enjoy the show <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
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PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!
I want you to find the guy from Golite who lied to me 1 1/2 years ago when i asked if Golite would be making a new version of their old Fuzz/Furr quilts. Give him a smack from me !
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Hammockers aren't stuck up, they're just above it all.
Find someone making decent Hard Anodized Aluminum cookware, and then ask them why they are'nt making it in sizes for Single backpackers like a decent sized 6-800 ml pot, not mug, that I find is easier to pack and uses fuel more efficently <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Rounded corners make cleaning easier IME. All the sets I see for single hikers have grooves or ridges that make cooking in them a hassle to clean.....GSI Double boiler comes to mind...
To add to this, how about why they don't make a pot that is the same size and weight as the heine, but with smooth sides?
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I've taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money.
Find someone making decent Hard Anodized Aluminum cookware, and then ask them why they are'nt making it in sizes for Single backpackers like a decent sized 6-800 ml pot, not mug, that I find is easier to pack and uses fuel more efficently <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Rounded corners make cleaning easier IME. All the sets I see for single hikers have grooves or ridges that make cooking in them a hassle to clean.....GSI Double boiler comes to mind...
Well my Open Country Hard Anodized Aluminium set that I got for Xmas came with one 2 qt. pot and one 3 cup pot (about 700 mls.). Both are smooth sided. If that's what you're looking for? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Thank you for your offer, Jason! Here's something you can ask all of them:
Why, why don't the gear and clothing manufacturers realize that many of us women don't want bright colors because we want to be inconspicuous out in the wilderness, for security reasons as well as for consideration of others? I'm not the only woman out there who passionately hates pink and purple! We don't want black, either--shows the dirt (and in my case, dog hair) too much. How about some nice subdued grays, tans, blue-grays and gray-greens? If men can have these colors in their clothing and gear, why not women?
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
Why don't they increase the height of the Titan kettle enough to give it a full liter capacity and the ability to EASILY store the Pocket Rocket inside?
Why do they insist on using blaze-orange rainflies on their Fast-and-Light line of shelters? Couldn't they at least offer tan as an option?
Things I'd like to see, so I suppose you could ask about:
**0) I don't trust canister stove lindal valves - they sometimes LEAK when the stove is detached I don't want to leave my stove screwed onto the canister by why oh why does nobody make an tiny little screw on cap with gasket to act as belt and suspenders for a canister lindal valve? - (not something tottally cheezy that wouldn't hold the gas in)...
1) an *ultralight* 800 - 900 FP down BARREL bag - why must I buy mummy bags and use them like quilts. why should only skinny buggers with tiny shoulders and middles have light sleeping bags?
2) 500 ml platty - to second earthling - I have to carry my scotch in a little nalgene now..
3) A titanium self pressurizing white gas stove. No Pump..
"1) an *ultralight* 800 - 900 FP down BARREL bag - why must I buy mummy bags and use them like quilts. why should only skinny buggers with tiny shoulders and middles have light sleeping bags? "
I'm not familiar with the term "barrel bag," but would the Western Mountaineering MityLite be anything like what you're describing?
Me first! I want to know why Platypus stopped making our much beloved .5L Platy Ask, cajole, beg, strong arm'em whatever you have to do Jason to get them to make them again
This one's easy, we are! I checked our most recent pricelist and it is listed as a 'new' product. In fact, I think you will be pleased that not only are making this bottle again, but it is in a brand new material. This new material doesn't crackle, is much more durable, is totally taste free (similar to the old stuff) and won't react with alcohol. The bottles are also in a cool new shape that is easier to grip and represents a whole new product line. The price hasn't increased either.
Quote:
Find someone making decent Hard Anodized Aluminum cookware, and then ask them why they are'nt making it in sizes for Single backpackers like a decent sized 6-800 ml pot, not mug, that I find is easier to pack and uses fuel more efficently Rounded corners make cleaning easier IME. All the sets I see for single hikers have grooves or ridges that make cooking in them a hassle to clean.....GSI Double boiler comes to mind...
I know that we are completely re-working our cookware for the summer show (August). Until then, there won't be any new changes in our cookware. I know they've done a ton of surveying and I've been told that many have asked for a 1L pot. I'm excited to see what it will be and will let you know in June when I see it. Unfortunately, this new cookware won't be available until next January. Hopefully it will be worth the wait. They've been talking about this for awhile.
I will still ask the guys at the show to get more details. If I find out anything new, I'll let you know.
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Believe, then you will Understand...
I want you to find the guy from Golite who lied to me 1 1/2 years ago when i asked if Golite would be making a new version of their old Fuzz/Furr quilts. Give him a smack from me !
This one might be tough, but I'll check out the booth and give you any new scoop that I find out. This is going to be fun! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
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Believe, then you will Understand...
Thank you for your offer, Jason! Here's something you can ask all of them:
Why, why don't the gear and clothing manufacturers realize that many of us women don't want bright colors because we want to be inconspicuous out in the wilderness, for security reasons as well as for consideration of others? I'm not the only woman out there who passionately hates pink and purple! We don't want black, either--shows the dirt (and in my case, dog hair) too much. How about some nice subdued grays, tans, blue-grays and gray-greens? If men can have these colors in their clothing and gear, why not women?
Excellent point! I don't think your the only one with this concern. I see a trend happening with the women's specific outerware that may be heading in this direction. I know at Westcomb (I have to plug it) there are examples of both. Some of our jackets are subdued while others are more 'showy' and 'girly'. I'll try to give you a general accounting of how I see women's technical clothing and where it's heading.
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Believe, then you will Understand...
Ask about that new brand of ultra light UV water purifer talked about by those Communists (hee,hee) on Backpacking Light.
Eric
Ultraviolet light purification is becoming more and more a viable treatment solution for backcountry water. I've been to about 20 OR shows (about 10 years) and have seen this technology take shape. I'm very interested in it as well (I bought a Steripen Adventurer this year). I will look and ask around to see how this is panning out. MSR definitely has taken a keen interest in finding out all of the ups and downs of ultraviolet light and I'll ask Sarah Bruce, our inhouse guru on water treatment, what she thinks.
By the way, is this UV Purifier the Meridian Designs AquaStar?
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Believe, then you will Understand...
Why don't they increase the height of the Titan kettle enough to give it a full liter capacity and the ability to EASILY store the Pocket Rocket inside?
One reason (as I have asked them about this before) is that they brought out the PocketRocket/Titan Kettle Kit after the Jetboil showed they had a all-in-one stove solution. We believe that we already had one currently, but realized it wasn't being marketed properly. When we first introduced both products, we didn't originally intend them to mate together. However, we found that if packed right, they can be used as an all-in-one. However, they don't fit very well. I think what you will see this coming year is a revision in the Titan Kettle that will allow the Pocket Rocket to fit much better. I'll ask Redwood and Drew (two guys in charge of stoves for MSR) what's in the works. I might have to slip them twenty bucks <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />.
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Why do they insist on using blaze-orange rainflies on their Fast-and-Light line of shelters? Couldn't they at least offer tan as an option?
This was brought up in our sales meeting and the explanation was that they offer great ambient light in the interior. For next year, we are bringing to market the new Hubba HP and Hubba Hubba HP that include a bright yellow fly. I know that many of the reps weren't pleased with the color but after getting into the tent saw the reasoning behind it (great ambient light). The other reason, we were told, is that they are easier to find when the weather turns bad. Our new Venture line is more of a light tan and not so bright. I will ask Terry (our tent guy who used to be the head engineer for Moss Tents) for more specifics.
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Believe, then you will Understand...
**0) I don't trust canister stove lindal valves - they sometimes LEAK when the stove is detached I don't want to leave my stove screwed onto the canister by why oh why does nobody make an tiny little screw on cap with gasket to act as belt and suspenders for a canister lindal valve? - (not something tottally cheezy that wouldn't hold the gas in)...
Great question! This is one I haven't thought of before. This is another question for Drew and I'll be sure to ask. I personally have no idea.
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1) an *ultralight* 800 - 900 FP down BARREL bag - why must I buy mummy bags and use them like quilts. why should only skinny buggers with tiny shoulders and middles have light sleeping bags?
Over the years I've had the opportunity to get to know the guys at Western Mountaineering and I think this is a great question for them. I know they make the Megalight which is more of a rectangular bag. I also know that Big Agnes makes a 800+ fill power (called the Mystic SL 15 degree) bag similar to their Lost Ranger (600 fill). I know Bill Gamber (Big Agnes) fairly well and ask what the deal is. He's always pretty patient with me.
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2) 500 ml platty - to second earthling - I have to carry my scotch in a little nalgene now..
Good news, we are! New materials and new shape is also in the works. It won't be available until March (production issues).
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3) A titanium self pressurizing white gas stove. No Pump..
We do have a new stove coming, but I don't think it will be made of titanium (will cost way too much). It won't have a pump and will be pretty light and self contained, the only one of it's kind in liquid fuel form. I'm hoping that I see it at our summer sales meeting. I'll ask the guys about this one, too. You can be certain of that!
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Believe, then you will Understand...
OK, you knew this one was coming, Jason - what's the status on MSR's capillary stove? Do they have a projected date for release? If not, what are the problems left to overcome before they release it?
Just thought of one for the Patagonia folks: why don't you make a pair of down pants to match your down sweater (similar to the Micropuff pullover and pants combo)?
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Thanks, Jason! "Visual pollution" is the term I wanted to use, but I had a "senior moment" while writing my prior post. It applies not just to women's wear and gear (although we women have an additional reason to want to be inconspicuous) but to those bright orange and bright yellow tents, too! They may look pretty from inside, but they look horrible dotted about the landscape! I like my gray silnylon tent; it's plenty light enough inside and blends into the landscape from outside.
Earthling, I found the .5L Platypus currently available at both Campmor and the platypushydration.com websites. It seems to no longer be called the "Li'l Nipper," but it looks like the same bottle with the push/pull cap as the one I have, which I bought in 2000.
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
Would it be possible to have some of these hydration bag makers make the opening wide enough to just stick the Adventurer Steripen directly into the bladder? I'm not talking the wide zip Platy but the 1 and 2 liters have the narrow openings and the pen doesn't fit. I have to carry another liter bottle or bladder with a wide opening to treat the water, then pour into the bladder.
"1) an *ultralight* 800 - 900 FP down BARREL bag - why must I buy mummy bags and use them like quilts. why should only skinny buggers with tiny shoulders and middles have light sleeping bags? "
I'm not familiar with the term "barrel bag," but would the Western Mountaineering MityLite be anything like what you're describing?
Possible glen, but I've never managed to find one to try it on <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Would it be possible to have some of these hydration bag makers make the opening wide enough to just stick the Adventurer Steripen directly into the bladder?
This brings up an interesting question . . . Will the SteriPen work _through_ the Platy? Or, does Platy material block UV light?
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Human Resources Memo: Floggings will continue until morale improves.
Registered: 07/04/07
Posts: 241
Loc: Bay Area, California, USA
The Platy blocks the UV light from the Steri-Pen. Besides, it won't turn on unless submerged... and I wouldn't bypass that safety feature!
I've got the same problem - I carry a 1 liter nalgene with the pre-filter, in order to effectively treat with the SteriPen. The weight drives me nuts, but the quick convenience is handy.
I recently bought a 1 liter folding nalgene to use for that purpose because of the wide mouth and I can dunk the pen. Will the UV light not work on this?
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