 
Other Lightweight Gear
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From: David John Koenig, 02/24/97 I finally have something to contribute to the page. I just bought a RICOH R1 camera. I dont have all the specs, but it is incredibly small, lightweight (about 6 ounces), and has true 28mm panarama and 35 mm regular capability with mixed formats on the same roll of regular 35mm film. It is a P&S with date imprinting, a optional remote control (very limited range of about 12 ft.) and several of the usual mode settings. All in a rugged aluminum housing. Great pic's so far...
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From: REllinwood@aol.com, 12/03/96 Take time to check out the new Petzl Duo headlamp. We own two now and like them very much. Yes, by themselves they are slightly heavier, but much better in more situations, than the lightest of the headlamps. However, if indeed you tend to recommend carrying BOTH a headlamp AND a small light hand-held light, then the duo is a much better choice, in that it does both functions with the flip of a switch. I wanted a modest general beam for around camp and for following obvious trails, but when checking out a noise in the dark in Glacier NP, say 30 yds out, then I want the best, but lightest, "spotlight" I can have, and the Duo fits that perfectly. Further, with 2 of us having the Duo, I find we've got more light power than we've ever had, when it's really needed. Just one opinion...
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From: Kevin Turinsky, 08/11/97 In the Headlamp department: Michelle has a Petzl zoom (I have the Arctic - for Mushing). We've compared the Zoom with my neighbor's tiny Princeton. The consensus is to stick with the Petzl - it's adjustable, and use lithiums. That's what we're taking to Italy.
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From: Kerry Thalmann, 02/02/98 I have had the Solo for about a year and love it. It is light, bright and seems to have a very long battery life (I'm still on the first pair of Lithium batteries). When comparing it to the Micro in the store, the Solo seemed much brighter to me. I think this is probably due to the non-adjustable beam (the light seems more focused). It comes with two inserts for a spot and a broader flood pattern. In use in the field, I have not found the lack of an adjustable beam to be a problem at all. I have not field tested the Micro, but my last head lamp was A Petzl. I don't remember the model - but it was a three cell version - cells in the back with an adjustable beam. Not a bad product, but way too heavy compared to the Micro and Solo. I am often out photographing until sunset, so the Solo is always in my bag even on "day" hikes. It also works well around camp. I recommend the Solo highly, and once you use it, I don't think you will miss the ajustable beam. I know I don't.
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Name: Dale Caine, 10/03/97
Type of Gear: Lantern Candoil makes a plastic cylinder / top / wick unit which replaces the candle and candle holder assembly found in standard candle lanterns. It sells for about $10 and, besides being a lot cleaner (no wax drips), it is lighter and burns longer. Candles usually last 6-7 hours while I have used my lamp with oil for ten hours without refilling.
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Name: Switchback, 01/08/98
Weight: 8 oz. Here's something a little different for review. I really enjoy taking along a shortwave radio with AM and FM on my hikes. It is great fun to "DX" (search for stations) in the tent at night with earphones so as not to bother anyone. This little set is great,but very expensive. It measures 4 3/8x15/16x 2 7/8 inches. Runs on 2 AA batteries or the supplied AC adapter. There is also an external Active Antenna to go along with the telescopic antenna, but I prefer just using a simple long wire hooked into the pine trees.
It has
50 memory presets, FM:76.0-108.0 MHz,
SW:1621-29999 kHz, MW:530-1620 kHz,
LW:150-529 kHz and a whole host of other
features. You can go cheaper, but be hard
pressed to go better. Don't forget to use
lithium batteries.
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