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TIPS FOR REDUCING CONDENSATION IN THE GARUDA JALAN JALAN (May also apply to other single-wall tents:
(1) I try to prop up the tail section on the outside of the tent with a stick or rock so more air can get in (and I sleep forward enough on the inside to keep the rear vent unblocked but not so far forward that my breath isn't picked up by the flow of air moving toward the front vent.
(2) I generally sleep on my back so moisture from breath goes up to air flow rather than collecting on floor or sides of tent - generally, I say, but not always.
(3) I replace the delrin rod sections which hold vents
open with a longer piece of delrin so that the opening is opened to
capacity (ie, it opens wider than it originally did) so more air can flow thru.
(4) I don't camp in low places (where air flow gets stagnant and moisture settles) and face tail of tent into prevailing
winds to maximize air flow.
(5) I spray the outside of tent with Tectron DWR so water will bead up and roll off (rather than saturate the material). Now, W.L.Gore has come out with Revivex, which is supposed to be superior.
(6) In inclement weather, I try to at least prop the door(s) open at the bottom to increase air flow. On some tents you may have to sew a "non-moisture-absorbing" nylon loop on the bottom outside of your tent door, for this purpose. Tie an elastic cord to the door and stake it out.
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From: Charles Lindsey,
Type of Gear: Backpack
Name of Gear: Flyte
Manufacturer: Osprey
Cost: $249.00 (+ tax)
This pack is very comfortable up to 40 lbs. It meets all the criteria for a quality pack, plus much more. It has numerous straps that can be shortened and a few buckles which can be cut off to save more weight. It has a removable "shovit" type pocket on the back which Osprey calls the Vector One. It can be replaced with other kinds of pockets in the Vector series. For example, Vector Two provides two small vertical back pockets which provide more room for gear (400 cu in-specs), if you need it. There are other Vector pockets, as well. The lid is easily convertible into an ample fanny pack using the pack's (very comfortable) hipbelt. The pack also has a removable water bottle holder on the side which comes in handy. It comes with sleeping pad straps which are removable when not needed. The Flyte is a one-compartment sack made of very-tough, very-light, high-tenacity 210 denier rip-stop nylon with a 500 denier Cordura / 200 denier Oxford double bottom.
I reduced the Flyte's weight to about 3 lbs 15 oz by cutting off excess lengths of strap, 4 unneeded buckles off the top of the lid, and the unnecessary Osprey Logo patch. Since the Vector One pocket weighs 7 oz. and the removable sleep pad straps weigh about 2 oz., I can reduce the pack's weight further to 3 lbs 6 oz. when not using those attachments. By contrast, my Dana 10th Anniversary Terraplane weighs 7 lbs. Thus, by using the Flyte, I am reducing my packweight by 3 to 3 1/2 pounds ! Without sacrificing any comfort !
(4/26/97) FLYTE UPDATE: Now that I've been using the Flyte for awhile, here's some additional info. I have become dissatisfied with the vector shovel pocket on the back of the pack. I find it gets in my way all the time and I don't carry enough gear to make good use of it. Consequently, it's just unnecessary, extra weight. Plus, I've discovered that when I remove the vector pocket (to reduce weight) the pack loses its integrity and the compression straps, which normally attach to the pocket, don't work worth a darn when it's not there. Also, the positioning of the lower, diagonal load compressors are so awkward to access, it often hurts my arms to reach back for them. The Flyte is a nice pack, though. I am now using it as my training pack, in place of the Terraplane (that I just sold).
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From: Charles Lindsey
Type of Gear: Hipsack/Daypack
Name of Gear: Flash
Manufacturer: Osprey
For "Fastpacking" Dayhikes & Trail Running: the Osprey Flash--1000 cu. in., weighs 1 lb, 8 oz. You know that Mountainsmith has a good rep for lumbar packs. Well, I tried them (the Day Pack & Tour Pack) and the Osprey Flash is way ahead. In the first place, the belt on the Mtnsmith packs is, basically, cloth. The Flash has a new hipbelt which uses 4-way stretch nylon laminated to 1/4" open-celled foam to provide a snug, cushioned fit without sacrificing breathability. The pack is well-supported with a delrin hoop that runs around the perimeter of the backpanel (which has an integral 1/4" foam backing for added comfort). When I pull the hip compressors tight, I can feel the delrin distribute the compression around the entire pack and pull the load into my body. In addition, it has an external compression pocket for my jacket when I'm not wearing it. On the outside of the compression pocket is a small zippered pouch for small essentials. On each side of the pack is a mesh water bottle pocket (comes with two 20 oz bottles). Very comfortable and hugs the body like skin.
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From: Charles Lindsey
Type of Gear: Daypack/Light Overnight
Name of Gear: Miura
Manufacturer: Arc'Teryx
I like this pack, a lot !
2000 cu. in., weighs 2 lbs, 10 oz. This pack is 1.25 pounds lighter than my winter daypack. Whereas the Dana Big Sky has a regular padded hipbelt, the Miura has only a small padded "hipwing" extension on either side which makes a nice, comfortable lumbar wrap around. The remainder of the belt is 2-inch wide webbing. This pack is very comfortable--has framesheet and padded back as well as shoulder harness load lifters (a rarity on day packs) which helps brings the pack snug against the back. This pack is especially comfortable for off-trail rock scrambling.
It has two large crescent shaped #10 zips on either side for gear access as well as a large internal pocket on each side which is accessible from the outside. I carry my water on one side and snacks & other accessibles on the other. Once all your gear is packed, this little pack really shines.
It has two side compression straps on each side and two "sleeping pad" straps on the front/bottom which also function as compression straps. Bottom line - this provides a compacted, packaged load for you to carry. To top that "package" concept off is the handle placed on the mid top of the pack. The handle makes it easy to transport when it's not on your back.
It does not have an axe loop, however. I had to sew one on - no big deal.
Great little day pack ! High quality, too.
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From: Charles Lindsey, 12/29/97
Type of Gear: Backpack + Politics
Name of Gear: Bridger (1995)
Manufacturer: Dana Designs
Weight: 4lbs 4oz
Size/Capacity: Medium, 3300 cu in
Reviewer's Height & Weight: 5' 9", 165 pounds
First of all, let me say that this is a fine piece of work. Made in the good ole U.S., by Montana backpackers for other backpackers. I reckon that I have some gear made offshore, but this pack isn't one of them.
Since 1991, I have purchased several of these for myself and my family. It is still one of my favorite packs - but then, I only keep "favorite" packs in my inventory.
This pack is very easy to fit, since it has an adjustable harness and hipbelt. In fact, even if you have a weird shaped upper body, the independently adjustable shoulder straps can be contoured to fit that weirdness. The removable, adjustable belt can be moved up and down to allow for a range of torso lengths as well as personal preferences for hipbelt placement. The substantial, single aluminum stay must be bent to follow the contour of your spine and once adjusted properly, helps this pack fit like a glove.
Since I no longer own the Bridger's Big, Big brother, the Terraplane, I have a special affinity for the Bridger's back pockets (one of my favorite features on my old Terraplane). The pockets are long and run vertically up the back of the pack. However, they are narrow and shallow so that even when they are full, the packs center of gravity is not negatively impacted.
I also like the belt. I've grown to dislike big beefy belts (like the Terraplane) because they seem to restrict my movement. I like the mid-weight belts and even the more recent hip-wing design on smaller packs. Anyway, the Bridger's belt is more than substantial enough for a 40 pound load, if you so choose to carry that much.
Another excellent feature is the internal load control strap which cinches and stabilizes the load internally. In addition, are the outside compression straps on each side of the pack.
This pack also has the customary storm shroud on top with double drawcord closure. Sitting on top of that is the 400 or so cu in lid. The lid isn't removable from this pack - that started with the 1996 model.
Excellent pack, I still use it for overnighters and long weekends. I would'nt buy another one, though. I doubt that Dana can control quality in Mexico the way he did in Montana. Besides, I think the 150 Montana backpackers now unemployed would agree that U.S. Made Osprey makes pretty nice packs, also. With that in mind, check out the Osprey Finesse - approximately the same size as the Bridger, but just a shade more comfortable and snug around the midsection.
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From: Charles Lindsey, 11/11/97
Type of Gear: Backpack
Name of Gear: Big Sky
Manufacturer: Dana Designs
Weight: 3 lb 15oz
Capacity: 2200 ci (36 litres)
Cost: approx $219.00
Conditions: Winter Day Trips/Snowshoeing
In 1997, in addition to switching construction of all small packs to Mexico, Dana switched the Big Sky to the Arc Altitude suspension (same as the M80). My pack is not one of those. Mine in a 1996 version which was build in good ole Montana, by fellow backpackers.
It has the same framesheet/single aluminum stay "Killer-B" suspension as the Bomb Pack & Bridger, so carrying 30 pounds in this little guy is no problem, although I seldom carry more than 20 pounds (dry).
I use it exclusively in Winter, for Winter Alpine Scrambling and for general snowshoeing. The shovit pocket on the back is great for snowshoes and wet gear. Like all my Dana packs, this one is no exception when it comes to comfort. Very comfortable and adjustable. It fits a wide range of torsos just by extending/adjusting the harness. It has a narrow profile and fits snug to the body, so doesn't get in the way when swinging arms back and forth with cross country snow poles.
It is a panel loader, which makes accessing gear a snap. Has a nice sized waterbottle pocket on top/front. Nice contoured, adjustable, removable belt as well as adjustable "S" shaped shoulder harness. The internal gear stablizer strap aids considerably in securing the load, especially when the pack isn't fully loaded.
Very nice & would work okay for quick overnighters.
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From: Charles Lindsey, 12/29/97
Type of Gear: Internal Frame Backpack
Name of Gear: Finesse 97 (compared to Dana Design Killer B's)
Manufacturer: Osprey
Weight: 4 lbs 4 oz
Capacity: 3200 cu in (Medium)
Cost: $199.00
Reviewer's Height & Weight: 5 foot 9 inches, 165 lbs
Usage: Lightweight Backpacking (Max weight carried: 35 lbs)
Excellent quality pack from an excellent U.S. pack maker.
I could probably get away with just copying word for word from the Osprey marketing verbiage, and then just say it's all true, but I'll add my own twist to it, anyway.
It's all true, whatever they say. This pack is a bargain. What can you say, Osprey is producing superior packs and underpricing their competition. The Finesse is no exception. At $199, it gave me a better ride than the comparable Dana Design Killer B's (Bridger & Bomb Pack) which are higher priced ($259 & $239).
I think the Finesse has a superior suspension. The Dana Killer B's, same as the Finesse, have the HDPE framesheet and the single aluminum stay to give shape to the framesheet. But the comparable mid-sized Osprey packs - Finesse included - take it a "big" step further with their Flexion EX suspension which adds a tensioned Delrin hoop bent around the perimeter of the pack which integrates and brings harmony to the entire suspension "system". This system effectively absorbs and directs the pack weight while allowing flexibility of movement.
Bottom line: this is a superior pack for activities requiring a lot of flexibility of movement - skiing, snowshoeing, climbing, scrambling, bushwhacking, canyoneering, caving, etc.
The Finesse has a belt cinch strap, on each side of the pack, which is attached to the pack where the bottom of the delrin rod is located. When I cinch the straps, I can feel the pack weight being evenly distributed around my hips and lower back as the Delrin rod is being pulled towards my body. The Dana Killer B's don't have a cinch strap on the belt let alone the weight distribution offered by pulling the delrin rod into the body.
It is not nearly as adjustable as the Killer B's though, so you better find one that pretty much fits right out of the box. The only adjustability in fit, is the hipbelt which can be moved up and down a little. Whereas the Killer B's have a wonderfully adjustable harness system, the Finesse and its siblings have only a permanent, non-adjustable, unremovable, harness.
However, the Finesse does have a removable hip lid which easily converts into a 400 cu in hip sack (the Killer B's - not).
In short, the Finesse is a proven performer and a great bargain.
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