Gear Shop Page 1- Packs, Gaiters, Trekking Poles
Gear Shop Page 2- Shelters, Bug Nets, Ponchos, Sleeping Pads
Gear Shop Page 3- Water Storage and Purification
The Silcloth Ponch- I carry an Integral Designs Silcloth poncho. Unfortunately it is not longer available at REI. It seems they have replaced it with a similar item made by Sea To Summit. Although I do not own the Sea To Summit poncho, I do own a few of their dry bags and am very happy with them overall. I am acquainted with a local representative of the company and have spoken with him at length about their designs, materials, and logic behind their equipment and I am convinced that they make very good products. Be sure to take a look at their poncho if you are in the market. The REI description follows:
The Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Tarp Poncho is an all-in-one raincoat/tarp/pack cover/ groundsheet—it's made with a super lightweight, waterproof Ultra-Sil fabric and all seams are taped. Ergonomic 3-panel hood features a functional, generously sized brim and drawcord. Designed to fully cover you and your pack in a downpour. Also ideal for temperate climates when a waterproof jacket would be too sweaty. Makes a great emergency shelter to have along for day trips. Made with Ultra-Sil Siliconized Cordura®; waterproof seams, double stitched and tape seam sealed. Guy attachment points on corners convert it to a shelter. Sides snap together for additional rain protection. Dimensions: 102 x 55 inches. Includes a stuff sack made from the same fabric.
GoLite Shangri-La 1 Nest
This is my favorite commercial bug shlelter- it is room, light, strong, and easy to set up. M ade by GoLite, it is one of the best available for combating the mosquito-filled summer nights in the canyons. It weighs about 1 pound, 9 ounces and is part of a system that allows you to add a floor and rain fly. I carry just the nest, along with my poncho which can double as a fly if necessary. It is 3 feet 10 inches wide at the door and 4 feet high. It is 6 feet 9 inches long, with plenty of room inside for you and your gear. The Shangri-La 1 Nest is available through Altrec.com for 99 dollars.
REI Bug Hut 1 Tent
This is another option for a mosquito shelter- I have not used it, but the price and weight are both compelling.
This free-standing, mini-tent structure is an ultralight shelter against flying insects- designed for the adventure traveler and minimalist backpacker. Fits completely over sleeping bag with a pole-supported canopy over your upper body allowing bug-free stargazing. Slit opening on bottom keeps foot of sleeping bag enclosed in mesh. Includes two aluminum stakes. Entire unit weighs just over one pound.
Outdoor Research Bug Bivy
I have not used this shelter; it looks like a decent option, although it may feel a little tight inside.
The no-see-um netting will not let the obnoxious little buggers through, and the overhead pole keeps them from getting too close to your head. The long-zip end opening allows rapid entry so you can minimize the number of micro guests. Sleeping pad straps keep your sleeping pad secure. Shoulder width 25". Weighs one pound.
Go Lite Men's Adrenaline 40 Degree Sleeping Bag
This is one of the bags that I use, a few of which are from GoLite. You really cannot go wrong with a GoLite bag- they are some of the lightest, smallest- packing, and most comfortable sleeping bags available.
Altrec.com description follows:
With light-weight construction and male-specific fit, the GoLite Adrenaline 40 Degree Sleeping Bag for men provides premium comfort in 800-fill goose down. Windproof, water repellent, downproof and breathable Pertex microfine filament yarn is tightly woven into a tiny ripstop pattern to give exceptional moisture protection/management at the head and foot of the sleeping bag. Also available in Women's specific fit, 20 and zero degree models.
Therm-a-Rest ProLite Sleeping Pad - X-Small
With a new, streamlined shape and lighter materials than its predecessor, this ProLite sleeping pad is the lightest, most compact, self-inflating mattress in the Therm-a-Rest line. It weighs just 8 ounces. The new design has a different shape and is made from lighter fabric and foam. Bottom features an innovative, sticky-dot, non-slip surface. This items comes in other sizes as well, each a bit more expensive and weighing a few ounces more.
Adventure Medical Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy-
This is a great item to add to your survival kit. It replaces the usual space blanket carried by many of us- it is basically an enclosed space blanket, containing more of your body heat. Made of vacuum-metalized polyethylene, providing durable yet quiet protection. The bivvy reflects up to 90% of your body's heat back to you. Bright orange in color, weighs just 3.8 ounces. It measures 3 inches long and about 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Bivvy provides protection from water and wind; it's sized to shelter 1 adult. Comes in stuff sack pictured.
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Gear Shop Page 1- Packs, Gaiters, Trekking Poles
Gear Shop Page 2- Shelters, Bug Nets, Ponchos, Sleeping Pads
Gear Shop Page 3- Water Storage and Purification
