> Owner Review: Asics Gel Cumulus running shoes - André

Hi all, here's my Owner Review of my most walked-in shoes. Couldn't
find my camera for a while and only found it just before midnight.
Them's the breaks, eh? A happy New Year for all of you who aren't in
2008 yet, and a happy new year to all!

html here: http://tinyurl.com/yqjndb

text below:

ASICS Gel Cumulus running shoes
BY ANDRÉ CORTERIER
OWNER REVIEW
December 31, 2007


TESTER INFORMATION

NAME:  André Corterier
EMAIL:  andre.corterier@...
AGE:  35
LOCATION:  Bonn, Germany
GENDER:  m
HEIGHT:  6' 1" (1.85 m)
WEIGHT:  176 lb (80.00 kg)
CHEST  100 cm (39.5 in)
WAIST  84 cm (33 in)
STD. CLOTHING SIZE  L
SHOE SIZE  11-12 (US), 46 (EUR)

I have started out with backpacking slowly – single-day 24 km (15
mi) jaunts by myself or even shorter hikes in the company of my
little daughter. I am getting started on longer hikes, as a
lightweight packer and hammock-camper. I've begun upgrading my old
gear and now carry a dry FSO weight (everything carried From the
Skin Out except food, fuel and water) of less than 9 kg (22 lb) for
three-season camping.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Manufacturer: Asics
Year of Manufacture: 2006
Manufacturer's Website: www.asics.com
MSRP: US$ 90
Listed Weight: 11.5 oz (326 g) (assumed per shoe, size not given)
Measured Weight: 16.23 oz (460 g) (per shoe, size 13)

FIELD USE

I have worn these shoes a LOT. I initially bought these as running
shoes, and have used them extensively in this function. I have also
worn them as my casual pair of sneakers a lot. Having done so, I
sometimes just left them on when I left for a spontaneous day hike.
I have progressed from there to wearing them more and more on the
trail. My longest trail experience with these was one week spent on
the Rheinsteig (Rhine Trail) in Germany, during which time I walked
roughly 210 km (130 mi) in them, with about 8000 m (26000 ft) of
elevation changes. I have worn these shoes in temps from -5 C to 35
C (23 F to 95 F) and all sorts of rain, across terrain both smooth
and rugged, dry and soggy, level and steeply inclined. These shoes
have gotten wet on my feet and dried on my feet.

I have other shoes that I sometimes hike in. I have a pair of low
cut waterproof/breathable shoes and a pair of high cut (just above
the ankle) waterproof/breathable shoes. They are both heavier, but
of course waterproof. They are nearly as comfortable as my running
shoes. I tend to choose them when I know or expect that I will be
encountering a lot of rain or very muddy terrain. I tend to go for
the high cut shoes when I plan to carry a lot of weight (like my
daughter in her child carrier). These are the reasons I choose shoes
other than my running shoes, which is to say that unless there are
particular reasons to choose other shoes, I wear the Asics Gel
Cumulus running shoes to hike in.

Temperature Range:
I've found that these shoes do not insulate my feet much. That is
good in higher temperatures, less so in the lower ones. Below
freezing (and even just above), I've found thick socks (or even two
pairs worn over each other) helpful. At just above freezing, thick
hiking socks and a brisk walking speed kept my feet (and the rest of
me) warm enough, thank you. But below freezing these shoes are still
decent running shoes (though they confer no grip whatsoever on icy
surfaces), but at slower speeds my feet quickly freeze.

Toward the high temperatures, anything up to and including the high
twenties C (say 80 F) is fine. The thin mesh upper makes for good
moisture transfer to the outside, so as long as the socks worn in
them do a good job of wicking the moisture away from my feet in the
first place, I've been comfortable. At higher temperatures, my feet
start swimming. At a reported 35 C (95 F) - in the shade, which
unfortunately wasn't where I was walking - they were drowning.

I find this a rather broad temperature range and have been happy
with it. No complaints there at all.

Precipitation (etc.):
  These shoes do nothing to keep moisture out (except help it
evaporate quickly). So in the rain, the mesh upper gets soaked
pretty quickly, and after that my feet get wet. This has happened a
number of times already. I've tried using an aftermarket water
repellent treatment, but that didn't seem to change anything (maybe
I used it wrong - by the time I found out it hadn't helped, I'd
thrown the package away).

There are two factors which mitigate this finding, however. One is
the fact that the shoes do not seem to change their comfort level to
the worse when wet. Except for the squelching sounds and the fact
that the shoes feel a few degrees colder than the ambient
temperature would seem to suggest, they work wet just as well as
dry. The other good thing is that they dry quickly, and will even
dry on my feet while I walk (once it's stopped raining, that is). On
my Rheinsteig hike, I got totally soaked by hard rain and hail. I
kept the shoes on (with wet socks, too) and kept walking briskly for
two or three more hours, trying to warm myself up (and dry the
clothes on my body). This worked pretty well, even thought the
temperatures hovered around 10 C (50 F). While the shoes weren't
bone dry after that, they weren't sodden any more, either. I hung
them from the ridge line of my hammock that night and they felt
pretty dry the next morning.

Cushioning:
Well, whether it's a gel pack or an air pad between me and the
ground, running shoes - to me - seem to be the most comfortable
shoes around. These are no exception. I truly feel like I'm walking
on clouds - the thick, heaped eponymous ones, too. My other hiking
shoes have less in the way of cushioning between my feet and the
trail, yet I've always found them sufficient. Even with my light
hiking shoes, I've never been tempted to carry "camp shoes" with me
on a trip. If I had, I'd probably taken my running shoes...
So it seems that I save a lot of weight with these!

Weight:
They weigh what I say they did up top, of course. I felt it
opportune to mention at this point that these are the lightest pair
of shoes I have by several ounces (100 g or so). The shoe
manufacturers invariably seem to base their given weights on the
smaller sizes. I'm generally between size 11 and 12 in shoes, which
means I go for size 12 in hiking shoes, but was told to go even
higher for running shoes. I've never regretted it. These seem to fit
like a glove. In my experience, they are very lightweight for a pair
of shoes in size 13.

Comfort:
Their comfort, apart from their excellent cushioning, is very good
as well. I can lace them tightly or less so depending on my
perceived needs at the time. Rugged terrain and fast travel make me
go towards tighter lacing (and - particularly! - steep inclines and
declines), while smooth trails and leisurely paces make me relax the
lacing as much as it relaxes myself. I've never had a blister in
these shoes (of course, I wear them with decent socks - no hiking in
cotton socks for me). I've had a few hotspots during the latter
third of long, hard hiking days in high temperatures. Airing the
shoes (and my feet!) out for a few minutes and a change of socks
usually let me continue soon thereafter without any problems.

Durability:
I'm impressed with the way the shoes have held up. I'm guesstimating
(with a rather significant margin of error, I'm afraid) that I've
put about 1500+ km (1000 mi) on these shoes. I've read somewhere
that after 1000 km (620 mi) or so one should get a new pair of
running shoes because the midsole etc. begin to break down, with a
concurrent loss of support for the foot. I do not know whether this
was cooked up by the shoe manufacturing industry to keep us
consumers retooling at higher speed and of course do not know
whether this is happening - I can't see any such indication. With
the exception of the top of the toe protection becoming partially
unglued on my right shoe and a few blemishes where my feet tend to
contact each other while I walk, these shoes show no significant
signs of wear. I'm impressed - the sole does not seem to continue
coming off, and other shoes I have show much more signifcant damage
at my feet's contact spot after much lower mileage.


Traction:
I have nothing good or bad to report in this section. Their traction
seems no worse than my dedicated trail shoes, though a look at the
sole seem to indicate that they're not meant for cross country use.
They don't do anything for me on ice and very little on snow, but
that wasn't unexpected at all. They do comparatively okay on muddy
ground - better than I had initiatlly feared. On smooth, dry
surfaces they're excellent, but then I've never had a pair of shoes
which had problems there.

Looks:
The one thing I really don't like about these shoes is their stupid
shiny silvery appearance. If I could get a pair in subdued nature
colours (without reflective tabs, too) I'd be totally happy.

Next Steps:
This is the second pair of these shoes that I own. The earlier one
was in dark blue - didn't look like a hiking shoe, either, but
looked a lot less bad. But I liked them so much that when they began
to look quite unappealing to do accumulated damage (though much of
it cosmetic), I bought another one. Finding these on sale was an
added bonus. I may well go for another pair of these with my next
shoes, though I'm still thinking of maybe going to a very similar
one with a more subdued "look".

SUMMARY

Excellent runing and hiking shoes. Not waterproof, but very durable
and comfortable and light. Not easy on the eyes, though.


This report was created with some help by the BackpackGearTest.org
Report Writer Version 1. Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.

Happy New Year to you all!

I will be OOP starting late tomorrow night until late January 8.  Things that
might/will be affected are:

Monitoring Edits for Coleman - Chinkapin X65 Backpack Field Reports
Edits/Upload for Cache Lake Foods FR/LTR - which I will be posting this
afternoon sometime
Arrival notices for OR Luna Shell and/or Cloudveil Neve should they arrive
OR Edits for Jeff Jacobs
Mentoring for Mike Richardson & Ronnie Lewis

While I will have internet access, I will also have my three grandchildren to
babysit, so I don't anticipate any free time except time spent sleeping ;)

Kathy

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Princeton Tec Quad (Headlamp)

Reviewer Information

Name: William "Dalen" Rice
Age: 26.5
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 9" (175.26 cm)
Weight: 150 lbs (68 kg)
Email address: tdnarrator@...
City, State, Country: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Date: 12/2/2007
Backpacking Background: I began backpacking at the age of 13 when I
first went to summer camp (1993).  In 1999, I started working with a
college tripping organization in outdoor trip logistics (in gear
preparation), and then as a leader.  My most frequented hiking
locations are in the Carolina Appalachians and the Smoky Mountains
during the cold early spring and the summer.  I stopped being a trip
leader in 2004, and now I average about 2 backpacking trips and 2 day
hikes per year.  I carry between 25 and 35 lbs (11.3-15.8 kg) on
multi-day trips.

Product Information

Manufacturer:  Princeton Tec
Year of Manufacture: 2006
URL: http://www.princetontec.com/
Listed weight with batteries: 3.386 Ounces (96 Grams)
Measured weight with batteries: 3.53 Ounces (100 Grams)
Listed Dimensions: 2.4"x6.2"x1.9" (6.1x15.7x4.86 mm) plus an elastic
headband
Measured Dimensions: 2.0"x2.0"x3.5" (5.08x5.08x8.89 cm) packed with
wrapped band
Battery Type: AAA (Duracell Alkaline included) x3
MSRP $30.00-39.99 (not listed at manufacturer's website)

Manufacturer's Claims
Power: 21 Lumens
Bulb Burn Time (Bulb Life): not listed
Battery Burn Time (Battery Life): 150 hours (Flash), 50 hours (High),
70 hours (Medium),  150 hours (Low)
Illumination distance: 12m, 18m, 28m (39.4 ft, 59 ft, 91.8 ft)

The Quad comes in a plastic hanging molded pack full assembled.  It
includes the batteries but you have to put them in.  A 1" thick
elastic band comes with the headlamp and is already attached.  Spare
bulbs were not included.

Note:  I struggled for sometime to try and find out how to change the
LEDs.  The website had no "Owners Manual" type information, so I was
even more frustrated because I don't remember it coming with a
manual.  So, I finally gave up and emailed P-Tech.  They responded
within 3 days and told me that the bulbs are not replaceable, but if
they ever fail, I can call them and they will replace the entire
unit.  Altogether a really annoying ordeal, but with a great answer
in the end.



(Picture will go here)

The case for the light is hard plastic, black in color, with a clear
front window to the light itself.  This front window protects the
LEDs from damage.  The switch is a rubber button on top of the light,
yellow in color.  The band is elastic (1"/2.53 cm wide) and soft.
The band is attached to the light with a notched hinge, that allows 6
choices for light angle ranging from straight out to almost straight
down .

The Light operates by pressing the rubberized button located on top
of the lamp.  Pressing once will turn it on in the highest mode, and
subsequent presses will cycle it through the other modes (medium,
low, flash, then off).  A pause of more than a few seconds in between
presses will stop this cycling mode option and the next press will
turn the light off.  Changing the batteries involves turning a screw
using either a coin or the plastic piece on the strap adjustment.
The strap adjustment is a typical slide buckle with a double back.
There is also a red LED on the front of the light that indicates
battery life.  As the battery wear down, the light itself will
sometimes give a 3 flash set in the middle of use, but does not do
this more than once every half hour.

Field Experience:
I have used the Quad on a few overnight trips.  It has worked great
for me fiddling around camp.  For me, the light output, even in the
low setting, has been mostly adequate.  On low, the light creates a
42" (1.068 m) circle at 16" (0.41 m) distance from the ground.  It
does illuminate outside this circle, but trails off rapidly.  This
has made it easy for me to cook with and to look for things in my
tent.  I have actually rarely needed to use more than the low setting
due to the brightness.  I have put it on high for midnight bathroom
breaks while trekking away from a campsite and finding my way back.
As the batteries wear out, the brightness differences seem to fade,
but light output is still substantial.  I have left it out on a
picnic table overnight, and morning dew didn't affect its
performance.  It has also been completely submersed in water while
being cleaned, and the circuitry was not compromised.  I have dropped
it on packed gravel/sand type ground from about waste height several
times without any permanent damage.  I have also stepped on it in the
dark in tennis shoes and had it not crush or get damaged.  At times I
have even forgotten that the light is on my head because it is so
light and comfortable.  The trips it has gone on me with did not have
any rain or snow or other bad weather.  (just 50 F degree nights and
80 F degree days, 10 C to 26.6 C).  Other than outdoors, I use it in
my room to read by at night.  Again, I use it at low, because the
light output is so good and consistent (thanks to the regulated
LED).

Summary
The Quad has been a really rugged, lightweight light for my
backpacking and indoor, hands-free usages.  Since I don't use much
light, the low mode has provided me with really really long life for
the first set of batteries.  It is also extremely comfortable and I
don't get bothered with having an accessory on my head as I have with
other lamps.

Things I like:
1.  Lightweight
2.  Bright.
3.  Comfortable.

Things I don't like:
1.  Not able to replace LEDs.

Derek, go ahead and upload your OR to the folder here:
http://tinyurl.com/2djl7k

I've figured out why I thought for a moment that this was your first
OR - because you mentioned wanting to post your 2nd before 2008. I
guess you meant wanting to "upload" it to the proper folder on the
site. You did post this in 2007.

Anyway, congrats for being officially part of the team. You can now
apply to test gear. The application process is described here:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/lesson.php?lesson=Bylaws&page=40

You may be already aware that you are now a "newbie", a term of
endearment. What this entails, as well as exhausting detail
regarding the selection process on applications etc. is described
here:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/lesson.php?lesson=SGAppendix&page=4

Welcome and good luck!

André
OR Editor


--- In BackpackGearTest@yahoogroups.com, Derek Hansen
<derek.hansen@...> wrote:
>
> I just flew back from a business trip in Chicago and wasn't able
to
> make these edits as quickly as I would have liked. I was hoping
to
> have my second OR posted before 2008. Oy veh!
>
> Thank you, André, for your edits. I've made all the hard edits
and
> have reposted my report here:
>
> http://tinyurl.com/2q62ur
>
> The "cm" measurement on my shoe size is the international
standard
> for Japan. I wasn't sure what you needed or not, so I added it. I
> will remove it if you feel it is unnecessary.
>
> As for my backpacking background, I made a few extra edits for
> clarity. For one, I changed "two years ago" to "2005." This will
make
> more sense in future years. I also modified "week-long" to "multi-
> day" to be more accurate (I was using "week" loosely as 5-7 days,
but
> in looking back, I know my pack weight was on the low end). I
feel
> better about this edit and hope it works better for everyone.
>
> I pack 64 oz (~ 2 L) of water on my short or long treks.
>
> Oh, and sorry about the temperature conversions—I'm still
figuring
> out the program's complexity!
>
> Respectfully (re-) submitted,
>
> ~derek
>
> # # #
>
>
> OWNER REVIEW: REI Merino Wool Light Hiker II Socks - Crew
>
> DATE: December 12, 2007
>
>
>
>
>   ----------
>
>
>
>
> Photo courtesy REI
>
> TESTER INFORMATION
>
> Name: Derek Hansen
> Age: 32
> Gender: Male
> Height: 5' 10" (1.78 m)
> Weight: 165 lb (75 kg)
> Shoe Size: US 9.5, EU 43, 27.5 cm
> Email address: derek(dee-oh-tee)hansen(at)mac(dee-oh-tee)com
> City, State, Country: Alexandria, Virginia, USA
>
> BACKPACKING BACKGROUND
>
> I began serious backpacking in 2005 after becoming a Scoutmaster
for
> a local Boy Scout troop. I overnight camp at least once a month
with
> two or three week-long high adventure treks every year. I keep my
> multi-day pack under 30 lb (13 kg), including consumables. I use
a
> hammock year-round.
>
> PRODUCT INFORMATION
>
> Manufacturer: Recreation Equipment, Inc. (REI)
> URL: http://www.rei.com
> Product: REI Merino Wool Light Hiker II Socks - Crew
> Year manufactured: 2006-07
> Weight listed: N/A
> Weight per pair (measured): 1.8 oz (51 g)
> Size Reviewed: Large
> Other sizes available: Medium, Large, Extra-Large
> Color reviewed: Moss (also available in Navy/Denim)
> Fit: Unisex
> Fabric: 78% merino wool; 20% nylon; 2% Lycra spandex
> Country of Origin: Made in the USA
> MSRP: US$9.50
>
> Sizing Chart
>
> The following chart explains the sizing used by REI and is listed
in
> US sizes.
>
> Sock Sizes    S        M         L         XL
> Women's       4-6      6.5-10    10.5-12
> Men's                  5-8.5     9-12      13-15
> Courtesy REI
>
> PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
>
> The REI Merino Wool Light Hiker II Sock is a wool-blended crew
sock
> referred by the manufacturer as "[a] lightweight cushioned [sock]…
> perfect fit for hiking and backpacking."
>
> The naturally wicking wool fibers are combined with nylon and
lycra
> spandex for better fit and comfort. Most of the spandex material
is
> located around the arch, which keeps the sock from sliding around
and
> keeps the fit snug. The ball and heel are reinforced. The letters
> "REI" are woven prominently near the toe.
>
> FIELD USE CONDITIONS
>
> I have used the Light Hiker socks for the past year in all of my
> backpacking and camping adventures with and without the Scouts.
Most
> of these treks were weekend hikes and camps in the Northern
Virginia
> area at an average elevation of 200 ft (61 m) and temperatures
> ranging from 20 to 90 F (-6.8 to 32 C).
>
> In addition, I used the Light Hiker socks during a week-long camp
in
> Pine Valley Mountain (on the geologic boundary of the Colorado
> Plateau and the Great Basin) and experienced brutal daily
temperature
> shifts from 20 to 100 F (-6.8 to 38 C) at an elevation of 4,500
ft
> (1,372 m). Trail conditions were very dry and dusty.
>
> I also used the socks at another week-long camp in Northern Utah
at
> the base of Mount Timpanogos, elevation 11,749 ft (3581 m), the
> second-highest peak in the Wasatch Range. Most of the activities
were
> at base camp–elevation 7,000 ft (2134 m)–with a short 8-mile
(12.88
> km) hike to some local waterfalls. Daily temperatures ranged from
50
> to 80 F (10 to 26 C). The terrain was well-worn dirt footpath
with
> some minor rock scrambling over avalanche areas with some talus
and
> scree.
>
> FIELD USE RESULTS
>
> I purchased the Light Hiker crew socks while trying to outfit
myself
> for an upcoming trek. I was looking for a wool-blend sock at a
good
> price point. The Light Hikers fit the bill and I have not been
> disappointed. These socks are my first pick when I go out on a
trek.
>
> I have always worn these socks with a wicking polyester liner and
I
> typically wear a heavy all-leather boot. The socks breath very
well
> and maintain a moderate temperature; I've never felt overly hot
or
> cold in the field conditions mentioned.
>
> One of the first things I noticed when I put the socks on for the
> first time was the spandex "snug" fit around my foot arch. It took
a
> little getting used to, as I have never had a sock with this
feature
> before. This fit, however, was ultimately very comfortable and I
> liked the feeling of added support.
>
> When at base camp, I often switched into my lightweight Crocs
shoes.
> The Light Hikers felt great, but I noticed that the toe would
> sometimes bunch up, due in part to the elastic fit around the arch.
>
> Even after multiple washings, the socks maintain their size and
fit.
>
> SUMMARY
>
> The REI Merino Wool Light Hiker II Sock is an all-around well-
> balanced, economical wool-blend sock. The elastic fit around the
arch
> adds support but can bunch up the toe material.
>
> ROSES
>
> 1. Merino wool is cool, comfortable, and itch-free
> 2. Snug arch-support
> 3. Price
> THORNS
>
> 1. Toe material sometimes bunches up in front of the arch-support
> spandex
>
> Updated: Sat, Dec 22, 2007 at 09:03 AM
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

> EDIT: OR Teko Light Hiking Socks Jenn K.

This is the official Edit for Jenn K.'s Owner Review of the Teko
EcoMerino Wool Women's Light Hiking Socks

Jenn, thanks for your excellent OR. Just one Edit, below.
I am uncertain where this report should go. It seems to be the 2007
version (and women's version) of a sock we tested in 2005. I'd put
it in the same folder, only they seem to have changed the makeup of
the sock. Checking their website, this seems to be true for the
version we tested, as well. I'm taking this to BGTWeb and hope we'll
find an answer there. I feel a bit stupid obsessing about which
folder a sock report should go into...
I hope you had a good trip and wish you a happy 2008!

André
OR Editor

--- In BackpackGearTest@yahoogroups.com, "Jenn K." <jennksnowy@...>
wrote:
<snip>
> On the lateral and medial sides of the socks there are air vents
on
> each side. These air vents are a slightly darker color than the
rest
> of the sock and are triangular shaped. They also have a Lin Toe
flat
> toe seam.

Comment: A what? I'm assuming this is a technical term I'm not aware
of. As such, it does not *need* to be explained. I'm a veteran sock
tester, but also a foreigner - maybe other readers will know what
you're talking about.

<snip>

> I have now have five different models of Teko socks and I love
them
> all.

EDIT: though one of the "have"s up there seems superfluous.

  I like the fact that by wearing these socks I am being green
> and doing my part in conserving resources.

Comment: That works for me, too. Though I find it strange how being
green about my sock choice can give me such a warm, fuzzy glow while
laying down the dough when my choice of car, energy-saving light
bulbs and line drying over machine drying don't. Go figure.

<snip>

Thanks, André! I've uploaded my second OR and am plugging away at
reading the 'newbie' material. Yeeha!

~derek


On Jan 2, 2008, at 3:36 AM, André Corterier wrote:

> Derek, go ahead and upload your OR to the folder here:
> http://tinyurl.com/2djl7k



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

My second Owner Review is posted in the test folder for the Granite Gear Vapor
Trail backpack.

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/test/OWNER%20REVIEWS/OR%20-%20Granite%20\
Gear%20Vapor%20Trail%20-%20Nancy%20Griffith/

Tiny url
http://tinyurl.com/yphfx3


GRANITE GEAR VAPOR TRAIL
BY NANCY GRIFFITH
OR
January 02, 2008

TESTER INFORMATION

NAME: Nancy Griffith
EMAIL: bkpkrgirl@...
AGE: 41
LOCATION: Northern California
GENDER: f
HEIGHT: 5' 6" (1.68 m)
WEIGHT: 132 lb (59.90 kg)

I've been backpacking since my college days in Pennsylvania and since then in
Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and now in the Sierra Nevada of California. 
Most of my trips are section hikes or loops from a few days to a week.  I mostly
hike in the summer and fall.  I've recently discovered the virtues of lightening
the load by updating some older gear, but I'm not an ultralight backpacker …yet.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Manufacturer: Granite Gear
Year of Manufacture: 2007
Manufacturer's Website: <<HYPERLINK GOES HERE - "http://www.granitegear.com"
LINK TEXT = "www.granitegear.com">>
MSRP: US$160
Listed Weight: 30.4 oz (862 g)
Measured Weight: 30.4 oz (862 g)
Other details:  Tested version was Short Torso size
The Granite Gear Vapor Trail pack has one large compartment that is accessed
only from the top which is closed with a drawstring, then by rolling the excess
material and securing two straps; one strap front to back and one strap from
side to side.  There is no top lid compartment.  The main compartment has a
volume of approximately 2600 cu in (42.6 L) with the remainder in the extension
sleeve for a total of 3,300 cu. in. (54 L) (short size).  There are two side
pockets made of stretchy material.  Inside the main compartment is a pocket with
compression straps for a hydration pack and a hydration port on one side.  The
shoulder strap is attached (non-adjustable).  The suspension system can be
adjusted at the shoulders with load lifter straps and at the hip belt with
stabilizer straps.
<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 1">>

FIELD USE

Field information
I first used the Vapor Trail on an overnight backpacking trip on the Tahoe Rim
Trail (Northern Sierra Nevada mountains, CA) from 7300 - 8350' (2225 - 2545 m). 
It was summer with temperatures in the 50's - 80's F (10 - 27 C).   The humidity
was low with no rain.
I also used it on a week-long trip in King's Canyon National Park (Southern
Sierra Nevada mountains, CA) from 5,000 - 11,978' (1524 - 3651 m).  The
temperatures were in the 30's - 80's F (0 - 26.7 C).  There was no rain the
entire week and only one day of threatening rain.  Nights were clear.
Lighter weight backpacking is the way to go!  This pack saved me over 5 lb (2.27
kg) in pack weight alone.  That I LOVE.  Of course there are compromises that
must be made for this weight savings.  For one, it is not as durable as my old
pack both in terms of handling abrasion and in terms of handling over stuffing. 
Secondly, the one main compartment (without any pack top compartment) requires
some ingenuity in how to store/find smaller items.
As for durability, I had to develop the habit of setting down my pack with the
strap side down and to carefully pack so that hard items are not directly
touching the inside of the pack.  I once set my pack down such that the back
rubbed a granite boulder.  The bear canister inside (with no soft padding around
it) caused an abrasion on the pack.  See photo <<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT =
"IMAGE 2"  IMAGE CAPTION = "Abrasion close-up">>.
For packing small items, I started carrying my most often used items in my pants
pockets.  The others I placed in the elastic pockets on one side of the pack. 
The other elastic pocket I used for fuel and/or a Nalgene bottle.  NOTE:  the
elastic pockets have a hole about 1" (2.5 cm) long on the bottom corner of one
side, so I had to be careful not to put too small of items near that area or
they could fall out.  I found it to work fine to just place them to the other
side of that same pocket and the elastic held them in place.  It was difficult
to access the pockets while wearing the pack, so I either took it off or had my
partner do it.
I used the space between the straps and pack for holding either my 60 oz (1.8 L)
or 100 oz (3 L) hydration bladder.  It helped to get all of the air out before
trying to stuff it in.  Inserting the bladder before loading the pack also
helped.  I never used the inside pocket for the hydration bladder for fear of a
water leak, but I did find it useful for small items that are rarely used but
need to be handy in a hurry such as my first aid kit, ace bandage and
occasionally, map.
My old Madden pack is infinitely adjustable with gel padded shoulder straps, so
I expected the Vapor Trail to be less comfortable.  However, surprisingly I
found the Vapor Trail to be more comfortable and didn't cause the usual hip and
shoulder sore spots.  This was probably just due to my lower overall pack
weight.  I do wish the shoulder straps were adjustable, but the pack was still
very comfortable.  It did take some pack content re-organization to get the
comfort-level just right.  On the first trip, I had some heavier items too low
in the pack and it was making me feel like I was being pulled backwards.  Now I
pack light clothes/sleeping bag at the bottom, heavier cookset/stove higher and
between my shoulder blades with lighter items toward the outside.
The 3,300 cu. in.. (54 L) (short size) includes the extension sleeve.  However,
only a portion of the extension could be used while allowing enough material to
roll down to maintain water resistance.  Also, the straps are not long enough to
clip if I filled the entire extension sleeve.  My gear fit easily in the main
portion, so I didn't use the extension sleeve.

SUMMARY

Overall, I would recommend this pack for anyone who is able to downsize on the
amount of gear hauled.  It works very well with a small load (that can fit in
the main compartment of approx. 2600 cu in (42.6 L).  Its durability and comfort
seem well suited for this type of load.  I carried up to 26.5 lb (12 kg) of gear
in this pack with no problems.  My hiking partner carried up to 33.5 lb (15.2
kg) in the Regular Torso size which fit in the main compartment with ease and
was comfortable.
My favorite thing about the pack is that it keeps me from packing too much gear!
Granite Gear claims that 40% of AT thru hikers use this pack.  Whether that is
true or not, it means that even a thru hiker can fit everything needed in this
pack.  I saw a PCT thru hiker using this pack this summer.

THINGS I LIKE

Light weight
Very comfortable
Hydration bladder pocket

THINGS I DON'T LIKE

Lighter duty durability
Lack of pockets for organization

SIGNATURE

Nancy Griffith



This report was created with the BGT Report Generator.
Copyright 2008.  All rights reserved.


      
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In BackpackGearTest@yahoogroups.com, "edwardripleyduggan" <erd@...>
wrote:
>
> Ray--one edit. Good to go otherwise!

Thanks Ted,

I will get both of them up today.

Ray

Ray Estrella BIP

And sitting in an airport trying to catch up.

Ray

Hi Johanna,

Your review looks good. I see two problems. Once they are fixed post a
new HTML to the "Owner Reviews" test folder (not the "Tests" test
folder) so I can check the link. Let me know here once it is up.

Ray


EDIT: your manufacturer link does not go to msrcorp.com like it should.

***The tent is very roomy inside. At 5'8" (172 cm), I have about a foot
of usable room at both my head and feet

EDIT: you need a metric conversion number for the "foot" also

Hi Ken,

OK, this looks good. Please place a HTML copy in the Owner Review
Test Folder. It is found at the end of the list of reviews on the
main page or here;

http://tinyurl.com/4mfwa

The free BGT Report Writer for HTML creation may be found here;

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/lesson.php?lesson=RR&page=1

If you require assistance with your upload, please ask in our Yahoo!
support group,

BGTFileUploadHelp;

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BGTFileUploadHelp/?yguid=209560176


Please let me have a link to the review or at least the name once you
have it uploaded.

Ray

Jenn K. is officially BIP


      
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

André

I put the edited version of the Teko Sock OR in the Owner Review
folder. You may want to look at it since I added additional
information on the Lin Toe seams. From what I can tell these seams
are common on socks.

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/test/OWNER%20REVIEWS/OR%
20Teko%20Socks%20Jenn%20K/

or

http://tinyurl.com/2lu9kb



Please let me know when the folder is available for me to post the
socks and where I should be posting it to.

Thank you

Jenn

--- In BackpackGearTest@yahoogroups.com, André Corterier
<andre.corterier@...> wrote:
>
> > EDIT: OR Teko Light Hiking Socks Jenn K.
>
> This is the official Edit for Jenn K.'s Owner Review of the Teko
> EcoMerino Wool Women's Light Hiking Socks
>
> Jenn, thanks for your excellent OR. Just one Edit, below.
> I am uncertain where this report should go. It seems to be the
2007
> version (and women's version) of a sock we tested in 2005. I'd put
> it in the same folder, only they seem to have changed the makeup
of
> the sock. Checking their website, this seems to be true for the
> version we tested, as well. I'm taking this to BGTWeb and hope
we'll
> find an answer there. I feel a bit stupid obsessing about which
> folder a sock report should go into...
> I hope you had a good trip and wish you a happy 2008!
>
> André
> OR Editor
>
> --- In BackpackGearTest@yahoogroups.com, "Jenn K." <jennksnowy@>
> wrote:
> <snip>
> > On the lateral and medial sides of the socks there are air vents
> on
> > each side. These air vents are a slightly darker color than the
> rest
> > of the sock and are triangular shaped. They also have a Lin Toe
> flat
> > toe seam.
>
> Comment: A what? I'm assuming this is a technical term I'm not
aware
> of. As such, it does not *need* to be explained. I'm a veteran
sock
> tester, but also a foreigner - maybe other readers will know what
> you're talking about.
>
> <snip>
>
> > I have now have five different models of Teko socks and I love
> them
> > all.
>
> EDIT: though one of the "have"s up there seems superfluous.
>
>  I like the fact that by wearing these socks I am being green
> > and doing my part in conserving resources.
>
> Comment: That works for me, too. Though I find it strange how
being
> green about my sock choice can give me such a warm, fuzzy glow
while
> laying down the dough when my choice of car, energy-saving light
> bulbs and line drying over machine drying don't. Go figure.
>
> <snip>
>

Owner Review Columbia Sportswear Bora Bora Booney Hat

Reviewer Information

Name:  Todd A.YoderAge: 46Gender: MaleHeight: 6' 2" (1.88 Meters)Weight: 195
Pounds (88 Kilograms)Email address: pyroman589@..., State, Country:
Fort Smith, AR. USA Date: December 30, 2007

Backpacking Background:  I am a full time firefighter and am on our Rough
Terrain Rescue Team, I am also a scoutmaster with the boyscouts.  Our troop
started backpacking about five years ago.  I mostly hike extended weekend trips
that last 3 – 4 days.  I would consider myself a mid to lightweight backpacker. 
I normally hike in the Ozark and Quachita mountains from early fall to late
spring.

Product Information:Manufacturer:  Columbia URL: http://www.columbia.com

The inner tags (there are 3 of them!) notes that the outer shell is 100% nylon,
and the mesh lining is 100% polyester. It directs you to hand wash and line dry.
The underside of the brim is black to reduce glare and the inner hat is lined
with a moisture-wicking polyester sweatband with a cooling mesh upper panel in
the hood.
The hat is listed for $25.00 but I’ve found it as low as $19.95.  The hat comes
in one-size fits all with an adjustable draw cord and toggle that cinches the
hat around your brow.  The adjustable chinstrap comes in handy in windy
conditions. The brim is 2.7” (6.86 cm) and weighs 3.1 oz (88 g).  The hat comes
in a variety of colors, island orange, fossil, suede, sage, blue frost,
fossil/black and sage/black.

I love this hat!  It is my second Bora Bora; I lost my first one several years
ago while on a camping trip  This hat has followed me through the Boundary
Waters of Minnesota, the Teton’s of Wyoming, and the Waimea Canyon, "The Grand
Canyon of the Pacific." in Kauai.   This hat is lightweight but protects me from
the sun and keeps me dry in light rainstorms.  In the hot summer days the hat
keeps me cool do to the vented mesh panel.  The hat can be hot when doing
strenuous activities but this is when the chinstrap comes in handy as I can
slide the hat off and let my head cool.  The hat does not keep me warm in the
cold weather but I take along a beanie to wear under the hat to keep me warmer. 
The adjustable draw cord works well with this as it can adjust to the additional
bulk under the hat.
  Over all this is a great hat that provides great protection from the sun.  I
wear this hat every time I go out into the wilderness whether it’s canoeing,
backpacking or just camping.
_________________________________________________________________
Get the power of Windows + Web with the new Windows Live.
http://www.windowslive.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM_Wave2_powerofwindows_122007

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Jetboil Personal Cooking System (PCS) with coffee press

Name: Peter Spiller
Age: 37
Gender: Male
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 190
Email address: phspiller@...
City, State, Country: La Mesa, CA U.S.
Date: December 28, 2007

Backpacking Background: I have been camping and hiking avidly since I
was a child.  In the last several years I have become more passionate
about backpacking and kayaking, and have become a Chapter Outing Leader
for the Sierra Club. I am also the Car-Camp Coordinator for the
"Wilderness Basics" course held each year in San Diego, CA.  I
day hike most every weekend in San Diego County both alone, with other
adults, and with my small children.  I also plan and execute several
longer-term trips each year, including a trip into the Grand Canyon,
many multi-day trips to the Anza-Borrego Dessert, and Snowshoeing in the
Sierra Nevada's, and a father-daughter trip to Yosemite.


    Product information
        a.  Jetboil
        c. http://www.jetboil.com
        d. listed weight: 15 oz (425 g)
        e. Delivered Weight: 15 oz (425 g)/ 17 oz (482 g)  (with coffee
press)
        f. (from the website) The original Jetboil has sparked a
revolution in outdoor cooking. Boiling two cups in two minutes at 75-80%
efficiency, the PCS is twice as fast and uses half as much fuel as
conventional stoves. The PCS boils up to 50 cups (12 Liters) of water
from only one Jetpower isobutane/propane micro-canister. Such
outstanding performance results from the patent-pending FluxRing™
heat exchanger, which captures and focuses the burner's heat.
PCS

The PCS integrates a 1 liter insulated hard-anodized aluminum cooking
cup, high-performance burner base with built-in piezoelectric igniter,
drink-through plastic lid, and protective bottom cover that doubles as a
measuring cup. With all components, including fuel, packed comfortably
within the cooking cup, the entire PCS is smaller than a Nalgene bottle.
Stow it in your pack, saddlebag, kayak, fanny pack, or side pocket –
take it anywhere. At 15 ounces, Jetboil PCS rivals the very lightest
titanium cooksets and micro-canister stoves.

        Field information:

        a. The Jetboil I have tested has primarily been used in two
different geographic locations.  The first being San Diego County,
including the Anza-Borrego Desert, and the Laguna Mountain range. I also
used it in the Sierra Nevadas in central California.
        b. The geography ranges from mild sea level chaparral, to the
severe winter mountain climates.
        c. I have used the Jetboil during all four seasons including
summer trips in the Sierras in mild weather, hot San Diego fall trips,
winter snow camping above 9,000 feet (2800 m) in the Sierras to mild
spring weather in the Laguna Mountains.
        d. I received the Jetboil personal cooking system with a the
accessory coffee press as a gift from my children for Christmas 2006,
and it has been used on more than a dozen trips in the last year.  It
has been my primary backpacking stove since I received it, and has been
used in a variety of conditions.  Its primary use has been to boil water
to prepare meals and make evening tea, as well as brewing my morning
coffee.  The unit has performed flawlessly in mild conditions, and has
performed admirably is more severe conditions.

      The first set of trips I used my jetboil in were during a series of
overnight backpacking trips to the Anza-Borrego Desert, in which the
weather never got below freezing, and there were never any
precipitation.   The unit worked as advertised during these trips,
boiling water rapidly, lighting and adjusting perfectly.  I did find
during these trips, it is critical to pay attention to the unit when
boiling water, as it will boil quickly, and the narrow dimensions of the
cup will allow you to boil water right out of the top. There is a
1-liter mark on the approximately half-way up the inside of the cup, and
this is the maximum amount of water it can boil without overflowing.   I
also found that using fine ground coffee with the press will allow the
grounds to escape, leaving a crunchy residue to your morning brew.  I
also found that the canister will leave a rust ring on the inside of the
cup if you pack it right side up with residual moisture in the cup. I
began to pack the canister in an open Ziploc to prevent this problem.
Jetboil suggests on their website that packing the canister upside down
in the cup will also prevent this problem.

      The second set of conditions I used the unit in was during an
overnight winter snowshoe trip in the Sierras, with the weather being
fairly cold, and the overnight temps dropping below freezing.  I used
the Jetboil as a means for melting snow for drinking and cooking.  The
cold and/or altitude drastically lengthened the time it took to boil
water.  Although, the time was still comparable to the time it took the
white gas stoves to boil water in the same conditions. The difference
was that the white gas stoves were heating a larger volume of water.  I
did keep my gas canisters warm by keeping them inside my coat during
hiking, and at the foot of my sleeping bag overnight, and insulated the
cannister from the snow using a small piece of closed cell foam.   It
was also important to "prime" the pot of snow with a little
water to get it melting.

      The third set of relevant conditions occurred during a multi-day
trip with my 6-year old daughter in Yosemite National Park in August.
We used the Jetboil as the only method of cooking during our 4-day trek.
Fortunately, we are both moderate in our cooking needs while camping,
and the Jetboil PCS worked well for both of us.  The weather was very
mild during our trek, but we were in altitude including a night over
8,000 ft (2400m), but this did not seem to affect the units ability to
boil water quickly, and I was able so satisfy the my personal morning
coffee needs, as well as my daughters hot-chocolate needs is short time
with the rapid boiling time of the Jetboil.


Conclusion:

The Jetboil Personal Cooking System is an outstanding unit for a
backpacker requiring a basic food preparation stove that is very easy to
use, fairly light, packs up compactly, and boils water quickly.  If you
have only one stove, the Jetboil would be hard to beat for its strong
combination of features.   What follow is a pro and con list of the
Jetboil as I experienced them over the last 12-months:

Pros:

-    Very easy to use
-    Self-contained fuel canisters
-    Boils water extremely fast
-    Packs down into one self contained unit
-    Built in ignition (no matches or lighters needed)
-    Heat output easily adjusted from rolling boil to simmer
-    Works well in light wind, and only needs a wind screen in very
windy days


Cons:
-    not very stable as equipped (you need to purchase a support
separately to make it stable)
-    Small capacity cooking vessel 32oz (1L)
-    Plastic measuring cup/flux ring protector comes off very easily
when in pack or transporting.
-    Reduced performance in cold weather




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Owner Review Salomon XA Pro 3D Trail Running Shoes
Friday, December 21, 2007

Reviewer Information
Name: Chris Salamasick
Age: 22
Gender: Male
Height: 1.88 m (6’ 2”)
Weight: 76 kg (167 lb)
Email: chrissalamasick@...
City: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Backpacking Background
I have been hiking for about 1.5 years, and trail
running and mountain biking for about 6 years.  I
predominantly run on a regular basis (usually 6-20
miles), and cross country ski.  Most of my activities
tend to be solo, and tend to be shorter trips (1-5
days).

I generally carry a lightweight pack of about 15 kg.
(33 lbs.) for hiking, or a small pack for trail runs
(water and food).  On the majority of runs (under 15
miles), I only carry a water belt.

Product Information
Manufacturer: Salomon
Manufacturer's URL: www.salomonsports.com
Year of manufacturer: 2005
Color: pewter/asphalt
Weight: 383 g (13.5 oz.) per shoe, based on size 9
Year of Purchase: 2005
Model: XA Pro 3D
MSRP: $100

The XA Pro 3D is considered a lightweight
trail-running shoe.  The shoe fits true to size in the
size 13.  It also comes in a pewter/blue and
pewter/black color, as well as another version with
gore-tex.

The sole of the shoe is made of Salomon’s contragrip
rubber, which seems slightly softer with more grip
than some other brands.  The Ortholite insoles provide
plenty of additional cushioning to the shoe.  It also
uses a nylon plate in its 3D Advanced Chassis support
system.  The shoe features mesh uppers, and toe and
heel caps for protection again debris.

One of the most notable features of the shoe is its
Kevlar Quickfit lacing system, which tightens with a
simple pinch and pull of the lacing system.  It
secures the foot very well without slippage, and seems
to give more lateral support than traditional lacing
systems.

Test Location
I have used these shoes in a wide variety of
locations, such as rough hiking terrain, sand dunes,
and icy roads and sidewalks.  I have typically used
them for runs up to 15 miles long, and also for day
walks through cities.  Given that I am on my third
pair, I have likely put 500+ miles of running and
walking into this pair.

On the trail, these shoes are very light but still
provide all of the support and traction that I need.
The sole is plenty stiff to handle rocks and roots.
In rainy and wet conditions, I find my feet getting
fairly wet, and would therefore strongly consider the
gore-tex version in the future.  The other issue I
have found with the breathable mesh is that when
running or hiking in sand dunes, the shoes quickly
fill up with sand.

I have found the contragrip soles to give exceptional
traction in wet and icy conditions.  The soles wear
fairly slowly given the softness of the sole, and
there is still tread left on mine after many miles.  I
have found that I like to use these rather than
regular running shoes after a snow or ice storm
because of the superior traction, as well as the
support on my ankles.

In terms of wear, the major issue I have found is in
the inner heel area of the shoe.  The XA Pro 3D uses a
hard nylon/plastic material to provide ankle and heel
support.  Over time, the inner material has worn
through to the plastic.  This has exposed the plastic,
which digs into the heel and quickly creates blisters.
  Another area of noted wear is on the mesh on the top
of the toe box.  Each corner wear the shoe flexes with
each step is beginning to tear open slightly, which
may be expected with the extensive usage.

I have also broken the laces on one of the three pairs
I own.  When this happens, Salomon will send you free
new laces to replace the old ones.  I found that
replacing them was slightly more time consuming than I
would have liked, but it solves the problem.

Over time, I have started using these for everyday
wear and walking (rather than running, as I try to
replace my running shoes with wear).  I really like
wearing these versus other shoes, as they provide my
ankles with great support if I’m on rough terrain, and
great overall support for long walks.

Things I have liked
•The quick lace system- although I broke a set, I
think these laces are far superior to traditional
lacing systems, and really do help with foot and ankle
stability.
•Contragrip soles- These have proven to give me good
traction in all conditions, and have lasted fairly
long
•Lightweight cushioning-  These provide me with a good
level of cushioning for very little weight that I feel
is fine tuned for trail runs.
Things I have disliked
•The durability of the inner-material in the shoe-  I
have worn through the heel area, exposing the
plastic/nylon heel support.
•Odor issues-  The shoe seems to hold odor more than I
have with some other running shoes, or my hiking
boots.  I think improvements could be made here.



      
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PLEASE READ THIS EMAIL IN FULL. IT IS MOST IMPORTANT!

Thanks for your Owner's Review.  It has been added to the Owner
Review Queue and will be picked up by an Edit Moderator soon.  Do
not worry if nothing happens with it for several days.  All our
Editors are volunteers and your report will be subject to an
official edit within fourteen days. If you have not had a response
from an Edit Moderator via the Yahoo Groups list within this
timeframe, please let me know directly at jdeben@....

To assist in this process, if this is your first Owner Review we ask
that you post only ONE Owner Review for edit at a time. Our
experience is that it is more efficient for both the Editors and
yourself, if you post your first review, have it edited, approved
and uploaded before you post your second and subsequent reviews.
This way we can work with you on addressing any standard BGT policy
edits which you can incorporate into your second and subsequent
reviews before submission.

If you are new to BackpackGearTest.org, welcome to the community!
The Editors will work with you, within their own time constraints,
to get your first two Owner Reviews approved and upload in a timely
manner.  Once these first two Owner Reviews have been approved and
you have submitted your Tester Agreement you will be eligible to
start applying for Tests. If you'd like more assistance or guidance
with the process you can request a mentor by sending an email to
Jenn K., the mentor coordinator, at (mentor (at)
backpackgeartest.org).

You may receive edits or comments from other members of the group.
These edits and comments, while not official, should be considered
carefully, and if you find them substantial, revise and re-post your
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will usually result in a better review, as well as making things
easier for the official Editor. Please put REVISED in the subject
line of your re-submitted review if you take this route or make any
changes to your review BEFORE the review has been taken by an Edit
Moderator.

Additionally, it is important for you to monitor the Yahoo Groups
list to keep track of the progress of your Owner Review.  Once an
Editor has taken your OR and made the necessary edits they will post
their comments to the list with EDIT in the subject line.  Once you
have incorporated these edits into your review please use REPOST in
the subject line. When your OR has been approved by the Editor they
will use APPROVED in the subject line.

If you'd like to keep track of the progress of your OR, the entire
Owner Review Queue is posted to this yahoo group list on Fridays.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask via
the list or contact me directly.

Regards
Jamie DeBenedetto
Edit Administration Manager

PLEASE READ THIS EMAIL IN FULL. IT IS MOST IMPORTANT!

Thanks for your Owner's Review.  It has been added to the Owner
Review Queue and will be picked up by an Edit Moderator soon.  Do
not worry if nothing happens with it for several days.  All our
Editors are volunteers and your report will be subject to an
official edit within fourteen days. If you have not had a response
from an Edit Moderator via the Yahoo Groups list within this
timeframe, please let me know directly at jdeben@....

To assist in this process, if this is your first Owner Review we ask
that you post only ONE Owner Review for edit at a time. Our
experience is that it is more efficient for both the Editors and
yourself, if you post your first review, have it edited, approved
and uploaded before you post your second and subsequent reviews.
This way we can work with you on addressing any standard BGT policy
edits which you can incorporate into your second and subsequent
reviews before submission.

If you are new to BackpackGearTest.org, welcome to the community!
The Editors will work with you, within their own time constraints,
to get your first two Owner Reviews approved and upload in a timely
manner.  Once these first two Owner Reviews have been approved and
you have submitted your Tester Agreement you will be eligible to
start applying for Tests. If you'd like more assistance or guidance
with the process you can request a mentor by sending an email to
Jenn K., the mentor coordinator, at (mentor (at)
backpackgeartest.org).

You may receive edits or comments from other members of the group.
These edits and comments, while not official, should be considered
carefully, and if you find them substantial, revise and re-post your
review. Incorporating member edits and re-submitting to the list
will usually result in a better review, as well as making things
easier for the official Editor. Please put REVISED in the subject
line of your re-submitted review if you take this route or make any
changes to your review BEFORE the review has been taken by an Edit
Moderator.

Additionally, it is important for you to monitor the Yahoo Groups
list to keep track of the progress of your Owner Review.  Once an
Editor has taken your OR and made the necessary edits they will post
their comments to the list with EDIT in the subject line.  Once you
have incorporated these edits into your review please use REPOST in
the subject line. When your OR has been approved by the Editor they
will use APPROVED in the subject line.

If you'd like to keep track of the progress of your OR, the entire
Owner Review Queue is posted to this yahoo group list on Fridays.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask via
the list or contact me directly.

Regards
Jamie DeBenedetto
Edit Administration Manager

PLEASE READ THIS EMAIL IN FULL. IT IS MOST IMPORTANT!

Thanks for your Owner's Review.  It has been added to the Owner
Review Queue and will be picked up by an Edit Moderator soon.  Do
not worry if nothing happens with it for several days.  All our
Editors are volunteers and your report will be subject to an
official edit within fourteen days. If you have not had a response
from an Edit Moderator via the Yahoo Groups list within this
timeframe, please let me know directly at jdeben@....

To assist in this process, if this is your first Owner Review we ask
that you post only ONE Owner Review for edit at a time. Our
experience is that it is more efficient for both the Editors and
yourself, if you post your first review, have it edited, approved
and uploaded before you post your second and subsequent reviews.
This way we can work with you on addressing any standard BGT policy
edits which you can incorporate into your second and subsequent
reviews before submission.

If you are new to BackpackGearTest.org, welcome to the community!
The Editors will work with you, within their own time constraints,
to get your first two Owner Reviews approved and upload in a timely
manner.  Once these first two Owner Reviews have been approved and
you have submitted your Tester Agreement you will be eligible to
start applying for Tests. If you'd like more assistance or guidance
with the process you can request a mentor by sending an email to
Jenn K., the mentor coordinator, at (mentor (at)
backpackgeartest.org).

You may receive edits or comments from other members of the group.
These edits and comments, while not official, should be considered
carefully, and if you find them substantial, revise and re-post your
review. Incorporating member edits and re-submitting to the list
will usually result in a better review, as well as making things
easier for the official Editor. Please put REVISED in the subject
line of your re-submitted review if you take this route or make any
changes to your review BEFORE the review has been taken by an Edit
Moderator.

Additionally, it is important for you to monitor the Yahoo Groups
list to keep track of the progress of your Owner Review.  Once an
Editor has taken your OR and made the necessary edits they will post
their comments to the list with EDIT in the subject line.  Once you
have incorporated these edits into your review please use REPOST in
the subject line. When your OR has been approved by the Editor they
will use APPROVED in the subject line.

If you'd like to keep track of the progress of your OR, the entire
Owner Review Queue is posted to this yahoo group list on Fridays.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask via
the list or contact me directly.

Regards
Jamie DeBenedetto
Edit Administration Manager

PLEASE READ THIS EMAIL IN FULL. IT IS MOST IMPORTANT!

Thanks for your Owner's Review.  It has been added to the Owner
Review Queue and will be picked up by an Edit Moderator soon.  Do
not worry if nothing happens with it for several days.  All our
Editors are volunteers and your report will be subject to an
official edit within fourteen days. If you have not had a response
from an Edit Moderator via the Yahoo Groups list within this
timeframe, please let me know directly at jdeben@....

To assist in this process, if this is your first Owner Review we ask
that you post only ONE Owner Review for edit at a time. Our
experience is that it is more efficient for both the Editors and
yourself, if you post your first review, have it edited, approved
and uploaded before you post your second and subsequent reviews.
This way we can work with you on addressing any standard BGT policy
edits which you can incorporate into your second and subsequent
reviews before submission.

If you are new to BackpackGearTest.org, welcome to the community!
The Editors will work with you, within their own time constraints,
to get your first two Owner Reviews approved and upload in a timely
manner.  Once these first two Owner Reviews have been approved and
you have submitted your Tester Agreement you will be eligible to
start applying for Tests. If you'd like more assistance or guidance
with the process you can request a mentor by sending an email to
Jenn K., the mentor coordinator, at (mentor (at)
backpackgeartest.org).

You may receive edits or comments from other members of the group.
These edits and comments, while not official, should be considered
carefully, and if you find them substantial, revise and re-post your
review. Incorporating member edits and re-submitting to the list
will usually result in a better review, as well as making things
easier for the official Editor. Please put REVISED in the subject
line of your re-submitted review if you take this route or make any
changes to your review BEFORE the review has been taken by an Edit
Moderator.

Additionally, it is important for you to monitor the Yahoo Groups
list to keep track of the progress of your Owner Review.  Once an
Editor has taken your OR and made the necessary edits they will post
their comments to the list with EDIT in the subject line.  Once you
have incorporated these edits into your review please use REPOST in
the subject line. When your OR has been approved by the Editor they
will use APPROVED in the subject line.

If you'd like to keep track of the progress of your OR, the entire
Owner Review Queue is posted to this yahoo group list on Fridays.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask via
the list or contact me directly.

Regards
Jamie DeBenedetto
Edit Administration Manager

PLEASE READ THIS EMAIL IN FULL. IT IS MOST IMPORTANT!

Thanks for your Owner's Review.  It has been added to the Owner
Review Queue and will be picked up by an Edit Moderator soon.  Do
not worry if nothing happens with it for several days.  All our
Editors are volunteers and your report will be subject to an
official edit within fourteen days. If you have not had a response
from an Edit Moderator via the Yahoo Groups list within this
timeframe, please let me know directly at jdeben@....

To assist in this process, if this is your first Owner Review we ask
that you post only ONE Owner Review for edit at a time. Our
experience is that it is more efficient for both the Editors and
yourself, if you post your first review, have it edited, approved
and uploaded before you post your second and subsequent reviews.
This way we can work with you on addressing any standard BGT policy
edits which you can incorporate into your second and subsequent
reviews before submission.

If you are new to BackpackGearTest.org, welcome to the community!
The Editors will work with you, within their own time constraints,
to get your first two Owner Reviews approved and upload in a timely
manner.  Once these first two Owner Reviews have been approved and
you have submitted your Tester Agreement you will be eligible to
start applying for Tests. If you'd like more assistance or guidance
with the process you can request a mentor by sending an email to
Jenn K., the mentor coordinator, at (mentor (at)
backpackgeartest.org).

You may receive edits or comments from other members of the group.
These edits and comments, while not official, should be considered
carefully, and if you find them substantial, revise and re-post your
review. Incorporating member edits and re-submitting to the list
will usually result in a better review, as well as making things
easier for the official Editor. Please put REVISED in the subject
line of your re-submitted review if you take this route or make any
changes to your review BEFORE the review has been taken by an Edit
Moderator.

Additionally, it is important for you to monitor the Yahoo Groups
list to keep track of the progress of your Owner Review.  Once an
Editor has taken your OR and made the necessary edits they will post
their comments to the list with EDIT in the subject line.  Once you
have incorporated these edits into your review please use REPOST in
the subject line. When your OR has been approved by the Editor they
will use APPROVED in the subject line.

If you'd like to keep track of the progress of your OR, the entire
Owner Review Queue is posted to this yahoo group list on Fridays.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask via
the list or contact me directly.

Regards
Jamie DeBenedetto
Edit Administration Manager

Here is the latest Owner Review Queue. Any uploads done after
10:00pm Pacific Time on Jan 4th, 2008 will not be noted until next
Thursday's update.

Thanks
Jamie D
Edit Admin Manager


=====================================================================
EDIT Team Members OOP (Out of Pocket)

Kathy Jan 2 to 9

=================================================================
AWAITING EDIT

BP - Chris Salamasick(1) - Salomon XA Pro 3D Trail Running Shoes -
Posted Dec 21(msg#74903)

BP - André Corterier - ASICS Gel Cumulus running shoes – Posted Jan 1
(msg#74888),

William "Dalen" Rice(1) - Princeton Tec Quad Headlamp - Posted Jan 1
(msg#74890),

Nancy Griffith(2) – [bkpkrgirl@...] - Granite Gear Vapor Trail
backpack - Posted Jan 2(msg#74894),

Peter Spiller(1) - Jetboil Personal Cooking System (PCS) with coffee
press, Posted Jan 1(msg#74902)

====================================================================
TAKEN BY AN EDITOR/EDITED

RAY - Johanna Turner(1) - MSR Missing Link Tent – Posted Nov 25
(msg#74707), Taken Dec 3, Edit Dec 3(74744), Repost Dec 10, Edit Dec
10 (74791), Repost Dec 23, Repost Dec 23(74875), Edit Jan 3(74897),

RAY - Ken Norris(1) - Black Diamond Icon Headlamp - Posted Dec 2
(7msg#74747), Taken Dec 9, Edit Dec 9(74781), Repost Dec 17, Edit
Jan 3(74898),

RAY - BP - Diana Landry(2) – [tabbycat1264@...] - Vasque Ion GTX
XCR boots - Posted Dec 5 (msg#74761), Taken Dec 11, Edit Dec 11
(74800), Repost Dec 13, Edit Dec 14(74831),

TED - BP - Raymond Estrella - SmartWool Adrenaline Light Mini Crew –
Posted Dec 8(msg#74773), Taken Dec 16,

ANDRE'- BP - Jennifer Koles – [jennksnowy@...] – Teko EcoMerino
Wool Women's Light Hiking Socks - posted Dec 21(msg#74861), OOP
until Jan 4, Taken Jan 2nd, Edit Jan 2(74892), Repost Jan 3,

=====================================================================
APPROVED AND AWAITING UPLOAD


=====================================================================
=
REVIEWS ON HOLD

Jeff Jacobs(2) - Wingnut Gear Wallet – Posted Oct 9(msg#74397),

Johanna Turner(2) - SPOT Satellite Messenger – Posted Nov 25
(msg#74708)

=================================================================
REFERRED TO MENTORING


=====================================================================
EDITED OR APPROVED; WAITING FOR WRITER'S ACTION

RAY - Hugh Teegan(1) - MPACK AQUAFLO DISPOSABLE HYDRATION SYSTEM -
Posted Oct 25(msg#74523), html link (74529), Taken Nov 5, Edit Nov 5
(74577), Repost Nov 6, Edit/Approval Nov 7(74592), up Nov 8 – issues
with name and mfr url – Ray contacted Nov 9, Url fixed Nov 10 –
still waiting on name change

PAM - Don Meredith(1) - MSR Pocket Rocket Stove - Posted Nov 24
(msg#74691), Taken Dec 2, Edit Dec 2(74739), follow up sent Dec 21

KATHY – Jeff Jacobs(1) - G-shock Mudman Watch - Posted Oct 5
(msg#74394), Taken Oct 17, Edit Oct 17(74455), Follow up Oct 26,
Repost Nov 1, Edit Nov 11(74611), follow up sent Dec 21

Hello Chris,

Thank you for your Owner Review, your initial edits will follow. They
will take the following format;

EDIT: must be changed
Edit: should be changed but will be left to your discretion
Comment: just that or something to think about

When you have made the changes please repost here with REPOST added
to the subject line. Include your name also please.

Some very helpful information may be found here;
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/lesson.php?lesson=BecomeTester&page=1

Please notice the form that the review should take in the "Examples",
you may also wish to browse the reviews of other experienced members
for examples of the proper form.

A helpful tool is the Mentoring Program that teams new reviewers with
experienced veterans to help get them through their first review(s).
If you'd like more assistance or guidance with the process you can
request a mentor by sending an email to the mentor coordinator, Jenn,
at mentor@...

Ray



***Ipredominantly run on a regular basis (usually 6-20 miles)

EDIT: you need metric conversion numbers for all weight and
measurements



***I generally carry a lightweight pack of about 15 kg. (33 lbs.) for
hiking

EDIT: no periods after the unit abbreviations; 15 kg (33 lb)



***On the majority of runs (under 15 miles), I only carry a water
belt.

EDIT: metric conversion please




***Weight: 383 g (13.5 oz.) per shoe, based on size 9

EDIT: is this your measured weight? I see that the listed weight is
395 g which needs to be here also.



***MSRP: $100

EDIT: I see no MSRP on the site. If it is not from Salomon it should
just be shown as N/A



***It also comes in a pewter/blue and pewter/black color, as well as
another version with gore-tex.

EDIT: GORE-TEX is how they spell it. Please check for all instances.



***The sole of the shoe is made of Salomon's contragrip rubber

EDIT: as it is a trademarked name it needs to be spelled the way they
have it, Contrgrip, please check for all instances, and I would
suggest saying "material" instead of rubber as I do not think it is
that. Salomon does not say it any ways.



***Test Location

EDIT: as you are reviewing these shoes, not testing them, can you
change this to Field Locations or Use Locations please?

Also you need to give some idea of where you have used them along
with some field data as far as terrain/trail types, weather
conditions, temps, elevations etc.

If you look at the examples you will see that the reviews have
sections for the product description, the field data, and the actual
review of the product.



***I have likely put 500+ miles of running and walking into this pair.

EDIT: metric conversion needed
Comment: that is some awesome wear.



***The soles wear fairly slowly given the softness of the sole, and
there is still tread left on mine after many miles.

EDIT: after many miles/kilometers

Hi André,

Thanks for the review in answer of the call, nice job. Here are your
edits after which it can go here;

http://tinyurl.com/2dvlgg

Ray



***My longest trail experience with these was one week spent on the
Rheinsteig (Rhine Trail) in Germany, during which time I walked
roughly 210 km (130 mi) in them, with about 8000 m (26000 ft) of
elevation changes.

Comment: sweet. Let's go hiking sometime…



***I have other shoes that I sometimes hike in. I have a pair of low
cut waterproof/breathable shoes and a pair of high cut (just above
the ankle) waterproof/breathable shoes. They are both heavier, but of
course waterproof. They are nearly as comfortable as my running
shoes. I tend to choose them when I know or expect that I will be
encountering a lot of rain or very muddy terrain. I tend to go for
the high cut shoes when I plan to carry a lot of weight (like my
daughter in her child carrier). These are the reasons I choose shoes
other than my running shoes, which is to say that unless there are
particular reasons to choose other shoes, I wear the Asics Gel
Cumulus running shoes to hike in.

Comment: I do not understand all the info about your other shoes.
Wouldn't it suffice to say that "While I have other shoes, unless
forced to by conditions I wear the Asics Gel Cumulus running shoes to
hike in."



***I truly feel like I'm walking on clouds - the thick, heaped
eponymous ones, too.

Comment: I think I stepped in a thick, heaped eponymous once ;-)



***I've put about 1500+ km (1000 mi) on these shoes.

Comment: Wow! I am impressed.



***and other shoes I have show much more signifcant damage

EDIT: significant



***They do comparatively okay on muddy ground - better than I had
initiatlly feared.

EDIT: initially



***Excellent runing and hiking shoes.

EDIT: running

Just letting whom ever it may concern that I recieved my Princeton Tec
fuel head lamp today...Yahh, my first official peice of gear to test.
Thank you for this oportunity.

Doug.

Owner Review: Montrail Hardrock Trail Running Shoes

Date:  January 5, 2008

Name:  Ken Norris
Age:  30
Gender:  Male
Height:  5' 5" (1.65 Meters)
Weight: 170 Pounds (77 Kilograms)
Email address:  kenjennorris@...
City, State, Country:  Carnation, Washington, USA

Backpacking Background:   I have been hiking and backpacking for the
past ten years, going on the occasional overnighter or day hike.  In
the past year or so, I have begun night hiking and long day hikes
(twenty miles or more).  These trips center on Washington's Central
Cascades, supplemented with some trips into Oregon's gorge and
outback regions – terrain characterized by steep inclines
and "moist" conditions.

Product Information:
Manufacturer:  Montrail
Model:  Hardrock Trail Running Shoes – Men's
Size:  7.5 US / 40.5 EUR
Year of Manufacture:  2007
URL:  www.montrail.com
Upper: Synthetic leather/nylon mesh
Lining: Nylon
Midsole: Dual-density EVA/gel insert
Support: Nylon posting and plate
Outsole: Rubber
Shoe type: Cushioning/stability
Average weight: 1 lb. 14 oz. /  0.85 kg (per the manufacturer)
MSRP:  $95.00 (I paid $70 – they were on sale)

Product Description:
The Montrail Hardrock trail running shoe is light weight, designed
specifically to hold at the heel.  The tread is stiff to provide
support on rugged trails, with plenty of rubber to grip on the outer
edges.

Summary:
I consider foot maintenance the most essential component of
backpacking and hiking, so finding the perfect pair of shoes is a
quest for perfection rarely attained.  These shoes met my
expectations straight out of the box:  plenty of cushion, snug fit,
ankle support, reliable traction.  In fact, my only initial qualm
was the ease with which the occasional misplaced trekking pole
pierced the mesh of the upper.  It did not take long, however,
before the cushion at the heel and sole lost its integrity.  Even
the seem at the top split.  I understand such wear and tear after
two hundred miles (322 km) or so, but I had logged almost half of
that when I decided it was time for a less painful shoe.

Test Conditions:  The primary test conditions were done in the
Central Washington Cascades.  Moderate temperatures: spring, summer,
and fall down to 30 F (-1.10 C) up to 95 F (35 C).  Typically a wet
climate.    Most of the trekking occurred on steep trails on varying
terrain, from soft pack trails to scree fields, from dry, dusty
conditions to several inches of mud and standing water.  Durations
included hikes of ten miles (16.10 km) or more and trail runs at
least thirty minutes in length.

Review:
The friends with whom I hike are adventure racers.  They enjoy
lightweight, high mileage trips where sleep is not part of the
plan.  When the trail affords the opportunity, they run it.  As a
newcomer to this type of hiking a little less than a year ago, I
asked for their advice concerning the best shoe.  Up to that point,
I had gone the traditional hiking boot route (I owned a pair of high
top Salomons that I wore until the tread split from the shoe).  They
recommended the Montrail Hardrock as the pinnacle shoe – they each
own several pairs of them.

I took them at their word, bought a pair, and was delighted that the
shoe could fit so well right out of the box.  I worried that they
would not provide the ankle support I needed, but even while running
I did not have any issues (apart from my own clumsiness).  I put
them through their paces on a couple of hikes, ranging from seven
miles to fifteen (11.27 km to 24.15 km).  The fit prompted me to
marvel at the lack of hot spots and snugness at the heel.  At this
point I had only two disappointments with the shoes.  The first came
when I misplaced a trekking pole on the top of the mesh above the
toes, resulting in an instant hole.  The second involved walked on
logs or rocks:  the hard yellow portion of the sole did not have the
same level of traction as the black outer portion.

About fifty miles (81 km) into the life of the shoe, I embraced the
notion of adventure race caliber hikes of at least twenty miles
(32.20 km) a stretch.  The Montrail Hardrock shoes had proven
themselves to my friends on similar distances, but the same would
not be true of my experience.  About eighteen miles (28.98 km) into
the first such trek, I could feel every rock and root on the
trail . . . and I still had ten miles (16.10 km) to go.  I chalked
this painful hike up to poor maintenance of foot moisture by way of
my socks, never once thinking the shoe may have worn out.

The next lengthy hike was the proverbial straw, and I was the
camel's back.  Ten miles (16.10 km) into the trip, I noticed some
general discomfort with my feet.  I again blamed my socks.  With at
least ten miles (16.10 km) left, I began hobbling.  Then, all at
once, I felt the telltale burst of a blister.  When I got home, I
had a bruised big and little toe, both bruises under the nail, and
blisters at the top of both heels.  My theory is that the size of
the shoe (coupled with the length of the hike causing my feet to
swell or at least lose their normal rigidity) prompted the
injuries.  An inspection of the heel uncovered another issue:  I no
longer had any cushioning between my heel and the plastic heel cap.
I later discovered that the Montrail Hardrock sizes run a bit small
compared to other brands – I probably should have been wearing a
size eight instead of a seven-and-a-half.

What I like:
Great fit straight out of the box
Plenty of traction
Versatile uses

What I dislike:
Wear out quickly
Heel cap lacks adequate cushioning
Can feel the trail through the sole after a long day of hiking
Easily damaged upper

Hi William

I have your OR for editing, but we would like you to put the complete HTML
in the Test/OR folder at the same time, and to include the URL to it when
you post the plain-text source here.

So, could you please do this and I will then be able to proceed with the
editing.

Cheers
Roger Caffin
BGT Editor

Please accept my application to test the Golite Adrenaline 20 Sleeping
Bag. I have read Chapter 5 of the BackpackGearTest Survival Guide
version 0609, and will follow all instructions and fulfill all
requirements.





Reviewer Information
Name: Mark McLauchlin
Age: 29
Gender: Male
Height: 1.76 m (5' 9")
Weight: 87 kg (191 lb)
Email: mark at swanvalleyit.com.au
City: Perth, Western Australia



Backpacking Background
I have been hiking for approximately 12 months with most of my hiking
consisting of day walks averaging 16 – 22 km (10 – 14 mi) and
short
overnight trips where possible.

I consider myself to be a light hiker with an average pack weight of
13 kg (29 lbs).

My preference is for hot dinners, breakfasts of cereals with fresh
fruit, and lunches usually of bars and sandwiches. I am starting to work
with freezer bag type meals.





Field Information
I intend to test the Golite sleeping bag on a few planned hiking trips.
The hiking trips will include single over night and multi day/night in
the Hills area of Perth Western Australia and the Southern regions of
the state. Average temperatures that can be expected this time of the
year range from a mean maximum temperature of 30.5 C (86 F) to mean
minimum temperature of 17.7 C(64 F), with an average elevation of 30
Meters (115 ft), however I will be attempting to camp at 580 Meters
(1903 ft).

No precipitation is not expected during the following 3 months (January
to March).

I will continue to hike during the course of this test as a light weight
hiker, average pack weight of 13 kg (28.66 lbs) and evaluate the use of
the Golite sleeping bag in three different sleeping arrangements, Henry
Shires Tarptent Double Rainbow, Light weight Hammock with Tarp and also
within the numerous huts that are found along some of the trails I
intend to hike.

The main aspects that I would like to evaluate are the packed size of
the sleeping bag as space is an important issue for my style of hiking,
the ability for the bag to be used as a semi quilt arrangement within my
hammock that does not have an under quilt so the temperature will be
significantly cooler on the lower surface of the hammock and also the
claimed advantages of a mummy shape for higher warmth efficiency as I
tend to sleep quite cold.

Previously Written Reports
Owner Reviews:

Columbia Trail Meister Hiking Shoes <http://tinyurl.com/2y3ha2>  –
October 15th 2007

Marine Blue Sunscreen with Insect Repellent <http://tinyurl.com/2ghah5>
– November 11th 2007



I have not completed nor are currently testing any items. This will be
my first application to test gear.



Thank you for your consideration,

Mark McLauchlin



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Mark - you need to send this to backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com (notice
the ERS in the address)

Leesa
List Adminsistrator

On Jan 6, 2008 6:26 AM, markmclauchlin <mark@...> wrote:

>
> Please accept my application to test the Golite Adrenaline 20 Sleeping
> Bag. I have read Chapter 5 of the BackpackGearTest Survival Guide
> version 0609, and will follow all instructions and fulfill all
> requirements.
>
> Reviewer Information
> Name: Mark McLauchlin
> Age: 29
> Gender: Male
> Height: 1.76 m (5' 9")
> Weight: 87 kg (191 lb)
> Email: mark at swanvalleyit.com.au
> City: Perth, Western Australia
>
> Backpacking Background
> I have been hiking for approximately 12 months with most of my hiking
> consisting of day walks averaging 16 – 22 km (10 – 14 mi) and
> short
> overnight trips where possible.
>
> I consider myself to be a light hiker with an average pack weight of
> 13 kg (29 lbs).
>
> My preference is for hot dinners, breakfasts of cereals with fresh
> fruit, and lunches usually of bars and sandwiches. I am starting to work
> with freezer bag type meals.
>
> Field Information
> I intend to test the Golite sleeping bag on a few planned hiking trips.
> The hiking trips will include single over night and multi day/night in
> the Hills area of Perth Western Australia and the Southern regions of
> the state. Average temperatures that can be expected this time of the
> year range from a mean maximum temperature of 30.5 C (86 F) to mean
> minimum temperature of 17.7 C(64 F), with an average elevation of 30
> Meters (115 ft), however I will be attempting to camp at 580 Meters
> (1903 ft).
>
> No precipitation is not expected during the following 3 months (January
> to March).
>
> I will continue to hike during the course of this test as a light weight
> hiker, average pack weight of 13 kg (28.66 lbs) and evaluate the use of
> the Golite sleeping bag in three different sleeping arrangements, Henry
> Shires Tarptent Double Rainbow, Light weight Hammock with Tarp and also
> within the numerous huts that are found along some of the trails I
> intend to hike.
>
> The main aspects that I would like to evaluate are the packed size of
> the sleeping bag as space is an important issue for my style of hiking,
> the ability for the bag to be used as a semi quilt arrangement within my
> hammock that does not have an under quilt so the temperature will be
> significantly cooler on the lower surface of the hammock and also the
> claimed advantages of a mummy shape for higher warmth efficiency as I
> tend to sleep quite cold.
>
> Previously Written Reports
> Owner Reviews:
>
> Columbia Trail Meister Hiking Shoes <http://tinyurl.com/2y3ha2> –
> October 15th 2007
>
> Marine Blue Sunscreen with Insect Repellent <http://tinyurl.com/2ghah5>
> – November 11th 2007
>
> I have not completed nor are currently testing any items. This will be
> my first application to test gear.
>
> Thank you for your consideration,
>
> Mark McLauchlin
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Wrong group - you need to send this to BackpackGearTesters@yahoogroups.com

(notice the ERS in the address)

Leesa
List Administration


On Jan 6, 2008 12:08 AM, dmccoy805 <dmccoy805@...> wrote:

>   Just letting whom ever it may concern that I recieved my Princeton Tec
> fuel head lamp today...Yahh, my first official peice of gear to test.
> Thank you for this oportunity.
>
> Doug.
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]