Thank you Brian.  Everything looks fine with the uploaded version.

jamie d
SCARPA mustang monitor

--- In backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com, "Brian Tannehill"
<tannehillclan@...> wrote:
>
> Done, Uploaded, Test folder deleted.
>
> On the two comments below, I think GeoCaching should be capitilized.
> Its a proper noun.
>
> I left the geocaching rating as some people dont know about the YDS
> rating or even what it is.
>
> Thanks for the quick turn on the edits.
> Brian
>

Obviously I'm not involved in this test but I thought one of Andy's
comments was not completely accurate and I decided to toss my 2 cents
in.  I don't think waiting 4 hours for a water treatment to work is
something outside of the backpacking relm.  An example of such is
quite common here in the desert where we regularly hike for several
miles in dry country to end up camping at a water source. With a
situation like this the water treatment happens at camp so waiting 4
hours is not all that big of a hardship.

I do agree with Andy that the testers shouldn't focus so much on why 4
hours is a PITB, though.  This is just how this product is designed to
work.  A comment or two on having to wait might be appropriate but not
anything beyond that.

Jamie D



--- In backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com, "Andy Mytys" <amytys@...>
wrote:

> In light of this, I think reports should focus on things like ease of
> use, aftertaste of water, etc. rather than "how I got around the
> 4-hour wait time by carrying way more water than I would have needed
> to if I was using a filter, boiling, or some other chemical
> alternative."  Focusing on using this product while backpacking makes
> us look like idiots, IMO, because we've selected the wrong product in
> the first place.
>
> Of course, this is just MY view.
>

Andy,
When I read your post earlier today I knew I had a problem.
It seems like I learn most things by making mistakes.

I had to replace that picture with a copy without the text.

Ed M


--- In backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com, "Andy Mytys" <amytys@...>
wrote:
>
>
> One of the biggest holes a tester can dig is putting text into an
> actual image because in most cases, to edit it you have to re-create
> the image altogether and this takes time.  So, you've got the be very
> careful in doing your own proofreading before incorporating that image
> into your report.
>
> Case in point - "Thermorest" should be "Therm-a-Rest"
>

Changes made and uploaded.

Thanks for the quick edits.

As far as the date at the top of the report i'm not sure what you
mean. I put the date for the initial report at the beginning of teh
initial report. do i need to also put this at the top and change it
every report?

Josh C


--- In backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com, "Thomas Vickers"
<redroach@...> wrote:
>
>  These arhttp://www.snowpeak.come Thomas Vickers' official monitor
edits of
> Josh Cormier's Snow Peak GigaPower Stainless Steel Stove IR
>
> EDITS = Must do
> Edits = think about it, but do something
> Comments = think about it
>
> HTML Looks good
> But I think the date is needed at the top of the report?
> I would probably put it there as well.
>
>
>
> _____________________________________________________________
>
>
> Product Information: (information taken from Snow Peak website)
>
> - Item Description: Snow Peak Giga Power, Stainless Steel, auto -
Stove
> - Listed Stove weight: 3.75 oz (106 g)
> - Measured Stove weight (no case): 3.8 oz (108 g)
> - Measured Stove weight (with case): 4.6 oz (130 g)
> - Listed Dimensions-4 1/8" d x 2 5/8" h (105mm d x 67mm h)
> - Measured Dimensions-3 3/8" h x 1 3/4" w x 1 1/2" d (86mm h x 44mm
w x 38mm
> d)
> - Listed Pack Size (Case)-1 3/4" d x 3 1/2" h (44mm d x 89mm h)
> - Measured Size (Case)-3 1/2" h x 1 7/8" w x 1 5/8" d (89mm h x
47mm w x
> 41mm d)
>
> Edit: I think there should be a space between the numbers and
measures. You
> do this in this section for oz and g, but not for mm.
>
>
**********************************************************************
*
> The sparker unit is compact and feels sturdy, I will be watching to
see if
> it loosens up over many uses.
>
> EDIT: My grammar checker insists that you need a colon here. So
sturdy; I.
>
>
>
**********************************************************************
*
> I went to the manufactures website to look for information on this
stove and
> all I could find was the price, weight, dimensions, and material
that the
> stove is made of.
>
> EDIT: manufactures = manufacturer's?
>
>
>
**********************************************************************
*
>
> First Time Cooking:
> My first time using this stove was at a 2 day car camping trip in
Hollister
> CA.
>
> Comment: I always thought that a comma was needed between city and
state,
> but I could be wrong here.
>
>
>
**********************************************************************
*
>
> Will the stove be able to hold 1 Quart of water in the pot with
stability?
>
> EDIT: metric for 1 quart is needed
> Edit: quart instead of Quart?
>
>
>
**********************************************************************
*
>
> Report looks good
> Update and upload
>
> Tvickers
>

Colleen-

I'll see your messy-messy-messy house and raise you two "messies!"  <w>

RE-pics.  I won't carry hubby's expensive digital camera on the trail, and the
cheap one he got me only charges through a computer, so it only goes on shorter
jaunts.  Oh, yeah, the "off" switch has to be moved with the tip of a knife or a
pin/pen.  Pressing the control button until "off" flashes doesn't do it.  I
found this out at the same time that I found out that allowing the camera to
discharge erases all of the images.  Its credit card-size and low weight were
attractive, but it turned out to be one of those well-intended e-Bay surprise
gifts that has been allowed to sink to the bottom of a gear box...somewhere.

I have carried disposables, but somehow the pics are not great quality, and
somehow are too close to the end of the roll, and/or suffer light damage when
the camera is inevitably compressed or dropped.  I am also very jealous of any
extra weight.  I have had a few shots taken by friends willing to carry their
digital cameras.  One attempt was of me dragging my sorry self up a mountain in
a downpour.  The AT had turned to a river (probably N. GA) and between the rain
coming down so hard and the dark sky, neither I nor the Gatewood Cape was
recognizable.  Oh, well!

Cheers!

Rosaleen

Re: IR - SkirtSports GymGirl - Colleen Porter
     Posted by: "Emma Eyeball" tarbubble@...<mailto:tarbubble@...>
tarbubble
     Date: Fri Jun 1, 2007 8:20 am ((PDT))

yeah, i'm searching for my ancient, dusty tripod.  i know it's in the
attic somewhere... i really wanted an "action" shot, at least me
running on the trail behind my house.  there will be absolutely no
photos of me modeling it in my messy messy messy house. :)

-colleen


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

Leesa,
I have made all your EDITs, including one suggested by Andrew.
Andy Mytys was right about text in photos. I replaced the photo with
the Therm-a-Rest with a copy without the text.

I have uploaded back to the TESTS folder.

Should there be a separate folder for the Gregory Z 55?

The nearest I could find was the Gregory Z pack.

Ed M

--- In backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com, "Leesa J" <leesaj@...>
wrote:
>
> EDIT- Gregory Z 55 – Initial Report – Ed Morse
>
> Ed,
>
> Nice job on the report.  A few Edits and then please upload.
>
> Leesa
>
>
> EDIT:  Therm-a–Rest
> The picture caption is also incorrect.
>
>
> Here I have my old Thermorest strapped to the bottom of the pack.
The front
> pocket zipper is closed in this view.
>
>
> EDIT:  may instead of my
>
> Essentially I am told to hand wash with a mild detergent or soap
solution
> and stubborn stains my require use of a soft bristle nylon brush.
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Ed,  I'll check on the folder issue.  I believe its the right one, but ya'
(I) never know.

Leesa

On 6/1/07, Edwin Morse <ed.morse@...> wrote:
>
>   Leesa,
> I have made all your EDITs, including one suggested by Andrew.
> Andy Mytys was right about text in photos. I replaced the photo with
> the Therm-a-Rest with a copy without the text.
>
> I have uploaded back to the TESTS folder.
>
> Should there be a separate folder for the Gregory Z 55?
>
> The nearest I could find was the Gregory Z pack.
>
> Ed M
>
> --- In
backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com<backpackgeartesters%40yahoogroups.com>,
> "Leesa J" <leesaj@...>
> wrote:
> >
> > EDIT- Gregory Z 55 – Initial Report – Ed Morse
> >
> > Ed,
> >
> > Nice job on the report. A few Edits and then please upload.
> >
> > Leesa
> >
> >
> > EDIT: Therm-a–Rest
> > The picture caption is also incorrect.
> >
> >
> > Here I have my old Thermorest strapped to the bottom of the pack.
> The front
> > pocket zipper is closed in this view.
> >
> >
> > EDIT: may instead of my
> >
> > Essentially I am told to hand wash with a mild detergent or soap
> solution
> > and stubborn stains my require use of a soft bristle nylon brush.
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>


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

Well Tim,

That would explain it.

I thought that there was one that I had applied for and wanted to check on
how it was traveling on applications. Maybe it is now closed.



   _____

From: backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of tcoug7
Sent: Saturday, 2 June 2007 12:07 AM
To: backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [backpackgeartesters] Re: ADMIN: Test Administration Pages Updated
- 31 May 2007



Hi Ralph,

I might be wrong, but I believe it's because there are no open test
calls right now.

Tim

-- In backpackgeartesters <mailto:backpackgeartesters%40yahoogroups.com>
@yahoogroups.com, "Ralph Ditton"
<rdassetts@...> wrote:
>
> Shane,
>
> The Open Test Calls bar does not seem to be working. When I click
on it
> nothing happens. The other bars work fine.
>
> Best
>
> Ralph
>
>
>
> _____
>
> From: backpackgeartesters <mailto:backpackgeartesters%40yahoogroups.com>
@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:backpackgeartesters <mailto:backpackgeartesters%40yahoogroups.com>
@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Shane
Steinkamp
> Sent: Friday, 1 June 2007 12:21 PM
> To: backpackgeartesters <mailto:backpackgeartesters%40yahoogroups.com>
@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [backpackgeartesters] ADMIN: Test Administration Pages
Updated - 31
> May 2007
>
>
>
> G'day. I am BridGeT, the BGT Automation Robot working on behalf of
the List
> Administrator. This is to inform you that I have updated the BGT
Test Status
> site. The BGT Test Status Site is: http://teststatus.
> <http://teststatus. <http://teststatus.backpackgeartest.org/>
backpackgeartest.org/> backpackgeartest.org/
>
> You should also check the individual Administration pages for
Administration
> Messages.
> TESTER ADMINISTRATION: http://teststatus.
> <http://teststatus. <http://teststatus.backpackgeartest.org/ADMIN5.htm>
backpackgeartest.org/ADMIN5.htm>
> backpackgeartest.org/ADMIN5.htm
> MONITOR ADMINISTRATION: http://teststatus.
> <http://teststatus. <http://teststatus.backpackgeartest.org/ADMIN4.htm>
backpackgeartest.org/ADMIN4.htm>
> backpackgeartest.org/ADMIN4.htm
>
> Please notify the List Administrator of any error in the data I have
> reported.
>
> ,___
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>





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

REVISED IR Bushnell Onix200CR - Becki Stacy

Jennifer:

I've made the changes recommended, and updated the below paragraph to
reflect the corrected 'feets' issue and the credits issue.  let me
know if it's good to go.

thanks

full version:
http://tinyurl.com/27q5rv

Becki S.

So far, I have noted a few things about the functionality of the unit
that are of concern. The bottom left corner of the screen has a
bright spot. I don't know if this is typical of backlit screens or if
it is a defect in my unit. It does not affect the operation of the
unit, but just looks a little odd. Also, though I had the altitude
set to feet (it reads "feets" in the unit setup screen), the altitude
shown was 1/3 of what it should be. On this item, BackpackGearTest
has found out from Bushnell that it is a software glitch that
developed recently, and I was e-mailed an update to install on my
Onix, which fixed the problem. When I select "Display" on the SET
page and go into the option to select the Night Mode it works like it
should, but when I want to turn the screen back to the regular
display mode I have to select "Night Mode" again, instead of
selecting "Display Mode" as logic would suggest. On the quick start
guide it shows that the satellite page should have an accuracy
reading, but that is not present on the satellite screen on my Onix.
I think that this might be another software issue that can probably
be fixed once they address it on a download.

Changes made and uploaded.

Thanks for the quick edits.

As far as the date at the top of the report i'm not sure what you
mean. I put the date for the initial report at the beginning of teh
initial report. do i need to also put this at the top and change it
every report?

Josh C


Yes,

tv

No problems.
Notice they are comments vs edits.
I am an easy going wretch till AP gets his whip out.

TV

_____________________________________

There is the right way, the wrong way, and the Jack Bauer way. It's
basically the right way but faster and more deaths.

Please.... ROFL. We're all easy going till AP gets his whip out. I'm glad
he's on the bottom of the world. He'd be just the person to show up at your
door and whip you for arguing with him on list. :-P


AB


_______
Visit Corridor9.net
Blogging about BackpackGearTest, Hiking, Firefighting, and Linux
http://www.corridor9.net
>
> No problems.
> Notice they are comments vs edits.
> I am an easy going wretch till AP gets his whip out.
>
> TV

HTML for my report can be found here

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/test/TESTS/FR%20-%20ULA%20Amp%20-%20amyt\
ys

or

http://tinyurl.com/28amdb


----------------------------------------------------------

Field Report:



Field Locations and Conditions:


April 21-22, 2007 - Jordan River Pathway, Mackinaw State Forest,
Antrim County, Michigan

Hike Description: A two-day loop hike along the Jordan River. The hike
climbs into and out of the river valley, traversing hills, spring-fed
streams, and low-lying wet areas. The trail is primarily single-track,
but makes use of old logging railroad grades along its course as well.

Distance: 18.7 miles (30.1 km), 10 miles (16.1 km) on day-1, 8.7 miles
(14 km) on day-2

Starting Pack Weight: 16 pounds (7.3 kg) - geared up for backpacking,
including sleeping bag, pad, tent, cook kit, etc.

High-Low Temps While Hiking: 71.1 °F / 21.7 °C     48.9 °F / 9.4 °C

Footwear: Cross Trainers (Merrell Mesa Ventilator II)



May 5-6, 2007 - North Country Trail, Manistee National Forest, Newaygo
County, Michigan

Hike Description: A two-day trail maintenance session along a 6.3 mile
(10 km) section of the NCT. This section of the NCT is comprised
mainly of deciduous forest with some areas of pine plantation. The
trail is generally level, with drops and climbs limited to a handful
of areas where pothole glacial lakes are present - in these areas, the
trail is routed high along ridges surrounding the lakes.

Distance: 8 miles (12.8 km) on day-1, 3.5 miles (5.6 km) on day-2

Starting Pack Weight: 12 pounds (5.4 kg) - low volume, with emphasis
on water

High-Low Temps While Hiking: 62.6 °F / 17.0 °C     51.8 °F / 11.0 °C

Footwear: Asolo TPS 520 GTX Hiking Boots



May 25-28, 2007 - North Country Trail, Lakeshore segment, Pictured
Rocks National Lakeshore, Alger County, Michigan

Hike Description: A four-day point-to-point hike along Lake Superior's
southern coast. This trail is primarily a single-track tread way that
traverses dunes, beaches, and deciduous forest. Long sections of the
trail can be characterized as either being sandy or comprised by many
exposed roots.

Distance: 41.3 miles (66 km), 8.5 miles (13.7 km) on day-1, 10.5 miles
on (16.9 km) day-2, 12.4 miles (20 km) on day-3, 9.9 miles (16 km) on
day-4

Starting Pack Weight: 23 pounds (10.4 kg) - geared up for backpacking,
including sleeping bag, pad, tent, cook kit, etc.

High-Low Temps While Hiking: 69.8 °F / 21.0 °C     50.0 °F / 10.0 °C

Footwear: Asolo TPS 520 GTX Hiking Boots




Performance in the Field:


Hey, You Cheated:

If you look at the picture of me at the top of this report, you'll see
a rather large bag strapped around my waist. This is my camera bag,
and it contains only camera gear. There's a big digital camera in
there, a lens hood, filters, lens cleaning fluid/tissues, spare
batteries, and some other goodies. I carry this pack for convenience -
I don't like a camera bouncing off my chest as I walk, and I take
enough photos that it would be inconvenient to pull the camera out of
my pack every time I wanted to use it. As a result, no matter how
large of a pack I'm carrying, I always carry this camera bag on my
waist. If I chose to carry a simple "Point-and-Shoot" type camera, it
could easily be carried in one of the Amp's hipbelt pockets. This bag
has absolutely no bearing on the number of days worth of gear I can
get into the Amp.



Packing:

The Amp backpack holds all my gear without my feeling that I have to
excessively work at compressing my gear in order to make it all fit.
On the contrary, I feel that given warm summer conditions I can easily
get away with using the Amp for a week-long trip if necessary. Even in
conditions where lows are just above freezing, I've already proven to
myself that I can use the pack for four days, and I easily had enough
unused room in the pack for another day or two of food.

The key element in allowing me to use the backpack for more than a
simple weekend trip has been the Modular Front Pocket - I feel that
this option is a mandatory add-on. The Modular Front Pocket swallows
shelters, be they traditional tents, tarps, tarp tents, or hammocks.
In the case of tarps, tarp tents, and hammocks, the pocket still had
room for my guy line, 25 feet (7.6 m) of cord, windshirt, rain poncho,
mosquito headnet and gloves, gaiters, and Rocky Gore-Tex oversocks.

With so much gear in the external pocket, the main body of the pack
(1600 cu in / 26L) only had to hold my sleeping bag, pad, spare
clothes, 1st aid kit, toiletries, cook pot, stove, windscreen, camp
bucket, and of course food.

In one of the pack's side pockets I carried a water bottle, and in the
other I stored my fuel bottle, toilet paper, trowel, and tent stakes.

In the right optional hipbelt pocket, I carried my Aqua Mira water
treatment kit, bandana pre-filter, sunscreen, lip balm, lighter,
compass, flashlight, and a small multi-tool. I really haven't used the
second hipbelt pocket yet - I suppose it could hold a light trail
snack, but given the extra ounce it weighs I just don't feel the
convenience is justified. For me, one hipbelt pocket is enough.



Compression:

On my backpacking trips, I found that I used the top compression the
most. If I had excess room in the pack, I just moved my sleeping bag
to the top of the pack and let it expand to take up the space inside.
When the Modular Front Pocket is installed, the cord used to pull the
pocket closer to the main body of the pack is the same cord that
controls the side and front compression system on the Amp, so in
pulling the pocket close to the pack I'm activating the compression
system at the same time. During my NCT maintenance session, where I
used up little of the main pack's volume and the majority of the
packweight was comprised in a 2-liter Platypus bladder and two
additional liter Nalgene bottles for my dog, the compression system
was able to wrap the pack around its contents, bringing the size of
the pack down to less than half of its total volume without affecting
comfort or load transfer ability in the least. The Amp's compression
system uses actual cord in its design, unlike the stretchable
shock-cord I've seen on other packs. From what I've experienced, the
Amp's approach allows for real compression that holds the load
securely - there's no "give" to the system - the Amp's compression
system works in the same way as a corset.

The pack compresses so well, in fact, that I haven't found any issues
while hiking with a water bladder, even when the pack is almost empty.
I mention this because the Amp has an optional hydration sleeve that
adds another 1.3 oz (37 g) to the weight of the pack - I can't say
that I've noticed any issues in using a bladder with the Amp and
having the it supported simply by the gear around it and the pack's
integrated compression system.



Comfort:

I've carried anywhere from 12 to 23 pounds (5.4 to 10.4 kg) of weight
in the Amp when staring off at the trailhead. Throughout this range,
the pack has been extremely comfortable. I've positioned my food - the
bulkiest part of my load - at both the bottom and top of the pack
without any noticeable preference toward either configuration. The
shoulder straps of the Amp stay positioned on my shoulders whether I'm
wearing a fleece or slick windshirt as an outer layer and I don't find
the lack of a sternum strap to be an issue in keeping the pack
centered on my torso. The hip belt can be tightened to realize a
maximum level of load transfer from the shoulders to the hips, but I
find the amount of padding at the hips of the pack to be less than
adequate to support this level of performance. By loosening the hip
belt just a bit, I definitely feel a bit more weight being carried on
my shoulders, but comfort is not an issue. What I really found
surprising was that the pack retained a rigid form that promoted load
transfer with a full-length Therm-A-Rest ultralight sleeping pad
packed along its back panel, folded such that its width equals the
width of the pack. I've found that having a Therm-A-Rest pad placed in
this configuration makes the pack comfortable against my back as well.

The Amp's side pockets are positioned such that reaching into them
feels natural - I don't feel that I'm having to contort my arm into
strange positions or that I'm risking dislocating my shoulder each
time I reach for my water bottle while I'm wearing the pack.



Adjustment:

I really like how the size of the hip belt is adjusted from the point
where it attaches to the pack rather than from the center, around the
belt buckle as on most other packs I've carried. This system allows
for consistent pressure to be applied or released from the left and
right sides of the pack simultaneously. Adjusting the shoulder strap
length is another story, however. I've found that I need two hands to
adjust the shoulder straps, one to position the cord/strap and the
other to release pressure from the locking mechanism. Thankfully, the
pack is comfortable enough to where I don't find it necessary to
adjust the shoulder straps very often.



What's Missing:

The only thing I've found missing in the Amp's design thus far is some
sort of a tab or loop of fabric on the shoulder strap that I can use
to clip my hydration tube to. When using a bladder system, I have to
leave the hose hanging loose on the side of the pack somewhere.
Fortunately, my hydration system of choice is a simple bottle that I
store in the Amp's side pocket.



What I Carry (my maximum load thus far):

To date, the longest period of time I've been out with the Amp has
been for four days. On that trip, the forecast called for daytime
highs in the 40's (7 C) and a possibility of rain during two of the
four days. In addition, nightly lows in the upper 30's (3 C) were
expected. Hypothermic conditions were of concern. This meant that I
found myself using the Amp with more clothes than I would normally
carry during summertime conditions - particularly the 100 wt fleece
top, which took up the same amount of space in the pack as two days of
food. Because of this, I'm confident that in the warmer summer months
I could leave some of the bulkier items at home and have enough extra
space in the pack to push my food supply to a full week. I also
realize that this is a pretty open-ended statement, as some people
need larger sizes in clothing, or need more food calories per day.
While I might be able to use the Amp for a week-long backpack, others
might be asking themselves how I did it. To avoid any such questions,
I have decided to include a list of the essential gear I packed along
with my backcountry menu for additional context.

Also, note that my load for four-days started out weighing 20 pounds
(9 kg), the maximum weight that ULA rates the Amp to be used at. The
additional three pounds of weight I carried was composed of "sympathy
pounds" and unnecessary luxuries that I forced myself to take due to
my wife's pack being a full eight pounds (3.6 kg) heavier than mine. I
had to bring our loads closer to being even, so I elected to carry her
tent poles - I'm testing a 1 person shelter so she had her own tent. I
also carried the dinners for both of us, tossed a flask of Drambuie
into the Amp's Modular Front Pocket, and hung a pair of Crocs shoes
off the back of the pack. None of these additional items are reflected
in the list of gear packed, below.


*** BIG MESS COMING UP - Please refer to my nice HTML page ***

Daily Rations
Breakfast 1 cup Quaker Oats, Honey, & Raisin cereal 420 calories
Lunch Jif Creamy Peanut Butter "to go" cup
StarKist flavored tuna fillets, 5 oz (142 g) size 390
140
Snacks Oreo Thin Crisp 100 calorie pack
Blue Diamond Wasabi and Soy Sauce Flavored Almonds
Boysenberry fruit leather
Chocolate Covered Raisins
Sour Patch Kids candy
Sunkist Pistachio Kernels 100
170
   50
190
140
170
Dinner Recipies from "Lipsmackin' Backpackin'
   Adirondack Stew
-or-
   Michigan Salmon Fettuccine
-or-
   Tahoe Chicken Curry
-or-
   White Trash Pasta
670

770

770

850
Total 2440 - 2620



Gear List
Main Body Therm-a-Rest Ultralight full length pad

pack liner (Reynolds turkey sized oven bag)
    Sierra Designs Wicked Fast sleeping bag
    MontBell Alpine Light jacket
    GoLite Snow Cap
    100 wt microfleece L/S shirt with half zipper
    Patagonia lightweight Capilene leggings
    Turtle Fur fleece neck gaiter
    Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch gloves
    Buff headwear
    Wyoming Wear Polartec 200 fleece sleeping socks
    PackTowl

Seattle Sports folding bucket
    Evernew 1.3l titanium pot
    Evernew 1.3l titanium pot lid
    Cozy for Evernew 1.3l titanium pot
    homemade alcohol stove
    homemade windscreen
    Ziploc bag with misc 1st-Aid and toiletry items
       Nivea moisturizing cream
       q-tips
       Dr. Bronners Soap
       BodyGlide
       antibiotic ointment
       medical tape
       medical gauze
       Advil
       Imodium AD
       Clear Eyes
       elastic bandage
       duct tape
       tweezers
       thermometer
       travel mirror
       Afterbite
       razor blade
       Photon II microlight (Red)
       Tealight candle
       Stowaway Fisher Space Pen
food bag
    food
    Light My Fire Lexan spork
    Toob refillable toothbrush Right Side Pocket GSI 16oz (0.5 L) Lexan
flask

Left Side Pocket BrassLite 8oz fuel bottle
SilNylon bag with 8 titanium stakes
plastic trowel
toilet paper in Ziploc bag

Modular Front Pocket AntiGravityGear TarpTent w/guylines attached
AntiGravityGear Poncho Villa
25 feet (7.6 m) of cord
windshirt
mosquito headnet and gloves
gaiters
Right Hipbelt Pocket bandana H2O pre-filter and Aqua Mira in Ziploc
sunblock SPF-40
Aloe Vera Sunscreen lip balm
Leatherman Micra multi-purpose tool
AAA ARC-P LED Flashlight
Silva Companion 609 keyring compass
Spark-Lite Firestarter
cotton balls
Right Hipbelt Pocket bandana H2O pre-filter and Aqua Mira in Ziploc
sunblock SPF-40
Aloe Vera Sunscreen lip balm
Leatherman Micra multi-purpose tool
AAA ARC-P LED Flashlight
Silva Companion 609 keyring compass
Spark-Lite Firestarter
cotton balls
Clipped to 2 mm non-stretch
compression cord Purell hand sanitizer
small carabiner
    Coghlan's Filter Funnel


- End of Field Report -

ULA sent testers hip belt pockets after our IRs were posted.  I've
updated my IR to include a description+photo of the hipbelt pockets.
A summary of my text additions can be found below.


HTML for my report can be found here

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/test/TESTS/FR%20-%20ULA%20Amp%20-%20amyt\
ys

or

http://tinyurl.com/28amdb


----------------------------------------------------------

Removable Hipbelt Pocket:

The removable hipbelt pocket allows the convenience of having small
items easily accessible without have to stop and remove the pack. It's
not a huge pocket, but it can hold a lot of what I consider handy
items - items that I like to have close to me rather than somewhere in
the deep recesses of my pack. I've been able to fit my Aqua Mira water
treatment kit, bandana pre-filter, sunscreen, lip balm, lighter,
compass, flashlight, and a small pocketknife. On the other hand, a
knit hat OR a pair of lightweight fleece gloves pretty much fill the
pocket. Up to two hipbelt pockets can be added to the pack - one on
the right and the other on the left side of the hip belt.

----------------------------------------------------------

Also, I added the following caption under a new photo found at the top
of the report:

Standing atop the 1883 shipwreck Mary Jarecki
Driftwood "sword" in hand
Day 2 of 4, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

I'm going to step in here too.  I am surprised none of our water
treatment gurus have spoke up.  Nearly all chemical treatment methods
may take up to 4 hours for protozoa/cysts, depending on water
temperature and clarity.  Read the back of Aqua Mira drops.  I don't
have any on hand, and can't find it readily on the website, but as I
best recall it states it can take up to four hours for cysts.  Read
the labels of Iodine treatments.  From the Potable Aqua
website:  "Potable Aqua is not effective against cryptosporidium
cysts."


Compare apples to apples.  Potential long treatment time is one
drawback of chemical methods.

Pam Wyant

Actually, the only thing that Aqua Mira says is that "If water is very
cold, cloudy or tinted let stand 30 minutes."

I can't say for sure if its affective against cryptosporidium,
tapeworms, or viruses.  I do know it works against Giardia.

I must admit that I find it more that slightly troubling that I can't
find any official information on the web as to what exactly Aqua Mira
is good for, beyond making water "taste better" in some cases,
preserving stored water, and killing bacteria in water.

I wish that these chemical oompanies had disclosure to the level of
filters, where you're told what the product works on and, more
importantly, what it doesn't work on.

--- In backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com, "pamwyant" <pamwyant@...>
wrote:
>
> I'm going to step in here too.  I am surprised none of our water
> treatment gurus have spoke up.  Nearly all chemical treatment methods
> may take up to 4 hours for protozoa/cysts, depending on water
> temperature and clarity.  Read the back of Aqua Mira drops.  I don't
> have any on hand, and can't find it readily on the website, but as I
> best recall it states it can take up to four hours for cysts.  Read
> the labels of Iodine treatments.  From the Potable Aqua
> website:  "Potable Aqua is not effective against cryptosporidium
> cysts."
>
>
> Compare apples to apples.  Potential long treatment time is one
> drawback of chemical methods.
>
> Pam Wyant
>

It's easy to tell what exactly can be caught by a filter making filter
"disclosure" easy. Either
the critters are bigger than the filter or they're not. For instance, giardia
are pretty huge,
so just a filter works well grabbing most of them. There's going to be more
variability with
the chemical treatments: which chemical treatment is used, water temperature,
pH, water
chemistry. Iodine is really common, I've used it a bunch, but it tastes gross.
In addition to
tasting better than iodine treatments, chlorine dioxide solutions (e.g. Aqua
Mira) are
actually quite effective against cryptosporidium, unlike the iodine products.
When you get
down to the tiny viruses, typical filters are useless. Even chemical treatments
aren't great.
In fact, many viruses survive even big city chemical treatment plants. They are
best
inactivated by boiling the water, if viruses are even a problem where you're
hiking (they're
no biggie in the Sierras). Sorry, I know nothing about tapeworms. Maybe the eggs
are big
enough to get caught in a typical 0.2 micron filter?? UV treatment kills off all
sorts of stuff.
I take advantage of that by filtering surface water from lakes (or just under
the surface if
there's a lot of pollen or other floaties). A nice double-death-whammy.


--- In backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com, "Andy Mytys" <amytys@...> wrote:
>
>
> Actually, the only thing that Aqua Mira says is that "If water is very
> cold, cloudy or tinted let stand 30 minutes."
>
> I can't say for sure if its affective against cryptosporidium,
> tapeworms, or viruses.  I do know it works against Giardia.
>
> I must admit that I find it more that slightly troubling that I can't
> find any official information on the web as to what exactly Aqua Mira
> is good for, beyond making water "taste better" in some cases,
> preserving stored water, and killing bacteria in water.
>
> I wish that these chemical oompanies had disclosure to the level of
> filters, where you're told what the product works on and, more
> importantly, what it doesn't work on.

Very nice report Andy.  Your photos of the details of the pack are
really outstanding.

Rick

Andy Mytys wrote:
>
>
> HTML for my report can be found here
>
>
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/test/TESTS/FR%20-%20ULA%20Amp%20-%20amyt\
ys
>
<http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/test/TESTS/FR%20-%20ULA%20Amp%20-%20amy\
tys>
>
> or
>
> http://tinyurl.com/28amdb <http://tinyurl.com/28amdb>
>

-----Original Message-----
From: backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Fuzzy
Sent: Friday, 1 June 2007 1:44 AM
To: backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [backpackgeartesters] INITIAL REPORT: Montrail Namche - Fuzzy

INITIAL REPORT: Montrail Namche - Fuzzy
Nice design.  Yahooisms blah blah blah. HTML in test folder at
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/test/TESTS/Montrail%20Namche%
20-%20Fuzzy/
  - or -
http://tinyurl.com/yt2a4k

Can't wait to get out in these.

Fuzzy (Chuck Kime)
*************************
Montrail Namche Boots

Additional Background applicable to this test

I have been wearing shoes for. lesseee. twelve times four. plus three. carry
the one. oh, almost 40 years now.  I prefer leather to vinyl/synthetics on
the non-mesh outer part of shoes.  I also wear my `technical/hiking'
clothing at other times, so as not to increase the storage space I require
(and my wife's ire) by having duplicate items, and to give me increased
testing opportunities.

EDIT:> I am struggling to see what value this adds to the report. We all
pretty much wear shoes. Unless it can shown to add some value, it needs to
go.

Features (from web site)
. Animal
o Thru-hiking
o Bushwhacking
o Hot and humid
o Dry and dusty
. Comfort
o Weight-minimizing construction
o Ventilated abrasion-resistant forefoot
o Protection of a boot
o Feel of a running shoe in a mid-height design
. Performance
o GryptoniteT GT sticky traction
 GT is non-marking and has great friction on a variety of
trail surfaces, while being hard and durable enough for high mileage uses.
 GT ensures traction with sharp lugs along the length of the
outsole and under the heel.
o Stout ankle support
o Ultrarunning-proven stability and protection

EDIT:> This appears to be just a repeat of the website? If that is correct,
then again I am struggling to see the point of including it all. I would
rather see the relevant parts picked up as part of your description/initial
review of the product.


Arrival
The Namches arrived on May 21, 2007, in a standard retail box.
Printed inside the box lid in both English and French are a variety of
statements and quotes about conservation and protecting the planet.  Printed
in the box bottom, also in English and French, is another similarly-themed
section that I am happy to see from an outdoor manufacturer, titled "Less is
more." ("Qui peut le plus peut le moins.")  It reads "We are doing our best
to reduce the environmental impact of producing quality footwear.  Our
initiatives include using only maximum recycled content boxes plus
eliminating stuffing, wrapping, and marketing materials.  Please help by
recycling or reusing this box."  Box and contents appeared undamaged.

EDIT:> This whole section needs to be removed as per our recent discussions.
There is nothing here relevant to the testing of the product. If you want to
discuss the policies and packaging practices of the manufacturer please do
so in a group such as BackpackingTalk.

Description
The Namche is part of Montrail's Fusion line, meant to be a lightweight,
protective option for long-distance hikers.  They are mid-height (higher
than a running shoe, slightly lower than a chukka), with a well padded
collar and tongue, heel and tongue pull- loops, a tension-distributing
lacing system, a removable/replaceable insole, and a deeply lugged sole.
From top to bottom:

<snip...>

COMMENT: This part is good and does much more than the repeating of the
website early.

First Impressions
The Namches are full of nice details, pretty much what I expected from
reading the web site.  I look forward to getting some trail miles in them.

EDIT: "Full of nice details" does not tell the reader much at all. Please
tell us about those nice details. What has grabbed you about the boots?

My findings so far:
. Fit.  I found the Namches in size 10 to be both too short
(very unusual for me) and too narrow (not, unfortunately, very unusual).  I
will be exchanging them for a size larger.
. Appearance.  I like them.

Things I like
1. Light.
2. Airy.

Things I don't like
1. Sizing is not consistent with other brands.

EDIT:> This part could go into your first impressions.  You also need to
discuss more about what you like. Your list of things you like don't go with
your early statement, "full of nice details."

I look forward to your revised Initial Report Chuck.

Regards
Andrew, sir

For your editing pleasure!

See

http://tinyurl.com/2bv4lt


FIELD REPORT

FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS

I have intensively tested the PN-20 over the months of April and May.
It has been operated in rain and shine, at temperatures from 30 F to
80 F (-1 C to 27 C) and at elevations to 4180 ft (1274 m). It saw use
on half-a-dozen backpacks, a host of day hikes, a few walks, several
drives, and a couple of geocache finds. All of this was within the
Catskill Mountains of New York State, with the exception of one
unsuccessful attempt at routefinding in Philadelpia, PA.

PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD


Testing history

Testing the PN-20 has been extremely interesting so far, although not
always smooth sailing. The unit I was shipped at the beginning of this
test worked well for six weeks, but shortly after the application of a
firmware revision (firmware is the operating system of the GPS) I
began to experience regular problems with USB connectivity when I
attempted to upload and download maps, waypoints, etc.

In retrospect, I do not think those problems necessarily resulted from
the firmware change, though I can't be certain. However, in discussing
them with technical support, a secondary issue with my GPS unit was
found (the unit's internal memory did not reformat correctly) and at
the strong suggestion of the technician, I returned it and was issued
a new GPS. This arrived about a week ago, with no delay to speak of. I
have had a few small issues with the new GPS (which is identical),
including case pins (the screws that secure the battery compartment)
that were too short. These were very quicky replaced by DeLorme, so I
had a minimum amount of down time.

I remain, as I was at the beginning, very enthusiastic about the
PN-20. Still, I do wonder (based on my experiences) if DeLorme may be
experiencing some minor quality control problems connected with the
PN-20. Defective CDs, screws, and various electronic issues have
certainly had some impact on my initial experiences with the device.
On the other hand, DeLorme's technical support has been absolutely top
notch throughout, to a degree quite unusual in this day and age. Phone
delays have generally been short to moderate, support staff really
know their stuff, and in addition there are online PN-20 forums (with
both knowledgeable users and DeLorme staffers present) that have
helped answer many questions. For all this I am very grateful. So far
as I can tell (and to some extent I am relying on my reading of the
PN-20 forums when I state this), I am not getting special treatment as
a reviewer, just unusually solid support that's available to all users.

I must add to this that it seems to me that DeLorme is committed to
correcting remaining (minor) software problems connected to the device
and improving its functionality, and in addition they are slowly
adding some features requested by users. When I applied the most
recent (1.2) firmware patch, a number of issues that I had hoped would
be addressed had been dealt with, one sub-standard feature was removed
(apparently temporarily), and performance was improved, as discussed
in the main text. There were also several fine new features, one of
which I had especially wanted to see!

It's my understanding that further firmware upgrades are in the works,
and I look forward to these. While the PN-20 has been a useful GPS
from the outset, it's nice to see that there is a lot of fine tuning
going on, which can only serve to improve the device over time.
Upgrading the unit's firmware has proved to be very straightforward,
and can be done either through the Topo USA 6.0 interface or by direct
download from the DeLorme website. One point that should be noted here
is that all existing GPS settings are deleted during the firmware
upgrade, and must be re-entered, screen-by-screen. This is a little
laborious, but I find this acceptable and it is probably unavoidable,
based on what I've seen of firmware flashes for other products. I'd
recommend that anyone who has extensive custom settings that they
won't easily remember should jot them down beforehand.

Mechanical issues

The PN-20 is, fundamentally, a solid little GPS, internally and
externally. I have dropped it (lightly) a couple of times, and its
rubber case certainly protects it well. As noted in the initial
review, the buttons operate crisply, with audio feedback (a
synthesized click), and have continued to do so. They are similarly
good on the replacement unit. I haven't had any problems with the
button layout, and in fact I like it very well indeed, now that I'm
used to it. I find that I am able to use the GPS in the dark, with no
auxilliary light.

I do have a few minor concerns, based on my experience to date,
regarding several aspects of the construction of the unit. These are
not by any means of critical importance, but I do think they are
worthy of mention.

Cable contacts.
The PN-20 is set up to accept both serial and USB computer cable
connections. I have not used it in serial mode, just USB, and a serial
cable is not supplied, but is available from DeLorme. The same
contacts, a series of eight tiny brass plates, are used for both.
These connect by direct contact with the projecting pins on the cable.

As noted earlier, I have had problems with a USB connection from my
computer to the GPS. This apparently coincided with a firmware
upgrade, although I believe this was (likely enough) coincidental. I
cleaned the connections, at the suggestion of customer support, with
isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. This had no effect: the connection wasn't
restored. However, on examining the contacts carefully with a lens, I
saw a certain amount of tarnish to the brass contacts. I purchased
some fine crocus cloth, and gently rubbed down the contact area. This
is a sufficiently mild abrasive that it does not noticeably scratch
the plastic of the case, but it did quickly remove the tarnish, and I
then had a consistent USB connection for the subsequent week.

After this, I returned the unit to DeLorme for an unrelated issue.
It's hard to be certain--the USB problem had been rather intermittent
before the contact cleaning--but I'm reasonably sure that it was the
crocus cloth that did the job. This leads me to question the wisdom of
having the cable contacts exposed to the elements. I'd like to see
future versions of the GPS with a protective cover for the contacts,
one that could be easily slipped off as needed.

Battery compartment
The PN-20 uses a ribbon pull to help extract batteries. This is
attached to one side of the battery compartment. It is really quite
useful, especially with the supplied lithium ion battery (present in
the travel kit), which is quite a tight fit. I do have few concerns
about the ribbon and its placement.

First, it is all too easy for it to get caught up in the Secure
Digital card slot, which is hinged. The ribbon must be held tightly
off to one side when inserting or removing a card. If it were to catch
under the slot (which could happen unwittingly), and then pulled, I
fear it would almost certainly break the slot. I am not going to put
this to the test, and I'm extremely careful with this part of the
mechanism! The slot (under the battery) seems to me in any case to be
fragile, and I am concerned that it wouldn't take too much accidental
force to cause substantial damage. I'd love to see the slot and hinge
redesigned with more strength.

Second, the tip of the ribbon easily (read: almost inevitably) catches
under the waterproof gasket that provides waterproofing for the
battery compartment and the SD card within. I cannot be certain yet to
what extent (if any) this compromises the seal. I have not so far
noted any moisture in the compartment, although I've not yet used the
GPS in my kayak, where it would be most vulnerable. Still, anything
that compromises the seal is clearly not a good thing.

For these reasons, I would very much like to see the ribbon replaced
by an alternative in future models, or (if it must be present) it
should be run from the top of the battery compartment down, which
would also help keep it clear of the card mechanism.

The PN-20 in the field

Map types and display
Early on in the test, in addition to the free data download that is
offered as part of the package, I purchased a CD with the USGS quad,
DOQQ (aerial) and satellite imagery for my region, since the portion
of the Catskills that I was able to download free was comparatively
negligible. I already have the quad imagery available in DeLorme
Topoquads form, which is accepted by the GPS, but I was especially
eager for the aerial imagery, which I find fascinating. I'm
indifferent to the satellite imagery that's also included, as the
resolution is poor. I ordered this using the "Datasets" feature on the
NetLink tab in Topo USA 6.0, and I received a mailed CD several days
later. Unfortunately, for some reason a key file had been left off the
CD, and I was unable to view the DOQQ imagery in consequence. DeLorme
rapidly rectified this by enabling me to download the files online (at
my request--they would certainly have shipped me a corrected CD). This
was yet another occasion when I was appreciative of their rapid
response to problems.

I "cut" (DeLorme's terminology) a map of my region, incorporating
three types of data--Topo USA 6.0, Quad and DOQQ (aerial imagery),
which I then loaded onto a 2 GB SD card. This gave me access to a vast
array of mapping information, very impressive indeed. However, I
quickly found (not, I should say, to much surprise) that while the
DOQQ imagery is fascinating when viewed full-screen on the computer,
it is navigationally useless on the PN-20. I simply could not, in the
dense woods and and mountains that cover this region, discern camping
spots, trails, or other points of interest. I'm delighted to have the
DOQQ data available, but I have since removed it from the SD card.
It's quite possible that in other settings (less wooded than mine) it
would be useful. I don't see much utility to the satellite imagery,
except for large-scale overviews.

The interpretation of aerial and satellite data is, in any case,
something of a fine art, and on the PN-20, matters are not helped by
the lack of any means to control screen contrast, which would be
especially helpful with the black-and-white DOQQ imagery. The PN-20's
screen is small, but the resolution and display quality are quite
good, yet surprisingly the only screen control is brightness. The
colors on the USGS quads are a bit washed-out as well, although I have
noted that if the screen is viewed at a slight angle color intensity
is increased. I very much hope that contrast control, and perhaps
other screen controls, are part of a future firmware upgrade.

The speed of screen redraw is sometimes a little slow, though more
noticeably so with USGS quads (which are raster) than Topo 6.0 maps
(which, I believe, are vector). It's rarely objectionably slow, in my
opinion, and I seem to have noted a significant improvement in screen
redraw speed since the firmware upgrade. I have also found that
setting the map display with "North Up" minimizes the amount of
redrawing. This is, in any case, my preferred method of map display on
GPS units. The current version of the firmware did introduce a method
that enables rapid toggling between two data types, e.g. USGS and Topo
USA 6.0, a much-needed feature that I was delighted to find.

Geocaching
Although I am not a geocacher, knowing that many GPS users do
geocache, I taught myself the rudiments, which are explained in the
PN-20 manual. I downloaded two .loc files from a well-known geocaching
site, loaded them into Topo USA 6.0 (which accepts this format), then
transferred the waypoints for these caches to the PN-20. It was a very
straightforward procedure, covered well by the manual. I also used the
GPS to create road routes to the vicinity of the caches (more on
routing later). In both cases, I was able to locate the caches
reasonably quickly, and the positional accuracy of the PN-20 seemed up
to the job. I have usually found that the positional accuracy is
better than the tolerance indicated on the screen. I did find the fact
that the PN-20 only provides accurate bearings on the map screen when
I'm moving (as there's no electronic compass in the unit) a slight
annoyance in the context of this type of usage. Having to keep moving
to obtain and maintain a bearing is not ideal. This also was also to
prove a minor annoyance in field navigation.

Accuracy and navigation
Usually, the GPS obtains a fast lock. I have found that satellite
reception is consistently best when the GPS is held horizontally, but
that it is at least adequate when the unit is carried vertically. The
lock, once obtained, is generally held, even under a fairly heavy leaf
canopy. Occasionally, especially in areas ringed with mountains, when
much of the horizon is blocked and fewer satellites are in line of
sight, an initial fix is slower and less reliable, which is to be
expected. It is in such settings that I have found the lack of an
electronic compass to be a distinct disadvantage. I had one
experience, in which I was attempting to correct a mapreading error
that had placed me out of my way by a short distance. I was hoping to
bushwhack back to the trail by simply using the map page, but the lack
of a reliable and consistent GPS bearing proved rather annoying. I
used my compass in conjunction with the GPS, but in the event, I ended
up simply retracing my route by map, as I felt the wanderings of the
GPS bearing indicator did not inspire confidence. I do think an
electronic compass setting would have helped even out the bearing
variations I was seeing.

The bearing indicator itself is overly large (it's a slender
arrow-like isosceles triangle that displays in green when the unit has
a good lock, yellow when it is marginal), and it lacks a clear
indication of where (on the area covered by the pointer) the position
actually is. The geometrical center of the triangle appears to be the
true location, but there is no dot or circle to indicate this, a
commonplace with many GPS units. I strongly suggest to DeLorme that
they alter this symbol so it is clear that the current location is not
(for example) the point of the "arrow."

When I first received the GPS, there was a great deal of "jitter" or
noise evident in the data page. Even though I was stationary, just
after booting the GPS the data page would sometimes show that I had
been at 18,000 feet (5500 meters) moments before, and was moving at a
substantial speed. To a significant extent, this was fixed by the
recent firmware upgrade. I no longer see such random elevations
displayed, though there is some (generally low) artificial horizontal
movement shown, if I choose to display the speed fields. I don't find
this a big deal, though I do believe that the jitter is one factor in
a certain unreliability in my distance (odometer) readings, when I'm
attempting to measure how far I have hiked. There has been improvement
here also, and I hope for more with further firmware upgrades.

Elevation accuracy on summits has so far proved to be quite sound. In
several instances, I have found (after ascending a summit with the
unit on) that my elevation is very close to that recorded by the USGS
survey marker or Quad contours. I find this quite impressive, and it's
far better than my wrist altimeter results. Positional accuracy is
generally very good as well, and is frequently far better than the
indicated tolerance provided by the unit. None the less, I have
noticed that when going up and returning by the same path, my
ascending and descending trails (when displayed on the PN-20 or in
Topo USA 6.0) show significant variation, far wider than the path's
treadway. In some instances, the positional difference may be as much
as a hundred feet (30 meters). This isn't a terrible flaw (in my
experience, this is not atypical among handheld GPS units), but it
does lead me to wish that there was a port for an external antenna, as
this would probably improve the accuracy and provide the necessary
consistency for trail mapping.

Routing
The box the for the PN-20 states that it can "track against uploaded
routes created on the desktop or calculate driving routes of its own
within areas for which you have uploaded coverage." While I have no
quarrel with the first part of this statement, I do find that routes
generated by the PN-20 are, in many instances, suspect. I would also
say (to be fair) that there has been improvement in the routing
algorithms along with the firmware upgrade. No longer does a route
over to one local peak traverse an ancient road that has long been
state land, barred to all vehicles. I do hesitate to rely on a PN-20
generated route without examining it closely first. I usually have to
make at least a few adjustments by adding waypoints to avoid closed
roads, locally one in particular. (Here it appears that the base data,
derived from DeLorme's Street Atlas program, is at fault, not the
routing algorithm).

In order to route, both the Topo USA 6.0 map and the appropriate
"Regional Map Package" must be uploaded to the GPS. These latter are
listed in the Topo USA 6.0 "PN-20 Exchange Module," to be found on the
"Handheld Export" tab. Route calculation is not that fast a process
with the GPS, and if a deviation from route occurs (a wrong turn,
closed road, whatever), a "back on track" calculation must usually be
made. Often, in a moving car, such calculations may fail, as by the
time the GPS completes its work the current location is off-route in
another direction! The bottom line? This is a clever feature, handy if
I'm well and truly lost, but based on my very mixed experience I will
not generally use PN-20 routes unless I already know pretty much where
I am going. This rather defeats the object of the exercise... In
short, this is not that great a tool for auto navigation, except on a
fairly rudimentary level. I should state here that I have never driven
based on GPS directions to begin with, so this is not an issue of any
great personal concern. In fact, I'm rather impressed that a handheld
GPS can do as good a job as this one does, even with its limits.

In the first version of the firmware, there was a "simulate route"
function, which would show the route and scroll the map from point A
to point B. I found it clever, but too slow to display to be practical
(partially a consequence of screen redraw speeds). This was removed in
the current firmware version. If it returns, it will be interesting to
see if it is faster.

Odds and ends
The PN-20 has a "Points of Interest" button. This displays the
position of a variety of user-specified or pre-listed locations, and
can route to them. I have used it mostly to locate specific peaks. The
points listed vary according to the map database chosen. USGS seems
fairly useless, but Topo USA 6.0 maps have a good set of P.O.I.s of
all kinds. However, even when the peak name is provided (and
"Mountain" is specified as the type of natural feature), when using my
current location as the point from which to search, I've found that it
can take ten minutes or more for the GPS to find a peak only 30 mi (xx
km) from the house. This has been true with both the units I have
used. This is a little disappointing.

I have also experienced one odd failure. I was recently using a 2GB SD
card with map data, when the GPS battery power ran out. The unit
suddenly turned off (as expected), but it then started cyclically
rebooting every few seconds, which was wholly unanticipated. I have
subsequently reproduced this problem, which sometimes occur when
batteries are at very low charge levels. I had to remove the battery
to stop this. When I put fresh batteries in and rebooted, I found that
my SD card could no longer be read by the PN-20. In fact, it was so
hopelessly corrupted that I have yet to be able to recover it by
reformatting it under Windows or Linux, and it is probably a
write-off. DeLorme have kindly sent me another 1 GB card for further
testing. Mine was a third-party SD card, and it is possible (as it was
a fairly cheap brand) that it was in some way defective. (I was using
it as DeLorme do not seem to have a 2GB card available, as of this
writing.) I have since tried to repeat the card problem with the
DeLorme supplied 1GB card, fortunately without success, and I am
fairly confident that this was a one-time glitch.

The time that the GPS will run from a charge of the lithium ion
rechargeables is hard to predict. There are too many variables, e.g.
whether WAAS is on or off, the frequency with which the screen is
viewed with the backlight on, the number of times the battery has been
previously charged, etc. I have found that, in general, the GPS will
operate continuously for an eight to ten hour day hike. A couple of
times, I have found that the unit is out of juice before then. If I
use the GPS only as needed, rather than having it on continuously, I
can use it for a three-day backpack and still have power to spare,
though I was using the unit only to mark items of interest, not for
navigation. As stated in the Initial Report, I don't navigate with GPS
as my primary tool.

Lest this Field Report be read as a litany of woes, I want to
emphasize that I am still delighted with the PN-20's ability to
display USGS imagery, I'm generally pleased with its accuracy and
features, I'm impressed with DeLorme's determination to improve the
firmware, and that in fact I've become quite a fan of this GPS. No
electronic unit of any kind performs perfectly, in my experience, and
this does far better than most. It has already become my GPS of
choice. I do not see returning to using to my existing GPS, assuming
that the PN-20 continues to perform as well as it has to date.

Topo USA Version 6.0

I have been very happy so far with the Topo USA 6.0 software, use of
which seems very intuitive to me. I've had no significant crashes or
mishaps. I downloaded Service Pack 2 (an upgrade) as soon as it became
available, and this was applied without problems.

I do have a few reservations about the quality of the mapping. I base
this on knowledge of my region. For example, I have found (without
looking hard) at least three items labelled as roads that in fact lie
on state lands in my area, where no motorized traffic is allowed. One
of these roads (in large part) does not even exist, but seems to be an
arbitrary creation! Two that do exist are noted as "unimproved roads"
rather than trails. These have limited significance overall as mapping
errors, but their "road" status may potentially create an erroneous
route on the PN-20. One certainly did so, although with the new
version of the PN-20 firmware this issue seems to have gone away. I
have reported these issues to DeLorme via their website. There is a
method for doing so within Topo 6.0, but I have had problems getting
this to work, the only significant difficulty I have experienced with
the program.

Among the tools available for dealing with downloaded tracks, I
especially like the "Break line" tool. This enables me to separate one
portion of a track from another, very handy when I have forgotten to
turn the GPS off at the end of a trip. I can break the track once it
is imported into the software from the GPS, and delete spurious portions.

As noted in the section of the Field Report devoted to the PN-20, my
present opinion is that routing is best performed in Topo USA 6.0. The
software allows the creation of Vias and Stops, points that help
define a route, and enable me to move it away from the route defined
by the algorithms in Topo USA 6.0 onto something of my own choosing.
This is most useful when there are closed roads, etc., that I want to
route around.

I have made some use of the "Profile" feature, which (once a track is
loaded from the GPS) allows me to calculate distance, elevation
change, and a variety of other parameters. One tool that would be very
helpful in conjunction with GPS tracks which is not (so far as I am
aware) incorporated in Topo USA 6.0 would be a smoothing tool,
something that would selectively average points along a track and
remove those points that are the result of tracking error. Maybe for
the future!

I do find the two modules that control exporting and purchasing maps
to the PN-20 have a similar weakness. In the case of exported maps, I
have not found a way to display an existing uploaded map and simply
add sections to it that may be saved as a separate file. Instead, they
get added onto the existing map, that must then be uploaded again to
the SD card. There are certainly occasions when I would far prefer to
create a separate file, rather than simply adding to the existing map,
the file size of which may already be quite large. In other words, the
tools for creating "mosaics" for the PN-20, composed of smaller maps,
are (unless I am overlooking something, which is always possible) just
about non-existent.

One interesting ability to display and upload contours at ten-foot (3
meter) intervals in Topo USA 6.0. This, along with much else, may be
set in the "Options" screen in "Handheld Export." I have not been able
to find out what elevation model is used in the program, so it's
unclear to me if these contours are created using real elevation data
or if they are interpolated in some manner.

Topo USA 6.0 seems, based on my use so far, to be an indispensable
tool for use in conjunction with the PN-20, and is (to all intents and
purposes) an extension of the functionality of the GPS.

The various charging tools in the travel pack have all seen use. I
have had no problems with any of them to date. I rather like the
plug-in USB port, which connects to an outlet, handy with my MP3
player as well as the GPS! The battery charger usually completes a
charge in about five hours.

SUMMARY

Despite a few teething pains during this Field Test period, I am
extremely impressed with the PN-20. So far, I am pleased that the
manufacturer seems dedicated to improving the operation of the unit,
and I'm delighted with the level of technical service offered, which
is head and shoulders above that for any electronic product I have
purchased in recent years. While some functions could certainly stand
improvement, taken as a whole this is an extremely powerful and
competent tool, with some unique abilities, the most significant of
which is (for me) the ability to display USGS imagery. I hope for
trouble-free operation for the balance of the test.


Please check back in two month's time for my long term report. I
sincerely thank DeLorme and Backpackgeartest for the exciting
opportunity to test this GPS.

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

Great.

Andrew, sir

-----Original Message-----

Everything is good to go and I posted the LTR- Thanks, Chad Fike

You mean an ENGLEESH dictionary Tim? :-)

Andrew, Sir

-----Original Message-----
From: backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of tcoug7
Sent: Friday, 1 June 2007 5:45 AM
To: backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [backpackgeartesters] Re: EDIT: FR - ULA AMP Pack - Rick Allnutt

Andrew didn't give you that dictionary, did he?  That's the one that spells
color "colour"...  :)

Tim

--- In backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com, Rick Allnutt <rick@...>
wrote:
>
> Thanks for the edit Tim. Though my dictionary lists cannister as a
> proper spelling for the word, it is perhaps not the preferred
spelling.






Yahoo! Groups Links

Dear Josh

I have some moderator comments for you to take onboard. Thanks for your
report which is looking good overall.

Regards
Andrew, sir

-----Original Message-----

NUUN Electrolite Tablets
Test series by Josh Cormier


Packaging:
The NUUN Electrolite tablets arrived in a brown NUUN shipping box that was
probably used to ship cases somewhere.

EDIT:> Please no brown boxes and no brown trucks. What I am saying here is
no discussion of how the product arrives or how it is packed UNLESS it is
directly related to its use, e.g., instructions.

Inside I found four tubes of NUUN, one of each flavor and a blue NUUN water
bottle. On opening two of the tubes and checking the tablets I found no
cracking or excess powder from the rough handling I'm sure they received
during shipment.

Edit:> I am struggling to see the need for this section. If you can justify
it can I live with it, but how does it relate to testing? What if I buy the
product off the shelf for example?


Initial Impressions:
The tubes that the NUUN tablets come in, seem to be pretty sturdy.
The website claims that they are water resistant and will protect the
tablets from being crushed. I will be revisiting this claim in my final
report to determine how durable this tube is and how well it protects the
tablets from damage in my final report.

COMMENT:> Now this is good and relevant to me as a possible user. Much more
so than the shipping discussion.

COMMENT:> Balance looks good Josh.

Thank you NUUN Electrolite Tablets and BackpackGearTest for allowing me to
test this fine item, Josh Cormier

EDIT:> This closing statement should be as per the Bylaws. See
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/lesson.php?lesson=Bylaws&page=50#5_Initial%2
0Report

Regards
Andrew, sir

Thanks Rick.


I'm one of those people that believes the CORRECT photo can be worth
AT LEAST 1000 words and, more importantly, answer a score of questions.

Personally, I can glean a lot of information merging my past
experiences with photos, so I really appreciate detailed photos of
products (with good lighting) and I find myself yelling at the
computer when there's a either a tiny photo present or a photo that
could have answered my questions had the lighting had been muted.

It is especially annoying when bad photos are on manufacturer sites,
which happens quite often (I think quality product photos in our
reports is another benefit of BGT - often we have better photos than
the manufacturer).  A recent example is the AntiGravityGear tarptent -
their photos are limited, small, and taken with the high noon sun in
the air so they're very contrasty.  Compare any of our photos with
theirs and ask yourself which you prefer.

I do wish that we had minimum size requirements on BGT photos as well,
to make sure that ALL of our photos were useful to the reader -
something like 300 pixels on the dominant axis.

But, I digress.

What I really like about our reports is the information received when
taken as a whole.  In my reports, there are a lot of close-up images
of product details, while in your reports there's that great image of
the pack on your back (gives perspective as to how large it is), the
image of your gear layed out (gives perspective as to how much stuff
can be packed inside), and other details presented that just aren't in
my report, or in Carol's.

I only hope that the text of my report is as enjoyable and informative
as the photos.  I try to keep my IR descriptive, and my field report
limited to the performance of the gear and how I actually used it.

In the end, I focus on answering the question - "Should I buy this
item?"  without explicitly rating the item or saying "Yes" or "No." -
I want to provide the reader with enough detail to where they can make
the decision on their own as to the product's suitability for their
situation such that, if they do purchase it, they don't find
themselves wishing they hadn't.  In the end, that's what we're all
about, no?


--- In backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com, Rick Allnutt <rick@...> wrote:
>
> Very nice report Andy.  Your photos of the details of the pack are
> really outstanding.
>
> Rick
>
> Andy Mytys wrote:
> >
> >
> > HTML for my report can be found here
> >
> >
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/test/TESTS/FR%20-%20ULA%20Amp%20-%20amyt\
ys

> >
<http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/test/TESTS/FR%20-%20ULA%20Amp%20-%20amy\
tys>
> >
> > or
> >
> > http://tinyurl.com/28amdb <http://tinyurl.com/28amdb>
> >
>

It is Geocaching, no capital c.

Regards
Andrew

-----Original Message-----

On the two comments below, I think GeoCaching should be capitilized.
Its a proper noun.

Don't give me ideas :-)

Andrew, sir

-----Original Message-----
From: backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Andrew Buskov
Sent: Saturday, 2 June 2007 11:41 AM
To: backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [backpackgeartesters] Edited: FR - Snow Peak Giga Power - AB

Please.... ROFL. We're all easy going till AP gets his whip out. I'm glad
he's on the bottom of the world. He'd be just the person to show up at your
door and whip you for arguing with him on list. :-P

Dear AB

Keeping in mind TV's "edit" was a comment, I don't believe a discussion is
needed. If you don't want to change it don't. It ain't going to break the
bank.

Have fun

Anderw, sir

-----Original Message-----
> Being as how this weights considerably less than my other stove,  is
> much more compact, and seems to provide all the qualities I'm looking
> for in a canister stove I'm pretty sure that I'm going to completely
> enjoy testing this stove.
>
> Comment: the last part of this sentence is approaching the dreaded
> projection in my tiny mind. Maybe rewording it to "I hope that I'm" or
> some such might take this nagging doubt out of my head.
HMMMM... I'd like  a bit more clarification on this. I uncerstand saying
something like" I'm pretty sure this will fail", as it describes the object.
However, my "projection" describes the tester, not the product.

Not arguing to keep this by any means... if it needs to be changed so be it.
I do find I do this a lot though when talking about myself in the reports.
Is this acceptable, or not?

HTML for my report can be found here

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/test/TESTS/FR%20-%20ULA%20Amp%20-%20amyt\
\
ys

or

http://tinyurl.com/28amdb

----------------------------------------------------------

Field Report:


Field Locations and Conditions:

April 21-22, 2007 - Jordan River Pathway, Mackinaw State Forest,
Antrim County, Michigan
Hike Description: A two-day loop hike along the Jordan River. The hike
climbs into and out of the river valley, traversing hills, spring-fed
streams, and low-lying wet areas. The trail is primarily single-track,
but makes use of old logging railroad grades along its course as well.
Distance: 18.7 miles (30.1 km), 10 miles (16.1 km) on day-1, 8.7 miles
(14 km) on day-2
Starting Pack Weight: 16 pounds (7.3 kg) - geared up for backpacking,
including sleeping bag, pad, tent, cook kit, etc.
High-Low Temps While Hiking: 71.1 °F / 21.7 °C     48.9 °F / 9.4 °C
Footwear: Cross Trainers (Merrell Mesa Ventilator II)

----------------------------------------------------------

May 5-6, 2007 - North Country Trail, Manistee National Forest, Newaygo
County, Michigan
Hike Description: A two-day trail maintenance session along a 6.3 mile
(10 km) section of the NCT. This section of the NCT is comprised
mainly of deciduous forest with some areas of pine plantation. The
trail is generally level, with drops and climbs limited to a handful
of areas where pothole glacial lakes are present - in these areas, the
trail is routed high along ridges surrounding the lakes.
Distance: 8 miles (12.8 km) on day-1, 3.5 miles (5.6 km) on day-2
Starting Pack Weight: 12 pounds (5.4 kg) - low volume, with emphasis
on water
High-Low Temps While Hiking: 62.6 °F / 17.0 °C     51.8 °F / 11.0 °C
Footwear: Asolo TPS 520 GTX Hiking Boots

----------------------------------------------------------

May 25-28, 2007 - North Country Trail, Lakeshore segment, Pictured
Rocks National Lakeshore, Alger County, Michigan
Hike Description: A four-day point-to-point hike along Lake Superior's
southern coast. This trail is primarily a single-track tread way that
traverses dunes, beaches, and deciduous forest. Long sections of the
trail can be characterized as either being sandy or comprised by many
exposed roots.
Distance: 41.3 miles (66 km), 8.5 miles (13.7 km) on day-1, 10.5 miles
on (16.9 km) day-2, 12.4 miles (20 km) on day-3, 9.9 miles (16 km) on
day-4
Starting Pack Weight: 23 pounds (10.4 kg) - geared up for backpacking,
including sleeping bag, pad, tent, cook kit, etc.
High-Low Temps While Hiking: 69.8 °F / 21.0 °C     50.0 °F / 10.0 °C
Footwear: Asolo TPS 520 GTX Hiking Boots

----------------------------------------------------------

Performance in the Field:


Hey, You Cheated:

If you look at the picture of me at the top of this report, you'll see
a rather large bag strapped around my waist. This is my camera bag,
and it contains only camera gear. There's a big digital camera in
there, a lens hood, filters, lens cleaning fluid/tissues, spare
batteries, and some other goodies. I carry this pack for convenience -
I don't like a camera bouncing off my chest as I walk, and I take
enough photos that it would be inconvenient to pull the camera out of
my pack every time I wanted to use it. As a result, no matter how
large of a pack I'm carrying, I always carry this camera bag on my
waist. If I chose to carry a simple "Point-and-Shoot" type camera, it
could easily be carried in one of the Amp's hipbelt pockets. This bag
has absolutely no bearing on the number of days worth of gear I can
get into the Amp.


Packing:

The Amp backpack holds all my gear without my feeling that I have to
excessively work at compressing my gear in order to make it all fit.
On the contrary, I feel that given warm summer conditions I can easily
get away with using the Amp for a week-long trip if necessary. Even in
conditions where lows are just above freezing, I've already proven to
myself that I can use the pack for four days, and I easily had enough
unused room in the pack for another day or two of food.

The key element in allowing me to use the backpack for more than a
simple weekend trip has been the Modular Front Pocket - I feel that
this option is a mandatory add-on that increases the utility of the
basic AMP exponentially, given the minimal amount of weight that's
added to the pack. The Modular Front Pocket swallows shelters, be they
traditional tents, tarps, tarp tents, or hammocks. In the case of
tarps, tarp tents, and hammocks, the pocket still had room for my guy
line, 25 feet (7.6 m) of cord, windshirt, rain poncho, mosquito
headnet and gloves, gaiters, and Rocky Gore-Tex oversocks.

With so much gear in the external pocket, the main body of the pack
(1600 cu in / 26L) only had to hold my sleeping bag, pad, spare
clothes, 1st aid kit, toiletries, cook pot, stove, windscreen, camp
bucket, and of course food.

In one of the pack's side pockets I carried a water bottle, and in the
other I stored my fuel bottle, toilet paper, trowel, and tent stakes.

In the right optional hipbelt pocket, I carried my Aqua Mira water
treatment kit, bandana pre-filter, sunscreen, lip balm, lighter,
compass, flashlight, and a small multi-tool. I really haven't used the
second hipbelt pocket yet - I suppose it could hold a light trail
snack, but given the extra ounce it weighs I just don't feel the
convenience is justified. For me, one hipbelt pocket is enough.



Compression:

On my backpacking trips, I found that I used the top compression the
most. If I had excess room in the pack, I just moved my sleeping bag
to the top of the pack and let it expand to take up the space inside.
When the Modular Front Pocket is installed, the cord used to pull the
pocket closer to the main body of the pack is the same cord that
controls the side and front compression system on the Amp, so in
pulling the pocket close to the pack I'm activating the compression
system at the same time. During my NCT maintenance session, where I
used up little of the main pack's volume and the majority of the
packweight was comprised in a 2-liter Platypus bladder and two
additional liter Nalgene bottles for my dog, the compression system
was able to wrap the pack around its contents, bringing the size of
the pack down to less than half of its total volume without affecting
comfort or load transfer ability in the least. The Amp's compression
system uses actual cord in its design, unlike the stretchable
shock-cord I've seen on other packs. From what I've experienced, the
Amp's approach allows for real compression that holds the load
securely - there's no "give" to the system - the Amp's compression
system works in the same way as a corset.

The pack compresses so well, in fact, that I haven't found any issues
while hiking with a water bladder, even when the pack is almost empty.
I mention this because the Amp has an optional hydration sleeve that
adds another 1.3 oz (37 g) to the weight of the pack - I can't say
that I've noticed any issues in using a bladder with the Amp and
having the it supported simply by the gear around it and the pack's
integrated compression system.



Comfort:

I've carried anywhere from 12 to 23 pounds (5.4 to 10.4 kg) of weight
in the Amp when staring off at the trailhead. Throughout this range,
the pack has been extremely comfortable. I've positioned my food - the
bulkiest part of my load - at both the bottom and top of the pack
without any noticeable preference toward either configuration. The
shoulder straps of the Amp stay positioned on my shoulders whether I'm
wearing a fleece or slick windshirt as an outer layer and I don't find
the lack of a sternum strap to be an issue in keeping the pack
centered on my torso. The hip belt can be tightened to realize a
maximum level of load transfer from the shoulders to the hips, but I
find the amount of padding at the hips of the pack to be less than
adequate to support this level of performance. By loosening the hip
belt just a bit, I definitely feel a bit more weight being carried on
my shoulders, but comfort is not an issue. What I really found
surprising was that the pack retained a rigid form that promoted load
transfer with a full-length Therm-A-Rest ultralight sleeping pad
packed along its back panel, folded such that its width equals the
width of the pack. I've found that having a Therm-A-Rest pad placed in
this configuration makes the pack comfortable against my back as well.

The Amp's side pockets are positioned such that reaching into them
feels natural - I don't feel that I'm having to contort my arm into
strange positions or that I'm risking dislocating my shoulder each
time I reach for my water bottle while I'm wearing the pack.



Adjustment:

I really like how the size of the hip belt is adjusted from the point
where it attaches to the pack rather than from the center, around the
belt buckle as on most other packs I've carried. This system allows
for consistent pressure to be applied or released from the left and
right sides of the pack simultaneously. Adjusting the shoulder strap
length is another story, however. I've found that I need two hands to
adjust the shoulder straps, one to position the cord/strap and the
other to release pressure from the locking mechanism. Thankfully, the
pack is comfortable enough to where I don't find it necessary to
adjust the shoulder straps very often.



What's Missing:

The only thing I've found missing in the Amp's design thus far is some
sort of a tab or loop of fabric on the shoulder strap that I can use
to clip my hydration tube to. When using a bladder system, I have to
leave the hose hanging loose on the side of the pack somewhere.
Fortunately, my hydration system of choice is a simple bottle that I
store in the Amp's side pocket.



What I Carry (my maximum load thus far):

To date, the longest period of time I've been out with the Amp has
been for four days. On that trip, the forecast called for daytime
highs in the 40's (7 C) and a possibility of rain during two of the
four days. In addition, nightly lows in the upper 30's (3 C) were
expected. Hypothermic conditions were of concern. This meant that I
found myself using the Amp with more clothes than I would normally
carry during summertime conditions - particularly the 100 wt fleece
top, which took up the same amount of space in the pack as two days of
food. Because of this, I'm confident that in the warmer summer months
I could leave some of the bulkier items at home and have enough extra
space in the pack to push my food supply to a full week. I also
realize that this is a pretty open-ended statement, as some people
need larger sizes in clothing, or need more food calories per day.
While I might be able to use the Amp for a week-long backpack, others
might be asking themselves how I did it. To avoid any such questions,
I have decided to include a list of the essential gear I packed along
with my backcountry menu at the end of this report for additional
context.

Also, note that my load for four-days started out weighing 20 pounds
(9 kg), the maximum weight that ULA rates the Amp to be used at. The
additional three pounds of weight I carried was composed of "sympathy
pounds" and unnecessary luxuries that I forced myself to take due to
my wife's pack being a full eight pounds (3.6 kg) heavier than mine. I
had to bring our loads closer to being even, so I elected to carry her
tent poles - I'm testing a 1 person shelter so she had her own tent. I
also carried the dinners for both of us, tossed a flask of Drambuie
into the Amp's Modular Front Pocket, and hung a pair of Crocs shoes
off the back of the pack. None of these additional items are reflected
in the list of gear packed, below.


- End of Field Report -

----------------------------------------------------------

Appendix A - Food:



Daily Rations
Breakfast 1 cup Quaker Oats, Honey, & Raisin cereal 420 calories
Lunch Jif Creamy Peanut Butter "to go" cup
StarKist flavored tuna fillets, 5 oz (142 g) size 390
140
Snacks Oreo Thin Crisp 100 calorie pack
Blue Diamond Wasabi and Soy Sauce Flavored Almonds
Boysenberry fruit leather
Chocolate Covered Raisins
Sour Patch Kids candy
Sunkist Pistachio Kernels 100
170
   50
190
140
170
Dinner Recipies from "Lipsmackin' Backpackin'
   Adirondack Stew
-or-
   Michigan Salmon Fettuccine
-or-
   Tahoe Chicken Curry
-or-
   White Trash Pasta
670

770

770

850
Total 2440 - 2620

----------------------------------------------------------

Appendix B - Gear:



Gear List
Main Body Therm-a-Rest Ultralight full length pad

pack liner (Reynolds turkey sized oven bag)
    Sierra Designs Wicked Fast sleeping bag
    MontBell Alpine Light jacket
    GoLite Snow Cap
    100 wt microfleece L/S shirt with half zipper
    Patagonia lightweight Capilene leggings
    Turtle Fur fleece neck gaiter
    Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch gloves
    Buff headwear
    Wyoming Wear Polartec 200 fleece sleeping socks
    PackTowl

Seattle Sports folding bucket
    Evernew 1.3l titanium pot
    Evernew 1.3l titanium pot lid
    Cozy for Evernew 1.3l titanium pot
    homemade alcohol stove
    homemade windscreen
    Ziploc bag with misc 1st-Aid and toiletry items
       Nivea moisturizing cream
       q-tips
       Dr. Bronners Soap
       BodyGlide
       antibiotic ointment
       medical tape
       medical gauze
       Advil
       Imodium AD
       Clear Eyes
       elastic bandage
       duct tape
       tweezers
       thermometer
       travel mirror
       Afterbite
       razor blade
       Photon II microlight (Red)
       Tealight candle
       Stowaway Fisher Space Pen
food bag
    food
    Light My Fire Lexan spork
    Toob refillable toothbrush Right Side Pocket GSI 16oz (0.5 L) Lexan
flask

Left Side Pocket BrassLite 8oz fuel bottle
SilNylon bag with 8 titanium stakes
plastic trowel
toilet paper in Ziploc bag

Modular Front Pocket AntiGravityGear TarpTent w/guylines attached
AntiGravityGear Poncho Villa
25 feet (7.6 m) of cord
windshirt
mosquito headnet and gloves
gaiters
Right Hipbelt Pocket bandana H2O pre-filter and Aqua Mira in Ziploc
sunblock SPF-40
Aloe Vera Sunscreen lip balm
Leatherman Micra multi-purpose tool
AAA ARC-P LED flashlight
Silva Companion 609 keyring compass
Spark-Lite Firestarter
cotton balls
Left Hipbelt Pocket not used
Clipped to 2 mm non-stretch compression cord Purell hand sanitizer
small carabiner
    Coghlan's filter funnel

----------------------------------------------------------

Appendix C - Tips on Fitting Everything Into a Small Pack:


When it comes to fitting a few days worth of gear into less than 3000
cubes (50 L) of pack, there are a few essential rules that I've learned:

. If possible, leave the filter at home - go with chemical solutions
like Aqua Mira.

. Carry only the amount of water that is needed and camel up at water
sources - try to keep the amount of water carried at any given time to
a liter (32 oz) or less and know where reliable water sources are
located along the trail.

. Pack a tarp, hammock, or single-wall shelter.

. An empty cookpot is wasted space - in my 1.3 L Evernew pot, I can
use this space to pack four days worth of dinners, for example.

. A closed-cell sleeping pad may weigh less, but it also takes up
valuable pack space. If this translates into my having to carry a
larger pack, there may be no real weight savings at all. My comfy
Therm-a-Rest isn't necessarily the heavier solution, all things
considered.

. A hat, gloves, neck gaiter, and a pair of sleeping socks can extend
the comfort rating of a sleeping bag by a good 10 degrees (5 C).

. Sleeping bags can take up a lot of valuable space in a pack - carry
a bag that is just warm enough for the expected conditions. Should an
unexpected cold front move in, augment the sleeping bag by wearing dry
layers inside.

. If I'm still cold in my sleeping bag, I boil some water, pour it
into my Lexan water bottle, and toss it into the sleeping bag with me.
Sure, the Lexan bottle is a good 3 oz (85 g) heavier than a non-Lexan
alternative, but the difference between a 30 F (1 C) sleeping bag and
a 20 F (-6 C) sleeping bag can easily be a pound (454 g). Same goes
for the difference between a 45 F (7 C) sleeping bag and a 30 F (1 C)
sleeping bag. Between dry clothing and my Lexan water bottle, there's
never been an issue with packing a sleeping bag that some may consider
"less than suitable."

Understood. My point in addressing it was more to get a feel of the
general idea of projection regarding the test period. No worries
though...

AB
On Sat, 2007-06-02 at 23:31 +0800, Andrew Priest wrote:
> Dear AB
>
> Keeping in mind TV's "edit" was a comment, I don't believe a discussion is
> needed. If you don't want to change it don't. It ain't going to break the
> bank.
>
> Have fun
>
> Anderw, sir

--
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