Please accept my application to test the Industrial Revolution-Swedish
FireKnife.

I have read the BGT By-Laws (v.0609) including Chapter 5 and will comply with
all of the reporting terms and requirements. My signed tester agreement is on
file. I will have no difficulty meeting the expected use requirements.

Biographical Information:
Name: Michael Mosack
Age: 48
Gender: Male
Height: 6'01" (1.85 m)
Weight: 236.0 lbs (107.0 kg)
Email Address: mosack(at)earthlinkDOTnet
San Diego, California, USA and Afghanistan

Date: Apr 1, 2012

My Backpacking Background: I've been backpacking for over 30 years, doing solo
and group trips, with and without kids. I do day trips, weekenders and week-long
or longer trips throughout the year. I backpack in all climates and seasons,
from summer desert trips to Spring/Winter camping the western United States and
Canada, to Afghanistan and rely on my backpacking equipment constantly. I prefer
to go lighter whenever possible and love trying new items. Quality and
reliability of equipment carried is paramount to me over price and weight.

Testing plan: I rely on my knife more than any other tool. I use it for almost
any task I might need to complete. I am familiar with other Light My Fire
products and know first hand that they generally put out a quality product. My
plan would be to see if their new knife will stand up to the company claims and
my ability to find and test its capabilities.

I would like to test the following…
1. Is the knife balanced in my hand; is the handle securely attached; is the
handle design and material good for grip and fit in my large hands? When wet
too?
2. Does the blade hold its edge, how well does it sharpen in the field and how
well does it handle moisture and corrosion?
3. Is the blade design effective for common field chores to include cutting
rope, wood for tinder, sharpening wood for stakes and such, field dressing and
skinning game, and how stiff or flexible is the blade?
4. How well is the Swedish FireSteel firestarter going to work in different
conditions? Is it secure inside the knife handle or easily lost when hiking?
5. The included Polypropylene sheath for style and fit of the knife, ease of
use, security of knife when sheathed and the belt clip for security, appropriate
size to accommodate common belt sizes, and other attachment point considerations
and is it ambidextrous?
6. I will test this knife in various situations by checking quality of
manufacturing and comparison of manufacturer's claims to product capabilities,
in as much as I am able.

  I will have standard backpacking and hiking trips from base camp, where
appropriate. My testing plan includes extended time in the field, day and night
in varying climates and terrain, to include rocky desert floor to forested
mountains. I plan to use the Industrial Revolution-Swedish FireKnife during my
daily adventures here in Afghanistan. This knife, being a fixed blade, will do
well for my extended field time here. Over the past 4 years, I average over 150
days/nights in the field. Additionally, I have upcoming trips planned in May to
the Laguna Mountains in Southern California and Sierra Nevadas and Yosemite.

My tester status link: http://teststatus.backpackgeartest.org/T1872.htm

Current Test in progress:
None – just submitted my LTR for the Oboz Beartooth Boots for editing.

Current tests awaiting receipt of product:
None

Current applications submitted and awaiting selections:
Princeton Tec Spectrum

My tester status link: http://teststatus.backpackgeartest.org/T1872.htm
Link to my reviews: http://www.backpackgeartest.org/tester_reviews/mosack

I have completed 4 owner reviews.

Labors of love – I am a test editor / monitor.

Thank you for your time and consideration
Mike Mosack

Please accept my application to test the Solo Stove.
I have read the BGT By-Laws (v.0609) including Chapter 5 and will comply with
all of the reporting terms and requirements. My signed tester agreement is on
file. I will have no difficulty meeting the expected use requirements.

Biographical Information:
Name: Michael Mosack
Age: 48
Gender: Male
Height: 6'01" (1.85 m)
Weight: 236.0 lbs (107.0 kg)
Email Address: mosack(at)earthlinkDOTnet
San Diego, California, USA and Afghanistan

Date: Apr 1, 2012

My Backpacking Background: I've been backpacking for over 30 years, doing solo
and group trips, with and without kids. I do day trips, weekenders and weeklong
or longer trips throughout the year. I backpack in all climates and seasons,
from summer desert trips to Spring/Winter camping the western United States and
Canada, to Afghanistan and rely on my backpacking equipment constantly. I prefer
to go lighter whenever possible and love trying new items. Quality and
reliability of equipment carried is paramount to me over price and weight.

Testing plan: I have not been able to test other types of stoves due to fuel
availability here in Afghanistan so the wood burning stove is something I am
excited to try. I am familiar with the stove having considered buying one myself
in the past. My plan would be to see if this stove will stand up to the company
claims and my ability to find and test its capabilities and am curious as to how
it will perform.

I would like to test the following…
1. Is the stove's quality of construction similar to the manufacturer's claims?
2. Is it stable when sitting on the ground and supporting a pot or pan of
food/water?
3. Are the individual pieces securely attached and is this  easy and quick to
set up in the field? In the dark?
4. How easy is this to light? Can I control the flame? Does the wind effect this
stove's performance?
5. How well does it handle moisture or corrosion and does it resist being
crushed in a pack?
6. I will test this knife in various situations by checking quality of
manufacturing and comparison of manufacturer's claims to product capabilities,
in as much as I am able.

  I will have standard backpacking and hiking trips from base camp, where
appropriate. My testing plan includes extended time in the field, day and night
in varying climates and terrain, to include rocky desert floor to forested
mountains. I plan to use the Solo Stove during my daily adventures here in
Afghanistan. This stove will do well for my extended field time here. Over the
past 4 years, I average over 150 days/nights in the field. Additionally, I have
upcoming trips planned in May to the Laguna Mountains in Southern California and
Sierra Nevadas and Yosemite.
My tester status link: http://teststatus.backpackgeartest.org/T1872.htm

Current Test in progress:
None – just submitted my LTR for the Oboz Beartooth Boots for editing.

Current tests awaiting receipt of product:
None

Current applications submitted and awaiting selections:
Princeton Tec Spectrum headlamp
Industrial Revolution-Swedish FireKnife

My tester status link: http://teststatus.backpackgeartest.org/T1872.htm
Link to my reviews: http://www.backpackgeartest.org/tester_reviews/mosack
I have completed 0 owner reviews within the past year.

Labors of love – I am a test editor / monitor.

Thank you for your time and consideration
Mike Mosack

I loved mine so hopefully you will yours as well...
Mike

From: Brett Haydin
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2012 7:59 AM
To: backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [backpackgeartesters] ARRIVED - Gregory Mountain Products -
Savant/sage Backpack - Brett Haydin


A slightly larger version of your Gregory pack (which I was the editor for; how
about that!). I need to play around with it still, but it looks sweet!

From: mailto:backpackgeartesters%40yahoogroups.com
[mailto:mailto:backpackgeartesters%40yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Mosack
Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 9:05 PM
To: mailto:backpackgeartesters%40yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [backpackgeartesters] ARRIVED - Gregory Mountain Products -
Savant/sage Backpack - Brett Haydin

Cool thanks for the heads up with the personal email as well. It looks like
it’ll be an interesting test item.
Mike Mosack
mosack(at)earthlinkDOTnet

From: Brett Haydin
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2012 7:28 AM
To: mailto:mosack%40earthlink.net <mailto:mosack%40earthlink.net> ;
mailto:backpackgeartesters%40yahoogroups.com
<mailto:backpackgeartesters%40yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [backpackgeartesters] ARRIVED - Gregory Mountain Products - Savant/sage
Backpack - Brett Haydin

Mike,

The Savant 58 arrived today. IR to follow shortly and everything looks in
order.

-Bretter

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

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

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





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

Please accept my application to test the Princeton Tec Spectrum– Brian
Hartman.
DISCLAIMER
I have read the BackpackGearTest Survival Guide, version 0609, including
Chapters 4, 5 and 6, and I will follow all requirements. I have also completed
the tester agreement and submitted it as required. I will have no difficulty
meeting the minimum expected use requirements for this test.

PERSONAL BIO
Tester Bio
Name: Brian Hartman
Age: 44
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 9" (1.7 Meters)
Weight: 145 Pounds (66 Kilograms)
Email address:
  bhart1426 at yahoo dot com
City, State, Country: Westfield, Indiana, U.S.
BRIEF TEST PLAN:
I am really excited about my upcoming backpacking trips.  I will be hiking in
the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Mesa Verde National Park this spring when
I visit the 4 corner states.  I also have several trips planned to Southern
Indiana and the Hoosier National Forest.  As part of my testing I will evaluate
the brightness, durability and battery life of the Princeton Tec Spectrum
headlamp.  I'll also be interested to find out how comfortable it is to wear
and whether the on / off button is easy to locate and operate.  It will be
interesting to put my own color combination together and my goal will be to make
it stand out among my other electronic gadgets.  Thank you for considering my
application and thanks to Princeton Tec for providing this headlamp for
testing.
STATUS PAGE: http://teststatus.backpackgeartest.org/T1849.htm
 
CURRENT TEST LOAD:
Big Agnes Trekking Poles - IR
 
PREVIOUS TESTS / ORs
Previous reports: http://www.backpackgeartest.org/tester_reviews/crazycamper
Upload and post score: -1
Owner reviews (last 12 months): 2
APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION – None


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

Please accept my application to test the Industrial Revolution-Swedish
FireKnife.  I have read the BackpackGearTest Survival Guide v. 0609 and Bylaws
v. 0609.  I agree to comply with all requirements and timetables. I have signed
and submitted the Tester
  Agreement.

Name:      Mike Pearl
Email:      mikepearl36(at)yahoo(dot)com
Age:         38
Location:  Woodstock, Vermont, USA
Gender:    Male
Height:     5'9" (175 cm)
Weight:    155 lb (70.3 kg)   

My backpacking experience began eight years ago, after years of car camping.
Most trips are for two or three days, some lasting a week. I hike with a group
of two to four, with plans for a multi-day solo
  hike this summer. I pack a tent or tarp depending on availability of trail
shelters. My average mileage is 12 mi (19 km). While aware of weight, it is not
my primary concern. I strive for enjoyable outings with functional, reliable
gear. I usually travel in woodland mountain terrain. I am a three season camper,
but enjoy hiking all year.
Plan:  I currently use a folding knife and Bic type lighter.  I have been
thinking of experimenting with starting fire by alternative means.  Which leads
me to thoughts of a sturdier knife.  This would be a two'fer and a multi-purpose
item to boot!
If selected I will test how the FireKnife meets my standard in camp cutting
needs, food prep, cordage, field dressing.  I would like to see how the grip,
blade and balance of the knife perform under varying field conditions.  Now for
the exciting part!  I will test how well the fire starter lights variable types
of fires, wood tinder (cut with the FireKnife), lint and alcohol stove.  I will
pay close attention to how the FireKnife works as a whole.  In am interested how
the three separate pieces fit and stay together, in use and not.
I will put the FireKnife to the test during
  my backpacking adventures.  Thus far during the next four months I have three
separate two night trips planned in the Green Mountains of Vermont, USA.  And a
week long trip on the Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon, USA.
Currently Testing: Ribz Front Pack (FR-due 5/15)                                
      ExOfficio Trail Roam'r Pant (FR-awaiting date)Link to Test Status Page:
 http://teststatus.backpackgeartest.org/T1884.htm
OR's completed in the last year:  One  Link to Review
Page: http://www.backpackgeartest.org/tester_reviews/mike%20pearl
Outstanding Applications: None
Additional BGT Roles:  None 
Thank you for consideration,Mike


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

Please find my initial report for the Yakima Skybox.  Thanks in advance for the
edits.  The url is:http://tinyurl.com/7hbx5gz

Dawn

Yakima SkyBox 16s
Test Report

Name:  Dawn Larsen
Age: 51
Gender: female
Height: 5' 4" (163 cm)
Weight: 155 lb (70 kg)
Email address: vicioushillbilly AT gmail DOT com
Florence, South Carolina USA

Backpacking Background:
I used to backpack in college a zillion years ago and just in the last few years
have backpacked some private trails in Tennessee, Missouri and most recently
South Carolina. I have been an avid car-camper for eleven years and I have
kayak/canoe camped for four years, both in South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri
and Arkansas. I use a lot of the same equipment for both. I hike hilly/rocky
trails especially in Missouri (my home state) and Arkansas. I live in South
Carolina and am busy checking out the terrain here with my eighteen year-old
son.

Product Information
Manufacturer: Yakima
Year of Manufacture: 2012
Manufacturer's Website: www.yakima.com
MSRP: $469.99 US
Advertised Weight: 47 lbs (21.32 kg)
Measured Weight:  47 lbs 2 oz (21.38 kg)
Advertised Dimensions: 81 x 36 x 15 in (206 x 91 x 38 cm)
Measured Dimensions:  81 x 36 x 15 in (206 x 91 x 38 cm)
Advertised crossbar spread:  24 - 42 in. (61 - 107 cm)
Advertised Capacity: 16 cu. feet. (453 L)
Constructed from ABS plastic
Color:  Onyx

yakima image
courtesy of website


Initial Report
31 March 2012

Product Description

OK, well, I'm not complaining because this is a VERY cool thing, but...We were
originally supposed to test the RocketBox.  My main test question concerned
whether I could, as a single women, by myself, handle the gear.  At 47 lbs., I
cannot.  I had to have my son help me put it on the car.  I was hoping the
RocketBox would be a little lighter.

packaging  out of box

Having said the above, the SkyBox 16s came in a huge cardboard crate freighted
via tractor-trailer.  The guy couldn't get down my street so he had to hand cart
it to my door.  Somehow, I got it out of the box by myself.  It was wrapped in
plastic and the instructions were on the inside of the locked SkyBox.  The key
was hanging out of the locked box on a cord.  Really, a sticker with
"instructions within" or something would have been helpful.  There is a sticker
on the side that advertised the features and the dimensions, but no
instructions.

Features
according to the Yakima website:
    The new lid is 50% stiffer than our other boxes, so it vibrates less and is
easier to open and shut one-handed
     New lid shape is easy to grab onto, even if you have particularly clumsy
meathooks
     Super Latch Security ensures your lid is secure to its base, and your stuff
is safer than Fort Knox
     Quick-installation mounting hardware fits car rack systems with round,
square and most factory crossbars.
     New aerodynamic shape reduces wind drag
     Fits crossbar spreads as short as 24"
     Integrated track system for accessories like a cargo net or base pad
     SKS locks included standard
     Matte, stealth anti-scratch finish
According to the instructions, though there is dual side access with locking
mechanisms on both sides, I can only open one side of the box at a time. As
well, I can change the core of the lock if I ever needed to.

Initial Impressions
I read the instructions then had my son help me set it on top of the car.  After
that, I could attach it by myself.

diagram
courtesy of Yakima


clampclamp closed

Attaching the SkyBox 16S
So the process of attaching it to my 2007 Honda CRV with factory roof rack is
this (refer to above images):  First, I opened the SkyBox with the key by
rotating the key like it said on the picture on the lock.  I opened the clamp
locks by raising the levers to open the four clamps. I closed the lid of the
SkyBox.  Then my son and I set the closed SkyBox on the roof rack placing the
opened clamps behind the crossbars (see illustration above).  I unlocked the
lock, pulled up on the latch and opened the driver's side of the SkyBox.  I had
to use a stepladder to access the inside of the SkyBox.  I loosened the track
thumb wheel, which allows the clamps to slide back and forth to adjust for my
roof rack's crossbars.  I lifted up on the front left side of the box to allow
me to slide the clamps on the roof rack and slid them to go around the
crossbars.  I locked the clamp in place by pressing down on the lever and then
tightened the track thumb wheel.  I did this for each of the clamps and that's
all there is to it.

I noticed in the instructions that the Pro series comes with a pad for the
inside of the box to cushion and keep the contents from sliding around.  I took
an old yoga mat and attempted to approximate it.  I think it will work.
yoga mat

We got in the car and drove about 15 miles to test it out...and to get pizza,
but that's beside the point.  Driving with the SkyBox on the car feels a lot
like driving with a kayak on my car.  There is some resistance to wind. Also the
placement of the box bends my antenna, which is made of rubber so it should not
break, but I wish the SkyBox was a little shorter.  It doesn't affect me opening
the hatch of my car any more than my kayak does.  The SkyBox seems very sturdy
and weather resistant.

antenna

The SkyBox also does not allow me to also put my kayak on top of my car.  I will
probably only use this if I am camping at a place that doesn't allow kayaking.

on car  front view

Summary

The SkyBox seems very easy to install once I get help getting it on the car.  It
also seems very sturdy and weather-resistant.  I was hoping that this would be
the answer to my 2 long 1000 mile treks per year to my home state.  I think it
will come in handy for the winter break, but not for the summer break when my
kayak is an absolute necessity.
What I like
Attaching it to the car is easy.
It seems very sturdy and weather-resistant.
What I don't like
It is too heavy for me to handle by myself.
It is too wide to allow me to carry my kayak on the car too.

This concludes my initial report. Check back in a couple of months for my field
report. Many thanks to Yakima and BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity to
test the Yakima SkyBox 16S.

Curt,
Here is my IR for the Injinji Socks. Thanks in advance for the edits. Gail

HTML:

http://tinyurl.com/88b5hg9


Injinji
Performance Mini-Crew Socks
Test Series by: Gail Staisil, Marquette, Michigan

Page Contents:
 
Initial Report - April 1, 2012

Initial Report:
April 1, 2012

Tester Information

Name: Gail Staisil
Age: 59
Gender: Female
Height: 5' 9" (1.75 m)
Weight: 152 lb (69 kg)
Location: Marquette, Michigan USA
Email: woodswoman 2001 AT yahoo DOT com

For the last 20 years, backpacking has become a passion. I am a four-season
backpacker and an off-trail navigator. Although I do take yearly trips to the
American West or Southwest, the majority of my trips are in Michigan and Canada.
My pack weight varies considerably but my base weight is below 18 lb (8 kg). I
am primarily a tarp camper who averages more than 50 nights a year backpacking
in a huge variety of weather conditions including relentless rain, wet snow and
sub-zero temps.
Product Information

Manufacturer
    Injinji
Website     http://injinji.com
Model     Performance Series Mini-Crew
Color
    Black
Material
    CoolMax (70%), Nylon (25%), and Lycra (5 %)
Size
    Medium (Unisex) 8-10.5 Men, 9-11.5 Women (Approx. 40-44 EU for Men and
Women), also available in S-XL
Manufacturer  Weight      NA
Tested Weight      1.4 oz (40 g) per pair
Model Year     2012
MSRP     $12.00 US

Initial Impressions and Product Description

The Injinji Performance Series Original Weight Socks arrived in the Mini-Crew
Length and in the size of Medium as requested. I ordinarily wear a 10.5 US (42.5
EU) Women's Shoe so the size fits smack in the middle of the range. According to
the website the socks are available in the colors of White, Black, Sand, Gray
and Pink. I was sent a pair in the color of Black. The socks are in mostly good
condition but there are a few loose threads in the interiors of both of the
socks (these threads are at the base of several toe compartments). 

Injinji manufacturers several series of socks including several weights in each
category. Some of the socks differ in fiber content. The socks I received are of
the original weight variety. I would consider them to be heavier than many light
weight socks I own but less weighty and bulky than most hiking socks. The
Original Weight Socks come in three length options as well. The Mini-Crew length
that I received measures about  4 in (10 cm) from the bottom of the heel. Other
options are Micro and Crew Lengths (the first being shorter and the latter being
taller than the Mini-Crew).


Design and Technical Features

What truly set the Injinji Socks apart from most other socks is that the toes
are separated. This means that they are much like a glove would be to my hand.
Each toe can be inserted into a separate compartment. The manufacturer's patent
for the Injinji Socks is called AIS:Technology. The main features of this
technology are the Anatomical 5 Toe Design, Arch Support, Vector Heel and Dual
Welt Band. The 5 Toe Design is seamless so there really aren't any issues with
alignment in the toe box area. There is a shaped heel on each sock.

According to the manufacturer the socks offer superior moisture management as
they are partially made with CoolMax. This is an enhanced polyester fiber that
reportedly has great wicking capabilities. One of the fibers used in the fabric
is nylon which offers shape retention.

The socks are black colored but have a red tag stitched to each sock on the
outside of each ankle. Since the band of the sock features a Dual Welt Band
(meaning it is folded over) there is no skin contact with the stitching.

I gently pulled on each sock with the red logo to the outside of each ankle. I
made sure each toe went to the end of each toe compartment. I did this by
placing one of my fingers between each toe to push the sock down. They conformed
to each toe quite readily as the Lycra in the fabric has stretchability. I
haven't worn toe socks since the 1970's (when they were in style for
non-athletic purposes) so they felt kind of funny at first. I quickly got used
to them though as they are very lightweight and there were no areas of
discomfort. The manufacturer suggests to "be patient with your first wear and
allow your feet to adjust". I noted that the Dual Welt Bands are very
comfortable around my ankles fitting on the loose side.

Care instructions are on the cardboard wrapper that contained the socks. The
instructions are quite simple, machine wash in warm water and line dry. Do not
bleach, do not iron and do not dry clean.


Pros

    * Easy to put on
    * Fabric has soft feel
    * Dual Welt Band is very comfortable


Cons

    * None so far


Tester Remarks

Thanks to Injinji and BackpackGearTest.org for this opportunity to test the
Performance Mini-Crew Socks. This concludes my Initial Report. The Field Report
will be appended to this report in approximately two months from the date of
this report. Please check back then for more information.

  Top of Page

Hi Gail-

Here's my LTR for the Delta Kitchen set.
Thanks in advance for the edits--it's been nice working with you on the test!

-larry

HTML is at:  http://tinyurl.com/7ko3l3s

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



LONG-TERM REPORT


April 1, 2012





FIELD CONDITIONS AND EXPERIENCE



Over the past 2 months, I took the Summit kitchen items on one other weekend
trip to Yellow Springs, Ohio. I was cabin
camping, but it was VERY rustic. In other words, we had no patching or caulking
to keep the wind out, and only a wood-burning
stove for heat. It got down to 20 F/-6 C outside, and was about 35 F/2 C inside.
Chilly! As on my prior trips during the
test, I brought all 6 pieces of the set with me (plate, bowl, cup, mug,
spoon-knife, and spork-knife) although this was
significant overkill. I only ended up using the bowl, the spork-knife, and the
mug for the weekend.



My impressions from the LTR didn't change much from the prior two months.
Basically, this stuff is dynamite! The plastic is
light but sturdy, and I had no problems after cramming it in my backpack for the
trips during this report. The plate and bowl
are plenty large for eating and they are easy to clean. I generally only use a
bowl when backpacking, and the Delta Bowl is
definitely an upgrade over my prior version.



The silverware pieces are functional but maybe overly complicated. My maxim
while backpacking is "if it needs a knife, it's
not done cooking," so I actually prefer a spoon/spork with a straight handle to
the knife-handle of the Delta pieces, but
this is certainly an issue of personal preference. I was pleasantly surprised at
how functional the tines of the spork were
for picking up noodles and the like. The cup and mug are a little bulky, and the
differences are only that the mug has a top
and an insulating sleeve which can be slipped on and off.  Both work well, but
the mug is notably fantastic for keeping hot
beverages hot. It also works well as a few hours as a hand-warmer when filled
with hot water or tea! The patterned bottom of
the mug/cup and the plate and bowl actually made a noticeable difference in
allowing me to hold them in my hands when
holding hot, steaming food or beverages. My only complaint is that it would be
nice to have a hook or something that I
could use to attach the lid to the mug. Although the lid has a string loop on
it, there is nothing on the mug to which this
can be tethered. This means there is a decent chance of me leaving the top
somewhere unless I am especially diligent.



Finally, I like the fact that when I get off the trail I can just throw these
items in the dishwasher. They tolerate this with
no trouble whatsoever, and are ready for my next trip.






SUMMARY



Overall, I found the Sea to Summit Delta Kitchen items to be outstanding pieces
of gear. They are everything I want in my
eating gear on the trail-light, sturdy, big enough, and easy to clean. I plan on
continuing to take them with me on
my future trips, although I won't take the whole set. The mug and bowl will be
plenty. Unless meat is on the menu (ha!),
I'll probably also leave the spoon-knife and spork-knife home in favor of my
trusty old spoon.



Things I liked about the Sea to Summit Delta Series Items:




Light and sturdy Perfect trail size and shape that matches the spoon/spork Easy
to clean on the trail and at home Hex pattern on bottom provides good insulation
from hot foods Mug really keeps things warm

Things I disliked about the Delta Kitchen items:
  Don't care for the knife on the utensil handlesCup/mug a little bulky if space
is tight.







Thanks to Sea to Summit for providing these items for testing, and to
BackpackGearTest.org for giving me
the chance to participate in the evaluation process.






-larry kirschner



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

James, I'm only a month early, not bad for me...  Thanks for the heads up Kurt! 
it will be ok in 2 weeks so I may still turn it in as is then.  will leave test
copy alone and delete if I need to. I dont know that I'll discover much new in
the next two weeks.

Coy Boy

--- In backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com, "Coy Boy" <starnescr@...> wrote:
>
> Hi James, here is my FR.
>
> html can be found here
>
>
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/test/TESTS/FR%20-%20Dual%20Eyewear%20SL2\
s%20-%20Coy%20Boy/
>
> or here
>
> http://tinyurl.com/75ju5tb
>
> and the text is below. Eagerly awaiting you edits and or comments.
>
> Thanks
> Coy Boy
>

Hi Curt,

Here is the IR for the toesocks. The HTML may be found here:

http://tinyurl.com/72mdlnz

Thanks,

Ray

Injinji Original Weight Mini-Crew Toesocks
Test Series by Raymond Estrella
INITIAL REPORT

INITIAL REPORT - April 02, 2012

TESTER INFORMATION

NAME:  Raymond Estrella
EMAIL:  rayestrellaAThotmailDOTcom
AGE:  51
LOCATION:  North Western Minnesota, USA
GENDER:  M
HEIGHT:  6' 3" (1.91 m)
WEIGHT:  215 lb (97.50 kg)
I've been backpacking for over 30 years, all over California, Minnesota, and
many western states. I hike year-round in all weather, and average 500+ miles
(800+ km) per year. I make a point of using lightweight gear, and smaller volume
packs. Doubting I can ever be truly ultralight, I try to be as light as I can
yet still be comfortable. I start early and hike hard so as to enjoy the
afternoons exploring/chilling. I usually take a freestanding tent and enjoy hot
evening meals. If not hiking solo I am usually with my brother-in-law Dave or my
twin children.

INITIAL REPORT
The Product

Manufacturer: Injinji Footwear Inc.
Web site: www.injinji.com
Product: Mini-Crew
Year manufactured: 2011
MSRP: US $12.00
Size reviewed: Large (Men's 11-13, Women's 12+ US)
Color tested: White (also own Black and Gray)
Weight listed: N/A
Actual weight: 1.8 oz (51 g)
(Photo to right courtesy Injinji)

Product Description






The Injinji Original Weight Mini Crew toesocks (hereafter called the mini-crews
or socks) are socks with something different from all the other socks I have.
Well five things different to be accurate. That is the toe sleeves each one has.

Injinji does not call them toe sleeves though. They call it an Anatomical
Interface System. Here is their explanation of it. The "Anatomical Interface
System (AIS) is engineered to separate your toes with a thin, anti-friction
membrane that is both lightweight and breathable. Seamless in construction, the
tetratsok forms to every contour of your foot. This allows for true restriction
free movement from your heel to five toes, encourages healthy circulation, and
eliminates skin on skin contact between your toes to prevent blisters from
developing."

The socks, part of the company's Performance series, are made from Invista's
COOLMAX fabric to the tune of 70%. 25% is listed as nylon with the final 5%
being Lycra. The material is soft and smooth, not course feeling.

Even though I have been using Injini's products for some time now, looking at
the construction of these socks still amazes me. The socks are made with a
single-ply weave. The individual toes are seamless, coming right from the body
of the sock. And the body has no seams even where it forms the heel pocket, what
Injinji calls the Vector Heel. Even where the top turns inside and down to form
a 1 in (2.5 cm) dual-layered welt band (to help keep them up) it has only been
attached to the inside of the sock. There is nothing on the sock to put any
pressure on my feet. About the only thing that looks like a seam is at the very
end of the toes. Here is a shot of them.

A red sewn-on label sits on the outer side of each sock. I say the outside
because if it is positioned to the inside of my ankle I will have a heck of a
time getting them on. This is because the socks have to be made Right and Left
to make the anatomically correct toes work.

The mini-crews come about 2 in (5 cm) up on my ankle.

The package (which opens up and contains a wealth of information) recommends
machine washing them with warm water and line drying.

Well that's about all I can think to say about the mini-crews. Time to get them
in the field and see what they can do. Please come back in two months to see the
results. My thanks to Injinji and BackpackGearTest.org for allowing me to play
This Little Piggy while backpacking.

OK Ladies, there have been a lot of calls lately for Men's only gear, so here is
our chance.
 
Sharpen your pencils for some nice boots!
 
This is the first of two test calls for Women's Boots.
Note that you can apply for one or both calls. If applying for both, please
indicate your preference.

These ones are the Ahnu Montara:
Montara Boot (women) INFO:
http://www.ahnu.com/womens-montara-stability-hiking-boots/AF2128,default,pd.html\
?dwvar_AF2128_color=ASAU
 
Please include the following in your application:
1. The opening disclaimer for testing
2. Your bio
3. A brief test plan, including your plans to meet the minimum use requirements
4. A list of what you are currently testing AND a link to your test status page
5. The number of Owner Reviews you have completed in the last year
6. A list of any outstanding applications
7. Any additional BGT roles you play

Newbie limit DOES NOT apply
US shipping included
I am the Test Mod

Please put "Ahnu Montara" in the subject line of your application.

This call will close at 11 pm Pacific Daylight Time on Monday April 9, 2012.

Nancy

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

This is the second of two test calls for Women's Boots.
Note that you can apply for one or both calls. If applying for both, please
indicate your preference.

These ones are the Garmont Amica:
Amica hike (women) INFO: http://www.garmontusa.com/181164602.html  
Please include the following in your application:
1. The opening disclaimer for testing
2. Your bio
3. A brief test plan, including your plans to meet the minimum use requirements
4. A list of what you are currently testing AND a link to your test status page
5. The number of Owner Reviews you have completed in the last year
6. A list of any outstanding applications
7. Any additional BGT roles you play

Newbie limit DOES NOT apply
US shipping included
I am the Test Mod

Please put "Garmont Amica" in the subject line of your application.

This call will close at 11 pm Pacific Daylight Time on Monday April 9, 2012.

Nancy

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

AB,

Text of LTR section below; full report in the Tests folder at
http://tinyurl.com/75j3gss

Edit away!

Cheers, Richard

LONG TERM REPORT - April 2, 2012

Field Conditions

I have worn the Beartooths on two overnighters in Texas and a three-day,
two-night hike in Montana.  The Montana hike was scheduled as a hut-to-hut ski
trip, but there simply wasn't enough snow to ski the planned route (or to get my
mandatory downhill skiing in), so we converted it to a combination hike and
snowshoe camping trip.  This was in (appropriately) the Absaroka-Beartooth
Wilderness, maximum altitude about 7000 feet (2100 m), in clear weather and
unseasonably warm temperatures, up to 50 F (10 C) during the day and down to
only 15 F (-10 C) one night.  I carried a pack load of about 25 lb (11 kg)
divided between a front pack and backpack. I wore liner socks and heavy wool
over-the-ankle socks, my typical backpacking practice.  Most of this six-mile
(10 km) trip was hiking, carrying the snowshoes on my pack.  It wasn't
bushwhacking but the trail was hard to find for the snow and mud in many places.

In Texas each overnighter was relatively short, each about four miles (6.5 km),
with a daypack and front pack containing about 20 lb (9 kg). I didn't wear
liners, but did wear my heavy socks.  Temperatures ranged from 45 F (7 C) at
night to as high as 75 F (24 C) during the day, with one very short rain shower
but otherwise clear weather.  All hiking was on-trail.

Since moving to Montana in February I've worn these boots almost daily for
exploratory walks with my dog.  He gets one short and three medium to long walks
a day, 2-4 miles (3-6.5 km) total, on the dirt roads that runs through my
subdivision or in the surrounding woods and pastures.  A wide range of
temperatures - 10 F (-12 C) one frosty morning to 68 F (20 C) on several
afternoons - and weather conditions - sun, rain, snow, sleet, sometimes all four
on the same walk.  I usually wore midweight socks on these walks.

Counting break-in I estimate about 85 miles (135 km) of walking in the Beartooth
boots.

Performance

Fit and comfort.  Fit is great.  The main reason I keep coming back to Oboz
footwear is that its shoes and boots seem custom made for my skinny feet and
narrow ankles.  Except when the laces work loose (see next section) my foot
doesn't slip at all, there's no pinching at the toes, and my ankle stays
comfortably but firmly between the leather.  It's easy to slip these on thanks
to the BFit lacing system that, according to Oboz, is intended to seat and hold
the heel in place.  Best of all, no blisters and not even a hot spot.  Also no
red marks or pain across the top of my feet from the laces.  For burly boots the
Beartooths are quite comfortable, as are my feet and the end of the hiking day.

The day after one of the Texas hikes I had another mild attack of plantar
fasciitis in my right foot, so for the balance of the test period I replaced the
Oboz footbed with a custom footbed with a slightly higher arch.  That's a first
for me with Oboz; another reason I like its footgear is that I have avoided the
bother and expense of orthotics.  The replacement beds solved the problem, so
now my soles are as comfortable as the rest of my feet in the Beartooths.

The combination of the Beartooths' Nubuck leather (claimed to be waterproof) and
BDRY membrane has kept my feet dry when walking through the snow.  No water has
seeped through, and the BDRY system has allowed perspiration to escape.  Even
after longer walks in warmer temperatures I haven't experienced uncomfortably
hot or sweaty feet.

The laces.  Try as I might I found no lacing pattern that got the laces on these
boots to stay knotted for more than an hour at a stretch.  An hour in fact was
good performance on this score.  As reported in my Field Report, a carefully and
firmly tied double knot solves this problem, or at least reduces it to a
manageable level.  That presents its own problem, as the laces are not quite
long enough to get a double knot unless I skip one of the top two grommets or
don't crisscross the laces there or between the second and third grommets.  The
third laceholder isn't a grommet, rather it's the loop on the BFit system.  I
don't think the BFit system is the problem, however, as I've had similarly
configured lacing systems on boots from other manufacturers, and the laces
didn't work loose on a regular basis. Unexpected unlacing has happened as often
when wearing one pair of socks as two, and I can't pin down a lacing pattern
that increases or reduces frequency of working loose or time it takes to do so. 
All I can think of as the culprit is the angle of the top grommet, which may
need to be tweaked to keep the laces from slipping around.  Even after 85 miles
(135 km) I can't detect any bend in the grommets and all appear firmly seated in
the same spots they were when the boots were new, so I'm pinning the blame on a
design flaw.

The slipping laces have been more of a problem on the dog walks and short hikes,
when I don't always remember to double-knot the Beartooths.  I always
double-knot when wearing a pack, a habit born of having slender ankles all my
life. And the laces' working loose isn't always noticeable at first; the BFit
system holds my heels well enough that my feet don't slide around even after the
laces have come loose.  It is a bother though, and something I'd like to see
addressed.

Traction. The Beartooths' grips have held their wearer firmly in place in some
gnarly conditions, notably mud and sheet ice. A neighbor normally plows the
roads in my subdivision immediately after any snowfall.  When this is done on a
dirt road when the temperature is below freezing the result is a very thin sheet
to ice, too thin (usually) to notice in an automobile with four tires and a ton
or more of weight, but a real problem for walkers. For me the circumstances were
made more acute by being attached by a leash to a 100+ pound (45+ kg) dog who
was new to Montana and eager to protect his owner from the threatening wildlife,
usually whitetail deer.  Despite the tugs and jolts I didn't slip once, not even
on the steep road just uphill from my driveway.  These conditions are common
enough and scary enough to prompt a sensible guy to get some traction devices,
which this not-so-sensible guy shall do before next winter.  I'm grateful to
Oboz for not taking a fall.

I didn't slip much in the mud on the trail in the Absarokas, certainly nothing
to complain about.  As on other Oboz boots I own (one reviewed elsewhere on this
website), to some extent the treads self-clean.  Most of the mud works loose
from simply walking in the boots once back on a solid surface.

I haven't walked enough on wet rocks to comment on the boots' holding ability on
that bugbear of traction systems.

Oboz on ice Durability.  Phenomenal! Much of my mileage on these boots has been
through serious mud and through snowbanks (another of my dog's new-found
pleasures), yet the boots still look almost new. All grommets and stitching
remain intact and functioning as new, no cracks or creases in the leather or
fabric, and the treads look to have many more trail time on them. Even the
laces, despite all my re-tying, show scant signs of wear.  The Beartooths are
still a bit stiff, but that's intended and that's one reason I like them.  As
noted above the stiffness hasn't translated to discomfort.  Care has been
limited to wiping off the mud with a damp cloth after a hike or walk, and once
hosing them down when they were especially muddy.

The Bottom Line

I really like the Beartooths, the lacing issue notwithstanding.  They are
remarkably comfortable for such stout footwear, and well suited to my
less-than-ultralight backpacking style.  They should be just the ticket for my
trail maintenance work this summer.  I look forward to wearing them, literally,
into the ground.

My Test Report ends here, with thanks to my friends at Oboz and
BackpackGearTest.org for this testing opportunity.

Hi Ralph,
 
Please consider my application to test the Industrial Revolution-Swedish
FireKnife.  I have read the BackpackGearTest.org By-Laws (v. 0609)
particularly Chapters 4, 5 and 6 and I agree to abide by all rules and
requirements. My signed Tester Agreement is on file. 
 
Tester information:
· Nancy Griffith
· 45
· Female
· 5’6” (1.68 m)
· 130 lb (59 kg)
· bkpkrgirlATyahooDOT com
· Northern California, USA 
 
Backpacking background:
My outdoor experience began in high school with involvement in a local
canoeing/camping group called Canoe Trails. The culmination was a 10-day canoe
voyage through the Quebec wilds. I've been backpacking since my college days in
Pennsylvania, then for years in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and now
mostly in the Sierra Nevada of California. Most of my trips are section hikes or
loops from a few days to a week. I carry a mid-weight load, use a tent and
hiking poles.

Test plan or strategy:
I currently carry a foldable pocket knife which is lightweight and convenient to
stow.  But I really prefer a fixed blade and love my Buck knife except that
it is very heavy and bulky in its sheath.  This knife seems to be able to
provide the benefits of being lightweight while also being sturdy.  I would use
the knife for splitting kindling, gutting fish and as a kitchen blade for
slicing fruit, cheese, etc. (not directly after gutting fish :))  I would use
the firestarter to light campfires.  It also talks about lighting gas stoves,
so I would try to use it to light various backpacking stoves.  I'm interested
in whether the sheath clip keeps the knife on my belt or pack without getting
pulled off.  Does the bright color make it easy to find if I pack it inside? 
Does the blade hold an edge or am I constantly sharpening it?  It claims to
work at all altitudes, but does it?  Does it clean up readily (unlike a
foldable which gathers gunk)? 
  Does the firestarter stay clipped in?
 
Test Conditions:
Generally we backpack once per month for an overnighter to a week at a time so
I'll have no trouble meeting the minimum 5 overnight requirement.  Most of my
trips will be in the Sierra Nevada with one early trip toward the coast. 
Specifically, we have plans for at least one more overnight snowshoe/backpack
trip in the Sierras in spring.  In April we'll head toward the coast for two
nights.  After that we'll be back in the Sierras for backpacking throughout the
summer.  We have firm plans for a 2 night trip in late May, a 4 night
backpacking/fishing trip over the 4th holiday and a 3 night (to a week) trip in
August for a backpack to a base camp trip.  I would also use it for day hiking
and fishing trips.

Backpacking/camping (one trip per month): Sierra Nevada, 2,000 to 10,000 ft
(600 – 3,000m); 30 to 70 F (-1 to 21 C)
Day Hiking/Snowshoeing (nearly every weekend): Sierra Nevada, 1,000 to 8,000 ft
(600 – 2,400 m); 30 to 70 F (-1 to 21 C)

My current tests are :
REI Kulshan jacket - LTR submitted
Big Agnes Fria bag - LTR due 5/12
My Inspire Wear bra - FR due 5/15
Big Agnes Passport poles - FR date not set.  IR complete.
Black Diamond Astral pack - FR date not set.  IR complete
http://teststatus.backpackgeartest.org/T1780.htm
 
I have written 28 OR's (4 in the past year) and completed 36 test series.
My reviews can be viewed at:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/tester_reviews/ngriffith

I have one app pending for the Princeton Tec Spectrum headlamp.

Labors of Love:  Test Moderator; Monitor, occasional Test Manager :) 
 
Thank you for considering my application.

Nancy


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

Larry,
Just two edits to fix and then you can delete and upload and retire from the
series. Gail


   It also works well as a few hours as a hand-warmer when filled with hot water
or tea!

EDIT: It also works well "for" a few.....



EDIT: cosmetic...looks like there is an extra "bullet" under likes

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

Below is the text for my edited report as well as the url.

Thanks,

Kara


http://tinyurl.com/7m7zk2u

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
<a name="FRPT">FIELD REPORT</a>
 
FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
 
This top as been worn all over Arizona, from as far south as Tucson to as far
north as Page. Conditions have ranged from sunny and warm in the mid 80s (~ 30
C) to windy and cool (40 F, 4 C). The trails have ranged from well established
trails to bushwhacking up the side of a mountain with many thorny bushes and
cacti to navigate through. The elevations have ranged from 1,100' to over 7,000'
(335 m to over 2134 m). Conditions have always been dry as it does not rain
often in Arizona.  The top has been worn for a 2-day backpacking trip, 5 days of
technical canyoneering, and 3 full day hikes.
 
PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
 
In addition to a 2 day backpacking trip, I have worn the top  day hiking,
technical and non-technical canyoneering, and rock climbing. Since I have been
doing as much off trail hiking as I have been doing on-trail hiking, this shirt
has been in contact with the numerous types of thorny bushes and cacti Arizona
has to offer on almost every trip.

<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 1"  IMAGE CAPTION = "Small hole in the on
the back of the right shoulder.">> I have only found one small snag and noticed
a small hole in the shoulder area. Considering that this shirt has logged well
over 50 miles (81 km) throughout the Arizona desert and mountains, with many of
those being off-trail, I think that this is very minimal wear. I am also happy
that the hole has not started to fray or run.

<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 2"  IMAGE CAPTION = "Seam wear on the
sleeves.">> The seam threads have started to pill a bit and become fuzzy
looking. However, this does not interfere with the performance of the top. The
seams do not look like they are coming loose, but it looks like the type of
threat used is prone to pilling.

I normally wear this top over a tank top base layer and under a fleece jacket if
the weather is cool. I find this top to be light enough that I don't mind
wearing it over the tank top for sun protection on warm days. It also wicks well
and breathes wonderfully, which is good on strenuous hikes when I am hot, but
don't feel like stopping to take the shirt off.


<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 3"  IMAGE CAPTION = "The shirt in
action">>No matter how much of a sweat I work up hiking up the side of a
mountain, this shirt itself does not seem to smell. I have not found it to
retain any unpleasant odor after washing. I just wash the top in cool water on
the normal cycle with all natural biodegradable detergent and vinegar and either
air dry it outside or in a dryer on low heat. So far, I have not noticed any
fading of the color or warping of the shape. It has not shrunk despite being
washed and dried multiple times.

I love the feel of the top as it is very soft and silky next to the skin.
Additionally, it has great stretch. This has been important as most of my hikes
lately have involved bouldering and down climbing. I never feel like my movement
is constricted by the top.

While the top is made of a knit fabric, I have not noticed much pilling of the
fabric. There are no signs of wear from the backpack hip belt or the harness I
use for climbing and rappelling.

 
SUMMARY
 
This shirt has performed amazingly well to date. It is my go-to shirt for all
outdoor actives. The top has retained its shape and fit and has not shrunk. I
have been impressed with the top's ability to hold up to Arizona thorny bushes
while hiking and trail blazing. I look forward to seeing how the top does over
the next few months.

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

Erin,

Here are your edits below.  Feel free to upload when ready and remember
to delete your test file.  See you in a few months.

Also, for the rest of the test series, could you please CC me on the reports as
well as the group?


Thanks,

Kara
  ----------
Edits follow the usual convention:
EDIT: Must change
Edit: Check it out and consider changing something
Comment: Just that...no change needed
 
>> The medium
sized version of the pack
 EDIT:
medium-sized (or Medium size)
>> Inside the
main compartment is a small vertical hook and loop strap to hold up a hydration
bladder
 
 
>>Edit: You might
want to use a darker or bolder font on the pictures of the pack – the current
color and font size is hard to read.
 
>>There is nothing
more frustrating then having a pocket that proves to be useless when it comes
 
EDIT:  … than
having….
 
>>The Astral has
five additional pockets to the main compartment and the top lid pocket:…
 
EDIT: …five additional
pockets in the main compartment…. or …five pockets in addition to the main
compartment and the top lid pocket:…
 
>>In my day pack I
have a similar setup, however, the strap has a very small clip.
Edit: It is not clear
which pack has the small clip, please clarify.
 
 EDIT:
hook-and-loop
>> two
smaller pockets, about the ideal size of a large water bottle EDIT: about
the ideal size “for” a large water bottle  or: about the size of a large
water bottle
 ~~~


"Making the world a better place is not only your responsibility, it is your
joy, it is your blessing, it is your gift, it's your opportunity to make your
life mean something, so take it." ~ Derrick N. Ashong

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

I would have to wear men's sizes. I can't do women's boots unless
they are sized up enough - the size 12 might work but it's also a
matter of the width of the boot.

On Apr 2, 2012, at 7:19 AM, Nancy Griffith wrote:

>
> OK Ladies, there have been a lot of calls lately for Men's only
> gear, so here is our chance.
>
> Sharpen your pencils for some nice boots!
>
> This is the first of two test calls for Women's Boots.
> Note that you can apply for one or both calls. If applying for
> both, please indicate your preference.
>
> These ones are the Ahnu Montara:
> Montara Boot (women) INFO: http://www.ahnu.com/womens-montara-
> stability-hiking-boots/AF2128,default,pd.html?dwvar_AF2128_color=ASAU
>
> Please include the following in your application:
> 1. The opening disclaimer for testing
> 2. Your bio
> 3. A brief test plan, including your plans to meet the minimum use
> requirements
> 4. A list of what you are currently testing AND a link to your test
> status page
> 5. The number of Owner Reviews you have completed in the last year
> 6. A list of any outstanding applications
> 7. Any additional BGT roles you play
>
> Newbie limit DOES NOT apply
> US shipping included
> I am the Test Mod
>
> Please put "Ahnu Montara" in the subject line of your application.
>
> This call will close at 11 pm Pacific Daylight Time on Monday April
> 9, 2012.
>
> Nancy
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> <!-- #ygrp-mkp { border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-family: Arial;
> margin: 10px 0; padding: 0 10px; } #ygrp-mkp hr { border: 1px solid
> #d8d8d8; } #ygrp-mkp #hd { color: #628c2a; font-size: 85%; font-
> weight: 700; line-height: 122%; margin: 10px 0; } #ygrp-mkp #ads
> { margin-bottom: 10px; } #ygrp-mkp .ad { padding: 0 0; } #ygrp-
> mkp .ad p { margin: 0; } #ygrp-mkp .ad a { color: #0000ff; text-
> decoration: none; } #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc { font-family: Arial; }
> #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc #hd { margin: 10px 0px; font-weight: 700;
> font-size: 78%; line-height: 122%; } #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc .ad
> { margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0 0; } a { color: #1e66ae; }
> #actions {    font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; padding: 10px
> 0; } #activity { background-color: #e0ecee; float: left; font-
> family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; padding: 10px; } #activity span
> { font-weight: 700; } #activity span:first-child { text-transform:
> uppercase; } #activity span a {    color: #5085b6; text-decoration:
> none; } #activity span span { color: #ff7900; } #activity
> span .underline { text-decoration: underline; } .attach { clear:
> both; display: table; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding:
> 10px 0; width: 400px; } .attach div a { text-decoration:
> none; } .attach img { border: none; padding-right: 5px; } .attach
> label { display: block; margin-bottom: 5px; } .attach label a
> { text-decoration: none; } blockquote { margin: 0 0 0 4px; } .bold
> { font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; } .bold a
> { text-decoration: none; } dd.last p a { font-family: Verdana; font-
> weight: 700; } dd.last p span { margin-right: 10px; font-family:
> Verdana; font-weight: 700; } dd.last p span.yshortcuts { margin-
> right: 0; } div.attach-table div div a { text-decoration: none; }
> div.attach-table { width: 400px; } div.file-title a, div.file-title
> a:active, div.file-title a:hover, div.file-title a:visited { text-
> decoration: none; } div.photo-title a, div.photo-title a:active,
> div.photo-title a:hover, div.photo-title a:visited { text-
> decoration: none; } div#ygrp-mlmsg #ygrp-msg p a span.yshortcuts
> { font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; font-weight:
> normal; } .green { color: #628c2a; } .MsoNormal { margin: 0 0 0
> 0;  } o { font-size: 0; } #photos div { float: left; width: 72px; }
> #photos div div { border: 1px solid #666666; height: 62px;
> overflow: hidden; width: 62px; } #photos div label { color:
> #666666; font-size: 10px; overflow: hidden; text-align: center;
> white-space: nowrap; width: 64px; } #reco-category { font-size:
> 77%; } #reco-desc { font-size: 77%; } .replbq { margin: 4px; }
> #ygrp-actbar div a:first-child { /* border-right: 0px solid #000;*/
> margin-right: 2px; padding-right: 5px; } #ygrp-mlmsg { font-size:
> 13px; font-family: Arial, helvetica,clean, sans-serif; *font-size:
> small; *font: x-small; } #ygrp-mlmsg table { font-size: inherit;
> font: 100%; } #ygrp-mlmsg select, input, textarea { font: 99%
> Arial, Helvetica, clean, sans-serif; } #ygrp-mlmsg pre, code { font:
> 115% monospace; *font-size:100%; } #ygrp-mlmsg * { line-height:
> 1.22em; } #ygrp-mlmsg #logo { padding-bottom: 10px; } #ygrp-mlmsg a
> { color: #1E66AE; } #ygrp-msg p a { font-family: Verdana; } #ygrp-
> msg p#attach-count span { color: #1E66AE; font-weight: 700; } #ygrp-
> reco #reco-head { color: #ff7900; font-weight: 700; } #ygrp-reco
> { margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; } #ygrp-sponsor #ov li a
> { font-size: 130%; text-decoration: none; } #ygrp-sponsor #ov li
> { font-size: 77%; list-style-type: square; padding: 6px 0; } #ygrp-
> sponsor #ov ul { margin: 0; padding: 0 0 0 8px; } #ygrp-text { font-
> family: Georgia; } #ygrp-text p { margin: 0 0 1em 0; } #ygrp-text
> tt { font-size: 120%; } #ygrp-vital ul li:last-child { border-
> right: none !important; } -->

That's a shame, Lori!  Any chance you could find a store where you could try
on the women's 12 to see if the Ahnu would work for you?  I can tell you
they are pretty much true-to-size, at least in the trail shoes.  I have two
different pairs and I wear 8s.

Kathy


----- Original Message -----
From: "Lori" <lori.pontious@...>
To: <backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, April 02, 2012 1:34 PM
Subject: Re: [backpackgeartesters] TEST CALL - WOMEN's Ahnu Boots (Call #1)


>I would have to wear men's sizes. I can't do women's boots unless
> they are sized up enough - the size 12 might work but it's also a
> matter of the width of the boot.
>
> On Apr 2, 2012, at 7:19 AM, Nancy Griffith wrote:
>
>>
>> OK Ladies, there have been a lot of calls lately for Men's only
>> gear, so here is our chance.
>>
>> Sharpen your pencils for some nice boots!
>>
>> This is the first of two test calls for Women's Boots.
>> Note that you can apply for one or both calls. If applying for
>> both, please indicate your preference.
>>
>> These ones are the Ahnu Montara:
>> Montara Boot (women) INFO: http://www.ahnu.com/womens-montara-
>> stability-hiking-boots/AF2128,default,pd.html?dwvar_AF2128_color=ASAU
>>
>> Please include the following in your application:
>> 1. The opening disclaimer for testing
>> 2. Your bio
>> 3. A brief test plan, including your plans to meet the minimum use
>> requirements
>> 4. A list of what you are currently testing AND a link to your test
>> status page
>> 5. The number of Owner Reviews you have completed in the last year
>> 6. A list of any outstanding applications
>> 7. Any additional BGT roles you play
>>
>> Newbie limit DOES NOT apply
>> US shipping included
>> I am the Test Mod
>>
>> Please put "Ahnu Montara" in the subject line of your application.
>>
>> This call will close at 11 pm Pacific Daylight Time on Monday April
>> 9, 2012.
>>
>> Nancy
>>
>> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>>
>>
>> <!-- #ygrp-mkp { border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-family: Arial;
>> margin: 10px 0; padding: 0 10px; } #ygrp-mkp hr { border: 1px solid
>> #d8d8d8; } #ygrp-mkp #hd { color: #628c2a; font-size: 85%; font-
>> weight: 700; line-height: 122%; margin: 10px 0; } #ygrp-mkp #ads
>> { margin-bottom: 10px; } #ygrp-mkp .ad { padding: 0 0; } #ygrp-
>> mkp .ad p { margin: 0; } #ygrp-mkp .ad a { color: #0000ff; text-
>> decoration: none; } #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc { font-family: Arial; }
>> #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc #hd { margin: 10px 0px; font-weight: 700;
>> font-size: 78%; line-height: 122%; } #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc .ad
>> { margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0 0; } a { color: #1e66ae; }
>> #actions {    font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; padding: 10px
>> 0; } #activity { background-color: #e0ecee; float: left; font-
>> family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; padding: 10px; } #activity span
>> { font-weight: 700; } #activity span:first-child { text-transform:
>> uppercase; } #activity span a {    color: #5085b6; text-decoration:
>> none; } #activity span span { color: #ff7900; } #activity
>> span .underline { text-decoration: underline; } .attach { clear:
>> both; display: table; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding:
>> 10px 0; width: 400px; } .attach div a { text-decoration:
>> none; } .attach img { border: none; padding-right: 5px; } .attach
>> label { display: block; margin-bottom: 5px; } .attach label a
>> { text-decoration: none; } blockquote { margin: 0 0 0 4px; } .bold
>> { font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; } .bold a
>> { text-decoration: none; } dd.last p a { font-family: Verdana; font-
>> weight: 700; } dd.last p span { margin-right: 10px; font-family:
>> Verdana; font-weight: 700; } dd.last p span.yshortcuts { margin-
>> right: 0; } div.attach-table div div a { text-decoration: none; }
>> div.attach-table { width: 400px; } div.file-title a, div.file-title
>> a:active, div.file-title a:hover, div.file-title a:visited { text-
>> decoration: none; } div.photo-title a, div.photo-title a:active,
>> div.photo-title a:hover, div.photo-title a:visited { text-
>> decoration: none; } div#ygrp-mlmsg #ygrp-msg p a span.yshortcuts
>> { font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; font-weight:
>> normal; } .green { color: #628c2a; } .MsoNormal { margin: 0 0 0
>> 0;  } o { font-size: 0; } #photos div { float: left; width: 72px; }
>> #photos div div { border: 1px solid #666666; height: 62px;
>> overflow: hidden; width: 62px; } #photos div label { color:
>> #666666; font-size: 10px; overflow: hidden; text-align: center;
>> white-space: nowrap; width: 64px; } #reco-category { font-size:
>> 77%; } #reco-desc { font-size: 77%; } .replbq { margin: 4px; }
>> #ygrp-actbar div a:first-child { /* border-right: 0px solid #000;*/
>> margin-right: 2px; padding-right: 5px; } #ygrp-mlmsg { font-size:
>> 13px; font-family: Arial, helvetica,clean, sans-serif; *font-size:
>> small; *font: x-small; } #ygrp-mlmsg table { font-size: inherit;
>> font: 100%; } #ygrp-mlmsg select, input, textarea { font: 99%
>> Arial, Helvetica, clean, sans-serif; } #ygrp-mlmsg pre, code { font:
>> 115% monospace; *font-size:100%; } #ygrp-mlmsg * { line-height:
>> 1.22em; } #ygrp-mlmsg #logo { padding-bottom: 10px; } #ygrp-mlmsg a
>> { color: #1E66AE; } #ygrp-msg p a { font-family: Verdana; } #ygrp-
>> msg p#attach-count span { color: #1E66AE; font-weight: 700; } #ygrp-
>> reco #reco-head { color: #ff7900; font-weight: 700; } #ygrp-reco
>> { margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; } #ygrp-sponsor #ov li a
>> { font-size: 130%; text-decoration: none; } #ygrp-sponsor #ov li
>> { font-size: 77%; list-style-type: square; padding: 6px 0; } #ygrp-
>> sponsor #ov ul { margin: 0; padding: 0 0 0 8px; } #ygrp-text { font-
>> family: Georgia; } #ygrp-text p { margin: 0 0 1em 0; } #ygrp-text
>> tt { font-size: 120%; } #ygrp-vital ul li:last-child { border-
>> right: none !important; } -->
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

APPLICATION TO TEST AHNU MONTARA OR GARMONT AMICA HIKER BOOTS
Please accept my humble application to test either the Ahnu Montara or
Garmont Amica Hiker Boots.   My preference would be the Ahnu Montara, but I
will gladly test either as needed.  (Or both <g>)  I have read the
requirements for being a tester and the reporting requirements and I AGREE
to comply. I am familiar with the BGT Survival Guide v.0609, including
Chapters 4 & 5 and my Tester Agreement is on file.

2.)  Name: Kathleen Waters
Age: 61
Gender: Female
Email address: Kathy at backpackgeartest.com or kathy at bysky dot com
City, State, Country: Canon City, Colorado, USA

Living in Colorado and being self-employed, I have ample opportunities to
backpack.  Though I have also had the good fortune to hike/snowshoe
glaciers, rain forests, mountains and deserts in exotic locations,
presently, most of my exploring is in the 700,000+ acres/280,000 hectares of
public land bordering my 71-acre/29-hectare "backyard".
My hiking style is comfortable.  I use a tent (rain fly if needed) and my
current pack averages 25 lb (11 kg) excluding food and water.
I've been so busy with work and BGT "stuff" this past year and am horrified
at how little I've been out testing.  That's going to change!  I've got
plans for at least one weekend overnight backpack for each month, April
through July (which is roughly the expected testing period) as well as
weekly day hikes.
Most of these forays will take place in south east to south central Colorado
from the Front Range of the Rockies to the San Juans - conditions will be
cold to mild to down right hot.
Terrain will vary from sea-level sandy beaches (on a possible trip to
Florida in May) to rocky high desert.  While I might still encounter a tiny
bit of snow, I doubt it and the forecast for rain this summer isn't too
positive, so any moisture I test in will most likely be small streams
My pack weight will vary but will average 25 lb (11 kg), excluding food and
waters.  I normally wear mid-height boots throughout the year, due to the
rough terrain, cactus and most importantly, my personal nightmare/nemesis -
RATTLESNAKES!  In high vegetation, I will also be adding my favorite
gaiters, Snakes Skins.  Between my skin and my new boots (if selected) will
be various wool and/or synthetic mid-to-heavy-weight socks.
I've completed 7 Owner Reviews in the last 12 months, and should have at
least 5 more by the time this test commences...
I am currently testing the Big Agnes Fria 15 sleeping bag (LTR due in 6
weeks) and am awaiting edits on the Hi-Tec Cloud Chaser Shell.
I have no other applications outstanding.
I am the SHE-RULER of BGT! No wait; actually, I'm BridGeT's total, mindless,
soulless slave.  But if you need to be technically correct about it, my BGT
roles include:  test monitor, editor & Senior BGT Director.

I have the same issue Lori, which means I've rarely been able to apply for
shoe/boot tests.  It's kinda a bummer but I wouldn't trade being tall for free
shoes.  hahaha!!

--- In backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com, Lori <lori.pontious@...> wrote:
>
> I would have to wear men's sizes. I can't do women's boots unless
> they are sized up enough - the size 12 might work but it's also a
> matter of the width of the boot.
>
> On Apr 2, 2012, at 7:19 AM, Nancy Griffith wrote:
>

Okay testers I hope you have your keyboards all spring cleaned and your fingers
itchin' to go because April's OR call is for Sleep Gear and Stuff Sacks. Should
be easy to find something to opine about within those to two catagories.

The editors are eagerly awaiting a flood of submissions (and not just from Ray).
Brownie points, which are taken into account during tester selections, will be
awarded!

Regards,
Jamie D.
Editors Team Director

I know I saw a couple of IRs filed.  Just wanted to let you all know I set
the arrival date yesterday, so the due date for IRs is 04/08/12.

Happy Testing.
Kathy

Richard,

Getting this in quickly just in time.  To nice this weekend to be indoors
writing.  30 degree drop in daytime high today though.  Anyway, text is
below, HTML in test folder.

http://tinyurl.com/74864tg

Waiting on your edits.

John
_________________________________

YAKIMA SKYBOX 16
TEST SERIES BY JOHN R. WATERS
INITIAL REPORT

INITIAL REPORT - April 02, 2012

TESTER INFORMATION

NAME:  John R. Waters
EMAIL:  jrw@...
AGE:  62
LOCATION:  Canon City, CO USA
GENDER:  M
HEIGHT:  5' 9" (1.75 m)
WEIGHT:  170 lb (77.10 kg)

My backpacking began in 1999. I have hiked rainforests in Hawaii, Costa
Rica, and Puerto Rico, glaciers in New Zealand and Iceland, 14ers in
Colorado and Death Valley's deserts. I hike or snowshoe 6-8 miles (10 km-13
km) 2-3 times weekly in the Cooper Mountain range, with other day-long hikes
on various other southwest and central Colorado trails. I frequently hike
the mountains and deserts of Utah and Arizona as well. My daypack is 18 lb
(8 kg); overnights' weigh over 25 lb (11 kg). I'm aiming to reduce my weight
load by 40% or more.


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

INITIAL REPORT


PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS


Manufacturer: Yakima Products, Inc.
Year of Manufacture: 2012
Manufacturer's Website: http://www.yakima.com
MSRP: US$ 469.00
Listed Weight: 47 lb (21.3 g)
Measured Weight: N/A - I can't think of any way to weigh this.

Other details: (from the manufacturer)

Capacity: 16 cu feet. Varies by application. Fits crossbar spreads of 24"
thru 36". (61 x 91 cm)
Picture Courtesy of Yakima



INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

The Yakima SkyBox 16 arrived by truck carrier in a HUGE heavy duty cardboard
box. This is not UPS or FedEx, but a commercial truck carrier. The box is
huge.

We use a commercial drop off for our business, so the carrier dropped the
shipment off there. This is a commercial location. I had the presence of
mind to remove the SkyBox from the shipping box to transport it back to my
ranch. I was assisted by the owner at our mail drop in unpacking and lifting
the unpacked SkyBox to my Subaru.

The mail drop owner appreciated getting the shipping box to use for covering
shipments such as paintings and mirrors. I appreciated the help lifting the
thing up on the roof my Subaru.

Previously, I had added a set of rooftop carrier accessories to my factory
installed crossbars for hauling ladders, so SkyBox needed to be lifted up
and set on top of these accessories. Then I had to strap the unit down with
a set of carrier straps I keep in the car. This held the unit in place until
I could get it home.

The box this thing ships in is large enough for to sleep in. If not used for
material as our mail drop owner is doing, this would make a great for fort
for the kids or a shelter if times get tough.

The SkyBox is made of a thin fiberglass material that flexes quite easily.
It appears flimsy when opened, but very solid when closed because it forms a
pretty solidly designed box.

It will be interesting to see how it performs here in Colorado at over 5,000
ft (1500 m) high. Everything I own that is plastic turns to dust in a year
due to the UV rays. Seriously. Things fall apart in a pile of dust if
touched. Weird.

The SkyBox crossbar hooks (4 of them) are quite well designed and work well.

I think the dual sided hinges are really slick. I can unlock and unlatch
either side and the opposite side hinges to open and close. Nice design. I
am disappointed that only one key is provided though because I am really
good at losing keys. However, Yakima will let me order additional keys on
their website which I will do immediately.



Locking Mechanism

Crossbar Hook



READING THE INSTRUCTIONS

The instructions are good. However, I would suggest that a removable label
be stuck on the outside of the unit that says "Instructions Inside" because
I was dumb enough not to figure there would be and ended up going to the Web
site first and printing them all out. Once I had the instructions in hand,
they got me through the whole installation process easily.

TRYING IT OUT


   The thing is huge. It's not really heavy, roughly 47 lb (21.3 kg); just
really too big for one person to handle alone.

Since I had the unit resting on top of the accessories I already had in
place on my crossbars, what I did when I got home was remove each of the 4
currently installed accessory stand-offs on the crossbars, one by one. I was
doing this on one of the windiest days we've had in months. It was so windy
that the dust clouds blocked my vision of the closest mountains. All I could
see was a fog of dust from the wind gusts blowing over 60 mph (97 kph) and a
constant wind of 40 mph (64 kph).

In all of this, I was able to remove the 4 stand-offs from the current
accessory on the crossbars and drop the SkyBox down to the crossbars. Even
with the wind blowing at these speeds, I was able to control the SkyBox as I
lowered it onto the crossbars.


Once I had the SkyBox sitting on the crossbars, and figured out the way the
4 grab hooks worked, the rest was pretty easy. I loosened up the grab hooks
from the inside of the box. It was just a matter of turning the two grab
hook control knobs inside the box to loosen the hooks. One knob releases the
hook so it can drop down to grab the crossbar and the other knob loosens the
hook so it can slide forward
and backward on its track to position it over the crossbar. They were very
easy to adjust and tighten up. I made sure to tighten them very well.

Once in position, the SkyBox does not move at all forward or backward or
side to side even with me pushing as hard as possible.

Taking the SkyBox out on the road for a weekend trip of 90 miles (145 km), I
expected more road noise. I'm not getting that at all. So that was a big
plus.

SUMMARY

I was very excited to be selected to test the Yakima SkyBox 16 and anxiously
awaited its arrival. Now that it's here, I'm even more excited. A cinch to
install, I was able to wrestle it on top of my vehicle roof in strong winds
though I needed some help. It's big and it's beautiful to see perched on top
of my Subaru Forester. Gonna pack it up and get out there on the road this
coming weekend and find me a mountain to explore.

Thank you to Yakima Products and BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity to
test the SkyBox 16 out. Please bookmark this page and return in early June
to see how the SkyBox 16 has worked for me.

John R. Waters

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.backpackgeartest.org/

You should also check the individual Administration pages for Administration
Messages.
TESTER ADMINISTRATION: http://teststatus.backpackgeartest.org/ADMIN5.htm
MONITOR ADMINISTRATION: http://teststatus.backpackgeartest.org/ADMIN4.htm

Please notify the List Administrator of any error in the data I have reported.

I performed the following output tasks in 57.50 seconds.

152 HTML pages created.  Inlcuding:

22 Manufacturer detail pages.
45 Tester detail pages.
26 Monitor detail pages.
19 Moderator detail pages.
30 Short links for report.
Several one-shot administration pages are not included in my log counts.

2 Monitors were assigned to tests.
2 Manufacturers were notified of test progress.
40 Tester Status emails were sent.
1 Late Test Report Notification emails were sent.
17 Monitor Status emails were sent.

Enjoy!

BridGeT, List Administration Automation

I'll see what I can do. The local outfitter might have Ahnu. Worth a
try...

On Apr 2, 2012, at 1:04 PM, Kathy Waters wrote:

> That's a shame, Lori!  Any chance you could find a store where you
> could try
> on the women's 12 to see if the Ahnu would work for you?  I can
> tell you
> they are pretty much true-to-size, at least in the trail shoes.  I
> have two
> different pairs and I wear 8s.
>
> Kathy
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Lori" <lori.pontious@...>
> To: <backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Monday, April 02, 2012 1:34 PM
> Subject: Re: [backpackgeartesters] TEST CALL - WOMEN's Ahnu Boots
> (Call #1)
>
>
>> I would have to wear men's sizes. I can't do women's boots unless
>> they are sized up enough - the size 12 might work but it's also a
>> matter of the width of the boot.
>>
>> On Apr 2, 2012, at 7:19 AM, Nancy Griffith wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> OK Ladies, there have been a lot of calls lately for Men's only
>>> gear, so here is our chance.
>>>
>>> Sharpen your pencils for some nice boots!
>>>
>>> This is the first of two test calls for Women's Boots.
>>> Note that you can apply for one or both calls. If applying for
>>> both, please indicate your preference.
>>>
>>> These ones are the Ahnu Montara:
>>> Montara Boot (women) INFO: http://www.ahnu.com/womens-montara-
>>> stability-hiking-boots/AF2128,default,pd.html?
>>> dwvar_AF2128_color=ASAU
>>>
>>> Please include the following in your application:
>>> 1. The opening disclaimer for testing
>>> 2. Your bio
>>> 3. A brief test plan, including your plans to meet the minimum use
>>> requirements
>>> 4. A list of what you are currently testing AND a link to your test
>>> status page
>>> 5. The number of Owner Reviews you have completed in the last year
>>> 6. A list of any outstanding applications
>>> 7. Any additional BGT roles you play
>>>
>>> Newbie limit DOES NOT apply
>>> US shipping included
>>> I am the Test Mod
>>>
>>> Please put "Ahnu Montara" in the subject line of your application.
>>>
>>> This call will close at 11 pm Pacific Daylight Time on Monday April
>>> 9, 2012.
>>>
>>> Nancy
>>>
>>> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>>>
>>>
>>> <!-- #ygrp-mkp { border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-family: Arial;
>>> margin: 10px 0; padding: 0 10px; } #ygrp-mkp hr { border: 1px solid
>>> #d8d8d8; } #ygrp-mkp #hd { color: #628c2a; font-size: 85%; font-
>>> weight: 700; line-height: 122%; margin: 10px 0; } #ygrp-mkp #ads
>>> { margin-bottom: 10px; } #ygrp-mkp .ad { padding: 0 0; } #ygrp-
>>> mkp .ad p { margin: 0; } #ygrp-mkp .ad a { color: #0000ff; text-
>>> decoration: none; } #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc { font-family: Arial; }
>>> #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc #hd { margin: 10px 0px; font-weight: 700;
>>> font-size: 78%; line-height: 122%; } #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc .ad
>>> { margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0 0; } a { color: #1e66ae; }
>>> #actions {    font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; padding: 10px
>>> 0; } #activity { background-color: #e0ecee; float: left; font-
>>> family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; padding: 10px; } #activity span
>>> { font-weight: 700; } #activity span:first-child { text-transform:
>>> uppercase; } #activity span a {    color: #5085b6; text-decoration:
>>> none; } #activity span span { color: #ff7900; } #activity
>>> span .underline { text-decoration: underline; } .attach { clear:
>>> both; display: table; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding:
>>> 10px 0; width: 400px; } .attach div a { text-decoration:
>>> none; } .attach img { border: none; padding-right: 5px; } .attach
>>> label { display: block; margin-bottom: 5px; } .attach label a
>>> { text-decoration: none; } blockquote { margin: 0 0 0 4px; } .bold
>>> { font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; } .bold a
>>> { text-decoration: none; } dd.last p a { font-family: Verdana; font-
>>> weight: 700; } dd.last p span { margin-right: 10px; font-family:
>>> Verdana; font-weight: 700; } dd.last p span.yshortcuts { margin-
>>> right: 0; } div.attach-table div div a { text-decoration: none; }
>>> div.attach-table { width: 400px; } div.file-title a, div.file-title
>>> a:active, div.file-title a:hover, div.file-title a:visited { text-
>>> decoration: none; } div.photo-title a, div.photo-title a:active,
>>> div.photo-title a:hover, div.photo-title a:visited { text-
>>> decoration: none; } div#ygrp-mlmsg #ygrp-msg p a span.yshortcuts
>>> { font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; font-weight:
>>> normal; } .green { color: #628c2a; } .MsoNormal { margin: 0 0 0
>>> 0;  } o { font-size: 0; } #photos div { float: left; width: 72px; }
>>> #photos div div { border: 1px solid #666666; height: 62px;
>>> overflow: hidden; width: 62px; } #photos div label { color:
>>> #666666; font-size: 10px; overflow: hidden; text-align: center;
>>> white-space: nowrap; width: 64px; } #reco-category { font-size:
>>> 77%; } #reco-desc { font-size: 77%; } .replbq { margin: 4px; }
>>> #ygrp-actbar div a:first-child { /* border-right: 0px solid #000;*/
>>> margin-right: 2px; padding-right: 5px; } #ygrp-mlmsg { font-size:
>>> 13px; font-family: Arial, helvetica,clean, sans-serif; *font-size:
>>> small; *font: x-small; } #ygrp-mlmsg table { font-size: inherit;
>>> font: 100%; } #ygrp-mlmsg select, input, textarea { font: 99%
>>> Arial, Helvetica, clean, sans-serif; } #ygrp-mlmsg pre, code { font:
>>> 115% monospace; *font-size:100%; } #ygrp-mlmsg * { line-height:
>>> 1.22em; } #ygrp-mlmsg #logo { padding-bottom: 10px; } #ygrp-mlmsg a
>>> { color: #1E66AE; } #ygrp-msg p a { font-family: Verdana; } #ygrp-
>>> msg p#attach-count span { color: #1E66AE; font-weight: 700; } #ygrp-
>>> reco #reco-head { color: #ff7900; font-weight: 700; } #ygrp-reco
>>> { margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; } #ygrp-sponsor #ov li a
>>> { font-size: 130%; text-decoration: none; } #ygrp-sponsor #ov li
>>> { font-size: 77%; list-style-type: square; padding: 6px 0; } #ygrp-
>>> sponsor #ov ul { margin: 0; padding: 0 0 0 8px; } #ygrp-text { font-
>>> family: Georgia; } #ygrp-text p { margin: 0 0 1em 0; } #ygrp-text
>>> tt { font-size: 120%; } #ygrp-vital ul li:last-child { border-
>>> right: none !important; } -->
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------------
>>
>> Yahoo! Groups Links
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

http://tinyurl.com/7w6h79s
[NOTE TO EDITOR:  I understand field info should not be included in an IR, but I
had a short weekend trip planned, so I used that opportunity to try out the pack
in the field.  This info is included in the "trying it out" section".]


GREGORY SAGE 55 PACK WOMEN'S
TEST SERIES BY FRANCES PENN
IR
April 03, 2011

TESTER INFORMATION

NAME: Frances Penn
EMAIL: fpenn AT sbcglobal DOT net
AGE: 55
LOCATION: Costa Mesa, California, USA
GENDER: F
HEIGHT: 5' 9" (1.75 m)
WEIGHT: 130 lb (59.00 kg)

I have been backpacking for four years mostly on long weekends in Southern
California with one or two 5-day trips per year in the Sierras.  My daypack
weight is usually 15 lb (7 kg) and my backpack weight is usually 28-30 lb (13-14
kg).  I am a tent camper and have experienced all night rain, heavy winds,
camping in snow once, but mostly fair weather.


INITIAL REPORT

PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer:   Gregory Mountain Products
Year of Manufacture: 2011
Manufacturer's Website: <<HYPERLINK GOES HERE - "http://www.gregorypacks.com"
LINK TEXT = "Gregory website">>
MSRP: $199.00 US
Listed Weight: 3 lbs. 10 oz (1.6 kg)
Measured Weight: 3 lbs. 12 oz  (1.7 kg)
Capacity:  59 L  (3600 ci)
Size tested:  Medium
Sizes available:  Extra Small, Small and  Medium
Color tested:  Rosewood red
Colors available:  Rosewood red, Tule blue and Cyprus green
<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 1"  IMAGE CAPTION = "packed">>

Product Features:
o Built specifically for the female anatomy
o Constructed with Ripstop nylon/polyester
o Intuition 3D Suspension
o Water-resistant roll top style top pocket with waterproof zipper
o Internal security pocket
o Breathable, molded foam backpanel, harnesses and waistbelt
o Side stash zippered quick access pocket adjacent to right side mesh pocket
o Zippered stash pockets on both side hipbelts
o External hydration access for  the internal hydration pocket
o Large horseshoe zipper access to main pack body
o Dual side and bottom compression straps
o Dual axe/tool attachment points
o Integrated, color-matched raincover
o 4 mm gauge wire used for the wishbone internal frame suspension
o 10 mm EVA foam for waistbelt
o 12 mm EVA foam for harness

Available Sizes:
XS is 51 L (3112 ci ), weighs 3 lbs 0 oz  (1.3 kg) and fits 14-16 in (35-40 cm)
waist
S is 55 L (3356 ci), weighs 3 lbs 6 oz  (1.55 kg) and fits 16-18 in (40-45 cm)
waist
M is 59 L (3600 ci), weighs 3 lbs 10 oz (1.6 kg) and fits 18-20 in (45-50 cm)
waist

Product Overview:
The Gregory Sage 55 Women's backpack is a mid-size internal frame pack
specifically shaped for the female anatomy.  The pack can be converted to a
daypack on multi-day trips using the compression straps.  There is a large
internal hydration pocket with tube loops on both sides of the shoulder straps. 
There is no need for tube ports because the hydration pocket is accessed from an
opening adjacent to the main pack drawstring opening.  The pack includes an
integrated color matched raincover in its own outside pocket with a
hook-and-loop closure tab located just below the outside front pocket.  The
front panel horseshoe shaped zipper appears to be waterproof but has not yet
been tested.  There are hook-and-loop pole straps on both sides.  There are two
bottom compression straps, two bottom loops, two mesh side pockets and an ample
outside front pocket.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

This is one sweet pack in a pleasant dark burgundy color.  It arrived in good
condition wrapped in plastic in its shipping box.  The pack has a lot of
features that appear to be well thought out for comfort, versatility and
function.  This pack is designed for long weekend summer trips due to its
mid-weight size.

READING THE INSTRUCTIONS

The pack tag indicates the comfort zone for packed weight is 35 lbs (16 kg). 
The tag also indicates the pack has top and front access points.  The tag does
not indicate the ability to adjust this pack to a day pack, but it is possible
using the adjustment compression straps.

TRYING IT OUT

Since I had a trip planned, I used the pack on a weekend trip to Joshua Tree
covering approximately 11 miles (17 km) with temperatures of 80 F (44 C) during
the day and 50 F (27 C) at night.  There was no perspiration on my back due to
the breathable molded foam back panel.  My pack weight was 28 lbs (12 kg).  The
Intuition 3D suspension kept the waistbelt from shifting.  The pack was
comfortable to carry with this weight.  <<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 2" 
IMAGE CAPTION = "3D Intuition suspension">>

Since this pack is a little smaller than the pack I have been using recently, I
was concerned about fitting all of my gear.  My concern evaporated quickly in
the packing process.  The front pocket is large enough for a rain jacket and a
light fleece for quick access.  A few snack bars can easily fit into each of the
waistbelt pockets.  I like how compact the pack rides on my back.  It is no
higher than my shoulders when fully packed making it very maneurverable while
bouldering and dodging overgrown bushes and tree branches.
The top pocket is sewn onto the pack body eliminating the ability to expand the
pack above the main pack body or to detach it for use as a daypack, but the pack
easily converted to a daypack by cinching  the compression straps tighter.  It
was not necessary to use the bottom compression straps since all of my gear fit
inside the pack.  I will test these straps on my future trips.

The water bottle caught on the side compression strap when being pushed down
into the side mesh pocket.  The water bottle in the side mesh pocket sat too
high on my waist to be easily accessible to me while wearing the pack.

SUMMARY

So far I am very impressed with the features of this pack.  It appears to have
everything needed for a variety of trips with nothing extra to add weight.  The
pack is very compact, comfortable to wear, versatile and should accommodate a
variety of trips.

This concludes my Initial Report.  Check back in two months to see how  the Sage
55 pack performed in the field.  Thank you to BackpackGearTest.org and Gregory
Mountain Products for  the opportunity to be a part of this test series.

This report was created with the BGT Report Generator.
Copyright 2012.  All rights reserved.

OK, John, here are your edits, in the usual format. You're cleared to upload
after revising.

Cheers, Richard

<< I'm aiming to reduce my weight load by 40% or more.>>
Comment: When?

<<Capacity: 16 cu feet. >>
EDIT: Need a metric conversion. I'd round to 450 L

<<I was assisted by the owner at our mail drop in unpacking and lifting the
unpacked SkyBox to my Subaru.>>
Edit/Comment: As you know we discourage mentioning brands of products not under
review. However the product's fitting to a particular model will be of use to
some readers. I'd change to "sport utility vehicle,]" but up to you.

<<Previously, I had added a set of rooftop carrier accessories to my factory
installed crossbars >>
Edit: factory-installed [with a hyphen]

<<The box this thing ships in is large enough for to sleep in.>>
EDIT: A garble here. Delete "for" or add a number after it, e.g., for three to
sleep in.

  <<Once in position, the SkyBox does not move at all forward or backward or side
to side even with me pushing as hard as possible.>>
Edit: side-to-side [two hyphens]

Hi Gail,

I see it is my turn to edit you:-) Your edits are below - enjoy the pack!

Kara

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


Edits follow the usual convention:
EDIT: Must change
Edit: Check it out and consider changing something
Comment: Just that...no change needed


Near the top of that pocket is a hook and stick loop to
hold a hydration bladder.
>> EDIT:  hook-and-loop is the normal spelling, but if you can use
hook-and-stick loop if you prefer, please hyphenate

 
Corresponding
features such a tube port and stretch loops on the harness add in
setting up a hydration unit.
>> EDIT: such as a tube...




~~~


"Making the world a better place is not only your responsibility, it is your
joy, it is your blessing, it is your gift, it's your opportunity to make your
life mean something, so take it." ~ Derrick N. Ashong

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

Hi Derek,
Below is my Long Term Report for the REI Arete 2 tent. The link to my HTML
report is:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/test/TESTS/LTR%20-%20REI%20Arete%20ASL%2\
02%20Tent%20-%20Brian%20Hartman/

http://snurl.com/22w2suf

Thanks,
Brian
 
 
LONG-TERM REPORT
    
LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
 
During the past two months I used the REI Arete ASL 2 tent on two backpacking
trips totaling four nights.  The weather during this time period was mild with
daytime highs just over 70 F (21 C) and lows in the upper 40's F (9 C).
 
1. My first trip was to Mound State Park in Indiana.  Daytime temperatures
during this two night backpacking trip approached 66 F (19 C) while nighttime
temperatures dropped to 48 F (9 C). The weather both days was mostly cloudy with
light winds and intermittent showers. The terrain was hilly and trails were
muddy but I was able to pitch the tent both nights on relatively flat, dry
ground.  I hiked 11 miles (17 km) over the course of this trip.  Elevations
ranged from 550 ft (168 m) to 730 ft (223 m).
 
2. My second trip was near the town of Oldenburg in southeastern Indiana. 
During this two night outing I hiked mostly off-trail through woods and farmland
several miles outside of town.  I covered 9.5 miles (15.28 km) across moderately
hilly terrain while temperatures ranged from 72 F (22 C) to 55 F (13 C).  I
pitched the tent in flat, wooded areas both nights.
 
PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
 
The Arete ASL 2 performed very well during the past two months of testing. 
During this time it was durable, relatively easy to set up despite a few
annoyances, and provided satisfactory accommodations for a sleeping partner for
two nights.
 
Performance: The Arete did a great job of keeping me warm and dry on all of my
backpacking trips.  The nylon tent body retained my body heat while letting
moisture escape through the roof vents so that condensation was never a
problem.  On the coldest nights I felt much warmer than when using my three
season tent which has a mesh tent body.  During my testing, I almost always left
the roof vents open, and never had a problem with a wet sleeping bag in the
morning.  In addition to staying warm, the Arete stayed completely dry in wet
conditions.  There were no leaks in the tent and I found that the few times my
sleeping bag touched the tent walls, I never experienced water penetration.
 
Durability: I had no problems or excessive wear issues with the tent body,
rainfly, poles, zippers, or any other components during this test period.  The
tent withstood heavy winds and rain with no issues whatsoever thanks to its
rugged three pole design and full nylon body.  Unfortunately, this was a mild
winter and so I could not comment on the Arete's ability to handle a heavy
snowfall or extreme winter temperatures.
 
Setup: I had no major problems setting up the tent during this test period.  As
mentioned in my Field Report, the tent fabric eventually seemed to loosen up and
that made it easier to pitch the tent.  The only pole that continued to give me
problems was the ventilation pole which remained difficult to install and remove
barehanded and nearly impossible to do with gloves on.  I found that if I
applied enough force to the pole to bend it upward in the middle I could
eventually secure or remove it.  However, bending such a short pole puts
excessive stress on it which may eventually lead to premature failure.  One
other area where I struggled was with the speed pitching option.  After two more
attempts using this feature, I finally gave up as it simply wasn't saving me any
time and actually made pitching the tent more difficult without a second set of
hands to help out.
 
Space: The Arete provided plenty of space while camping solo but remained just
adequate when used as a two person tent.  This was mainly due to the limited
floor and vestibule space that was available for gear when two people were
sharing the tent.  Obviously this would not be as big of a problem in summer as
in winter when more backpacking gear and supplies are typically brought along on
trips.  When sharing the tent with a sleeping partner, we found it difficult to
fit two pair of boots and backpacks in the vestibule area and still have room to
get into and out of the tent.  On the plus side, there seemed to be adequate
shoulder room inside the tent for two average sized adults lying side by side.
 
SUMMARY
 
The REI Arete ASL 2 is well constructed and quite sturdy with its three pole
design.  It is a great lightweight alternative to heavier four season tents for
moderate winter conditions.  It has performed very well during this test period
and has earned a top spot among my backpacking equipment.
 
This concludes my long term report and this test series. I would like to thank
REI and BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity to test the this tent.
 
 
This report was created with the BGT Report Generator.
Copyright 2012.  All rights reserved.

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