MRT: Updates

ByPurple Haze Posted on

My most comfortable but heavier ULA Catalyst pack was worn out and then absolutely destroyed by the Hayduke. Happy with the 4,000+ miles especially considering it was dropped from heights and pulled up over rocks and canyon walls. My more delicate Zpacks Arc Blast lasted through the CDT despite being chewed up by rodents. I then heavily patched it up and used it on the GET – pretty much shredded fiber by the end. But still, not a bad life for what used to be called cuben fiber. I narrowed my replacement to a Hyperlight Mountain Gear Southwest or another Zpacks Arc Blast, albeit a bit smaller with fabric now called Dyneema Composite. I chose the Arc Blast coming in at 23.7 ounces including the lumbar support pad, two belt pouches and one shoulder pouch. The pack was so comfortable for me, adjustable and lighter than the Southwest so I went with something I knew.

Lake Isabelle, Indian Peaks Wilderness

I looked long and hard at my well used Zpacks Hexamid solo plus tent. Much more durable than I expected and very roomy but now frayed and wearing thin. Not leaking yet but have repaired and replaced the zippers and guylines a few times. Appreciate the extra room for my pack so looked hard at the Zpacks Duplex, Gossamer Gear and Big Agnes tents. But I opted for the Zpacks Altaplex with steeper walls and extra headroom, 20 ounces including stuff sack and ground stakes.

I don’t really like my Zpacks 20-degree sleeping bag relative to my trusty Marmot Helium. Not as warm as rated and zippers often crap out. Used it more often as a quilt than a bag on the Hayduke because the zippers broke again. But I have repaired it once again and hope to squeeze another hike out of it. I also looked hard at quilts but it could be cold on an early spring hike.

Regarding more minor gear, I have replaced my original 8-year old Petzl Tikka 2 headlamp with a Petzl rechargeable Bindi saving a whopping 1.25 ounces.

I’ve been a fan of Duluth boxer briefs but am really excited(?) about the new Armachillo Cooling Extra Long Boxer Briefs. Quite a mouthful but hopefully worth it.