Equipment Reviews

Winter Hiking. Now What?

2/13/2021

Besides the obvious, which is they don't want anyone in there for their own safety, how do you traverse slippery slopes in the winter? I have experienced great success using a device called Kahtoola's Micro Spikes. They worked so well, I bought a pair for my wife, my kids and their spouses, and even friends. They fit on your boot nicely, and bring traction to your feet using 1/4" V-spikes.

I've used these extensively for the last several winters, and they are worth every penny. My wife and I have hiked in so many places that simply were not accessible any other way. I've had more than a few times wearing them was my only way out.

Paddling helps

2/12/2021

Slipstream Ultralight Canoes at Ultralight Paddling

Slipstream Canoes

2/7/2019

We’ve been kayakers now for a number of years, and have loved every minute of it. But lately we’ve been feeling a bit ‘old'(er) every time we have to load them up on the minivan. It just seems they are getting heavier and heavier. My wife struggles with it more than I, being on one end of the boat- she’s not quite as strong, and not quite as tall. It’s time to look around a bit.
Our Heavy Hobie
I’ve had the Hobie pedal type, which we really enjoyed but it needed too much draft to be productive for our exploration style. It’s weight was prohibitive to be carted by anything by my trailer with a special rack. In the end, we sold the 2 Hobie tandems, as they just were not practical for what we needed. Plus, they weighed a ton. So we sold them to someone who can get better use out of them, on the Hudson River.

Our Wide Pongo
Then I bought a Wilderness Systems Pongo (12′?) kayak. <used> It’s a great boat that tracks straighter than an arrow. I can put anyone in that thing and they’ll love the paddle. But on the trailer, that wonderful hull design works against me. I can’t stack it against any other yak. It’s not light, but not super terrible. Just not very stackable.

Old 68lb Town Loon 13 6's, and 55lb Necky Manitou 12's
Then I bought 2 used Old Town Loon 138 kayaks. Tracking is great, open hull design makes it great for camping, since it does not have all the cubbies that require expensive gear to fit inside. I can put anyone in them as they are very steady. Problem? Weight. Simply becoming too heavy for my wife to help me load them.
Then I bought 2 Necky Manitou 12′ kayaks, off season. These paddled nice, but the smaller cockpit makes it a tougher fit for individuals not quite as in shape as they thought. The initial stability is slightly tippy, secondary is wonderful. Weight not terrible. But since it has portals, it greatly restricts carrying any camping gear. And portage is not happening.
But then…
Slipstream Ultralight Impulse. Love the weight!Looking around, somehow I found Slipstream Ultralight Canoes. I fell in love with the concept for a number of reasons:

They are light. Pound for pound, and dollar for dollar, its light!
Kevlar is light, and somewhat flexible, most economical. Hybrid (kevlar and carbon fiber) is lighter, less flexible, and a bit more money. Carbon Fiber is very light, and not flexible, and a higher ticket item. Lastly, there is Innegra,Basalt,Kevlar/Carbon Hybrid- it's strong and lightweight. All this means that chances are, there is a model for everyone’s pocket … and back.
You sit in these like a kayak, in a kayak seat. So you are low to the bottom of the boat, hence, less tippy. (Many seating options are available, including a traditional canoe cane seat arrangement.)
You can paddle them like a kayak with a double sided paddle, or just us a traditional canoe paddle.
They are open front and rear; the better to fit camping gear, or just coolers. No 8″ kayak portals made to fit expensive gear: anything will work for paddle camping!
They track extremely straight, yet you can tip slightly for quick corner paddling.
One person can load these alone on a minivan!

I enjoyed these so much, and believe in the product (American made too) that I became an associated dealer myself! (See Ultralight Paddling.com) These are the best combination of the stability of a recreational kayak, and the utility of a canoe. I no longer dread loading them, which means I will paddling more.
Certainly, I’m getting my money’s worth out of these, because I’m using them more. It’s a win-win.

Trade Secrets of DIYing

2/7/2019

For those of us who enjoy the custom side of camping/backpacking, we have all types of resources to acquire the supplies to get things done. I’ve got a items here that you might be interested in:

Ripstopbytheroll.com These guys have all kinds of ripstop material, webbing, and ‘stuff’ you might need to get the job done.
UScargocontrol.com To buy webbing, and various tie down objects.
Rockywoods.com These guys seems to have the right stuff at the right time, particularly Gutermann Tera 80 thread in black!
Dutchwaregear.com These guys have some really interesting things and gadgets, along with the typical ripstop material, etc.
Theultimatehang.com This is the place to go to have all your DIY hammock questions answered.
Dreamhammock.com Has answered some the harder questions on DIY hammocks, especially regarding fabric choices.
Gearreport.com Hey, got a question? They might just have the answer.

Winter Hiking. Now What?

Paddling helps

Slipstream Canoes

Trade Secrets of DIYing

Author

Archives

Categories