Beast

Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus

Quantity: 1 Size: large

Chopper has tried his best to love the Big Agnes Q-Core but alas it is going back to REI, thanks to their generous return policy. An often over-looked aspect of sleeping pads is sleeping style. See if you tend to sleep on your back, side or stomach before choosing a sleeping pad. If you roll around a lot and tends to sleep on your stomach/back, a wider pad is better suited for you. The Therm-a-Rest is wide (size L is 25'' wide) and only 1 oz heavier than the Big Agnes Q-Core (size Long). You can roll around around on it to your hearts content and it won’t make a noise, (possibly a reason to buy if you need to share a tent).

Details

Lighter than its predecessor, this 4-season Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus sleeping pad is one of the warmest, self-inflating mattresses in the Therm-a-Rest Fast & Light line.

Extra insulation makes the Therm-a-rest ProLite Plus ideal for ski touring, cold-weather expeditions and winter camping
New tapered shape reduces weight by 10% from previous year
ProLite Plus is engineered with innovative diagonal die-cut foam to reduce heat loss and provide efficient insulation
Bottom features an innovative, sticky-dot, nonslip surface
Stuff sack included

	S	REGULAR	L
R-Value	3.8	3.8	3.8
Weight	15 oz / 430 g	1 lbs 6 oz / 620 g	1 lbs 14 oz / 850 g
Width	20 in / 51 cm	20 in / 51 cm	25 in / 63 cm
Length	47 in / 119 cm	72 in / 183 cm	77 in / 196 cm
Thickness	1.5 in / 3.8 cm	1.5 in / 3.8 cm	1.5 in / 3.8 cm
Packed dimension	11 x 4.0 / 28 x 10	11 x 4.8 / 28 x 12	13 x 5.1 / 33 x 14

Durable
Easy to blow up
Quiet
Good insulation, considering how thin the pad is

Let's face it, 1.5'' thickness is nowhere near the comfort level that a 4'' thick pad can provide
The packing size is quite big

Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus vs. Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core

Chopper has changed his mind about his Big Agnes Q-Core pad. The replacement is Therm-a-Rest Prolite Plus pad. Watch the video to see the comparison of these two pads.

Walker’s Haute Route

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The Haute Route, (or the High Route or Mountaineers’ Route) is the name given to a route (with several variations) undertaken on foot or by ski touring between Chamonix in France and Zermatt in Switzerland.

The 180-kilometer route is packed with glorious views of glaciers, mountains, and snow-capped peaks. Though the hike is rather strenuous and challenging, there are mountain huts providing ample backpacker’s luxury: hot showers, hot meals, soft beds, cold drinks and stunning views of the glaciers or the alps. The best part of our Haute Route experience was finding a heated mud room for our wet gear after a long hike through a hailstorm.

We were advised that rock climbing skills are not required for this hiking route. However, I was very glad to have the rock climbing experience of knowing how to collect my marbles when we were to take via ferrata.

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Diary of a Skimpy Tent

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Tent

Once upon a time, Chopper and Cher were lightweight-crazy about their camping/hiking gear. In order to save weight, Chopper spent many sleepless nights on a woman-size Therm-a-Rest ProLite sleeping pads, while Cher painstakingly tried to keep her down sleeping bag away from the wet single-wall tent during cold nights. We did choose this skimpy little Mont-bell Crescent 2 tent for good reasons: it is super lightweight (only 3 pounds), durable, waterproof, easy to set up, and it has a full mesh wall on one side which maximizes the air flow during the dry nights with the rainfly rolled up.

The design is simple and brilliant, yet it was before long that we started to hate its lightweight brilliancy. First of all, the single pole construction leaves us a very limited head space. We had to take turns to get dressed and pack in the tent simply because it was too crowded for two. Being a very tight 2-person tent, It is said that this tent can shelter 3 people in emergency, but I think the third person has to be a child under the age of 8 or 3 people have all to be slim Asians. Also, the single shoulder-width entrance is quite challenging to crawl in and out of quickly during rainy days. And when it comes to cold rainy days, the tiny entrance is the least of your worry – the single wall side is always there for you and your down sleeping bags, wet and dripping.

As we decided to strike a balance between comfort and lightweight, we upgraded our headquarter to a double-wall 3-person tent with dual entrance. In memory of our old skimpy little tent, we put together a slide show to remind us those intimate (sometimes uncomfortably so) nights we had.

Tent and a hammock Tent and a hammock Car camping at its finest Oregon Night before early ferry ride to Isle Royale. Small tent among giant RVs Chickenbone Lake Climbing in Hong Kong Climbing in Hong Kong Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 tent Rainy day camping at a hot spring Camping at a local restaurant Japan climbing trip Japan climbing trip With new tent, second time around! Japan climbing trip Slideshow jQuery by WOWSlider.com v4.7m

National Parks

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In the summer of 2009, we spent 1 month on the road, hiking and camping at national and state parks around the United States. We started from New York, east-west bound till we hit Big Bend National Park. Upon reaching Route 1, we traveled northwards and visited many impressive national and state parks along the way, including Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Mount Rainier National Park. After getting out of Olympic National Park, we traveled eastwards and had our grand finale – a canoe/hiking/fishing trip at Isle Royale National Park. Among more than 30 national parks that we hiked and camped, it is very hard to say which one is the best. However, we ended up visiting Isle Royale National Park again during the summer of 2013.

Portage

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Packing Philosophy

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Living on the road requires us to be comfortable enough to keep going but not so comfortable that our comforts are a burden. We came a long way to find the balance between comfort and lightweight when it comes to packing. More

Black Diamond HoodWire Quickdraw

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With snag-free wiregate HoodWire biners on both the top and bottom, the HoodWire Quickdraw offers the benefits of both keylock and wiregate functionality. 14mm dogbone is lightweight, yet durable for red point.

Details

Now with hot-forged HoodWire carabiners on the top and bottom, the Black Diamond HoodWire Quickdraw fuses keylock performance with wiregate functionality. From overhanging clip-ups to frigid alpine ridges, the HoodWire biner's metal hood eliminates snags when cleaning, and the wiregate design lowers the weight and resists freezing in winter conditions. The 14 mm Dynex dogbone provides a light, durable connection, and the StraitjacketTM insert ensures the bottom biner stays in the optimal clipping position.

Hot-forged HoodWire carabiner on top and bottom
Wiregates eliminate gate whiplash and won't freeze up
14 mm Dynex dogbone is lightweight and durable
Straitjacket insert keeps bottom biner properly oriented

TECH SPECS

Minor Axis Strength : 8 kN (1, 798 lbf)

Weight : 37 g (1.3 oz)

Open Gate Strength : 8 kN (1,798 lbf)

Closed Gate Strength : 24 kN (5395 lbf)

Gate Opening : 24 mm (.94 in)

Snag-free gate makes cleaning a route much easier
Good action on the wiregates
Relatively lightweight

The wiregates generally have shorter life span than keylocks.

Big Agnes Q-Core Sleeping Pad

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Quantity: 2 ( ~~20'' x 78' 'x 3.5'' for Chopper~~ as he decided to trade for Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus, 20'' x 66'' x 3.4'' for Cher )

After many sleepless nights on Therm-a-Rest® Women's ProLite sleeping pad, Chopper decided that the ultra lightweight, thin women's size sleeping pad should retire. This 9cm thick Big Agnes Q-Core sleeping pad feels like a real mattress compared to what we had. It provides even support and the insulation keeps us warm in cold weather. To make this sleeping pad better, Big Agnes makes a super light version of this sleeping pad, with almost half the weight but the same comfort level. Make sure to get the Big Agnes Pumphouse Pad Pump Dry Sack for easy inflation.

Details

Insulated Q-Core sleeping pads are the ultimate answer to age old quandary of how to pack comfort into the backcountry. Utilizing Alternating I-beam Construction, the Q-Core’s quilted look evenly distributes your weight while the larger outer chambers keep you cradled in the center of the pad. X-Static synthetic insulation keeps you warm and its packability allows you to take it with you anywhere.

Size	Color	Rated To	Weight	Price
20' x 66' x 3.5'	Silver/Gray	15°	25oz	$119.95
20' x 72' x 3.5'	Silver/Gray	15°	27oz	$139.95
20' x 78' x 3.5'	Silver/Gray	15°	29oz	$149.95
25' x 78' x 3.5'	Silver/Gray	15°	36oz	$199.95

X-Static synthetic insulation with the natural performance of silver filament to enhance thermodynamic, anti-microbial and anti-odor properties
Alternating I-Beam construction creates a smoother, more comfortable feel
Durable, light-weight nylon rip-stop top and bottom
Internal polyurethane coating
Add a closed cell foam pad in colder temperatures for extra insulation
Durable inflation valve
Store unrolled with valve open
Includes stuff sack and repair kit. The repair kit is in a small pocket on the inside end of the stuff sack. It's sort of hidden, so look twice.
Each pad individually inflated and tested

Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus vs. Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core

Chopper has changed his mind about his Big Agnes Q-Core pad. The replacement is Therm-a-Rest Prolite Plus pad. Watch the video to see the comparison of these two pads.

Byer Moskito Traveller Hammock

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Quantity: 2

Hammocks are ideal for stealth camping. All you need is a couple of trees. This cheap yet durable hammock with build-in mosquito net has proven to be surprisingly comfortable. Your back stays flat if you lie diagonally. Since we have our climbing gear with us, it is very easy to set the hammocks up with carabiners and slings. In combination with our Kelty Noah's Tarp, the shelter solution is very affordable yet versatile.

Details

Fine mesh is supported by shockcord to keep it up and off your face and body; bottom is made of extremely strong and durable parachute nylon
If protective mesh is not needed, simply turn the hammock over and enjoy the Moskito as a regular Traveller
Attached storage bag doubles as a handy pouch for a flashlight, keys and more

This hammock hangs loosely and deep in the center, designed for you to lie diagonally, ''the Brazilian way.'' Your back stays straight and you can relax, sleep and dream for hours in ultimate comfort.

The build-in mosquito net is a life safer.
Lightweight and pack down well.
Easy to set up.
Cheap but relatively well-built.

Need to be very careful with the mosquito net to avoid tears.
Pay close attention to the trees where you will hang the hammock, check for snakes before set it up.
Avoid using hammocks in bear country, as you look like a bag of treat for bears to snack on.

Kelty Noah’s Tarp, 12×12

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Quantity: 1 ( 12 feet x 12 feet )

Sometimes simple, lightweight protection from the elements is all you need. That’s why we chose the Noah’s Tarp. Great for setting up with our hammocks, or providing shelter for our trikes and gear.

Details

Description
What we like

Taped seams
Guyout points
Tote bag included
Poles not included
Comes in 3 sizes: 9x9, 12x12 and 16x16 square feet.

Specifications (Noah's Tarp 12):

Seasons: 3
Length: 144 in / 366cm
Width: 144 in / 366 cm
Height: NA
Minimum weight: 2 lbs / 0.91 kg
Packaged weight: 2 lbs 4 oz / 1.02 kg
Floor area: 144 ft² / 13.38 m²
Packaged diameter: 3 in / 8 cm
Packaged Length: 11 in / 28 cm

Easy to set up
Cheaper option than the hammock+rain fly set
Great coverage

SweetWater Purifier System

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The SweetWater Microfilter removes waterborne bacteria and protozoa, particulate, taste and odors, while the chlorine-based SweetWater Purifier Solution effectively inactivates viruses. Together they provide the most reliable water possible. It pumps easily with a 4:1 mechanical advantage, producing 1.25L per minute and can easily be cleaned with the brush to restore flow rates.

MSR SweetWater® purifier system, in addition to SteriPEN Classic, are our water solution during the tour. Having 2 water purifiers is necessary for an extended tour:

In case one fails, you still can treat water with the other
For tap water, there is no need for labor intensive water pumping and SteriPEN is sufficient
SteriPEN treats a wide variety of bacteria, viruses and protozoan cysts, under the condition that the water is clear and distilled (typically tap water). Suspended particles in murky water are a problem because microorganisms buried within particles are shielded from the UV light. Thus, when treating un-distilled water, SteriPEN should be coupled with a pre-filter to remove those larger organisms that would otherwise pass through the UV system unaffected. Click here for more info on Wikipedia.

Details

Comprehensive Protection: Inactivates 99.99% of waterborne viruses, eliminates over 99.9999% of all waterborne bacteria and 99.9% of common protozoan parasites, such as giardia and cryptosporidia, as well as particulates.
Fresh Tasting Water: Activated carbon core helps eliminate taste and odors.
Iodine-free: Inactivates viruses without bad-tasting iodine.
Easy to Use: Lever-action pump handle has a 4-to-1 mechanical advantage and dual pump action, so you don't have to work as hard.
Lightweight: Entire system weighs just 14 ounces.
Compact: Handle folds flat when not in use for easy packing and storage.

Almost effortless to pump with the 4-to-1 mechanical advantage and dual pump action
Reliable
Pack down well. The neat stow-away design gives us great satisfaction when we pack it up

SteriPEN Classic

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The main reason for using a SeriPEN water purifier is rather environmental concern - imagine how many plastic bottles 2 of us would have consumed over the course of 1 month. Also, it's an insurance that wherever there is water source, we will have safe water to drink. We had a generally good experience with the older version of SteriPEN Adventurer purifier. However, the UV lamp on the older version Adventurer had shorter life span and eventually it became unreliable after several months of intensive use. Another lesson we learned from using SteriPEN is always use a back up measure for your water treatment, as the batteries may die, or the light bulb may malfunction, or the water may be murky.

Details

Weight (grams)	156
Dimensions	7.6'\|19.3cm (L) X 1.5'\|3.8cm (W) X 1.5'\|3.8cm (H)
Battery Type	AA Lithium
Batteries Included In Purchase?	No
Battery Life	Lithium Disposable: 200 treatments (16oz./0.5L), NiMH: 200 treatments; Alkaline & NiCd not recommended.
UV Lamp Life	8,000 Treatments
Minimum Bottle Diameter	20mm (0.8 inches)
Filter Compatibility	Tapered End (PreFilter and FitsAll)

With the addition of the pre-filter, you can remove particulates from the water using a 40X40 micron size nylon mesh filter
Longer life span of the UV lamp
Excellent for treating tap water
the tapered end provides a snug fit with water bottles, and with the SteriPEN Fits All Filter, works even with wide-mouth water bottles

Unreliable. It's really picky about the batteries and your botton pushing skills
There is really no way to tell if the water has been treated properly

If the water doesn't have enough mineral, i.e. melting snow/ice, for the water sensor to trace the small electrical current to turn on the UV lamp, add a pinch of salt to solve the problem.
Don't treat any liquid other than water with SteriPEN. The UV light is not effective in soda, iced tea or fruit juice.

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3

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Quantity: 1 ( Cool Gray/Terra Cotta )

After slept in our beloved Montbell Crescent 2 for one consecutive month during our hiking trip in 2009 and many other occasions before and afterwards, we had to admit it is a little bit cramped for 2 people and all the gear. It was a splurge to upgrade to a new 3-person tent, but considering the amount of time we are going to spend in the tent and gear we have during our tour, we consider it's a worthy investment.

Details

Copper Spur UL3 tent is a full-featured, ultralight backpacking shelter that is easy to pack, set-up and inhabit.

Three season, free standing, ultralight backpacking tent
2 vestibules with single stake outs and storm flaps over zippers
Dual door on each side allows easy access
Mesh body offers excellent ventilation
Double steep walls

Lightweight. This 3-person tent is not much heavier than our ultra light 2-person tent.
Spacious. Recommended for 3 persons, this tent feels like a palace for 2 persons. We had all of our bags in the tent and we still had plenty of room to move around. The steep walls allow us to sit up and hang out comfortably.
Great ventilation, no condensation. During clear nights, we sleep without the rain fly or with the rain fly half rolled up.
Excellent waterproof rain fly and floor kept us bone dry during overnight heavy down pours.
Dual doors allow Chopper to creep out to pee during the night without tramping all over Cher. Also great for easy access.

Beasts in Jungle

slow travel on three wheels

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Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus

Lighter than its predecessor, this 4-season Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus sleeping pad is one of the warmest, self-inflating mattresses in the Therm-a-Rest Fast & Light line.

Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus vs. Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core

Walker’s Haute Route

Diary of a Skimpy Tent

National Parks

Packing Philosophy

Black Diamond HoodWire Quickdraw

Big Agnes Q-Core Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus vs. Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core

Byer Moskito Traveller Hammock

Kelty Noah’s Tarp, 12×12

SweetWater Purifier System

SteriPEN Classic

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3