Current Gear List: The Shelter Blog

There are currently three big names in the Ultralight Floorless Shelter world.  Kifaru, Titanium Goat, and Seek Outside.  I currently own two of them and have owned all three at one point or another.

Current: Titanium Goat Vertex 5, and Seek Outside(SO) 6.  The SO is the old model not the new one.

The Vertex 5 has been reviewed here at a surface level, and will be further later after a few more field uses.  It will be exactly what I was looking for in a solo/duo shelter.

The SO 6 is a great addition to the family, and will be what my wife and I use on our excursions to the back-country and the not so back-country.  I have set it up three times now and there is more than enough space for 2-3 people and a LOT of gear.  It would even be possible to fit 4 and SOME gear, but not nearly as much, especially if used with a packable wood burning stove.

In comparing the TiGoat to the SO I would say they both have some different qualities worth noting.  First the TiGoat is a much more basic shelter, but functions well for what it is.  All of the tie outs are double stitched and the cordura is round in shape.  The SO uses a triangular shape that has singular stitching on the cordura, but is doubled on the actual attachment point for the loops.  Having not tested them both in extreme conditions yet... there isn't really an edge to give to either, just note that they are different.

The SO has more features internally such as the sod skirt which will be nice, and can easily be used with a nest that has internal guy out points.  The new models will have different levels of what features you can buy to say customize it to a singular person's needs.  The stove jack came installed, and the only thing left to do is buy the actual stove.  The TiGoat needs to be sent in to have the stove jack installed.

Past: Kifaru Paratarp/Annex-  The problem was that it was just too small for me even as a solo shelter.  I ended up selling it because it was not going to serve the purpose that I intended for it.  I will be honest, the tie outs didn't seem to have as much thought as what my TiGoat and SO both have.  Maybe I am comparing apples to oranges here based on relative sizes of the shelters, but it just felt like there was potential for issues with the Paratarp.

The pros to the entire package was how small and packable it was, the ability to make it cooler during warm weather conditions by not bringing the annex, and the ability to use trekking poles to put it up.

I suppose, if necessary you could get two guys in there, if you had to and wanted to be really crowded.  For me it just wasn't going to cut it.  Hence the sale and purchase of the TiGoat Vertex 5.  The Vertex 5 will still be close quarters with two guys, but not nearly as close as just one.

Update:  After one trip with the SO Six, I can say that I am very pleased.  It endured some solid wind conditions, and was easy to set up as well.  I am looking forward to several more trips with it in the coming month.

First Lite Springer Vest and Chama Review

The past two weekends have given me an opportunity to get some serious time in the First Lite Chama and Springer.

To say I am pleased with their performance would be an understatement.  In fact it was warm enough with the Chama alone about halfway up the hill.  The Springer vest is a little thicker and was put in the pack to make the hike in a little more comfortable.

Both of these layers will be worn in conjunction with a Kuiu Guide Jacket as an outer layer.  Rain gear has yet to be determined for this season, but it will likely be something from a clearance rack somewhere.

The seams look to be very strong, and they fit me well as a tall guy.  Neither article of clothing bunches up at the belt line, or where the pack makes contact with the hips.  This has been an issue in the past with other pieces of clothing.

I should have more to say after a short trip this weekend with this gear.  In the initial use they have functioned well, and by the end of the summer/fall I will have much more to say in regard to this clothing.

Do I Really Need it?

I am a full time youth pastor and find myself at home before the start of one of the busiest weekends of the year in my profession: Graduation.  This year I will be losing a quite a few of my regular students as they head off to college to continue their education.

During this short down time I have become very distracted by a set of boots.  Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400's on sale at Sierra Trading Post.  I have elevated the Kenetrek brand in my mind quite a bit and am really having a hard time not pulling the trigger.

The biggest reason that i can't justify the purchase is that last season I spent a $260 on a pair of Meindl Perfekts that I absolutely love.  I pulled them out of the gear closet last night and even wore them a while to remind myself of just how well they fit.

For the moment I have talked myself out of buying them and likely won't look again unless there is simply an amazing deal that shows itself.

The point of this blog is to search through and ask the question of whether or not we really need it.  The Kenetreks would be fun after the break in period and would be immensely enjoyed.  However, the $250ish that I would spend on them could be placed in other gear that would be a little more relevant.

Part of the draw of the boots is that feet must be treated well in the backcountry, and are therefore a priority.  So, how do I go about prioritizing my gear purchases every year?

1. How often will I use it.
2. Comfort
3. Weight
4. Effectiveness for the job
5. Price

So, all those factors in mind, several things need to come before any more cash is dropped on another set of boots.  First, a shelter that will be more comfortable for the Mrs. and I.  At the moment it looks to be a BCS from Seek Outside. Second, a new spotter.  The jury is still out on what will come home, but it needs to be a significant upgrade from the current set up.  The Leupold Sequoia has served me well, but needs to be moved to the land of spares in the closet.  Third, is a Duplex Timberline 3 from Kifaru for back packing.

All in all the priorities will win out for another day, would love to hear how others prioritize gear purchases.