Hey all,
First I want to say thank you to all who have visited the blog and continue to do so. The viewership continues to grow which means a lot.
Footwear topics overall are the most searched for, so I plan on finishing out the reviews on the Meindl Perfekt and the Asolo Sasslong boots. Both of the boots have served me well, and I as sit here typing I am wearing the Sasslongs.
This was a tough year for mule deer hunting, with near success on better deer than last seasons. I have started a blog on some of the lessons learned from this season. My desire to pursue Mule Deer only got worse this year and plans are already in the works for next years hunts.This will be the next piece that I finish up.
I will soon be including a link to a website I frequent often as a forum member with an article that is in the editing phase. This article will be on hunting antelope and covers several tactics, and some success and failure as a hunter. Overall it was a really fun piece to write and has been a very good experience to learn and grow from.
I am also going to be working on a blog series on how to improve as a field photographer. I have some work to do when it comes to improving my photography. Documenting this is going to go a long way to help myself and others. The first in the series is going to be on overtaking pictures, and by that I mean taking more than one picture of the same thing to have plenty to work with when writing and editing.
There is also going to be a comparison blog between the Seek Outside BCS and LBO. This will be about what each shelter is good for, and why you would buy one over the other. The shelters have some similar beginnings, and to some extent shapes but overall are very different shelters.
By late this spring there is also another fun project coming up that I hope will really peak the interest of many. Currently I own a Kifaru Koala standard in black and a friend from Tennessee owns both models of the Hill People Gear's Kit Bag. We are both going to do individual write ups of each of them and post it here. Then I will be shipping my Koala to him to look at, use, and then write a review. After he is done, they will both be shipped to me for testing and comparison and of coarse a write up.
Finally, my biggest and likely most ambitious blog is going to be about why I hunt. I don't have any problem admitting that I trophy hunt for Mule deer, but when it comes to elk I am much more of a meat hunter. Don't get me wrong that I want to accomplish the task of taking a very large Elk. However, several years ago I wanted to accomplish the task of eating nothing but wild game meat that I or a partner had harvested myself. Having recently finished "Meat Eater" by Steven Rinella, that desire is back. Starting in 2013, my goal is to consume as much wild game as possible rather than store-bought meats. So, this will be where I document that.
Leave any and all comments of what you would like to find out in some of these topics! Feedback would be great!
Showing posts with label Kifaru. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kifaru. Show all posts
Monday, December 3, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, June 1, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Cutting Weight- The Journey Here
I am taking a break from the mule deer story to talk about my trip in general to become a more efficient backpacker. It's a learning process to say the least, and there are constantly new things to be taken in. My hope is that I never get to the point where I feel like I don't have things to learn. If I ever get to that point perhaps its time to hang up the boots and take up something else.
The trails that have been traveled since my first trip at 10 years old have provided me with experience, and the lessons learned have made me want the backcountry more and more. I had a 40lb pack frame that was a borrowed from a local pawn shop that trip, colored in bright orange. For 1994 it may not have been bad, but the memory even then was that it wasn't the most comfortable thing to wear.
Life has constantly been intertwined with my faith, and life in the church. This trip was a youth group trip that my Dad was leading, and even though I was too young, Dad snuck me along. Every person was loaded to the hilt with different cans of soup, water and other things that I simply look at and laugh now. Even with the heavy load my bright orange pack was the first to arrive at our designated lake,
Several youth group trips later and I was the proud owner of my first Kelty frame pack when Santa proved to be very generous. It was a sweet pack in my mind and served it's purpose very well all the way until I graduated from High School. The Blue bag on the frame was removed several times and different variations were tried to make it more efficient. In the end the pack proved capable, and kept me wanting to pack in farther and farther.
College proved to be a time where my hunting and backpacking were limited because lets face it, central Texas is not a great place to pursue those things. Breaks from school were spent fishing in my home state, but often they fell on times of year when packing in wasn't an option and the resources for winter camping weren't there. I read Mike Eastman's and David Long's books to pass some of those breaks, and it kept the motivation factor high.
Two trips in college home during Elk season proved to not be enough to satisfy the desire to be in the woods and graduation found me loaded and ready to be back in the Mountain West. My first home after college was within a couple of hours of the mountains again and it was on.
One major problem, the stuff I was carrying in weighed too much, and again proved I had much to learn. For this to change several mentalities needed to change. The first and most important would be the perception of what is necessary to take on a backpack hunt. The next is that heavy duty, i.e. heavy was always the best way to go. I wasn't aware that there is such as thing as well built light stuff
A major culprit of excess weight was the Black's Creek Bounty Hunter, Mossback edition. The pack was purchased fairly impulsively in 2007 to really start staying in for long periods of time. I proudly brought all 12lbs of it home and started to put together all of the stuff I would need for the coming trip. The pack seemed heavy duty and would eventually bring mentality number one to the forefront.
The first season consisted of packing in simply a tarp and my down sleeping bag for shelter and I suppose it worked ok. Early season archery it wasn't bad, but because it never got terribly cold I was never miserable without a pad. It is somewhat amazing to me that I was never more miserable than I was, it honestly could have been worse. I had the weight idea right in this "system," but comfort was not of much value. Minimalist, yes, comfortable no.
By 2009 an Alps Mountaineering pad had found its way into my supply and I dug up an old tent from my parents shed. Dad has a habit of buying every tent he sees when he goes to garage sales and it played into my favor. The first tent was not that heavy, and truthfully served me well for a two seasons, but I needed an upgrade. Ledge Recluse was an upgrade for a season but was still not as efficient for the later elk hunts that I typically go on.
Another area that needed an upgrade was the food department. MRE's just don't cut it anymore. Number one they are just plain too heavy. Number two they are just not very good. There are tricks out there to make them better, but truthfully it's still not very good. Mountain Houses have become a staple of my back-country cuisine and will be for many years to come. An even better upgrade that I am working through recipes is making my own freeze dried food, I am hoping the wife will like me using her kitchen for such adventures....
The Black's Creek needed to go, first and foremost it didn't fit correctly. Next comes the whopping 12lbs that are carried in the pack alone. An upgrade to a Kifaru Longhunter Guide has now been completed and the pack weight has been cut in half, and the pack is big enough to produce shoulder lift. Did I mention that it's fit is actually comfortable?
The pad has now been upgraded to a NeoAir by Thermarest and I can't complain in the least bit. This season will prove it out as a viable pad and the hope is that many comfortable nights will be spent on it.
A TiGoat Vertex 5 now comes with me on solo and double trips and will serve that purpose quite well I believe. Plenty of space for one, a little tight for 2, but doable, all in all a solid upgrade for a reasonable price.
More upgrades are coming, and this blog will be the place that I put my thoughts down on the value of each piece of equipment.
The trails that have been traveled since my first trip at 10 years old have provided me with experience, and the lessons learned have made me want the backcountry more and more. I had a 40lb pack frame that was a borrowed from a local pawn shop that trip, colored in bright orange. For 1994 it may not have been bad, but the memory even then was that it wasn't the most comfortable thing to wear.
Life has constantly been intertwined with my faith, and life in the church. This trip was a youth group trip that my Dad was leading, and even though I was too young, Dad snuck me along. Every person was loaded to the hilt with different cans of soup, water and other things that I simply look at and laugh now. Even with the heavy load my bright orange pack was the first to arrive at our designated lake,
Several youth group trips later and I was the proud owner of my first Kelty frame pack when Santa proved to be very generous. It was a sweet pack in my mind and served it's purpose very well all the way until I graduated from High School. The Blue bag on the frame was removed several times and different variations were tried to make it more efficient. In the end the pack proved capable, and kept me wanting to pack in farther and farther.
College proved to be a time where my hunting and backpacking were limited because lets face it, central Texas is not a great place to pursue those things. Breaks from school were spent fishing in my home state, but often they fell on times of year when packing in wasn't an option and the resources for winter camping weren't there. I read Mike Eastman's and David Long's books to pass some of those breaks, and it kept the motivation factor high.
Two trips in college home during Elk season proved to not be enough to satisfy the desire to be in the woods and graduation found me loaded and ready to be back in the Mountain West. My first home after college was within a couple of hours of the mountains again and it was on.
One major problem, the stuff I was carrying in weighed too much, and again proved I had much to learn. For this to change several mentalities needed to change. The first and most important would be the perception of what is necessary to take on a backpack hunt. The next is that heavy duty, i.e. heavy was always the best way to go. I wasn't aware that there is such as thing as well built light stuff
A major culprit of excess weight was the Black's Creek Bounty Hunter, Mossback edition. The pack was purchased fairly impulsively in 2007 to really start staying in for long periods of time. I proudly brought all 12lbs of it home and started to put together all of the stuff I would need for the coming trip. The pack seemed heavy duty and would eventually bring mentality number one to the forefront.
The first season consisted of packing in simply a tarp and my down sleeping bag for shelter and I suppose it worked ok. Early season archery it wasn't bad, but because it never got terribly cold I was never miserable without a pad. It is somewhat amazing to me that I was never more miserable than I was, it honestly could have been worse. I had the weight idea right in this "system," but comfort was not of much value. Minimalist, yes, comfortable no.
By 2009 an Alps Mountaineering pad had found its way into my supply and I dug up an old tent from my parents shed. Dad has a habit of buying every tent he sees when he goes to garage sales and it played into my favor. The first tent was not that heavy, and truthfully served me well for a two seasons, but I needed an upgrade. Ledge Recluse was an upgrade for a season but was still not as efficient for the later elk hunts that I typically go on.
Another area that needed an upgrade was the food department. MRE's just don't cut it anymore. Number one they are just plain too heavy. Number two they are just not very good. There are tricks out there to make them better, but truthfully it's still not very good. Mountain Houses have become a staple of my back-country cuisine and will be for many years to come. An even better upgrade that I am working through recipes is making my own freeze dried food, I am hoping the wife will like me using her kitchen for such adventures....
The Black's Creek needed to go, first and foremost it didn't fit correctly. Next comes the whopping 12lbs that are carried in the pack alone. An upgrade to a Kifaru Longhunter Guide has now been completed and the pack weight has been cut in half, and the pack is big enough to produce shoulder lift. Did I mention that it's fit is actually comfortable?
The pad has now been upgraded to a NeoAir by Thermarest and I can't complain in the least bit. This season will prove it out as a viable pad and the hope is that many comfortable nights will be spent on it.
A TiGoat Vertex 5 now comes with me on solo and double trips and will serve that purpose quite well I believe. Plenty of space for one, a little tight for 2, but doable, all in all a solid upgrade for a reasonable price.
More upgrades are coming, and this blog will be the place that I put my thoughts down on the value of each piece of equipment.
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