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Dirtbag>>Ultralight Gear: Fastpacking
By By Aaron Gulley, Photographs by Chris Thompson
2005 Aug (Vol. 7, No. 4)
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(Lighter Than Light)
Presenting The Sveltest, Smoothest Gear
To Keep You At The Front Of The Pack.
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Total Weight 7lbs, 14.4 oz
1. The fact that MacPac built the Amp 35, a 2,140-cubic-inch pack, at 2 pounds, 5 ounces is impressive. That they included features found on packs twice its weight is almost wrong. There’s a built-in (albeit short) sleeping pad, a hydration bladder sleeve, water bottle holsters at the shoulders and ice axe and pole loops, and the front mesh food pouches are a great touch for loose odds and ends. The only problem with the Amp is that your overloaded partners will constantly try to steal your pack. $130; 866-548-6505; www.macpac.co.nz .
2. The Big Agnes Seedhouse Superlight 2 gives you the breathability and versatility of a freestanding, double-wall tent at just 3 pounds, 3 ounces. With 84 inches of interior length, the weight-savings aren’t at the expense of comfort either. And the aluminum hub-and-pole frame system makes it easy to set up the Seedhouse in minutes,
providing ample time to contemplate the inescapable conundrum: What’s up with the Seedhouse name? $299; 877-554-8975; www.bigagnes.com.
3. The Granite Gear White Lightnin’ Tarp ($115; 218-834-6157; www.granitegear.com ) establishes that minimalism and romance can be strange bedfellows. My partner was all about fast and light—until I produced this silicone-impregnated shelter. “What about the bugs?” she yelped. If the thought of open-air slumber doesn’t deter you, this is possibly the sturdiest, no-frills option. With a pair of lightweight hiking poles and a set of 0.2-ounce-a-piece Vargo Ultralight Titanium Tent Stakes (not shown, $2.25/each; 877-932-8546; www.vargooutdoors.com ), you still have a two-person, storm-proof abode for a touch over 1.5 pounds. As for our amorous night out, the threat of creepy crawlies kept my partner snuggled tighter than normal by my side.
4. Fortunately, the MontBell Breeze Dry-Tec Ultra Light Sleeping Bag Cover is not as cumbersome as its name. The size of a couple of energy bars, this 6.3-ounce bivy sack can be combined with a sleeping bag and tarp as a minimalist shelter or used on its own as an emergency refuge. $110; 877-666-8235; www.montbell.com .
5. A few select pieces of gear blend performance, price and durability so perfectly they have become permanent fixtures in my gearbox. The Patagonia Micro Puff Pullover is destined to be one such piece. Simple, functional and well crafted, this synthetic insulated jacket is both a fine top layer in chilly weather and an ideal mid-layer when conditions get extremely cold or wet. It weighs just 12.5 ounces and compresses to about the size of two PB&J sandwiches. One gripe: Why doesn’t the chest pocket reverse into a built-in stuff sack? $145; 800-638-6464; www.patagonia.com .
Last Updated: Feb 24th, 2006 - 14:18:11
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