Since someone asked, the Exped DownMat was one of the more expensive things I've bought - almost $200 with tax. But it feels really good. On the other hand, my backpack cost $65 including shipping and has enough volume for winter http://compare.ebay.com/like/330516435030 Not exactly UL, thoughby JohnCurranLadd - General Discussion
I'd consider a high R-value sleeping mat. I've been happy with the Exped DownMat 7 (full length), IMHO, it is worth the cost and added weight as it is so easy to lose heat down to the ground/snow. Before the DownMat, a double mat worked (closed cell + self-inflating ThermaRest). I'd also suggest a "real" shovel rather than just a snowclaw, which I have found indequate when needing toby JohnCurranLadd - General Discussion
Re George Durkee's comments about calls from spouses: Over on the JMT group at Yahoo. a number of us have bee trying very hard to get people (1) to read the directions on Spots more carefully to avoid failed OK's and (2) to tell their homebound folks that the failure of an OK is NOT good evidence of a problem. It seems from the feedback we get there that the most common cause of failure is 1by JohnCurranLadd - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Here's an alternative pop-up device for bear protection. Starts about 1:30 into the video. For the its pop-up capability however, you have to keep watching for the full demonstration of the device to see how it integrates tightly with the backpack. http://youtu.be/DHkn6GSGyUcby JohnCurranLadd - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Sorry. Should have read it more carefully - same guy.by JohnCurranLadd - General Discussion
This is in addition to the guy who died down near Tanner in late August?by JohnCurranLadd - General Discussion
The Army and NATO have published a great deal of research on load carriage, including on front packs. Front packs move the center of gravity forward, which is a good thing since the backpack moves the COG backwards. By adding a front pack, you minimize the forward lean associated with even a well distributed backpack load. (If you get a neck ache from hiking, it may be from the need to hold theby JohnCurranLadd - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion