View Full Version : questions about my gear
Just got a mountian hardware phantom 15 down bag, it came in a rather large mesh knit bag that leaves it nice and puffy. It also came with a small nylon bag to pack it down into for hiking. While its sitting in my closet should i leave it in the large bag so it stays puffy or is it ok to pack it down in the small one and just leave it in my pack? Never had down before and just wondering if this will effect its performance/lifespan.
also just got an osprey aether 70, any one know what the red strap on the top just inside the lid is for? also, it has two holes for an h2o system, one on each side. will water get into my pack through these in rain? and, what type of hydration system are you supposed to get for it?
Leki hiking poles came with a dvd about how to use them. should i actually watch this? never used hiking poles before be it seems pretty straight foward...
Never store the bag in the stuff sack; always use the storage sack, and even then it's good to take it out periodically and shake it around some to keep the down loose.
I have the Aether 60 and the red strap is for compressing the stuff stored in the top section of the pack a bit; cinch it up some, then close the pack's top.
If you're puzzled about how to take apart and put back together the Leki's, then give it a watch. Otherwise, save it for when you want an involved explanation of the obvious.
Frick Frack
02-02-2009, 15:46
Store your sleeping bag in the large mesh bag..it is better for the down.
The red strap on the inside of your pack is a compression strap. After you load your pack you cinch (sp?) down the 3 straps on the outside of the pack that run across the back then you compress the inside. This holds the load closer to you and keeps it more compact.
You would have to be very bored to watch that dvd but it might be useful if you have never used them or been instructed on how to use them.
number one reason i love this site... answers to any noob question i have in seconds! thanks guys.
FritztheCat
02-02-2009, 16:10
I've got the same pack. Red strap is for compression as others have said. I use a camelback hydration bladder (2 liter) with mine. The pack is new to me and I haven't had it in the rain yet, but I have a pack cover anyway.
Ignore all the other posts about the red strap. If U pull the red strap your pack turns into a tent and 3 dancing hiker girls appear!
garlic08
02-02-2009, 17:15
I heard that even better than the mesh bag is, if you have closet space, to hang it up. You should probably use the stuff sack as little as possible. I don't use mine at all, just stuff it into the bottom of my pack as loosely as possible depending on how much food I'm carrying. I really liked my Phantom 45 last summer, I hope the 15 works well for you.
A hiking pole DVD? Is that like the "hot line" number on a package of dental floss?
sadly, i pulled the red strap in high aspirations, but no hiker girls... thanks for getting my hopes up. =(
Jamey,
Nearly all packs leak water, so you should store your clothes and sleeping bag in dry bags like Sea to Summit or POE's line.
http://www.seatosummit.com/products/cat/3
http://www.pacoutdoor.com/2008/index.cfm?action=family&familyID=2
-I wouldn't even use the big sack, just leave your bag laid out under a bed or something.
-IMHO most things on Osprey packs are for cutting off.
-Instructional DVD? The handle part goes in your hand, the pointy end goes in the ground. What kind of world are we living in?
Store your sleeping bag in the large mesh bag..it is better for the down.
The red strap on the inside of your pack is a compression strap. After you load your pack you cinch (sp?) down the 3 straps on the outside of the pack that run across the back then you compress the inside. This holds the load closer to you and keeps it more compact.
You would have to be very bored to watch that dvd but it might be useful if you have never used them or been instructed on how to use them.
Your spelling of "cinch" is correct.
Just thought you'd like to know. Spelling (and punctuation) are too little regarded by many, and reflect negatively on those who don't choose to learn how to use them. Congrats on 1) leaving yourself open to correction, and 2) being correct.
Btw: My $.02 - The BEST way to store a sleeping bag is hanging by the foot. The SECOND best way is laying flat, and the THIRD best way in in that big sack they come with. Consider the stuffsack as useful for travel ONLY and unpack your bag as soon as you arrive at your destination.
My hiking poles didn't come with a DVD...and I have no idea what is on your DVD... BUT, aside from all the other remarks....
for your poles to be most effective, the height should be adjusted correctly, as should the wrist sraps. I've seen several new hikers who had no clue how to use the wrist straps.
It's also nice to know how to fix the poles if they are not locking.
Enjoy your DVD!
bigcranky
02-02-2009, 20:22
People who have small animals around the house probably shouldn't leave their expensive sleeping bags spread out under the bed. $%^& cats.
Other than that, the advice above is good. The Phantom 15 is a very nice bag.
FritztheCat
02-02-2009, 21:43
I leave my down mummy bag in the big sack. I'd love to hang it or leave it under a bed as has been recommended but I've got 3 very curious cats. :)
I know one guy who has installed large hooks about a foot below the ceiling on two adjoining walls in a room of his house. Between hiking trips, he stretches out his hammock between these two hooks. (It is just a simple hammock--not one with overhead insect netting). He then lays out his sleeping pad and his sleeping bag on the hammock. He covers it all with a bed sheet to keep the dust from gathering on it.
This way, everything stays well aired out between hiking trips--but it is also stored overhead and out of the way. The hiking equipment is not in his closet taking up space. The down in his sleeping bag is not compressed in a bag between trips. The hammock and sleeping pad are not staying damp or getting "mildewy" in stuff sacks.
He says this hammock setup keeps his sleeping bag in much better shape than putting it in the large mesh storage bag that came with the sleeping bag. (Periodically, he even takes the sleeping bag off of the hammock, flips the sleeping bag over, fluffs it a bit and puts in back on the hammock).
Jamey,
Regarding poles, there is an optimal height that works best for you. May be the one illustrated, on how to set up, maybe not. You will have to try that, and figure out what works best for height. For sure, there is a proper way to use the straps. And IMO, you need to learn the correct way. Using them the correct way, allows a very loose grip on the poles, and can actually accelerate your stride on non steep terrain. Basic technique is put hand thru loops from below, and the loop strap goes under where your thumb and forefinger meet. That way you can nearly let go of the pole on the back swing. It is in the demo, I am sure.
Frick Frack
02-03-2009, 15:28
Your spelling of "cinch" is correct.
Just thought you'd like to know. Spelling (and punctuation) are too little regarded by many, and reflect negatively on those who don't choose to learn how to use them. Congrats on 1) leaving yourself open to correction, and 2) being correct.
Btw: My $.02 - The BEST way to store a sleeping bag is hanging by the foot. The SECOND best way is laying flat, and the THIRD best way in in that big sack they come with. Consider the stuffsack as useful for travel ONLY and unpack your bag as soon as you arrive at your destination.
Thanks Tinker. I'm not the best speller & always suspicious of my spellings...somehow though I'm a great spell checker????
About your $.02's worth....my bag, bags, are stored in the basement according to your SECOND recommendation. They have been there since our return from the trail in Nov. as we are STILL staying with my wife's parents in GA after our hike. Who would have ever guessed it would take so long to find employment and get back on our feet? We should have yo-yo'ed......
Interesting comments about that DVD and the implied "intuitive" use of trekking poles. I say this because I rarely encounter folk that use their poles correctly.
( IE: height adjustment,strap use,swing)
I have not seen that DVD, just hoping that Leki has included the correct instructions for practical use as well as maintenance.
Franco
sadly, i pulled the red strap in high aspirations, but no hiker girls... thanks for getting my hopes up. =(
Wait till u've been out on the trail for about 3-4 weeks. Then it works. Just try it.
[quote=bigcranky;770438]People who have small animals around the house probably shouldn't leave their expensive sleeping bags spread out under the bed. . . $%^& cats
I was just about to stuff my $500 sleeping bag under the bed(no way) when I read your post. The thought of my bag shredded from some cat sharpening its claws, full of cat hair, and smelling like cat p*ss made me think otherwise.
bigcranky
02-03-2009, 20:04
[quote=bigcranky;770438]People who have small animals around the house probably shouldn't leave their expensive sleeping bags spread out under the bed. . . $%^& cats
I was just about to stuff my $500 sleeping bag under the bed(no way) when I read your post. The thought of my bag shredded from some cat sharpening its claws, full of cat hair, and smelling like cat p*ss made me think otherwise.
You're welcome. <grin>
garlic08
02-03-2009, 20:24
Interesting comments about that DVD and the implied "intuitive" use of trekking poles. I say this because I rarely encounter folk that use their poles correctly.
( IE: height adjustment,strap use,swing)
You're absolutely right, Franco, and I regret my flip remark above about a DVD. I learned pole usage many years ago, backcountry skiing, and I had to be instructed. I forgot that it's not intuitive, especially correct strap usage.
garlic08
02-03-2009, 20:27
I was just about to stuff my $500 sleeping bag under the bed(no way) when I read your post. The thought of my bag shredded from some cat sharpening its claws, full of cat hair, and smelling like cat p*ss made me think otherwise.
A cat peed on my bag as I aired it out at a trail angel's house and I didn't know it until I hit the trail. If there had been an outfitter nearby, I would have thrown the whole pack over a cliff.
Jayboflavin04
02-04-2009, 08:51
If osprey packs come with dancing girls I am SOLD! Is there an option for extra girls and what do they weigh!!!!
Garlic08
Yes sometimes I wish that I had the erase button in real life having on many occasions activated my mouth before my brain.
One of the hardest aspects of specialised retail sales ( in my case photographic) was to remember that what it's obvious it is only so after you find out.
Anyway the point remains that most poles are taken for a walk rather then being used for it. Reading about how many never adjust the height, use the straps or use them on flat ground , proves the point. For me is like a cyclist saying that he only ever uses one gear, can't be bother shifting up or down...
Franco