PDA

View Full Version : A few questions for ya.



fullofadventure
10-29-2004, 19:20
First of all I am looking to get gloves for the rain and have narrowed it down to two. The new OR Rain Claw Mitts http://www.orgear.com/home/style/home/handtools/gloves/ascent/70410 (http://www.orgear.com/home/style/home/handtools/gloves/ascent/70410), which claim to be waterproof and the MH Tempest SL http://www.mountainhardwear.com/www/action/catalog/DisplayStyle?id=1445 (http://www.mountainhardwear.com/www/action/catalog/DisplayStyle?id=1445) which I believe are not fully waterproof. Has anyone used these products or could recommend a good glove (in the 3oz range) for the approaching rainy season?



Second is has anyone used the GoLite Reed pant http://www.golitestore.com/store/NS_proddetail.asp?number=AM1718 (http://www.golitestore.com/store/NS_proddetail.asp?number=AM1718)? How do they fit (loose or athletic cut)? I would only be layering over merino wool bottoms so I do not want them to be too baggy. I really like the 5oz weight and minimalist design.



Last are there any tips for tarp camping or could you recommend a websites that has some good info on pitching or tying knots. I think I might try to confront my fears of bugs, and such and give it a try because I really would like to save as much weight a possible. Most people that use tarps use adjustable trekking poles but I am thinking of going with the fixed length lightweight (4oz for the pair) Gossamer Gear poles. How will this affect the storm worthiness of my shelter? Would it be better to go with a more standard adjustable pole?



Thanks in advance.

Lilred
10-29-2004, 19:41
Last are there any tips for tarp camping or could you recommend a websites that has some good info on pitching or tying knots. I think I might try to confront my fears of bugs, and such and give it a try because I really would like to save as much weight a possible. Most people that use tarps use adjustable trekking poles but I am thinking of going with the fixed length lightweight (4oz for the pair) Gossamer Gear poles. How will this affect the storm worthiness of my shelter? Would it be better to go with a more standard adjustable pole?[/size][/font]



Thanks in advance.

For Tarptenting with bug protection, check out the new Lunar Solo tent from six moon designs. Only weighs 1.5 lbs.

www.sixmoondesigns.com

alalskaman
10-30-2004, 01:44
Yes, I have the Reed pants, and like you I like the simple design - the fit is plenty roomy for what I want, longjohns under nylon hiking pants - plenty of room but not enough to bag and flap. The only thing that bugs me is, they are quite small in the lower area, it is hard to get one's feet thru the elastic cuffs. In fact with larger boots impossible, without sitting down and removing boots. Not what you want when a storm has come up suddenly. Might be worth the extra couple of ounces to get ones with zips down there. Montbell has some that are almost as light. Spendier though. All in all I am happy enough with them.

Peaks
10-30-2004, 21:11
Gloves? Why bother unless you are starting late in the winter.

Rain Pants? Hard to beat Frogg Toggs, both for weight and price.

peter_pan
10-30-2004, 21:50
O2 Rainwear by Rainshield beats Frogg Toggs in both price and weight. The yellow set is the lightest. The stuff sacks make great mittens, works fine with trecking poles. Have over 1,000 miles and a lot of rain on mine....field repairable with duct tape.

orangebug
10-30-2004, 21:58
I usually walk with glove liners, and carry some wool mittens when likely to get winter weather. I have found socks, stuff sacks and such to be excellent vapor barrier gloves when times are tough.

BookBurner
10-31-2004, 09:49
Although I have never used Gossamer's new poles, I would suggest using an adjustable, albeit heavier, set of poles for several reasons:

1. An adjustable pole will definately increase your tarp pitching options. You can vary the size of door openings, side vents, etc. to accommodate changing weather patterns;
2. Adjustable poles can break down to ease storage on planes and in car trunks when hitching;
3. Gossamer's poles lack wrist straps. The primary purpose for wrist straps is not to keep the pole attached to your wrist. It's to support your hands so that you do not have to employ a death grip on the handle when pushing off. The effectiveness of any pole will be drastically reduced without proper use of the straps, especially on the steep ups and downs of the AT;
4. Gossamer's poles do not have the same flexible strength as adjustable aluminum poles. If you hike far enough and long enough, you will stumble and bend your poles on occasion. (I've cocked mine up to 45 degrees out of whack.) Aluminum poles can usually be bent back into place. Gossamer's can not.

I want to repeat my caveat- I've never used Gossamer's poles so I defer to anyone that has and can offer a first-hand account. It just seems that based upon their design, they would be better suited for the wider, flatter tread of the PCT (and the more moderate, tarp-friendly weather) than the steep, rocky tread of the AT.

-- BookBurner

www.enlightenedthruhiker.com (http://www.enlightenedthruhiker.com)

Happy
11-01-2004, 09:53
I tried the Tempest and took them back...go with the OR Rain Mitts...and in winter add a MH powerstretch under the Rain Mitts...that is what is recommended by Winton at Neal's Gap!

I have been very pleased with the combo!

Ridge
11-01-2004, 21:32
I learned to use a cheap pair of polypropolene liners (cheap gloves from discount store) and then use gore type mittens for outer layer. This layering is helpful in cold weather, Don't recomend ski gloves. Rain gear of choice has been the Marmot PreCip stuff. I've been extremely happy with these items. I also use kids size neck gators, they are smaller which fit better and cheaper, can use over ears if needed. Just remember in winter "Cotton is Killer".

Pencil Pusher
11-03-2004, 15:07
Ah, I clicked on the link and realized I needed to edit my post. So it seems OR has changed their design of the Claw mitts. It looks like the current design is a hybrid of their old Claw and Lobster designs. While I have the old Claw design and don't think it's worth getting, this new design looks more functional and is being sold at a reasonable price. Whereas the Lobster's were nearly twice the price (ouch). These new Claws would be worth getting, imho.

Valmet
11-03-2004, 17:27
If it is raining and my hands get cold I use a glove shell. I also use fingerless wool gloves in the winter and the shell over them if it is really cold. I find them to work very well.