Z-Packs Quilt Failure

Another trip, another kit failure. This time it’s the turn of the Z-Packs quilt I gave a positive review to here. In the review I commented that -

“...Quality is excellent. Materials and construction are first rate. I’m picky here and I wasn’t able to find fault with the stitching or materials...”

Unfortunately I will have to change my view on that after a blown seam during my cycle tour around Tasmania.

Montane Spectr eVent Smock Failure

When you buy the lightest kit you have to realise there is often going to be some disadvantages regarding durability over heavier kit. This is particularly so with waterproofs and these garments should only be worn when it is actually raining. For the rest of the time a cheaper, and more breathable, windproof shirt is more appropriate. That’s exactly how the Montane Spectr Smock was used so it is disappointing that it only lasted 40 days, of which it was probably worn for no more than 20, and then only when it was actually raining.

MLD Duomid Buckle Failure

The Mountain Laurel Designs Duomid is a popular pyramid style shelter that has slowly eased its way into my kit selection over the last few months. Space is excellent, stability is good, and it’s very quick to pitch. None of that was the reason I’ve been using it so much though.  I chose the Duomid for both my Scottish Cycle Tour and Coast & Moor hike because it is the only shelter I own that has a front door! Doors can be useful if you are expecting to be using commercial campsites. Leaving an open shelter in such a busy public place is perhaps asking for trouble, if only from dogs! Privacy could also be a concern but wasn’t high up on my list. As it happens, I didn’t use any commercial campsites on either of those trips and the failure of the Duomid, on a particularly stormy night, has made me rethink that logic on shelter selection.

Other Gear Life Resources

Anybody interested in gear life should also have a look at German Tourist's, The Big Trip. She has hiked more miles than anybody else I know and her blog is an invaluable resource on gear life as well as much more. I had the pleasure to meet and hike with her on the Arizona Trail and she is certainly an inspirational character.

Therm-a-rest NeoAir - comfortable but unreliable.

When Therm-a-rest released its NeoAir in 2009 it was a revelation. For the first time you could have it all. The NeoAir was amazingly comfortable, but also light and with a tiny packed size. I liked what I saw. This was the future of camping mattresses. Initially demand was so high that I struggled to find one in the UK, but on the 2009 TGO Challenge I finally got to see one. It was certainly comfortable but looked a little fragile, could it last a long hike? I wasn't so sure. The following year I hiked the Arizona Trail. This trail is known for being brutal on kit and that proved to be true. Inflatable mattresses were not recommended. Being a sensible hiker I heeded those warnings and took a standard piece of closed cell foam. This was light and reliable but also plain uncomfortable when laying on the sun baked mud and rock that makes up a lot of Arizona. During that hike I met Kimberlie Dame and she had bravely used a NeoAir for the entire hike without any problems. Convinced that with a little care they could be robust enough, and sick of sleepless nights and pain I finally tracked one down. The deal was done and it preformed brilliantly for the rest of that hike. It changed the way I camp forever.

Inov-8 Terroc 330 - how long does lightweight footware last?

How long does lightweight footware last? That's a question I've pondered over many times. It's such an important consideration when route planning that I now keep track of the millage I get from all my footwear.