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David Chenault (DaveC) - BPL Staff
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All Forum Posts by David Chenault
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foam pads The standard Ridgerest has yet to be improved upon in the world of foam pads. Get the thicker version and cut down to torso size. For me inflatable pads are an occasional, necessary evil. When... |
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re: Epic v. Porter Both are well regarded and test out to comparable loads. The choice will come down to which harness suits you better and more importantly which will better fit with your packing style. Harness ... |
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Montbell sizing The large Tachyon should fit over a large XLite no problem. |
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re: N Arizona The Arizona Trail north of the canyon in the Kaibab Forest is excellent. |
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re: sewing machine for MYOG You can make packs with a conventional machine. It's not ideal, but provided you use a heavy needle and design things so that you're not sewing through too many thick layers of webbing and... |
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re: early April Getting a walk-in for something in the Grand Canyon will be doable if you're flexible and in good shape. Awesome but tough backpacking. There is public transit from Vegas but it can be a time... |
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re: Utah in May Late May likely means snow in the proper mountains, and potentially heat down south. I'd hit the higher desert areas. One trip in Zion (classic Kolob to main canyon traverse). One in the n... |
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re: shoes and socks I'll almost certainly be wearing leather 3 pin ski boots. Waterproof socks would probably keep your feet a bit warmer than Hydroskins while snowshoeing, though the problem with the spring ... |
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Houdini fit The Houdini is on the baggy side of windshirts in that class, you might be best served by just dealing with the long sleeves or having them altered (shortened). Montbell also has a roomy torso f... |
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re: packraft mods 1: I sewed an extra fabric flap with extra velcro. Handy because the tolerance for full closure on the cruiser deck is very tight, and a big pack on the bow causes the fabric to sag. Might not b... |
All Reader Reviews by David Chenault
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STARBUCKS VIA Italian Roast Tastes good enough, tiny and easy to use. What could be better? It not being so darn expen$ive. |
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Lara Bars Cherry Pie Tasty, moist, tasty, good calorie to weight ratio, compact, resists deformation, doesn't freeze too bad in the cold, tasty, made of real food, and tasty! Bar-shaped food does not get any bett... |
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Patagonia Capilene 1 T-Shirt Cap 1 seems to have changed very little since it was called silkweight capilene back in the day. It dries very quickly, wicks pretty well (though not as well as cap 2), and most importantly feels lig... |
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Therm-A-Rest Ridgerest I use a cut-down 48" Ridgerest on every trip. Bombproof, comfy, light, cheap. In winter, I add a full length under it. I actually sleep better on this than most inflatables, but realize I&... |
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MLD Trailstar In summary: Aside from a bivy sack for good weather and race pace endeavors, I've sold off the rest of my shelters. It's a great cross of a pyramid and a tarp. Finished weight, seam sealed... |
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Gossamer Gear ThinLight insulation pad 1/8" approx. 2 oz. It's hard to get more warmth for the weight (or price). I like having a few pieces to add in as supplementary feet and/or torso pieces. It is quite fragile. Do not leave this on the outside o... |
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FireLite Trapper's Mug A very well designed cup. Light, but seems just as functionaly durable as Snowpeak or Evernew stuff. Ideal size for a soloist. The taller than it is wide shape is one I prefer for cooking on a fire... |
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Patagonia Houdini Wind Jacket Note 1: This is a review of my 2005/6 Houdini. It's longevity is revealing (it may have been the Dragonfly back then, even). Note 2: If the price is outrageous, no one would buy it! The prote... |
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Patagonia Ready Mix Softshell Pants I disagree with all Kev's objections, and desperately wish I could find more mediums to buy. The simplicity is what I love best. Actually, the perfect in all conditions from 70-10 F fabric is ... |
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patagonia down sweater Note: I'm folding this review of the Down hooded pullover into this section because 1) the hooded p/o isn't made anymore, 2) the critical comments likely apply broadly. I really liked the d... |
