BPL Community Profile

John Vance (Servingko) - BPL Forum Member

My Locale Intermountain West
About Me Thru hiked the PCT in 1983 and half of the CDT in 84. Backpacking since 1973 when I did my first 50 miler as a scout. Total gear nut and have dropped from a base weight of 35lbs to 10 - 12lbs and love spending time in the mountains even more. I typically get out for 2 week long trips and several weekend trips each year.
CitySalt Lake City
StateUtah
CountryUSA

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All Forum Posts by John Vance

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Post

Forum » Thread
More warmth
Since this last spring I have been using a 16 oz quilt down into the mid 20's with great success. This has been combined with a ul7 synmat and the items that I normally carry with me. I sl...

In Philosophy & Technique » Extending sleeping bag ratings
November 16, 1:01pm
Long nights and short days
I used to worry about boredom winter camping but find as I have gotten older camp chores typically take up more than enough of my time. I also enjoy the long bag time and a good book or music. ...

In Winter Hiking » How do you make winter backpacking more enjoyable?
November 15, 2:34pm
Top or bottom
I have been using a syn ul7 with a Gossamer Gear 1/4" pad under or on top. I didn't really notice a great deal of difference in warmth. I much preferred it on the bottom since it greatly...

In Philosophy & Technique » Boosting thermal insulation of airmats with a CCF; is position important? Why?
November 11, 11:56am
Alternative
You may want to check out the Yamaha WR250x/r. I am getting 65 to 80 Mpg at 65 to 70 mph. The farthest I have been is a 2,000 mile round trip to Seattle but many have ridden to Patagonia and back...

In Chaff » Honda Ruckus
November 08, 11:49am
Windshirt and poncho
Houdini and poncho for me.

In GEAR » Windshirt + Rain Jacket or Single Shell?
October 30, 7:31pm
Left at home
I haven't used my first aid kit for anything other than to help someone else. I think it is a combination of luck, preparation, experience, and skill. As a result it is pretty minimal and uno...

In SuperUltraLight (SUL) Backpacking Discussion » Gear left at home
October 03, 2:01pm
Helicopter
I always tell my wife before a trip that if they put a heli in the air, make sure they understand that it's on their dime as I will most likely wave them off. It's the Welchman in me.

In General Lightweight Backpacking Discussion » Grand Teton climber receives disorderly conduct fine
September 30, 4:10pm
Sol Ti
I have moved from an Optimus 8R through pretty much everything including cat stoves. The latest has been a Sol ti and I couldn't be happier. Much faster than my PCS, more fuel efficient, and...

In Editor's Roundtable » Lightweight Integrated Canister Fuel Cooking Systems State of the Market Report 2011: Part 1 – Overview and Performance Evaluation
September 29, 2:55pm
No Stove
When going solo or big miles/elevation is a major part of the trip, I go no stove no cook and don't miss it for a minute.

In GEAR » Done with stoves, no more
September 16, 1:08pm
Quilt Width
I have two Katabatic quilts in regular width and am 5' 9" 170lbs with a 42" chest and 31" waist. I am also a tossing and turning side sleeper and find the width adequate. I ju...

In GEAR » Katabatic Quilts
September 16, 11:00am

All Reader Reviews by John Vance

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 | Page: 1
 

Review

Category
Katabatic Chisos
This is from previous posts but I thought I would include it here as well. I received my Chisos with 2oz overfill and just wanted to update those waiting to hear a little more about my initial imp...

In Sleeping Bags - Quilts & Top Bags
June 06, 11:48am
Katabatic Gear Sawatch
I know I only have spent 4 nights using my Katabatic Sawatch, I wanted to get a review out for those interested that I have posted elsewhere on this site but not in the review area. I can say thi...

In Sleeping Bags - Quilts & Top Bags
June 10, 10:18am
Six Moon Designs Swift10
Now that I have some miles on my 2010 Swift I thought I would prepare a more thorough review. I have been using a 2006 SMD Starlight for the past few years and really love it coming from a brief stin...

In Backpacks - Frameless
June 10, 10:09am
Kookabay Custom Down Air Mattress (DAM)
I recently my pad from Bender yesterday and have to say I am impressed. The seams and sealing is very consistent, straight, and even. My custom pad used the standard 70d fabric and is 24" wide, 6...

In Sleeping Pads - Inflatable
April 22, 11:08am