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Matthew LaPatka (gungadin) - BPL Premium Member

My Locale Pittsburgh, PA
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All Forum Posts by Matthew LaPatka

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Post

Forum » Thread

I prefer contacts
I wore glasses until I was in high school, and I didn't really mind them unless I was running a cross country race and couldn't wear a hat to keep them from the rain. I have horrible visio...

In GEAR » Glasses or Contacts?
January 11, 7:06am

Patagonia Wool 2?
Anyone try out the new Patagonia Wool 2 line? I noticed that a few people purchased their items but haven't mentioned anything about them yet. Any first-hand information from owners? I love Pata...

In GEAR » Patagonia Wool 2?
September 25, 8:16pm

nanoseeum mesh
I had Nanoseeum mesh sewed around the perimeter of my Hex and used Gossamer Gear's polycryo for the floor. It worked great in Maine's worst black fly and mosquito time of the year. The nanoseeum ...

In Make Your Own Gear » Hex 3 modification for bugs, etc
August 13, 3:19pm

WM Highlite
Check out the WM Highlite. It is the same weight and has a slightly lower temp. rating at 35 degrees. I have one, and it is simply awesome. It has been around now for a few years and seems to ha...

In GEAR » Marmot Atom Sleeping BAg
July 10, 2:25pm

Re: Which Stove?
The Nova is awesome. It is very powerful, well-designed and doesn't use as much fuel as one would think. It is quite bulletproof and can work in a vast array of temps. I don't know the other sto...

In GEAR » Which Stove
May 30, 10:10am

Re: Paty Airius Hat vs BPL UL Cap
I just saw the new, updated Patagonia Airius hat at a nearby backpacking store. It was really a nice hat. It definiately seemed cool are airy with a nice, crushable brim. I was tempted by the BP...

In GEAR » Paty Airius Hat vs BPL UL Cap
May 23, 5:19am

Guardian
I agree with Paul on the Sweetwater Guardian. It has been a very reliable and effective filter for me all year long. While I usually only use AM now, it is nice to know that I have it when I go s...

In GEAR » Water filter comparisons
May 18, 5:19pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: Lunar Solo and Highlite
Yes, the 2006 has a zipper for the vestibule. That would be nice to have. The velcro isn't bad, but the zipper would be great.

In Gear Lists » Solo Tent and Bag Combination
April 04, 12:25pm

Re: Re: Lunar Solo and Highlite
That is the best part of it. There is literally no way that the bag can touch silnylon with condensation on it. There is mesh from the bottom on up fifteen inches (I think). It was designed to k...

In Gear Lists » Solo Tent and Bag Combination
March 30, 10:19am

Lunar Solo and Highlite
I own and love both the SMD Lunar Solo e and the WM Highlite. They are probably my favorite pieces of gear. The Lunar Solo is an extraordinary shelter which provides all you need and nothing you ...

In Gear Lists » Solo Tent and Bag Combination
March 27, 10:40am

All Reader Reviews by Matthew LaPatka

Showing 1 - 10 of 27 | Page: 1 2 3
 

Review

Category

Mountain Laurel Designs
Ron Bell has created an amazing cottage shop which consistently turns out cutting-edge UL and SUL gear, not for the masses, by for the true purist. I now own four of Ron's products: 1. 2007...

In 1 - COMPANIES (Customer Service)
February 15, 8:22am

Patagonia
Patagonia has been the maker of my most-used outdoor (and casual) garments, and I couldn't be happier with them. I have been extremely pleased with what I have bought from them and have always be...

In 1 - COMPANIES (Customer Service)
February 15, 8:13am

Patagonia DAS Parka
The Patagonia DAS has been a great addition to my winter hiking kit. While there is no doubt that it is pretty bulky in the pack (I would like to see a newer insulation than the PG 3D), it keeps me w...

In Clothing - Insulating - Synthetic (Polarguard, Primaloft, etc.)
February 15, 7:47am

Patagonia Wool 2 Zip Long Sleeve
The Patagonia Wool 2 zip is a great baselayer for hiking or trail running. It wicks very well, smells fine after A LOT of use, is comfortable to wear and has a great zipper. It also is not chilly af...

In Clothing - Baselayer & Fleece - WOOL
January 27, 12:46pm

Sport EYZ ultralight sunglasses
For less than half an ounce and a handful of dollars, you can get a solid pair of shades from Gossamer Gear that keep your eyes protected. I always hesitate to get expensive sunglasses since I can be...

In Clothing - Headwear, Handwear
December 15, 10:38pm

Gossamer Gear Polycryo Ground Cloth(medium)
I have tried a few different ground cloths (footprints from tents-heavy!, Tyvek, plastic sheeting), but this one is my favorite. It is light, pretty cheap, durable if used intelligently, and waterpro...

In Miscellaneous Products
December 15, 10:07pm

Not Without Peril by Nicholas Howe Not Without Peril by Nicholas Howe
This book describes many of the harrowing experiences that hikers have gone through while trekking or skiing in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. While this book does not discuss lightweight back...

In Books and Media
December 15, 8:26pm

Montbell Thermawrap Vest
The Thermawrap vest has been an excellent addition to my summer, late spring, and early fall gear list. It weighs under 5.5 oz, provides some extra warmth when the temps. fall into the fifties (when ...

In Clothing - Insulating - Synthetic (Polarguard, Primaloft, etc.)
December 15, 8:07pm

Montbell Stretch Gaiter
I bought these gaiters for what they were: a light weight (1.5 oz), breathable, water-resistant, stretchy gaiter that could keep junk and light rain/ground water out of my shoes. They do this very we...

In Footwear - Boots, Shoes, Gaiters
December 15, 7:16pm

Bent Gate Moutaineering Customer Service
I was very disappointed with my experience with Bent Gate. I ordered two pairs of Gordini gloves in October 2006. I got the one pair in a week and was told the other pair was backordered and would b...

In 1 - COMPANIES (Customer Service)
December 14, 10:01pm