BPL Community Profile

Kevin Sawchuk (ksawchuk) - BPL Lifetime Member

My Locale Northern California
About Me I have been backpacking since I was five. I am a neurologist with an understanding wife and three children. My family enjoys backpacking and just about anything else outdoors.

In 2004 I set the supported record on the John Muir Trail--3 days and 21 hours--which was eclipsed in 2007. I finished my 10th Western States in 2009 and proudly wear my 1000 mile buckle. A nap in an off-trail sunny meadow is one of my favorite ways to spend an hour. Skinny-dipping in high mountain lakes is a major practice of my religion.
CityAlamo
StateCalifornia
CountryUSA

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All Forum Posts by Kevin Sawchuk

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Post

Forum » Thread

Psolar Alternate
I used an old wool shirt to sew a 3 x 3 inch pouch that I put some sort of synthetic insulation in. It cost ~$1. I use it at night when it's really cold and it makes a big difference in keepi...

In Winter Hiking » Psolar face mask
May 12, 12:06pm

Re: Re: WTB Cheapest tent possible
I spent my youngest childhood days sleeping with my father in an orange tube tent. We "staked it out" with rocks or branches, tied one end closed when it was windy or rainy, and usually ...

In Gear Swap » WTB Cheapest tent possible
April 24, 5:35pm

Re: WTB 5000ci (82L) & UP Pack
You want a big load hauler? I've got one!! If you want a Dana Design Astralplane---7000 cubic inches and carries very heavy loads well I'll sell it. It is an old pack but in nearly new c...

In Gear Swap » WTB 5000ci (82L) & UP Pack
April 19, 11:27pm

Smartwool
I replied to Margaret's PM and haven't heard back. The smartwool is still in play.

In Gear Swap » Clothes, Tarp, Bivy, Bags
April 19, 10:52pm

Clothes, Tarp, Bivy, Bags
Western Mountaineering Gore-Tex Bivy. Oversized to fit winter bags or for storing packs/gear. $80 ***SOLD*** Western Mountaineering Bison IV -40F sleeping bag with Gore-tex cover. I have (2...

In Gear Swap » Clothes, Tarp, Bivy, Bags
April 18, 12:37pm

Closet Cleaning--packs and tents **New Additions**
Golite Infinity pack--green/black size L used once $50 ***SOLD*** Golite Speed--blue size L. Used 4-5 times, good shape I've increased the durability of the fabric by painting silicone on...

In Gear Swap » Closet Cleaning--packs and tents
April 17, 9:24pm

Re: There can be problems ...
Thanks for your experiences and comments Roger. I thought the 5oz pppd (per person per day) was a bit high of an estimate as well. It is what is quoted. It probably is most accurate for those me...

In Editor's Roundtable » Reducing Winter Pack Weight: Wood Fire Cooking in the Snow
April 02, 2:20pm

Re: WLTB Cocoon pants(med)
Do you want side zip off or do you care?

In Gear Swap » WLTB Cocoon pants(med)
April 02, 11:21am

Re: Re: Caldera Melt Down
Aluminum is not made for wood burning--it can't take the heat. All the stoves for wood are made of titanium.

In Editor's Roundtable » Reducing Winter Pack Weight: Wood Fire Cooking in the Snow
April 01, 10:17am

Re: Cooking in the Snow
Thanks Monty--Just make sure you camp away from dead "widow maker" trees--they are most likely to fall when laden with snow and buffeted by the winds of winter.

In Editor's Roundtable » Reducing Winter Pack Weight: Wood Fire Cooking in the Snow
April 01, 10:16am

All Reader Reviews by Kevin Sawchuk

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Review

Category

Bear Vault 500
Bear vault gave excellent and prompt service in replacing a bear vault canister. They were upfront and honest.

In 1 - COMPANIES (Customer Service)
September 11, 10:54pm

Golite Pinnacle Pack
I'm not sure this would have enough support for long winter ski trips but it is an excellent and comfortable pack when you need extra volume for high loft clothing/bags/pads. I've sewn on my ...

In Backpacks - Frameless
November 21, 1:37pm

ULA Conduit
Convenient, durable, love the waist belt pockets (I won't buy a pack without them). Very comfortable and stretchable to a week. My only complaint is that when packed with a bear canister the mai...

In Backpacks - Frameless
November 21, 1:31pm

Light My Fire Spork
How often do you need a fork? For salad (rarely taken), pasta (break it into smaller pieces)? I still use this thing for its versatility but I'm not sure why. It is harder to hold than a plain ...

In Cookware - Other
November 21, 1:02pm

Petzl e+LITE
I really love this light for around camp chores/eating. It isn't quite enough for hiking even when around my waist. I'd like to see a bigger difference between "dim" and "br...

In Lights - Flashlights & Headlamps
October 25, 1:40pm

ULA Circuit
I really like this pack. It is very light and for the weight durable. I've done some bushwacking with only minor punctures where a sil-nylon pack would be shredded (Cartridge Creek to middle for...

In Backpacks - Internal Frame
August 29, 12:24pm

Patagonia Men's Wool 2 Crew long sleeve
I've loved my Smartwool and Ibex ultralightweight layers and wanted to compare the Patagonia item. It was hard to compare fabric weights, but the Patagnoia Wool 2 item is about the same weight of...

In Clothing - Baselayer & Fleece - WOOL
December 20, 9:52am

Patagonia Micro Puff Pullover
You can get more insulation for less weight with down, but for moist climates or using when it's REALLY cold (and you're wearing it while moving) it's a great package of warmth and light weight.

In Clothing - Insulating - Synthetic (Polarguard, Primaloft, etc.)
January 08, 7:33pm

Patagonia Houdini Wind Jacket
Extremely light and compressible. Very breathable and water resistant. I've used mine for several years and finally (sucessfully) reapplies the DWR coating when water stopped beading on the jacket. ...

In Clothing - Wind & Soft Shell
December 28, 11:57am

Knot Prussik 7mm
Just to start the climbing topic I submit as an ultralight hero the Prussik Knot. With pound plus ascenders smirking behind the cliff who can resist the friendly, useful, and light little knot that l...

In Climbing Gear & Accessories
December 14, 1:57pm