BPL Community Profile

Raymond Estrella (rayestrella) - BPL Professional Member

My Locale Northern Minnesota
About Me I have been backpacking for over 30 years, all over California, plus many western states and Minnesota. I hike year-round in all weather, and average 500+ miles (800+ km) per year. I make a point of using lightweight gear, and smaller volume packs. Doubting I can ever be truly UL, I try to be as near to it as I can yet still be comfortable. I start early and hike hard so as to enjoy the afternoons exploring/chilling. I usually take a freestanding tent and enjoy hot meals at night. If not hiking solo I am usually with brother-in-law Dave.
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All Forum Posts by Raymond Estrella

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Forum » Thread

40 lb?
"looking for something with larger capacity for some 4 day winter mountaineering trips carrying snowhoes or skis and cold weather kit." That seems like a pretty low starting weight to ...

In GEAR » Winter Pack recommendations
September 21, 7:58pm

backside ice x sleeping bag
I wouldn't trust that bag without verifying its loft. For -20 you want at least 4-5 inches above you. I have a good -20 down bag posted here: http://tinyurl.com/9lerrgj I'll cut th...

In GEAR » backside ice x sleeping bag
September 21, 12:00pm

Water resistant down now available at ZPacks
Hmm, this is pretty sure to get confused with the DownTek and DriDown stuff. But it appears to just be down treated with a wash-in like the Nikwax mentioned before. Maybe Joe can chime in with w...

In GEAR » Water resistant down now available at ZPacks
September 20, 12:30pm

More Reitvelds?
I agree Will is a great reviewer. But Will and Roger are retired and can get out a lot plus have plenty of time to write. Most people have jobs and families that take their time too. Writing gear r...

In Editor's Roundtable » Solo-Plus Tent State of the Market Report
September 20, 5:51am

Don't be hesitant
http://tinyurl.com/d8t27rf The whole toss-and-turn side-sleeper issue is why I went to quilts in the first place, so yes, I think they work. I have five quilts, the four mentioned in that art...

In GEAR » hesitant about buying a quilt because I toss and turn a lot
September 20, 4:34am

Thanks
Thanks guys, OK, I won't worry about it. (And yes it is 5% water, not methanol. I don't like burning that stuff.)

In GEAR » Alcohol evaporation question
September 19, 12:53pm

Gravityworks water filter system shot?
http://tinyurl.com/8zrayqv Bob there is no way you should need a replacement filter. Try filling the dirty bag full of tap water at home. Run it through and shake it at first to dislodge any ...

In GEAR » Gravityworks water filter system
September 19, 8:52am

Alcohol evaporation question
Quick question for the scientific types. When getting ready for a trip I left the cap off my 95% ethanol (I keep it in a small-mouth Nalgene bottle). It sat open for around four hours. Is it ad...

In GEAR » Alcohol evaporation question
September 19, 8:45am

What patches came in your Thermarest Xlite repair kit?
Those are the right thing. Much easier than the old glue and patch stuff of the past.

In GEAR » What patches came in your Thermarest Xlite repair kit?
September 18, 5:28pm

3 Season Bag plus Quilt for Winter Use?
Absolutely, While the weight may be worse than carrying a single bag for the rating expected it is a way to use two items that you will use often for the rare times you need the extreme rating. ...

In GEAR » 3 Season Bag plus Quilt for Winter Use?
September 16, 7:35am

All Reader Reviews by Raymond Estrella

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Review

Category

Osprey Exos 58
Osprey Exos 58 Backpack Size: Large Year manufactured: 2009 Weight listed: 2 lb 10 oz (1185 g) Actual weight 2 lb 9.8 oz (1180 g) Volume listed: 3700 cu in (61 L) Load weight capacity sugg...

In Backpacks - External Frame
June 15, 7:47pm

Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2
I bought one of the first Seedhouse SL2s in 2004. Last year I bought the new, lighter version pairing it with carbon fiber poles and Ti stakes to make a total weight package of 2 lb 15 oz (1.33 kg). I...

In Shelters - Double Wall Tents
February 16, 3:37pm