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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Post

Forum » Thread
weights off on Ratsack
Grubpacks seem to be better on their stated weights. http://tinyurl.com/9dg3c5v

In GEAR » Ratsack for Grand Canyon use
September 15, 9:52am
trusted testing
What there needs to be is one credible testing facility, like a mini ASTM International (the people that test the r-values of construction insulation among other things) that every manufacturer wou...

In GEAR » Another attempt to standardize r-values of sleeping pads
September 12, 8:19pm
gravity filters
Actually there is less to break in a gravity filter than a pump. I rarely take a pump filter any longer. The Platypus unit mentioned above is great for groups. I just got back from a volunteer t...

In GEAR » Water Purification/Filtonatir
September 12, 6:05am
CCF Pad and Neoair
In almost any instance at higher temps I would put the CCF under for the NeoAir for the protection value. At lower temps logic tells me it should be on top (and I did this with the original NeoAir)...

In GEAR » CCF Pad and Neoair
August 31, 9:16pm
sissy boys
Heck I am pretty sure I am a sissy boy Franco. I still carry toilet paper...

In GEAR » What's the purpose of camp shoes?
August 30, 11:34pm
What's the purpose of camp shoes?
I almost always carry “camp shoes”. Mainly they are for crossing rivers and creeks so my main hiking footwear does not get wet. When I know I will be in the water a lot I just plan on well drai...

In GEAR » What's the purpose of camp shoes?
August 30, 10:59pm
quilts outside?
There is no way I am putting my expensive quilt on the outside of a pack where it will catch rocks, branches and shrubs. I suggest a bigger pack.

In GEAR » Lighter pack with hammock/quilts mounted to the side or heavier pack with them inside?
August 30, 2:29pm
Re: hiker death
I hate to see hiker deaths of any kind but he was pretty dumb in not getting away from it right away.

In On the Web » Grizzly Kills Lone Hiker in Denali
August 27, 8:20am
Re: Re: DriDown
It does come in higher fill rates David, BGT is going to be testing the Brooks Range Cloak. This is from the press kit. "The Cloak offers a superior weight-to-warmth ratio with the use o...

In GEAR » Dwr Down, is it worth waiting for
August 27, 8:13am
DriDown
I saw both types at the OR Show and came away quite impressed. Do I need it? No, but if it were available for not much of a price hit I would take it just for the added peace of mind. I too thin...

In GEAR » Dwr Down, is it worth waiting for
August 24, 10:28am

All Reader Reviews by Raymond Estrella

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 | Page: 1
 

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