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
Caldera cone in the cold
Yes I used one an entire winter in temps well below 0 F. http://tinyurl.com/bqe58ze The trick is to keep the fuel warm.

In GEAR » Caldera cone in the cold
January 30, 7:22am
Inflator
Diego is correct. They are an OEM version of the Camptek Microburst. I use one a lot in winter. http://tinyurl.com/6rrefje

In GEAR » NeoAir Mini Pump
January 30, 6:55am
Nunatak underfills?
"Nunatak underfills (i.e. products don't even fully loft in optimal conditions)" Not in my experience. I have three of them right now that still loft higher than their baffle heigh...

In GEAR » Calculating Overstuff/Overfill in Down Bags/Quilts?
January 28, 9:18am
re: What New Gear
Helly Hansen Warm Series baselayers (so far the Odin is my favorite). Thermarest Altair sleeping bag XTherm pad (using right now). I am doing my own over-quilt project this winter too and ...

In GEAR » What New Gear are you trying for 2013
January 28, 7:46am
Calculating Overstuff/Overfill
Yes, it is based on the amount of down by weight, not loft as the baffle height is still the same. (Although it can/will gain more loft between the baffles.) And it is across the entire item unless...

In GEAR » Calculating Overstuff/Overfill in Down Bags/Quilts?
January 28, 6:40am
short
Should you be concerned with 2 oz less down than spec'd? Absolutely! I would email him and ask if it got mixed up with another order or something. On your quilt that amount of 900 fill down ...

In GEAR » ounces of down = ?temp rating?
January 27, 1:18pm
for sale
Even cheaper direct from SD right now. $349.99 http://www.sierradesigns.com/p-474-cloud-15.aspx

In Editor's Roundtable » Sierra Designs Cloud 15 Review
January 25, 10:31am
Frozen shoes?
What do you plan on doing with your shoes when you sleep? It is pretty hard to put on frozen solid shoes which you will have if they get wet. You will be in snow I take it? Might think about placin...

In GEAR » layering footwear
January 25, 4:55am
Insotect Flow
I don't know that I buy into the design myself. http://www.insotect.com/insotectflow.php Depending on how often the flow gates are spaced I don't see that it uses much less baffle mat...

In Editor's Roundtable » Sierra Designs Cloud 15 Review
January 25, 4:46am
solid fabric
It is highly breathable, but not as much as mesh. I would love that for shoulder season or in sandy/windy places to keep out dirt and spindrift. I would rather see some upper mesh though in wetter ...

In GEAR » Big Agnes Slater Ul 2+
January 25, 4:28am

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