Golite Speed Demon Three Quarter Tight (Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2008)

Is the cap only one size fit all? Does the gentleman in the pic have a Texas sized noggin like me or just not want to mess up his hairdo?

Ryan:
Thanks for answering my question. Looks like it would be a good idea to carry spray.

the wizzer idea has been around for a while in the uk, call a she wee!!

www.shewee.com

My Girlfriend needed some practice tho!

While I like the idea of soft plastic, it doesn't look like it folds, so it wouldn't be as compact as some of the others out there. I've been happy with what I call Elmer: (FUD) female urinary device. Trade name freshette I think.

Sell those at military bases and the orders will flow. Imagine female G.I.s trying to take a wizz in full gear with a rifle in a portolet. It's painful just watching them enter and leave the green room. It should be standard military issue.

Ahhh, now I know what those hipbelt pockets are for...

However, in the spirit of UL, methinks I don't need the extra weight of one of these gadgets. If it were essential, I would have died long ago!

Not essential, Allison, but darned nice to have! It amazes me that more women aren't aware of their existence. I was using one on a kayaking expedition and all the women were fascinated and anxious to buy their own. If you like, I can weigh mine and let you know.
And yes, I can write my name in the snow. ;-)

Edited by toesnorth on 01/24/2008 12:22:21 MST.

in the spirit of UL, methinks I don't need the extra weight of one of these gadgets

Methinks we should grant Bobina a waiver to count this as zero grams in their gear lists. I'd support that long before supporting the sometimes heard proposal of granting GVP (or myself) a base weight handicap just because we aren't as compact as RJ :-)

Thanks for the waiver Jim and toesnorth.

I used to have a similar device (with telescoping extension), and although it was nice to be able to pee against a tree, I found it just wasn't enough added convenience to make me want to carry it. Then again, that was before I had hipbelt pockets. I used to have to carry it in my pack, which meant taking my pack off to use it, which virtually defeated the purpose IMHO. Might be worth another try???

I think so, Allison. Especially when mosquitos are a consideration!

We hope to carry these in the gear store soon. After using mine last night, I was even more excited: comfy, clean, easy...I will definitely be keeping one in my car for the long MT drives with few rest stops. The only problem I see is folks getting confused and thinking I am, uh, reassigned.

Anyway, it was nice to see a product with a very clear female focus!
Thanks,
Addie

You should have seen the looks I got when I exited a ladies room stall after using "Elmer." I was wearing hiking boots and I think they expected to beat a guy senseless with their purses when I emerged.
They stared, but they didn't ask. ;-)

The hat will be available in fall 2008 and comes in sizes M to XL. It will also come in two other colors, just in case you don't want burnt orange!

It's now for sale in the Gear Store. We're trying to find female-specific products (just because it's pink doesn't necessarily mean it's special, or that we'll buy it) that fit the lightweight ethos without pandering.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/whiz_freedom.html

Let us know what you think!
Best (sleepily),
Addie

I just can't resist the urge to poke fun .... Physician, heal thyself!

Interesting that the pack was the first item chosen .... what happened to our std advice to get everything else first and then size the pack?

he-he

Hi Jim-

We picked the Pinnacle because it was a favorite among several of the trekkers in the last WTC III course. (I also used my trusty Golite Gust on that trip, the precursor to the Pinnacle.) We felt comfortable choosing it before the rest of the gear because we new it had sufficient volume and would integrate well with the sleep pad we choose at the same time. It's also a good deal lighter than other packs in the same volume range with sufficient durability for Bob's hiking "style". ;)

You've got a good eye, though. I'm sure that some incompatibilities will pop as the final items get added to the list. After all, though we looked for synergy where possible, this is an untested combination of gear. Most of our personal kits have been refined and honed over many trips.

Cheers,

-Mike

Edited by MikeMartin on 01/27/2008 18:43:40 MST.

I have the Terramar longjohns and don them only before climbing into my sleeping bag; their primary purpose is to keep the bag clean. Somewhere along the way I acquired the notion that silk is not a preferred insulator as it absorbs and holds water, the thread loses its springiness and the fabric sags. Wool also has some of these characteristics. So given this, I'm wondering just how effective a winter garmet this shirt will prove to be, aside from the comfort factor?

The cost is getting very high. I read in the recent Backpacker mag that backpacking gear cost $750 compared to $1100 for downhill skiing. Since that is likely "normal weight" backpacking, what is Bob's defense for the large cash outlay?

LW gear is frequently even less expensive than heavier gear. Certainly this can be true for packs, shoes, stoves, shelters. One product that can be more expensive is sleeping bags, especially for high-end down bags.

Remember this pack includes buying everything from the ground up. I don't think you could do it more cheaply buying standard gear typically supported in Backpacker.

Certainly the price could be drastically reduced by re-using acceptable gear and clothes that people already own.

Hi Jeff-

Several factors are contributing to Bob's skyrocketing pack cost:

1) We are starting completely from scratch, even buying the clothes on his back. I'm guessing the $750 figure you mentioned is really just for the core pieces in a pack.

2) We are using suggested retail pricing for everything. In the real world, many of the same items in his pack could be purchased for a much lower "street price". There are also used gear, online auctions, make-your-own-gear, etc. options that would result in a much less expensive kit.

3) While we are trying to save costs in a few minor areas like hygiene and tent stakes, we are, in general, trying to get Bob the best and lightest stuff available. This means high-tech fabrics and materials, high fill-power down, etc. This stuff aint cheap. :(

4) This is a full-on Winter kit and so includes some pricey items that you wouldn't need for summer -- avalanche gear, snowshoes, warmer bag and clothing, etc.

Cheers,

-Mike

EDIT: Thanks Don! It appears you type just a bit faster than I do... ;-)

Edited by MikeMartin on 01/28/2008 13:37:27 MST.