tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65377259093365209882024-03-05T19:15:32.130-08:00Home in the MountainsMy personal backpacking tips, reviews, and adventures in the wildernessAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03468340769230791390noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537725909336520988.post-87284601370549238182017-02-01T12:54:00.001-08:002017-02-01T13:16:59.314-08:00How to Pitch a TarpTentTarp Tents offer a great weight savings. With a little practice, you can pitch them as quickly as any other tent and combat condensation at the same time!<br />
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<h3>
Useful Links</h3>
<div>
<ul><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tripmas-Ultralight-Titanium-Tent-Stakes/dp/B01CJAJPH2/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1485981652&sr=8-2&keywords=titanium+stakes&linkCode=li2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=d63159f50f13db23913f56fabfa85a26" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B01CJAJPH2&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=snap00-20" /></a>
<li><a href="https://www.sixmoondesigns.com/" target="_blank">Six Moon Designs</a>. Great ultra light tents, excellent customer service (no, unfortunately, they're not paying me to say this).</li>
<li><a href="http://amzn.to/2jEf988" target="_blank">These extremely light (0.2oz) titanium tent stakes</a> are also very affordable. We used these smaller stakes on the four corners.</li>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B01CJAJPH2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<li>We used 2 of <a href="http://amzn.to/2jZj2ba" target="_blank">these stronger V-Shaped titanium stakes</a> for the lines coming off the ridge. </li>
<li>When you order a TarpTent, it costs extra to have it seam sealed. You can do it yourself, but make sure you use the right stuff! I used <a href="http://amzn.to/2jWuLES" target="_blank">SilNet</a>, and it has worked extremely well for two seasons of heavy use!</li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03468340769230791390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537725909336520988.post-73961731862788807312017-01-15T23:18:00.001-08:002017-01-16T22:18:59.408-08:00Thru Hiking GearAfter hiking over 1100 miles on the PCT, the John Muir Trail and the Wonderland trail, I've learned a thing or two about what I like for long distance backpacking gear! You can find a video overview below along with links and detail on the gear. <br />
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<h3>
1. Sleeping Bag</h3>
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<a href="http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/revelation/" target="_blank">The Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt</a>. Many options for size, color and fill. Much of this depends on your build and whether you sleep "cold". I found a 20 degree bag worked well for me. </div>
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2. A Down Jacket</h3>
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For weight and warmth, down is difficult to beat. There are many quality options. I don't believe Mountain Hardwear makes the Jacket I have anymore, but it's probably <a href="http://amzn.to/2jOG0yz" target="_blank">similar to this one</a>.</div>
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3. A Wool Base Layer</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Darn-Tough-Vermont-Hiker-Cushion/dp/B0096MG976/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1484549799&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=darn+tough+socks&psc=1&smid=A33TBMAWGCISEI&linkCode=li2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=dcb64d5e78956a1f8d4bbab1d3c73018" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0096MG976&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=snap00-20" title="Expensive but worth it!" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expensive but worth it!</td></tr>
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Be careful, here. Many wool items are only 60-30% wool. We used Icebreaker and Darn tough<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://amzn.to/2jOTUka" target="_blank">Icebreaker top</a></li>
<li><a href="http://amzn.to/2iZ2pJD" target="_blank">Icebreaker bottom</a></li>
<li><a href="http://amzn.to/2jOVVwY" target="_blank">Darn Tough Socks</a></li>
</ul>
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4. Sleeping Pad</h3>
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This<a href="http://amzn.to/2jOVKlq" target="_blank">Thremarest Neo-Air Xtherm</a> has twice the insulating ability as other pads of similar weight! </div>
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5. Rain Gear</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mens-Precip-Jacket-Black-Medium/dp/B000FDY8RS/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1484550191&sr=1-1&keywords=marmot+precip&linkCode=li2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=22adfc25e3f918a42c78418c99290aa7" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000FDY8RS&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=snap00-20" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marmet Precip</td></tr>
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The <a href="http://amzn.to/2jAa024" target="_blank">Mamet Precip</a> is a durable and reasonably priced option<br />
For the price and weight, <a href="http://amzn.to/2jpCU7b" target="_blank">Frogg Toggs</a> are unmatched, but they are not as durable. They were suitable for many days of bad weather, but if you're facing weeks or months of rain, they will begin to show signs of wear.<br />
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<h3>
6. Trekking Poles</h3>
Trekking Poles are amazingly helpful! Our <a href="http://amzn.to/2jOWAP3" target="_blank">Black Diamond trekking poles</a> wore faster than anticipated, but worked well otherwise.<br />
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7. Bandannas</h3>
Cheap, light and useful as snot rags, washcloths, towels, etc. you can cut one of these <a href="http://amzn.to/2jnfCPQ" target="_blank">handkerchiefs </a>in half (they're pretty large) and pack it.<br />
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8. A Mosquito Net</h3>
While not always necessary, this<a href="http://amzn.to/2j0Wioe" target="_blank"> mosquito net</a> is worth the fraction of an ounce if there are mosquitoes on the trail / in the season. Use it with a hat to keep it off your face.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/TOAKS-POT-750-Titanium-750ml-Pot/dp/B009B98FGW/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1484585732&sr=8-4&keywords=titanium+cup&linkCode=li2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=ec6d86d96018e1aae0b3c98833130814" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B009B98FGW&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=snap00-20" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 750ml cup we used</td></tr>
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9. A Large Titanium Cup</h3>
We used this <a href="http://amzn.to/2j10uEp" target="_blank">TOAKS cup </a>as it was lightweight and cheaper than other titanium options. It has held up really well on our thru-hikes! Make sure to get this larger version<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B009B98FGW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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10. A Collapsible Cup</h3>
This<a href="http://amzn.to/2jQP9GT" target="_blank"> silicone cup</a> is another optional item, but it can double as a lid... allowing you to leave the lit on the TOAKS cup at home.<br />
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11. A Spoon or Spork</h3>
This <a href="http://amzn.to/2j11bh3" target="_blank">long handled spoon</a> is not what I took, but it's what I'd buy if I did it over again.<br />
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12. A Stove</h3>
We used the <a href="http://amzn.to/2iGzA7e" target="_blank">SOTO stove</a>, though many other similar options exist. We knew a few people on the Pacific Crest Trail that went stove-less--and regretted it. At the end of a hard day, there's nothing so satisfying and uplifting as a hot meal. The main choice is between integrated systems like the <a href="http://amzn.to/2jqPXpG" target="_blank">Jetboil </a>and stand alone stoves like ours and the popular <a href="http://amzn.to/2jqW9hj" target="_blank">Pocket Rocket</a>. We decided on the stand alone option as it was more versatile. <br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Platypus-Big-Zip-Reservoir-3-Liter/dp/B00F5IADN6/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1484632986&sr=1-2&keywords=platypus+water+bladder&linkCode=li2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=6c024759bad36b320016f84121d43e75" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00F5IADN6&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=snap00-20" /></a>13. Water Storage </h3>
While not important on the Wonderland Trail, having flexible water carrying options was really important on the PCT. We sometimes carried 7 liters of water / person. We needed a large capacity that would fold down when not in use. These <a href="http://amzn.to/2iBr5GX" target="_blank">Platypus bladders</a> were extremely durable and reliable.<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B00F5IADN6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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14. Water Filtration</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ACR-PLB-375-ResQLink-Personal-Locating/dp/B006JXY0CQ/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1484633481&sr=1-1&keywords=acr+personal+locator+beacon&linkCode=li2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=c411e7b8da4030450f879d379fdd3d13" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B006JXY0CQ&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=snap00-20" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emergency Beacon</td></tr>
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The <a href="http://amzn.to/2jqTrIE" target="_blank">Sawyer Squeeze </a>worked wonders. Don't waste time on the mini. <a href="http://amzn.to/2jqOWxv" target="_blank">A few fittings </a>allow you to hook it up as a gravity fed system which is useful if the filter begins to clog and slow down.<br />
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15. Emergency Beacon </h3>
Reliable, one time use beacons like the <a href="http://amzn.to/2iGxHau" target="_blank">ACR</a> are the best. You don't charge them, you don't change batteries. You also don't have panic with "spotty" reception of the Spot and other check in devices.<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B006JXY0CQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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16. A Wool Buff</h3>
As with most clothing items, make sure you get something that is 70-100% wool, like <a href="http://amzn.to/2jZpdNw" target="_blank">this buff</a>!<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B000FDY8RS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B0096MG976" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03468340769230791390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537725909336520988.post-61801196665150373232015-04-05T10:02:00.003-07:002015-04-05T12:04:07.122-07:00Backpacking Toothbrush: How to Make the Light and Compact Burner Sporkbrush<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="405" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i15SUXkvbtA" width="720"></iframe><br />
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<h4>
Links to Products Used</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EZBWFBW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EZBWFBW&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=XTHQSUUFRD5VXV5R" target="_blank">Kydex Sheet</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00EZBWFBW" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> Purchase the 12x12 sheet with a thickness of 0.028 inches.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Loctite-2-oz-Universal-Epoxy-Putty-1937545/205478577" target="_blank">Loctite All Purpose Epoxy</a> High strength + Safe for potable water.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03468340769230791390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537725909336520988.post-48938741365955400672015-04-03T22:46:00.000-07:002015-04-04T21:10:34.034-07:00How to Make Powdered Eggs<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="405" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HokefzGFD-I" width="720"></iframe><br />
<h4>
Links to Products Used </h4>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(all links direct you to the product on Amazon, where portion of any sale supports this blog)</span><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DYKTS9C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DYKTS9C&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=4TLD7OGNARERY4TD">Silica Gel Desiccant</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00DYKTS9C" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> Used to keep the eggs dry. These are the "Do Not Eat" packets. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008HMWC4A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008HMWC4A&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=7B26K23U76KAX3JG">Seal-a-Meal Vacuum Sealer</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008HMWC4A" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> Cheap, effective vacuum sealer used in the video.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BUT9DXK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BUT9DXK&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=WPOR2E3VSEOWJ4B4">Vacuum Sealer Rolls--Commercial Grade</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BUT9DXK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03468340769230791390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537725909336520988.post-12694952396882621582015-03-08T15:11:00.001-07:002015-03-13T09:31:41.746-07:00The ESEE Candiru: My Light Backpacking Knife<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhL7ahyb3O1NCb8ZbRUb8ySVuuAIRGXRkoU_WcemPTFVYTpKztr3NJ8fa9xuUXvpwH2Hmyh5GeTUedYgkgYKhdQvvteyVNgqlc5Ek0j9isLAvmq6R2OfX1q2zDwp8Wm-Ca55AwlUDkJqFE/s1600/IMG_3696+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhL7ahyb3O1NCb8ZbRUb8ySVuuAIRGXRkoU_WcemPTFVYTpKztr3NJ8fa9xuUXvpwH2Hmyh5GeTUedYgkgYKhdQvvteyVNgqlc5Ek0j9isLAvmq6R2OfX1q2zDwp8Wm-Ca55AwlUDkJqFE/s1600/IMG_3696+crop.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a>I finally decided on a lightweight backpacking knife for my upcoming PCT thru-hike! I chose <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CEYRII2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CEYRII2&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=TRO6TY3ASJIEPAJ3">ESEE Candiru</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00CEYRII2" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> for its light weight and its tough 1095 steel. At 1.3oz (on my scale), it was lighter than many pocket knives. Unfortunately, it came with a bulky sheath that added 0.6oz, so I set about creating a lightweight Kydex sheath for my Candiru.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeLVOkxiYI7lrdpZhmbSNGBoBMLEa4m1oJzoCC1W1xir-AAddA01kcF8uLiCB3CBRtm_MNoTIi2OpJrCB2mEMZ5mz_k5-tqrYiVaEZorZca1lrgF7MDKKGt6upecmuEL9wb2ic-PNd_da/s1600/IMG_3685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeLVOkxiYI7lrdpZhmbSNGBoBMLEa4m1oJzoCC1W1xir-AAddA01kcF8uLiCB3CBRtm_MNoTIi2OpJrCB2mEMZ5mz_k5-tqrYiVaEZorZca1lrgF7MDKKGt6upecmuEL9wb2ic-PNd_da/s1600/IMG_3685.JPG" height="320" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Original Polymer Sheath and Candiru</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrl6Ol299QfIjIreTKVgVLkzOD7f4fmckHQi4Y_AhbgImAV0fLwzVfubiq8-f75vO6we-T_GBTeDDcHS6iVd_NMWAtlDXMf5oFK3R4Ex7yKizSIlOTLNiwFlU9ddYkiLMI4hyGVQgqwujR/s1600/IMG_3686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrl6Ol299QfIjIreTKVgVLkzOD7f4fmckHQi4Y_AhbgImAV0fLwzVfubiq8-f75vO6we-T_GBTeDDcHS6iVd_NMWAtlDXMf5oFK3R4Ex7yKizSIlOTLNiwFlU9ddYkiLMI4hyGVQgqwujR/s1600/IMG_3686.JPG" height="182" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The custom sheath + Candiru</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuVPBLcIxFb2E3XdonL_GrWvTGbW3qAd7H0EE1BDzeIALWWeEezAca2ETqMul4a38OchO-rhjodfEDZzIbl6sLB7Smb2Mk59-PXDN8oYmpH703UH8udj8rz6xMUr0GiB9fuXbvtD7cDir/s1600/IMG_3687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuVPBLcIxFb2E3XdonL_GrWvTGbW3qAd7H0EE1BDzeIALWWeEezAca2ETqMul4a38OchO-rhjodfEDZzIbl6sLB7Smb2Mk59-PXDN8oYmpH703UH8udj8rz6xMUr0GiB9fuXbvtD7cDir/s1600/IMG_3687.JPG" height="200" width="186" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8g for the custom Kydex sheath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIB3t4dqxVy3ZVvurxuJcpQjDC80Buc01PQ3Kzu7r5pJY-Nb6VvprUAM6dc7HuQcRWYr18fqdXbuYrpgxjo5Zy5QLS3PR9w9ISSttjzf34lwfcnt8lV09W2hQiWlMrL1k3-jcR7yIQYk0/s1600/IMG_3688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIB3t4dqxVy3ZVvurxuJcpQjDC80Buc01PQ3Kzu7r5pJY-Nb6VvprUAM6dc7HuQcRWYr18fqdXbuYrpgxjo5Zy5QLS3PR9w9ISSttjzf34lwfcnt8lV09W2hQiWlMrL1k3-jcR7yIQYk0/s1600/IMG_3688.JPG" height="320" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">18g for the polymer Candiru sheath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pEreLVESEq_CyZS9_9_n7ZPzo5YjfQVOKvdNL-i_EH3f4Xo81vt0zbv4MYlVMJ9-5ca7ONZjmRuAoim-q9G9H1pRP9NRS6U6u-vLWURaHSIIrQqRhCycCfco0AZ0JxICsolr5RmJTrch/s1600/IMG_3691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pEreLVESEq_CyZS9_9_n7ZPzo5YjfQVOKvdNL-i_EH3f4Xo81vt0zbv4MYlVMJ9-5ca7ONZjmRuAoim-q9G9H1pRP9NRS6U6u-vLWURaHSIIrQqRhCycCfco0AZ0JxICsolr5RmJTrch/s1600/IMG_3691.JPG" height="187" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjr1yY_55JM-HGfRKNx_vfp9KFcZrQLGZW68qmhcfLuw9kQsm46ChMm0BTsGhZvYSigaDBsO9lEb-YzkLSqkGhFMPtLpV1jEiLB5k5LamqKqMRmrza8gNjG_Q5Vv6SP7K9iz4J4Ly143e4/s1600/IMG_3689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjr1yY_55JM-HGfRKNx_vfp9KFcZrQLGZW68qmhcfLuw9kQsm46ChMm0BTsGhZvYSigaDBsO9lEb-YzkLSqkGhFMPtLpV1jEiLB5k5LamqKqMRmrza8gNjG_Q5Vv6SP7K9iz4J4Ly143e4/s1600/IMG_3689.JPG" height="200" width="195" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03468340769230791390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537725909336520988.post-28702875147546167872015-02-01T21:35:00.000-08:002015-04-10T11:03:16.607-07:00Solar Charging System for dSLR Batteries Finally! I have a solar charging system for backpacking that actually charges anything, including the big batteries on my Canon full frame dSLR! It's tricky because many camera batteries are 7.4V or 7.2V far more than the 5V of most USB devices. The good news: once I found something that could charge at 7.4V, it had no trouble with my phone, AA and AAA batteries and all other 5V USB devices!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="405" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0lUITJpJXPA" width="720"></iframe><br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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The video provides a rough overview, but here is the breakdown of each component:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUIkTUvLtWM6qxoObg5uRVnxPq0RPVqKmaxwL1yrfFz7EL8-z6KVUz_HzPlX8pYFrge7u6nzKXETVUvervkZcXlMrZJAhLxdJZOyNNUx9e6Tvtf1GCmoF6HzRQqJlkUagRd_-v7Myt8L5/s1600/IMG_3518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUIkTUvLtWM6qxoObg5uRVnxPq0RPVqKmaxwL1yrfFz7EL8-z6KVUz_HzPlX8pYFrge7u6nzKXETVUvervkZcXlMrZJAhLxdJZOyNNUx9e6Tvtf1GCmoF6HzRQqJlkUagRd_-v7Myt8L5/s1600/IMG_3518.jpg" height="543" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FKL6T4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000FKL6T4&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=KPDDPA6QMIXDW7IR">Brunton Solaris 12 Watt Panel</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000FKL6T4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BhGFrmPez50yOB3uAcU6DM2MJoUQgL6cQL0PyOkouBokV6JSjUVHhCxxTTrqWSQ2PbzTjptn0PQDgu3IbOGBd5-jtCZ85L6EDxJ9s2Q_PlcRx-U5G8KhhYGEMA_x9fVdunFNAIPOEB1S/s1600/IMG_3511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BhGFrmPez50yOB3uAcU6DM2MJoUQgL6cQL0PyOkouBokV6JSjUVHhCxxTTrqWSQ2PbzTjptn0PQDgu3IbOGBd5-jtCZ85L6EDxJ9s2Q_PlcRx-U5G8KhhYGEMA_x9fVdunFNAIPOEB1S/s1600/IMG_3511.jpg" height="157" width="200" /></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Brunton solar panel is great! It is far lighter than other backpacking panels and far more powerful. Even more importantly, it has flexible output options. Many solar panels output power only over USB. This is great for phones and other USB devices, but it is worthless for the higher voltage requirements of my 7.4V Canon LP-E6 battery. This panel has a flexible connector.</span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFHnm_9vvVhyPXjOXAlQa5HbSlM8un2gRn2qVbqGuS3VbeBlOAvsPtyerrLMYOa16QGXG1cel83R-V-aUYHKiicl4W_6FHQDjHNBoer8xbomjjm62e5SK9XFmcohVmsgrGwIcrt8QCtTl/s1600/IMG_3519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFHnm_9vvVhyPXjOXAlQa5HbSlM8un2gRn2qVbqGuS3VbeBlOAvsPtyerrLMYOa16QGXG1cel83R-V-aUYHKiicl4W_6FHQDjHNBoer8xbomjjm62e5SK9XFmcohVmsgrGwIcrt8QCtTl/s1600/IMG_3519.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Brunton has two outlet ports</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span><br />
</b></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Pros</b>: lightweight, powerful, flexible with built in eyelets to make mounting easier, connector port allows for more options beyond USB.</span></div>
<div>
<b>Cons</b>: Price.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN_ZdnyLkyyw5rm0taNx49iN-0aTczS02aJqn04sX7ITT2ORHS9pNB_lIwJjYvWTLDp5266Kr0oSWOZx69k284Vlj58PbkVvCyF7Qmb0OcZeEF-hTyBvrUQ5lx_S_hAGTiNgpMT-HR5gP/s1600/IMG_3510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN_ZdnyLkyyw5rm0taNx49iN-0aTczS02aJqn04sX7ITT2ORHS9pNB_lIwJjYvWTLDp5266Kr0oSWOZx69k284Vlj58PbkVvCyF7Qmb0OcZeEF-hTyBvrUQ5lx_S_hAGTiNgpMT-HR5gP/s1600/IMG_3510.JPG" height="146" width="200" /></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">I owned a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00452EO7Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00452EO7Y&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=HUQS3TPENKFOLWT6">Goal Zero Nomad 7</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00452EO7Y" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> solar panel which never charged my battery. While the Nomad has both USB and 12V outputs, the 7 watts was not enough. To add to this problem, it would not output the full 7 watts over 12V. The Nomad 7 is cheaper than the Brunton, but it is also significantly heavier. Note that this is an older version of the Nomad 7. The newer edition may have resolved this issue. </span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBN09I2X7PfhRF94AgMRV87gi9VoSWv9kFoT7Lk3JzACMGIvQxtI-p89MdeokLyW-MHry_mWbWjT-IW5YqM186cE8Ob05BPpQOQhuD7NkLgnZ4qvrObDuPv1MmrhLv7ksyxfkHRzcx_NR/s1600/IMG_3522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBN09I2X7PfhRF94AgMRV87gi9VoSWv9kFoT7Lk3JzACMGIvQxtI-p89MdeokLyW-MHry_mWbWjT-IW5YqM186cE8Ob05BPpQOQhuD7NkLgnZ4qvrObDuPv1MmrhLv7ksyxfkHRzcx_NR/s1600/IMG_3522.JPG" height="70" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The specs show only 4W going <br />
to the 12V connector</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h3>
2. Solar Panel to 12V adapter</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqNdOH_p3y5Qkbwdj5O9H5jnR-gGPjTGThJCPeG3JntXvy2nYAQUCZLEKCSRqht6X1qdZJqDcDDpcrFvsOOfAAUeATynoT1RclL-pWAclGuHLZwkvJ5ex-NMluvJ6HyD1mP_hlnDiUMzh/s1600/IMG_3515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqNdOH_p3y5Qkbwdj5O9H5jnR-gGPjTGThJCPeG3JntXvy2nYAQUCZLEKCSRqht6X1qdZJqDcDDpcrFvsOOfAAUeATynoT1RclL-pWAclGuHLZwkvJ5ex-NMluvJ6HyD1mP_hlnDiUMzh/s1600/IMG_3515.JPG" height="200" width="191" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This adapter was included with our Brunton solar panel. I plan to solder this directly to the cable leading to the universal charger. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBG0DK3KZxG1ni3ICLvdEgZX6HnrWMuZ1RGSVfmybX-3PbKrUee5J2bTQcYiT1CKT09pU7ctTXof_qVrWr-VKATFpTxLOCX_VnYmmXmtEDxLlw6IpwwgKd9-CL3UzJgTJ51UF67w5GYPAu/s1600/IMG_3516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBG0DK3KZxG1ni3ICLvdEgZX6HnrWMuZ1RGSVfmybX-3PbKrUee5J2bTQcYiT1CKT09pU7ctTXof_qVrWr-VKATFpTxLOCX_VnYmmXmtEDxLlw6IpwwgKd9-CL3UzJgTJ51UF67w5GYPAu/s1600/IMG_3516.JPG" height="175" width="200" /></a></h3>
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<h3>
3. 12V Car Adapter for Universal Battery Charger</h3>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">This cable came with the universal charger.</span></div>
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<h3>
4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009JXZS8S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009JXZS8S&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=K3QYGAOCPGFZJ2RM">DigiPower Universal Camera Battery Charger</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009JXZS8S" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAm8Uo3NPVf1AxJavSJU9HESjfxKIR-pjGDWrJQNQFUPWpAebh7Uag__epJsAtebEaQ_btrb0CmaK94h9KDJbKnhD-siRWVrOXuIyW1Z3yiIYlPHDDQkwlpXgZKbSZ99vbkGuyf1JckLg/s1600/IMG_3512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAm8Uo3NPVf1AxJavSJU9HESjfxKIR-pjGDWrJQNQFUPWpAebh7Uag__epJsAtebEaQ_btrb0CmaK94h9KDJbKnhD-siRWVrOXuIyW1Z3yiIYlPHDDQkwlpXgZKbSZ99vbkGuyf1JckLg/s1600/IMG_3512.JPG" height="185" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">This charger can charge just about anything! I've tested it with several camera batteries, AAs, AAAs, and cell phone batteries (as long as they are small enough to fit). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">There are cheaper universal battery chargers, but none that I have found with a flip out plug in the back for town stops. Many had a bulky AC power cord. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBqhNxUNO2F24lKLM7sGMQgXSEHtfO9yBuR8HQH7kp5iXzehzvfOYwrv3KfvTvabj9R0SJOfy0a05bmjOq_XtQbzPIYaTSCZqUjWT-FmBK0wVjn7prxP3dweQoa86FSBNbSijIBTRzvVK/s1600/IMG_3514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBqhNxUNO2F24lKLM7sGMQgXSEHtfO9yBuR8HQH7kp5iXzehzvfOYwrv3KfvTvabj9R0SJOfy0a05bmjOq_XtQbzPIYaTSCZqUjWT-FmBK0wVjn7prxP3dweQoa86FSBNbSijIBTRzvVK/s1600/IMG_3514.JPG" height="198" width="200" /></a><br />
<h3>
5. My Canon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DEHVC8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005DEHVC8&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=KK5NOHZF3RYEAGSX">LP-E6 Battery</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005DEHVC8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> Finally Charging Successfully!<br />
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
6. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HIJ4ROQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00HIJ4ROQ&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=46LQPPG3UPXEC7JS">Micro USB Charging Cable</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00HIJ4ROQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
</h3>
<div>
At 0.2 oz, these guys are lightweight and compact. For under $10, I was able get several, so if one breaks, I can always have a replacement tossed in with my next resupply! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErL1sp-Mpw_abynNcgvgLX-HLhnR9YZjQqoln4w8Gx20417RgDtVa7ZtwGhmpnp0KA8lFZJUD7cDuCSlZ8nj3AOhIkqWUc_H7bWIx_vLp1OwZIChYLSzT_7NHt-isDqnmbNX3ObvKt4v0/s1600/backpacking+charging+system+by+weight.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErL1sp-Mpw_abynNcgvgLX-HLhnR9YZjQqoln4w8Gx20417RgDtVa7ZtwGhmpnp0KA8lFZJUD7cDuCSlZ8nj3AOhIkqWUc_H7bWIx_vLp1OwZIChYLSzT_7NHt-isDqnmbNX3ObvKt4v0/s1600/backpacking+charging+system+by+weight.png" height="176" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: red;">Edit: I created a custom solar panel to universal battery charger cable that shaved some weight off the system. The total weight is now 17.3oz. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[Many of the links on this page take you to Amazon where, if you buy anything, I get some support!]</span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03468340769230791390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537725909336520988.post-85126139417717136202015-01-31T08:16:00.003-08:002015-02-01T10:13:15.316-08:00The First Pitch: Six Moon Designs Haven Tarp and Net Tent<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="420" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fpYjdrHKKZ8" width="720"></iframe><br />
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<br />
<h3>
Useful Links</h3>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Six Moon Designs is a small company that makes and sells UL gear directly to backpackers from their <a href="http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. They have a clear emphasis on long distance trails like the PCT and the AT.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/tarps/HavenTarp.html" target="_blank">The Haven Tarp Tent</a> sells for about $200 and weighs 19.4 oz by my scale.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/nettents/HavenNetTent.html" target="_blank">The Haven Net Tent</a> sells for about $150 and weighs 14 oz both by my scale and Six Moon. It fits into the Haven Tarp.</li>
</ul>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03468340769230791390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537725909336520988.post-44683593141071953202015-01-27T15:52:00.001-08:002015-03-08T15:13:17.472-07:00The 5 Devices for My PCT Thru Hike<h3>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00JG8GOWU" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />[Most of the links on this page take you to products on Amazon.com where, if you buy anything, Amazon will support this hungry hiker!]</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
1. Kindle</div>
</h3>
I took my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JG8GOWU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00JG8GOWU&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=EUNODSWLIMDSU4K2">Kindle Paperwhite</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00JG8GOWU" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> with me last summer on an 8 day trip in the Sierras. I loved it! It was probably my favorite piece of gear (if a luxury can be a favorite). When it came time for me to plan my PCT thru hike, there was no question, my Kindle was going! Here's why: <br />
<ul>
<li><strong>Reading Books</strong> (ok, obvious, I know)</li>
<ul><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JG8GOWU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00JG8GOWU&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=7YYVKFYD3MAYMJNY" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00JG8GOWU&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=snap00-20" /></a>
<li> The Kindle is relatively light, holds 1.21 gigabooks, has a build in light and has a battery that easily lasted me all 8 days of my last trip. I know many thru hikers read on their phones, but the screen isn't as nice for reading and the battery life sucks! </li>
</ul>
<li><strong>Navigating the PCT</strong></li>
<ul>
<li>I'll have Halfmile's app and maps on my phone, but I would never rely only on my phone--the battery life is just too iffy. A Kindle accepts PDF files, so it will be easy to load all the Halfmile maps onto my Kindle. That way, if my phone dies and I have no way to charge anything, I will still have maps until the next town stop.<a name='more'></a> </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<h3>
2. Phone</h3>
This one's pretty obvious. I plan to use my phone for<br />
<ul>
<li>Navigating the PCT ( Halfmile's app and maps, Guthook's app, etc.) </li>
<li>Ordering gear online</li>
<li>Yelping businesses in town stops</li>
<li>Calling and texting the peps</li>
<li>Occasional posts from the trail</li>
</ul>
But I'm definitely not taking it for pictures...<br />
<br />
<h3>
3. Camera</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009B0MZ8U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009B0MZ8U&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=KIGMESSV7LQMK3EU" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B009B0MZ8U&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=snap00-20" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep. I'm taking a full frame Canon 6D!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009B0MZ8U" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
I'm taking my Canon dSLR. It weighs a crapton, but I don't care, HYOH. I'm an obsessive photographer and must have my quality gear.<br />
<br />
<h3>
4. Lens</h3>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009R6WO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00009R6WO&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=NHAJ76J5JSQFSAAX" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00009R6WO&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=snap00-20" /></a>(See above for justification) I am predominately a landscape photographer, so I plan on taking a wide <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009R6WO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00009R6WO&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=NHAJ76J5JSQFSAAX">Canon 17-40mm</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00009R6WO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> lens.<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00009R6WO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
5. Charging System</h3>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009JXZS8S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009JXZS8S&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=TP3VTEMLX7XMYJDS" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B009JXZS8S&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=snap00-20" /></a>This was by far the biggest challenged I faced as an obsessive photographer / thru hiker. There are many, many great battery and solar panel options for USB devices, but these don't work for a dSLR. Why? Because USB devices are all 5 volt devices while dSLR batteries are typically 7. something volts. I needed something with a great deal of flexibility. I settled on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FKL6T4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000FKL6T4&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=CWTYBBGLCLABACWM">Brunton Solaris</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000FKL6T4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. It can output to a 12V car (cigarette) socket. <img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009JXZS8S" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HIJ4ROQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00HIJ4ROQ&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=V3B6N37OMR6QVYX3" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00HIJ4ROQ&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=snap00-20" /></a>With this output, the rest is easy. The solar panel connects to this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009JXZS8S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009JXZS8S&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=PQ2Y666X4PGGO74D">Univeral Battery Charger</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009JXZS8S" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> via the included car charger and viola! The charger can then charge EVERYTHING--camera batteries, cell phone batteries, AAs and AAAs--every battery I have tried. I've added one of these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HIJ4ROQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00HIJ4ROQ&linkCode=as2&tag=snap00-20&linkId=V3B6N37OMR6QVYX3">short USB cables</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00HIJ4ROQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> to charge my Kindle and I should now be set! It's a new system, but initial tests are promising. <img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00HIJ4ROQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03468340769230791390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537725909336520988.post-24670281697609242122015-01-23T17:56:00.000-08:002015-03-15T08:47:24.614-07:00PCT Thru Hike Gear List for 2015Below is the working list of gear for our 2015 Pacific Crest Trail thru hike! It's constantly being updated and added to. My goal is to have a complete list of all the items we will take. Items listed in <span style="color: blue;">blue text</span> are planned additions. <span style="color: red;">Red text </span>indicates items that are heavy and may need alternatives.<br />
<br />
<iframe height="800" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kq1JiwPlZwY22PE1cPRX6ZBmKlh_hrWpXiMgGLhcWIk/pubhtml?widget=true&headers=false" width="700"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03468340769230791390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537725909336520988.post-80728779372505527622013-01-17T00:07:00.001-08:002013-02-21T23:53:16.320-08:00Winter Backpacking Part 1: Snow Chains and Snowshoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
[The links in this post will take you to the products at Amazon where, if you buy things, it supports me. Thanks!]</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_axoudwnQy7h2hqXnTdU71_cjM3wYzxQGoNisJTCrWDrimN3dz5Djx4-3nl3G_5T-pC4LjoL0cmP33K8BC-1ma599ccG9kt8cJYkQty0e4dZxq_QpLWD_ICZ44nUC-vnYomxeU3EWzRs/s1600/Frozen+Heather+Lake+Sequoia+NP+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_axoudwnQy7h2hqXnTdU71_cjM3wYzxQGoNisJTCrWDrimN3dz5Djx4-3nl3G_5T-pC4LjoL0cmP33K8BC-1ma599ccG9kt8cJYkQty0e4dZxq_QpLWD_ICZ44nUC-vnYomxeU3EWzRs/s640/Frozen+Heather+Lake+Sequoia+NP+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I recently returned from my first winter backpacking trip. It was equal parts brutal and beautiful. The snow and the extreme cold at 9,000+ ft. in January is extreme. To help others considering a similar trip, I decided to write up a series of guides. I am not an expert by any means. In fact, I made several dumb mistakes you'd never even imagine if you're use to backpacking trips in the summer.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Getting There</h3>
<strong><u>Road Closures</u></strong><br />
Before you leave for any type of winter camping or backpacking, you must plan your route carefully. Many mountain roads are closed in the winter. In California, the road into Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Mammoth, and Lake Tahoe are open, but most mountain roads outside of these are closed.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Car Care</u></strong><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSdk6OLgIZ8l9SeLy_eso54vEJqmjokanz8FXzFgLpkjMUWTrrZWHMxW8Ifi9H5FlT3NAV-2vfI3kvPO8EIQI-AyUbOqFDplVNQlCeSEg9jXDsaFip-3ensA88AjYPzR36RoftMDbCsrB/s1600/2013_01_03_09936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSdk6OLgIZ8l9SeLy_eso54vEJqmjokanz8FXzFgLpkjMUWTrrZWHMxW8Ifi9H5FlT3NAV-2vfI3kvPO8EIQI-AyUbOqFDplVNQlCeSEg9jXDsaFip-3ensA88AjYPzR36RoftMDbCsrB/s320/2013_01_03_09936.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Performance cars (like my old BMW) often have rear wheel <br />
drive. Notice the chains on the back tires.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's important to take care of your car, first. If it has been a long time since you've had your radiator serviced, the coolant may have too much water and not enough antifreeze. If this happens, it could freeze in extremely cold weather. This will ruin your day, so sort it out first!<br />
<br />
Any time you travel in the mountains in Fall / Winter / Spring, you need to carry <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VAKXVA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=snap00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000VAKXVA" target="_blank">snow chains</a>. In the winter, you will almost certainly need them! They come in many different sizes, so pick the right ones! Use the <a href="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/Automotive/TiresWheels/SCC_Tech_Guide_passenger_lighttruck._V399374212_.pdf" target="_blank">sizing guide</a> and select the proper size from the drop down menu on the Amazon page. (I should know, I spent this last trip with chains that were too big.)<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Installing snow chains</u></strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Never install snow chains before you have to. They make your car sound and feel like it's going to rattle apart!</li>
<li>There is really no way to easily install snow chains. It's messier than pig wrestling, so bring an old towel or a bunch of wipes. </li>
<li>Snow chains go on the wheels that get power. If you have front wheel drive, they go on the front. For rear wheel drive and 4-wheel drive, put them on the back.</li>
<li>Try to keep your cursing to a minimum. </li>
</ul>
<h3>
Snowshoes</h3>
<strong><u>Choosing snowshoes</u></strong> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQbME7xkKc5PNJZ4b7gZRXvNvpfF2NxKVBC7vERwGD6v6J771I7Zese2tD1dguD1f_HTzgNUC8Nem57wuo7wC-E3hyphenhyphens3uy3vfD5qRZRzOjlxMVF-nvW746GIz8kKz5eN-hFWfby-DV7E4/s1600/Snowshoe+grip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQbME7xkKc5PNJZ4b7gZRXvNvpfF2NxKVBC7vERwGD6v6J771I7Zese2tD1dguD1f_HTzgNUC8Nem57wuo7wC-E3hyphenhyphens3uy3vfD5qRZRzOjlxMVF-nvW746GIz8kKz5eN-hFWfby-DV7E4/s320/Snowshoe+grip.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture of the bottom of my snowshoes. Notice how the <br />
metal ridges bite into the snow in both directions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here are a couple of points to look out for when shopping for snowshoes for a winter backpacking trip:<br />
<ul>
<li>Vertical and horizontal grip: Unless you are on a perfectly flat nature trail, you will find snow remarkably slippery. Get a snow shoe with ridges that bite into the snow for added grip.</li>
<li>Tons of float: Float, as near as I can tell, just talks about the surface area of the snowshoe, and, really, float is important whenever you're walking on water--even if it's frozen. When you're backpacking, you have quite a lot of extra weight on your back. This weight causes you to sink deeper into the snow, so unless you want to reenact the Titanic, choose snowshoes on the larger side.</li>
<li>Straps: Take a look at how easy the snowshoes are to get on and off. Remember, they will be covered in snow and ice, it will be freezing, and you will be wearing gloves...</li>
</ul>
I have a pair of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003EZSA96/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=snap00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003EZSA96" target="_blank">MSR Lightning Snow Shoes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003EZSA96" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and I can say they are awesome. I've had them for several years now and logged many miles on them. They grip very well and keep me afloat even in powder.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Clothing for Snowshoeing</u></strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Waterproof boots: It helps if they are also insulated as your feet will still be covered in snow and ice most of the time.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ADAEGU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=snap00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002ADAEGU">Gaiters</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002ADAEGU" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />: These are waterproof and fit tightly around your boots and lower pants. They're not necessary, but they are nice. They help keep the snow out of your shoes.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051U182I/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=snap00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0051U182I">Thick wool socks</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0051U182I" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="0" />: Your feet will probably be cold and damp. These socks help keep them warm and are absolutely essential! </li>
</ul>
That's about it. Snowshoeing is hard work, so don't think you'll prance through 20 miles of trail a day. Other than that, there's nothing especially tricky about snowshoeing. Just balance safety and fun.<br />
<h4>
Useful Links</h4>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/snowshoes.html?avad=3816_b3b173fd&cm_mmc=AL-_-3184-_-3816-_-Custom+Link&avad=3816_b3b173fd&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Flearn%2Fexpert-advice%2Fsnowshoes.html%3Favad%3D3816_b3b173fd%26cm_mmc%3DAL-_-3184-_-3816-_-Custom%2BLink" target="_blank">Snowshoes: How to Choose</a> by REI. A very detailed, informative resource with all the technical information you need to choose your snowshoes.</li>
<li><a href="http://sectionhiker.com/a-beginners-guide-to-snowshoeing/" target="_blank">A Beginner's Guide to Snowshoeing</a> by SectionHiker has some great tips for getting started. He also describes what it is like to snowshoe along with a few techniques.</li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03468340769230791390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537725909336520988.post-21498986254002293352011-12-23T01:40:00.000-08:002015-01-23T20:16:03.850-08:00Camera Gear for the PCT<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TltNMlFZGUmuLeCpOn726eWTvtG74mmcNTU-I31AtU3YF5BEasx7gJxJda8aBCdaHPAmNAakOGWOLT2HNEJphlms_fMsIiFh3LYEVWSLdWj-3eU6EmzupViybByo4jTuUyFC3aaJrgKK/s1600/b9d69fa0c7b864622157d937e77eada54e217436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TltNMlFZGUmuLeCpOn726eWTvtG74mmcNTU-I31AtU3YF5BEasx7gJxJda8aBCdaHPAmNAakOGWOLT2HNEJphlms_fMsIiFh3LYEVWSLdWj-3eU6EmzupViybByo4jTuUyFC3aaJrgKK/s320/b9d69fa0c7b864622157d937e77eada54e217436.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And you were whining about the<br />
weight of a dSLR</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm a very serious photographer. Obsessive might be the right word. Two bad things happen when you become maniacally obsessive about photography: 1) you spend a fortune on camera gear, and 2) your gear weighs a ton.<br />
<br />
So, all this weight becomes a serious problem when you're also carrying your house and all your food for a week or more of backpacking. Thru-hikers and backpackers who only use a point-and-shoot camera can disregard this post (That being said, a point-and-shoot will only ever give you cheap snapshots--seriously, bring a dSLR. It's worth it!). For those who, like me, want high-quality photographs and video of their journey, you will have to face three problems.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u>The Three Problems of a Manically Obsessive Photographer on a PCT Thru-Hike</u></strong></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Weight. You're already carrying everything you need to survive, now add ten pounds.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Power. Your camera battery is good for a couple of days of shooting (fewer if it's cold in the High Sierras). How do you power your camera continuously for months?</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Storage. You shoot in RAW (because it is the only choice for maniacal, obsessive photographers). You're also trigger happy. You can burn through a 32gb memory card in three or four days. Where do you store 1.5 terabytes of pictures and videos?<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've thought about these problems a great deal as I've been planning my trip. I came up with a few good solutions for weight and power and a few pretty terrible ideas for storage.<br />
<strong><br />
</strong> <strong><br />
</strong> <strong>1. Weight</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Solution: Suck it up and deal! Nearly every manufacturer of dSLRs makes an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&x=0&tag=snap00-20&linkCode=ur2&y=0&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=18-200mm&url=search-alias%3Delectronics" target="_blank">18-200mm lens</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. These lenses are much lighter than carrying two lenses around, but you're not going to use them--they don't provide the quaility of two lenses (you're obsessive). Also, under most circumstances, a wide or standard zoom should do the trick. The only time you would need anything else is if you were interested in wildlife photography or macro work (and you can look at flowers anywhere).<br />
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<b>2. Tripod</b> Yes, you've got to have your tripod (mainly for those time lapses). For a long time, I carried around a tripod, but my wife recently discovered the <a href="http://www.trail-pix.com/" target="_blank">TrailPix</a>. If you use trekking poles, this thing is brilliant. Far lighter and more compact than any other tripod solution.<br />
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<b>3. Power</b><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=snap00-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B000FKL6T4&asins=B000FKL6T4&linkId=UV4AREQEUVN67XZC&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br />
</iframe><br /></div>
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Since we will have two people and significant power demands, I am going to attempt to charge my camera batteries with a solar panel. This is a little tricky. First, you need a panel powerful enough. Section, you need one that has flexible output options. Most solar panels on the market output over USB--great for phones and such, but not suitable for the higher voltage of dSLR camera. The Brunton Solaris 12 (pictured at right) satisfies both requirements. To date, I have only tested it on our balcony, but it charged my 7.4V Canon 6D battery successfully. I've managed around a 15-17% charge per hour of sunlight.<br />
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<b>4. Storage</b><br />
Storage remains one of the biggest concerns. Of all the PCT blogs and website I've read and all the advice I've absorbed, no one has talked about how they stored their photos. I imagine that this isn't nearly as big a problem with point and shoot backpackers. To date, here are my possible solutions:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VNKNF0/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=snap00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003VNKNF0" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B003VNKNF0&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=snap00-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've used several Transcend<br />
cards. They are fast a affordable.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
a. Buy tons of memory cards<img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003VNKNF0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<ul><ul>
<li>Pros: Lightweight. Simple.</li>
<li>Cons: Impossible. I'd have to buy several hundreds of dollars worth. (side note: be careful where you buy your cards. Ebay has a bunch from China or Hong Kong that are rip-offs. They don't work right; I learned this the hard way!)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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b. Buy a small tablet and a portable hard drive and put them in a bounce box.</div>
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<ul><ul>
<li>Pros: can be used for email, blogging, etc. in town stops.</li>
<li>Cons: Fragile. Expensive to ship.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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d. Mail memory cards back and forth.</div>
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<ul><ul>
<li>Pros: Cheap. Lightweight.</li>
<li>Cons: requires coordination with post offices and waiting around for cards to arrive. No access to photos on the trail.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=snap00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0030T1NFO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />I hope my planning and research will help other long-distance backpackers, and (as always) if you have any insights, don't hesitate to comment. I'd love to hear what other dSLR thru-hikers did. Thanks!</div>
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--Ben</div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">[Many of the links on this page take you to the products on Amazon. If you use the links to buy any goodies from Amazon, it helps support me. Neato!]</span> <br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</span> <span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><u>Links and Resources:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">There are many sites and blogs about photography gear for backpacking; however, most of these only focus on "short" trips of a few days to a week. It is very difficult to find info for long-distance backpacking. I've included links to a few of them below:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li>Dan Mitchell's <a href="http://www.gdanmitchell.com/2007/08/26/thoughts-on-my-summer-2007-backpacking-photography-kit">Backpacking Photography Equipment</a> (heavy, dream set-up)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.adventurealan.com/lightweight_backpacking_photography_gear_list_ultralight.htm">Ultralight Backpacking Photography</a> (much lighter, cheaper 4/3 system)</li>
</ul>
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