Was a beautiful and mild winter day here, so packed-up a new MULE for a half-day snowshoe. Picked it up for only $40 bucks for some milder weather fly-fishing and hiking trips, but wanted to see what it could carry at it's max. Just me and the woodpeckers out for some fresh air in this neck of the woods:
Not something I would recommend for winter use, given it's capacity, but I was on a known trail and only out for 3-4 hours. It fit my lunch, gloves, fleece hat, mini-first aid/survival kit, cell, gps, compass, mini-grip and lights and of course, a bladder full of water (weather not cold enough to freeze it). I could barely fit my white box stove and Vargo Ti cup, and some alcohol - but it made it in. However, it just didn't feel like my Maxi Vulture when it's full of survival and comfort goodies - at the expense of weight, of course.
I would recommend for light 3-season use on known terrain where risk is mitigated. Nice, comfortable way to pack light and ensure easy hydration. Like I said - probably going to be relegated to carrying my fly-fishing gear when on th river. Cheers
Just a note that I picked these winter fleece/windcutter open finger gloves with zippered mitten cover at Eddie Bauer for $9 bucks (down from $24) - the windcutter worked very well and the palm is rubberized for grip. These will be on the archery hunt with me next year - good time of year to load-up on winter gear.
Also got some new leather pants for my Crewman:
and, as a follow-up review for the white box alky stove - just one thing to say - makes good hot chocolate on a winter's day:
Not something I would recommend for winter use, given it's capacity, but I was on a known trail and only out for 3-4 hours. It fit my lunch, gloves, fleece hat, mini-first aid/survival kit, cell, gps, compass, mini-grip and lights and of course, a bladder full of water (weather not cold enough to freeze it). I could barely fit my white box stove and Vargo Ti cup, and some alcohol - but it made it in. However, it just didn't feel like my Maxi Vulture when it's full of survival and comfort goodies - at the expense of weight, of course.
I would recommend for light 3-season use on known terrain where risk is mitigated. Nice, comfortable way to pack light and ensure easy hydration. Like I said - probably going to be relegated to carrying my fly-fishing gear when on th river. Cheers
Just a note that I picked these winter fleece/windcutter open finger gloves with zippered mitten cover at Eddie Bauer for $9 bucks (down from $24) - the windcutter worked very well and the palm is rubberized for grip. These will be on the archery hunt with me next year - good time of year to load-up on winter gear.
Also got some new leather pants for my Crewman:
and, as a follow-up review for the white box alky stove - just one thing to say - makes good hot chocolate on a winter's day:
