Post Up Your NEW Gear ...

[SignalFire]

Looks like a splicing fid. Try Myerchin.

Winner! Found it. Thanks a bunch!

 

[Skrapmetal]

Took the Xantha out for the first time yesterday, and of course I forgot to take a single picture while we were out. But here are some pics of it after unloading my dishes and clothes. Fully loaded with what I took for the day in the woods yesterday (out for 8-10 hours) it weighed in at about 15.5 lbs, which is right at my goal for weight so I don't feel the need to use a waist belt.

That weight includes the Scrapyard 1311 riding inside. I used it as a bit of a size index for these pics... the 1311 is 18.25" long with a 13.5" blade. Basically a 14" machete. For some reason every picture I have seen of these packs makes them look fairly small, and the volume measurements on Maxpedition's site seem a bit conservative to me. According to their specs, this pack should have significantly less space than the Camelbak Trizip and be smaller... but they are about the same size and for what I packed, it felt like I had a lot more room to work with when loading the Xantha.

A lot of people are saying these cost too much for what you get, but I don't feel like I overpaid after yesterday. I really like this pack.

And the Trizip comparison pic again:

 

[MAURICE]

Bucket o' food from Mountain House, Mora Companion, Vargo Decagon. All from that river store. Scored the decagon for 8 bucks. I think that is about it since my last post. Looking at top quilts now. Maybe after Christmas... And how in the world did I never try out a Mora before this past backpacking trip? These things are awesome.

 

[Bowman1911]

This. Sorry.

Yeah, That's a Myerchin marlin spike. About $20 if you leave off the sheath. Helps untie knots.

 

[Hammer67]

New 24" Bahco bow saw:

 

[JV3]

i stopped-by rei after my mtb ride ealier today...ended up with this impulse buy woolrich 100% wool blanket, 1.84 lbs, 4.5'x5.8' on clearance for $60 (original was $120)...is it a good deal or so so?

i have an italian officer's wool blanket coming next week for $60 too (i'm hoping it's legit) so i don't know which is the better deal...i'd rather buy two of this if it's a better one.

 

[JV3]

more impulse buy from rei...tough to pass up a 25% off anything smartwool.

 

[Hammer67]

 

[Sufler]

i stopped-by rei after my mtb ride ealier today...ended up with this impulse buy woolrich 100% wool blanket, 1.84 lbs, 4.5'x5.8' on clearance for $60 (original was $120)...is it a good deal or so so?

I think that's a steal. I was looking at the Woolrich Atlas throw in deep forest green at REI - beautiful blanket. I think they must have had the tags mixed up or something because the tag had a price of $120 and their site has it for $50.

https://www.woolrich.com/woolrich/main/browse/productDetailColorSizePicker.jsp?productId=991060

http://www.rei.com/product/856089/woolrich-atlas-wool-throw

 

[Hammer67]

Just picked up a Flippin' Out Axiom:

 

[The Warrior]

Just picked up a Flippin' Out Axiom:

Sweet. I bought my wife the Scout. She loves it.

 

[Codger_64]

i stopped-by rei after my mtb ride ealier today...ended up with this impulse buy woolrich 100% wool blanket, 1.84 lbs, 4.5'x5.8' on clearance for $60 (original was $120)...is it a good deal or so so?

i have an italian officer's wool blanket coming next week for $60 too (i'm hoping it's legit) so i don't know which is the better deal...i'd rather buy two of this if it's a better one.

I'd have bought it for sure. And old military blankets can be warm, but they are a crapshoot on comfort and quality. The sturdiest are not always the highest grade wool in my experience. Never had that one but I have had Swiss and German. The Woolrich would be my choice of any of them though, for home or camp. I'd say that was an excellent get. I wish there was an REI near me but I would be poorer than I already am.

 

[JV3]

I think that's a steal. I was looking at the Woolrich Atlas throw in deep forest green at REI - beautiful blanket. I think they must have had the tags mixed up or something because the tag had a price of $120 and their site has it for $50.

I'd have bought it for sure. And old military blankets can be warm, but they are a crapshoot on comfort and quality. The sturdiest are not always the highest grade wool in my experience. Never had that one but I have had Swiss and German. The Woolrich would be my choice of any of them though, for home or camp. I'd say that was an excellent get. I wish there was an REI near me but I would be poorer than I already am.

thanks, guys. i went back last weekend to see if they re-supplied at that price but no luck. they had a similar one but with a different color and standard checkered pattern for $130 though! the employee said mine must've been last year's pattern hence the sale...i'll keep an eye out on that $130 one next fall then for another deal.

@Codget_64: you're absolutely right! i've been alternating sleeping with the italian army and woolrich blankets for a few nights now and the woolrich is noticeably softer/higher grade. there's a slight itchiness with the italian blanket especially against my neck (so i wear a neck gaiter to keep it off that part of my body) but the woolrich has zero itchiness at all...feels just as comfortable as any of my cotton/fleece/etc. blankets.

i checked the woolrich site and they're offering it at $60 too with free shipping so i ordered another one...if i only had one i'd feel bad bringing it to the woods and getting it all dirty and embedded with twigs and leaves

 

[JV3]

italian army 100% wool blankets...been looking for them off and on for a few years now and snagged a few while i still can. took a couple of days to air out the moth ball smell.

 

[Hammer67]

Sweet. I bought my wife the Scout. She loves it.

I picked up a Scout last year - it's an awesome sling. I mainly picked up the Axiom just to have smaller/slimmer option that rides easily in a pocket. Slings are kind of addictive, and Flippin' Out makes some of the best I've seen for the $$.

 

[HikingMano]

New vehicle light. Will run eneloops with L91s as backup. Very nice light, really liking it so far :thumbup:

Other recent acquisitions:
Gen3 Eneloops
More DC-fix
Inov8 Trailroc 245s (current Trailroc 255s rotated to everyday use)
Another set of DirtyGirl Gaiters

In the next month or so:
Zebralight H52w (current ZLH51w will be rotated to everyday backpack or vehicle use)
HPG Recon or Runner's Kit Bag (for slimmed down option to original Kit Bag)
Another Patagonia Houdini (rotate current one to everyday use)

 

[Hammer67]

HM -

I'll be curious to hear your thoughts on the Runner's Kit Bag. While I don't run (unless I'm being chased), I've been thinking about the usefulness of a slimmer Kit Bag, - either the Runner's, or the Snubby, though the latter seems like it might be too small.

"DirtyGirl Gaiters?"

 

[HikingMano]

I'll be sure to report back, Smithhammer :thumbup: I wouldn't use the Runner's/Recon for running (though it looks like it certainly could work); I use a Ulitmate Direction Vest for that. But I'm in the same boat as you: considering the usefulness of a slimmer kit bag. The kit bag makes it easy for me to overdo it, so forcing a more minimal loadout might work well for the long haul. I'm leaning towards the Runner's bag, because if I were just going to strap stuff to the Recon, I might as well just use the Kit bag. I do love the Kit Bag though, and I don't really think it's all that big...just want to explore a more minimal and therefore ultimately lighter option. Plus, climbing stuff may be a little easier.

Yeah, 'bout dem dirty girls...

 

[Hammer67]

BRK Grasso Bolo I

LOA: 13"
Blade: 7"
Steel: 5160
Thickness: .217"

 

[HikingMano]

My oh my, that looks fun! :thumbup: