Lucky Waving Tree

Thermarest Haven 20 Top Bag

2010-12-04T13:43:00.000-08:00

Thirty spokes meet at a nave;

Because of the hole we may use the wheel.

Clay is molded into a vessel;

Because of the hollow we may use the cup.

Walls are built around a hearth;

Because of the doors we may use the house.

Thus tools come from what exists,

But use from what does not.

Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

http://cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest/sleep-systems/fast-and-light-sleep-systems/haven/product

http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/2009/12/best-of-adventure/gear-photo-gallery

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/therm-a-rest_haven_down_top_sleeping_bag

Platypus Origin 32.22 Pack w/ 3 Liter Big Zip and in-line Clean Stream water filter

2010-10-28T20:32:00.000-07:00

My light weight backpacking trip on the PCT from Stevens Pass to Snoqualmie Pass was 4 1/2 days, 74 miles, we averaged 2 miles an hour, 15 mile days. My pack was 11 lbs. base weight of gear, 11 lbs. food, and 2 – 3 lbs. of water average. Most people we came across were heading north after being on the trail for 4-5 months, starting at the border of Mexico. They were traveling an average of 25 – 30 miles a day.

The Platy pack I used has a hard foam back panel and weighs less than 2 lbs. The outside face pocket held the tarp, bivy, and wind shell jacket, and if I wasn’t wearing my short gators, I’d also put them in the outside compartment, but I was usually wearing them. I was often getting out my hydration at stream crossings so it was packed in the main compartment for easiest access with the hose and filter being held on by the front pocket. The front pocket allows for several different modes of use; fully attached, half attached (like a beaver tail) or unattached for compression only, and/or leave it at home for less weight and a clean pack face for less possible drag or snag. I had the pocket in beaver tail mode, it allowed for clamping my hose and filter to the pack and to allow quick access to the reservoir for filling up at river crossings. I also carried a recycled PET drink bottle for energy mix drink and reserve water. Once my reservoir ran dry, I always knew I had another ½ liter. With this configuration the water I carried was untreated and as I drank through the hose the filter would clean the water, so filling the bottle or pot for cooking all came through the hose. When attached to the pack I routed the hose over the back by my neck and through webbing on the shoulder, and then hooked the end of the hose to a plastic clip that is integrated with the sternum strap adjuster.

The first two and a half days it rained. I like to organize my gear with stuff sack, so I wasn’t too worried about them getting wet. But the pack has a 10,000 millimeter laminated nylon fabric, heat tape seams in the main compartment and uses coated zippers that are water resistant enough to keep weather out of the bag. All the padding on the shoulder straps and back panel are close cell foam cut with 8 to 11mm holes and covered with a soft stretch woven fabric that dries quickly. I never had any issues with the edges of the shoulder straps digging into my shoulders or cutting into my skin like I do sometimes with webbing binding usually found on shoulder straps.

The waist belt is a simple extension of the main body fabric over the hip bone and then converts to a 1.5” webbing. Two zipper pockets at both hips stored snacks, map, and garbage. Two stretch woven pockets on the sides of the pack body carried my water bottle, gloves and my pit stop supplies. The shoulder straps have two small stretch woven pockets, one stores a whistle, think communication, either with trail buddy, occasional wheeled Mtn biker, or the wandering bear around the next corner, and moose pack, or the occasional marmot family. It’s nice that it not on the sternum strap so I don’t need to look down toward the ground or kink my neck, or undo my sternum strap, this whistle has its own pocket and lanyard so it’s always available and convenient to use.

http://www.cascadedesigns.com/platypus

http://www.cascadedesigns.com/platypus/hands-free-hydration/big-zip-sl/product

http://www.cascadedesigns.com/platypus/filtration-and-storage/cleanstream-filter-cartridge/product

Gritty Pack

2008-11-08T16:30:00.000-08:00

I really like this pack for the design concept, and the never seen before details and features. From studying this pack I have learned a lot about pack design and the potential success in the pack market. The fit, some patterning, the main material choice, total volume, and ease of access were off. I know that a lot of work went into the concept. It fell short on meeting expectations, and wasn’t given the chance to evolve. But I still love this pack.

There is a design battle going on out there between weight and comfort. Many designs focus on new innovation or technology to develop light weight comfort vs. other designs focus on minimalism and less weight for ultimate trail comfort. Weight of what will be carried is often a factor as well as activity. Links to some of the most technical design strategies for pack comfort.

http://www.ospreypacks.com/Suspensions/
http://www.arcteryx.com/iframe/pack-fit-guide-full.html
http://www.gregorypacks.com/us/?option=com_gregorypacks&act=technologies&task=technical&cid=8 http://www.mountainhardwear.com/en-EU/Exodus.aspx

Houdini Pack

2008-10-02T19:21:00.000-07:00

This is an awesome concept for an ultra light active hydration pack. It includes multiple features never seen before in any other design.

Sleeves vs Clips

2008-08-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

The classic question, "What is better, tents with sleeves or tents with clips?" But today the question should include inflated air beams, or tent poles inside the single wall tent, or the straight pole like the pyramid style tents. For me it would depend on what I wanted or expected from the tent design. Sleeves can be stronger & warmer (better for winter), clips can be lighter & more vented (better for summer). What is easier could be debated either way, what is faster depends on design, and the big trend (other than lighter) is what design provides more "livability"? The Moss tents in the image are Moss DST tents, smaller versions of the Moss Stardome 2 tents. Tight bends on the poles can make for a difficult set up with sleeves, but extremely strong in winter conditions.

Wing and a Tent

2008-08-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

A wing and tent can provide the greatest range of comfort from the elements. This is the Moss Hepta Wing and the MSR Hubba.

Shelter from the Storm

2008-08-05T23:03:00.000-07:00

This picture was a gift from a retail store employee. They were not expecting snow, but weathered it well in the MSR Missing Link.

Clean Control

2008-07-20T17:21:00.000-07:00

In Asia the custom is to leave your shoes at the door, and use slippers in the house. Makes sense if you think of the lack of cleanliness of the street, versus your home. At the sewing operations in the more rural communities they also practice this tradition. It also makes controlling the sewing machine easier, kind of like a race car driver using thinner shoes for better control. Try taking your shoes off when using the sewing machine. Its easier to control the details.

Riding the $#!+ Train

2008-07-20T17:16:00.001-07:00

The honey bucket was hauled to the lunch counter on Mt. Adam on a sled with the rest of the group gear. And the Walrus sun shade was used for privacy. When the trip was over and it was time to descend Ryan and I rode the sled and the contents of the bucket roughly 2,000 ft. I couldn't stop laughing. No more guiding for me. Good example of taking a crappy situation and making fun.
http://www.lnt.org/ Leave no Trace
http://www.chopstork.com/blog/2006/08/27/my-first-backpacking-trip/

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=6993

http://www.ehow.com/how_2179463_poop-woods.html

http://www.fp.stlcc.cc.mo.us/jangert/HowToShitInTheWoods.html

http://www.kathleeninthewoods.com/sitwsynopsis.htm

The Bad in Technical Materials

2008-07-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

The basic issue is knowing the content of the material itself in regards to harmful chemicals and what possible effects these chemicals have on humans and the planet. What’s harder to know and find out, is the environmental harm being done in the process of making the materials as well as what is done with the waist created by producing it, where it goes, and the consumption of water in the process. What are some solutions? Start with identifying what is obviously bad for the environment and what should be eliminated. Then push for solutions that are less harmful. For example, if DWR's are bad for us, consider potential mechanical process or modifications to fabrics to provide a better solution for waterproof breathable materials. Don't believe for a minute that because everyone else is doing it or that if no one else has done it that it can't be done. This is an excuse that is heard way too often, especially from those who just don't know or haven't ever experienced innovation though need or exploration. Most technologies are already available; they just haven't been put together or haven't been simply asked to be put together. Here are some of the top concerns with current materials being used.

PVC is bad for you!!!! http://www.chej.org/BESAFE/pvc/ PFOA (DWR) could be bad, its in your blood????http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/pfoa/pubs/pfoainfo.htm#concerns Fluorocarbon Chemicals?? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorocarbon We can all dig deeper, and an independent company digging deeper is Blue Sign. http://www.bluesign.com/index.php?id=129&L=0 Talk more blogs. http://www.thecleanestline.com/innovative_design/index.html
Here is one designers resolve; http://www.goodmagazine.com/section/Portraits/designs_on_the_future

Sleeping Bags

2008-07-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

We have many reference standards on how to measure sleeping bags for specifications. http://www.outdoorindustry.org/research.industry.php?action=detail&research_id=35
We also have a customer information brochure that needs to be updated, please comment.
http://www.outdoorindustry.org/pdf/ASTMSleepingBagTrifold.pdf
What are the finer details of how to accurately specify a sleeping bag and accurately report the temperature rating? Its all here in the standards.

Condensation

2008-07-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

Whats worse, having a tent that leaks or getting wet from condensation? Well I'd rather not have either. Most customers don't know the difference. How is it wet under my tent fly or under the tarp? Moisture in the air is the number one culprit along with the temperature difference between the two sides of the material. The dew point http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dew_point or morning mist can cause the largest moisture build up on the underside of a waterproof fabric. The other is from the ground. Your uncovered vestibule is a great place to consider extending your foot print to stop ground moisture from causing condensation in your tent. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condensation

Wind Tunnel

2008-06-29T16:33:00.000-07:00

MSR Wind 2 tent held to approximately 106 MPH. The question remains in my mind the accuracy of the recorded wind speed. I could use a simple explanation of the fluidity equations of the wind tunnel especially when it has to do with testing large objects like tents. I've been told the area of the wind tunnel, minus the displaced volume of the tent equates differently then the wind speed and how it is recorded?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernoulli%27s_equation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subsonic_and_transonic_wind_tunnel
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/mass.html

What is the fastest tent in the wind tunnel? The North Face Spectrum 23 at just over 130 MPH.
http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=10384&storeId=201&catalogId=10201&langId=-1&from=subCat&parent_category_rn=11750 The design and engineering came from Korea; http://www.mypole.com/ Quite an accomplishment.

Zen Bivy

2008-06-29T16:27:00.000-07:00

Has it all been done before? Say it isn't so? Intense market and product research can pay off in regards to new designs. The essences of the research is to figure out the next move, and possibly provide a product that is better. But, often times you find you are going down a similar path that others before you have already gone. One current trend and example of this is ultralight trekking, trail running, ect. This design includes trekking poles for tarp shelter, clip in mesh body, optional doors, ultralight fabrics. This was Enlightened Gear's (or Zen Bivy) debut at the OR Show in the Summer of 06. Seen here is the MalconTent. The tent also resembles the Hilleberg Muddus Tent. http://www.moontrail.com/hilleberg-muddus.php http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muddus I spoke with Bo Hilleberg about this design and he says its an older Swedish Military tent he designed, probably 20 years ago. Has it all been done before? Can there be something new? You must open your eyes and believe you are on the way to the next big thing, or there is no chance of ever bringing something new to the market.

Weight & Torso Length

2008-06-24T21:33:00.000-07:00

What is missing when you fit a pack on the sales floor, or design a pack? Where exactly does the length of your back compare to the measurements of the pack? When does a comfortable fit matter the most? Children are estimated to be vulnerable to back/shoulder problems whenever the weight of the pack exceeds 12.5% of their body weight. I would agree that the average adult would have this issue as well. So, once the weight you carry exceeds 12.5% of your body weight, you should consider a waist belt that allows for the transfer of weight from the shoulders to the hips. And, at this point torso length and pack height become very important. As well as potential variables in wearing the pack; above the hips, on the hip bone, or below the hip bone (1,2,3 inch variances). Here is how a few different pack designers/retailers/manufacturers figure the fit of their pack designs.
http://www.mchalepacks.com/packs/detail/measure.htm Torso length or back length, measured from the 7th cervical (bump on back of neck) to the Pelvis. The point at which you measure the the pelvis is important. The iliac crest can vary 2" depending on where you measure it, and certainly how you wear your pack can effect your fit. Measure to the floor on from both points and subtract the two for best accuracy.
http://mysteryranch.com/packs/sizing.php Yoke and Waist belt sizes. All Packs come with adjustable yoke instead of back length.
http://www.cilogear.com/fitandsizing.html .....Small fits from 14.5 to 17.5 inches Medium fits from 17 to 19 inches Large fits from 19 to 22 inches .... Small / Medium fits from 14 to 17 inches Medium / Large fits from 17 to 21 inches
http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/backpacks+adjusting+fit.html Extra Small: Fits torsos up to 15-1/2", Small: Fits torsos 16" to 17-1/2", Medium/Regular: Fits torsos 18" to 19-1/2", Large/Tall: Fits torsos 20" and up
http://www.gregorypacks.com/us/index.php/Gregory/Pack-Fit/packfit.html http://www.gregorypacks.com/us/files/fit_guide.pdf X small 14" - 16", Small 16" - 18", Medium 18"- 20", Large 20" - 22"
http://www.ospreypacks.com/PackTech/SizingandFitting/ X small 16", Small is 16" - 18.5", Medium 18" - 20.5", Large 20" - 22.5", X large 22"
http://www.arcteryx.com/pack-fit-guide.aspx http://www.arcteryx.com/pdf/S08-Sizing-Charts_Packs.pdf Larger Volume Packs are 4 inches per size; Small 16" - 19", Medium 18" to 21" and Large 20" to 23"..... Smaller Volume Packs Regular 16" to 20", Tall 19" to 23"..... Women's Specific, Small is 14" to 17", Medium is 16" to 19" and Large is 18" to 21". Larger ranges per size are most likely due to adjustable harnesses & designs.
http://www.mec.ca/Main/content_text.jsp?rnav=info&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302881817&CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198673221183&bmUID=1214824380415
Short (16" to 19") 41-49 cm, Standard (18" to 20") 46-53 cm, Long (20" to 23") 51-59 cm
http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10051&storeId=201&productId=29011&langId=-1

Stake in the Ground

2008-06-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

My boss once said "When are we going to see a hovering tent?", I said "hovering is not the problem, its keeping it up once you get there." So we imagined using highly magnetized tent poles that worked off the earths magnetic field. But never took it beyond theory. A whole new meaning to staking & pitching your tent. The image above is two tents thrown into the air, only to "hover" momentarily before returning to the ground. Great fun for pole & structure testing. [Warning; tent throwing is not recommended or warrantied due to potential cause of product failure.]

My First

2008-06-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

On my first guiding trip my client asked me to carry her skies mid-ascent. She pleaded "the route is too steep for hiking with skies", but she didn't mind the angle once we got to the top. She put her skies on and was down the same slope with no hesitation. I think my hat said sucker on it. My first pack was a "hand me down". I called it my Mountainsmith sofa pack. The thought was probably the more padding the better. http://www.mountainsmith.com/ It lasted a long time. Eventually the smell of my sweat in the open cell foam and the PU coating made it hard to take. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foam

The Night Shift

2008-06-23T08:21:00.000-07:00

When used with a Wing http://www.msrgear.com/tents/parawing.asp, I found a 4 season tent body to be an excellent combination for extremely hot weather and/or rainy conditons. The design of the inner body works well without the fly to provide privacy and protection from night mist or condensation. The Wing, instead of the fly, allows for more air flow, view, and protected rain or shade area around the outside of the tent.

One night in China. http://www.camptec.com/eservice.htm

Fast & Light

2008-06-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

My last fast & light trip was a while ago. 5 days between Stevens to Snoqualmie on the PCT. We moved a comfortable 20 miles a day. Not too fast. Our packs weighed about 24 pounds each, including water and food. I'm hoping for a packed weight of about 15 lbs next time. Our tarp was fairly big and the design eventually evolved into the MSR Twin Peaks, becoming much smaller and lighter. The proto could have slept 3 or more, but its nice to have the space when it rains, or to keep the condensation down. You can now find a design like this earlier size at Golite http://www.golite.com/Product/ProductByCategory.aspx?mc=6&s=1. Or of course there was always the the original Mega Mid from Black Diamond http://www.bdel.com/gear/tents_overview.php

Assortment

2008-06-08T22:57:00.000-07:00

I stole this photo opportunity at a trade show in Germany because I loved the simplicity of the line presentation. 11 packs, covering different sizes and style and in the same color. The designer I work with would say, "way too linear". I would argue that this line makes a clear simple statement and cuts like a knife through the competition in regards to brand recognition and product focus. Although, as a potential customer I would love to walk this display and read about each product. Solomon http://www.salomonsports.com/us/#

Livability

2008-06-07T13:23:00.000-07:00

What is the essence of a products purpose. It might be obvious, it might not. But giving it a name can give it both meaning for the customer and give direction to the designer. Pick one term or word and draw a direct connection between the meaning and the touch points of the product. I was first introduced to the concept of livability in tents in 2002, working for MSR. http://www.msrgear.com/tents/fastandlight.asp So where do you start? Target activity, customer study, market research and product briefs can be great ingredient for what goes into the design and help you determine what will actually go into the tent. Literally starting with what the product will be used for; how many people, sleeping, weather protection, storage, cooking. How do we as users interact with every aspect of the product. Livability to me was a pure functional relationship with the product. Again, literally if the product touches at my impatience in the least, it has failed livability. In essence I can not live with this product, let alone live in it. But don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for "Glamping". http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2007-03-06-glamorous-camping_N.htm Nothing wrong with true luxury camping in the outdoors. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tent