Category Archives: November 2011

A few weeks back, I had to send in my Six Moon Designs – “Trekker” Tent back to repair a seam separation.  I noticed it a while back, but wasn’t willing to give up my tent until it was too cold to want to hike.  The seam held up through an insane wind storm at Mt. St. Helen, which was very reassuring.  After using heavier tents, I’m still skeptical of the durability of such a lightweight fabric on my Trekker.  Only time will tell.  It’s still crazy to me, just how light this tent is.

In the email I sent prior, offering to pay for the seam, since i didn’t return it right away, I also asked them what they thought about me adding a loop to the top of the tent. I use my trekking poles to hold up the tent, but the more i read, the more I understand that a huge majority of hikers that carry poles, end up with broken poles.  So what happens if one breaks, then I’m out of luck for pitching the tent until i’m in a town to purchase  a new pole.  I suppose i could borrow one if I end up camping near others, but that’s not always going to be an option.

I’m not sure if i saw this on another website, another tent, or if I just dreamed up the idea, but it seemed like a good idea to have a loop on top of the tent, so i could use a rope to suspend the peak from a tree, then stake out the corners.  Again, I offered to pay for this modification, when they said they could do that for me.

In just a week, I sent off the tent, and had it back in my hands with the fix and alteration complete.  I’m so impressed with the service received from these backpacking companies.  It’s fantastic.  So… the seams and loop have been seam-sealed, it’s packed away, and ready for my treck to begin… I’m so ready for this !!!

One less thing to worry about. I mentioned last week that I was looking at the Osprey Exos.  Well, I bought it.

Friday after recording the interview with KYRS radio in Spokane, I stopped by Mountain Gear ( http://www.mountaingear.com/ ) to try on the larger size pack.  Two weeks ago I checked out the 46 liter, and felt that the 58 liter might better suit me if I end up having to remove a gown at some point.  This pack would offer a little extra room and the wire frame seems best suited if (ugh… the thought…) I carry a heavy WET gown in my pack.

So the bank account is down $225, but that’s one less thing to debate over and worry about.  I LOVE IT !  Check it out here

http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/product/product.asp/imanf/Osprey/idesc/Exos+58+Backpack/Store/MG/item/214465/N/0

And a word about Mountain Gear – FANTASTIC !  I stop in somewhat often to talk to the staff here about anything from gear options, to good places to hike.  The service is out of this world.  (and i’m NOT just saying that because it’d be awesome to have them as a sponsor… I TRULY value their service !! ) So if you’re a local, stop in and check them out.
I spent an hour and a half walking around with the pack on, discussing and trying on hard shells, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, the works… Excellent service makes all the difference to me, and this is the place to find it.