Essential minimalists gear check list for jungle trail tours

[Pounce]

I think Bobs talking about farting eating the pork skin & tuna, so then you'll need to capture his methane output & use that for making the cup of tea.

You guys over think these things, go the easy route.

 

[KTMphil]

Home made alcohol stove - Cat food tin


Apparently this works as an alcohol stove as good as any and is almost free to make. Andrew Burka is a serious ultralight hiker and uses this:




I found that it was the fastest and most fuel efficient of them all. Moreover, it was slightly lighter than the other designs; its simple design meant it involved fewer materials, less time, and hardly any expense; it doubled as its own pot stand, which helped to simplify my whole cook system; and it did not require any pre-heating. I have been using this model since Summer 2006.

Complete stove setup, with windscreen opened to show stove. This particular stove has been used for 300+ meals. The soot on the pot is from open fires, not from the stove.
[h=3]Key Specs and Advantages[/h]

• Weighs just .3 oz (about 10 grams)!
• Costs about $.50 for the cat food can with tax, and $3-$5 for the hole punch.
• It will never clog, and there are no moving or delicate parts that can break. Even if it is accidentally squashed, there is a chance that it can be re-shaped and used again.
• Serves as a pot stand, which means you'll have one less thing to carry.
• Burns denatured alcohol, a cheap and widely available fuel that can be purchased at hardware stores (in the paint department), gas stations (HEET gas-line antifreeze), and hiking hostels. You can also use Everclear, or grain alcohol, though this is more expensive. Denatured alcohol can be stored in plastic bottles from Platypus or any drink company (e.g. Pepsi).
• Uses about .6 oz of alcohol to boil about 1.5 cups of water, depending on your pot, the starting temperature of the water, and the efficiency of the windscreen. The water will boil within 5-7 minutes.

[h=3]Disadvantages[/h]

• Because the stove is only 2.5 inches in diameter, larger pots may not be stable enough. In this case, it might be better to substitute the Fancy Feast can for a larger can, like a tuna fish can.
• Because this stove is a side-burner, smaller pots (e.g. 600 ml mugs) may not receive enough of the flame. In this case, it'd probably be more efficient to make a top-burner model instead.
• It does not have a simmer feature, i.e. there is no control over the flame output. This will not be a problem if the extent of your backcountry cooking skills is boiling, which is the only thing necessary if you are content (like I am) with meals based around angel hair pasta, couscous, dehydrated and freeze-dried foods, potato flakes, soups, etc.
• There is no OFF switch. The stove will burn until there is no more fuel to burn, unless it is smothered with a pot/mug, dirt, or water. It is extremely difficult, though possible, to blow the stove out.
• It is not as fast as a white gas or canister model. If eating dinner 2-3 minutes earlier is important enough to you that you are willing to carry at least an extra half-pound, by all means… Personally, while I'm waiting for the water to boil, I stretch out, look at tomorrow's maps and guidebook sections, put together tomorrow's food, or finish setting up my shelter.

[h=3]Necessary Supplies[/h]3-oz Fancy Feast cat food can, or another can of the same size. I can usually find the Fancy Feast knock-off brand for $.39 at my local grocery store.
1-hole punch. A standard hole punch is adequate, but an arts & craft model that has a bigger reach is easier to use. With my pole punch I can punch holes 2 inches from the edge of a can or paper sheet, whereas with a standard hole punch I'd be limited to about .75 inches.

[h=3]Step by Step Directions[/h]Watch the video!
1. Remove the cat food and wash out the can.
2. Flatten the sharp edge that was left by the lid with the hole punch (or another hard object, like a butter knife), in order to avoid being cut.

3. Just below the lip of can, make one complete row of hole punches. Avoid breaking the tin between the holes by keeping them far enough apart - about one-eighth of an inch.

4. Below the first layer of hole punches, make another row of holes. The middle of the bottom holes should be directly underneath the 1/8-inch gaps between the upper holes.

5. Make a windscreen, following another one of my articles. A windscreen MUST be used with this stove. Otherwise you will struggle to get a boil, especially in windy conditions.
[h=3]Operating Instructions[/h]This stove is extremely easy to use. Pour denatured alcohol into the stove, light the alcohol with a match, wait 20-30 seconds for the fuel to warm up, and then put your pot on top of the stove.
I typically boil slightly less water than my meal actually requires but optimum consistency/texture. Once the food has absorbed all of the water I boiled, I then add non-boiled water until the correct consistency is achieved. This has a few advantages: I use less fuel, I never end up with "couscous soup," and I do not have to wait for my dinner to cool because the non-boiled water cools it down enough to eat right away.

[h=3]Variations[/h]The 3-oz Fancy Feast stove is ideal for a 1-person cook system with a ~1-liter-ish pot. Personally, I use a .9-liter Evernew titanium pot, which has a 5-inch diameter bottom. If you plan to use a larger pot, and you are concerned about the pot being unstable on the 2.5-inch diameter Fancy Feast can, you can follow the same instructions as above but substitute the Fancy Feast can for a larger can, like a tuna fish can.
I have never done tests to prove it, but it's reasonable to think that the number of hole punches affect the heat output and the fuel efficiency of the stove. With more holes, the stove probably burns hotter and less efficient. With fewer holes, the stove probably burns less hot but more efficient. The optimum number of holes is probably a function of the pot (its material, thickness, and shape), the quantity and starting temperature of water being boiled, and the performance of the windscreen…in other words, too many other variables to make this sort of testing worthwhile.

 

[bikesncats]

I think Bobs talking about farting eating the pork skin & tuna, so then you'll need to capture his methane output & use that for making the cup of tea.

You guys over think these things, go the easy route.

Yesss...I love sashimi...

 

[bikesncats]

Found the methanol a few days ago at the Home Pro (less than 100 baht a can) and used it for the first time on cleaning purposes today.
Still need to do a burning test, guess it will burn well (if not a bit faster than ethanol?).

The difference in calorific value between methanol and ethanol is about 25%, ethanol having the higher calorific value.
Methanol has a higher vapor pressure and a lower boiling point, so methanol will burn easier but maybe a bit faster than ethanol.

Marcel...in this heat, personally, I wouldn't carry this shit around in my loggege...let alone poor it and try to light it. I can tell you first hand that when some idiot plays with this crap and you stand near by...
you may end up like this:



Bob(S) nice stove but I frankly don't see the point of carrying that kind of weight around on a bike just for some hot soup...If I really feel the need to eat something hot I have matches and a lighter...worse case I can always dive into a muff

 

[bikesncats]

The Hot Drink, Cup of tea or even a hot knoodle can have a huge Psychological uplifting effect when your stuck on a trail in the middle of nowhere dripping wet and cold and feeling sorry for yourself. It's just about possible with an Alcohol stove in any weather because the Alcohol will burn with a bit of water in it.

Stock? now why would you want to go and do that somewhere far from home? Dripping wet too...and cold? Man, here in the tropics? I need to try that maybe I can learn what it means to "feel sorry for myself" and try that hot knoodle you speak of...But I'm afraid it might get difficult to find a nice "ladyboy" * for that nice hot and juicy knoodle when stock so far from home...

*(apologies to all TS and TG for the use of this popular term, no offense intended)


P.S. I know the uplifting feeling you talk about though...like after sleeping in snow holes for 4 - 5 days in -20, wash with snow in the morning...and then you get to that log cabin in the middle of nowhere and just sit by the fire with a hot Whisky or Rum...

 

[KTMphil]

Carry the cooking alcohol in a metal flask on the opposite side to the exhaust, then its pretty safe.

 

[Forest]

Marcel...in this heat, personally, I wouldn't carry this shit around in my loggege...let alone poor it and try to light it. I can tell you first hand that when some idiot plays with this crap and you stand near by...
you may end up like this:
View attachment 32194


Bob(S) nice stove but I frankly don't see the point of carrying that kind of weight around on a bike just for some hot soup...If I really feel the need to eat something hot I have matches and a lighter...worse case I can always dive into a muff

I guess this is the same stuff that in USA is called 'white gas' ? if so ,is quiet dangy! we used it for fire shows ,it burns really bright and fast ,almost odorless,which was nice..but it can do booom very easy!! :kboom
I bought a little gas cooker thing at stardome archery/camping supplies shop ,in CM,for 450B!better and a bit safer .
also wonder for how long the tin is gona stand the heat and weight getting hot?

 

[Forest]

but anyway especially at night a campfire where is possible is always best.this is my classy 1979 (has a date embossed inside!!)made in Italy espresso maker that has been going throu a few flames so far ,it's tiny and lightweight/minimal for me..don't even start ,I carry it!

)

 

[bikesncats]

View attachment 32196)

Got one of those...but StainlessSteel...always worked well on a campfire.

In Canada in the remote places in winter I used to bring Alcohol Gel...packs a lot more cooking time for the same weight.

 

[lakota]

Thanks bikesncats, Never knowingly travelled remotely with a Ladyboy, so I don't know that uplifting feeling you speak of. Each to their own I guess. Never spent more than a night in a snow hole either but I have been damp and wet on a Trail many times and fully enjoyed a nice warm Cup of Tea ;-)

Tropics . Yes, it gets pretty cold up here in the Tropics

 

[The Bigfella]

I managed to get one of those bivy bags yesterday... tried it out today, much to the consternation of the dogs, who seemed to think I was in a bodybag. Its a ripper... and I'll carry it in Asia. 600 gms weight... a mini tent.

Picked up one of these at the same time.

Weight, 18 grams. Yeah, titanium.

I had a staff discount voucher. Wouldn't have paid the $30 retail for one.

 

[Forest]

I managed to get one of those bivy bags yesterday... tried it out today, much to the consternation of the dogs, who seemed to think I was in a bodybag. Its a ripper... and I'll carry it in Asia. 600 gms weight... a mini tent.

Picked up one of these at the same time.

Weight, 18 grams. Yeah, titanium.

I had a staff discount voucher. Wouldn't have paid the $30 retail for one.

More info on the bivy appreciated.thats not sold in thailand right?cheers

 

[The Bigfella]

More info on the bivy appreciated.thats not sold in thailand right?cheers

Its sold by Kathmandu in Australia. Its on clearance at the moment, for their Summit Club members, down from Aus$250 to $150

I don't know the deal with the Summit Club, as I have a friend who gives me a staff discount voucher about once a year (used it for this purchase).

Presumably they would post to Thailand.

Bivy XT 1 Person Bag - Orange

• Part of our elite XT series (exceptional design, extensive testing, extreme performance)
• Ideal lightweight shelter for experienced hikers, mountaineers or cycle tourers
• Hot tape seam-sealed
• Face vent prevents condensation
• Volume allows sleeping bag to fully loft for warmth
• Roomy 3D foot-box
• Insect mesh entry
• Dual guy-line provides additional head room
• 3/4 side zip
• Bivy compression stuff sack & repair kit with fabric patches included

Fabric
Upper Pertex Shield+ 2 layer Breathable Nylon Ripstop with DWR
Floor 100D Nylon Taffeta DWR with 10,000mm PU
Weight 600g

 

[KTMphil]

Being such a small airspace, looks like it might be hot for here?

 

[The Bigfella]

Worth a try.

Backup for the bad days.... I didn't like the non-breathable one that I had, so thought this one, with breathable fabric might be better than just carrying a groundsheet.

 

[brake034]

Great follow up, personally I like this positive feedback/vibe and the well meant warnings and caution remarks.

So, yes I will be careful in the experiment (will be somewhere early December), will use the flame proof (asbestos?) panels easily sourced in Thailand.

Pounce is talking about Bobs's farting eating the pork skin & tuna, creating methane the easy way.....
However the use of a gas fuel poses a completely different set of difficulties over liquid fuel, like a burner suitable for this methane gas, how to store the methane gas from production to actual cooking (the so called gasholder, often a rubber balloon) and the actual pressure of the gas produced. 3

Forest shows us the ultimate bush espresso machine, fact is we have some excellent coffee in North Thailand and Laos.
The tip of Alex to find a stainless one is good, I have a stainless version here, picture tomorrow.
Please note the sealing rubbers will be difficult to find here, get some stock and keep them in baby powder.
Any suggestions on a small manual bean grinder?

 

[Pounce]

...how to store the methane gas from production to actual cooking (the so called gasholder, often a rubber balloon) and the actual pressure of the gas produced. 3

Stick a hose up his arse & get him to squeeeeeeeze them out slowly.

 

[bikesncats]

..........and try that hot knoodle you speak of...but it might be difficult...........

LAKOTA...the post was not meant as an insult I hope you see that. I just couldn't resist poking fun at "the noodle"... The nuances of language...in North America they use the word noodle for the male private member, the French do the same (une nouille) and in Quebec the same French term is also used as a derogatory term for homosexual (colorful but not nice). So when used singular it should be in a phrase such ...noodle soup...or noodle salad...other it should be used in the plural form noodles.

But having done a lot of outdoors sleeping (and cooking of course) from sand dunes to oasis and snowed up mountains to forests, I do understand what you refer to when you say a warm meal makes wonders. One thing I need to say though...no matter how rough things got, I never ended up "feeling sorry for myself"...not once really, ever.
Of course there have been times where I cursed every weather God from Amun and Latobius to Jupiter and Zeus...but never felt sorry....I wonder what kind of adventure trip got you pushed so hard to make you feel sorry for yourself...please share with us.


MARCEL...besides the fact that using anything from kerosene to benzene will produce suit and blacken your stuff (as I believe Phil already explained) the volatility (low vapour pressure and flash point) of these fuels make them fairly dangerous, especially if not handled properly.

I.e In the case of my legs I was just explaining to the moron that he was making a mistake when he lit the thing with a smile telling me "sure you know it all keep talking"...as you can see I was in shorts and had just time to turn away slightly from the fireball he produced...he didn't, had second degree burns on his arms and face, didn't need a hairdresser for months I'm quite certain...

The safest way to use any of these volatile fuels is with an absorbent packing such as cotton or gauze. The packing will slow the formation of vapours and prevent an explosive concentration from building.
A nicely packed base will accommodate as much fuel as an empty container but make the flame more stable. When using alcohol such a methanol or ethanol these will burn down to concentrations as low as 40%...so, as Lakota suggested, even with water contamination they will keep going.
For those who wonder about the heat burning the packing, or the cat-food-can-burner, as long as there is fuel these will heat up beyond the evaporation temperature of the fuel used, so they cannot burn or melt. The "off button" is usually a simple cover to deprive the fuel of oxygen.

 

[lakota]

"knoodle" who would have thought. For a Pigs Dick I can sort of understand ....... Anyway, we're sort of getting off Topic. Some people like to carry a few home comforts like a self contained cooking Kit , for regular use or emergency and some don't . I can see that it's not absolutely necessary here as you can just turn your buddy into a methane Digester by sticking a bit of fuel hose up his Arse with great pleasure and although I'm not about to start hacking away at an empty Cat food tin ; although an empty Tuna tin would seem more appropriate. I do find this section useful and Interesting and I do wish I'd brought more of my outdoor kit with me to Thailand. It's nice to get the Aussie input too, they seem to be the masters of KISS. 'keep it Simple Stupid' !

I've had bad experiences with petrol/Coleman fuel and would steer well clear of it even though we have it in abundance on the bikes.
Alcohol is the way to go , you can safely use it to cook in your shelter when it's persisting it down outside (with a bit of Ventilation)

 

[Forest]

Got one of those...but StainlessSteel...always worked well on a campfire.

In Canada in the remote places in winter I used to bring Alcohol Gel...packs a lot more cooking time for the same weight.

..i've got 3 more different sizes/metal...but this one is the 'original' old school.it's really 35 years old and still going!was a gift so I cherish it

 

[brake034]

Vev Vigano Kontessa, present from my parents and the first coffee maker I brought to Thailand.

Sorry for the bad Iphone pic.

 

[bikesncats]

......... a Pigs Dick I can sort of understand .................

Korck screw...yessssss, always have one with me (and a second one on my swiss army knife)...hey what can I say, I grew up in wine land making wine every year with my dad...its in my blood!

Forest...mine (the SS one I spoke of) travelled with me everywhere I went since I was 16...my dad gave it to me when I went to Nordkapp the first time...(damn, that makes it 36 years old + a few years for the time dad used it...hey what can I say, made in Italy LOL)...

Fancy coffee maker Marcel...tall top, makes for a lighter espresso as the climbing higher leaves some of the heavier compounds behind...very nice when you want to make cappuccino with your coffee....hold on to it, they never die if you give em just a little care (mine still has the original cork seal imagine)

Pounce...I'm starting to worry about you...which one of your hoses you want to stick up who's arse???

 

[brake034]

Alex, mine came with a rubber seal, it's about 10 years old max. When visiting friends in Piombino I could get replacement rings to suit for at least 10 more years!

As for cooking fuel, we can consider a gas form or a liquid form.

The fuel in a gas form requires a gas holder and a special stove designed for gas service.
Gas under pressure or gas under high pressure in a liquid form is highly combustible and in my opinion posses the highest risk.

The heavier fuels like petrol (Coleman) need a pressure system to reach the vapor pressure point high enough to ignite.
These fuels pose the least of risk (similar to the engine fuel) to ignite.

Methanol/Ethanol based systems require no pressure system, no high pressure container to use them, allowing the easiest form of a stove.
Agree that when handled carelessly these fuels are a potential risk, but than again.....any of the above do.

Looking at a packing system for alcohol, what about the widely available stainless steel mesh pots and pans cleaners found all over Thailand?

 

[Forest]

Alex, mine came with a rubber seal, it's about 10 years old max. When visiting friends in Piombino I could get replacement rings to suit for at least 10 more years!

As for cooking fuel, we can consider a gas form or a liquid form.

The fuel in a gas form requires a gas holder and a special stove designed for gas service.
Gas under pressure or gas under high pressure in a liquid form is highly combustible and in my opinion posses the highest risk.

The heavier fuels like petrol (Coleman) need a pressure system to reach the vapor pressure point high enough to ignite.
These fuels pose the least of risk (similar to the engine fuel) to ignite.

Methanol/Ethanol based systems require no pressure system, no high pressure container to use them, allowing the easiest form of a stove.
Agree that when handled carelessly these fuels are a potential risk, but than again.....any of the above do.

Looking at a packing system for alcohol, what about the widely available stainless steel mesh pots and pans cleaners found all over Thailand?

Still believe the tiny folding stove u can buy at camping supplies stores fuelled by a (very hard)gas can are preatty safe..gota be very unlucky to go wrong,transport as well

 

[BobS]

"Korck screw...yessssss, always have one with me (and a second one on my swiss army knife)..."

Alex - why are you burdening yourself with the weight of not one, but two corkscrews?

You can open wine bottles by using a towel and a tree. All you have to do is remove the foil from the cork, wrap the bottle in a towel or piece of clothing (double it up on the bottom), and pound the bottom of the bottle squarely against a tree or brick wall.

Hydraulic pressure will push the cork out little by little.

Now, nobody believes that this works - so I have had to demonstrate it many times over the years.

BTW - this technique will disturb the sediment :-)

 

[bikesncats]

Alex - why are you burdening yourself with the weight of not one, but two corkscrews?..........BTW - this technique will disturb the sediment :-)....

I assume the question was rhetorical since you answered it yourself. Besides, the couple of extra grams hardly count as weight, I have more then that on my waist...

But yes I can attest to your "barbarian system" working as I (unfortunately) already found myself in the need of using it...the method works on your legs/knees as well, (little hint) better do it on the protectors as you do need to give a good jolt everytime...

Marcel, Forest...Gas in appropriate bottles still is the safest fuel for these application...but they come an extra weight of course. Packing for alcohol or mixtures such as E85 etc should be of an absorbent material...in my experience when making make shift burner cans in the field, using gauze works very well. If you make your packing at home the consider wool or cotton...

 

[BobS]

Well Alex, if you have had the wine in a motorcycle pannier for the day, I doubt that the sediment has remained undisturbed :-)

 

[bikesncats]

Not if you're parked by the beach in Cassis, walked to the winemaker up the hill and bought a couple bottles to enjoy by the campfire with the rabbit on the spit

When travelling long distances wine without sediment is always best of course (like a nice fresh Merlot from Tipaza before hitting the desert LOL)...even without sediment, it never tastes the same when you bump it around like that...or travel with it for days shaking it and submitting it to high temperature differences. I usually like to buy something local after setting up camp (when possible of course).

Besides...you also have admit that it is a lot easier to just remove that cork the conventional way when the tool is available and keep the barbarian method for the rare exception.

Let's have a glass of red to that...I just found a really cheap (for thai standards) but actually very decent value for the money, wine at Makro... Avalon Bin645, Merlot Cabernet Shiraz, Australian, with cork, 260baht...cheers

 

[KTMphil]

Hydration back pack ("Camelback" ) sale



Supersports in Airport Plaza, Chiang Mai (inside Robertson's in the men's dept), has Salomon hydration backpacks (Model: Agile Set 12) that were 3,200 Bht, reduced to 984 bht.


Includes a 1.5 liter quality bladder with quick release hose. Salomon stuff is normally excellent quality, so quite a steal, available in red & black.




wp_20141114_14_26_09_pro by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr

 

[KTMphil]

Biolite Camp Stove - Charge your Iphone while your cooking


If you're really out in the sticks, what an amazing idea?

BioLite's patented technology converts heat from the fire into usable electricity via a thermoelectric generator. This powers an internal fan for improved combustion, creating a smokeless portable campfire that you can enjoy in your backyard or out on the trail. Surplus electricity is sent to the USB port for charging devices. Setup is easy, fuel is free, and big beautiful flames are roaring in a matter of minutes.

Using BioLite's patent-pending thermoelectric technology, BioLite Stoves convert heat to electricity that powers a fan to make the fire ultra-efficient.

Extra electricity can be used to charge small electronics like mobile phones and LED lights.

$ 129.95 - you can buy here BioLite CampStove | Off-grid cooking and electricity




Cooking bundle $224.85 - buy here
BioLite CampStove Bundle | Our Most Popular Item












10 Watt version, so I suppose just under 2 amps of DC ouput (USB 5.5 volts)



Uses a butane fuel cartridge, i dont think this one is that great


USD $ 149.95


http://biolitestove.com/products/kettlecharge/

The Thermoelectric Generator [TEG], located on the base of the KettleCharge, uses a difference in temperature to produce electricity. This comes from having a hot side and a cold side within the device. The Kettle filled with water serves as the cold side; the flame of your stove in contact with the baseplate is the hot side.

As you bring the water to a boil, electricity is produced and sent to the Power Handle, leaving you with potable water and 10W of usable power - and you can do a lot with 10W

 

[KTMphil]

Ultra lightweight spectra/ mylar backpack


28 liter capacity, the whole backpack weighs 260 grams and can carry 20kg !!! USD$ 79, great value.

A heavier dyneema/ spectra weave construction making it very abrasive resistant and super strong. The tops of the shoulder straps are usually what fails first, these with the dyneema weave are amazingly well made.


This is the same company that makes the cuben fiber tarp that i bought, you deal with the chap that owns the company and the quality of what he makes, is the best i've ever seen, link to the backpack below:


Mountain Laurel Designs

NEWT = Keep It Simple Day / Overnight / Weekend or Summit Pack.

One Torso Size: Fits from about 5'8" to 6'3"
20" - 21" from bottom of pack at waistbelt to where shoulder straps connect.



FEATURES

• All Dyneema X (TM) Construction: 210d Ripstop Nylon and Dyneema plus an extra X pattern overweave for high strength, lightweight and durability. (Much tougher and abrasion resistant than thinner and lower content 140d nylon+dyneema plain weave fabrics.)

• Roll top closure doubles as a compression system to stabilize and compact load.

• 4oz sq/yd Open Hole non Stretch Mesh. Stronger than stretch mesh twice the weight, easy to field repair, does not absorb water and drains fast and allows contents to dry faster than a tight stretch mesh or solid fabric. Dyneema X elastic top sleeves for long term Durability and elastic replacement.

• Shoulder Straps: 2.5" wide SuperWick Mesh lined with full length foam padding. Short daisy chain to fit pack shoulder pocket options.

• Load Rating: Strong enough for 30+lbs - But 14 - 18lbs is the recommended average max for all day comfort.

• Approx. External Dimensions 11" X 6" X 26"

• Sized for modern ultra light and SUL equipment. Great as an Apine Attack Style Climbing Pack.

• Six bungee cord loops use our removable mini fast clip hook system. The mini clips reduce bungee adjustment friction and bungee cord can be clipped/unclipped fast. Clips will not wear though like grossgrain and thin webbing. Hooks and bungee add about 1oz- not included in base weight.

• Removable Multi Position 3/4" Most Awesome Sternum Strap In The World with Black WistleLock Buckle + .5oz not incuded in base weight

• All seams double stitched plus stress points are quadruple stitched or bartacked.

• Haul Loop




Simple roll top, no zips, 100% waterproof

Quality fittings

Just got mine, it fits well, havn't tested it yet


20141207_080505.jpg by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr

 

[bsacbob]

Ultra lightweight spectra/ mylar backpack

28 liter capacityThe whole backpack weighs 260 grams and can carry 20kg !!! USD$ 79, great value.

A heavier dyneema/ spectra weave construction making it very abrasive resistant and super strong. The tops of the shoulder straps are usually what fails first, these with the dyneema weave are amazingly well made.

This is the same company that makes the cuben fiber tarp that i bought, you deal with the chap that owns the company and the quality of what he makes, is the best i've ever seen, link to the backpack below:

Mountain Laurel Designs

NEWT = Keep It Simple Day / Overnight / Weekend or Summit Pack.

One Torso Size: Fits from about 5'8" to 6'3"
20" - 21" from bottom of pack at waistbelt to where shoulder straps connect.

FEATURES

• All Dyneema X (TM) Construction: 210d Ripstop Nylon and Dyneema plus an extra X pattern overweave for high strength, lightweight and durability. (Much tougher and abrasion resistant than thinner and lower content 140d nylon+dyneema plain weave fabrics.)

• Roll top closure doubles as a compression system to stabilize and compact load.

• 4oz sq/yd Open Hole non Stretch Mesh. Stronger than stretch mesh twice the weight, easy to field repair, does not absorb water and drains fast and allows contents to dry faster than a tight stretch mesh or solid fabric. Dyneema X elastic top sleeves for long term Durability and elastic replacement.

• Shoulder Straps: 2.5" wide SuperWick Mesh lined with full length foam padding. Short daisy chain to fit pack shoulder pocket options.

• Load Rating: Strong enough for 30+lbs - But 14 - 18lbs is the recommended average max for all day comfort.

• Approx. External Dimensions 11" X 6" X 26"

• Sized for modern ultra light and SUL equipment. Great as an Apine Attack Style Climbing Pack.

• Six bungee cord loops use our removable mini fast clip hook system. The mini clips reduce bungee adjustment friction and bungee cord can be clipped/unclipped fast. Clips will not wear though like grossgrain and thin webbing. Hooks and bungee add about 1oz- not included in base weight.

• Removable Multi Position 3/4" Most Awesome Sternum Strap In The World with Black WistleLock Buckle + .5oz not incuded in base weight

• All seams double stitched plus stress points are quadruple stitched or bartacked.

• Haul Loop



Simple roll top, no zips, 100% waterproof




Quality fittings

Just got mine, it fits well, havn't tested it yet

https://flic.kr/p/pnBPFA20141207_080505.jpg by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr

Well thought out gear, maybe you could be his Thailand sales outlet agent

Sent from my SM-G900F using Forum Runner

 

[brake034]

Have been testing three different design of alcohol stoves, both with methanol and ethanol.
When I have completed the tests with E85 I will make a short write up with pictures.

So far the design using the catfood can (in my case bigger tuna can) with large holes works best.

 

[KTMphil]

Marcel, the problem with using a larger can is you limit the diameter of what you can heat. The hot part of the flames come out of the can horizontally, then vertically to receptacle above to be heated. If you have/ use a smaller diameter cup to be heated, you wont be heating/ cooking very efficiently as the flame diameter will be wider than the cup. If you use a smaller can its irrelevant what diameter the cooking vessel is as the flames can accommodate all cooking pot and cup diameters.

 

[brake034]

Agree Phil, I used a tunna can for the experiment instead of a smaller catfood can, we do not have a cat......

Second issue is height versus diameter, a small diameter can cannot be very high, so less fuel in the can. Also a smaller can is less stable, so you cannot easily put a much bigger diameter pot on it.

Will keep trying and experimenting untill the best option comes up.

I found there is a difference in burning methanol versus ethanol, need to check the time it will take to cook a similar amount of water to see what the difference is.

 

[KTMphil]

One night in the jungle, with good probability of a bamboo shelter roof, this is my light weight kit addition to normal touring gear:


From right to left:



1. Pillow X pillow - The most comfortable inflatable pillow ive ever found

2. Grand Trunk Nano 7 hammock - The smallest, most lightweight adventure hammock in the world

3. Mountain Laurel Designs bivi sack - Will keep the condensation off you if you have no roof and warm enough as a sleeping bag in SE Asia

4. Deuter inner skin sleeping bag liner - Synthetic cotton feel, water resistant, works great inside the bivi sack if it gets chilly or on its own

5. Emergency foil blanket - apart from keeping you warm has many uses as a rain or even sun shelter

6. Thermarest Neo Air mattress - I use an XSMALL size, let my feet drape over the end, it folds up very small, gives a great nights sleep]\

7. Industrial thickness garbage bag - Fold small and makes a tough ground sheet, great for the dust/ dirt jungle



P1000335_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr

 

[LivinLOS]

Thailand Jungle Hammock Review - The Ultimate Hang

 

[KTMphil]

MSR Whisperlite Stove


Weighs about 600 grams with the bottle, what makes this stove so special? - It runs on the gasoline in your bike, you dont need to bring any fuel to run the stove for cooking. Price online is around USD$90, it can be purchased in Chiang Mai for 3,500 Bht.

• Reliable: Simple, field-proven performance for over 25 years.
• Compact: Flexible fuel line folds small and fits in most MSR® pots.
• Field Maintainable: Shaker Jet™ technology and straight-forward design allow easy cleaning and maintenance in the field.
• Includes: Fuel pump, windscreen, heat reflector, small-parts kit, instructions, and stuff sack. (Fuel bottle not included.

Gasoline isnt its ideal fuel because contains lots of additives that clog up the jetting in the stove. The ingenious shaker jet in the Whisperlite stove, helps eliminate the clogging with a few shakes every time its used. Riding on the bike will give it all the shakes it needs.

If you can, look for the lowest octane petrol/ gasoline you can, they contain less additives and will be kinder to your Whisperlite. It will run on Avgas 100 octane if you have too. The International version comes with additional jets that will burn kerosene and diesel.


You need to learn how to get it going. It's important t prime it by releasing 1/2 a teaspoon of fuel from the fuel bottle first into the priming cup and lighting it. What this does is get the fuel line hot so that the gasoline leaves the fuel line, through the jet as a vapor. Once you've primed and heated the fuel line, just as the primed flame is going out, you can then re-open the fuel valve, letting gasoline through and a blue flame will then burn in the stove. It takes a bit of getting used too, some say wait to hear the roar then open the fuel valve.


Priming with 3mm of gasoline released into the priming cup under the burner. This heats the fuel line, so that when the fuel (gasoline) is opened again it will leave the fuel line as a vapor and burn blue for cooking. It takes about 2 minutes


20150507_174630.jpg by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr





Priming done, opening the fuel cock again, not quite hot enough, roaring a little bit, still burning yellow. Yellow shows its not hot enough yet.


20150507_174947.jpg by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr





Getting hotter

20150507_175037.jpg by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr





Red glow from the heat

20150507_175045.jpg by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr




Nice video testing it with gasoline

Maintenance - stop the clogging

Website:



MSR® WhisperLite? liquid-fuel backpacking stove





Specifications:

Minimum Weight	11 oz / 305 g
Packed Weight	14.5 oz / 410 g
Burn time (white gas) per 600ml / 20 oz. of fuel	136 minutes
Boil time (white gas), 1 liter	3.9 minutes
Water boiled (white gas) per 100 ml of fuel	5.1 liters
Water boiled (white gas) per 1 oz. of fuel	1.5 liters
Country of Origin	Made in Seattle, USA

The greatest thing about it is it works of the fuel in your bike, you can keep a liter in the fuel bottle and you've always got emergency fuel.

 

[brake034]

Phil, what Thai petrol did you use for this test? Gasohol or non Gasohol?

 

[bsacbob]

I watched the youtube video and it looks like a great bit of kit, but what's wrong with just making a fire, all you have to carry is a fire stick or a box of matches or am i thinking too laterally..