tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411373088335151202024-02-20T10:51:58.116+01:00Hike LighterLigtweight gear, trips, toughts and other blogworthy subjectsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-48044821300668857062014-07-28T10:08:00.000+02:002014-07-28T10:10:46.617+02:00An overnighter on the Eisleck TrailWe had a long&leasure weekend, what better way to spend it than walking a part of a trail which was brought to my attention by <a href="http://dzjow.com/2013/08/24/a-getaway-on-the-escapardenne-eisleck-trail/" target="_blank">Dzjow </a>and <a href="http://hikinginfinland.com/" target="_blank">Hendrik</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The markings of the Eisleck trail: little waves.<br />
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So we did a really short piece of the Eisleck trail in northern Luxemburg. We wanted to visit the capital too in the same weekend but we were really glad to spend the at least one day in the nature of Luxemburg. The scenery reminded us of the Ardennes but with the trend to openness and panoramas of Germany.<br />
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I'll post some pictures as not much words are needed for an overnighter.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Schüttburgcastle (°1406)</td></tr>
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It was afternoon when we got to the parking at the railway station of Kautenbach. We were already greeted by the first markings and so we walked on through the tiny village.<br />
As it was cloudy but quite hot, the first hills also meant the first drops of sweat, but we enjoyed the hike, which does warm you up in the first 10 minutes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some panoramas appear through the forest.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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We hiked on till around half past seven that evening, we didn't encounter much rain, it drizzled lightly for half an hour and that was about it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foresty</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right after the camping, you encounter some more forest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view, this time you can see where we camped. Right next to that green tree on the hill. </td></tr>
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We climbed up the hill where we spotted a nice camping place on top of a hill.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloudy skies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On top of the hill</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cat Can stove ready for action, on an ergonomic height.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely spot to wake up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dyneema bonus pic for all you cord fans.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The train to take us back to Kautenbach.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I highly recommend taking the train, the Eisleck trail is <a href="http://mobiliteit.lu/medias/pdf/horaires-reseaux/Trains/cartereseau_luxembourg.pdf">full of railway stations</a> and they ride on time. One ticket (for 2 hours) is €2 per person, so that's really cheap.<br />
As I cannot really have a complete impression from such a short trip, I did enjoy the hike. The scenery was calm and quiet. The roads were good, apart from some fallen over trees but that's a detail. The hills are spicy and I think this trail has potential as a good training for hilly hikes.<br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
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More info: <a href="http://www.trekkings.be/escapardenne.htm">trekkings.be/escapardenne</a> (Dutch).<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-20021604751694854142014-04-17T20:42:00.000+02:002014-04-17T20:42:22.731+02:00An overnighter in the Belgian ArdennesMicroadventures, S24O, and other terms have been coined lately to describe a small adventure that takes no more than 24 hours. Some fair weather, a car and a hiking map was enough to get us going for a small overnighter in the Belgian Ardennes.<br />
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Read on..<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Friday evening, back from work and into the hiking gear closet to grab all I need. I drive over to my girlfriend and we decide to leave on Saturday which gives us some time to sort out our gear and backpack.<br />
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It's a 2 hour drive to Falmignoul where we set up camp.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little luxury, after all it is weekend</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect for an Easter Egg Hunt</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great way of cooking, the water boiled faster than ever. The beer bottles did crack though..</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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We had pasta 4 formaggi and soon enough it was could enough to dive in the sleeping bag. A synthetic bag this time, because it can be quite wet in the evening and mornings.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bright yellow dyneema</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The next morning we walked back to the car to put all camping gear in the trunk and hiked on with a wee daypack. Only carrying some weather protection, food and water. Ready for the 16km hike.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful.. and lonely, but that's a good thing</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers, lots</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the descent to 'La Meuse' or Maas rivier</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still not worn out, still not minimalist, still astonishingly good </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">along the Maas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Break not far from Freyr, the Belgian climbing hotspot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey and green</td></tr>
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We walked it under the described time and it was a very pretty walk with lots of climbs and descents. Perfect to get an idea of the Ardennes and indeed perfect for a microadventure.<br />
We drove off to blue skies and sun, home.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-89458181476630456592013-10-30T13:16:00.001+01:002013-11-02T10:14:48.060+01:00Corsica: the GR 20 from Calenzana to Vizzavona<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This will be a post about our holiday we spent in Corsica. I will share some pics of the beautiful landscape and tell a bit about our hike and days on the trail.<br />
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<li>Part one will be about our hike.</li>
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<li>Part two will tell a bit about the second part of our journey</li>
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<li>Part three will feature <b>an overview of the Bergeries (huts) we did and what accomodation they have</b>. This is to help other hikers to plan their trip a bit. We've found that it was hard finding good and thrustworthy sources on this trek, so consider this a small help.</li>
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<h4>
Day 0: Tripping and bussing</h4>
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I'll start with the day before the first day on the trail. We landed in Bastia in the early afternoon and took the shuttle bus to the city centre. We bought ethanol (<i>alcool à brûler</i>) at the local supermarket (<i>Casino</i>) and from Bastia we took the bus to Calvi. We drove on to Calenzana without having to switch. </div>
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The website <a href="http://www.corsicabus.org/">www.corsicabus.org</a> is a very big help here. However, keep in mind that the public transport is a mess there. For example, there are only 2 busses per day from Bastia to Calvi. </div>
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Don't forget your pills if you become car sick, we had to make 1 emergency stop (not for us, though).</div>
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As we arrived in Calenzana we saw there was only one camping and the 'centre' was more uphill. We went to a restaurant, aptly named: "The GR 20".<br />
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After our dinner it was dark and we still had to put up our tent. This is where the adventure starts: carrying only 1 red led bike light, we looked for a spot. To our surprise, there was no grass at the camping so we had to hold down the cords with heavy rocks. A first for both of us, and the added difficulty of darkness made things... exciting.<br />
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<h4>
Day 1 on the trail: From Calenzana to Refuge de Carrozzu</h4>
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Today we decided to start with a variant of the trail so it would lead us to Refuge de Carrozu and thus combining 2 days in 1 (kudos to<a href="http://www.beuteltiere.org/2012/10/korsika-blasenfrei-auf-dem-gr-20-sud.html" target="_blank"> Die Beuteltiere</a>).</div>
<div>
We passed a bathing spot, which our muscles could already use. Ice cold water would be a constant on this trip, we just didn't know it yet :).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/10447198603_a2897e975a_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/10447198603_a2897e975a_c.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping in Calenzana</td></tr>
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Sadly, in my misguiding and sloppy reading, I followed the wrong marks after hotel Auberge de la Foret de Bonifatu you have to keep left (we went right and up after the source). We hiked uphill for about 1h30 after it occured to us we were wrong. Making up for a total of 2hours that were lost. Due to this, we had a long and uphill forest climb to Carozzu to make at 15:00.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/10447017506_ff2090800a_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/10447017506_ff2090800a_c.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View after about 2 hours</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little happy dance on a plateau</td></tr>
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Being a bit tired and still not seeing any signs of a hut, the first day got a bit heavy for us. </div>
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We arrived at 18:15 and were so happy we we got there. Putting the tent up first (yes, we learnt our lesson) and then we took the coldest shower of the entire hike.</div>
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We treated ourselves to delicious microwave rice with mediterrean flavour and around sunset we turned in.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3768/10446975316_0d6c8bf459_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Our Tarptent at Carozzu" border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3768/10446975316_0d6c8bf459_c.jpg" title="Our Tarptent at Carozzu" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping Carrozzu</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3673/10447136723_8d9f2eae7c_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Getting food delivered or evacuated in 007-style" border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3673/10447136723_8d9f2eae7c_c.jpg" title="Getting food delivered or evacuated in 007-style" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helipad</td></tr>
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<h4>
Day 2: Carrozzu to Haut-Asco</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
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You go down a bit and cross a river by a hangbridge. A lovely way to spend the first hour of the day I think.<br />
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After the bridge the walk goes up and up and up. This was our first taste of the GR20's difficulty level. We inclined in altitude on large rock slabs. It was special just hiking on an inclining plateau of rock. Don't forget to look back because you can still see the sea and the village behind you.<br />
We paced at a good tempo and got to the Bocca di a Muvrella where a lot of hikirs where resting. We dind't ;)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock slabs</td></tr>
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We descended on and after a while, we started seeing the Haut-Asco camping. </div>
<div>
When you see the Camping, you can still enjoy a 2 hour long downhill hike :). After a long descent full of sliding rocks and shoe-colouring dust, we arrived in Haut-Asco. We bought some food there and set up our tent. We had some beers and a good meal at the nearby hotel (the snackbar was closed so no junk food sadly).</div>
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Sarah was planning on doing a siesta but rain compromised that. Our Tarptent is a dream but in this rain the mesh started leaking. It could be my not so perfect pitch combined with the driving rain but anyway... we spent most of the afternoon drying the tent and holding it up with hand and feet. It looked like an upside down game of Twister.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain</td></tr>
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<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Day 3: The Cirque de la Solitude</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<div>
This is the day people whisper about. This is the day where hikers abandon their guided tour. This is the reason why people carry gloves for the other 17 days and this day is the reason you are happy you choose the heavy duty fabric for the bottom of your <a href="http://www.laufbursche-gear.de/products/huckepack/" target="_blank">Huckepack</a>.</div>
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You pass some foresty roads, trees and even the ski piste at the start. We had breakfast on a big rock just before the descent into the Cirque. What a surprise to see the route going down almost vertically, I knew this was a technical day but some sections gave us trembling legs. Seeing how dead you can be if you slip and fall... it makes you think again about calling this a holiday :).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7458/10447092433_34096c20d1_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Foresty road" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7458/10447092433_34096c20d1_c.jpg" title="Foresty road" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The good</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bad</td></tr>
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We did enjoy the hike a lot, it was really nice seeing people helping each other, telling where to place your foot etc. You have shadow until you come out of the Cirque so you won't overheat and the chains looked secure. We came out of the valley and ate again. We also took care of a deep cut on Sarahs finger.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beautiful</td></tr>
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You are now on the edge of the mountains and the sunbathed descent can begin.<br />
We decided not to stop in Tighiettu but went on to Bergerie Ballone. A wise decision since we both found it more lovely there. Friendly staff, you can buy food, you have a lukewarm shower and camping is only 5€. The donkeys are for free.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drying our wet gear</td></tr>
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<h4>
Day 4: Bergerie Ballone - Castellu di Verghio</h4>
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</h4>
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This day can be considered as a fairly easy one.<br />
You reach the first hut Ciuttulu Di I Mori pretty fast. So fast that it was too early for beers ;) No just kidding, it's an ideal place to drink a cold Iced Tea and enjoy the view.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2880/10572476786_e1744f494f_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ciuttulu Di i Mori" border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2880/10572476786_e1744f494f_c.jpg" title="Ciuttulu Di i Mori" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ciuttulu Di i Mori</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical road for this day</td></tr>
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The walk did take longer than it says in the guidebook. For once, we didn't beat or make the time on the book. This did affect the spirits because after passing Bergerie de Radule there were still 40 minutes left to walk. In real, we hiked for almost 1,5 hours. We paused often, thinking to ourselves that we had to be close to the camping because we heard traffic. We arrived at 14:29 there and to the joy of our hungry stomachs we saw there was a restaurant! Sadly, the kitchen closed at 14:30... Another hiker tip: <strike>the </strike>some French really do not like to work nor make money, keep it in mind ;)</div>
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We walked on to the camping and there was a big store attached to it. We bought some food and drinks there and finally ate our lunch. Table manners were not allowed, too hungry, more food!<br />
We pitched the tent on the vast and flat surface and enjoyed the showers, some beers and relaxed a bit. This camping was really nice since it had multiple toilets and showers, a friendly staff and lots of space.<br />
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That night, we saw a fox on the camping and it stole some mayonaise and even beer from another tent! We quickly put all our gear in our tent and laughed with the fox, stealing foods.<br />
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<h4>
Day 5: Verghio - Refuge de Manganu</h4>
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</h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">The hike takes you through a relatively flat forest, a welcome variation from all the rocky days we had. It was almost as if we were in Germany or the Ardennes. This could be the cause that we completed the hike an hour earlier than our guide predicted. </span></h4>
<h4>
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<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">The small chapel of San Pedru offers some nice views and a spot to rest for who needs it. We hiked on over Bocca â Reta which was a nice passage. It took us on the top of the mountains, together with dayhikers and runners. Very cool to know that so many people come and enjoy the mountains here. I know I would if I'd live in Corsica. Sadly, it was too windy to have breakfast there and we saved it until we reached Lac de Nino. </span></h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The windy mountain edge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3699/10446819206_0429e91692_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lac de Nino" border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3699/10446819206_0429e91692_c.jpg" title="Lac de Nino" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lac de Nino, ideal for breakfast</td></tr>
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<h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creative with sun protection</td></tr>
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<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">This whole section had no height differences to conquer until Manganu! Once there we were one of the very first hikers and we felt good about it. Arriving around 12 o'clock gave us some time to enjoy the shadow and pick a nice spot for our tent. By the time it was 5 in the afternoon the whole camping was full, even the slanting bits. </span></h4>
<h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/10447210773_f4a4ec13a8_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Absurdly flat" border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/10447210773_f4a4ec13a8_c.jpg" title="Absurdly flat" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The height differences...</td></tr>
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</span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Then the night came... And with the night came the fox! We heard a tent rip and a German lady complainig that a fox took het bread and ripped her tent to get it. Not nice of the fox, we thought, and took all our stuff inside. </span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">The whole night we were paying attention to noises and sounds in the bushes. Until... I saw a black shade coming closer to my tent, right to the spot where my nuts were. My peanuts that is :). I sushed and hit the tent and the fox ran away. I put the nuts safely in the backpack and didn't sleep that thight anymore...</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4>
<h4>
Day 6: Manganu - Refuge de l'Onda</h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the ascent, you are treated on warm blocks of stone</td></tr>
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<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">This was our hardcore day, we did 2 stages in one. A firm climb to start, all the way to Brèche de Capitello. The view was nice and we were definitely warmed up! After the top we had our first rays of sun on us and it felt good. On the way to Petra Piana there are some tricky bits of rock slab. The kind of rock where you wished you had sticky rubber on your shoes, but it was fine without. We enjoyed the hike and had breaks where we could. It was noon when we reached the depressing camping of Petra Piana. We had some cokes and cookies as our meal and we decided to hike on!</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<i>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Yes, we're that crazy :)</span></i></h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the most beautiful hike says the book</td></tr>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic view before Petra Piana</td></tr>
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<h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks intimidating, doesn't it</td></tr>
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<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">A very firm and long descent later and we were on a foresty road, hiking to Bergerie de Tolla. The ground was soft and grassy, a real treat after the rocky descent! At Bergerie de Tolla we bought bread and lunched there. It was around 3 in the afternoon then. After an hour and a half we finally reached the Refuge de l'Onda. After getting the tent up we waited for the warm shower which was well deserved.</span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Refuge de l'Onda is a nice and flat camping spot, it was also our last night on the trail. We decided to quit in Vizzavona because we still wanted to have a more relaxed vacation. We saw the most beautiful of the GR20 and maybe 7 days of trekking is enough for us. </span></h4>
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<i><span style="font-weight: normal;">On every trip, you learn something about yourself and your comfort zone... </span></i></h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refuge de l'Onda</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Day 7:</b> <b>Onda - Vizzavona</b></span></b></h4>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b> </b></span></b></h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's not Nepal but it's still an awesome sight to see</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b> </b></span></b></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Our final day and we were pumped! On a steady tempo we climbed the steep Crête de Muratello and had a short break there before starting the tricky descent. We saw the shadow of the mountain reaching far into the valley. The morning sun was still low when where on the top but warmed us up on our descent to Vizzavona. Passing a plaqua for a missing skiier that attempted the GR20 in winter, we hiked on.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">In Vizzavona we enjoyed seeing some civilization, cars, asphalt, restaurants... We did not even try to resist and ordered some beers and a meal while we waited for our train that took us to Ajaccio. Our great trek ended, we were relieved and happy. relieved that we were giving ourselves some comfort from now on. Happy that we saw the most beautiful part of the GR20. Proud that we did it! </span></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/10451879555_e0b880936b_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Vizzavona" border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/10451879555_e0b880936b_c.jpg" title="Vizzavona" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vizzavona train station</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Part 2</b></span></b></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Getting to Ajaccio was easy, an airconditioned train took us there in no time. But then we had to take the bus to Bonifacio. Sadly, he only stopped 10 km before Bonifacio. No problem, we thought, we'll just hitchhike then. </span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Then, the bus stopped for a traffic jam.. We stopped for half an hour and then we heard there was an accident. 2 bikers drove into each other and there was a helicopter on it's way. Our spirits sank when we heard it could take an other 3 hours... This morning we were still on the trail, now we were stuck on a bus. Probably too late for our ferry to Sardinia, where we planned on staying for the rest of our trip.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">After 2 hours of waiting, we started driving. It was around 9 in the evening when we arrived 10 km before Bonifacio. The bus did not drive further and there was no taxi. We just stepped of in the middle of a highway where it was pitch dark. We were not risking our lives hitchhiking here, that's for sure.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Then something happened my atheist spirit cannot grasp in words... a taxi, with green light, stopped right on the intersection of the highway... We both looked like we saw a spaceship and I ran towards the taxi, asking if he could take us to Bonifacio. 40 euros lighter, we were there and we slept on a camping again. Just when we spent the day saying we wouldn't sleep in a tent any more this holiday :) But since hotels were so expensive according to the 140km/h-where-you-can-do-70-driving chauffeur, we opted for a camping.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">After pitching our tent we walked to the centre and there it was... Pure decadance! Boats, yaghts, streets full of restaurants... It was like heaven after such a tiresome day. We ate the most unhealthy, saltiest, fatties thing we could find and enjoyed the evening. This is what we were longing for...</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Our ferry to Sardinia took us without any problems to the island where we would spend the rest of our holiday. Relaxing, enjoying the weather and each other. </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Then the day came where we had to go back home. But first we had to get back to Corsica because we booked our flight there. There was a lot of wind that day and we packed all our stuff and left our appartment. </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">At the ferry office we asked for 2 tickets to Corsica and the clerk answered in his own accent 'No ferry today'. We didn't believe what we heard. Our flight was leaving in some hours and there were no ferries. Not now, not today, 'maybe tomorrow', he said. We did some phonecalls and eventually we rebooked our flight home, this time leaving from Sardinia.</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">In order to get to our flight, which was the next day, we had to get to the capitol which was a six hour bus drive... We were in the most northern point of Sardinia and the capitol was the most southern point. We took it the best way we could but you can probably tell this wasn't a relaxed ending of a holiday. After a good nights sleep in a B&B in Cagliari we got to the airport and took our flight to rainy Belgium.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b> </b></span></b></h4>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b> </b></span></b></h4>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Part 3</b></span></b></h4>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b> </b></span></b></h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">As promised, an overview of the huts, their supplies and sanitary.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">This list only contains the huts we did. The prices were all around 14 euros except for the cheap Ballone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Gîte d'étappe Calenzana</b>: Warm showers, good toilets. Bring a torch because early in the morning there are no lights in the sanitary block. </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Price: 14 euros for 2 persons.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">There is a shop nearby but you won't have an early start if you wait until it opens.</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Refuge de Carozzu:</b> Ice icecold showers, 4 dry toilets (normal ones).<br />Price: 7EUR per person<br />We did not use the shop there, but the guide says you can buy some snacks there.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Refuge de Haut-Asco: </b>Not warm, but not icecold showers. Toilets have no toilet seat.<br />Normal price<br />Bread is €2 for a whole, €1 for a half (yes, they are big). You can also buy fruits, meals, toilet paper, snacks, sweets, crisps,... a lot of choice and not so expensive!</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Refuge de Tighiettu</b>: We just passed here so we can't say a lot. The toilet is just a hole in the ground.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Bergerie Ballone</b>: This is a spoil! Warm shower, normal toilet with no seat or lock.<br />Price: 5EUR for 2!<br />You can buy crisps, chocolate, nuts, no bread though.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Ciuttulu di i More:</b> Normal toilets with a lock, but no seat. They have showers but we didn't use them.<br />You can buy cookies, pastas, nuts, crisps. But no meals or bread.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Castellu di Verghio:</b> This was a luxury. Lots of normal toilets (with seat), lots of warm showers. And everything locks.<br />The shop is almost a supermarket: beer, cheese, meat, pasta, First-Aid kits, chewing gum, fuit, toilet paper, they absolutely have <i>everything </i>that a trekker would need. Bread is 2,5EUR and very yummy.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Refuge de Manganu:</b> The showers are 'doable' cold, the toilet is a hole in the ground (French toilets).<br />They sell toast bread for 4EUR. And nothing much else really. Some chocolate, some nuts,...</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Petra Piana:</b> This is a bit of a depressing camping. My suggestion is to skip it when possible. The soil is soaked, French toilets only and not so friendly hosts. We did not shower since we skipped this place.<br />The shop has some choice in meals, cookies, drinks, pasta, etc. But it is a bit more pricy.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Bergerie de Tolla</b>: Here they sell cheese, honey, drinks and bread (€3). Friendly staff. You can't sleep there but they have a shadowy garden. We didn't notice a toilet but you have lots of trees here ;).</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Refuge de l'Onda: </b>The cowboy camping with the horses. Cold showers and French toilets unless you pay €2 and wait in line for a hot shower and a normal toilet. <br />They have a small shop with some cheese, sausages, drinks, snacks. But not much choice.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Thank you so much for reading, I hope you enjoyed the report and our pictures.</span></h4>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-88934623207891614192013-07-27T11:39:00.002+02:002013-07-29T09:13:48.084+02:00The Ardennes, a Hot Place for Romance<b>A trip report of a July hike along the GR 577, from Marche-en-Famenne to Wellin</b><br />
July 19 - July 21<br />
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I would like to share some photos with you of my latest trip to the Ardennes with my girlfriend. We went there to celebrate that we've been together for 5 years. So that's the romantic part ;)<br />
It was mostly around or over 30° C which makes it a hot place but an ideal preperation for the GR 20 later on this summer.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/9383134207_fdf5041bf2_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Day 2 morning" border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/9383134207_fdf5041bf2_c.jpg" title="Day 2 morning" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning</td></tr>
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The GR 577</h4>
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We did a good 30 km, it was an <i>at ease</i> trip and we arrived much sooner in Wellin than expected.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/9391772346_1a617d0b24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/9391772346_1a617d0b24.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The part we walked. © Trekkings.be</td></tr>
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Our Trip, Day 1</h4>
We arrived around 18:30 in Marche-en-Famenne. It took us roughly 4 hours by train.<br />
We quickly passed Marche-en-Famenne and headed out to the nature. We enjoyed great views already in the first kilometers.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2873/9383303411_e98c1d980f_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Laufbursche Huckepack" border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2873/9383303411_e98c1d980f_c.jpg" title="Laufbursche Huckepack" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Huckepack I took with</td></tr>
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I later on changed the poles and put them IN the mesh pockets. Thank you dear girlfriend for pointing this out to me.<br />
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We walked on after Humain the first day and camped on a beautiful spot.<br />
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<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/9386062532_a7a49b9a89_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Camping day 1" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/9386062532_a7a49b9a89_b.jpg" title="Camping day 1" /></a></div>
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We had some beers, it was still a celebration you know ;). Plus how perfect could it be: warm, no bugs, and this view!<br />
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<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3830/9386037432_92da2b9a6b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palm and Trailrunners" border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3830/9386037432_92da2b9a6b_b.jpg" title="Palm and Trailrunners" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2853/9386026166_681be5141f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sarah & Sam" border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2853/9386026166_681be5141f_b.jpg" title="Sarah & Sam" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Writing with a Petzl, a favourite pastime I see on many blogs</td></tr>
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Day 2 </h4>
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We woke up quite early because of the sunlight and we hadn't slept all that thight. It was a lovely morning and the sun was already warming us up.</div>
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We ate our lovely Tourbread (<a href="http://dzjow.com/2011/08/29/myof-tour-bread/" target="_blank">thank you den_dzjow</a>) and got our gear together.</div>
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I passad a monastery and asked a friar if I could refill our water supplies.</div>
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We later on passed the town of Rochefort where we drank some iced tea's (it was hot!) and I cleaned the cooking pot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5525/9383223999_426dc405ef_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cave outside Rochefort" border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5525/9383223999_426dc405ef_c.jpg" title="Cave outside Rochefort" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Could've been a good hangout spot.</td></tr>
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We picknicked in the shadow around noon and went further on. The heat was making this day a bit hard but the occasional path in the cooler forest was much appreciated.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3820/9383210281_f25c1d2d8a_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Too hot for long pants" border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3820/9383210281_f25c1d2d8a_c.jpg" title="Too hot for long pants" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shortpants friendliness</td></tr>
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But most of the trail was out in the open and passed trails like the one above. You'd have to be constantly looking out for thorns and nettles.</div>
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In the heat of the afternoon we arrived at Han, famous for it's caves. We enjoyed cold drinks and fries (one needs the salt, no?) under the awnings of the terrace.<br />
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<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/9383198123_45204e2e94_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ice Tea in Han" border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/9383198123_45204e2e94_b.jpg" title="Ice Tea in Han" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/9383191339_efc020cae4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Drying socks on the Huckepack" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/9383191339_efc020cae4_b.jpg" title="Drying socks on the Huckepack" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweaty socks dry quicly on a Huckepack</td></tr>
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We hoped it had gotten a bit cooler when we left but the sun was still burning so the caps and piz buin came out once more.</div>
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We left Han and soon came out on an asphalt road. It was so serene: no sound, cows eating slowly and a stale blue sky. A bit later we were sweating like we had never sweat before on a firm climb up a forest road.</div>
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At 19:00 you'd think it would cool down a bit but nope </div>
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Luckily the view was enormous.<br />
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<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2865/9383184451_4f21bc3921_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="View GR 577" border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2865/9383184451_4f21bc3921_b.jpg" title="View GR 577" /></a></div>
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Which was an excellent spot to take the best picture of the trip:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3742/9383162373_49bba32e95_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="L'amour dans les Ardennes" border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3742/9383162373_49bba32e95_c.jpg" title="L'amour dans les Ardennes" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L'amour dans les Ardennes</td></tr>
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Who goes up, must go down. And in the Ardennes, not seldom this goes via a rocky path. </div>
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We found a camping spot quite late, it was after eight I believe. Just outside Resteigne, next to a river.</div>
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We ate couscous with curry and corn and dampness was settling in while we gazed at stars and clouds.<br />
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Day 3 </h4>
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Rising after a better nights sleep with once again the sun. Despite that it was a cooler morning. I could wear my windjacket for at least half an hour.<br />
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<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/9383155243_73e170d952_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Story of the Mornign glory" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/9383155243_73e170d952_c.jpg" title="Story of the Mornign glory" /></a></div>
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The Tarptent was quite wet, as was our gear.<br />
The hot morning had some very nice views but soon enough we were getting near Wellin.<br />
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<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/9386092552_614a2bc99c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="panorama Wellin" border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/9386092552_614a2bc99c_b.jpg" title="panorama Wellin" /></a></div>
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We marched on, realising we'd arrive way ahead of schedule. I estimated we'd be there around 17:00 but in fact at 10:00 we were already sat on a terrace. No fries though. At 11 o'clock we took the bus to Jemelle train station and got home around 15:00, just in time to see our new king ;).<br />
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Hope you enjoyed reading it!<br />
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<h4>
I do have one more question</h4>
Since it was so hot on this trip, I didn't really liked the way my shorts felt. What are your opinions on wearing a running short (above knee, but not too high) for the GR 20? <br />
And if anyone knows a breathier option than polyester briefs I'd be very happy to hear.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-12917652172050062172013-05-28T19:39:00.003+02:002013-08-08T14:56:58.155+02:00First Look: OMM Sonic Smock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When you are reading this text, my wind jacket is probably on its way back to England. A Small was too - well - small for me so I will exchange it for a Medium. But please, let's get on with the First Look.<br />
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<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3822/9389037561_ef65ed31b0_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="OMM sonic smock" border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3822/9389037561_ef65ed31b0_c.jpg" title="OMM sonic smock" /></a></div>
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The feel, fit and cut</h3>
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It felt surprisingly soft against my skin. I expected the fabric to me more sticky, more like a suffocating foil. But it isn't, it's like a cotton tee, just made out of oil and a bit crinklier. No problems wearing this piece next to skin.</div>
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<b>The fit </b>is sporty, that means quite high on the hips and no bagginess. A small did come above my belt, so that's too short for me whereas the back was long enough. </div>
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The high back was too tight for me, when I stretched both arms I felt the fabric was not going to go any further.<br />
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<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7422/9389040579_dde6d44dab_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Obviously, the back" border="0" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7422/9389040579_dde6d44dab_c.jpg" title="Obviously, the back" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>The collar</b>, now that was a nice surprise. It's a snug fit to avoid heat loss and it was so high I could protect my neck up to were my jaw begins. Big credits for this move because too many mainstream manufacturers get away with a loose neck.<br />
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<b>The sleeves</b> are nice and tight around the arms (damn, I do like tight don't I?). The cuffs are elasticated and are not loose around the wrist. I cannot roll them up past my elbow.<br />
But you can't have the one without the other, unless you have velcro.<br />
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There is no diamond gusset so it does creep up a bit when reaching up.<br />
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Overall the cut and fit is really good and I was surprised about how well it was designed.<br />
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<h3>
Some details</h3>
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<b>Thumb loops</b> are present and they are well cut. The sleeves are long enough to make it possible using them and they enclose your palm well.<br />
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<b>Reflection </b>is well integrated and not to flashy or striking in daylight. Just some dots on the sleeve, the logo's on the chest and lower back and Pertex branding on the right shoulder.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2827/9389035663_a00b12bb07_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Thumb loops sonic smock" border="0" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2827/9389035663_a00b12bb07_z.jpg" title="Thumb loops sonic smock" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thumb loops and reflection</td></tr>
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<b>Zipping </b>it up is smooth.<br />
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<b>Storing </b>the jacket in the collar. It's a nice feat and it excludes the need for a stuff sack (oh God no, extra grams). There is also a little velcro patch keeping everything inside and the small pouch has the OMM reflective logo.<br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>The draw cord</b> only tightens the back and that's smart design: It saves weight (about half of a hem cord) and the front stays nice and flat.<br />
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<h3>
Specifications</h3>
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<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7320/9389036455_6f96138c27_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Reflective Pertex branding" border="0" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7320/9389036455_6f96138c27_z.jpg" title="Reflective Pertex branding" width="400" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Fabric</b>: Pertex Quantum fabric. Waterresistant DWR finish, 100% windproof and -so they say- very breathable.</li>
<li><b>Weight</b>: A superlight 56 grams (with elastic). It even falls like a feather. </li>
<li><b>Cost</b>: I paid €68 and I found a Medium for €60. Bought it via Wiggle and I am content with their service.</li>
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<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5337/9389038155_127af1bd9f_c.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="getting the ol' Teraillon out again" border="0" height="400" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5337/9389038155_127af1bd9f_c.jpg" title="getting the ol' Teraillon out again" width="300" /></a></div>
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<u>Update: Medium size</u></h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/9463264539_fdc9bb9aa1_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The OMM sonic smock fit" border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/9463264539_fdc9bb9aa1_c.jpg" title="Sonick Smock Fit" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fit of a Medium</td></tr>
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I received my Medium sized smock and the fit is way better. I can pull it on easier, The back doesn't feel like ripping when I stretch my arms forward and the front falls a bit lower.</div>
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I feared a medium would be to baggy and the arms too long but that is not the case. </div>
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I did notices some <b>differences</b>: The collar does not have a velcro strip to keep the jacket in place. It is something I miss because it bulges out a bit. Also is the OMM logo missing on the collar. For nostalgia, I look at the photo <a href="http://hikinginfinland.com/2013/07/outdoor-news-iii.html" target="_blank">Hendrik </a>took of it (scroll down to the OMM booth).</div>
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Also the inner 'tag' is different. On the small smock the info was printed directly on the fabric. Here, it's printed on a tiny piece of plastic which is 'glued'/melted on the fabric. </div>
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<b>The weight:</b> A medium weighs<b> 63gram</b> (+7 gram compared to an S). So it's still featherlight.</div>
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Size advice</b>: I'm 178 cm tall (179 in the morning ;) and weigh on average 65 kg. I'm not broad built, heck not even athletic. A medium is my size here (I normally have a small).</div>
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<u>Disclaimer</u><i>: I bought the OMM Sonic Smock online with own funds. OMM nor Wiggle nor the nice guys of Might Contain Nuts endorsed or pushed me to write this.</i><br />
<i>All the opinions you've read are based on a quick fitting and no outdoor use.</i><br />
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Thank you for reading!<br />
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<b><br /></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-25106928068373837032013-02-26T18:26:00.003+01:002013-04-13T17:00:53.091+02:00First Look: Eastpak Kruizer Velow Messenger BagNot all reviews or in this case, a first look, have to revolve around hiking gear in my opinion. And since this is my blog I can do whatever the heck I like :p .<br />
I do a lot of biking to get to places or just for the sport of it and hence I thought I'd share my first look on my newly acquired Eastpak Kruizer Velow, a whole mouthful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJt_SVhRB5X53U6xPcyf4TvIDeUEcgyMh4CBsEViwiJBc9-EqnltYVkuurgfG4jORdMdS_qszN7KcGXWSoLWRhlTdba_FephGimIbVjbs1eCxdtEfshOc3Mt9lQkvcTzOpHv-gePM8pIg/s1600/Eastpak+Kruizer+on+back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Eastpak Kruizer on my back" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJt_SVhRB5X53U6xPcyf4TvIDeUEcgyMh4CBsEViwiJBc9-EqnltYVkuurgfG4jORdMdS_qszN7KcGXWSoLWRhlTdba_FephGimIbVjbs1eCxdtEfshOc3Mt9lQkvcTzOpHv-gePM8pIg/s400/Eastpak+Kruizer+on+back.JPG" title="Eastpak Kruizer on my back" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
After biking for 5 years with a backpack, I was searching something new, something that allowed for quick access and doesn't make my back sweaty on warmer days. On the latter I can't yet say anything because it's still <i>winter* </i>here.<br />
I turned towards messenger bags because I like the way they look and I got inspired by the many death-defying riders wearing them. If they're good for couriers, then a commuter must be pleased by them.<br />
<i><span style="color: #666666;">*for Scandinavian readers: summer</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></i>
When I saw the Kruizer in a store I didn't know Eastpak started a line for the biking crowd, although this isn't too surprising since everything and everyone is jumping on this trend. From Hollywood to H&M, bikes are the environmentally friendly fad. When I tried it on it felt comfortable and secure plus large enough for the things I carry when commuting. A quick search on Amazon yielded a result that costed 30€ less so I choose to kill retail and bought online.<br />
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I'll start by summing up the pro's and cons of the bag but I'm aware that these impressions might change after more rides, I'll update here accordingly then.<br />
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<h3>
The Good Stuff</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcd_-xlJbR7ggcPS2g6XhBhm4BcVkPelPenz1yVLKP2ksKlMaxC3L1t8WUpCxI82qyLRGzUAImI-Hrb5j9Y6ws96t53HlyLiRddU8OyKZgKk-1UA6yjPNv7MjJCkMUQbQh_OW43T4mfKQ/s1600/Reflect.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Kruizer's added safety" border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcd_-xlJbR7ggcPS2g6XhBhm4BcVkPelPenz1yVLKP2ksKlMaxC3L1t8WUpCxI82qyLRGzUAImI-Hrb5j9Y6ws96t53HlyLiRddU8OyKZgKk-1UA6yjPNv7MjJCkMUQbQh_OW43T4mfKQ/s320/Reflect.JPG" title="Eastpak Kruizer reflection" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Reflection!!</b> Yes, I am a fan and yes maybe a little obsessed. But Eastpak definitely brought a smile to my face with these big stripes of grey gold. Placement is well thought out: on the bottom of the bag so they show when you're leaning forward when biking. The little patch on the clasp is just not hidden by my right arm. The reflective cords on the zippers show the attention to detail.</li>
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<ul>
<li><b>2 Openings</b>. One zippered on the back for laptop access and one quick access velcro flap for the main compartment. But essentially, they both end up in the same area, the divider for the laptop is supple enough to push aside.</li>
<li><b>Lots of compartments</b> for cell phone, ballpoints, and other thingies you need and think you need. All zips run very smooth.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6skj1vYlZXRwJXzTVe3OC2WY5MUWwv4LL-IM1Cfs8FqTt5zwyw5TWn7mBZHpEEtRTUOiDsdMmmN7McJuBQ2spPO1I16e_5ccg1p6ajhE5ymtDGwdIuFXhWrPUIf3kndoD5eLkOeumwH4/s1600/Eastpak+Kruizer+Compartments.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Eastpak Kruizer Compartments" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6skj1vYlZXRwJXzTVe3OC2WY5MUWwv4LL-IM1Cfs8FqTt5zwyw5TWn7mBZHpEEtRTUOiDsdMmmN7McJuBQ2spPO1I16e_5ccg1p6ajhE5ymtDGwdIuFXhWrPUIf3kndoD5eLkOeumwH4/s320/Eastpak+Kruizer+Compartments.JPG" title="Eastpak Kruizer review" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0TbyGbJZ8aCCIE_-NCk99nPRwUkfx2U0nNRrWuIXhfQGEQ8Zyg4lB3iV1QrYNYceOJfHF9fnx28CDGiYUgB7EXszx516h-BnYAffF9BXAXZ1TUvFF7J6onq3NshNlinrEl0D4b2896s/s1600/Eastpak+Kruizer+cm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0TbyGbJZ8aCCIE_-NCk99nPRwUkfx2U0nNRrWuIXhfQGEQ8Zyg4lB3iV1QrYNYceOJfHF9fnx28CDGiYUgB7EXszx516h-BnYAffF9BXAXZ1TUvFF7J6onq3NshNlinrEl0D4b2896s/s320/Eastpak+Kruizer+cm.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7 cm of softness</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: center;">Comfortable, broad neoprene shoulder strap</b><span style="text-align: center;">. I have the impression this ups my carrying comfort with a heavy load. Even on bare skin, if you're that way inclined, it's soft enough. Laufbursche has this seat belt like strap like most messenger bags, so I'l be happy to hear what users think about it.</span></li>
<li><b>Easy on and off</b>, the system to loosen and tighten te strap is fast and it needs to be because I take it on and off all the time. A bonus for the messenger design is you don't have to completely take it off, just slide it to the front.</li>
<li><b>Weather resistant</b>: I have not yet had the opportunity to test it in rain but the shell material and design of the bag look like they can handle rain quite well.</li>
</ul>
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<h3>
Things that could be done better</h3>
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<ul>
<li><b>The strap clip</b>: Now, you might think it's easy operable with one hand because it looks that way. But you need two hands, one to hold the strap so to tension the damn thing and the other to loosen it. I think it's the design that's in fault here. On a regular backpack you have these tensioners which you just pull and re-tighten, maybe that would fit better here but it aesthetics won this battle.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirynxHmRfDW97WLYg-TCvqWu2VCtaiWMaYLPhLIOcMgLjhwF4CsvTICmO4ZT9iWdlRzNs27Ytb-RRUuvwsBy5a0-SNHhsHF1Qafu9YvL0a2WVXFKGAdkN_JnMJ6c4rSUKR-XIPeoGzs50/s1600/Eastpak+Kruizer+Clasp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The wicked clasp" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirynxHmRfDW97WLYg-TCvqWu2VCtaiWMaYLPhLIOcMgLjhwF4CsvTICmO4ZT9iWdlRzNs27Ytb-RRUuvwsBy5a0-SNHhsHF1Qafu9YvL0a2WVXFKGAdkN_JnMJ6c4rSUKR-XIPeoGzs50/s400/Eastpak+Kruizer+Clasp.JPG" title="Eastpak Kruizer clasp" width="300" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><b>Cord retention</b>: There is no retention for the main or compartment straps. I don't especially miss it on the main strap, but for some the flapping could be like a Chinese water torture. </li>
<li><b>It <i>just </i>fits A4</b> size paperwork and barely fits a binder. If I were using this for school, I'd go one size up.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPZC3Zc2NZcZc2NE4cY5SKh6zJf5qLHYUaoQz_wW9UqTTKtZ6C-jVfN_OO9olN1jPU5ohIqBh6EsdKj_TkvVa3k7Vt124Db1a5sAtRtIFTiHgPwNEeMRPB-yYxiFHWLB4vVRuBPu5df8/s1600/A4Size.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A small binder (not full of women) just fits the Kruizer, even when zip is closed" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPZC3Zc2NZcZc2NE4cY5SKh6zJf5qLHYUaoQz_wW9UqTTKtZ6C-jVfN_OO9olN1jPU5ohIqBh6EsdKj_TkvVa3k7Vt124Db1a5sAtRtIFTiHgPwNEeMRPB-yYxiFHWLB4vVRuBPu5df8/s400/A4Size.JPG" title="Eastpak Kruizer Velow size" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFyyKtSxig9969drDqalxXuOEjcR8C5saN-K5TckHNFd1oqg5tn8pL7HWZRi_oXKk6JOLqrUWFPTN-IuH3s0x-hlMnGJIlOh2RlFo9d1oj2T9yVdtYGoaLIOiCO-A0nwOdMP1PlEB_mk/s1600/BusPass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bus Pass on the bottom of the Kruizer" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFyyKtSxig9969drDqalxXuOEjcR8C5saN-K5TckHNFd1oqg5tn8pL7HWZRi_oXKk6JOLqrUWFPTN-IuH3s0x-hlMnGJIlOh2RlFo9d1oj2T9yVdtYGoaLIOiCO-A0nwOdMP1PlEB_mk/s320/BusPass.JPG" title="Bus Pass" width="231" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><b>Location of the buss pass</b>, I don't know whether I should find it clever or insane? On the very bottom of the bag, it allows for NFC scanning so you don't have to get it out but here we're still doing things medieval style and actually have to get it out of the bag.</li>
<li><b>A cell phone bag</b> on the main strap would be nice but they don't sell one. A strange move IMHO since some messenger bag manufacturers do offer this.</li>
<li><b>Location of the bike light loop</b>. It's OK if you own a bike like me and sit moderately upright, that way the light shines towards cars behind you. If you're the proud owner of a road racing bike, you're probably more slanted and the light points upwards. A minor thing really, and could be <i>fixed </i>by a loop on the bottom.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4GUe1KtE-wG5YXNfo1PsAECRnM-LaRQmHU1ENYp4HzJMNAj23bjL-5iqdQar34HDTAQyBfcVlF6-Jjnxyye5KsmGjIZCOKrRLPPOLXk6AogPIWSkaX6ukfSNUW0q77gomC4GFh5IAwk/s1600/ThreeBacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Kruizer's reflection while biking" border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4GUe1KtE-wG5YXNfo1PsAECRnM-LaRQmHU1ENYp4HzJMNAj23bjL-5iqdQar34HDTAQyBfcVlF6-Jjnxyye5KsmGjIZCOKrRLPPOLXk6AogPIWSkaX6ukfSNUW0q77gomC4GFh5IAwk/s640/ThreeBacks.jpg" title="Eastpack Velow Kruizer while biking" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<h3>
Some Specs </h3>
<div>
Material: Polyamide</div>
<div>
Weight: 505 gr. according to the site (size S)</div>
<div>
<br />
<h3>
Conclusion</h3>
</div>
The Kruizer has all the bells and whistles a commuter and possibly a courier could want. It hasn't been in my posession for so long so do consider this a first look, when my opinion on something changes, I will jot it down here.<br />
<br />
The added safety of reflection, the broad shoulder strap and "it looks like it will take a beating" got me buying this bag. The fit is a personal thing and to state the obvious: try before you buy (or send it back for free with Amazon). I find it comfortable with moderate weight in it and definitely sufficient for the daily commute. The negatives like cord retention (sow one yourself) or bike light loop positioning are details and I am nitpicking a bit here.<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoyed this write-up. It was nice to take a little side step from hiking gear. Plus, since the product is relatively new, the non stock pics of the bag and some user-based info might be helpful. I know they help me when I'm looking up info about gear.<br />
Lastly, the famous German ultralight <i>couturier </i><a href="http://www.laufbursche-gear.de/" target="_blank"><b>Laufbursche</b><i> </i></a>has a messenger bag in the works which I already saw in his workshop. It'll be nice to see how they compare.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Disclaimer:</i> I bought the <a href="http://www.amazon.de/Eastpak-Schultertasche-KRUIZER-liters-EK17182B/dp/B007SDRP1O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361965059&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Easpak Kruizer Velow</a> via Amazon.de and paid 40 EUR for it.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-65660679577774712842013-01-10T14:51:00.000+01:002013-01-22T18:20:06.748+01:00Extremities Inferno Mitt, a short term reviewI always have cold hands, whether it's summer and 20°C, when I shake hands with someone, they are always surprised of the cold touch. Now it's winter and when temps sometimes drop to a mild -3°C<span style="color: red;"> </span>(although we've been having 6° to 10°C lately!) I like something a bit warmer than <a href="http://hikelighter.blogspot.be/2012/11/gear-review-light-windproof-gloves-from.html" target="_blank">fine windproof liners</a>.<br />
<br />
In comes the Inferno Mitt from Extremities, and I have been them for some time in when it was cold in November/beginning December. So let's see how they performed so far and I'll keep you updated.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MADfTqDbfrI5HRF_hbDZcFJwaZ_tLyBQra0tVMaUxeD9UCDEi0otkgcfmCV_HG2DVHmYshPUqneh7_FX_QRKNCPBxfmVCHM8x_hA7a4Uqg0_zTlrh5FT7FAdJyACdIqc1Cb3xIgN5X8/s1600/Main+2side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Extremities Inferno Mitts" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MADfTqDbfrI5HRF_hbDZcFJwaZ_tLyBQra0tVMaUxeD9UCDEi0otkgcfmCV_HG2DVHmYshPUqneh7_FX_QRKNCPBxfmVCHM8x_hA7a4Uqg0_zTlrh5FT7FAdJyACdIqc1Cb3xIgN5X8/s400/Main+2side.JPG" title="Extremities Inferno Mitts" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
Extremities is a sub brand of Terra Nova, a UK based outdoor gear manufacturer. I am inclined to say they are one of the top-notch brands and well known for their tents like the Laser Comp.<br />
Recently <a href="http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/" target="_blank">their website</a> got a welcome update, it now suits the quality of the product line more than the old site.<br />
<br />
I have had my eyes on some new gloves since my Decathlon pair is now 4 years old and starting to lose heat. I've felt this in Berlin where it was around -20°C for one evening and even with liners my fingers went numb.<br />
A mitt also has the extra bonus of keeping the fingers together, that way they warm each other.<br />
I actually don't miss having my fingers apart. When you think about it, you don't need so much dexterity when walking or biking. Things change when setting up a tent / working on your bike chain that dropped when you slipped and fell because of ice / operating stuff and writing.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Plus Sides </h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQrlAFgkxTOh2LZXL8kxXB5g6V02_xVIupI5U49-JBtM_AIiIRJdCPApFhSz1KbTaV5n2MVAKnmVv-NEKTEbhXWWzcEvnCixfxlDZ65yy4bTG-Hqqi3s2v4n53vXFVfG0VZ6q76Qhd04/s1600/Inferno+Handy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="I love that thing!" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQrlAFgkxTOh2LZXL8kxXB5g6V02_xVIupI5U49-JBtM_AIiIRJdCPApFhSz1KbTaV5n2MVAKnmVv-NEKTEbhXWWzcEvnCixfxlDZ65yy4bTG-Hqqi3s2v4n53vXFVfG0VZ6q76Qhd04/s320/Inferno+Handy.JPG" title="I love that thing!" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Buckle!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>Toasty warm</b>, so they live up to my expectations. Not having fingers have their (minor) downsides but the warmth is more than welcome!</li>
<li><b>Weather resistance</b>, in snow or rain they don't wet in. The outer fabric does stay wet for a long time in a room temperature of about 19°C, but put them on the heating for half an hour and <i>kapow</i>, they'e dry!</li>
<li><b>The buckle</b>, I love the buckle! All other gloves just feature a small plastic hook and it's so tiny and not flexible I almost break my fingers prying them loose. Just imagine doing that with cold and numb fingers. It's a huge design fail and I just can not see why other manufacturers are still doing this.</li>
<li><b>A soft inner</b> makes you immediately feel some warmth when putting them on. The microfiber inner does 'scratch' a little when you have rough hands (but that's what you get from working like a beast :))</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yCTxp2jyj80unQ849RMxF0Hpo4MjI5z1Z6cwH_74ojEz8wBx4a3rLxJkdvbbxfbRorSs6FZjM78exeDHkWtcbL8XJFQv09ai7HchnZKmkp_9bJILfKDAxqEr_-ncFs8QJLJ4Qjd1xTE/s1600/Inferno+Intern.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yCTxp2jyj80unQ849RMxF0Hpo4MjI5z1Z6cwH_74ojEz8wBx4a3rLxJkdvbbxfbRorSs6FZjM78exeDHkWtcbL8XJFQv09ai7HchnZKmkp_9bJILfKDAxqEr_-ncFs8QJLJ4Qjd1xTE/s320/Inferno+Intern.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inner lining</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Down sides</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>Reflective detailing</b>: This is more of a 'want' feature (Dutch speakers will get the pun) but as a biker I feel that every square inch of reflective material can save my life, so I'd like to see some reflective details on there. It could be the orange logo or the two grey dots on the glove. Just to keep some peace of mind. </li>
</ul>
Update (see further below): I think Terra Nova solved this in a newer version. Many thanks!<br /> <br /><br /><ul>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ybpwOIwxzkKC449aZfiYXcUhtkP3hOILSqfj3IJd2gvEA9zr3CD_4hS0T2vpVD1-pGEx9uiLXiI8rzxuukVAcBoKRAAkY2IzLuHjBYiHRNpUHL_v80G2r5ZhGIAclucbgtr5XkYXku8/s1600/Main+inferno.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lot's of space to put reflective details on" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ybpwOIwxzkKC449aZfiYXcUhtkP3hOILSqfj3IJd2gvEA9zr3CD_4hS0T2vpVD1-pGEx9uiLXiI8rzxuukVAcBoKRAAkY2IzLuHjBYiHRNpUHL_v80G2r5ZhGIAclucbgtr5XkYXku8/s320/Main+inferno.JPG" title="Lot's of space to put reflective details on" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Squishy grip</b>: These aren't biking gloves but I use them for it and when biking I find the grip a bit squishy. Holding the handlebars feels like there is some sort of gel cushion between your hand and the bars, this is caused by the thick layer of Primaloft. Changing gears is also a bit less responsive due to this. </li>
<li><b>Moist when working hard</b>. Primaloft was definitely a good choice for the glove because my hands sweat in them. Towards the end of my bike ride they are moist inside and they feel strange. If I grip my handlebars, the outer layer of the gloves stay in place but I pull on my handlebars and so the inner layer does move.This results in a weird twisted and tangled feeling, probably due to the thick insulation. Biking always makes me warm, so I forgive them.</li>
</ul>
Again, these downsides are for biking only and the Inferno Mitt isn't a biking specific glove.</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<h4>
The Specs</h4>
</div>
<div>
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLBcKkVfRkK94jgv393Aqb6KWhscbvJkIp_K3caALGHraUGogwIyjXq8MD362lm9c-vmdKQLaZiI2pLDgkP02JP_5g1uqlmEfXlc0ErAu1yPYHva_n4ScML6kQ4LtbAjdbal_XU4qPb0/s1600/Inferno+Close.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Velcro closure" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLBcKkVfRkK94jgv393Aqb6KWhscbvJkIp_K3caALGHraUGogwIyjXq8MD362lm9c-vmdKQLaZiI2pLDgkP02JP_5g1uqlmEfXlc0ErAu1yPYHva_n4ScML6kQ4LtbAjdbal_XU4qPb0/s200/Inferno+Close.JPG" title="Velcro closure" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgc582P_XYpEvpL0GoXAx_56HjTarjQdv2JyEWdGrkZ5xBGSFjc5eEWRGrs8GuURqLMt4oCsopMWtSDMUJ3NzCT73hjLg3VzldyfbEk3S4zWat581PyLFtvoTp6GcGkuyLJFwBY2VA2HQ/s1600/Thumb+side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="also on the thumb" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgc582P_XYpEvpL0GoXAx_56HjTarjQdv2JyEWdGrkZ5xBGSFjc5eEWRGrs8GuURqLMt4oCsopMWtSDMUJ3NzCT73hjLg3VzldyfbEk3S4zWat581PyLFtvoTp6GcGkuyLJFwBY2VA2HQ/s200/Thumb+side.JPG" title="also on the thumb" width="200" /></a>
<li>They are filled with 140 gr. of PrimaLoft One.</li>
<li>They pack up surprisingly compact. You can squish both mitts in one fist</li>
<li>They are water-resistant, windproof and breathe enough in my opinion.</li>
<li>They have a velcro cuff which is nice and big, so operable with the mitts on (important!).</li>
<li>The palm and inside thumb area feature a grippy and durable surface.</li>
<li>Weight: 132 for the pair (size M)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLVrE71939ZsobKhERrDIINgP7FmzTkDych7VbLy6gheASgTcfF1uu1LCAUTl3NXPyBYfsmovm5MEI9EltzpkgOVWQYPLALqbffrqpkZ46iNPjQeepnMv0Dd04w7vyh4YqJd_AYMC2i4/s1600/Inferno+weight.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLVrE71939ZsobKhERrDIINgP7FmzTkDych7VbLy6gheASgTcfF1uu1LCAUTl3NXPyBYfsmovm5MEI9EltzpkgOVWQYPLALqbffrqpkZ46iNPjQeepnMv0Dd04w7vyh4YqJd_AYMC2i4/s320/Inferno+weight.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div>
<i>Disclaimer:</i><br />
I bought these gloves with a 12€ coupon and the rest of the amount (€30) I paid for myself.</div>
<div>
(so yes this is still an unsponsored and thus unpopular blog :D )<br />
<br />
<b>Update 22/01/2013</b><br />
Well, apparently Terra Nova is a great pupil. Just today I walked into the local AS Adventure and saw some Inferno Mitts there. It seemed like an updated version and yes, the logo is now a bit smaller and reflective. It's high up the wrist where the big X used to be.<br />
A quick search yielded no pics at the moment, sorry, you'll have to believe me.<br />
<br />
Thank you for listening, Terre Nova UK.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-55143744570454048302012-11-27T11:11:00.000+01:002012-11-27T11:11:55.617+01:00Gear Review: Light windproof gloves from 'den Aldi'It's time to write about a pair of gloves that's been my trusty companions for over 3 years.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidU6pWQE4xvk4esQlbPH4o84dNvVokJq0MRt40j_t21se8huOXtJSmiC6ct6LGIwXyqWNjfVRPpI2hw1IPf1kpQCtKDUdwhRhVvayTfDJsxhhLDcJYE3w2pakr2xFDWfOWmi_WnWlxSdI/s1600/Gloves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidU6pWQE4xvk4esQlbPH4o84dNvVokJq0MRt40j_t21se8huOXtJSmiC6ct6LGIwXyqWNjfVRPpI2hw1IPf1kpQCtKDUdwhRhVvayTfDJsxhhLDcJYE3w2pakr2xFDWfOWmi_WnWlxSdI/s400/Gloves.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Windproof Upper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I believe that so many years of use deserve a review, even when they're not from a brand but were bought from Aldi. Sometimes, they sell something usable there, really!<br />
<br />
Alright, time to hit the specs and what I think of them, go and read on...<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
What we are looking at is a great piece of kit every hiker has: shoulder season gloves that are light but give warm hands between 10°C and 2°C. The subject of my review are the Aldi <i>Active Touch-</i>brand gloves that are sometimes in the Aldi folder. Hence, it's not part of their fixed assortment.<br />
The gloves themselves come in different sizes and are had for under €10, that's a bargain in my opinion, given the wealth of liners that go up to €30 or more.<br />
<br />
<h4>
The Specs:</h4>
<div>
Weight: 42 gram / pair</div>
<div>
Colour: Black and it's black only I think</div>
<div>
My Size: 8</div>
<div>
Fabric: Polyester (100%)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The gloves are tight enough around the hand, allowing a good fit. They have just one elasticated band around the wrist, which can't be adjusted. </div>
<div>
They are 100% polyester with a windproof upper and thumb, that fabric has another look and feel as the palm of the glove. Blowing into the fabric, I'd say it's 100% windproof so it lives up to it's promise. </div>
<div>
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<br />
Having them for over 3 years (and losing some, if anyone finds one on the Ben Nevis, it's mine) I know the pro's and cons but first let me say that these gloves have their limitations. They are not waterproof nor have a DWR treatment, so in rain you get drenched and they suck the water up. They do, however, dry quicker than cotton: I'd say 2 hours on the heating does the job if you wring them out.<br />
For biking use, they allow for good grip and a close feel on the bars and shifters and the wind-proofing is in just the places most exposed when racing over the asphalt.<br />
They also join me on hikes, even in conditions around the freezing point I prefer these. Here their compactness and lightness come in as strong points.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Pro's</h4>
<ul>
<li>Light: 42 gr.</li>
<li>Windproof upper and thumb</li>
<li>Cheap</li>
<li>Compact (rolling both up: about the size of a big clementine)</li>
<li>Dry reasonably fast after sweating/rain.</li>
</ul>
<h4>
Cons</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li>No grip</li>
<li>No DWR</li>
<li>Stink a bit after drenched by rain</li>
<li>Cold wrists sometimes (lack of stretch fabric around the wrist)</li>
</ul>
<div>
The most important con for me is that they don't have grip. I really miss some silicone dots on there when I grip something metal (like the middle of my handlebars). I tried seamgrip but the results were nil. </div>
<div>
The other cons are actually something most liner/light gloves have. I accept that they're not waterproof of have DWR, they are still better when wet than no gloves. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I rate the temperature of these gloves from whenever you feel you need gloves, until around the freezing point.</div>
<div>
This is of course your own preference but for colder weather I have bought the Inferno Mitt from Extremities (a review is in draft, waiting for more wear-time).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WO1FEM2Ud2Xe3aqPzQgjGolTeNWQiZryV2o-TGSnHr3vOYRJKq1z0dxOXHf4l_gO_4YRLy7LEdlZ0kp8Zdt-xRsBXVWyUjZ_QHE5_FgW6t9ZMhvbGitL1Zfuujfh8464V4y-29xhDoU/s1600/Glove+inner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WO1FEM2Ud2Xe3aqPzQgjGolTeNWQiZryV2o-TGSnHr3vOYRJKq1z0dxOXHf4l_gO_4YRLy7LEdlZ0kp8Zdt-xRsBXVWyUjZ_QHE5_FgW6t9ZMhvbGitL1Zfuujfh8464V4y-29xhDoU/s320/Glove+inner.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fleece inner</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
<div>
By far and wide, these are my preferred gloves and I love them. They are windproof but not everywhere so they breathe well and don't overheat. They are a good fit and are surprisingly warm for their size thanks to a fleece like inner. And bonus number one: the price. It's awesome that these gloves are cheap. You don't have to worry about losing or damaging one, so feel free to be careless, something I never do with other, branded gear.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuNUHR8Xviy82aTI3dqqOJdefEJocy8PQdzz5kaVHeVoTeaO-EQy_NwMaVt2ckw7yTvvf2an4iMYuWwLGLwvu9Vh2CRHuQ9Cr9l5ADwZw7ksKnh6D5CwPPefyDkmN4vMe0XsJPNNwLQo/s1600/Glove+Frayfinger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuNUHR8Xviy82aTI3dqqOJdefEJocy8PQdzz5kaVHeVoTeaO-EQy_NwMaVt2ckw7yTvvf2an4iMYuWwLGLwvu9Vh2CRHuQ9Cr9l5ADwZw7ksKnh6D5CwPPefyDkmN4vMe0XsJPNNwLQo/s320/Glove+Frayfinger.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the fraying at the fingers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwshhyphenhyphenCeb76mT76D_-eieqOBoyeRZ4oDGqR-SXjvobD7jEqhB31leHDdD5YDwct5OFP7BpSef9I24pr3ZRjdXZZ5Vq0pIHvG-AwnPJpWtwb7Y2ZPYMrSFIo_g5mz2UIqjRwllGaeRgDw/s1600/Glove+Fraypalm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwshhyphenhyphenCeb76mT76D_-eieqOBoyeRZ4oDGqR-SXjvobD7jEqhB31leHDdD5YDwct5OFP7BpSef9I24pr3ZRjdXZZ5Vq0pIHvG-AwnPJpWtwb7Y2ZPYMrSFIo_g5mz2UIqjRwllGaeRgDw/s320/Glove+Fraypalm.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The piling on the palm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Life expectancy of these gloves are 5 years for me (mostly urban use) but I expect you can be happy with 2 years if you use them primarily for trekking. The palms and fingers start fraying a bit after decent usage. The upper and thumb, however, are stronger and need more friction to damage.<br />
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<i>Disclaimer: I paid for these gloves, yes the full 7 euro's or so.</i></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-82037441211487562642012-10-01T10:34:00.001+02:002012-10-01T10:35:45.661+02:00Eifelsteig: The Gear OverviewAs promised you still have to get an overview of the gear we used on <a href="http://hikelighter.blogspot.be/2012/09/hiking-eifelsteig-lighter-roetgen.html" target="_blank">our trip</a>, you can see a gear list further down. Do not count this as a gear review and enjoy :) .<br />
<br />
<b>The Backpack</b><br />
First of all I want to start with the pack, this was my first trip with the Laufbursche Huckepack (Large) and thus my very first trip with an ultralight backpack. It sat comfy and packing it was easy thanks to the brochure that came with it and of course the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDF26eJ2sqU" target="_blank">movie </a>Hendrik made, or this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=316q1Pos58A" target="_blank">example</a>.<br />
<br />
I used my Thermarest Prolite Plus as <i>the burrito</i> and filled it. Trying it on was a revelation: It actually sat very good, I was not in pain and didn't grin over the weight. The HuckePack is a huge improvement over my old pack.<br />
I can now move around, my back is more flexible, and my hip straps don't hurt, in fact I only used them when we just refilled water or to move the weight from my shoulders. Most part of the trip my pack was light enough for shoulders only-carrying.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4epE2k8WVKvvDS7MjpznkIl-v5F4dZyY2_u-Lz3tG_4lKiTLLHoGPndwbSWQFlBZ_EpUrKQaxcrnvCF2wXrvHGiLabzsz1lby9Lx1RUQLKXbOOf3DqdlpXGegIt7i7IHPhovLfjtykho/s1600/IMG_1568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4epE2k8WVKvvDS7MjpznkIl-v5F4dZyY2_u-Lz3tG_4lKiTLLHoGPndwbSWQFlBZ_EpUrKQaxcrnvCF2wXrvHGiLabzsz1lby9Lx1RUQLKXbOOf3DqdlpXGegIt7i7IHPhovLfjtykho/s320/IMG_1568.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The HuckePack on my back <br />
(don't mind the garbage)</td></tr>
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All in all I like the pack a lot! Its quality build, its details and its simplicity. I did need getting used to the lid because the sides are sewn on the the pack, still trying to figure out how to keep it open and upright.<br />
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<b>The DaklaPacks</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGJv2ciPw4u30nvpRdTB7drS-PV3vRj_dNmz_TyFYxAFFEpB-9-iwEkczSa_1QekYEIuZv7EqEuvRGZXwdAPIfI5EAu_hyphenhyphenpQwdhHJOHtYwe6HcKvSfzy3ps52ELsXEHH8s11UG3ssk6Q/s1600/Used+DaklaPack+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGJv2ciPw4u30nvpRdTB7drS-PV3vRj_dNmz_TyFYxAFFEpB-9-iwEkczSa_1QekYEIuZv7EqEuvRGZXwdAPIfI5EAu_hyphenhyphenpQwdhHJOHtYwe6HcKvSfzy3ps52ELsXEHH8s11UG3ssk6Q/s320/Used+DaklaPack+(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2 bottles after the trip</td></tr>
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Performed like a charm. I won't carry bottles anymore! I carried a 1 liter bottle and one 2,5 liter bottle. Next time I'll consider bringing three 1 liter bottles because due to their smaller size you can get them more easily in your pack. Also you don't have to refill the small 1 liter bottle every time.<br />
<br />
The larger bottle takes up lots of space and is a massive brick in your pack. Lots of smaller bottles would resolve this.<br />
Mateusz started selling them now (under the name Faltflaschen) so definitively <a href="http://www.laufbursche-gear.de/accessoires/" target="_blank">check them out</a> and I advise the 1 liters because of the above reasons.<br />
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I had my doubts about durability, and after this first trip, they are gone. No hole or rips, just the plastic getting a bit more crinkly. I still like that they can stand up on their own and that they fit under most water taps (if you fold a little).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGF_P1DamfXdHdqUr3TEFzFJdTSAeUIkQcRt3BOTuLK5b-pyhGuFJ6RF4j4QGeksEzUZN7ONYRo7EJPuUSBAlRRQ_6BbjexwndaaVoJhjSdSAEHzM-nLd5IEryU03y1-FtGqPWry8HhyU/s1600/Used+DaklaPack+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGF_P1DamfXdHdqUr3TEFzFJdTSAeUIkQcRt3BOTuLK5b-pyhGuFJ6RF4j4QGeksEzUZN7ONYRo7EJPuUSBAlRRQ_6BbjexwndaaVoJhjSdSAEHzM-nLd5IEryU03y1-FtGqPWry8HhyU/s320/Used+DaklaPack+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the bottom. No damage at all</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>The Tent</b><br />
Our Tarptent Squall 2 remains a very good buy.<br />
We did have lots of condensation but that's quite normal I was told. Plus I had a towel so it wasn't a problem to dry the tent, the only 'annoying' bit was that our gear and sleeping bag was a bit wet.<br />
When I got home I reread the manual and learned that we should've left the beak open when sleeping, this would've allowed for more airflow. Duly noted!<br />
The pitching was tight every time and when we woke up the tent had sagged a bit. A quick pull on the strings or heightening the poles solved this.<br />
The floor is still slippery as hell but we've overcome this: We tied our mats together (Sarah's mat does not slip) with elasticated cords and cord locks we received with our Laufbursche packs.<br />
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<b>The sleeping bag</b><br />
Sarah ordered an Alpkit Pipedream 600 in the hope of using it often and coping with low temps. And we both feel the bag is up to the job.<br />
We slept under it, zipped open as quilt and draped it over us. I was lucky, getting the side where the hoods sits. We both were warm in it in temps around -2°C, I did wear a winter longsleeve baselayer top and socks. We didn't have much draft as the bag is wide enough to cover us completely and tuck a bit under us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvghOh09svRMT4M54PHLG3D5z1kJ3OuDoHW12PntwtXdjWj7vsRTEjEPW97JMPRiD-tdHbpPge0W05gU9Ib_cDET30RP_uGW9gIQxkn8VapykbttftxtYAeTvLRgjQIkiEFbhAeVx7vY/s1600/IMG_1649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvghOh09svRMT4M54PHLG3D5z1kJ3OuDoHW12PntwtXdjWj7vsRTEjEPW97JMPRiD-tdHbpPge0W05gU9Ib_cDET30RP_uGW9gIQxkn8VapykbttftxtYAeTvLRgjQIkiEFbhAeVx7vY/s400/IMG_1649.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpine dreamin'</td></tr>
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It was damp every morning and every night. We did not dry it on breaks but after we set up camp we lied under it and it dried rather quickly because of our body warmth.<br />
I'm still amazed about how we got that huge pile of down in a tiny stuffsack, I can't say that about my cat's Meow.<br />
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<b>The shoes</b><br />
I wore my Salomon Speedcross 3 again, which is an example wisely followed by another blogger. I'm still very pleased with them. They are grippy, comfortable and lightweight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SgzGP9sKleoeKBUhitVH3UUYDss5mvGRD3Yt0d0sXRRprfrcAYoWlJ-aoNL1vQIpkZp_26bkVMyryRp_ehyvj2U58IcfYF8sYWbivNecBYPcLlAHseWuEq9efjRxFik9C6uedlTiU8A/s1600/IMG_1670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SgzGP9sKleoeKBUhitVH3UUYDss5mvGRD3Yt0d0sXRRprfrcAYoWlJ-aoNL1vQIpkZp_26bkVMyryRp_ehyvj2U58IcfYF8sYWbivNecBYPcLlAHseWuEq9efjRxFik9C6uedlTiU8A/s320/IMG_1670.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I mention they look awesome?</td></tr>
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They dried in less than half an hour. Only the sole is wearing a tiny bit but the upper shows no signs of use. The lacing system is still keeping strong, this was a concern I had, reading about how the system broke on some people. The only comment I have is that towards the end of the day my large toes started hurting a bit. This could be due to descending, will keep an eye on this.<br />
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<b>Socks</b><br />
Aah socks, the warm, protecting and soothing wraparound. The great fitting and soft feeling comrades that take the hard abuse every day. Mine were a gift from Sarah: the Lightweight <a href="http://www.bridgedale.com/men-s-trail-merinofusion-1" target="_blank">MerinoFusion Trail</a> socks and this was the first multi day test for them.<br />
I have to say that I have no complaints. They only showed a bit of wear around the ankle before washing.<br />
I wore them 5 days on end with no washing (yes I know this can cause blisters) and they had just the faintest 'used smell' in the toe area. They got wet from grass and condensation but not from sweat, they are airy enough together with my shoes and the temps were low enough on our trip.<br />
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<b>Clothing system</b><br />
I can be brief about this but I know myself and I won't:<br />
The clothing consisted of 1 longsleeve winter top, above that a polyester t-shirt and depending on the weather a microfleece or sofshell, or both.<br />
Rainy conditions or cold mornings asked for a softshell and my fleece also came in handy for the coldest nights or as a pillow or as a warmer layer when resting.<br />
My pants were the same as I've always used: a polyester based Regatta pair and they still serve me well.<br />
A buff was used in windy conditions or at night and in the mornings.<br />
Gloves were sometimes needed (Sarah had handwarmer pockets), like for folding an iced tent or to hold a frozen pot until we reached a cafe to wash it.<br />
<br />
I found my clothes to be perfect! I was 100% happy. I hiked most of the time in just the baselayer and t-shirt, this gave me warmth and some extra torso insulation together with maximum breathability.<br />
I probably could get away with just the softshell but I enjoyed the soft feeling of fleece in the sleeping bag, in cold cafes and knowing I still had an extra sweater for when I'd get too cold.<br />
<br />
I know my clothing could be more compact or lightweight but this would mean a large investment.<br />
If I could I would've brought for these conditions: A a grid lined baselayer with balaclava hood like the ME Eclipse Hoodie or Rab Baseline Hoodie. For wind protection I'd be satisfied with a light windshell like a Montane Slipstream or a Rab Cirrus. And for camp and cold moments I would choose a down puffy like a Rab Microlight jacket.<br />
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<b>Cooking</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNkJAdRI0W6vd1v_i26zMJ1NEXaC66UqBedVtQXBLHUqUXi6RMtXSlp57yjH_gyJuVGKS9B_ID7KfCJBlwVAaa53lbs2QBvBiHU8Yap9CqWdimBf4SnX9U3sQW0p74ap9C1XAYxHlfJw/s1600/IMG_1638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNkJAdRI0W6vd1v_i26zMJ1NEXaC66UqBedVtQXBLHUqUXi6RMtXSlp57yjH_gyJuVGKS9B_ID7KfCJBlwVAaa53lbs2QBvBiHU8Yap9CqWdimBf4SnX9U3sQW0p74ap9C1XAYxHlfJw/s400/IMG_1638.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unwashed and frozen. </td></tr>
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On this trip the Cat Can Stove came with us again and did a marvelous job, even in a grassy and cold meadow.<br />
I did bring too much fuel, I reckoned 2 full cat cans per meal due to the colder or windier autumn conditions but I got away with half that amount. So next time I'll just bring 15 cl of Ethanol for four cooks.<br />
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The pot is from Decathlon, holds about 1L and weighs 265 grams with pot grip. I'll stick to it. Paying over €50 for 100 grams less is not a priority at this stage.<br />
<br />
Sarah used the spork and I used a long Ti spoon. It kept my fingers from getting mashed potatoes on them. Downside: no more finger licking.<br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Toothpaste</b><br />
Yes this also deserves a proper look :)<br />
I mention toothpaste because I tried to dry some using <a href="http://jjmatheshikes.blogspot.be/2011/04/toothpaste-dots.html" target="_blank">Jermm's Outside</a> recipe but it failed. I guess the aim is to have toothpaste becoming powder but it didn't. It just became a tiny roll of toothpaste and did not start foaming. It could be the wrong toothpaste (Elmex) or maybe I didn't dry it long enough (3 days) but the dots are something to be tested before taken with us in the future. We bought toothpaste in Einruhr for the remainder of the trip.<br />
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<b>The Book</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxm0ne71sNhrWXxJsw7HybACZzNkqW_k4etHC9vZh_djqo0WUi5RumWhOZIkEOf1Giperx2TdQzEhN-hcqmYROg3pCH5kW17z0y9ZdI51gv-awKERQZGtighXI17GfgeoVWD-9IS1rzs/s1600/Eifelsteig+Boek.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxm0ne71sNhrWXxJsw7HybACZzNkqW_k4etHC9vZh_djqo0WUi5RumWhOZIkEOf1Giperx2TdQzEhN-hcqmYROg3pCH5kW17z0y9ZdI51gv-awKERQZGtighXI17GfgeoVWD-9IS1rzs/s320/Eifelsteig+Boek.JPG" width="240" /></a>The moment the decision was made to hike the Eifelsteig was the moment I went to Amazon.de to search for a guide. Delivery would have to be quick since we left Tuesday and I ordered Friday. But like always, Amazon was fast and by Monday morning I received the book.<br />
<br />
It's '<a href="http://www.amazon.de/EifelSteig-Schoeneres-Faltkarte-H%C3%B6henprofile-aktuelleste/dp/3934342280/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349004609&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Eifelsteig, 16 Touren von Aachen nach Trier</a>' by Ulrike Poller and Wolfgang Todt.<br />
Completely in German, has a large foldable map on the back and every tour has its own information like distance, points of interest, restaurants and hotels, transportation and altitude profile.<br />
The detailed description was sometimes read but the general info and data was most handy.<br />
They describe the trail but not detailed enough on places where you need to take a turn but have different options. The guide is abstract like '<i>we head from a green forest up to a broader path further east...</i>' Well that does not provide the info we needed and the small map of each route isn't detailed enough to see what left or what right is meant.<br />
<br />
<u>Plus points</u>: It's light, sturdy and fits in the side pocket of my pants, where it sat the whole trip and remained in good condition.<br />
<u>Could be better</u>: Map of each section could be more detailed. Lack of description of shopping options like supermarkets and bakeries. The points where a turn is confusing should be very clearly explained.<br />
<br />
<b>Light</b><br />
On this trip we took 1 headlamp: my Petzl Tikka Plus. We decided one was enough since it wasn't the deepest of winter yet and we had daylight from 7:15 in the morning until 19:30 in the evening. After that, darkness set in quick. So we only had to cook in the darkness, the tent was always set under the remaining daylight. I'm still very happy with it and the red light was ideal to keep bugs away and to be in 'stealth mode' when we camped close to houses.<br />
For summer use, I'll drop it because I've found a smaller light will even do for middle of the night chores.<br />
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So now we've come to the end of this post I'll share my gear list with you.<br />
Comments are very welcome and please do note that I didn't take the time to translate it all, I did put in brand names sometimes. Also I didn't weigh everything as I should've done. This was due to a small lack of time when we packed.<br />
<br />
Everything with a red box to the side of it was an item we did not use once (First Aid and repair kit excluded).<br />
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<ul>
<li>Olive Oil: Not needed on this trip</li>
<li>Micropur: Water was filled using tap water. No rivers were encountered.</li>
<li>Mini game of cards: Too tired to concentrate on the train. </li>
</ul>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0AuX0KksI0tZwdEtDOGR3LUZVcmg1RU9sN19vZlFjcHc&output=html&widget=true" width="600"></iframe><br />
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Thanks for reading!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-74945450841048097412012-09-28T19:47:00.000+02:002013-07-29T09:16:26.411+02:00Hiking The Eifelsteig Lighter: Roetgen - Nettersheim<div style="text-align: left;">
The vacation started drawing to an end, soon Sarah would be in school and time would become a scarse good. The perfect time frame thus for planning a last longer hike.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1NAJfvp3wAmdm8wpF4qi7ePVpgH5OWm-5mx6NdTdVboYiA1hwRVCRyBAXm35WaeK-HaPJOA6iotDj2PUkvzWF1cmV5XTLhn9Q1Cc5UmSUF8lJxcei0IF2lRSfjL7F21AEUqnKPoVaqk/s1600/Intro+foto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1NAJfvp3wAmdm8wpF4qi7ePVpgH5OWm-5mx6NdTdVboYiA1hwRVCRyBAXm35WaeK-HaPJOA6iotDj2PUkvzWF1cmV5XTLhn9Q1Cc5UmSUF8lJxcei0IF2lRSfjL7F21AEUqnKPoVaqk/s640/Intro+foto.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first camping spot</td></tr>
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Out of many hikes, such as the Wildnis Trail or the Müllerthaler trail, we decided we had time enough to do the first sections of the well known Eifelsteig. We started planning, booked our tickets and packed our bags. </div>
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The lovely autumn spirit mixed with the last of summer made for a splendid setting and we hiked from Roetgen to Nettersheim where a train would take us back home.</div>
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Go ahead and read more about how our 5 day trip was...</div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
20 past 6 in the morning</h4>
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It's a Tuesday and we both feel a few extra hours of sleep would be welcome, nevertheless we got up and started preparing ourselves to leave. The evening before we still had everything lying on the floor, and were up late getting our gear together, packing and repacking to get everything right. I was also very relieved that I received my Laufbursche Huckepack and walking guide on Monday morning, just in time because we both didn't want to put on <a href="http://nl.kapaza.be/west-vlaanderen/jack-wolfskin-escalade-80-trekkingrugzak-67099721.htm">that colossal monster</a> or bad fitting pack on our backs again.</div>
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Sarah also received her Small Huckepack but it did not fit right, and yes we tried lots of carrying options, loosened and tightened each strap but it simply did not fit right. Too bad, since she is eagerly in search of a backpack. I suggested her to take my day pack I use for everyday carry. It's not special but hey it could fit her sleeping mat, Canon DSLR with Hama bag, her Alpkit PipeDream 600 and our diners plus a snack or two. All this weighed an astonishingly light 4,5 kg.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dY4NVIV0bmai1YDE8day0iLCqQzYS7Wz1gAP-fz9YaUmlV07gi0x4g-S30zdvk1dTNOvUFzN0Qn1yzFJbl74dz2At-NZqZOt9cp99s5ZJDEoVOz6vmGSn3sGPoLQWX2_cY4eprRsu6w/s1600/IMG_1550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dY4NVIV0bmai1YDE8day0iLCqQzYS7Wz1gAP-fz9YaUmlV07gi0x4g-S30zdvk1dTNOvUFzN0Qn1yzFJbl74dz2At-NZqZOt9cp99s5ZJDEoVOz6vmGSn3sGPoLQWX2_cY4eprRsu6w/s320/IMG_1550.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trip prep.</td></tr>
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After I was all packed up, I also weighed my pack and it came out around 6,1 kg, this was with everything that's on the pack list (see other post), consumables and 1 liter of water. This weight would grow as we refilled the large <a href="http://hikelighter.blogspot.be/2012/08/ul-hydration-packs-daklapack.html" target="_blank">Daklapack </a>with almost 2,5 liters of water. But we were genuinely proud of the weight we carried and passing by other hikers on the route, carrying traditional packs (and corresponding weights) made us gaze in awe "were we once like <i>that</i>?"<br />
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But now I'll get on with the trip report. <a href="http://hikelighter.blogspot.be/2012/10/eifelsteig-gear-overview.html" target="_blank">Thoughts on gear, spreadsheets and everything else</a> are coming your way, dear reader. (In an appendix post because I apparently have opposite writers block again..)</div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Day 1: Eupen Trainstation - Steling [23,5 km] </h4>
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So after breakfast we headed to the train station and took the 7:50 train to Eupen, a small city near Roetgen. We arrived there around 11:10 and we ate a large sandwich bought from the local mall, already practicing our German. From the station of Eupen we had to walk 12,5 km to the starting point in Roetgen, this path followed trough town, then some asphalt roads, passing houses and already some nice views of the forests and hills. We had some light rain but nothing long lived nor a downpour.<br />
Then we hiked trough a forest road which seemed not to have an ending, it just went on and on, we looked at my Google Maps printouts and assured myself this would only be 3 km but it seemed longer. Oh well, it's vacation, no need to hurry. We arrived in Roetgen in just two and a half hours walking. I guess we really wanted to start... We were in luck to still get a beer and take care of some hot spots in the local pizzeria before it closed around 3 o'clock.</div>
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The short rest gave us renewed energy and on we went to officially start the Eifelsteig. We hiked from 15:15 until 18:15, about 12 km. The nature was beautiful and reminded me so much of the nature from where my aunt lives, also in the Eifel. I still find that nature one of the most scenic and beautiful close by.</div>
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We passed forest roads, walked a long asphalted road (4,5km) because we took the 'All Year Route' instead of the Venn route on duckboards. This was because 1) we did not want to do a detour of 2,5 km and 2) we didn't see the part were the road split :) .<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TFPAEZbnlvh1Awlari62UNo03sqFoXvFgHDhhvpLo1pS4fY_i0yyeIr0_jfXO_UNXbJ7qLwCdX8McY2_b46grJbIa_ytJ5p5hzOW44DU-SA7pcc3hUE_8RxMsLtv2kw93n2qFvXM_S0/s1600/Hunters+Cabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TFPAEZbnlvh1Awlari62UNo03sqFoXvFgHDhhvpLo1pS4fY_i0yyeIr0_jfXO_UNXbJ7qLwCdX8McY2_b46grJbIa_ytJ5p5hzOW44DU-SA7pcc3hUE_8RxMsLtv2kw93n2qFvXM_S0/s640/Hunters+Cabin.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Hunter's Cabin</td></tr>
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After hours on the pavement we took a break which we much needed, seeing <i>fireflies</i> when lying down told me we were pushing quite hard, even on flat ground. But soon enough the road opened up and we were back in forest roads and then reached the most amazing view. It was around 18 o'clock in the evening and we had hiked 23,5 km in one afternoon. If we were going to call it a day, it would be here and now. </div>
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We were on the highest point of the day, and we had full sight to the other side of the valley where there was a small village and tons of windmills, the sight was marvelous. We saw at least another kilometer farther and the sun was still lighting the meadow up. This was in <a href="http://www.meteo-eifel.de/projekte/wetterstation-steling">Steling </a>and it was breathtaking, I tell you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSotU8Lwp5Lmrrg00ahvU4eImocYndAIQ5rTUYGdtZXnUq2DXsBTCKVlpsKuAd1kCMqfhCjt6fJhl0Zu0RH3mx3mOY2CP2yDvz6E5JCICLT-8pGue0qOFCxysOWUePQxW90iKRUlCEWqQ/s1600/Uitzicht+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSotU8Lwp5Lmrrg00ahvU4eImocYndAIQ5rTUYGdtZXnUq2DXsBTCKVlpsKuAd1kCMqfhCjt6fJhl0Zu0RH3mx3mOY2CP2yDvz6E5JCICLT-8pGue0qOFCxysOWUePQxW90iKRUlCEWqQ/s640/Uitzicht+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view on night 1</td></tr>
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We set up camp, enjoyed the view in awe, and then cooked some mashed potatoes. A lovely night followed. </div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Day 2: Steling - Dedenborn [25 km]</h4>
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Well that lovely night was actually quite an experience, we camped very close to a forest and I heard wild pigs for about an hour. It sounded like they were fighting and they made a racket! Luckily they also slept around midnight so I could fall asleep in peace just like Sarah was already doing, no wild pig could get her out of her sleep, not even me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCKCgjOo1orpmdm-47p5NKt6d3xJtXGgZPpSAQhXwjSDDnXX8Lt-vIyIKhrZmSa_b0ZMRtixKBv071qsgCer2FMoVgG-GNpC4Q-5R2len48fC0KZrfvkcuFc5TLgrKcvjGXL6up5sk5Y/s1600/IMG_1597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCKCgjOo1orpmdm-47p5NKt6d3xJtXGgZPpSAQhXwjSDDnXX8Lt-vIyIKhrZmSa_b0ZMRtixKBv071qsgCer2FMoVgG-GNpC4Q-5R2len48fC0KZrfvkcuFc5TLgrKcvjGXL6up5sk5Y/s320/IMG_1597.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Waking up with a beautiful view is probably the most rewarding part of a trip for me personally. I truly enjoy staring at the town down the valley with the sun coming up, lightening up the natural scenery, making everything come to life. I got out and walked around camp and took some pics.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx3uPJnXOTsglTvesRUNcCHQq2naayenHLY_rg644zbYFCt8nGo85k8wX3dzk94Rmj4HnoKMf1W9BPCUOpcGMouM5jhPcdiMXkn5ba_0ZjJxkInoP3I3qtCp2-q0MfLSd43eIoTc5JyE/s1600/Ochtend+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx3uPJnXOTsglTvesRUNcCHQq2naayenHLY_rg644zbYFCt8nGo85k8wX3dzk94Rmj4HnoKMf1W9BPCUOpcGMouM5jhPcdiMXkn5ba_0ZjJxkInoP3I3qtCp2-q0MfLSd43eIoTc5JyE/s640/Ochtend+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Squall 2 bathing in the sun<br />
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The morning was warm and sunny and the tent was soon folded neatly in the stuff sack. We passed Kaiser Karls Bettstatt, climbed on the lookout tower and past a small town called Mützenich. 3,5 km later we were in Monschau and had already hiked for 6 km without breakfast (which wasn't a problem). Monschau is known for its timber framing houses or <i>Fachwerkhäuser</i>, it's the only style one sees there. </div>
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We had breakfast at noon in a bakery (I love German bakeries: they have so much choice, they are always cozy and you can eat in. Plus: as a hiker you don't have to skimp on calories, doubting between two delicious things? Just take both!) where we also refilled on water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1bAs3axWjaiUPNpOZUD9wni3yOO_oGdImEB_cze7M0i0D4juhPJAshxEv09Ywafi4RXwr1AJRpb3NeAbygIkZrjAZ_1ussPJISkec45X7NNqyjHV0FmcPCPadQ0wbmEAVcOCDVspiZQ/s1600/Ontbijt+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1bAs3axWjaiUPNpOZUD9wni3yOO_oGdImEB_cze7M0i0D4juhPJAshxEv09Ywafi4RXwr1AJRpb3NeAbygIkZrjAZ_1ussPJISkec45X7NNqyjHV0FmcPCPadQ0wbmEAVcOCDVspiZQ/s400/Ontbijt+1.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do not skimp on the chocolate!</td></tr>
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It was around 1 in the afternoon when we set out again, to Höfen this time. It was a firm climb and we passed and got passed by a group of dayhikers. They were older and much slower on the climb, even with Sarahs foot becoming a bit painful we made good speed. Her feet were hurting and they kept hurting the whole trip. It was a mystery to us because she had worn her hiking shoes for almost 1,5 years now without a problem.
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In Höfen we enjoyed a deserved half liter of Weissbier and by 15:45 we were hiking again. The path was sometimes not that well marked, we encountered a left arrow were you could take a left on flat ground or a left that leaded upwards... To exclude doubt we split up and hiked both routes until we saw a marking. Apparently we had to take the flat route and we sadly lost half an hour finding this out. Then it was a very hard piece of route, with lots of steep climbs and downhills (both movements ached Sarahs feet a lot but she has this thing with pain... she won't say it, does not show it and would even up the tempo not to lag behind).</div>
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After we left Monschau 12,5 km behind us we were looking for a place to camp. Not much luck since we were now in a forest with a small road. No place for a tent and a terrain that's too steep. Around 18:30 my internal clock starts shouting to set up camp and I admit feeling uneasy knowing darkness sets in fast this time of year. We were both glad and relieved to find a camping spot at 7 o'clock in the evening, in a lush meadow again, 1,5 km from Dedenborn. We quickly set up the tent because the sun was already behind a hill.<br />
After installing us, we lied down and rested, almost falling asleep... And then started boiling water to make our favorite (but heavy) trip diner: Couscous with curry sauce and corn. It was already very cold outside of the sleeping bag, my feet were getting wet from the grass and the sky was clear so it promised to be a starry but cold night.</div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Day 3: Dedenborn - Gemünd [23 km]</h4>
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Our predictions were right, it was a cold night but we were warm enough under a zipped open PipeDream 600. We were awoken by the sound of breathing... a heavy kind of breathing, it was outside the tent. And then a low thump, like someone dropped a wood block on grass. We raised from the quilt and heard lots of thumps and more breathing, as if we startled something. It revealed to be a whole group of cows, they surrounded us! This was definitely a funny sight (luckily no bulls), seeing all those cows in a circle around the tent, watching us as if a UFO had landed. We were still under the down as they came closer, inspecting us, photos were of course taken :) .<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1blbebSY4MIwvapGUY5XtBY-aTYl1dVyKGNmpbhgR63XWt61IBOZzb2-lUe7yVbqHG5YUKA6lwAsIK-RDmiPOIDs_8VHsWVLm5jTE0aLl4t_rEg2BlSWvKmNiqC0KmH3m34mHYwUyvRQ/s1600/Koeienochtend1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1blbebSY4MIwvapGUY5XtBY-aTYl1dVyKGNmpbhgR63XWt61IBOZzb2-lUe7yVbqHG5YUKA6lwAsIK-RDmiPOIDs_8VHsWVLm5jTE0aLl4t_rEg2BlSWvKmNiqC0KmH3m34mHYwUyvRQ/s640/Koeienochtend1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good<i>moooh</i>ning</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCFUQuPZB5C7xbiaKYNgx0x5_v3xGWpTN-Ci1KaxQmHygR_xxg2ZStl_CCEPe323FBdSvKURE2v6MyAhv3bGxAqViIBvZgfHSiAwMPBVxweYn-NBqAjF5zV5afo8n7r45xe6sG5dhVUU/s1600/IMG_1620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCFUQuPZB5C7xbiaKYNgx0x5_v3xGWpTN-Ci1KaxQmHygR_xxg2ZStl_CCEPe323FBdSvKURE2v6MyAhv3bGxAqViIBvZgfHSiAwMPBVxweYn-NBqAjF5zV5afo8n7r45xe6sG5dhVUU/s400/IMG_1620.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No privacy was given to us</td></tr>
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We stayed a bit in the tent and soon enough the cows headed towards another part of the meadow, not looking back. We cleared everything from the terrain and tried to get a soaking wet tent (from condensation) into the sack. This was a bit of a 'challenge' but no big deal. Each morning we had condensation water dripping all over us and our gear, wetting the quilt and sleeping mats but also pants or sweaters lying on the tent floor.</div>
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The tent and cooking gear that was outside was even frozen, the beauty of frost on gear absolutely compensates the cold hands one gets from cleaning it all up.<br />
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We were on our way to Einruhr, still 5,5 km away from us. But the hike was lovely, lots of views, especially on a high plateau near Dedenborn where we looked down on a quiet valley town. The morning sun coming up and defrosting everything, the absolute silence in the forests that time of the day. It's that kind of magic I was hoping to find on our trip. </div>
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At 10 in the morning we arrived in Einruhr and after some confusion about finding the bakery we finally got there. We bought some bread there and hoped we could eat it there because they had seats and tables but no, the madam of <a href="https://plus.google.com/110995474248317203935/about?gl=be&hl=nl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shop + Coffee S. Bexten</a> in the Rurstraße 54 decides we had to go outside because oh dear oh lord we were going to use their tables and those tables are only for...well customers. Guess she had a fit.</div>
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We ate breakfast outside and then went in a cafe for some morning drinks, a coffee would be welcome to heat us up a bit and we still had to wash up our cooking pot from yesterday. In cafe <a href="http://www.cafe-zur-post-einruhr.de/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zur Post </a>we were very welcome and kindly greeted by the staff. It was a cozy cafe and from behind my cup I saw the morning sun getting stronger, we were getting good weather today.</div>
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After that we went up a flight of stairs which brought us back on trail, we brushed our teeth and soon we were climbing our way into a forest, leaving Einruhr below us. We passed a plaque on trail which showed us the different routes there and to our surprise, there was a much shorter route to Wollseifen than the Eifelsteig. You can get an idea <a href="http://hanskosterwandelroutes.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/nr-002-map1.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, we took the red route directly to Wollseifen instead of going up and following the water. This saved us at least 8 km and we would surely reach Vogelsang before closing time (5 o'clock) so we could have a meal there. </div>
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Before reaching Wollseifen, which is a training base for the army to simulate street fighting conditions, we had spectacular views all around us. We were lucky it was a clear day and saw wide and far. Being virtually alone, apart from 2 other hikers, we were in Wonderland.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd76J_T-nuOQ473cogfN0V92tJe9PjVyTLSFniCBB30o8sdGVoOAmOckOP_2RfMe7p-oiwXH1Jv-qLl52yE-uuDWwPxaAPboMoQm17QKTQVJRzo4J9yfdgSZlqTH2oy6ZlngFcGLQL5EU/s1600/IMG_1626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd76J_T-nuOQ473cogfN0V92tJe9PjVyTLSFniCBB30o8sdGVoOAmOckOP_2RfMe7p-oiwXH1Jv-qLl52yE-uuDWwPxaAPboMoQm17QKTQVJRzo4J9yfdgSZlqTH2oy6ZlngFcGLQL5EU/s640/IMG_1626.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great view!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0iMsPKu4axmaL0MEG72Iis0FWJzRzs1kyXFPOnzB4-XAe0KiUveSBP_NTobkjKTKs50uNnRrHQO708-5Gtpfe2qOEPzE2o6ZGhgaf76gwmNwfxU5B8-yW9REePdU_7qTWZGFdMJYm80/s1600/IMG_1630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0iMsPKu4axmaL0MEG72Iis0FWJzRzs1kyXFPOnzB4-XAe0KiUveSBP_NTobkjKTKs50uNnRrHQO708-5Gtpfe2qOEPzE2o6ZGhgaf76gwmNwfxU5B8-yW9REePdU_7qTWZGFdMJYm80/s640/IMG_1630.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
This trip has 3 high points and all three are in a open, meadow-like area without trees so you can look 360° around you. There's one at Wollseifen, one after Vogelsang and one called 'Modenhübel' were you can see a nearby village (Morsbach?).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In Vogelsang we rested and had some Currywurst with fries and beers, this is German cuisine at its best in my opinion. No better way to fuel two hungry hikers.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
After the break we headed on and came to the last view of the trip, we already saw the evening sun settling in over the small villages, a farmer doing the last chores of the day and I was totally ready to set up camp. Only problem was that it was a bit early, only 5 o'clock and still 5 km away from Gemünd. So we hiked on and we shouldn't have because Sarahs foot was getting worse by the moment. The descents were painful and speed was low. It was the wrong decision to hike on, we should've called it a day were there was place to camp, because now we were once again in the forest.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We finally reached some open space near Gemünd, the sun was again setting quickly and Sarah was understandably fed up with the painful hiking. We took off the backpacks and rested a bit, I walked around and saw a fine piece of grass near a water purification station, out of sight and still quite open. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Curious? Enter "50.575259, 6.474798" in <a href="https://maps.google.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Google maps</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I walked back with the good news and the last 2 minutes of walking were undertaken.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The tent was again still dripping wet but nothing a PackTowl can't handle. I wiped it dry as a desert and got our mats who were lying outside in an effort to dry them in the last sun. No cigar, the temps were too low and the sun gone. So our tried and trusted method of drying gear with body heat came back. We lied down with the quilt on top of us. This way it still dried out for the most part.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was getting cooler at around 20:00 and we were both not hungry (remember the Currywurst?). Still we thought it would be smart to eat something warm to fall asleep warm and not to wake up in the middle of the night feeling cold and hungry, because I am not making no midnight mash.</div>
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<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Day 4: Gemünd - Steinfeld [20,2 km]</h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ice on the tent when we wake up, wow must have been a cold night, I thought I felt a cold draft on my legs but I slept well, Sarah did too. Again heaps of condensation, when I got up to put some trousers on, all the drops came running down and spraying the down bag and waking my significant other. Oh well, it's autumn for something and we have a towel with us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cS_qBemvD2OR0kkEOR0GETwhmQmoiDuK2qLmO4llvYVCJAzFMEKNpasyFx7Eht8zC_gHBs1AjB1un7gZr2CoYn_l1_D0XMyd-SkLundCI8F1GaXycqSyMFwQcc1G668pacoMfUh79wM/s1600/IMG_1642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cS_qBemvD2OR0kkEOR0GETwhmQmoiDuK2qLmO4llvYVCJAzFMEKNpasyFx7Eht8zC_gHBs1AjB1un7gZr2CoYn_l1_D0XMyd-SkLundCI8F1GaXycqSyMFwQcc1G668pacoMfUh79wM/s640/IMG_1642.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn morning</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDEOUdZcZ8vshlczSTJUTHg5dFR8yeDGVl4Pf6_5EbPPgS2hEePX4gvR3WBaIi2VM37eTZE9b3bzL5z_PW3jHNYSKcv0BHnFzCM_7IaBJjHukQwU9VTXoEsd2q0HW9suY5MWc_HAxPS0/s1600/IMG_1643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDEOUdZcZ8vshlczSTJUTHg5dFR8yeDGVl4Pf6_5EbPPgS2hEePX4gvR3WBaIi2VM37eTZE9b3bzL5z_PW3jHNYSKcv0BHnFzCM_7IaBJjHukQwU9VTXoEsd2q0HW9suY5MWc_HAxPS0/s640/IMG_1643.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
With gloves on I fold the tent and we head out to Gemünd which is only 2,2 km away due to our walking yesterday. Lots of folks walking their dogs on the way and the morning stays cold for long, the sun is out but the path runs in the shadow. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Soon enough we arrive in the city centre, a proper city this time. Even with a small main street, bakeries, and also an outdoor shop. In the local supermarket REWE we bought our breakfast and some extra snacks and bread for today and tomorrow. We then stopped in a bakery in the main street for some juice and to do some washing up and refilling water. Very nice people there, we can't remember the name but it was in the Dreiborner Strasse and the white building on <a href="http://www.panoramio.com/photo_explorer#view=photo&position=2507&with_photo_id=58038245&order=date_desc&user=443230" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this picture</a>. By now I look like I'm obsessed with German bakeries, and that, dear reader, is a correct observation of you :) .</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
This wasn't a very spectacular walk, a bit on the dull side as a matter of fact. The town of Golbach wasn't much more than one closed cafe, so we paused briefly on a bench there and then went on. Hiking the 3km between Golbach and the intersection with the L 203 was not so interesting, it was flat and just hard forest road. A quick pace was held until we reached nicer regions towards the end of the hike. Open fields, far views and a sneek peek at the Steinfeld monastery was all in the last 3 km to Steinfeld. But they seemed endless, not because it was dull but because we were hungry. We even saved our hunger a bit because we expected a town with maybe a pizzeria or a fast food restaurant. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Drooling whilst hiking and fantasizing about food led us to the center of Steinfeld where there was... nothing. Nothing at all, just the monastery and a restaurant. We had some 15 euros left in cash and were hoping we would encounter a bank or could pay with our card. But nope, no luck here. Thankfully Germany is a cheap country to eat out and with the last cash we each still had a small meal and beers! We were enjoying the warmth and comfort of the cafe and I took the liberty of refilling water to cook that evening. We were both a bit knackered by now and feeling like we didn't want to hike all that much today. It was getting grey and rainy outside too.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
So we did the smart thing, walked another 400 meters and set up camp on a nice piece of grass. The morning walk would show that we were right to camp there because it was 3 km of forest until the next 'campable' spot.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A look at the walking guide showed us we still had to hike another 10 km by 13:00 tomorrow. We didn't take no risk and set our alarm around 7:15 so we could start early, because you never know how fast or slow we would move.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The sky turned pink before the darkness set in and right after I cooked our meal the wind picked up heavily. I was glad I was done cooking and we could enjoy the warmth of the sleeping bag altough it was noticably warmer than previous nights. The last night in the tent...</div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Day 5: Steinfeld - Nettersheim [10 km]</h4>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Rise and shine! Both feeling fresh and awake we ate breakfast in the tent for once and then started packing in, it's weird but on the last day of a trip I always feel more energetic. And so did Sarah, given we were both singing and joking. It was a rainy morning, but nothing much, just an occasional drizzle that didn't affect the mood.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The morning was beautiful, even if the sun waited long to come out. We particularly enjoyed the mist hanging around the open fields. We passed lots of hunter-cabins that morning and hiked trough diverse terrain, from open meadows to thick forests. After 3 km we reached a viewpoint so we could take a last glance at Steinfeld.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The terrain was fairly easy and flat most part and we made very good speed, the signs with the km's on them were counting down fast, which motivated us even more. We even shared a piece of road with the Roman Canal Route. The sun had by now overcome the fog and was piercing through the forest leaves, showing nice patching of light and painting streaks of morning glory.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Eventually, Nettersheim came within sight, but first a small and unnecessary detour led us trough a small forest before entering the centre. And there it was, the end of our trip, we arrived around 10:30 which was more than enough on time. So we had time for a pita, a half liter of delicious celebratory Weissbier and we bought our tickets to go back to Aachen.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The train was on time at 13:30 and from Aachen we went to Eupen and then home. All in all a trip that took 7 hours to get home but so worth it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhce86o1fqtsgbnsz6oc469-G4eABuILJ3Qmk7qrcQLhSjyYqRexBSsf-xz9ihxW5rIyNwBMDtjCR6DcF_acT0HMmvE8bqNAmwQ39FCv8mq3rUidI00OBOMbbq2fFuctIl3Pjpyb1lBC_k/s1600/IMG_1674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhce86o1fqtsgbnsz6oc469-G4eABuILJ3Qmk7qrcQLhSjyYqRexBSsf-xz9ihxW5rIyNwBMDtjCR6DcF_acT0HMmvE8bqNAmwQ39FCv8mq3rUidI00OBOMbbq2fFuctIl3Pjpyb1lBC_k/s400/IMG_1674.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welkenraedt</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Thank you very very much for reading! Feel free to comment, ask or share some of your insights.</div>
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<br />
<h4>
Some side notes:</h4>
-Primo: There are not much photos of the hike itself because we took a DSLR with us. It was Sarahs Canon and it is a heavy piece of equipment. Because of this it spent most of the time in the backpack, even on our necks it was dangling around and hitting our chest. So we took most pictures in camp or rarely on a break. In the future I will see if I can get a compact camera which has similar picture quality. (I already have one on my mind)<br />
<br />
-Secundo: We didn't hike <i>that</i> much kilometers per day because of two things. One is that Sarah had the foot issues. We still didn't know what caused it. The shoes? Maybe. The fast and long first day that asked too much of her feet? Could be. <br />
Secondly: the terrain itself is not flat, it's sometimes steep with long climbs or some firm descents. We didn't run down and we hiked on a normal, relaxed pace most of the time.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-58626450752230482222012-08-23T17:00:00.000+02:002012-08-23T17:00:07.739+02:00UL Hydration Packs: Daklapack Hello dear reader,<br />
<br />
Today I would like to share a new hydration system with you. Well, not really a system, more like a Platy Bottle but I think it might be better because it is a) cheaper and b) lighter.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipabcaVDTIc4_aK7zMT_TpSX7e1ZTSMQVn0YUF6dL6b5vLWfcnXz-PjiuyZpJjm4S8n8Ae59vvdbmzvgx8MKdRii4MOqcXa-eVMtiToDhegILZc2Vrcly1dreQLUizHhvez2d2T81EILw/s1600/DSC08816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipabcaVDTIc4_aK7zMT_TpSX7e1ZTSMQVn0YUF6dL6b5vLWfcnXz-PjiuyZpJjm4S8n8Ae59vvdbmzvgx8MKdRii4MOqcXa-eVMtiToDhegILZc2Vrcly1dreQLUizHhvez2d2T81EILw/s640/DSC08816.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2,5L and 1L Daklapack Spoutbag</td></tr>
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<br />
Put everything aside and read on to learn more<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I got the idea during my visit to laufbursche, when I tried a pack on he filled them with soft water bottles and I noticed something I hadn't seen before. A quick peek at the bottom said 'Daklapack' so once home, I started searching the internet. I came across their site which was Belgian, that was good news, maybe they sell them here? When I looked a bit further I saw to my surprise they had their offices in Kortrijk, 3km from where I live, well that's swell! For sure they could sell me some spoutbags right?<br />
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I went browsing in their <a href="http://publishit2010.massa.netivity.nl/Show.aspx?name=catalogus-2012-be" target="_blank">catalog </a>and on page 64 and 66 I saw what I was searching for, a transparent spoutbag. It came in different sizes: 1L, 2,5L, 5L, etc. I promptly emailed Daklapack to ask them how I could buy some (standard orders are around 500 pieces, yikes!) and they answered quickly they would send me some samples from the desired sizes.<br />
<br />
Sure enough, a few days later I received 3x1 liter bags and 2x2,5 liter bags, just as ordered. It even had a card on it saying "best regards, the Daklapack team", how sweet! Best part of it all: they were free!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-3LzQZaN9NzVNGuDY0-d7ygThzMytN7n7JR4Ob4Oj8nUETLklnOm0doX9IZEvss3RVgdj9VJUfWCbYfmooV91AyVSCNC2aUEuGW1RigfQQ9qWxqpY1bGjFp3Fg0Y90m3LFFDCm-P0yE/s1600/DSC08820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-3LzQZaN9NzVNGuDY0-d7ygThzMytN7n7JR4Ob4Oj8nUETLklnOm0doX9IZEvss3RVgdj9VJUfWCbYfmooV91AyVSCNC2aUEuGW1RigfQQ9qWxqpY1bGjFp3Fg0Y90m3LFFDCm-P0yE/s400/DSC08820.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The order has arrived!</td></tr>
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<h4>
The Pros and Cons</h4>
In this part I will compare the Daklapacks with their primary competitor, the Platy Bottle from Cascade Designs.<br />
<br />
Platy Bottles are made of are made fr<span style="font-family: inherit;">om <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 11px;">Polyethylene, which I think is a soft plastic but still strong. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 11px;">Daklapacks are made from PET plastic. The spout internal diameter is 10,6mm, so it's like a drinking sized </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 11px;">cap. You do have to be precise when filling them, because that's the only opening.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 11px;">I have noticed no additional flavour of the water I put in them, so I guess they are taste free (as it should be </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 11px;">since they are made to hold beverages and other liquids).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 11px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 11px;">I also like the grip on the 2,5 liter version, it comes in very handy and allows fore easy carrying.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 11px;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14yEbV2tKwPO1z7ETT8tZagonbIC2xfgTQIRu1s9B_EMlzB64C5RLyDqjahnVQjrtEAHby0-e-Nj51EgtidGwnVQTFtp05s7wuqK0uv1uvyhLYo88arpDftqTfhJAMA73GA9Aj9aipPw/s1600/DSC08817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14yEbV2tKwPO1z7ETT8tZagonbIC2xfgTQIRu1s9B_EMlzB64C5RLyDqjahnVQjrtEAHby0-e-Nj51EgtidGwnVQTFtp05s7wuqK0uv1uvyhLYo88arpDftqTfhJAMA73GA9Aj9aipPw/s320/DSC08817.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grip on the 2,5 liter bag</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 11px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 11px;">Furthermore they feature a bell-bottom so they can stand up on their own.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 11px;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rKeThFbLHAocmyyEqVb67lWjTylmrau-ORrUmhDVD2uK9HFqrjnpN2ubJNIsQKPex_Tli1Ju9irEi7fl7wsQtjWL21ShTo2GFoyuu-busGcOmPNl9ln3bAboDSzM8Slq1vp5jO7ELRo/s1600/DSC08818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rKeThFbLHAocmyyEqVb67lWjTylmrau-ORrUmhDVD2uK9HFqrjnpN2ubJNIsQKPex_Tli1Ju9irEi7fl7wsQtjWL21ShTo2GFoyuu-busGcOmPNl9ln3bAboDSzM8Slq1vp5jO7ELRo/s320/DSC08818.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bell-Bottom on the 1L bottle</td></tr>
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<br /><div>
The disadvantages I noticed first hand(further testing will come in the form of a trip:)) are that the bags have a small opening for refilling, the plastic is not so soft, it gets kinda crinkly especially at the bottom. Also, I am afraid that one of the crinkles will become a fold and then it'll start to leak. I will be on the lookout for that to happen. </div>
<div>
Finally I would like say that they are hard to dry. I leave them in the sun, upside down and bottom-up and still moisture remains. Note that the Platy Bottle also has this problem and on their site FAQ they advise to turn the bottle upside down, let the bottle get some volume and air dry.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCMfC_L9y4pZUFzunKmvR-lEJ8R9BsHkjo_rTSuGp5wJmzOo8zk8wZvO7DO7wzQMNzoxnkzYvHR7i_ALyEz0UYxqYPfYF_6493_Q4mK1wkXJ8MtTuVPyCxu2WE-eCzNPvASMpye63HCY/s1600/DSC08824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCMfC_L9y4pZUFzunKmvR-lEJ8R9BsHkjo_rTSuGp5wJmzOo8zk8wZvO7DO7wzQMNzoxnkzYvHR7i_ALyEz0UYxqYPfYF_6493_Q4mK1wkXJ8MtTuVPyCxu2WE-eCzNPvASMpye63HCY/s320/DSC08824.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come on dry already!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /><h4>
Weight</h4>
<div>
This part got me all excited! Can a free bottle be as light as a well designed Platy Bottle, made by a team of outdoor enthusiasts? (hint: scroll up or down for the answer)</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaq8QU7lG3KOadB1c-jBbIbcU4YK4IsM2tVlGfKt0qthTZIdsR6cuW2tpHlk_MfVYSbPhyphenhyphennHVEU_r6SXkC9TWrYpl4MHATqyMl224PHiZcSS_eRykCVgbNDSY3wepEXL0JXqySADa1BM/s1600/DSC08822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaq8QU7lG3KOadB1c-jBbIbcU4YK4IsM2tVlGfKt0qthTZIdsR6cuW2tpHlk_MfVYSbPhyphenhyphennHVEU_r6SXkC9TWrYpl4MHATqyMl224PHiZcSS_eRykCVgbNDSY3wepEXL0JXqySADa1BM/s400/DSC08822.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 1L bottle weighs 16 grams</td></tr>
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<div>
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<div>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 11px;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloBIpITCq10K-xsrIq5xs30LzddZQ06aRtI-o0G1ir6IGcGxMgTFgOUdKkXg5EL8JAtgGaxO1arWoII7GWJt2qcZCaGmp739oVunyDu_vdt5CynxC50QsCeTry0h883aFkoMaoVPjrrQ/s1600/DSC08823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloBIpITCq10K-xsrIq5xs30LzddZQ06aRtI-o0G1ir6IGcGxMgTFgOUdKkXg5EL8JAtgGaxO1arWoII7GWJt2qcZCaGmp739oVunyDu_vdt5CynxC50QsCeTry0h883aFkoMaoVPjrrQ/s400/DSC08823.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2,5L bag weighs in at 27 grams <br />(fear not: the rubber band is not included)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 11px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 11px;">Apparently 'yes' is the answer. Amazingly enough, the 2,5 Liter bag, even with the grip and so, weighs less than the 2 liter Platy Bottle (36g).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 11px;">The 1 liter bottle weighs a fraction of the 1 liter Plusbottle (38g).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 11px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 11px;">I was quite amazed by these findings, but hey the better for me!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 11px;"><br /></span></span>
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<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 11px;">Dimensions</span></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 11px;">The dimensions of the 2,5 liter bag are:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 11px;">Height: 31 cm (on the highest point, not the spout)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 11px;">Width: 22 cm</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 11px;">Bottom when fully loaded: 11,5 cm wide</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 11px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 11px;">The 1 liter bottle has follow measurements:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 11px;">Height: 23 cm</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 11px;">Width: 16,5 cm</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 11px;">Bottom when fully loaded: 8,5 cm wide.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 11px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 11px;">So I hope you liked this sneak peek at my future means of water transport, feel free to ask me more in the comments.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 11px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-44830532098426455402012-08-19T12:40:00.002+02:002012-08-20T13:53:22.876+02:00A Visit to the Laufbursche WorkshopIt's Saturday morning, the 11th august, and the train is leaving at 7:50, an early rise thus for a much awaited visit to the Laufbursche workshop in Cologne.<br />
<br />
Get to know the man who makes <a href="http://www.laufbursche-gear.de/" target="_blank">great stuff</a>, learn some tips and get some inside info, all after the break.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
We had breakfast and left as soon as we were ready, taking the train from Kortrijk to Ghent, then to Liège where a Thalys brought us to Cologne.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9Lj5dyf3h8r7gu1iltfvQZbhyphenhyphens7O56hWxyjxWsCPo-EkfbdZQxXoNexdJfC7o-ySQyV3WtXzkueGyD0wLwYtVIjEzqPrCUFaMKrByGn2etAGtB1TIq3BD3oCAY0EqcOqFygCB7ML0t8/s1600/K%C3%B6ln.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9Lj5dyf3h8r7gu1iltfvQZbhyphenhyphens7O56hWxyjxWsCPo-EkfbdZQxXoNexdJfC7o-ySQyV3WtXzkueGyD0wLwYtVIjEzqPrCUFaMKrByGn2etAGtB1TIq3BD3oCAY0EqcOqFygCB7ML0t8/s320/K%C3%B6ln.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Liège to Cologne</td></tr>
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It was around 11:15 when we arrived there and walked around a bit, it was the first time in Cologne for both of us. Entering the city center we started searching for a bar because we longed for a nice big German beer, which we deserved after such a trip. Plus we still had time, we agreed to meet up in the afternoon. After some pizza we headed back to the trainstation because the metro would bring us from there to the neighbourhood where Mateusz has his workshop.<br />
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It was already a bit on the late side and eventually 14:45 until we reached his place. Upon arrival we discovered he doesn't have a doorbell so we rang someone random and reached a photostudio in that building. When we explained we were looking for someone who makes backpacks, the friendly man took the elevator with us and showed us that Mateusz worked downstairs. So we entered and it was exactly like I had seen on photo's in blogs. A clean, sleek and minimal workshop with three to four sewing tables and Mateusz sitting at the last one, working.<br />
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I was happy to see three backpacks in his workshop. One Huckepäckchen, and two Huckepacks (medium and large). All filled with foam pads, sleeping quilts and/or paper to give them some shape. They were prettier looking than the pictures on his site.<br />
A friendly greeting ensued (with a firm handshake) and he offered us some freshly brewed coffee. We had some small talk about the trip and why we were a bit on the late side.<br />
Soon enough I was trying on a pack with some weight in the form of water in it and with the advice of Mateusz we concluded that a Large Huckepack would fit me best. It was a whopping difference with my old backpack, my god what whas I thinking buying such a monster pack.<br />
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A small Huckepack was not in stock because he only sold 3 of those in his whole career but it was a pity that there wasn't one for Sarah to try on. It has to be said that that was a bit of a letdown, we visited him to get a decent fit and try-on. Especially Sarah looked forward to have a sure feeling about the fit before she bought one, she does not want to make the same mistake as with the Decathlon pack. But Mateusz could only tell us that a Small was the right size for her and apologized (multiple times) that he did not have one for her in his shop.<br />
<br />
My overall impression of Mateusz is that he's a really nice guy, friendly and helpful. He was enthusiastic about his products, we talked about American cottages, which he clearly was not fond of and talked about some trips. I was impressed about how little he takes and needs. This man is clearly in the UL zone, for an overnighter he barely needs more than a shoulder bag! And for a full on winter trip he takes around 5kg.<br />
There is clearly lots to learn from this man, and I can start aspiring such weights too.<br />
What I already have learned is that a sleeping bag should be last in your pack. That way it can loft and you can get it out to dry whenever you take a break. A great tip and it shows that <a href="http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/loading-backpack/_jcr_content/images/image0.img.jpg/Parts%20of%20a%20pack.jpg" target="_blank">traditional backpacking-sense</a> does not hold the truth.<br />
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<h4>
When a pack has <i>Laufbursche </i>on it, it has to be perfect</h4>
Furthermore we talked a bit about the Lavvu, it was the tent I was going to buy if it was in the shops before summer and not too expensive. Mateusz told us the materials were a pain to get his hands on, the gluing of cuben was extremely difficult and the production cost is around 500 euro. So I can see why shelters are not for now...<br />
We also had some inside info but that's under embargo so I will shut up about it. What I can tell you is that I was impressed with the shoulder bags he makes. They look very clean and functional for commuters. Plus they are reversible so you get two colors for the price of one. They feature a belt that looks like a seat belt and a tiny waist cord to keep the bag in place whilst biking (again, the genius is in the details).<br />
<br />
Mateusz is a hard working man and you definitely feel the passion and craftsmanship he has for his products. He assembles them with the greatest care, has an extensive material knowledge and eye for detail. He wants nothing but the best (aah German precision!) and it's tale-telling that when he hired some personnel for sewing he still did everything by himself, the staff weren't sewing perfectly and when a pack has "<i>laufbursche</i>" on it, it has to be.<br />
As an architect he now works 7 days a week in the shop to assemble the packs and lower the waiting time. We also got a preview of the 2013 packs but that will remain a secret for now ;)<br />
<br />
On a final note he also told me that we should be buying, or at least looking more into European products because also Europe needs some stimulation for it's economy at the moment. I will keep it in mind when thinking about new products because it does hold truth, on US sites you always come across a proud "made in the USA" banner, maybe we should start looking more closely what our continent has to offer. But then again, lots of stuff gets made in China.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HbVcbKK5jFnUesWBJ6BLzxb5vjaF5jFxRquB2Sn7LFy7WPY5JpskddBlSjvF5SzzFVoxs3c0TKqCujh6C_vKNHcmwc7j39oFd7QqLzTjAYhLF_aI4x_2uh0dB6ug4ZW31ckxF9PMy_k/s1600/DSC08812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HbVcbKK5jFnUesWBJ6BLzxb5vjaF5jFxRquB2Sn7LFy7WPY5JpskddBlSjvF5SzzFVoxs3c0TKqCujh6C_vKNHcmwc7j39oFd7QqLzTjAYhLF_aI4x_2uh0dB6ug4ZW31ckxF9PMy_k/s400/DSC08812.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The three heavy duty X-PACs and 1 lighter fabric</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
That was about it, unfortunately we couldn't stay long because we still had to get home for other obligations.<br />
As a goodbye gift I could choose any samples of fabric I wanted, he had everything in stock. I chose some X-PAC VX21 in different colors and the waterproof and light VX03. (for a full rundown of all the fabrics, go <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AuX0KksI0tZwdFJTMzdvSkRpdzJoNzZZd3NDbWV1dmc" target="_blank">here</a>)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1jp4lFkNKY-QQHx0b26hKfCuIQT7-3tMTtx7KK_09aT8n2u2wVE5lTw-f8jWyFHIw4TiytuLRi_ozhSC7kHtc0DSvHHqlm5u7o02QNJ2GvWrpRdoPTRmzA89eaWFnG4QKdGYL7epuVA/s1600/DSC08814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1jp4lFkNKY-QQHx0b26hKfCuIQT7-3tMTtx7KK_09aT8n2u2wVE5lTw-f8jWyFHIw4TiytuLRi_ozhSC7kHtc0DSvHHqlm5u7o02QNJ2GvWrpRdoPTRmzA89eaWFnG4QKdGYL7epuVA/s320/DSC08814.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The colors do match rather well</td></tr>
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<br />
We both enjoyed the visit and meeting the man who will make our backpacks. Yes, we both ordered one and be sure I will keep you, posted, dear reader, I'm excited too ;)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-17206733437203854552012-08-08T16:09:00.000+02:002012-08-10T14:10:53.888+02:00Laufbursche and his BackpackHey everyone, this will be a short post which I write mainly because I'm going to visit Mateusz in his shop in Cologne this Saturday.<br />
I'm still thinking of a Huckepack to become my main backpack after spending too much time with a heavy pack. I dread to put it on once more so a visit to the Laufbursche workshop cannot come soon enough for me and my girlfriend.<br />
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Read on and get 1 free spreadsheet of all his fabrics ;) (that has to work to get you in)<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
Our visit will be a short one but we'll get a chance to try on some packs. This is very important for me because I cannot seem to get a right measurement of my back, so it's safer to just try it on.<br />
Sarah also wants to try one on because she has absolutely had it with her Decathlon pack that fits her very oddly. However tight she pulls the straps, the backpack is just not clinging firmly to her back.<br />
<br />
So yes, a Laufbursche quality built backpack chock-full of German craftsmanship sounds like music to our ears. Reading all the <a href="http://hikinginfinland.com/2011/05/one-rucksack-to-rule-them-all.html" target="_blank">great </a><a href="http://www.backpackingnorth.com/2010/11/first-impressions-laufbursche-huckepack.html" target="_blank">reviews </a>in blogs it definitely deserves a closer look! I will keep you updated about how the visit was.<br />
<br />
In the meantime I am thinking about a custom pack but I'm worried it would affect the waiting time. I think I'll only look into changing fabrics if this doesn't mean I have to wait a lot longer. If anyone has some suggestions, feel free to post. I've already looked into the (awesome) custom packs <a href="http://www.laufbursche-gear.de/backpacks/custom-made/" target="_blank">on his site</a> for some inspiration. What I would get is a <a href="http://www.extremtextil.de/catalog/Side-Release-Buckle-20mm-with-whistle-Jet-SR::1547.html" target="_blank">whistle </a>sternum clip (7,7g.) instead of the standard one if that's possible.<br />
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Now maybe something that can come in handy for everyone thinking about a Huckepack and possibly the reason why you've read on, dear reader: a spreadsheet (UL'ers love spreadsheets right?) comparing all the fabrics Laufbursche has.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0AuX0KksI0tZwdFJTMzdvSkRpdzJoNzZZd3NDbWV1dmc&single=true&gid=0&output=html&widget=true" width="500"></iframe>c<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AuX0KksI0tZwdFJTMzdvSkRpdzJoNzZZd3NDbWV1dmc" target="_blank">Download link</a> for a full size view :)<br />
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Thank you for reading!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-70898200034092902062012-07-31T10:49:00.002+02:002012-08-10T14:19:15.570+02:00UL Gear for Tour Du Mont BlancAs promised on Twitter I visited my friend and ofcourse had a chat about the gear he bought for his trip to the Mont Blanc.<br />
<br />
I've known Jonas some years now and he was the first one to bring up UL hiking, it is because of him that I know who Andrew Skurka and "<a href="http://dzjow.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">den Dzjow</a>" is and ever since we both admire their spirit and adventures. We've been on some trips together and he brings something new every time, I consider him a proper gearhead because of the frequency he updates his kit.<br />
Jonas has also done some solo trips not far from home and the Tour du Mont Blanc was his first big trip alone. But it's a good preparation because in september he's going to study in Rovaniemi until december, and when in Finland one has to go hiking. I'm trying to convince him to get a Twitter and/or a blog but he's just not that interested in being social online, which he compensates more than enough in real life (ask any bouncer in Ghent :D ).<br />
<br />
"<i>Enough with the intro, we're here for the gear!</i>" I hear you, dear reader, and because you've managed to rhyme three times in one sentence I'll carry on to the gear part.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I do apologize for the picture quality, I only had my cell phone with me, the camera is on a trip to Austria for the moment :/ . When I get better pics they'll be up here, you can count on it.<br />
<br />
<h4>
The Tent: MLD Solomid</h4>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg175z965vTEDANwxGGhyiT7Y9XANagXOqMvpMcZ45FxCf6ozmHSpaeI_629gJ1sfTVGNjhNqs2qiVjq0MU3W2yF0BnQUsGETy9cmx2MHmXOxosQ5Jk0a0AlWFszUtq2S1zJY__Kax_C68/s1600/MLD+Solomid+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg175z965vTEDANwxGGhyiT7Y9XANagXOqMvpMcZ45FxCf6ozmHSpaeI_629gJ1sfTVGNjhNqs2qiVjq0MU3W2yF0BnQUsGETy9cmx2MHmXOxosQ5Jk0a0AlWFszUtq2S1zJY__Kax_C68/s400/MLD+Solomid+(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MLD Solomid, in is backyard</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the same tent Skurka uses and I can see why. The weight is very low, build quality and detailing like waterproof zippers, excellent bug perimeter (also in the notch) and very nice stakes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Jonas said the tent kept him dry and sheltered even in some storms with high winds in the mountains. He was a bit wary to lie against the aluminium poles when it started thundering.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All in all, I definitely like the cocooning effect of the tent and I think he's made a great choice here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_1K7uzqbqtVsTdHyJH9mQeqQ8VUH6nyF_Wu6zMf-sgYdw11yvKzvztcR9Lbwl7QjYRwN9dcQlfMYPlzRMcYqnwBStYrYGmZcGRYWwTridpPOht5r_ygLUnWX4p9H6FKY9hlcbpg9WF8/s1600/MLD+Solomid+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_1K7uzqbqtVsTdHyJH9mQeqQ8VUH6nyF_Wu6zMf-sgYdw11yvKzvztcR9Lbwl7QjYRwN9dcQlfMYPlzRMcYqnwBStYrYGmZcGRYWwTridpPOht5r_ygLUnWX4p9H6FKY9hlcbpg9WF8/s320/MLD+Solomid+(4).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0e6QXhUlaQwQEqWRWFIGKWhv84ORK6NeC80ADDz-yYC6VkLPhQO24OrQOij4suI3UWgWrY-43FzXa_2XJFAPOVae5rcjsBt3xubQeLzpM6d-c5uu0kO9xIzDCanE76sEBYN-0eXnPsFY/s1600/MLD+Solomid+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0e6QXhUlaQwQEqWRWFIGKWhv84ORK6NeC80ADDz-yYC6VkLPhQO24OrQOij4suI3UWgWrY-43FzXa_2XJFAPOVae5rcjsBt3xubQeLzpM6d-c5uu0kO9xIzDCanE76sEBYN-0eXnPsFY/s320/MLD+Solomid+(3).jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solomid closed up</td></tr>
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<h4>
The Shoes: Adidas Riot 4</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-Zpk8r-RKFaEFCJ-dlzOracdP_kjplbu0GkcKo8sxpDD8b9KhpjKzThuF6TlL4Di5_FAnpA2ECY-JR_R5qVFovRl01L07bcdoTkM23GDxhTjBizDGIPjil2rWN2vtGVLbNH5-bCRxrI/s1600/Adidas+Riot+4+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-Zpk8r-RKFaEFCJ-dlzOracdP_kjplbu0GkcKo8sxpDD8b9KhpjKzThuF6TlL4Di5_FAnpA2ECY-JR_R5qVFovRl01L07bcdoTkM23GDxhTjBizDGIPjil2rWN2vtGVLbNH5-bCRxrI/s400/Adidas+Riot+4+(3).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The color is already a bit faded</td></tr>
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You don't get a lot of choice when you head out to buy trailrunners some 2 days before your plane takes off. The locals and fellow hikers all had their eyes on the brightly colored footwear as he passed, not to mention at the airport. But he's very pleased with how the shoes performed, he says they were grippy and comfortable, they of course do not feature the GTX membrane.<br />
They went over the late ice fields in the mountains and supported his feet while he ran (!) during long descents. No blisters, no scuffing, although that probably also has much to do with his Smartwool socks.<br />
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<h4>
Backpack: ULA Catalyst</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqFK6nc5wB6evqEZjspWgu0-FLASEwPJXX-7OjIeHnVhkven3ETrevVGG1tYwC0KWJTWQS6Ra1unQJTsYAczPMlBDvOHbqhuvNCyYTeWz982WHyhPE4KFEpKnuLYUgig1t1mxb1opets/s1600/ULA+Catalyst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqFK6nc5wB6evqEZjspWgu0-FLASEwPJXX-7OjIeHnVhkven3ETrevVGG1tYwC0KWJTWQS6Ra1unQJTsYAczPMlBDvOHbqhuvNCyYTeWz982WHyhPE4KFEpKnuLYUgig1t1mxb1opets/s400/ULA+Catalyst.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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He already owned the ULA Catalyst and had some trips with it and is still very pleased with it. Within the first months of purchase, every time we spoke about backpacks he told me about the fit of his ULA, it was absolutely fantastic, as if it was glued to his back. And I can't say he's lying, we are about the same length and when I fitted it, it sat bomb tight. I would not even mind running in it, it just does not move around. At all. I hope I also find a pack so good (<a href="http://www.laufbursche-gear.de/backpacks/huckepack/" target="_blank">but I'm on to one</a>).<br />
He's very pleased with the back panel and also the service of ULA, who emailed him multiple times for his measurements to get that perfect fit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWsbrb-yGG-5mPb-evyPOa8oX6-oosS_A0-yeRsACKfyY51VH8uGkOWvSZCcleFn9g7TFq5DqPbdZ4FUmbbmFY0Xo2QTcNZsOnYGkhDIxyySc8VYKbFtbOZQ3sbkce5m0K-GIlohfH-U/s1600/ULA+Catalyst+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWsbrb-yGG-5mPb-evyPOa8oX6-oosS_A0-yeRsACKfyY51VH8uGkOWvSZCcleFn9g7TFq5DqPbdZ4FUmbbmFY0Xo2QTcNZsOnYGkhDIxyySc8VYKbFtbOZQ3sbkce5m0K-GIlohfH-U/s400/ULA+Catalyst+(2).jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuffed ULA</td></tr>
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<h4>
Hiking Poles: Lidl brand</h4>
Now this was a wise choice IMO, he sought after cheap, sturdy and light poles to hike with and to put up his shelter. Luckily that week they sold poles in the Lidl in our neighborhood and we went to have a look. Altough quality-wise one could be a bit worried but it seemed they held up rather good. They gave him that extra jump with every step on the TMB and did not malfunction once. As for the weight I can't say exactly (I'll update after weighing) but they are not much above my Leki Makalu's, I'd guess around 270-300 gram for 1 pole.<br />
Notice he cut off the straps, which are not needed anyway if you read the <a href="http://hikelighter.blogspot.be/2012/06/good-reads-andrew-skurkas-gear-guide.html" target="_blank">Gear Guide</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYdyim2jeVrJlxOEj3cqx4DB0cEpiq6fxvz4Rj5SkkMCPwuxJr7ipFkc1X7L9i7i5y7cCphI8B5TGhI1EJ-n70UBiNcz9mzX_oUP_vzz3wdEnTtKfGSFvf4kf0ETzrgBZhX_quWCYt50/s1600/Stokken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYdyim2jeVrJlxOEj3cqx4DB0cEpiq6fxvz4Rj5SkkMCPwuxJr7ipFkc1X7L9i7i5y7cCphI8B5TGhI1EJ-n70UBiNcz9mzX_oUP_vzz3wdEnTtKfGSFvf4kf0ETzrgBZhX_quWCYt50/s320/Stokken.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lidl Brand poles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Again, I apologize for the picture quality, I know I shouldn't post something that awful but I guess I just wanted this post up, I had it planned for 2 weeks ago.<br />
I hope you liked it and I will try to convince him to write a guest post about his trip.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-88554687405738616332012-07-25T16:13:00.001+02:002013-02-19T21:15:00.602+01:00Mammut Ultimate Hoody (2010 model) ReviewThis is my first review, and to be honest it is more of a writing exercise than helpful because it's the 2010 model and no longer for sale. There is an updated version of it which solves some of the few issues I've encountered.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU03rXsVUVionAtAMBLo7jRidVoNhXz6Px-JFeGEMyYFG0k1b4YUp7X_HxeQdKW3ocW3gO6tuYKAj8JGD3Np1SQjeYVw0G6fW4ihIFlQRKdtuE-LHk2VaJz-5naktjoHCWxiWsew7bRoA/s1600/Mammut+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU03rXsVUVionAtAMBLo7jRidVoNhXz6Px-JFeGEMyYFG0k1b4YUp7X_HxeQdKW3ocW3gO6tuYKAj8JGD3Np1SQjeYVw0G6fW4ihIFlQRKdtuE-LHk2VaJz-5naktjoHCWxiWsew7bRoA/s320/Mammut+%25286%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing felt weird, so a weird face was allowed</td></tr>
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<br />
I bought the Mammut Ultimate Hoody in 2010 I think in Ghent so I can say this is a long term review. It is my principle jacket from March to October, from 5°C to 20°C. It's been with me on many trips including the Ardennes in winter, wet Scotland and Finland. It keeps me warm and dry in bad weather and in summer it is light enough to wear over a T-shirt when temps go down or the wind picks up.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>This softshell is not a piece of UL kit, at 453 gram for size S I consider it a jacket suited for hiking and everyday life. The reason it's been with me on all my trips is because I liked it's versatility so much, it is both a warm layer + wind shell + well specced jacket + rain resistant shell. It's only when I gave my kit a second look I saw it could be replaced by a fleece and a wind or rain jacket.<br />
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The Mammut Ultimate Hoody is a full Windstopper jacket, wholly made from the Gore fabric. It has a hood with 2 draw cords, 2 pockets up front and 1 inner chest pocket. It has a nice fit, not too loose when only wearing a T-shirt and roomy enough to wear with thick sweaters in the colder months.<br />
It has a DWR finish that has not faded since 1 wash (don't wash gear too often) and does a remarkably good job keeping me dry. It also has some design features like reinforced fabric around the pockets, elbows and draw cords, those grey spots on photo.<br />
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The bonus points:<br />
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<ul>
<li>It kept me dry on a very wet walk up Ben Nevis, I couldn't believe it but my rain jacket leaked like a sieve while the Mammut kept me dry. I also didn't notice a lack of breathability.</li>
<li>It was wet of course but upon arrival at the youth hostel around 4 o'clock it was almost dry to go eat around 7:30.</li>
<li>It has exceptional (Swiss designed / Latvian made) quality, after these years of almost everyday use, packing it in my rucksack, wearing it and hiking in it it shows no signs of wear. Just around the cuffs the fabric starts to raffle a bit, as you see in the photo.</li>
<li>I like the fit of it, it is not too short like the Ultimate Jacket, which for some reason sits 5cm above my waistband. </li>
<li>The pit zips, now these are probably the USP of the jacket, they zip open both ways from the waist unti<span style="background-color: white;">l the upper arm, a very effective way to cool down!</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2Ar4TFrffzNt77aC9MqLNnfkfwVp0MRWINd5Oj9tD6N7nmEPl0VecGq1lKkB5ujCcXlOS0_4tVQBFJiSvnbMYAjdagctN_VIZ6FzmNP5RWZRORhmLLQsIiHbbMiyMcZMTouNv7IfUXg/s1600/Mammut+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2Ar4TFrffzNt77aC9MqLNnfkfwVp0MRWINd5Oj9tD6N7nmEPl0VecGq1lKkB5ujCcXlOS0_4tVQBFJiSvnbMYAjdagctN_VIZ6FzmNP5RWZRORhmLLQsIiHbbMiyMcZMTouNv7IfUXg/s320/Mammut+%25285%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome pit zips :)</td></tr>
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<div>
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<ul>
<li>Another thing that is huge about the softshell is that it has very large pockets, they hold a 1,5L bottle or an umbrella without complaining. This is because the pockets are mesh and are hollow up to the chest part. It also features a little napoleon pocket on the left.</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCVv3zZNkP5XpKvsMw3wiGaZOGcQf8tk4CucefwYqvv4grAz1vBs3aOP50iYB5O6GnHIe3Wms-Z8WilsJRcT3c65GUEGntjGdJw3IUaF6PVwNgBbwagXfSAZZwy7qHsuwt6iR5xP1MT8/s1600/Mammut+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCVv3zZNkP5XpKvsMw3wiGaZOGcQf8tk4CucefwYqvv4grAz1vBs3aOP50iYB5O6GnHIe3Wms-Z8WilsJRcT3c65GUEGntjGdJw3IUaF6PVwNgBbwagXfSAZZwy7qHsuwt6iR5xP1MT8/s320/Mammut+%25284%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge pockets up to chest, also notice pit zips</td></tr>
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<div>
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The minor flaws:<br />
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<ul>
<li>The minor scuffing on the cuffs</li>
</ul>
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCdDmAizbWDL_w4QAupw3eCLxXF12-If9AFFWlhezDwQu96rsql80PMuOICtJrCLCJaJkE7WyRLW-Y5Kq6CMkY3WenOK3z6AF5w5ds2XwsicgxUYWTc4hOfIwu82ERqd71qOU2aY6Kr0/s1600/Mammut+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCdDmAizbWDL_w4QAupw3eCLxXF12-If9AFFWlhezDwQu96rsql80PMuOICtJrCLCJaJkE7WyRLW-Y5Kq6CMkY3WenOK3z6AF5w5ds2XwsicgxUYWTc4hOfIwu82ERqd71qOU2aY6Kr0/s320/Mammut+(7).JPG" width="320" /></a></ul>
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<ul>
<li>The thumb loops stay open, even when not in use. This allows for a pleasurable airflow in hotter weather but when it's cold I wish they could close. This seams to be fixed in the newer update however.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD95pK1tRguy8zhKqryKtiWc3LWv5PNz1mXDCynpQ9NgDpmDJMTdaJNhWf10IlHLjLAUZcLqgQ6foWb9GiBO12ufh3tKv8wMtoiUunyTS3Yirilyo5ICuyzqn6XEzzoH8Gvmp6bEaY8io/s1600/Mammut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD95pK1tRguy8zhKqryKtiWc3LWv5PNz1mXDCynpQ9NgDpmDJMTdaJNhWf10IlHLjLAUZcLqgQ6foWb9GiBO12ufh3tKv8wMtoiUunyTS3Yirilyo5ICuyzqn6XEzzoH8Gvmp6bEaY8io/s320/Mammut.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The thumb loops</td></tr>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>The hood could've been a bit higher so it protects up to my lips, I wished for a more hardshell type hood. But it is a well designed hood with two drawcords.</li>
<li>The zipper is a bit fiddly. I like how all zippers run both ways but I always fumble with the main zip. They do run very smoothly I must say.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_uXAO1ZNj7rje_JSdUUWpq_zvbigNjFlvC-qtTzZ5kqckcx3w6xdhIYRCMM9dmfx3LFCFAXqDLoFuxGkSo0imyfW-w3ZzTDR60Ubf0qfoPpJdKMP05MCBE0-zvemy5vSBhWgfkvZLc0/s1600/Mammut+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_uXAO1ZNj7rje_JSdUUWpq_zvbigNjFlvC-qtTzZ5kqckcx3w6xdhIYRCMM9dmfx3LFCFAXqDLoFuxGkSo0imyfW-w3ZzTDR60Ubf0qfoPpJdKMP05MCBE0-zvemy5vSBhWgfkvZLc0/s320/Mammut+(2).JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hood </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0Pp0OmJyfCAfnzPc6ZuAQCDpK9sJyBxNdSx2_5fv6yeJ5jDQjxi3WNBCWYTh-vhS0DtNzw9i5AIZCsb7-FXJAWSgPMYGA6RUTxgrJK1dQGLr6FCfSvzxxubFyO4Us1eXcLrsSJ5G3ss/s1600/Mammut+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0Pp0OmJyfCAfnzPc6ZuAQCDpK9sJyBxNdSx2_5fv6yeJ5jDQjxi3WNBCWYTh-vhS0DtNzw9i5AIZCsb7-FXJAWSgPMYGA6RUTxgrJK1dQGLr6FCfSvzxxubFyO4Us1eXcLrsSJ5G3ss/s320/Mammut+(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Napoleon Pocket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
So I hope you enjoyed this bit of useless info :) for more <span style="background-color: white;">see: </span><a href="http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/review.php?id=2875" style="background-color: white;">http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/review.php?id=2875</a></div>
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<i>Disclaimer</i>: I bought this jacket with my own funds and am writing this out of my own will. I paid 250 euro then.<br />
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<h3>
Update 1: January 2013</h3>
<div>
I've been using this jacket throughout most of winter and that also means rain. I have to be honest and say that it's started leaking quite badly in conditions that it was never designed for: mild to hard rain.</div>
<div>
All the time my Mammut kept me dry even in these conditions but after years of use, a few washes and a <u>never restored DWR</u>, It indeed started leaking.</div>
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<div>
Especially the arms are sensitive when biking and they whet out after about 15 min's. I'm posting this just to be fair with you and I do emphasize that I'm responsible for this since I have not renewed the DWR. Also, softshells are not designed to be hardshells, in this light it's remarkable that it's done a very good hardshell job. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-65223113044511503512012-07-17T21:37:00.001+02:002012-07-17T21:37:18.153+02:00A Million Biting Bugs - The tale of a Finland trek that became a city tripI'm back home from Finland, landed in Frankfurt Hahn and drove all the way back to Belgium in pouring rain, what a summer it is.<br />
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Before you start reading expecting a report from a trek, I should warn you that this is only a minor report since we had to abort already on day 3 and got back to Tampere instead, the biting bugs were <i>that </i>bad (really!).<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
We landed in Lentoasema Airport not far from Tampere around 17:15 and missed the bus just. That was no big issue since the shops in Tampere have marvelous opening hours (most until 21h). So we tried to hitchhike without luck and then just waited, playing cards in a grass field, enjoying the sun and heat that we don't have in Belgium for the moment.<br />
In Tampere I bought the hiking map of the region, Sinol for the cat can stove and then had a beer on a terrace. We ate pizzas at Napoli, which I recommend because there's a yummy salad bar for starters and tea afterwards. Then we took the last train to Parkano, where we arrived around 02:10, both feeling a bit tired of all the travelling but still admiring the twilight, it is strange for us not to need a light in the middle of the night.<br />
We didn't bother looking for a very nice camping spot, we put the tent up not far from the railway station on rocky soil, so I had to tie the tent to a backpack instead of using a stake.<br />
Whilst putting the tent up we were dancing and hopping around because some zooming and buzzing insects were flying around our heads and hands. I calmed my girlfriend by saying they'd only be active in the evening. <br />
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It came light pretty early and we both slept well and long. The tent was quickly folded back into its stuffsack (biting bugs again) and we started to walk in the warmth of the sun.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFdauW0rJbwUsYhb_XdGdxQHJbE_Hzgv8MjpHnG5ge2UfHInk82BjdPyHBOknF5u9662MWhn24sHeBxSIUrLbl1Hcll2vrQL7Bb4shSEyav2XZpt1065ZWBvm8vL65GTfeoHG1QWexng/s1600/Dirt+road+Parkano.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFdauW0rJbwUsYhb_XdGdxQHJbE_Hzgv8MjpHnG5ge2UfHInk82BjdPyHBOknF5u9662MWhn24sHeBxSIUrLbl1Hcll2vrQL7Bb4shSEyav2XZpt1065ZWBvm8vL65GTfeoHG1QWexng/s320/Dirt+road+Parkano.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dirt road in Parkano</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
An hour or two we walked along the tracks and a dirt road until we arrived at lake Poikkeusjärvi, we had a quick wash there that helped to cool down and feel replenished with energy. We also asked some locals where the hiking route (Paroonin Taival) was and they informed us to follow the red markings, an important bit of info there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_EV_ngPn3LCajzEe3O_zhry_OC9YjoI353U3s2BrK4LDgKUsKjzUZZhMFYonhBD9FuR8bsRU7Jw6Ebxkoz-1M74KCLo0fgs-Pt5lMGJcP26aEBw-Eswn8Au7gqtoojBp0zat-UJCzu0/s1600/Lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_EV_ngPn3LCajzEe3O_zhry_OC9YjoI353U3s2BrK4LDgKUsKjzUZZhMFYonhBD9FuR8bsRU7Jw6Ebxkoz-1M74KCLo0fgs-Pt5lMGJcP26aEBw-Eswn8Au7gqtoojBp0zat-UJCzu0/s400/Lake.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Lake Poikkeusjärvi</span></td></tr>
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Into a thick forest with hardly a path to follow, wacking bushes and getting beaten by branches. But that was fine, it were the horse flies that annoyed us the most. They were constantly on us, on our arms, legs and even in our hair! Even if you'd run run hand over your head they would get back immediately with 4 at a time, buzzing around in your hair, it was almost preposterous. After half an hour of walking while constantly beating off flies we crossed a road where we held a small break to laugh with our situation. Surely this was just a temporary plague in this forest? Whilst hopping around and waving with shirts to get the flies off we saw a car arriving. It was a lady that was going to pick some mushrooms and she was dressed more appropriate, a long jacket with a hood and pants while it was 28°C at least... We asked her if she had a remedy or a trick to keep the bugs off, and she got out an aerosol can of 'Off'. I don't know whether it helped or not, maybe for a short time there were a bit less bugs on us while we walked on.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKKCy86v5LgOQaeMAsAwp09JJUi2pA-22lLPjmdZMipjal9gNy-ZxBc10RAfj8TcLHAnpz3jcS4EcVhq0ho5dF4cQ642v_SVeOSl89UXHDKFcjXqJGV7q8KxXO7sMq1E4QpknzdKshpw/s1600/Me+and+pack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKKCy86v5LgOQaeMAsAwp09JJUi2pA-22lLPjmdZMipjal9gNy-ZxBc10RAfj8TcLHAnpz3jcS4EcVhq0ho5dF4cQ642v_SVeOSl89UXHDKFcjXqJGV7q8KxXO7sMq1E4QpknzdKshpw/s400/Me+and+pack.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'before' photo everyone has. <br />Tent on the outside, luckily no damage.</td></tr>
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<h4>
<span style="background-color: white;">The relentless mosquitoes</span></h4>
Again in the same kind of forest, keep in mind this was the stretch between Parkano and Seitseminen, with hardly a path to follow but with decent marking everywhere so we didn't get all too lost. Alas, the flies were back and this time also a lot of mosquitoes. Since we were both in shorts and t-shirt we exposed a lot of skin for them to bite on. We tried beating them off while walking but they are a relentless kind, the Finnish mosquito, they come back and stay on your leg or arm until you splat them. It's a dirty job but you got to do it...<br />
The path became harder at moments since there was no obvious trail to follow, it felt like we were mostly off trail, but still following the markings on the trees and rocks. That didn't bother us, we even liked it but it was the combination with bugs that made it hard. You couldn't concentrate on the road and had to walk quite fast because if you stood still there were hordes of bugs on us immediately.<br />
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I know we sound so under prepared right now but we got some repellent from friendly locals and that did not work. They also bit trough socks and shirts. So even if we had bug proof clothing, we were still annoyed that we couldn't enjoy a moment of serenity outside, which was a pity considering the awesomeness of the lakes and nature there.<br />
The evening started and we still had a rough time in the forests, finally arriving at what seemed a dirt road. We paused there, walking fast is tiresome you know, and tried all kinds of stuff to keep the bugs off, I even took some dead branches and lit them to make some smoke, this resulted in only minor and short lived relief.<br />
It was around 20:30 and we were still on the road, looking ahead if we'd find a camping spot but we didn't find one quickly. This is where I usually start worrying a bit, I liked to put the tent up a bit earlier than when we arrived at Parkano the other day. Luckily the Finnish daylight is mad long and Sarah eased my worries with her always calm voice, she could keep a crashing airplane in peace.<br />
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After another say 30 minutes we stumbled across an abandoned house and decided to camp there since it was the only piece of grass around. I know this isn't strictly according to the camping rules but I knocked 5times, yelled hello and peeked inside... no one there. Plus we did not leave anything there, just put the tent up, boiled water for mashed potatoes with parmezan cheese which we ate in the bug free haven called Squall 2. <span style="background-color: white;">Whilst getting our cooking gear together I put on my softshell and hood and the bugs were still biting my hands, face, getting into my hood, and even biting trough my socks, relentless Finnish mosquitoes!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">It was rather disturbing watching an army of midges, flies, mosquitoes and even a spider waiting for us on the bug netting. Thank you Sir Henry Shires for making the stitching of the netting absolutely bomb proof so no bug got in!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-qcyVB0dwm7Ls5Lsv_lAv-mDpy3tnHbybcKiRj7OvrLtPZkbrWmabrHqzJZOIner08I6xBcibmRDjOikJzdRvds-AvACzbGMjiW7-Utqij33FWYIq9RRm9oXhorYCidnO2ppV57GU_4/s1600/Bugs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-qcyVB0dwm7Ls5Lsv_lAv-mDpy3tnHbybcKiRj7OvrLtPZkbrWmabrHqzJZOIner08I6xBcibmRDjOikJzdRvds-AvACzbGMjiW7-Utqij33FWYIq9RRm9oXhorYCidnO2ppV57GU_4/s640/Bugs.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bomb Proof netting, thankfully!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In the tent I spoke with Sarah about maybe catching a bus because this wasn't the trip I had planned for. I hoped to enjoy the long evenings outside, sit by the lakes, cook slowly and eat relaxed. I wanted to lie down and peek at the mighty sky and walk while enjoying the views. And it is so sad that we had to give that up because of 1 factor. It seems a small one but really it has so much influence. We didn't count sheep to fall asleep but counted bites. We had a nice average of 50 per leg. Add to that the lower back, neck, face, arms, hands and feet. <span style="background-color: white;">I donated a pint of blood to wildlife, Karma should be topped up until 2013 now.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tKxT3QSPEsO3XOriS9XB5e2oL1OT9WkWoyd3md4IMkz5lssht1XXVrAOL6KJLyHMcCFtMIsT7xZ1ea6sXVDIkoq_1jfjfNQr-RaWnh8Viyi17Q3FOuavvDvivN-s7tfbX-sjwO6QXCM/s1600/Bites+Sarah.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tKxT3QSPEsO3XOriS9XB5e2oL1OT9WkWoyd3md4IMkz5lssht1XXVrAOL6KJLyHMcCFtMIsT7xZ1ea6sXVDIkoq_1jfjfNQr-RaWnh8Viyi17Q3FOuavvDvivN-s7tfbX-sjwO6QXCM/s320/Bites+Sarah.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarahs Arm</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxWzXArSKTrlXFEpjuD9xQgE13HPdEBx28fb-JJdCIcuVKiFWR7u0j3EpxiQyWPYN2rRYSBaTXkfCY7-yg8dXi-hiM6hfj-g9Ru2cC4hl7Iu9m-bgz0YguHRTNrp4WUW2Z1AdILpqNUs/s1600/Beten.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxWzXArSKTrlXFEpjuD9xQgE13HPdEBx28fb-JJdCIcuVKiFWR7u0j3EpxiQyWPYN2rRYSBaTXkfCY7-yg8dXi-hiM6hfj-g9Ru2cC4hl7Iu9m-bgz0YguHRTNrp4WUW2Z1AdILpqNUs/s320/Beten.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And my legs ;)</td></tr>
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The next day we had breakfast in the tent of course and set out quickly with a plan to ask for the nearest bus station to Tampere or Parkano. We asked some locals but they all said there were no busses in the area, we were about 10km away from Seitseminen now. We hiked on, even encountering a small black snake that made Sarah startle (and me laugh) and passing what seemed an industry zone near Majasaarentie.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQrtHRgTDjYLkQ9CBqKMOLPMkdBZ6neLkNJrcePUEsSuU2ciEJMOVP_n1C-fgguXlDalU93ewZ4x37It5V5Cro-mAk_dMe8xg-NDVRqys6_1DIv0VWGrEYC-kXCzlgHVUsqeJCtPqeE4/s1600/Snake%2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQrtHRgTDjYLkQ9CBqKMOLPMkdBZ6neLkNJrcePUEsSuU2ciEJMOVP_n1C-fgguXlDalU93ewZ4x37It5V5Cro-mAk_dMe8xg-NDVRqys6_1DIv0VWGrEYC-kXCzlgHVUsqeJCtPqeE4/s320/Snake%2521.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The awesome hissing snake</td></tr>
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<br />
E<span style="background-color: white;">ventually we came to a long asphalt road (Länsi-Aureentie) were cars drove past us at high speed, ignoring our raised thumbs. In the heat and with motivation running low we walked on. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFddEQUUu3J5UekcDFtVRVBejT0bKTbPGg3LVQjlqeYmrSyNjAcgqjgh3H0aryFxQQRvpFKMfNNbSTHQpXOM1g1X5NRoN-9KyniERNNgWLD_sAK6FkZ6N3iWf7reU1Wz84nytfjUHRiYs/s1600/Long+road.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFddEQUUu3J5UekcDFtVRVBejT0bKTbPGg3LVQjlqeYmrSyNjAcgqjgh3H0aryFxQQRvpFKMfNNbSTHQpXOM1g1X5NRoN-9KyniERNNgWLD_sAK6FkZ6N3iWf7reU1Wz84nytfjUHRiYs/s320/Long+road.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The long road to Seitseminen</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The sign of 1km to Seitseminen seemed to lie about the distance. Or maybe it was our slow pace. A right turn and we entered...another long road until the visitor's center. I did want to get there because surely they would know if there was a bus. We finally arrived and enjoyed the nice center, it was cool there, they had fresh drinks and food and it was bug free. Would they have rooms to let :-) ?</span><br />
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<h4>
To abort a hike...</h4>
A friendly lady at the desk informed us there were no buses but offered to call a taxi instead, I accepted the offer and she made a call in Finnish for me. I wrote a card while waiting and after 20 minutes the cab arrived, taking us to the Parkano railway station. We hopped on the train and arrived in Tampere, the city which I didn't expect to see that soon. But it was wonderful, we both were happy and I still believe we took the best decision.<br />
We found place to sleep in Sofia Hostel, with very friendly personnel I must say, we had a shower and went off to buy city clothes. No need to spend the rest of the trip in hiking apparel.<br />
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To keep things short: we had an awesome time in Tampere, it is a nice city with lots to see. We visited both lakes, had a swim in the Holiday Club Spa, visited Helsinki and made lots of city walks and sat in the park with beers (which seemed like what most inhabitants of Tampere were doing on a sunny day).<br />
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<h4>
<span style="background-color: white;">The gear</span></h4>
Now I did learn a lot from this trip, I used some new gear and had the chance to assess my needs for next trips. So I would like to share with you what gear was great and what I will change next time.<br />
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First off: the <b>Tarptent Squall 2</b>. It got used for only two nights so a full review is not for now but I can give you some impressions. The first night it stayed bone dry, no condensation whatsoever. The second night when we camped on grass, it got wet inside. But a quick towel wipe took most moisture away and when the first hot rays of sunshine hit us is, the tent dried almost instantly. For the rest it pitched perfectly, kept 100% of the bugs out and I feel this is just the tent we wanted. <span style="background-color: white;">I solved the slippery floor issue by applying silicone stripes to my sleeping pad.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqA2JT3vlXjif0udn0297u1Aefzcywm0kyKEUQC598Ak2DaZhigpPrfOtk_8Im33Eb15ui0N5hFzhotYLCPAPBsTeD3av4lLlRcI7QXM9ddw3xV3g0fGtMUpjbmlgjup-hemgQYBdnVU/s1600/Tent.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqA2JT3vlXjif0udn0297u1Aefzcywm0kyKEUQC598Ak2DaZhigpPrfOtk_8Im33Eb15ui0N5hFzhotYLCPAPBsTeD3av4lLlRcI7QXM9ddw3xV3g0fGtMUpjbmlgjup-hemgQYBdnVU/s320/Tent.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a looker!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
My <b>sleeping kit</b> was a bit overkill but since I have only one pad and one bag I had no choice but to bring my Prolite Plus and the winter graded TNF Cat's Meow. The sleeping bag was of course too much, I sweated even when just draping the bag over me. So I'll be on the lookout for a 5°C quilt when budget rises (i.e. get a job) or maybe buy a small and cheap bag and cut the back out... a MYOG quilt if you want.<br />
<b>Backpack</b>: Jack Wolfskin Escalade 80... In lots of UL blogs you see the author with a picture before his 'conversion' to UL-hiking, lugging a big and heavy pack around. Well, I am ashamed to say that I bought this pack only last year, finding out about UL 2months later. It weighs over 3kg <i>empty </i>and has so much features I do not need like an airplane cover, detachable daypack (which I didn't bring), and way too heavy fabric.<br />
It was quite painful lugging it around on my back, with all the food, 1,5 liters of water and a liter of ethanol, it wasn't light at all. I guess more than 17kg. The thickly padded hip belt was fine when wearing it over a fleece but when only in t-shirt it burned my skin and felt like a bruise. I will try selling it and get an UL pack instead.<br />
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By now I had learned I definitely will buy a new pack, I am looking at Laufbursche because I hear they are excellent (<a href="http://www.beuteltiere.org/2010/11/und-er-lauft-und-lauft-und.html" target="_blank">Basti </a>and <a href="http://www.hikinginfinland.com/2011/05/one-rucksack-to-rule-them-all.html" target="_blank">Hendrik </a>are both enthusiastic) and I am not looking forward paying a three figure sum to customs for an American pack. I call to you, dear knowledgeable reader, do you have any tips for me? About buying American packs, about the Huckepack and how it compares to a GG Gorilla (2012)?<br />
This change of pack brings an extra cost: my sleeping bag is rather huge and would take up half of whatever UL pack, so that's a cost to be made. Then I would finally get the Big 3 right.<br />
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I do want to remark that when weighing our backpacks when leaving, Sarah only had 7kg. And this was with her hiking boots and hiking clothes in the pack. I'm proud and a bit jealous of her being already in the UL segment, she'll also be looking out for a new backpack too so I'm guessing she'll have a base weight of around 5kg. What a woman ;-)!<br />
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<b>The small thingies:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Headlamp: I did not need it, it never got completely dark in Finland that time of the year so a small pocket light would've been more than enough.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Knife: My girlfriend's </span><a href="http://www.victorinox.com/ch/product/Swiss-Army-Knives/Category/Pocket-knives-with-lock-blade/Pocket-knives-with-lock-blade-111-mm/Alpineer/0.8823" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Victorinox Alpineer</a><span style="background-color: white;">, yes it's a big knife with a blade of around 8cm but it cut bread like butter and it's handy to have around. Plus it doesn't have a million features thank God! </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Small card game: U</span><span style="background-color: white;">nmistakably</span><span style="background-color: white;"> the most used piece of gear we brought :) To pass time in a pub, in the sun or while on a train. 13grams.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Sinol 100: We took a whole liter because we had to buy it in Tampere and that was the smallest packaging. Less would be enough, I will think of that next time.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Disinfecting</span><span style="background-color: white;"> hand gel: 1 bottle (75ml) would have done, I brought two because I didn't know how much we would use.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Cat Can Stove: Performed excellently. Two fills with ethanol and we had a rolling boil if we used a windscreen. I'll only look at campingaz on </span><span style="background-color: white;">winter trips</span><span style="background-color: white;">.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Hydration: I didn't bring a bladder because the filling is fiddly, try doing that while dancing off the bugs! I took a 2 liter bottle which I filled and purified with Micropur. I then filled my smaller bottle with sport cap which sits in a mesh pouch on the </span><span style="background-color: white;">hip belt</span><span style="background-color: white;">. The only feature I'll miss of my backpack.</span></li>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXlrNgrDFXs0FfmsNGs-hl6MTbb76Jlf6Bxp-LeJ3kPqomTjHUska1IjsWx2-yuYXNcmlvz07dwl69xlFCwLtGLSRalSERj5Qlm442VZdZFh-e_x-fc60iEp6HrCZNlbFpAuYHEepfaQ/s1600/spork.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXlrNgrDFXs0FfmsNGs-hl6MTbb76Jlf6Bxp-LeJ3kPqomTjHUska1IjsWx2-yuYXNcmlvz07dwl69xlFCwLtGLSRalSERj5Qlm442VZdZFh-e_x-fc60iEp6HrCZNlbFpAuYHEepfaQ/s200/spork.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spork, two tone</td></tr>
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<li><span style="background-color: white;">I also learned how to colour my grey spork, just stir in a cup of curry sauce made from powder and it will come out as this: (and no it does not wash off, bonus!)</span></li>
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<h4>
A hiker has got to <span style="background-color: white;">eat</span></h4>
I thought we brought too much but apparently we were just fine, we did bought some snacks that I would not buy again like chocolate chip cookies (you needed a spoon to eat them) and crisps (too big and nuts give the same salty satisfaction in a smaller volume). Breakfast cereal was fine, it was a nice dessert or breakfast, and other sweets always came in handy.<br />
For the mashed potatoes I will bring a bigger bag next time or prepare them in the pot. My 0.9l ziploc was a bit small to stir around so the water wouldn't spread evenly.<br />
We did not take any meats or fish and didn't miss it either. We did take some Parmezan cheese, cheese spread (which you don't have to refrigerate, nice! :) ) and olive oil.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8VwZ0PFwRvQfvx6jRt6u3d_sDdAoJ97HHQ0WnDhJyrIdGBxG6orouMD7ENqWtk58EoEMhCkHeRfBIuIza40biv5BaL1Ei87SbmWRP6Bo1gIKyGQyXMdONga5u1mx9uf5Azr2q97xcS0/s1600/Sarah+cooking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8VwZ0PFwRvQfvx6jRt6u3d_sDdAoJ97HHQ0WnDhJyrIdGBxG6orouMD7ENqWtk58EoEMhCkHeRfBIuIza40biv5BaL1Ei87SbmWRP6Bo1gIKyGQyXMdONga5u1mx9uf5Azr2q97xcS0/s400/Sarah+cooking.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Cooking"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The top diners were couscous with curry sauce and corn; Uncle Ben'z Mexican rice (only once, just to have some luxury) and mashed potatoes (with nuts or crisps or cheese in it). Noodles I will not bring anymore since they aren't that good in curry sauce and they take up a lot of pack space.<br />
I also realized the usefulness of Platybottles. I never saw the added value but when my empty 2liter bottle ate a two-liter column in my pack I could see why they are popular if space is an issue.<br />
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<b>As a final note</b><br />
I want to say that this was not the trip we had planned. I planned a trip where we could enjoy nature quietly, sitting around staring at lakes, walking in a good tempo but without haste. That was sadly not possible due to bugs so we took a decision and had a great holiday! We enjoyed Finland a lot, Tampere and Helsinki are both cities that are worth exploring. The weather was far better than here and It was a first time in a Scandinavian country for me.<br />
The turn that our trip made, becoming a city trip, just made us more motivated to get out again on a 4 to 5 day hike this summer. We are looking at Germany (some Eifelsteig stages or the Wildnis trail) or maybe <a href="https://dzjow.wordpress.com/2012/05/05/idyllic-waterfalls-and-fairytale-rock-corridors-hiking-the-mullerthal-trail/" target="_blank">Luxembourg </a>. If you have some tips, we'd be glad to hear.<br />
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<i>Thank you for reading and tell me if you liked or did not liked this post!</i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-85427771804416797122012-07-02T21:07:00.000+02:002012-07-02T21:07:45.528+02:00I chose the wrong blog nameHello everyone.<br />
To start off with an apology: I know I don't write much, I had a lot more planned but things didn't get planned on time and with Finland eating away the minutes I did not achieve the number or frequency of posts I wished for.<br />
So tomorrow me and my girlfriend are leaving to Germany, a short visit to my aunt there and the next morning we'll drive to Frankfurt Hahn to jump on an Irish low cost plane and fly to Tampere.<br />
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I am very excited about the trip and this blog post mainly has the goal to inform you of my absence and to let you know what will be here to read when I get back.<br />
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So why did I chose the wrong blog title, you ask? Because of this:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know, just shoot me already!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wLE5KPGejC33oCFuJQgQigEqns6t6O36G-0tcFAS4lti7cQ4xe3Dnp2eUKN6FxIj3NrlFFUE7FzSXtRH3h3izzgnx0dvsUqyBFF2WZP9ttCMUJuLq7wgU024tduquXHNWutBuFNzQl4/s1600/Monster+backpack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wLE5KPGejC33oCFuJQgQigEqns6t6O36G-0tcFAS4lti7cQ4xe3Dnp2eUKN6FxIj3NrlFFUE7FzSXtRH3h3izzgnx0dvsUqyBFF2WZP9ttCMUJuLq7wgU024tduquXHNWutBuFNzQl4/s320/Monster+backpack.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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That, dear reader, is a 15 kg heavy rucksack, it's is loaded with everything we need (tent, mats, cooking set, poles, some clothes). My girlfriend will also take her bag with her belongings and she says she's still got some space, thank God... Why do we need some more space? (reload that gun please)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSjzXYheSO6vSiehNHB53FVDyDXxUZPLe4jnItXvUbEP0FP4emSpbsGUichv4sfCcEZgeZAIw5JuKvtdJLuP6XrjtCRHka9EBGUTyp0GSbKheD3y8iAMvuOkd1eYu9DvP6_JYuimGQ9w/s1600/Monster+food+bag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSjzXYheSO6vSiehNHB53FVDyDXxUZPLe4jnItXvUbEP0FP4emSpbsGUichv4sfCcEZgeZAIw5JuKvtdJLuP6XrjtCRHka9EBGUTyp0GSbKheD3y8iAMvuOkd1eYu9DvP6_JYuimGQ9w/s320/Monster+food+bag.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yep, that's food... Most will be in hand luggage I figure.<div>
That bag contains 12 diners, lots of snacks, crisps, chocolate, and so on. I'll watch closely if we eat it all, which I doubt, so I can learn for future trips what and what not to take.</div>
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I still have a long way to go, if I want to go lighter. But do not get me wrong, I know where the problems are: My backpack weighs over 3kg, my sleeping bag is a winter bag that can handle -7°C (have to spend on a quilt). And the list goes on.</div>
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But when push comes to shove, I'm quite happy with this. I know it can only get lighter from here and I'm on the lookout for a job, a monthly income and few costs will make me able to spend on some lighter gear. And I have all the stuff for a wonderful time in Finland, it's the joy that counts!</div>
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The gear that's already light is my cat can stove and my Tarptent Squall 2. </div>
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I'm still pondering to sell my backpack, I might just do it for a fair price...</div>
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I cannot leave without thanking Hendrik Morkel again, he helped me so much planning this trip. Taking time to answer my mails and settling my mind, I can be quite... detailed about a trip plan.</div>
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So what to expect when I get back:</div>
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A <b>trip report</b>, an overview of how the gear held up (especially the Squall 2) and a look at the <b>gear</b> my friend bought to walk the Trail Du Mont Blanc. He's pretty UL already so it'll be interesting to see what he's got for this solo trip in the Alps.</div>
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Dear reader, I hope to meet you next time, same Sam time, same Sam channel.</div>
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In the meantime: here's a <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-X0KksI0tZwMDQ4LXE5dmxRbDA" target="_blank">packlist</a>, suggestions are more than welcome</div>
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(I didn't bother to translate it, I made the list long before I started to blog, sorry!)</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-64683571087064440982012-06-27T21:11:00.000+02:002012-06-29T12:16:29.615+02:00MYOG RaincoverHello everyone, today I'd like to share a little MYOG project with you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4uiISiSr3uKIvWaqqidIsMK-5hVo2El6MxSXmhsoBbvH0YROsQ16PIS-PxzDTViacdnFXaNLK2UPOyyCw0vC9xPMfr5MdT68l8qwU7smqiZf9I3ILPRRM0-RZkxhvC7fHGi-VVuZFg4/s1600/PMD+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4uiISiSr3uKIvWaqqidIsMK-5hVo2El6MxSXmhsoBbvH0YROsQ16PIS-PxzDTViacdnFXaNLK2UPOyyCw0vC9xPMfr5MdT68l8qwU7smqiZf9I3ILPRRM0-RZkxhvC7fHGi-VVuZFg4/s200/PMD+%25282%2529.JPG" alt=”The final result” width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">It is a raincover that is ultralight, cheap and offers imho more protection from rain.</span><br />
The idea came when my girlfriend asked whether she needed a raincover for Finland, I told her it would be a wise choice. But instead of buying a bulky cover, weighing you down, I got the idea of using a trash bag (or cheaper PMD bag if you're Belgian).<br />
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After the jump, I'll share some photos with you...<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Her backpack is a Forclaz 50 from Decathlon, so it is an ideal size for the PMD bag.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Step 1:</b></span><br />
Put the backpack in the trash bag and draw where the shoulder and hip straps are.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQx67xT1Wcam3pYQ97Nkni2eRZm_HwKjBLHo_jjg5rVvDzbzCNl4eYQjf0cuspJE-Fj9NpjPKjgP5P1EoBnonAWmLevOhcXPUUlAbbjtCAGcxbueDW6M2-4FGfKIIKJBVCvx1kV41LYI/s1600/PMD+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQx67xT1Wcam3pYQ97Nkni2eRZm_HwKjBLHo_jjg5rVvDzbzCNl4eYQjf0cuspJE-Fj9NpjPKjgP5P1EoBnonAWmLevOhcXPUUlAbbjtCAGcxbueDW6M2-4FGfKIIKJBVCvx1kV41LYI/s200/PMD+(5).JPG" alt=”Backpack in the trashbag” width="150" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 2:</b> Take some scissors to it<br />
Cut the bag so you can take the strap completely out. Then cut out a square piece, roughly the size of the strap.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBShH_kcuF_qly4yuMwtnU86MiPXG1wvhRXEzubhPY1ggbkcmjkn_FW6WGXna5DwUGGnJyJfXcD3EnAMaiiGXTX1ajUrRZs8BMsMp4cM-It60bfDULXP-WJCCXw6I-NLTlRmS0dXCwng/s1600/PMD+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBShH_kcuF_qly4yuMwtnU86MiPXG1wvhRXEzubhPY1ggbkcmjkn_FW6WGXna5DwUGGnJyJfXcD3EnAMaiiGXTX1ajUrRZs8BMsMp4cM-It60bfDULXP-WJCCXw6I-NLTlRmS0dXCwng/s200/PMD+%25286%2529.JPG" width="150" /></a>If you can still follow me here -because I know damn well this is rocket science-, carry on to step 3.<br />
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<b style="background-color: white;"><br /></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white;">+</b><span style="background-color: white;">Do not forget the hip belt, these need to be extra wide and cut out almost untill the centre of the back.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5l3K_t-AxY8LGqVOI3TYwPYkbGwx5NaMLBYN83pKZnXlGuyaKPUoqCD_DNFQ8MyJALwIwDSOv4VJQPSaPZJgUq6AKFVux6rqzWEuW5mQeTxPcB3P_KUwec8ZOUyTRnHvLMu0bZmTJGI/s1600/PMD+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5l3K_t-AxY8LGqVOI3TYwPYkbGwx5NaMLBYN83pKZnXlGuyaKPUoqCD_DNFQ8MyJALwIwDSOv4VJQPSaPZJgUq6AKFVux6rqzWEuW5mQeTxPcB3P_KUwec8ZOUyTRnHvLMu0bZmTJGI/s200/PMD+%25287%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<b>Step 3:</b> Reinforce<br />
Because the material is kinda flimsy I used tape to trace along each cutout. That way it won't rip further when you put your pack on or get the cover over your pack.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUsP5Oi2SG0DJDPfSnmIy1xFxV5d9U_8_TfVyRxbfwBUPazty3M6TgMr_dAz31uuAqr6zCudi_2mDjShEFFcWwj19PMNGyTK0vZk4jdnP0ljxZKZb28qBpJI8PvQbBLJS6WUX_rbYUG8/s1600/PMD+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUsP5Oi2SG0DJDPfSnmIy1xFxV5d9U_8_TfVyRxbfwBUPazty3M6TgMr_dAz31uuAqr6zCudi_2mDjShEFFcWwj19PMNGyTK0vZk4jdnP0ljxZKZb28qBpJI8PvQbBLJS6WUX_rbYUG8/s200/PMD+%25283%2529.JPG" alt=”The raincover with reinforcements, i.e. tape” width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She does not like to be <br />
photographed </td></tr>
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The final result: a happy hiker with everything dry.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4uiISiSr3uKIvWaqqidIsMK-5hVo2El6MxSXmhsoBbvH0YROsQ16PIS-PxzDTViacdnFXaNLK2UPOyyCw0vC9xPMfr5MdT68l8qwU7smqiZf9I3ILPRRM0-RZkxhvC7fHGi-VVuZFg4/s1600/PMD+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4uiISiSr3uKIvWaqqidIsMK-5hVo2El6MxSXmhsoBbvH0YROsQ16PIS-PxzDTViacdnFXaNLK2UPOyyCw0vC9xPMfr5MdT68l8qwU7smqiZf9I3ILPRRM0-RZkxhvC7fHGi-VVuZFg4/s200/PMD+%25282%2529.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
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Some thoughts:<br />
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<li><span style="background-color: white;">Some clamminess might occur because the back sits against plastic. I think this will be a minor issue since we'll be using it in rain only, so you'll get wet anyway and this way it offers more protection (wind can't blow the rain into the cover).</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">This solution is only intended for a lightweight purpose. Take care for the cover and do not go bushwacking in it, I told you this was rocket science!</span></li>
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Bonus: the bottom of the cover closes with two draw cords, a nice feat of the bag. So the down sleeping bag can stay dry :).<br />
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Thank you for reading!<br />
<b><br /></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-85930965662680475282012-06-25T12:57:00.000+02:002012-06-25T12:57:07.463+02:00Good reads: Andrew Skurka's Gear Guide and Don Ladigins Lighten Up!Today I would like to do just a short look on two books that I have had in my possession for a while now: Andrew Skurka's <i>The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide </i>and Don Ladigins and Mike Clellands <i>Lighten Up!</i>.<br />
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Both books were much longed after and when the postman finally brought them, I was excited like a kid in a candy store. Already feeling sorry for the moment they were going to be out read, what was I going to do then? Cry in a corner? Jump off a bridge? Nope, write about it and wait for Skurka's Yukon-Alaska book is published (can't wait for that one!).<br />
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So I will be writing here, in short, my thoughts about both books and what I liked or disliked about them.<br />
Firstly, Don Ladigins <i>Lighten Up!</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XgNQ3rAtFuKgSy9XEChYpGheA9Ez_Vct_9d01FDNWOnfCVxfsrG06c3Ukb6ha5AuMYloPDnx_k0v4N4JN2jdIzWJo4jpPWbsxXBrgqR0pn6eLJry9F-8ac_PPOmIKzPEAdYXUg9YDbw/s1600/Boekjes+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XgNQ3rAtFuKgSy9XEChYpGheA9Ez_Vct_9d01FDNWOnfCVxfsrG06c3Ukb6ha5AuMYloPDnx_k0v4N4JN2jdIzWJo4jpPWbsxXBrgqR0pn6eLJry9F-8ac_PPOmIKzPEAdYXUg9YDbw/s200/Boekjes+(2).JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saving you the trouble</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I really enjoyed this book, it was my first printed guide into the UL business and having read lots of good reviews, I definitely did not hesitate to give it a try. It is a short book but each page contains a lot of information and tips. Combined with very fine illustrations of Mike Clelland to make the words even clearer, this was an informative guide with the right amount of fun, which is symptomatic for hikers, taking things lightly <i>(pun by accident)</i>.<br />
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It covers most of the subjects a backpacker would encounter, from sleeping systems to cooking and the different weights of a pack. Extra handy are the example gear list, the index and an interesting bonus is the foreword by Jim Blachard and the small afterword by Glen Van Peski.<br />
I do recommend it, it is a clear and comprehensive intro into lighter backpacking and states all the gear options you have with tips, pros and cons.<br />
The only 'drawback' is that it is read out so quickly.<br />
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Second we have Skurka's <i>The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide. </i><br />
This book had a lot of attention on different blogs, received lots of positive tweets and was generally considered a well written guide. So you can imagine the agony of waiting for it :)<br />
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The Gear Guide is an absolute eye opener and it will prove very helpful if you're willing to follow the tips Andrew proposes. If you rather stay in GTX boots and feel more secure packing that extra 'just in case'-item, you might not enjoy the enlightenment of this book to the full.<br />
It contains everything a hiker and ultralighter can encounter and he tries and succeeds to be as complete as possible on each item. He explains the different options you have, he tried them all over hundreds of miles and so I feel safe to say that you can rely on his pros and cons. Of course, you should still listen to your own needs. He also tells you what to use where and in what conditions, so don't burn your GTX boots right away, as you'll see on page 73.<br />
I absolutely learned a lot from this book, from planning a trip, assessing my true needs and learning about the different drawbacks of gear. It is definitely a book I will look in again when buying something new. I like the style of writing, it is all very personal and open, like he's talking to you over a beer. It's approachable and he doesn't expect you to follow him blindly, but rather explains why he does it like this and how you might benefit from this approach. It's so helpful to have the insights and techniques that are proven through miles of hiking. You sometimes encounter some insights that are not mainstream or gear that you thought was never going to relive again.<br />
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What I like about it: It is very complete, has a nice writing style and offers bang for the buck. I learned a lot by reading this book and I will reread it anytime I buy something or plan a trip. <i>Skurka's Picks</i> and the <i>Tried and True</i> sections are my favorites. Furthermore, the book features nice photos, uses clear explanations and the tables where different gear is compared are awesome. How many times did you not make a table comparing products?<br />
It also has an index and five example gear lists, for each environment one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnE5P4LPD6uk6JBBzanhtLFJsgRSiQ6ydDiKW3nd2ZbkcDNt1Kce9mHdhNdApE2FAajblIMWa-FYU8OqmHqcFS8wJ-3skiGHLFWZXsRpvtYyJWGPAS7LIdDxGQEKqvDu-XTXkhu3nndnI/s1600/DSC08529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnE5P4LPD6uk6JBBzanhtLFJsgRSiQ6ydDiKW3nd2ZbkcDNt1Kce9mHdhNdApE2FAajblIMWa-FYU8OqmHqcFS8wJ-3skiGHLFWZXsRpvtYyJWGPAS7LIdDxGQEKqvDu-XTXkhu3nndnI/s320/DSC08529.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheating table</td></tr>
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Some minor drawbacks of the book are that units are not in the metric system, I would've like to see metric units next to the imperial measures. It is confusing when he talks about 20° Fahrenheit, I think, oh that's doable, not so bad... then I convert it and see it is -7°C, which makes me look entirely different at his clothing system. Now I've written most of the weights in gram or kg next to the text and I've made a tiny cheating table for the temperatures (wow, daytime highs in the -20's eh, let me see now.... ).<br />
And something Andrew can't help: the USA still is leader in cottages, so some brands he talks about do not ship to the EU, and when they do it'll cost you not only shipping but the import costs are often so high, it's twice the price of the product.<br />
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This is however no reason not to buy the book, I recommend it and it's available on Amazon for a steal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmN9uh0BCqk-YFhbSokEdcLlIhy9NHNceDVZP5TPYvfcjJElKUYULT9wRRBgki4NFYh2KxjmZUWJ1pEF2X9VmmX6dxiFkb0jtxRwn3WbFwDDYUVYZPKHWOZ66ihi8yi7qlqtq-mSUzAkQ/s1600/Boekjes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmN9uh0BCqk-YFhbSokEdcLlIhy9NHNceDVZP5TPYvfcjJElKUYULT9wRRBgki4NFYh2KxjmZUWJ1pEF2X9VmmX6dxiFkb0jtxRwn3WbFwDDYUVYZPKHWOZ66ihi8yi7qlqtq-mSUzAkQ/s320/Boekjes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There you have it, both books were a joy to read and offered tried and true knowledge. I can't wait for new books about trips or tips to be published.<br />
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Disclaimer: <i>The Gear Guide</i> was bought by me, using hard earned cash. Ladigins <i>Lighten Up!</i> was a gift from my girlfriend.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137308833515120.post-65790063931722112712012-06-24T13:47:00.001+02:002012-06-24T16:39:34.552+02:00Welcome!Hello and welcome to my new blog!<br />
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Before I start off telling you how I started to blog, I shall explain the mission and main subject of this blog (sounds serious, no?).<br />
I will try to write good, objective and critical reviews about light gear used for outdoor activities, also I will post trip reports and hikes here that are worth mentioning. Furthermore I will use this blog just to inform everyone what we are doing or what's new.<br />
I say 'we' because this is a shared blog, but don't expect lots of writings of my significant other ;), the blog was mainly my idea.<br />
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So how did I start to write?<br />
Well, I have been following the UL-community for about a year now and I love how everyone is sharing their thoughts and opinions about gear, trips and sharing tips. A blog is almost the perfect tool to do this. But I'm more of a reader/listener than a writer/talker.<br />
However, when I came across <a href="http://hikinginfinland.com/" rel="nofollow">Hendrik's blog</a>, I started to become interested in going to Finland during the summer vacation, it was going to be the first backpacking trip with my girlfriend and with a low cost aviation company having an airport nearby, it seemed a perfect destination.<br />
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Who better to ask for tips than Hendrik? I sent him some mails and he answered them all, taking time to check things, look stuff up and answering me. I appreciate that he did this, considering he is quite the busy man. If only I could thank him... and the came this:<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-in-reply-to="205257630799773697" lang="nl">
My pleasure, @<a href="https://twitter.com/samdelagrange">samdelagrange</a>! Enjoy the Pirkan Taival & let me know how you liked it :)<br />
— Hendrik Morkel (@hendrikmorkel) <a data-datetime="2012-05-23T13:13:28+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/hendrikmorkel/status/205285319266930688">mei 23, 2012</a></blockquote>
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</script>
No pressure there whatsoever eh?<br />
So that was the primary reason for this blog, to write about the trip to the Pirkan Taival trail in Finland. Ofcourse, being inspired by so many different blogs on the subject (check the Blog List out if you need some fine examples), I started pondering what I could use it for.<br />
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So in came the idea of sharing my vision on the UL philosophy with the community, talking about gear and reviewing it, writing about trips and also asking for tips.<br />
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That's about it, that's all I wanted to say in this first message.<br />
I hope I can keep this blog updated but that is easier said than done and I do not expect to achieve the quality like Hendrik or Basti do. I will, however, do my very best and when I start working (=get paid), one of the first things that's on my to-buy list is a proper DSLR, so I can at least deliver some nice pictures to you, dear reader.<br />
(Photography has always been a great passion, at the age of 14 I bought a nice Nikon F 55 and enjoyed it so much, I plan on refinding that joy once again.)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18219011448591244425noreply@blogger.com2