What did you fiddle with last night

**bazza2154** · 02-18-2010, 07:06

Wife at work, Four hours to myself, an opportunity to fiddle. Ok keep it clean I'm talking gear fiddling. Now while i was in my basement fiddling away it came to me that I was not on my own and that many members of this forum would be doing likewise.

So What did you fiddle with last night was it to pack or repack, improve based on comments/ideas on this forum, carry out testing?

Myself I fiddled with my HH Hex installing a prussic to hold a nine at one end of the ridge line (as seen on Opies latest ridge line) and I played with installing a toggle on the other end but resorted to a small biner to clip the ridge line and tension at the other end. I also played around with options of packing the tarp in skins or stuffed.

I also repacked my Explorer in a larger compression sack to make it easier on the trail to pack up.

So go on guys What did you fiddle with last night?

**geomaniac** · 02-18-2010, 07:50

[Myself I fiddled with my HH Hex installing a prussic to hold a nine at one end of the ridge line (as seen on Opies latest ridge line) and I played with installing a toggle on the other end but resorted to a small biner to clip the ridge line and tension at the other end.
So go on guys What did you fiddle with last night?[/QUOTE]

I really didnt fiddle with anything much, I am interested in your tarp setup. are you using a ridge line over the top of the tarp? I just watched a video by Shug where he showed how to use such a ridge line and prussic knots to make your tarp easily adjustable. I want to know if anyone else does it this way and if it works well.

**kayak karl** · 02-18-2010, 07:53

i bought a bunch of mesh laundry bags and stored my quilts better.
ordered the Northern Forest Canoe Trail Guidebook

https://www.netforumondemand.com/ewe...9-e74ede3f87ed

**G.L.P.** · 02-18-2010, 08:09

i played cut the oz's ......
went over my pack...again and cut out more stuff i never used

got my base weight down to 11lbs for winter LOL (without food or water)
i think i'm turning into a Gram Weenie

hope my SN 700 gets here this week so i can mess around with my cooking stuff...still after many many years i'm trying to find a setup i like

**bazza2154** · 02-18-2010, 08:16

Originally Posted by geomaniac

[Myself I fiddled with my HH Hex installing a prussic to hold a nine at one end of the ridge line (as seen on Opies latest ridge line) and I played with installing a toggle on the other end but resorted to a small biner to clip the ridge line and tension at the other end.
So go on guys What did you fiddle with last night?

I really didnt fiddle with anything much, I am interested in your tarp setup. are you using a ridge line over the top of the tarp? I just watched a video by Shug where he showed how to use such a ridge line and prussic knots to make your tarp easily adjustable. I want to know if anyone else does it this way and if it works well.[/quote]

I use a ridge line under the tarp as this gives me a) a back up in to support the tarp if anything breaks at the connection points b) somewhere to hang stuff c) it allows me to push the tarp back on the line if i want to open up my living space on a nice day without the tarp sagging as the ridge line provides support.

I use a bight and a small biner on one end, two prussic knots lashed to the tarp D rings which gives good adaptability and a figure 9 lashed to the ridge line with another Prussic knot which allows for the length to be adjusted very quickly and stops the figure 9 getting lost.

Have a look at Opies new ridge ridge set up its the same but he is using a toggle on one end.

**Hawk-eye** · 02-18-2010, 08:24

Well let's see ... last night was a productive night. Maybe the blonde wouldn't agree ... but hey

I spent some time on my video editor working on a review effect for a comparision of the Trangia's (military and mini) to the Stainless still knockoff.

AND I completed my PACO (Shug knows what I'm talking about) RIG ... can't wait to try that one. Results to be shown in a video down the line

All this after having to spend the day with customers and getting to stop by Ken's Cave and have a short visit with him in Hickory. Always good to see my buddy Ken! Even when he's up to his nose in work!!!

**WrongTurn** · 02-18-2010, 08:34

Yesterday I spent some early birthday money and spent the day in a frenzy on BPlite, Rei, and Prolite trying to piece together a new UL Alcohol cookit.'

Managed to come up with
Zelph Stove Works SS Starlyte
Backpackinglight Firelite 475ml Trappers Mug With a DIY pie tin lid
Snowpeak Ti Chopsticks and Spork (was on sale)
Nalgene 4oz fuel bottle all of this will fit it in the trappers mug.

Also picked up a OR Seattle Sombrero
and some parts for a DIY Aquamira/Platypus gravity filter.

**bazza2154** · 02-18-2010, 08:44

Originally Posted by Hawk-eye

Well let's see ... last night was a productive night. Maybe the blonde wouldn't agree ... but hey

I spent some time on my video editor working on a review effect for a comparision of the Tirana's (military and mini) to the Stainless still knockoff.

AND I completed my PACO (Shrug knows what I'm talking about) RIG ... can't wait to try that one. Results to be shown in a video down the line

All this after having to spend the day with customers and getting to stop by Ken's Cave and have a short visit with him in Hickory. Always good to see my buddy Ken! Even when he's up to his nose in work!!!

Are you comparing the Traingia to the Tatonka stove? http://intranet.tatonka.com/infosys/...nfoc.dll?180&0
I brought this recently as my very old traingia seemed to burn erratically. I would be interested to see some comparisons. I can boil 1 3/4 cups in seven and half minutes using a Stainless Steel pot/cup with mine. This was indoors with no wind. I love the pot stand that comes with this kit and the Traingia simmer ring fits over the top.

The only issue I have is that you have to make sure the lid is on properly otherwise Heet leakage.

**Hawk-eye** · 02-18-2010, 08:49

Originally Posted by bazza2154

Are you comparing the Traingia to the Tatonka stove? http://intranet.tatonka.com/infosys/...nfoc.dll?180&0
I brought this recently as my very old traingia seemed to burn erratically. I would be interested to see some comparisons. I can boil 1 3/4 cups in seven and half minutes using a Stainless Steel pot/cup with mine. This was indoors with no wind. I love the pot stand that comes with this kit and the Traingia simmer ring fits over the top.

The only issue I have is that you have to make sure the lid is on properly otherwise Heet leakage.

That's the one ... well I don't know if it's Heet or not but I've not had any leakage with grain alcohol (which is my fuel of choice). As a matter of fact I left the stove upside down ... on a 45 degree angle fully filled in a butter container over blotter paper for three days ... no problem with any leakage.

But if I can get the chance to finish up some filming ... I'll publish the review soon. The stand on the tatonka will take the small Trangia but I'm not completely sold on it yet. Shiny though!

**Rockdawg69** · 02-18-2010, 08:52

I finished my re-supply itinerary for a section hike on AT in VA, Mar 30 to Apr 22; completed a check of my food stores; and rechecked map distances to verify daily mileages. Last major item is to check with a couple of shuttle folks so I can drop my truck at Roanoke and get back to Atkins for the start. Have to finish by the 22nd so I can get to Hot Springs for the spring SEHHA on the 23rd.
Anyone out there doing this part of AT in early April is welcome to tag along.