New user in Portland OR

**TacticalAnt** · 07-04-2011, 20:31

Hi all,
Just returned from a 3 day, 2 night backpacking trip. My first in 11 years! I had to evaluate what was keeping me from backpacking this last decade. I decided I was too old and worn out to pack that 70-80 lb pack! I started to research what the ultralight crowd was doing, and one of changes was replacing their 7lb tent with a 2 lb hammock. I ordered a Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker. I love the concept, except it was a little small for optimum comfort, they are graciously upgrading me to the Explorer Ultralight Zip. The end result was a pack weighing in at 35 lbs wet. Definitely room for improvement, but a good start in my estimation.
Im a fabricator at heart, and I have an awesome sewing machine. The trouble is I dont always have the time to make what I want. I bought the hard part (hammock) and made the easy part (Fly).
Another weight saving item was my cook set. I made a penny stove along with my own version of the Caldera Cone and Ti pot. The penny stove however, needs to be drastically tuned down as it it running way to hot with the cone.

**EricFromPortland** · 07-04-2011, 20:43

Hey, welcome to the forums from another Portlander. Pull a seat up to the fire.
Nice looking Caldera Cone

**JalapeñoBen** · 07-04-2011, 21:30

I'm so anxious to move to Portland! Grrrr I can't wait! Welcome!

Happy Hangin'
Ben

**Gary_R** · 07-04-2011, 22:12

Welcome! more from Oregon always nice to see.

**olzeke** · 07-04-2011, 22:59

lots of folks from nearby. Welcome.

**Boomer** · 07-04-2011, 23:22

Welcome from Puget Sound. Sounds like you're well on your way. Lots of stuff for diy on the DIY pages.

There's an Oregon hang coming up soon, if you wanna meet some folks. Check out the Hangouts/campouts/trip planning section.

**SMJerry** · 07-05-2011, 00:59

Hanger from Troutdale here! I am sure you will love this site (and hanging) as much as I do.

Jerry

**EricFromPortland** · 07-05-2011, 01:30

Originally Posted by EastCoastFeastCoast

I'm so anxious to move to Portland! Grrrr I can't wait! Welcome!

Happy Hangin'
Ben

Umm, well, you might want to check to weather report. It rains, like approximately, 367 days a year here.

You have to be committed to come here. And, I mean committed in the mental hospital sense.

**ChrisH** · 07-05-2011, 02:10

Welcome to the forum! Glad to see another one from the area join in on the fun!

Btw, it rains more on the East Coast than it does here or even Seattle. I think we're pretty lucky compared to New York. The difference is we have many more cloudy days than they do.