Gear testing on Springer Mtn.

[Tango61]

I just got back from a quick trip to Springer Mtn in Georgia and got to try out more of my gear. Check out my new pics in the gallery.

If you want to see the whole trip,
http://picasaweb.google.com/tim.owen...Mountain200709

Cheers,
Tango61

[FanaticFringer]

Wonderful pics. Thanks for sharing.

[slowhike]

nice shots. i added a few comments. ..tim

[headchange4u]

Nice pictures. How did everything perform?

[Tango61]

All of the gear worked out well. The quilt was great. Almost a little too warm as I had on silk longjohns also. Temps got down into the low to mid 50's (Weather channel said low was 55F in Dawsonville). The tarp was wonderful. I've used it 2-3 time now. I got bombed by a few acorns during the night which was a little disturbing. I had to get up about an hour after I went to bed to lower the tarp due to the wind. It was blowing about 20-25 during the night and it was REALLY LOUD! I used the Sportsman's Guide sleeping bag as an improvised underquilt and I will be working to improve it (add to or replace the insulation and move one of the drawcords to the bottom). I'll try and make an article out of that project. My butt got a little cool, but not so much that it kept me awake. I was able to wrap the quilt around my backside and that cut the draft. Having it open on the front let me get the right ventilation. The quilt also has the 'draft stoppers' so that makes it easy to grab onto to manuever inside the hammock.

The hammock performed flawlessly as usual. This is my $24 Malaysian special. I also used 1" heavy duty straps from Strap Works, with ring buckles, and caribiners (I'll get pic's of those up soon). When I got up to adjust the tarp, I also had to adjust the straps and tighten them up a little. I think my straps are still stretching out a little. This was about the 7-8th night I've used them.

The only other mod's I see making is to add some elastic tabs to the corners of the tarp for storing the cords. I might also switch from the Kelty Triptease cord to something a little more stealthy. Will probably also make some net snakeskins for the tarp. All-in-all a great trip.