First impressions of new gear.

**Miguel** · 04-09-2011, 22:22

Originally Posted by Chop

Your steripen may have been suffering from the cold weather. Mine Was giving the sad face last fall when temps were around freezing.

I'm sue that was the problem...I should have at least carried the batteries in my pocket. My buddy had a conventional pump but I was sorely disappointed. I may try to use it this summer but I think I'll go to a more reliable system.

**Miguel** · 04-09-2011, 22:30

Originally Posted by ulyssesjones

Did you find that the front pockets of the Aarn ever got in the way? They didn't rub your arms or anything? I like the look of these packs and am considering one.

No...they do not rub in any way and didn't get in the way at all even when we were scrambling up some snowy steep slopes. To the contrary...I felt I was more balanced on my feet. They are suspended from your harness and belt....don't touch your body at all. I've also heard they restrict the view of your feet but I didn't find that to be the case.

To all: sorry I don't know how to multi quote in one post.

If anyone would be able to explain it...I'd be in your debt.

Miguel

**Knotty** · 04-09-2011, 22:45

Were you using lithium batteries in the Steripen?

They're the best choice year round in that device and essential in cold weather. Rechargeables are ok when it's warmer. Alkalines are pretty much useless.

**Miguel** · 04-09-2011, 23:00

Originally Posted by Knotty

Were you using lithium batteries in the Steripen?

They're the best choice year round in that device and essential in cold weather. Rechargeables are ok when it's warmer. Alkalines are pretty much useless.

Yeah...they were very expensive Lithiums and I always turn one battery around until I'm ready to use it and remove them altogether between trips.

**Bubba** · 04-09-2011, 23:06

Originally Posted by JPBeck

Thanks for your time-- I can't believe you have a Clark 250 and spent the $ to buy another hammock. Seems like the Clark is the end all be all hammock.

In this community the WBBB is possibly one of the most popular hammocks. It has quite a following due to its comfort and extras like the footbox and the shelf. Pride of ownership is high and its great to support a member who makes them himself.

**LandSailor** · 04-15-2011, 20:10

Miguel...have heard the Lifesaver Bottle is great option for getting clean water.
It gets some high praise from the Remote Riverman (scroll down).

**Bradley** · 04-15-2011, 20:54

**Rolloff** · 04-15-2011, 21:06

Steripen has taken notice. They now have a hand cranked model that should prove to be more reliable. Now of course we're back to whether you want to crank your Steripen for 90 secs, pump your filter for a minute and a half, or just let your gravity filter do that work.

**sweetbabyd** · 04-15-2011, 21:21

great report!! special note to freezing batteries with the Steripen! (i use the MSR hyperflow for colder temps) were you out at Weiser state park?
i love PA...

**Miguel** · 04-15-2011, 21:46

Originally Posted by sweetbabyd

great report!! special note to freezing batteries with the Steripen! (i use the MSR hyperflow for colder temps) were you out at Weiser state park?
i love PA...

We were at the Susquehannock Trail System (STS) below Galeton PA.