The Northwave Dolomites shoe looks great.  I have wide feet (in the ball area), as also mentioned by the guy who wrote the review.  I would like to hear more about this shoe, if anyone gets some info.

I have typically worn Lakes because they are fairly wide.  But they don't seem last very long.

Got one of these and just inflated it.  Looks like it will be really warm and comfortable, but it feels fragile. 

Anyone have experience using one and keeping it protected from puncture?

There are obvious things, like not sleeping on it directly on the ground, etc.  I will have it in a bivy.  Any suggestions for protection when using it or packing it on my bike?

Thanks.

Taking a stab at it for my 29er bikepacking Inbred.  For now, I have carved out a carcass with 1/4-inch closed cell foam. 

I plan to sandwich the foam between VX21 fabric on the outside and silnylon on the inside.  The bottom is 3 inches wide, and it tapers to 4 inches wide on the top.  Will use a waterproof zipper in a crescent shape around the top. 

I am thinking this project will be harder than it sounds.... We'll see. 



For this bike:

Thudbuster is sold.

My homemade bags are coming along... Am working on a top tube bag and a harness/bar bag.  Note that the small one on the stem is a Mountain Feedbag.  Will put one of Eric's Revelate seat bags on the back!

Great photos and write-up.  Thanks for putting time into that so we could enjoy a glimpse of it.

Bingo bar is sold.  NT, can you email me about the Thudbuster?

Jkidd143 at gee mail dot com

Thanks

Another option is a steel On One Inbred frame, white 20" in great condition, with swappable vertical and horizontal dropouts.

Can email me at jkidd143 at gee mail dot com

Want to sell or trade one of the following for a bikepacking seat bag (large/black preferred):

@ Thudbuster seatpost, used but in great condition with full set of elastometers and Lizard Skins cover (27.2 with shim for 31.6mm)

@ Black Salsa 29er CroMoto fork, new in box with uncut steerer tube, perfect condition

Will throw in a On One Bingo bar, used but in good shape, if it could be of use.

Thanks for looking!   Joe

Finishing them off...

Seams sealed on my two fork bags.

Some fun snow riding in the Cascades yesterday.  A big black bear popped out in front of us on one road and ran away from us down the road as we followed. 

The two Mountain Feedbags I have been using for a long to time work great -- pretty good at keeping the elements out, minimal sway, durable.  Just looking for more.  Thanks for the suggestions, guys!

BTW (slightly off topic), I really appreciate all the expertise out there and everyone's willingness to help out, problem solve and share information.  Lots of great experience and insights!

Chased up a big bear today while doing a snowy Cascade ride.  My friend and I were as surprised as the bear....

Gen at Yama Mountain Gear had an interesting idea:  use turkey oven roasting bags for the final layer of water-repelling protection for a down sleeping bag and other similar gear.

Yeah, the stuff I am sewing up is on the heavier side.  Went with Cordura and silnylon for everything at this point because I didn't know what I was doing and I didn't want to screw up expensive stuff like X-PAC fabric.

I am buying some X-PAC now and will eventually make better, lighter, more well thought out gear to replace what I am currently using.

Anyone have a couple they want to sell?

Thanks.

Hitek, can you email me at jkidd143 at gee mail dot com?  Thanks.