http://asheville.craigslist.org/bik/5188284786.html

Don't really want to ship, but will for cost.

Seems pretty ideal on the surface, but it's new and not too many reviews out there.  Anyone own one or seen one in person?

http://store.bruntonoutdoor.com/portable-power/portable-power-packs/ember/

One place says 'water resistant housing', and it does micro, mini, and Apple 30 pin w/ the included cable.  I'm thinking this could live on one's handlebars, panniers, etc and recharge during the day. 

A) That guy really needs some nail clippers!

B) Very cool impractical idea.  


Cheap stainless bottle full of HEET in the bottle cage under the downtube works perfectly for me and was a totally of $4.  (Cage was free and bottle $4)

I like this design.  The only thing that has me holding back on the purchase is the performance in rain.  Can anyone give me an idea of how this performs in rain and/or hard rain?

Thx

Search Youtube...there's a great video of the Contrail in a multi-inch downpour and it's bone dry inside.  The edges of the bath tub floor can be raised and lowered for the conditions. 

http://www.jensonusa.com/Hydration-Packs/Camelbak-Highwire-Pack-2011

Jenson still has these packs for $48.  I needed a bladder anyway so the pack really only cost me $15 or so.  This thing is MASSIVE but pretty darn light.  Pretty sure in warm weather w/ all my sleep gear (tent, bag, pad) on my Ogre fork with a rack and cages I could use this pack for almost everything else (clothes, food, gear).  Depending on the water availability I could leave the bladder empty.

EDIT: 1.79lbs isn't really light, but for the size and after removing the bladder it sure feels light.

I've been pretty happy with this filter system. I can filter on the spot or I can fill the "grey water" bags, throw them in my pack and then filter at camp as needed.

Sorry for the double post, but wanted chime in with my own thumbs up or +1 for the Sawyer filter.  Got a great deal at a local shop and grabbed this for $33.  I am really impressed with the weight, ease of use, and versatility.  Used it this past weekend and it was perfect.  Hopped off the bike and filtered maybe 30-40oz straight into my bladder in less than 2 minutes. 

I use a teeny-tiny bit of Emergen-C (or any vit C powder) to instantly neutralize the iodine taste/color.

Does Emergen-C or C not negate the effectiveness?  I was told to not add anything (Gatorade,etc) to treated water for at least an hour.

I've seen the Tarptents mentioned, but I'm not clear on how they're different from regular tents.  What's the advantage versus a tent?  What are the drawbacks versus a tent?  Also, are they waterproof?  The web site seems to indicate that they need to be seam-sealed first.

My Contrail was delivered last night and I'm pretty blown away by the design.  I watched a couple setup videos during the day and when I got home I was able to set it up out of the box in <5 mins.  Easily a 2 min setup with practice.

The Contrail is very light for a fully screened tent at 1.5lbs.  It fits into my Anything Cage perfectly and I'll probably attach the 14" (collapsed) pole to the frame somehow.  

All the Shires' Tarptents need to be seem sealed.  Not a big deal IMO.  

FWIW I tried a Hennessy Hammock previously and quickly got tired of it.  Seemed like a lot of work getting in and out, and even something like peeing in the middle of the night turned into an ordeal.  

No shame in bailing!  99.9% of people in this country wouldn't even start and most wouldn't get up the first hill.

The Garmin Edge 200 is a solid basic unit.  Like you said, it's basically a GPS based cyclometer.  The MSRP has dropped to $129 from $149.  I do like mine a lot and it's super user-friendly, but in hindsight I probably should have spent a little more on the eTrex 20.  Some very basic little things are missing from the Edge 200....like a compass! 

 

Good to know.  I'll use the current version until they break....if they break.  Salsa is good peeps.

Haven't seen those anywhere.  Is that regular consumer packaging or something for the restaurant biz?

What has Salsa been doing in regards to customer service.  My wife grabbed me two for V-day and now I am just expecting them to break. 

I was out on Sunday, took a nature break, and spotted a plastic container under a root.  Out of curiosity I opened it to discover a bunch of trinkets and a list of names and dates.  It was the first time I found a geocache container.  I could see myself giving it a try.  Sounds like a great family activity. 

I am wondering, how well can you make an iPhone work as your GPS? I think soon the dedicated GPS companies will go out of business because phones will take over all those functions.

No way.  TobyGadd nailed it.....battery life, durability, and replacment cost.  My iPhone is fragile and could be up to $600 to replace.  I would NEVER put it on my handlebars even with a case. 

Respectfully disagree w/ LiiT and think Pisgah is a GREAT place to bikepack.  Going this weekend actually.

First things first, in Pisgah disregard mileage and think more like hours.  Fully loaded with significant single track you will average 4-6mph max.  Hope that helps with planning.  If you do get to your planned desitination too quickly, just drop your gear an add a loop or go for a hike.  Bite off more than you can handle and Pisgah can get miserable quickly!

Without knowing you, your preferences, ability, etc it's almost impossible to give you a route.  However I will list some must ride trails & trail combos;

Spencer Branch/Trace Ridge
Squirrel Gap (space for a small tent at Cantrell Creek that is excellent)
Laurel Mt/Pilot Rock (decent flat space to camp at intersection of the two, could be cold in May)
Farlow Gap/Daniel Ridge 
Black Mountain Trail
Bradley Creek (not a great trail, but lots of fresh running water and camp spots)

PLEASE RESPECT THE OFF LIMITS AND SEASONAL TRAILS.

You can pretty much camp anywhere in Pisgah when on a bike.  You will pass a lot of running creeks so don't worry about water, but bring a filter or iodine. 

If you do want to eat/drink in Brevard for an evening try and get a spot at Davidson River Campground and pedal into Brevard from there via the Bracken Mountain Trail. (Google it)

Weather-wise you should be pretty good, but it can be cold, especially at elevation.  Check the forecast and make sure to look at Brevard weather and not Asheville.  You could see high 30s and low 40s overnight…maybe.

Again, unless you are in excellent shape and trying for superhuman efforts don’t overestimate the ground you will cover in a day or afternoon. 

Needed a new bladder ($35) and this pack was only $50 at Jenson so I went ahead and ordered it.  I'll post a review when and if....

http://www.jensonusa.com/Hydration-Packs/Camelbak-Highwire-Pack-2011

BIG fan of the basic Trangia stove.  I really dislike wrestling w/ complicated stoves, and when it comes to fuel I like it cheap and simple.  I do just fine with the mini Trangia - http://www.trangia.se/english/2924.mini_trangia.html

The only addition I need to grab is a nice Ti cup w/ a handle.

On of these days I'll probably try building an soda/beer can stove for fun.

Any thoughts on this pack for bikepacking? Need a new bladder anyway and can grab this pack for not much more.

Still available