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  1. L

    Universal Pack & Frame?

    Stone glacier and Kuiu both have a very narrow frame/bag slot, while Kifaru, EXO and Mystery Ranch both have a much wider slot. So while a Kif/MR/exo bag will likely work on a SG/kuiu frame, the opposite will be much less true. The next factor is buckle compatibility. MR and Kif use 1" buckles...
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    Grid Fleece Options?

    I love the surplus grid fleece for the simple reason they come in tall sizes! I think Condor makes a knock off of the ECWCS level 2 in a few different colors, or at least a green. My plan is to buy an extra set of shirt/drawers and sew them together into a grid fleece union suit.
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    best lightweight fire starter?

    I've used trioxane for a long time, and it plain works. Now I just carry cut up bands of bike innertube as it is smaller/lighter/less messy. I just keep several pieces wrapped around my EDC bic lighter and the spare Bics in my kit.
  4. L

    20 degree Slick bag + Woobie temp ratings

    For reference the 20* slick probably has about 6oz of insulation, and the woobie has 2oz. 8oz total of apex is suggested as a true 20* sleep system by some manufacturers like Enlightened Equipment. You can also look up lots of threads by people making climashield quilts for their experiences...
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    cimarron stove pipe length

    I'd be far more worried about wind on a few extra feet of pipe then I am about sparks. spark holes are easy to patch, and I'm still not convinced an extra foot or two makes a huge difference on sparks.
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    Help with a Kifaru Mountain Serape

    If you are good enough to sew a collar or hood to a doobie, then you have enough skill to make one from scratch. Buy some climashield and ripstop and go to town, then you can make it any weight you want (I'm really tempted to throw a head hole in my 6oz quilt).
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    HPG Ute Pack

    For what it is (smaller, traditional internal frame pack) it is probably the best on the market. The adjustable foam in the belt and lumbar pad are super handy, the stays have the right amount of flex, and the compression system is very functional. If you are looking for a hunting pack I would...
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    slick bag vs wiggys ul

    And take it from someone who's always watching eBay for a cheap wiggy's bag; I've yet to see one that is really enough under retail to make me think I wouldn't be better off driving over to wiggy's with some cash.
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    Ultralight vs Indestructible

    I think a more specific way to say it is that weight usually gains you durability up to certain threshold. It is usually safe to assume that a 4lb backpack is going to be tougher then a 2lb backpack of a given volume, but above a certain point (4lbs? 6lbs?) there is a massive drop off and very...
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    Ultralight vs Indestructible

    Its a very important distinction to make, this isn't some grammar nazi "your vs. you're" thing, you are using a specific set of words that mean a specific thing. Sloppy use of language perpetuates silly myths like "heavier=tougher" If you are asking if giving up specific features is worth it to...
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    Ultralight vs Indestructible

    There you go again, lighter does not mean "lighter duty" any more then heavy means "heavy duty"
  12. L

    slick bag vs wiggys ul

    Even thought wiggy's calls lamilite "climashield" it is a world different then the "climashield" that a slick bag uses. Climashield apex (slick bag) uses tiny fibers that are more delicate but warmer. Lamilite uses bigger fibers that are less warm but tougher. For the same weight of insulation...
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    Ultralight vs Indestructible

    assuming that weight=durability is a common fallacy. Nearly all the pack makers use fabric that is very similar in durability (mostly 500d cordura, SO uses 420d faced laminate and 500d cordura), Kuiu being the outlier with 300d ish fabric if I remember correctly. Nearly all the pack makers use...
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    slick bag vs wiggys ul

    Climashield is just the blanket term for any lofted insulation made by the parent company that used to make polarguard. Climashield Apex that most people associate with the CS name is one of many kinds and is a blend of micro and macro fibers (1 denier+ and 1 denier-) which gives it great loft...
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    Pinching at the front of my hips

    Clothing is a likely culprit, but it is also possible the pack just isn't for you. I had pinching on my duplex because the lumbar pad would slide down my back and most of the weight would end up on the front of the belt rather then all the way around.
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    slick bag vs wiggys ul

    Comparing two different bags of the "same" temperature rating might not be all that useful. the slick uses climasheild apex, and I'd bet money the 20* uses 6oz/yd of insulation. The wiggy's uses "lamilite" (old polarguard classic) and probably a good bit more then 6* (either the UL or the SL...
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    Kifaru Lost Park Parka: Gen 2?, Design change? Aron Snyder shout out.

    While this is an accepted explanation, it quite simply isn't true. Both raglan sleeves and set-in sleeves can be made a 100 different ways and making any kind of generalization (other then seam placement) is useless. Raglan sleeves can be set in perpendicular to the body or at any angle, just...
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    Strong thread for use on pack

    Industry standard is #69 bonded nylon. Some use larger thread, but I don't see much point. #69 (also called tex 70) is usually about the largest thread that will fit through a home machine, and most of the generic "upholstery thread" you'll find in fabric stores is close to #69. I highly...
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    Field Chair from Tyvek ???

    I wouldn't bother. Tyvek is sturdy, but it degrades pretty quick in the sun. Just pay the tiny extra bit for nylon.
  20. L

    Stone Glacier Xcurve - My Initial Impression and Comparisons to Other Popular Packs

    Your Kifaru experience mirrors my own. If you don't have a butt it is probably wise to order at least one size taller frame then you think you will need as it will probably crawl down your back. My 26" frame turned into a 24"> frame at any weight above 50lbs. I have only tried on a SG crux...

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