2023: Alaska Gear Junkie Review

[adventure907]

Thanks for sharing. Always enjoy these posts and especially since this covered the Hilleberg tarp. It’s on the short list of tarps I’ve been looking at. Is going to the 10 just for the extra since you are using with a client too?

Yes, that was my initial thought for going to the 10. Although, I was in Barneys the other day and got to handle the 10. I don't have the official weight numbers in front of me, but it did seem quite a bit more hefty in the weight compartment compared to the Tarp5. I may just stick with the Tarp5, as it was sufficient to get two guys out of the rain in a pinch. We shall see, the never ending gear evaluation process continues.

 

[badgerboy14]

I bought a Tarp 10 from Barney's a couple weeks ago for a moose hunt that was destined to be wet the whole time. It was nice to set that up every day and sit and glass from under it as the rain came down. It is big, so trying to tie it down was somewhat challenging but the space was nice.

 

[CodyB]

@badgerboy14 and @adventure907 thanks for the info on the tarp 10, I’ll be looking at the tarp 5 for my uses if I go with the Hilleberg.

 

[MooreAK]

For my last hunt, I opted to go back to the Outdoorsman’s and the system I was comfortable with. The weight penalty was worth my familiarity with the tripod. I will likely stick with the Outdoorsmans for the time being. The verdict is still out on the Aziak and I might give it another shot on Kodiak this fall, but we shall see. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do think the Aziak is a nice tripod at a very attractive price point, but for me, the ballhead and ease of use, or lack thereof, that was it’s biggest drawback.

Thanks for the review! I’ve been eyeing the Azaik but just wasn’t sure about the head. Pretty used to a ball head as well. Can you put an outdoorsman’s head on the Aziak?

 

[adventure907]

I tried putting the Outdoorsmans Pistol grip on the Aziak, but they weren't compatible.

 

[justin262]

My sheep hunting partner had the new barneys pack this year in AK. The pack itself is built with waterproof fabric, but the zippers are not waterproof. He had standing water in every pouch. We did have 1.5 days of pretty brutal driving rain. I had a SG pack with a rain cover and my pack was soaked. Kuiu chugach rain jacket and stone glacier m5 rain pants also completely failed. I treated them prior following the directions of SG and Kuiu. Luckily, we killed two rams the night I was soaked to my underwear so heavy packing kept me warm until I got in my sleeping bag.

 

[GoatBoat218]

I also got to use the new Barneys pack this year. Definitely no need for the rain cover, the fabric doesn't seems to soak up any water. As water resistant as it is there is one downside, when you put something damp inside the pockets the moisture stays and almost seems to condensate. In the main part of the bag its not as big of a deal because the section of the bag against the frame is still Cordura so it still should breath through I'd imagine but the small pockets not the outside do not let water out well. It also is extra loud in cold, snowy, below freezing conditions. All things considered I definitely like the new bag over my all Cordura one. We'll see what I think when I dump a wet greasy bear in it but that's still to come.

 

[Koyote]

How do y'all think the Barney's brooks range jacket and pants compare to using more traditional puffy layers (under rain gear when necessary)? Still tinkering with my layering system

 

[adventure907]

I also got to use the new Barneys pack this year. Definitely no need for the rain cover, the fabric doesn't seems to soak up any water. As water resistant as it is there is one downside, when you put something damp inside the pockets the moisture stays and almost seems to condensate. In the main part of the bag its not as big of a deal because the section of the bag against the frame is still Cordura so it still should breath through I'd imagine but the small pockets not the outside do not let water out well. It also is extra loud in cold, snowy, below freezing conditions. All things considered I definitely like the new bag over my all Cordura one. We'll see what I think when I dump a wet greasy bear in it but that's still to come.

Great point on the condensation when putting something damp into one of the pockets. I noticed that as well, so from that point forward I made sure to separate anything wet from items I wanted to keep dry.

 

[mtwarden]

Thanks for taking the time to post up your review!

My guide/packer was using a Barney's, not the newer version though- looked like a very solid pack and seemed to carry great for him. Of course he was 6' 4" and 22 years old !