On this trip IGG features many products available from our friends at Rusted Moon Outfitters. Rusted Moon is one of the few places in Indianapolis where you get good advice and good products are available IN STOCK.
After all, if you wanted to order gear you would buy it online. This is not to say they won't be happy to order exactly what you want, but you'll get to try on all the sizes and brands so you know what brands fit you well. This way when you make a "great buy" the price won't be the determining factor, fit and functionality will reign supreme.
IGG Gear used during this outing.
Kelty Gunnison 2.1 tent
This tent performed admirably. One-person setup is a breeze. The tent is light weight at just over 2 lbs. with poles. The rain fly adds another 2 lbs. for a total pack weight of 4 lbs. 14 oz. if you pack everything. I recommend using the rain fly to avoid the dew, but guy it so proper ventalation limits any condensation build up. There is a reason this was a 2009 Backpacker Tent of the Year.
Lowe Alpine TFX Expedition pack
This is a great pack. Simple! This pack is so simple it's great. One large compartment for all your ditty bags. No outside pockets means NO ZIPPERS TO LEAK! This also allows the compression straps to work well. The TFX 10 suspension system is very comfortable and allows for tremendous range and adjustment. Once I dialed the pack in it was quite comfortable. This pack was well worth the purchase price.
Katadyn Vario water filtration
These devices have revolutionized hiking. On a gorge trip, if you know what you're doing, you can start your hike with empty bottles and break to fill as necessary along any hike. Katadyn makes that possible. The Vario is slightly larger and heavier than the Hiker, but its adjustable filtration setting lets you extend the filter life in better water conditions. Another great feature of the Vario, the Ace in the Hole for me, is its ability to screw on the top of a Nalgene or industry-standard wide mouth bottle or dromotory bag. Basically with a Vario, Jetboil and Nalgene bottles you can survive for weeks if you can find food. Simple to use.
Nalgene Tritan 32oz. Wide Mouth bottle
This might be the best thing sing sliced bread. Quite possibly even better! I would rarely if ever advocate a wholesale change out of perfectly good, well performing gear, BUT I am!
I AM ADVOCATING EVERYONE GO OUT AND GUY A NALGENE TRITAN WIDE MOUTH BOTTLE!
This thing is amazing! If you purchase one, go camping and...don't understand what I mean...well I think you'll get it. I have that faith in mankind.
Update: I just ran into an old friend's brother at the outdoor shop. I recommended he purchase this bottle and he told me he was going to stick with what "he knew". It reminded me of one of my favorites quotes about knowing. "Wisest is he who does not know." By knowing, he didn't get to try the best product of 2010. Then I thought, if you keep on knowing what you know, you'll only know what you know. Take a chance next time, Chris.
Outdoor Research Helium ditty bags
These things are the best. I'm off to purchase more if they came in today. I recommend the breathable ones for packing a backpack. The compression is much more effective. The are quite durable and the nylon provides a nearly friction free envirionment when packing the load effectively.
MSR DromLite bladder
I didn't even end up using the bladder. After purchasing my new Nalgene that allowed me to carry up to 64 oz. of water at a time. We camped near water on our second night so fresh water was at our feet.
Asolo TPS 520 boots
This is one of those purchases that you never look back on. Well maybe only to consider going to give them more money for the boot. I went to try on boots a couple years ago. After I settle upon two styles to choose from I told the clerk "let me try that Asolo now." I slipped my foot in. It was late winter and my foot felt something like it was back in my Salomon Crossmax 10 ski boots. I laced the up and thought "if I'm paying $190-200 for a boot why not spend a little more to get the real thing?" I wasn't positive on the size so I ordered the next size and told them I would purchase one or the other. I am now in my second hiking season and the TPS 520 is just breaking in. I have loved them every hike the past 18 months while I broke them in, I can't imagine the love affair won't continue as they break in. This last hike was with a full pack load and they performed exceptionally. I'm very satisfied with this purchase.
Smartwool PhD socks
I haven't worn anything but Smartwool socks exclusively for 15 years, or however long they have been around.
Smartwool liners
These work perfectly with the PhD socks.
Smartwool SS T-shirt
The "one" item it take everywhere. Hot or cold.
Ex Officio underwear
Coolmax comfortable. Easy cleaning and drying on the trail. You'll be glad you did.
The North Face Vaporwick crew ss t-shirt
This might be a perfect hiking top. Coolmax.
Marmot Precip jacket
Didn't even pull it out. Great packable jacket. Doesn't breath well.
Marmot Precip sombrero
Ditto, not a drop. Great hat, very lightweight and packable. Doesn't breath well. May go to a Kavu hat in the future.
Ice Breakers 200 gm 1/4 zip
This thing is more than versatile. My new "versatop".
Smith Projekt sunglasses
Smith sunglasses perform. IGG wears nothing else.
Mountain House dehydrated food
Great product. Easy to make and tastes great. Use less water than they say.
Clif Bars energy bars
MMM, heated Clif bar.
Jet Boil cooking system
This thing has revolutionized backcountry cooking.
Camelback hydration
Can't perform without it.
The North Face Wasatch sleeping bag
Good 40 degree bag.
The North Face Paramount cargo shorts
Leki Makalu hiking poles
I think that is all the gear I had for the most part. ALL from Rusted Moon Outfitters in Broad Ripple. (And Henry thinks I never spend any money in his store.) Let's talk guns, Henry!
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