11 January 2015

-12F 3.6m in 4.1m out, Fire on the Mountain, Zebra Light Nite Hike


Spent some time hiking in sub zero weather, wind chill was in the 25 to 30 below range. Ambient at -12 when I went in, -13 when I made it back to the truck. Some bushcraftin' and cookin' on the mountain. Night hike out to test a new Zebra Light.


I wore multiple layers, including a puffy under the outer jacket and still didn't over heat. The First Lite merino base layers are the best I've used and I've used a lot of different names. After two years of trying and comparing them to what Kuiu has to offer as well as Core4 and several others the First Lite layers have outlasted all others.

An interesting note on clothing this trip, the outer layer this time was nothing more than a 50% cotton 50% polyester hoodie type jacket. Because of the multiple layers beneath and maintaining a very breathable outer layer I was more comfortable than usual. On the way out the wind was up a and I wasn't sheltered as well as I had be so I put the Kryptek Koldo rain jacket back on. I know it's a rain jacket but it's also great as a wind blocking layer, the venting zips make it a nice option when activity levels are up. 

I'm liking the Fallraven rucksack, holds more than enough for a day out and is comfortable to carry. Needs a sternum strap which I'm making for it. Otherwise it is a nice bush crafting day hiking pack.


Steel this go round was from Adventure Sworn and a Beck along with the Laplander. 


13 comments:

  1. That was awesome! One of my favorite tunes and set to bushcrafting.
    Great use of synching of the tempo to the dragon's breath. (now I know what to do with broken antennas)

    Thanks for the work.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great post and video thx 4 the blog..BTW what is the extending pipe you use to blow on the fire with and what is the device you use to carry it in thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's called a V3 Pocket Bellows and they come in those handy little containers. Whole thing weighs less than an ounce, extends to 20 inches. Keeps your face out of the smoke. There are a lot of vendors for them including Amazon.

      Delete
  3. Both excellent and inspiring! Have followed you for a while now and thoroughly enjoy your posts; top quality, thoughtful and insightful. Much appreciate the time, effort and professionalism you put into your posts. What was the background music from? Just about a perfect fit! Thank you!

    Chiefwoodchopper

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the kind words. The music selections are from The Last of the Mohicans soundtrack.

      Delete
  4. Awesome video. This is the best blog on the internet ! Thanks for it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Whats your thoughts on the light ? I saw them on RS but haven't decided yet.
    Which model is it ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jury is out. I'm in the middle of a multiple headlamp testing phase that includes lights for the whole spectrum of costs from budget to high end, multiple battery types etc. With luck I'll have the thing done in mid February.

      This Zebra is the H600 MKII XM-L2 cool white. The only thing I am not keen on is it will auto step down from hi to medium and from medium to low as the battery drains. This is a feature to some but I would rather be able to control that. If I want max power then I want max power till the battery dies, I don't need it to think for me.

      Delete
  6. Man your blog and videos keep getting better every time thanks for the upload are you using a lightweight or mid-weight as you base layer? thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In this case I was using both a mid and a heavy from First Lite. Thanks for the kind words!

      Delete
  7. This question is not necessarily related to this post, but goes back to a post from September of 2012 concerning your top three pieces of kit.

    I am curious what brand/model your hat is? I like the looks of it and while I have seen quite a few similar hats, I have never seen one quite like that with the venting and all.

    I've been reading through your blog over the last week or so and enjoy it greatly. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Stump,

      That particular hat is the Safari model from Country Gentleman, though I am not sure that model is still in production. Closest thing I see to it in their catalog now is the 'Dickens'.

      Delete