LW Gear Used on AAWT
Posted: Wed 27 Apr, 2011 7:50 pmJust back from 5 days on the Australian Alps Walking Track. Started at the Bullock Fire Trail and ended at Honeysuckle Camp Ground – around 80 kms all up. Apart from one day at 23km the pace was pretty cruisy. Day one started with fog, rain and cold and improved (luckily) from there. Temps were 8 – 16 during the day and down to the low minuses on a couple of clear nights.
Here are some notes on gear performance:
Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Pad – at 590g this is a mummy shaped pad insulated with Primaloft. I've found this a great alternative to the Exped Downmat – the Big Agnes still has great insulating properties, acceptable thickness (6cm) and is lightweight. I love my Exped Downmat, however the Big Agnes is comfortable, insulates well and saves weight.
Even better a chair kit is available which only weighs 170g. This is the first time I've tried a chair kit and I don't think I'll be going back – so much more comfortable at camp !
WM Summerlite – Plenty has been written on this bag so I'll just add my vote of confidence. Many have commented on the WM bags accuracy on temp (albiet with all of the variables that can affect comfort). It kept me warm, resisted condensation – the first night there was a torrential downpour at 3am and with misting through the Silnylon there was a reasonable amount of dampness which didn't seem to affect performance. This will be my go to bag for anything over the low minuses - very happy with this purchase and as my first WM piece of kit I can say WMs reputation are well deserved.
Montbell Extra Light Down Jacket (160g) – Packs down to the size of a mango and was a wonderfully versatile mid / outer layer. For the temps it was quite adequate. I combined it with a base layer and merino shirt using the Montbell as an insulation layer. Replaces my bulkier down jacket unless I'm in snow or much lower temps. Worked great.
I also used the Sublite Sil which performed well – weathered the torrential downpour and was a point of fascination for other backpackers – “...what you can use trekking poles for the tent ?”
Great trip – beautiful scenery and fairly straight forward terrain, the LW gear of course just made it more fun...
Here are some notes on gear performance:
Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Pad – at 590g this is a mummy shaped pad insulated with Primaloft. I've found this a great alternative to the Exped Downmat – the Big Agnes still has great insulating properties, acceptable thickness (6cm) and is lightweight. I love my Exped Downmat, however the Big Agnes is comfortable, insulates well and saves weight.
Even better a chair kit is available which only weighs 170g. This is the first time I've tried a chair kit and I don't think I'll be going back – so much more comfortable at camp !
WM Summerlite – Plenty has been written on this bag so I'll just add my vote of confidence. Many have commented on the WM bags accuracy on temp (albiet with all of the variables that can affect comfort). It kept me warm, resisted condensation – the first night there was a torrential downpour at 3am and with misting through the Silnylon there was a reasonable amount of dampness which didn't seem to affect performance. This will be my go to bag for anything over the low minuses - very happy with this purchase and as my first WM piece of kit I can say WMs reputation are well deserved.
Montbell Extra Light Down Jacket (160g) – Packs down to the size of a mango and was a wonderfully versatile mid / outer layer. For the temps it was quite adequate. I combined it with a base layer and merino shirt using the Montbell as an insulation layer. Replaces my bulkier down jacket unless I'm in snow or much lower temps. Worked great.
I also used the Sublite Sil which performed well – weathered the torrential downpour and was a point of fascination for other backpackers – “...what you can use trekking poles for the tent ?”
Great trip – beautiful scenery and fairly straight forward terrain, the LW gear of course just made it more fun...