Light Weight Hikers Blog by Mark McLauchlin

Missing in action

2011-11-03T20:22:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

Well it has been a while since my last post and any engagement in my normal activities.

Early in the year I was diagnosed with severe depression brought on by a few personal issues which I am happy to report are on the mend and I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel as they say.

I have also been under the knife again for another, hopefully final, round of spinal surgery to correct some disk and nerve damage due to a MVA back in 2009.

As I mentioned things are starting to look up, and with the great help and support of family and friends I am to return to maintaining this blog and pick up my hiking time.

If depression affects you there are lots of great resources out there, one I found particularly useful was Beyond Blue. Sometimes just a few words to someone who seems to be struggling is all it takes.

Take care,
Trail_geek

New Joey Scout Leader

2011-02-20T12:28:00.000+08:00

Hi All,
Well it's confirmed, I am a new Joey Scout Leader at Ellenbrook Scouts. Very excited to be back in the movement after about 20 years off.
My Son will join the mob about half way through the year which will be great too!
If there are any other Scout involved people out there I would love to hear from you particularly about your schedule for the year and what you find works well and not so well.

Cheers all

Albany Wind Farm Expansion - Hidden Valley Campsite to be relocated

2011-02-07T16:36:00.000+08:00

Full information available here: http://www.trailtalk.com.au/forum/topics/bibbulmun-track-update-major?xg_source=msg_forum_disc

Albany Wind Farm Expansion - Hidden Valley Campsite to be relocated
Work has begun on the Grasmere wind farm - part of the expansion of the Albany Wind Farm. The six-turbine Grasmere wind farm will be installed at the western end of the highly successful Albany wind farm. Though they have different names, the wind farms will merge.
To safely carry out the works associated with constructing the wind farm extension, 4WD tracks have been temporarily closed and a section of the Bibbulmun Track diverted to an existing 4WD track running parallel to the coast. To ensure the safety of bushwalkers, no vehicles will be permitted to use this track during the closure. This diversion is NOT a pleasant experience for walkers! Our advice is to avoid this area if possible until the realignment has taken place!
Extensive consultation has taken place between Verve Energy, DEC and the Foundation to assess the impact of the extension on walkers and to devise a solution to minimise the visual and auditory effects. As a result, Hidden Valley campsite will be relocated further west to take it right out of the wind farm. Additionally, a new campsite will be built between the wind farm and Albany in the Tonndirrup National Park. This will result in three shorter days of approximately 13km each out of Albany, as opposed to the existing 19.5km to Hidden Valley and 17km to Torbay campsite. This is an excellent outcome for walkers and will be implemented in line with the completion of the wind farm in early 2012.
The 14MW Grasmere Wind Farm will produce around 44GWh of electricity each year and, together with Albany Wind Farm, will meet 80% of Albany’s electricity needs with clean, inexhaustible renewable energy. Grasmere will reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions by 43,500 tonnes per year from electricity production, equivalent to taking 10,000 cars off the road.
The new turbines will be placed on the coast using the same pattern and spacing as the existing wind farm and will be built to the same high environmental and social standards. The new wind farm will need a new underground power line connection for the entire 14km back to the Albany sub-station, so no overhead wires will be required.
For more information visit www.verveenergy.com.au

Bush Ticks in the suburbs

2011-02-05T16:00:00.001+08:00

Hi,

While out in the garden this weekend I found a nice little bush tick crawling up my leg, unusual as I have never seen one around the house before.

This species are not dangerous to your health, however if they manage to burrow into your skin they can leave a nice little wound that is quite itchy for several weeks.

I decided to keep this one and will use it to show the Joey Scouts. I used a small jar and pure alcohol to preserve it.

Be on the look-out!
Cheers

Western Carpet Pyton - White Horse Hills CS

2011-01-15T13:51:00.000+08:00

Hi,

Here are a few Youtube videos from my last trip out to White Horse Hills with buddy Andrew. The Carpet Python was a surprise.

Cheers

Schrade XT2B Drop Point Survial Knife

2010-11-30T19:30:00.000+08:00

Hey,

In preparation for my upcoming hike/survival trail I purchased a Schrade XT2B fixed blade knife today, looks really nice. The appealing things to me were the rubber handle (feels nice) and the heavy blade.

I will feed back some more info on how it performs once I have the opportunity to give it a workout.

25 Tricks for Traveling Lighter

2010-11-22T21:09:00.000+08:00

I was recently send this link titled "25 Tricks for Traveling Lighter"
Some great tips that work in nicely with the UL philosophy.
Thanks for passing this on Jennifer

WA 2010 Top Tourism Award Finalists

2010-11-02T20:28:00.002+08:00

Hi,

Finalists were announced on the 20^th, sorry for the late post if you have seen this already. Good to see such a great list.

http://www.tourismcouncilwa.com.au/2010-wa-tourism-awards-finalists-announced/2570

Some of the outdoors/hiking you may be familiar with are; The Bibbulumn Track, along with TopTrailsWA, Yanchep National Park, Munda Biddi and the list goes on.

Well done to all the finalists,

Bibbulmun Track - Board Membership

2010-10-29T17:07:00.000+08:00

Some very exciting news for me. Last night I was voted in as a board member for the Bibbulmun Track.

Hopefully I will be able to contribute is a positive way to this beautiful track we have.

Shapcott Hut - Coastal Plains Trail

2010-10-05T20:30:00.000+08:00

Hi All,

You may recall that back in early 2009 Shapcott Hut on the coastal plains trail was destroyed by fire. Since then I have sent regular emails to the national park and DEC to establish when it would be rebuild.

Notification today came that they are going to be building a rammed earth replacement and expect that to be completed within 6 months.

Will keep you informed.

Cheers

Mark

Follow my lightweighthikers blog

Blue Tongue Lizard (Tiliqua rugosa) Rescue

2010-09-27T15:55:00.000+08:00

Hi,
Quick video from my Blackberry of a Lizard I picked up off the side of the road today whilst on my way back from a quick hike.

Death of a Legend - RIP Malcolm Douglas

2010-09-23T13:47:00.000+08:00

The last of the real Aussie Bushies....

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/australia-lose-true-blue-bushman-douglas-20100923-15o3r.html

Trial Survival Hike

2010-09-07T20:09:00.000+08:00

I went out on my first trial survival hike this weekend past. My aim was to see if I could use the resources around me to build shelter, make fire and feed myself. I was not intending to stay out over night this time (not that confident yet) and I did have my pack with food and water.
This was a good test and I did have some success which I am happy with. Firstly I found two huge orange trees growing in an area of the state forest where there used to be a wine cellar (date unknown). They tasted horrible as were still a few weeks away from being ripe however they did provide some good liquid and are certainly edible if needed.
I then went on the gather the items needed for a fire bow saw, although I didn't get a chance to test it I will over the next week or so, there was too much rain for me to have a real first attempt at this.
Last but not least I made myself a shelter, this one would definitely not protect me from the weather but again I was happy with it for a first attempt.
Let me know what you all think.

More Gram Weenie Pro stoves and IMUSA Mugs on the way

2010-08-22T15:52:00.000+08:00

Hi, more stove kits and now with the imusa mugs are on the way from the US. They should arrive in the next week or so. This is the first time the imusa mugs will be available. Still working on a price for the mugs but like the stove kits they will nice and affordable. Check out previous post for more info

Mini Keyring Torch

2010-07-24T14:47:00.000+08:00

I bought this mini keyring torch a few weeks back and find it great. Amazingly bright for its size and it weighs only 8g.

That was one cold hike

2010-06-26T17:14:00.005+08:00

Well as cold as it gets here anyway's, you guys and gals in the US may think differently.

I went out on a 15 km's hike in search of several(8) geocaches that I had been meaning to do for sometime. At 8:30am my Suunto watch read 6 Deg C. So cold my Oboz shoes were covered in ice.

Spot the Roo

Mont-Bell U.L Down Inner Jacket

2010-06-19T10:34:00.002+08:00

My Mont-bell U.L Down Inner Jacket is on the way from campsaver.com. This should save me a few hundred grams.

Sea To Summit - UltraSil Daypack

2010-06-06T12:00:00.005+08:00

My new goal, to pack for an overnight hike, light and compact enough to use a Sea To Summit Ultra Sil Daypack. I picked the pack up today nice and cheap on sale for a new store opening.

Achievable? Well we will see.

Ultra-Sil™ Day Pack
Ultra-light - only 68g
Volume - 20 Litres
Packs down small so it easily fits in pockets, purses or luggage
Simple, streamlined design so it’s light and low profile
Siliconized Cordura® for strength and durability
Water resistant fabric contains shopping spills and wet swimsuits or jackets
Two-way zipper closure

VIDEO: Aussies about to take on summit - Australian Geographic

2010-05-19T19:01:00.000+08:00

VIDEO: Aussies about to take on summit - Australian Geographic

Australia's Jon Muir

2010-05-18T18:59:00.002+08:00

Interesting video link passed onto me today. A story of Australian climber and adventurer Jon Muir, not to be confused with the US John Muir, what a coincindence.

Click here to view the video

Gram Weenie Pro stove here in Australia

2010-04-18T08:30:00.004+08:00

Hi All,

As part of trying to spread a lighter weight style of hiking here in Australia I have made an arrangement with a US based cottage manufacturer to sell his light weight stoves here.

End2End Trail Supply’s owner George Carr has been perfecting light weight alcohol stoves for many years and am very pleased to be working with him, these stoves are great.

The Gram Weenie Pro which can be see from the link here; weighs an amazing 19 grams.

For those curious on how these work George has a youtube video; How to light GWP YouTube

To keep things simple and cheap, I am selling the Gram Weenie Pro Stove, windshield, primer pan and Fuel bottle for $20.00 plus the cost of shipping anywhere in Australia.

For more info please drop me an email or check out my blog.

Regards
Mark

BioLite wood stoves

2010-04-09T19:08:00.003+08:00

Stumble across this today, not something that I have seen before, they look interesting. I think the weight would be a concern to me.

Take a look at the Biolite website and then view the demo video here.

I would be more inclined to use this for car camping, like I have mentioned the weight would be an issue @ 740 grams (1 lb 10oz).

The demonstration is a little vague on boil times and I would be a little concerned about the robustness of the power unit.

Their company logo is cool though, the dot on the 'i' in Lite looks like a map of Australia :)

Interested to hear from anyone that might have more info.

Cheers
Mark

MLD Poncho Tarp - Initial setup

2010-04-08T11:32:00.004+08:00

Some images of the MLD Poncho Tarp that I hope to use as my rain poncho and shelter this coming winter.

Surprizingly more room under the tarp than I expected. A combination of this and my MLD Bivy will work great.

Lightweight Laptop Station

2010-04-07T21:02:00.002+08:00

Very handy little unit I received today, courtesy of my employer, if you have a laptop this is definitely worth a look at. Following the lightweight theme of my blog and hiking style this is only 430g.

Full info and pricing here; http://www.ppsergo.com.au/Laptop_Station.html

Ergo-Q2 Laptop Station - Portable
Even more mobile - your ultimate mobile laptop station: ERGO-Q2. The already successful ERGO-Q has been improved on to make it even more mobile.

Benefits include:
• Around 40% lighter
• Only 9 mm thick
• Larger height adjustment than ERGO-Q
• Even smarter design

The ERGO-Q2 not only improves body posture and comfort but it complies with the workplace legal requirements. In addition, it is a money saver as no external monitor or docking station is required.

A separate and larger conventional keyboard and mouse can be plugged into the laptop.

The faceplate with ledge between the screen and external keyboard doubles as an Inline document holder.

Adjustable to 5 positions and 5 angles

Weight: 430 gm

Dimensions:
In use: 230 mm(w) x 310 mm(d) x (108-238) mm(h)
Folded: 230 mm(w) x 310 mm(d) x 9 mm(h)

Australian Geographic video of the Cape to Cape

2010-04-03T19:53:00.002+08:00

On assignment for issue 98 of Australian Geographic, Andrew Gregory takes you on an arrestingly beautiful tour of the acclaimed coastal trek from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, Western Australia.

Gear List 2010 - Take I

2010-03-20T11:40:00.001+08:00

Kooka Bay UL Pillow

2010-02-26T11:16:00.002+08:00

Kooka Bay UL pillow arrived today, very light weight and compact, hopefully won't be too long before I can get out on the trail and test it out.

More info here.

Sullivans Rock to Monadnocks Feb 2010

2010-02-22T19:34:00.001+08:00

This past weekend I walked from Sullivans Rock to Monadnocks, over Vincent and Cuthbert, staying the night at the Monadnocks shelter. Some photos are here, great walk.

Perentie photos

2010-02-07T16:50:00.001+08:00

Some pictures I took of a Perentie.

Wildlife - Perentie

Gram Weenie Pro stove and Imusa mug

2010-02-06T08:00:00.002+08:00

Hi, some new gear arrived today as a gift from a good mate in the US. Some of you maybe familiar with the Gram Weenie Pro Alcohol stove from End2End Trail Supply. Great looking stove, I haven't had the chance to get out there and test it as yet however hopefull this next coming weekend. The package from the US also included an Imusa 700ml mug, fuel dropper bottle and windshield.

Mountain Laurel Designs Poncho Tarp - on the way

2010-01-20T16:14:00.002+08:00

For all those interested, intregued or a a complete UL junkie like myself you will of at some stage looked at Poncho Tarps. They are not only a great dual use item (tarp and poncho) but generally their weight cannot be matched by combinations of jackets and pants.
After quite a lengthly process of investigating whats out there I had decided on the MLD Poncho Tarp due to its light weight, great hood design, functional tarp design and Ron's (owner of MLD) proven track record. The timing could not have been better for me as I managed to get one from Backpackinglight forums that had not been used and at a considerable cheaper price. Now is the waiting game, and I will report back on its use when we hit winter. Here are some images from Ron's website.

nanoSTRIKER

2010-01-12T20:48:00.001+08:00

How small is this striker?

"Our collapsible ferrocerium fire-starter takes all excuses and throws them into the fire! This may possibly be the smallest ferrocerium fire starter on the market today. Attach it to your key chain, throw it into your pocket or tie it to your pack but never again leave home without one."

DeLorme and SPOT connect

2010-01-12T20:44:00.002+08:00

Okay so this is a very cool toy, you will all know or have heard of the spot messenger, well picture that with a GPS and the ability to send custom messages from the one device. More info here

"As you may have heard, DeLorme has partnered with SPOT to release a new PN-Series GPS device that will use the SPOT satellite system to communicate text messages from remote locations where cell phones don’t have coverage. The PN-60w will connect wirelessly to the SPOT Communicator and be able to send free form text messages to friends and family as well as to websites like Twitter and Facebook. We’re also working closely with the folks at Groundspeak to deliver some very exciting geocaching features, including the ability to log finds directly from the field!"

Youth dies during bushwalk - ABC News

2010-01-04T21:30:00.001+08:00

Direct from the ABC news website;

Youth dies during bushwalk
Posted Sun Jan 3, 2010 7:10am AEDT
Updated Sun Jan 3, 2010 8:48am AEDT

Map: Perth 6000
Police are investigating how a teenager died while bushwalking in a national park near Perth.

The 17-year-old's body was found on the ground by a passer-by in the John Forrest National Park about 6:00pm (AWST).

Police say she was walking with her father when they became separated, possibly following a disagreement.

Police say there are no visible injuries and a cause of death will not be known until a post-mortem exam is completed.

They say there is no evidence so far to suggest she was murdered.

The Major Crime Squad is on the scene along with local detectives.

New Pack by MLD

2010-01-02T22:27:00.004+08:00

Hi all,

Ron Bell from MLD posted these images to his group on facebook showcasing his next pack, codenamed the Newt.

Details straight from facebook.
"Finished a 'close to ready' prototype of the new smaller prophet pack- code named Newt. 10 oz stripped but plenty tough in Dyneema X and the and the same mesh, etc as the Prophet/Exodus/Ark packs. The design is very traditional but uses the best quality materials and a few really nice pieces of hardware no one else is using on UL packs. This one is about 15% too big...SO -weight may come down a bit. Strippable 3/4" waist belt- lots of spectra cord loops to attach the removable and ultra cool mini bungee clips. We Should have it up on the site in about a week or two. Simpler design makes it more efficient to make so the piece will be lower than the Prophet- around $130. "

MLD Superlight Bivy - a further weight reduction

2009-12-27T08:18:00.002+08:00

In my attempts to further lighten my hiking load I purchased myself a new Mountain Laurel Designs Superlight Bivy. The new model is designed to fit the Therm-a-rest NeoAir mattress, and should work well with my GoLite Quilt or my home made ones. The Superlight weighs 196g and is made from a combination of momentum DWR and Silnylon, it also has an eVent foot pannel. In terms of options I selected the all net hood, right hand side zipper and coyote colour. Ron has closed MLD over the christmas period so hopefully not too far into the new year I should see it.

*Image from MLD website

ZPacks - Hexamid Solo Tent 259g

2009-12-22T13:21:00.002+08:00

If you are a lightweight nut, and who isn't then you will pleased to see some more great gear come out of Joe from ZPacks. The Hexamid is a Solo hiking shelter made from Cuben, full sealed with nanoseeum screen, for a total weight of 259g, now that is amazing.

Some images and a link for you.

Jansport Klamath 55

2009-12-13T16:39:00.002+08:00

The latest in the Jansport range, the Klamath 55, arrived in mailbox during the week. You will be able to follow my review of this item at Backpackgeartest.org over the next 3 months.

StickPic - updated version

2009-12-13T09:26:00.003+08:00

If you don't own a StickPic, then you really should, these are a great little camera accessory that allows you to take self portraits by attaching your digital camera to the end of your trekking pole. The whole device weights about 10g so is something you would take on every trip without worrying about the weight penalty.
Early in the year I reviewed the origional version and thanks to Rod Java and David Lopez I will have the opportunity to review the latest.
Some inital differences (original on the left, new on the right) are nice and obvious, firstly as you can see the black jam nut has been altered from a standard circular type with a cerated edge to a design that better allows for grip. The through hole on the newer model is also slightly tapered to ensure it stays on the trekking pole more securely, it wedges in a little better. There is also a slight cosmetic difference in that the team now use a machine to engrave "THE STICKPIC" rather than having to hand punch each. Well done again guys, great product.

White Horse Hills CS trip with my son

2009-12-06T20:41:00.007+08:00

This week my son Cameron and I went out on a quick hike into White Horse Hills Campsite to fix up a few items we reports on our last visit out there. Here are a few photos.

New Trail for WA

2009-12-03T13:53:00.002+08:00

Extract from the Pilgrims Trail Website

"The Pilgrims Trail MissionTo establish a permanent Pilgrims Trail between Subiaco and New Norcia which is respectful of the local environment and cultures, and is safe for those who use it.To establish a Foundation which will monitor the maintenance and development of the Trail for future generations.To foster an awareness of the Pilgrims Trail, and to encourage as many people as possible to experience the benefits and delights of using the trail"

Some new Gear on its way - Jetboil and Snowpeak

2009-11-18T11:55:00.003+08:00

Waiting on the arrival of some new gear from the US which I picked up on the BackpackingLight forums for a real bargain, well compared to what I would pay for it here if it were available.

The JetBoil PCS was a spare of the moment purchase as the same guy was selling a Snowpeak Hybrid that I was interested in. This is a little heavier than I would normally like to take out with me but the idea was so that when I take my son out or go with a group I would be able to cook rather than my normal rehydration which only requires hot water.

I can see the JetBoil being used more for car camping, fishing or some short walks in winter where a hot drink or soup might be nice. Some images below.

Since the last post on this I have been able to measure the weights of the Jetboil components and the Snowpeak setup, after all thats what we are interested in right?

Snowpeak frypan/lid - 62g
Snowpeak bowl - 52g
Snowpeak rubber bowl - 78g
Total - 192g

Jetboil PCS cup/body - 202g
Jetboil PCS plastic base/cup - 26g
Jetboil PCS plastic lid - 32g
Jetboil PCS stove - 164g
Total - 424g

Wild Flowers

2009-11-03T20:50:00.002+08:00

I wanted to share some images of Wildflowers taken on my last hike along the Bibbulumn Track.

Transitional Hiker: Australian Mark McLauchlin

2009-10-14T19:35:00.005+08:00

Hot off the press :) My article for BackpackingLight will be published next week. Once I have the full link I will repost it. Below is a quick intro.

Transitional Hiker: Australian Mark McLauchlin chronicles his ongoing transformation from former hiker to getting-back-into-it-hiker to ouch-that-hurts-hiker to lightweight hiker. On the way, he becomes a devotee of other famous UL walkers, buys a sewing machine (successfully enduring the teasing of his loving wife), and plugs into the most devoted UL community on the planet in the BPL forums.

Here is the link

Not much of a pack freak!

2009-10-03T16:37:00.004+08:00

Today I finished cleaning a second hand pack I bought for use when I take my son out and for an overseas trip in two weeks. Not exactly what you would call light, It's an Osprey Cresent 90 and weights about 3 kg, but I have to admit is it really feature packed (not that I indend to use it other than described previously). It is not only a top loader but also has bottom access and a large zipper running along one of the edges to make it a side loader. There are numerous pockets which Osprey are quite known for.
While I was cleaning this pack I thought about the others I own, so here is the list; Osprey Aether 60, Osprey Kestrel 48, Osprey Cresent 90(new), Golite Dawn, ULA Relay and with my BGT testing I have a Klamath 55 on the way for review, total of 6.

Bush Tucker Book

2009-09-27T20:28:00.003+08:00

I recently purchased the book "Bush Tucker Plants of the South-West", very interesting read and something I will take out with me on my next few trips to see if I am able to identify some of the edible plants. I purchased the book from the Bibbulumn Track Foundation office in Perth, it is published by Naturebase. Track members get the book for about $5.80, non-members pay $6.50. Here is an extact-
The Nyoongar people of south-western Australia had a very ordered way of life. Their hunting and gathering patterns were guided by six weather-based seasons. The Nyoongars' resource-based observations enabled them to make the best use of available plant and animal resources at these times. This book provides an insight into some of the common bush tucker plants used by the Nyoongar people.

USA - Hiking the PCT and Olympic National Park in Washington State - Pedro Arvy

2009-09-22T12:34:00.001+08:00

Great Video,
"In August 2009 Franco Darioli, Louis Marshall and myself traveled to Seattle Washington in the USA to hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Snoqualmie Pass to Steven's Pass. Then we journeyed to Olympic National Park to the west of Seattle for a three day hike from Obstruction Point."

Check out Pedro's site

Appy Trails Mark III - Swap or Sell

2009-09-19T17:07:00.001+08:00

Hi,

If you are looking for a new lightweight shelter this might be for you.

I have 2 x Appy Trail Mark III shelters, one is complete the other is minus the poles and pegs, both excellent condition.

Ultimate Survival Technologies WetFire Stove - Youtube video

2009-09-16T22:37:00.001+08:00

Hewitts Hill Campsite - Bibbulmun Track

2009-09-12T13:54:00.002+08:00

This weekend I went out for a quick overnighter to Hewitts Hill Campsite which is on the Bibbulmun Track. The main reason for this quick hike (only about 25 minute walk in) was to drop off the latest track newsletter and remove one of the signs from the campsite. Happened to come across about 10 Scouts out on a few days walk up to Mundaring. Below photo is of their packs. Enjoy!

Bibbulmun Track - Replacement Waugal Tree Markers

2009-09-05T19:22:00.003+08:00

Today I went out on a field day with the Bibbulmun Track Foundation volunteers to a section of the track from Brookton Highway North towards Canning Campsite. The day was so that new volunteers as well as old could get to know each other, share some stories and issues about their section of the track.
One of the exercises was installing water bars so that any potential high volumes of rain runoff had a minimal impact on the track itself. We also covered topics such as how to prune vegetation correctly and where and when it is appropriate to install Waugals.
Below is a picture of the proposed new Waugal that will be positioned on a metal colour bond colour pole as opposed to the current ones which are nailed to the trees.

Enjoy!

Ultimate Survival Technologies WetFire Stove - Facebook post II

2009-08-28T11:08:00.005+08:00

Another Facebook link to one of my latest reports.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Monroe-WA/Ultimate-Survival-Technologies-Recreation/44194779440?ref=nf

Ultimate Survival Technologies WetFire Stove - Facebook post

2009-08-25T21:18:00.007+08:00

Quietly (well not so much) happy with a Facebook post by Ultimate Survival Technologies, they found my blog and posted a link on their fans page.

Bibbulmun Track Trail Maintenace Volunteer

2009-08-25T19:33:00.011+08:00

Today I received some very exciting news from the Bibbulmun Track Foundation, I now have a slice of track to maintain along with the White Horse Hills Campsite. I have been on the list since late 2007 and to receive the news was very exciting.

I passed through the area in May 2008 with Andrew Preece (team gunn_parker) while we were walking up from Dwellingup, this was my first real multi day hike along the Bib Track.

The images show a front view of the hut and another looking out at the fire ring and valley in the background

Andrew took some video footage of the hut back in '08, you can find it here on YouTube

If you are a GPS mapper you can find it located here S32 36.540 E116 20.155

Ultimate Survival Technologies WetFire Stove

2009-08-23T07:21:00.002+08:00

With the weather so bad I haven't managed to get out and do much hiking or gear testing, but I do have a quick YouTube video of the WetFire Stove and Tinder. You can read the rest of the review on Backpackgeartest.org.

A 3,000 mile walk and an Incredible time lapse video

2009-08-04T20:40:00.002+08:00

This is a truly awesome video, a must watch.

The Longest Way 1.0 - one year walk/beard grow time lapse from Christoph Rehage on Vimeo.

Wrist Computers

2009-07-19T07:51:00.004+08:00

Each time I am out hiking, generally testing gear, the few things that I miss are the ability to accurately record the temperature and barometric pressure as to get an idea of how the weather is changing.

Temperature min and max is useful to record in trail journals (what ever form that takes) so that trip planning can be made with more knowledge. Each year I try to take in a weeks walk with fellow hiking buddy Andrew and it this does help with the planning. Also good for some overnight trips so that gear lists can be revised to include suitable clothing, bedding and rain protection if needed.

You could use the traditional mercury thermometer but they won't give a min and max, just what the current temp is, which is not much good during the middle of the night or early mornings which are generally the coldest.

So, this week I purchased a Suunto Core Lite Black, second hand from the BPL forums, cheaper by far that anything I could get locally here in Australia with all the features that I want.

I will post a review of the watch when I get a few km's out with it.

Cheers

Tarptent - Moment

2009-07-17T14:33:00.002+08:00

Brand new, hot off the press the new Henry Shires Tarptent Moment.

Check it out here.

Very light at 28 ounces, the Patent Pending Moment offers generous sit up space, sleeping area, and protected gear space. It sets up with two stakes in under 1 minute or completely free-standing with optional 7-ounce pole. Unobstructed and drip-free side entry.

Not the lightest tent in the Henry Shires collection however it does look to have some great features such as the ability to setup free standing, great for inside of huts if you are that way inclined. Head room looks to be very good at 102 cm.

Another great tent from Henry Shires.

ULA Shipment delays due to injury

2009-07-16T18:51:00.002+08:00

The below is posted on the ULA Website.

Brian broke his leg over this past weekend, crippling production.ALL SHIPMENTS ARE DELAYED as of July 12th!Please note:1) Standing orders will be fulfilled as soon as possible.2) New orders (after July 12th) will be tentative until personally confirmed.3) Rush Orders please include a note at check out with in-hand date.Thank you for your patience and understanding!

MYOG - Once ounce pack from Gossamergear

2009-07-06T21:48:00.002+08:00

Gossamer Gear have some free for download instructions on their website for a one ounce cuben fiber pack, based on their famous G4 pack. You can find the full download pdf file here.

E2E of the Bibbulmun Track

2009-07-05T16:35:00.004+08:00

This week I will going though the materials I have to work out the shortest time it would take for me to End to End (E2E) or thru hike, as some of you may call it, the Bibbulmun Track.

For the past few years I have been section hiking this trail which runs for approximately 1000 Km's but the more I walk it this way the more I long to do it in the one hit. I think it's one of those things that I just have to do and get out of my system else I will never get the urge out of my mind.

At this stage I would looking at mid to end 2010, there is lots of planning to do and I will also need to convince the wife and family this is a good thing to do. It will take about 4-5 weeks so not something that I can enter into lightly. Stay tuned for notes and ideas as they come to my mind.

ULA Equipment new website

2009-07-03T08:37:00.003+08:00

The redesign of the ULA website is really good. Brian produces some great gear. If you are not familiar with his stuff check out the site.

MYOG - Solo Jet Gas System

2009-06-26T19:43:00.003+08:00

Definately worth checking this out, great design, compact size and weight. I'm always a little curious about MYOG gas systems though.

Here is a link to the authors blog albeit in Japanese.

NEWS: Accident on Half Dome Yosemite Valley

2009-06-16T15:50:00.003+08:00

I wanted to post this tragic new article to highlight some of the risks that we, as hikers, take when out on the trail. Some of the risks are known such as this one, yet we still take them, and others are unknown.

The image shows Half Dome in the Yosemite Valley US where a hiker tragically fell to his death infront of fellow hikers. You can read the full article here.

Some of the attributes to the accident as suggested by Larry Sullivan;

The couple attributed the tragedy to a combination of factors:- The inclement weather including clouds and wet conditions. The steep granite, made smooth by years of footfalls, is doubly slippery when wet- An upright steel post had come out of its mooring and made maneuvering past it especially challenging- A thin steel strap that held the wooden cross-piece footrest had broken or come loose, making the crosspiece unusable as last ditch footrest- The victim could have used the underarm brake technique to better advantage- Given the conditions, they felt they shouldn't have been on the cables without harnesses and carabiners.

Squeezebox Stove

2009-06-15T16:41:00.003+08:00

Too many projects, too little time. But I know what im doing next..

Archery Arrows

2009-06-13T21:29:00.003+08:00

So today I managed to pick up a bunch of used archery arrows that I would like to turn into light weight tent pegs similar to the ones posted here by Roger Caffin.

Beer hydrates better than water - really?

2009-06-12T08:22:00.002+08:00

According to an article published by Backpacker it does.

Read the full article here

"Now, there's no reason to wait for that post-hike beer At last, I no longer have to act ashamed whenever people discover my hydration bladder is full of Miller High Life—I'm simply ahead of my time. Our pal Science now says that beer, yes beer, is more effective for rehydrating the body than plain ol' water. I think I'm not alone when I say that this qualifies as news on par with peace in the Middle East.Researchers at Granada University in Spain found this Nobel Prize-worthy discovery after months of testing 25 student subjects, who were asked to run on a treadmill in grueling temps (104 degrees F) until they were as close to exhaustion as possible. Half were given water to drink, and the other half drank two pints of Spanish lager. Then the godly researchers measured their hydration levels, motor skills, and concentration ability."

2009-06-11T11:58:00.004+08:00

My new Tarptent Contrail arrived last week and so far I have been able to get it up in approximately 2 minutes.

This purchase was part of my gear list refurbishment to reduce my weight to a goal of 6 kg for overnight hikes. After I get a few nights out in the tent I will post a review here. So far I am very impressed with the ease of setup and the construction.

2009-06-09T21:33:00.000+08:00

Very excited today, I received a parcel in the post from a good friend of mine in the US.
Some of the cool things he sent me include a home made Heinekein Pot with lid, a bag full of ultra light weight droppers ranging in size from 15 cc to 3 cc. There was also an Esbit stove and tabs (these you can't get local) and something I find so interesting is a lightload towel. Oh and a really, really small pack of cards smaller than a matchbox.
I will post an update to this in a few days when I have had the chance to test this gear out.

Mugs...you know who you are, thanks very much.

Cheers
Mark

2009-06-09T21:21:00.001+08:00

Welcome! This is my first attempt at a Blog so bear with me, Im bound to make a few mistakes here and there, weird as though my background is in Information Systems :)

So why this Blog?...very simply I wanted to create a site that was dedicated to light weight hiking providing information such as tips, tricks, links to some gear and manufacturers and most of all relevant to everyone regardless of geographical location.

Feel free to follow this Blog, pass on the link to others that may enjoy it and give me some feedback.

Cheers and Happy Hiking.