“We don’t always get what we need, but sometimes get what we want”
Each time I do a gear review I think to myself that it will be the last one – that my kit is as good as it can be and there will no need for further enhancements. This year is no exception and, although my gear purchases are becoming less and less, they still haven’t reached an end and, no doubt, next year there will be some other piece of must-have kit that will lighten my wallet.
Anyway here are some pieces of kit that I’ve picked up this year and, below, I’ve put in links for those interested (mainly Amazon links).
I apologise for being slow to get back to those who have commented or sent me emails in the past few weeks but the introduction of the civet cats has thrown everything slightly out of whack and I’ve not had as much time to spend on jungle craft things.
Hope you all have a great Christmas and Happy New Year!
Links:
MIll-tec pouch – Amazon link
Exped ultralight pillow – Amazon link
Snugpak response park – Amazon link
Sawyer mini water filter – Amazon link
Net scarf (I bought mine in Malaysia so not sure if the item in the link is exactly the same) – Amazon link
Belt and lumbar pack – these were custom made for me by my friend Ben. Here is a link to his site – Garrison Packs
Hi there,
I was curious about a few things “jungle gear wise”. In regards to your most recent video and in general. With your new netting, do you think with reinforcement (that you have done/easily could do having seen your vids) that it could be strong enough to serve as a hammock or a gear loft as well? i use a eno double hammock and the damn mosquitos bite through that anyway so i am not as concerned with the open netting. What do you think of
a thin camelback http://shop.camelbak.com/mil-tac-mule/d/1092_cl_1344 with your molly belt set up as well. even if you arent a fan of the hydration bladder aspect, i thought a thin pack with the padded molly belt would be up your alley.
thanks,
Jordon
Hi Jordan,
Many thanks for the comment and apologies for my slow reply but I’ve been away over the Christmas period.
I used to have the ENO double hammock as well (very comfortable!) and if you are having problems with the mozzis biting through the fabric you could try putting some sort of under quilt below (even a thin piece of material will create a double layer and spacing that the mozzis won’t be able to bite through). I had the ENO netting as well which is pretty well made and I would have thought it would be fine to use that as a gear loft. As for using it as a hammock, not really sure whether it would hold up or not and as there are fabrics that are lighter weight anyway (certainly than the ENO netting) I’m not sure it’s worth doing.
A lot of my friends use camelbaks but for me I prefer to use bottles – just a preference I guess but also because I feel bottles are more robust and easier to keep clean.
Anyway, thanks for the questions and apologies again for my slow reply.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
Can’t wait to see how you hack into the sawyer mini. Your approach will definitely be a valuable one.
I’m currently in touch with a really talented Japan based ultralight gear maker.
A 7L/180g waist pouch should arrive during next month.
The goal is to have only this pouch during Jungle trips. Less gear, but more reliable, and capable.
From my point of view, the cottage manufacturers and the DIY can really get you the best for your needs.
The civet cats look full of energy, I guess it’s a good sign 🙂
Thank you!
Hi Wawa,
Many thanks for the comment and apologies for my slow reply but I’ve been away over the Christmas period.
The Sawyer is a great piece of kit and really helps to lighten the load…definitely recommended.
I agree with you totally that the cottage industry and a bit of DIY is the way to go if you’re really trying to optimise your kit and would be interested to hear how you get on with the waist pouch form Japan once it arrives.
The civet cats are indeed full of energy and, now they’re getting bigger, are a real handful. They either sleep or tear around like drug crazed nutters when they’re awake – nothing inbetween!
Cheers!
Paul