Sunday, March 13, 2016

Montbell Tachyon Anorak Wind Jacket Review March 2016

Montbell Tachyon Anorak Wind Jacket

Recently I just purchased the Montbell Tachyon Anorak Wind Jacket and it is extremely lite as matches well with the Montbell Tachyon Wind Pants.The Tachyon Anorak is a must for any serious "Light & Fast" trail user. By remaining faithful to a "function ONLY" mantra in the design phase with this wind shirt we re-shape the concept. The feather-like nylon fabric traps hard earned body heat next to your skin and shields you from all but the strongest of winds. Additionally, the sprayed on DWR handles light precipitation just long enough for you to reach shelter before it really lets loose. For those that like to gauge everything they take into the wilderness from the sometimes harsh view of warmth to weight ratio this may be the smartest 2 ounces you can carry. A 10 inch zipper has been used for easier "on & off" and better venting.

Me with Wind Shirt and Pants

FEATURES

10in. (26cm) front zipper
Draw cord hem and hood adjustment
Elastic cuffs to seal out drafts
Reflective logo on body and back
Packs easily into integrated stow pocket
Fabric weight: 21g/m2

SPECS

Weight	1.9 oz. (55 g)
Fabric	7-denier Ballistic Airlight rip-stop nylon
DWR	Polkatex® DWR treatment
Compressed size	4.5 x 3.3 x 1.6 in. (11 x 8.5 x 4 cm)
Country of origin	VIETNAM
Center back length	27.7 in. (70.5 cm) Differences Between the TACHYON JACKET MEN'S and the TACHYON ANORAK are as follows: TACHYON JACKET MEN'S Full Front Zipper No Hood 1.6 oz. (45 g) TACHYON ANORAK Half Front Zipper Has Hood 1.9 oz. (55 g) Both are the same price at $99

Montbell Tachyon Wind Pants Review March 2016

TACHYON PANTS MEN'S

I just bought the Montbell Tachyon Wind Pants and I am in love. These are the lightest pants I have ever seen and it is a new item for 2016.
The Tachyon Wind Series is a must for any serious "Light & Fast" trail user. By remaining faithful to a function ONLY mantra in the design phase with this wind pant we push the boundaries of “done in a day” trail apparel. The feather-like 7 denier nylon fabric traps hard earned body heat next to your skin, shields from pesky insects, and shelters you from all but the strongest of winds. Being highly compressible and light in weight we defy you to find a reason not to take them to the trail on your next peak ascent, trail run, or weekend excursion. We all head into the wilderness with hopes for a "blue bird" day, but only the wise are prepared for a curveball from Mother Nature.

Me With Tachyon Pants and Jacket

FEATURES

Elasticized waist with drawstring
Simple draw cord waist adjustment
Small inner key pocket
Pocketable
SAMUE leg closure system

SPECS

Weight	1.9 oz. (53 g)
Fabric	7-denier Ballistic Airlight rip-stop nylon
DWR	Polkatex® DWR treatment
Compressed size	3.1 x 4.3 x 1.2 in. (8 x 11 x 3 cm)
Other	Inseam length: 32.8in (83.5cm)

Borah Gear Cuben Fiber Bivy Review March 2016

I just received a custom made Cuben Fiber Bivy from Borah Gear. I paid $180 and it was well worth it. The bottom is 100% waterproof Cuben Fiber and the top is a ARGON breathable top fabric. I went ahead and got the side zipper option because I thought it would be easier to get in and out of it. But, Honestly it is not necessary. There is plenty of room inside and I don't feel claustrophobic at all. I did notice that it is so lite that I am scared it will blow away if it is not staked down or tied to a tree branch.

Cuben bivy:

This is the lightest bivy we offer, weighing in at a whopping 4.2oz with standard chest zipper. This bivy is for the true ultra-lighter who wants to save as much weight as possible.

Standard Features:

- .74oz cuben floor

- ARGON breathable top fabric

- No-see-um (.7oz) netting top

- #3 YKK zipper across chest

- 4.2oz for standard length/standard girth with chest zipper

- 4.45oz for standard length/standard girth with side zipper

- Grosgrain pullout to keep netting off face

- Double-stitched seams

- Stake loops on footbox

- Cuben stuff sack included

Sizing:

- Standard length fits up to 6'1 comfortably

- Long length fits up to 6'4 comfortably

- Standard girth is 73" at the shoulders and 60" at the foot, fits most people

- Large sized girth is 78" at the shoulders and 64" at the foot. For users larger then 220lbs or over 6'4", please contact us for custom sizing. Custom sizing is free.

- Each oversize option (Long length, wide girth) adds about .1oz. So a Long/Wide would weigh ~.2oz more

Side zipper option:

- Adds a zipper that goes across chest like normal, but then turns and runs down the side for 20" - Adds .25oz to total weight

- If you would like something custom added, please give us an email and we will give you a quote. Most custom options are not more than $5-$10
Note: Although cuben is a very strong fabric for the weight, a little care should be taken when selecting a site to use. Clear the place you plan to sleep of any rocks or sharp objects. In case of a puncture on the floor (this should be rare with proper site selection), duct tape can be used as a semi-permanent repair. Cuben patches are also readily avaiable on the web for cheap.

Underside of Biv

Side Zipper open

Plenty of room all around

Monday, March 7, 2016

Mountain Laurel Designs Cuben Fiber Poncho Tarp Review 2016

Today I bought the Cuben Fiber Poncho Tarp from Mountain Laurel Designs.

Specs:
4.6oz : Lightest Poncho Tarp Made
Rectangular: 4.3 X 8.8

Features:
• Traditional hole-in-the-middle basic hood design.
• Hood is offset forward for more pack coverage in Poncho Mode.
• Hood has four reinforcement points to aid tight pitching and to distribute stress on the hood hole in Tarp Mode if desired. Hood inside stabilizer bungee (pictured) approx + .2oz.- many users will not need. Used to prevent stretch in the Tarp Mode if desired.
• Two snap sets per side.
• Eight Tieouts with bonded Cuben reinforcements.

Entire Weight With Everything! Ounces Entire Weight With Everything! Grams

Waist Strap Removed Center Poncho Strap Removed

So, I am showing a little heavier then advertised but I just don't care at this point. When in poncho mode it is a good fit and the waist strap has multiple uses. I use it as a sternum strap for my backpack.

Mountain Laurel Designs Cuben Fiber Poncho Tarp Review 2016

The center ring strap (pictured at left) is removable and is used to create tension when in tarp mode and to keep out rain. It also comes in handy if you attach minibiners and create a key chain for hanging or drying items for your pack! The length of the tarp is fine but it is not wide enough to be comfortably in a down pour. I am combining this tarp with a Borah gear cuben fiber bivy for more rain protection. I need to add that I am 5'6" and overweight at 195lbs. The current temperature is 70 Degree's and this poncho is NOT BREATHABLE. I quickly started to heat up just standing in the living room. The bottom half has two snaps on each side and under the arm pits is open to allow for ventilation. Other wise, this is just an ultralight trash bag. I am not being mean. I am sure that the rain will cool me down some. I am waiting for a good rain to try this out in.