--- title: Ultralight Stoves, Cookware - Titanium date: 2006-05-17T21:58:28Z source: http://www.backpacking.net/rv-ul-03.html tags: camping, reviews --- **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ![][1] ### Platypus Water Bottles: **_DESCRIPTION:_** (3/08/97)**_The Platypus_** line of water bottles from **_CASCADE DESIGNS_** is truly a lightweight innovation (although similar products like plastic pop containers have been around for a long time -- cheaper too). The bottles are made of light, yet durable 3-ply plastic laminate and welded construction. Platypus bottles are lined with food-grade polyethylene film that won't flavor drinking water with a plastic taste--like Nalgene poly bottles (but not Nalgene Lexan bottles). They stand on a stable base, yet can be flattened to conform to small spaces and they can be rolled up, when empty, for storage. They can be frozen and also boiled. In addition to their reported durability and non-flavor adding qualities, THEY ARE ULTRALIGHT. The 1/2 Liter bottle **weighs .4 ounce**, the 1 Liter bottle **weighs .6 ounce**, and the 2.5 Liter bottle **weighs 1.2 ounces**. That weight is accurate too ! I weighed them myself. In contrast, the NALGENE Lexan 1 Quart bottle weighs 5.5 ounces and the 1 Pint bottle weighs 3 ounces (I weighed those, too!). I usually carry either 2 Lexan Nalgene Quarts (11 ounces), or 1 Lexan Quart and 1 Pint (8.5 ounces). Now, I could carry either 1 Platypus 2.5 Liter and 1 1-Liter bottle (1.8 ounces) or 2 1-Liter bottles (1.2 ounces) So, hmm, let's see now. **_I can reduce my pack weight 9.2 ounces with the first scenario and 7.3 ounces, with the second scenario._** Incidently, it was Travelling Light that produced the Platypus, it's just that Cascade Designs bought them out last summer and are fine-tuning it. **_REVIEW:_** Over the past two weeks, I've been abusing a 1-Liter Platypus bottle (about 90% full of water). Standing in the middle of a paved road (there were no cars around), I tossed it 20 feet into the air and let it crash to the pavement. Not a scratch, although the plastic cap disintegrated and the water gushed out--better carry an extra cap ! I refilled it (again about 90% full) and then pounded on it with a hammer (with semi-moderate intensity). I boiled it, froze it, squished it, squashed it, sat on it, kicked it, and then, yes, drank from it. It withstood all the bashing with flying colors. There is no evidence of seams coming loose, cracks, creases, or otherwise. I, then, let it (and the water in it) sit at room temperature for a week and then tasted the water. Other than being boringly tepid, the taste was no different than fresh tap water. So far, I'm impressed, but with reservation. I have two concerns. (1) its vulnerability to punctures. I easily punctured the plastic welds, first, with a sewing needle, and then, with the tip of a nail (and the welded area is actually twice as thick as the rest of the bottle). Maybe its unlikely, but it seems like a sharp rock, tree snag, or loose object within a person's backpack could puncture the bottle. (2) its flimsy cap. In addition to the cap that shattered, I had one deform and water leaked out into my pack. If you tighten the cap too hard, it may deform and leak (or eventually pop off altogether). \----------------------------------- Anyway, I'm going to continue using them (or maybe testing them is more appropriate). I'm careful with my gear. If the unlikely puncturing event does occur, I'll have another bottle with me. I might also carry an extra cap, just in case. So, from now on, I'll probably be carrying at least one 1-liter Platypus. One other observation of import, is that these bottles become smaller as you consume the liquid in them. The smaller they get, the more creative you can be as to where you stash them in your pack. **UPDATE:** These bottles are hard to clean out. Clean them often and imediately after returning from your adventure soak them, scrub them (get appropriate brush from hardware store) and store them upside down with lid off (so they remain dry and free from mildew). Take special care of inside the lid, also. In addition, I tested the pack-belt holster for the 1-liter bottle. It works great and weighs only an ounce or so. I did have to make an adjustment to it, however. The holster allowed the Platypus to hang so low that it was interfering with my leg movement, and, after awhile, was rubbing a sore spot on my leg. So I got out my trusty expedition sewing kit and blocked off part of the velcro belt-attachment area, such that now the bottle rides higher--perfectly out of the way from any moving body parts. The Platypus rides nicely on the front belt, primarily because of its shape. It is rather flat and fits up against the body almost as snug as the smaller 1-pint Nalgene bottle that I used to carry up front. **_UPDATE:_** I quit using the pack-belt holster after one trip because it was a real hassle when ever I took the pack on and off. I just carry the bottle in an outside pocket. Didn't need the extra weight, anyway. **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ![][1] ### Platypus Water Bottles (1/1/98 UPDATE): From: **Charles Lindsey:** Type of Gear: **Water Bottle** Manufacturer & Gear: **Platypus water bottle** Here's an email exchange that does well to explain my new opinion on the Platypus water container. From: Michelle Kaye Grover, 1/1/98 Email: mkg2@email.byu.edu Subject: Water Bottles I noticed that you are now carrying the platypus water bottle instead of the nalgene water bottle. According to a test in the backpackers magazine, I don't have the magazine with me to check which issue, the platypus received a lousy rating in every category especially with durability. Even though the platypus has a warranty, is it worth sacrificing weight for durability in the field? I can think of very few things that would be worse then being half way through a hike and have my water bottle break. I just wondered what your opinion of this was? **\---------------------------** Thank you for reminding me ..... It's on my long list of things to do .... I need to write a second, follow-up review, now that I've had a chance to test the platypus over a longer time frame. In fact, I've moderated my use of it, significantly. I've pretty much gone back to carrying one 32 ounce and one 16 ounce Nalgene wide-mouth bottle (or two 16 ouncers). I still use the Platypus, occasionally. On day trips I'll take a one liter Platypus and a 16 oz Nalgene. Several problems I encountered plus my constant paranoia about the "bottle's" durability factored into my turnabout. Not counting what I already documented in my initial review, on two other occasions, I had a bottle cap become dysfunctional and leak into my pack - the second time it happened, the lid popped off "inside my pack". Needless to say, I don't want any more gatorade soaked gear. I probably should have taken Jim's advice of using a Diet Canada Dry Ginger Ale top. Secondly, I put powdered vitamins & drinks into my bottles and with the Platypus, (1) it's hard to get the stuff into that narrow opening and (2) it's hard to get inside the bottle to clean it. I am still going to experiment with the 2 liter bottle as part of a hydration system that I will carry on my back for fast and light treks, but for the most part, until I discover a good lightweight solution, I'll stick to the ole Nalgene standard. I suppose that if I consumed soda pop and had plastic pop bottles laying around I would be more inclined to use them for a water bottle as some people suggest. Hmmm, maybe I'll look into that. As has been well documented elsewhere, pop bottles are a lot cheaper - plus you get the pop thrown in for free ! **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ![][1] ### Cassin Dragonfly Ice Axe: The Dragonfly is the lightest-weight forged ice axe available--**12 ounces** compared to other comparable axes at **1 pound 12 ounces** (REI, SMC). It has a one-piece forged aluminum head matted to an aluminum shaft. The head and shaft are made from 7075 aluminum and anodized with a brilliant finish. The pick is a classic style with serration along its entire length and an adze which is perfect for chopping steps. The tool is perfect for trekking, alpine snow scrambling, and backcountry skiing. I've used it on numerous occasions to glissade and self arrest and it works great ! Best of all, it's so light, I forget that it's on my back. I find that especially nice in the Spring and very early Summer when I have to take an ice axe on mountain travels, just in case. Marmot Mountainworks in Bellevue, WA carries the Dragonfly. They can be reached at 1-800-254-6246 or on the web at http://www.premier1.net/~marmot/icetools.htmll#anchor396395 **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ![][1] ### Grivel Nepal Light Mountaineering Ice Axe: This is Grivel's response to market demands for an ice axe manufactured entirely from light alloy materials. It may be lighter than the Cassin Dragonfly and certainly stronger and more reliable for classic mountaineering chores. The body and pick of the "head" are hot, drop forged in one piece, then the stamped adze is welded to it. The shaft, tested according to the UIAA methods, resists 280kg and is finished with an asymmetrical, light alloy spike. Nepal Light is made for ski touring, for ski mountaineering competition, classical mountaineering routes of moderate difficulty, and for high altitude or distant expeditions where weight is the determining factor. Weight for 53 cm : 260g (9 1/4 oz.) Lengths : 48,53,58,60cm **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ![][1] ### Evernew Titanium Cook Pot: Evernews new titanium cooking pots are incredibly light. For example, the 1.3 liter pot--including a tight fitting lid, silicon-covered, heat resistent handles, and rounded bottom edges for good heat exchange **weighs a mere 6 ounces** and the .9 liter pot **weighs 5 ounces**. Although the metal is thinner than the typical lightweight stainless steel pots, they are plenty durable. I have bent the pots out of shape and then just bent them back--couldn't notice. They, also, somehow, have avoided getting dented. They are very resilient. Anyway, I, for one, dont stand on my pots or use them to pound tent stakes, so I don't anticipate any problems. I did several tests. I can't find my data now, but as I recall, I couldn't tell any difference in boiling times between the titanium pots and my SIGG Inoxal stainless steel pots. I think it has to do with the thinness of the titanium, together with the rounded bottom, tight-fitting lid, and titanium's natually good heat transfer. Anyway, no difference in cooking time, as far as I could tell. One note of caution, however. Although the pot's integrated silicon-covered handles are heat resistent, they are not fire-proof. If you cook over an open fire, beware ! If you cook over a gas stove with the gas turned up big-time, beware ! Those handles can melt. Normally, it isn't a problem, but I've heard of cases where it has happened. In addition--as I do with all my cooking pots--I painted the outer surface of the titanium pots with black stove paint so they would absorb and transfer heat better. (The only pots that I've seen that come from the manufacturer pre-blackened are the SIGG Inoxal pots.) Cost for the 1.3 liter is about US $45.00 and for the .9 liter is about US $42.00. There is also one smaller pot available and at least one larger. REI sells them. **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ![][1] ### MSR Titanium Products: [MSR Titanium Products][2] **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ![][1] ### Primus 3273 Titanium Cook Stove: From: **Charles Lindsey:** Type of Gear: **Stove** Name of Gear: **3273 Titanium Cook Stove** Manufacturer: **Primus** Weight: 3 1/2 oz / 4 oz with included Piezo ignition Price: $250.00 Fuel Type: 70% Butane / 30% Propane Canisters A built-in Wind Screen comes with, as standard. A 7.8 oz fuel canister lasts about 1.4 hours. This stove is unbelievably compact and lightweight, yet is high quality and very effective. Last summer, I took it on a 7 day trip where we set up base camp at 7500 feet. The stove performed well. Even though we experienced high winds for about five of the days, and I had no wind protection for the stove other than its integral wind screen, it only used one 3.5 oz fuel canister and part of a 7.8 oz canister. For ultralight travel, I strongly recommend getting one of these little guys. **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ![][1] ### Primus 3273 Titanium Cook Stove: From: **Charles Lindsey:** Type of Gear: **Stove** Name of Gear: **3273 Titanium Cook Stove** Manufacturer: **Primus** Weight: 3 1/2 oz / 4 oz with included Piezo ignition Price: $250.00 Fuel Type: 70% Butane / 30% Propane Canisters A built-in Wind Screen comes with, as standard. A 7.8 oz fuel canister lasts about 1.4 hours. **\------------** The following is a response that I posted at Backpackers Basecamp to a thread that was dismissing the Primus Titanium stove, without looking at all the facts: RE: Primus Titanium Stove (Well Worth It !) Date: Sun Nov 23 1997 I definitely agree that the titanium stove is very expensive - incidently, it cost $250 not $300. There are good lightweight alternatives available that are much less expensive - albeit not as lightweight as the titanium. Alternatives that come to mind are the Peak 1 (used to be Epigas) Micro at 5.6 oz-$25, the Husch Bivy Butane/Propane Stove (if you can find them) at 4 oz-$40, the Primus Trail Light, 6 oz-$40, (all three run on the same fuel canisters \- MSR, Coleman, Primus - as the Titanium), and the Gaz Micro Bleuet 270, 7 oz-$30 (uses GAZ fuel cartridges). However, I think you were too fast to dismiss the Primus Titanium stove as a good investment, assuming a person can live with the $250 price tag, of course. First of all, the titanium is very durable. First thing I did was discard the plastic case. It is so tiny it can be carried in many ways. Sometimes, I roll it up in a hanky and put it in a one-quart freezer bag and into my titanium pot. If it's cold, I just put into the freezer bag. Lots of carrying options sans plastic case. So the weight of the stove never exceeds 4 ounces. That four ounces includes an efficient windscreen and piezo electric igniter. Where I go, those are incredibly useful functions that would otherwise increase my pack weight if they were not intrinsic to the stove. Last year I took a 7-day trip into the Central Washington Cascades. Upon reaching my destination (for peak bagging & fishing) I set up base camp amongst some high alpine lakes at 7000 feet. Although I was able to find a sheltered campsite, the winds coming off the lakes were nonetheless fierce and steady. I experimented with matches and lighter \- both would not withstand the wind. The piezo igniter worked beautifully and infallibly. Likewise, I purposely used the stove without additional wind protection and its integral windscreen worked adequately and helped to maintain a constant flame. Conversely, my daughter was using the Gaz Micro Bleuet 270 and had a heck of a time getting the thing started and had to build a wind screen around it to keep it going. Bottom line - for $250, you get a tiny, yet durable stove, with added functionality of windscreen and electric igniter in a package weighing a tad less than 4 ounces. Is it worth it ? That's subjective and relative. But to me, it is worth it. I always go after the lightest, smallest, highest quality that I can find and this stove certainly has proven to me that its worth a spot in my inventory. The Lightweight Backpacker http://www.isomedia.com/homes/clindsey/ **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ![][1] From: **Charles Lindsey** Type of Gear: **Stove** Name of Gear: **Peak I Micro** Manufacturer: **Coleman** This is the smallest of the new line of stoves which Coleman introduced in 1996. They are actually redesigned Epigas stoves, which are no longer available in the US. The _Micro_ uses a 70% butane/30% propane fuel canister. The stove **weighs a mere 5.6 ounces ** (158g) and with a 100g (net) fuel canister weighs a **total of 12.2 ounces** (344g). It puts out 13,000 BTU and burns at full-throttle for 20 minutes. Boil time for one liter is about 3 1/2 minutes in ideal conditions. One 100 gram (net) fuel canister will boil about 7 liters of water (in ideal, controlled conditions). Since these puppies dont waste fuel--its on and off, no priming--I would think one small canister of fuel would handle 4 meals in mountain conditions, making this stove and a 100g fuel canister an excellent lightweight option for weekend overnighters. Cost is about US $25.00. I think this is an excellent inexpensive alternative to the Primus titanium stove. **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ![][1] ### Husch Bivy Butane/Propane Stove: The Husch weighs just about the same as the Primus Titanium with Piezo Igniter (about 4oz). HUSCH, $41.00, weighs 4 oz, compact, boils 1 liter in 3-4 minutes, No Windscreen (but it definitely needs one), No Piezo Igniter. By contrast, the PRIMUS TITANIUM weighs 4 oz (with Piezo Igniter), is compact (folds flat), boils 1 liter in 3-4 minutes, Yes Windscreen (it is built-in so no added weight), and includes a standard Piezo Igniter. Although the HUSCH falls short of the overall functionality (and possibly long-term durability) of the Primus Titanium, it is definitely a worthy ultralight stove to consider, and, especially, considering that its price ($41.00) is $209.00 less than the Primus stove. The Husch seems to burn hotter than the Primus--has a wider range of control from simmer to torcher. As I already mentioned, The Husch is susceptible to flickering during a slight breeze, so it will require a windscreen. Both the Primus Titanium and the Husch (as well as the Peak 1 Micro) use the same 70% Butane / 30% Propane fuel mixture. All three stoves can use both Primus and Coleman/Peak 1 fuel cartridges. I recommend taking a look at the Husch (along with the Peak 1 Micro) as economical, ultralight alternatives to the Primus Titanium. **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ![][1] From: **Charles Lindsey** Type of Gear: **Clothing** Manufacturer/Product: **Patagonia Puffball Micro-Loft Vest** Size: Small Weight: **8 oz.** Cost: $95 Patagonia has a new little gem on the market called the "Puffball Vest". It weighs less than 8 ounces, stuffs to the size of a softball (in its own pocket), and is warmer than fleece. It is insulated with micro-loft, making it more compact and warmer than comparable fleece garments. As an added bonus, it's inner lining and outer layer are made of wind-resistant rip-stop nylon. The puffball vest is a pull-over with a front zipper that extends down for 2/3rds of the garment's length. Patagonia also produces a long-sleeve version which weighs about 14 ounces. The vest costs $95 and the long-sleeve version costs $125. I've used the vest, extensively, and it has performed well for me in both high-action and no-action modes. In highly aerobic activities it does get wet from absorbing sweat, but it continues to insulate and breathes very well. It drys out quickly from body heat as the level of activity diminishes. I did encounter one problem, however. One of the shoulder seams popped open, exposing the Puffball's innards. I took it down to the local Patagonia store where they repaired it, at no cost, and sent it back to me in the mail. Good company to deal with. **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ![][1] From: **Charles Lindsey, 02/24/98** Type of Gear: **Clothing** Manufacturer/Product: **Patagonia Puffball Micro-Loft Jacket** Size: Medium Weight: **18 oz.** Cost: $105 (sale) I like this jacket for three reasons. It is very warm, relatively light, and insultates even when wet. I like my Feathered Friends Volant gtx/down jacket better (also 18 oz), but the Puffball adds the utility of insulation when wet. It stuffs small but don't try to get it into its integral stuff sack (aka pocket) because you'll probably rip something. Use instead a medium sized stuff sack. Like its smaller vest sibling, the jacket is made of lofty polyester insulation for max warmth @ min weight. The shell is made of 30-denier ripstop nylon with a DWR coating. It is wind resistant and also water resistant (for a brief time). The jacket has a full front zip but does not have a wind break strip behind the zipper. It has two front pockets and one large internal mesh pocket. Both sleeves and bottom hem are elasticized lycra to resist moisture but provide snug fit to retain heat. When it gets wet, it keeps right on working and drys out quickly. Don't want to wear it too long in the house, however, it really is pretty warm. Bottom line. I like it and will probably drag it along on extended trips. One of the nice things about carrying a jacket like this is that you can carry a lighter sleeping bag - if you get cold pull out the jacket - it'll add 10 degrees, at least, of comfort. **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ![][1] From: **Charles Lindsey** Type of Gear: **Clothing / Rain/Wind Wear** Name of Gear: **Activent Pants & Anorak** Manufacturer: **Patagonia / Marmot** PATAGONIA _PNEUMATIC_ PANTS MARMOT _ACTIVENT_ ANORAK For those of us who like to go ultralight and the risk of encountering storm-like conditions is minimal, these products provide minimalist protection. Both rely on Gore Technology, similar to dryloft, laminated to lightweight polyester. These garments are ultralight--the **anorak about 10 ounces** and **pants about 8 ounces**. They provide total windproof protection and moderate protection from external moisture. Just perfect for those mountain forays where you need something which has excellent breathability, to keep you from wind chill, and some insurance against rain or snow. I don't suggest relying on this technology, in the mountains, during the winter season, though, or on multi-day mountain adventures. **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ![][1] ### Alacer E.mer'gen-C Electrolyte/Vitamin/Mineral Supplement Powder: You probably never heard of it, but this stuff works for me. I can hike all day at about the same steady pace, in almost any terrain, and this stuff has a lot to do with it. I've had fellow mountaineers take notice of my little "fuel" breaks and inquire as to what I was consuming. Well, this is the stuff. Move over Gatorade ! E.mer'gen-C, produced by Alacer Corporation, is a "super energy booster with staying power" containing eight times the electrolytes that Gatorage has. Although each foil packet's **net weight is only 1/5 of an ounce (6 grams)**, it contains 1000 mg of Vitamin C as well as Vitamins B1, B2, Special Niacin Complexes, B6, B12, Folic Acid, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Sodium, 200 mg of Potassium, and Manganese. It is sweetened with fructose. All nutrients are in a base of citric, tartaric, aspartic, and malic (apple) acids. Naturally flavored with concentrates of lemon and lime. It tastes good. It is called "The Champagne of Nutritional Drinks" because it has a bit of a fizz to it when you first add it to water. I usually add one or two packets to each quart of drinking water. I carried Gatorade, previously, but this stuff is ultralightweight in comparison, and much better, healthwise. The foil packets make it extremely easy to pack and transport. I purchase it at a local health-food store, by the box. Each box has 36 packets in it and costs about $12.00. The recommended dosage is 2 packets a day. In the bush, I usually double that dosage. There is also the E.mer'gen-C Lite version, which is without sweetners, but weighs 50% less. Each packet **weighs .11 ounce (3 grams)**. Here's the home page URL of Alacer Corp., for your further info: **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ![][1] ### Marmot DriClime Lightweight Thermal Underwear: I have evolved thru numerous pairs of lightweight thermal underwear. My REI M.T.S. underwear fell apart several months after I got it and I have similar stories of other manufacturers. All polyester-based underwear stinks--literally--despite what the manufacturers say. Of all the underwear that I've tried, my Patagonia Capilene is the best quality and has provided the best performance. Recently, however, I purchased a set of Marmot DriClime lightweight underwear. Now it is my favorite. It is at least as warm as the Capilene, at least as good of quality, and it is a couple of ounces lighter. I like the honey-comb design. It seems to stretch better with my movement--i.e., I forget that it's there. It feels good against the skin and the warmth to weight ratio is great ! **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ![][1] From: **Charles Lindsey, 03/14/98** Type of Gear: **Backpacking Shoes** Name of Gear: **Peak Speed Trail Shoes** Manufacturer: **Merrell** Capacity: **size 10 (I normally wear 9.5)** Weight: **15 oz ea shoe** Cost: Lowcut:$95, Midcut:$105 retail Reviewer's Height/Weight: 5'9", 165lbs Trail runners that can be used for lightweight backpacking. I haven't seen too many shoes that I feel comfortable in due to tender feet which feel sharp rocks poking in the wrong places. But these, with their vibram rubber outsole, seem to provide adequate support. I tested them while carrying a Mountainsmith Mountainlight 5200 loaded with 41 pounds of gear. They were very comfortable and supportive as I walked over grass, rocks, pebbles, mud, and pavement - up and down steep hills. Next, I'm going to try the Salomon Raid Runners, which are similar. If they don't beat these Peak Speed shoes, then I'm ordering at least one more pair of these Merrell shoes, from LLBeaner. Update: The Salomon Raid Runners were great, but I ordered another pair of the Merrell Trail Runners. They have an EVA midsole for shock absorption. Synthetic NuBuck leather uppers with breathable mesh panels. Nylex lining wicks moisture away from feet. Padded bellows tongue helps seal out debris. They come in a low cut (my preference) and a mid-high style. I normally wear a 9.5 but in these I needed a 10 to avoid bottom-out when traveling downhill. And, yes, they smell like dirty old sneakers after a good workout. **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ![][1] ### OR Lobster Claw GTX Rain Mitt: A pair of these mitts weigh 1.2 ounces. You get rain & wind proof gore-tex protection, plus the added warmth that over mitts provide. The split-mitt design permits you to grip, yet still have some finger control over zippers and other objects (two fingers in each split mitt slot). They are made of factory seam-taped 1.4 oz ripstop nylon/gore-tex fabric with a snug lycra cuff. These guys are great ! They weigh nothing yet provide a big function when hit with inclement weather. I use them together with a pair of REI ultralight fleece liner gloves (another 1.2 ounces). Although I don't recommend them for Winter weather, I have, in fact, used that glove combination at the freezing level, quite comfortably. **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ![][1] ### Zeiss 8x20 Monocular: This beautiful little tool is 1 inch wide, 3 1/2 inches long, and **weighs a mere 2 ounces**. It is 8 x 20 power and has a Carl Zeiss lens. It cost somewhere in the neighborhood of US $ 300. If high-quality viewing, in an ultralight package, is your goal, then you can't do better than this, in terms of size, weight, & quality. **\-------------------------------------------------------------** > ### Lithium AA Batteries: ![Knowledge-Nugget][3] The Lithium AA Energizers are made by the Eveready Battery Company. A package of two sells for $5.50 at REI. **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ![][1] ### Olympus Infinity Stylus Epic: From: **Charles Lindsey, 12/24/97** Type of Gear: **Camera** Name of Gear: **Olympus Infinity Stylus Epic** Weight: little over 5 oz with battery & film Price: $169.00 or lower It's going to be hard to beat this. My previous favorite ultralight camera was the Pentax UC-1 (still a great little camera - but the Epic is better). I just got an Epic. I'm really impressed with the quality of the product. It is housed in a hard, silver-color plastic casing with a great, durable, protective lens cover which just slides back and forth to activate/deactivate the camera. I used to own (for a short period of time) an Olympus Infinity Stylus camera and was not impressed, at all. The lens produced consistently poor images and it had a problem with red eye. It appears that the new epic has significantly improved both areas, as well as being much lighter and smaller. The lens is reportedly very good and the red eye is effective - albeit annoying, due to the strobe-like flashes. From what I've heard and read, it has a nice 35mm f/2.8 lens which rivals the Carl Zeiss Tessar lens on the Yashica T4 Super. (I own that one too so I'll write a comparative review eventually). It also has panarama mode Particularly appealing for backpackers, in addition to the built-in protective lens, is that it is weatherproof - opening parts have rubber gaskets - and best of all, it is tiny and featherlight - a little over 5 ounces with batteries and film. If size, weight, lens quality, weatherproofing, built-in lens protection, all-automatic controls, date/time stamp, are in your definition of a "Real" backpacking camera, then check out this little point and shoot. #### Pentax UC1 & Ricoh R1: Another top notch ultralight is the Ricoh R1. I've never heard a more quiet motor. It has a dual lens. One is 24mm (I think) for great panoramic scenery shots and the other is 35mm (I think). It weighs about 6 ounces. I rate the picture quality as very good - although not as sharp as the Yashica T4. The third ultralight that I like alot is the Pentax UC1. It has a similar housing as the Epic, including the sliding lens protective cover. It has a very nice 32mm f/3.5 lens. Just a wee bit heavier than the Olympus Epic at about 5 1/2 ounces. Very good lens - very good quality pictures. This camera also has a Panorama mode. However, it (as well as the Ricoh R1) is not weatherproof. **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ### Camera Tri-Pods & Clamps: * [Ultrapod Camera Tripod (1.5 oz.)][4] * [Ultraclamp Camera Clamp (2.5 oz)][5] * [High Sierra Clampette Camera Clamp (2.0 oz.)][6] **_Ultrapod_** This is the one that I've been using. This camera tripod is ultralight--1.5 ounce--and fully adjustable. It features a ball head which allows you to rotate or tilt your camera to achieve virtually any angle. This provides maximum flexibility for achieving the exact position needed for that fantastic photo you're famous for. As an added bonus--to the tripod--it has a velcro strap that allow you to attach it to tree limbs, bicycle handle bars, ski poles, whatever, of a maximum circumferance of about 11". It is extremely compact--folds up to 1.5" x 1.5" x 4". The tripod legs are 4" long, independently adjustable (great for uneven surfaces), and provide a maximum base (when fully extended) of 6" x 6" x 6". Campmor sells these for $7.99--1-800-230-2153. **_Ultraclamp_** This camera clamp is designed like a vice in order to attach to rolled-down car windows, railings, table tops, and anything else that is stable and no more than 1.5" thick. It isn't as versatile as the Ultrapod. The Ultrapod can be used anywhere--the Ultraclamp requires something stable to attach to. Once attached, however, it provides the same functionality as the Ultrapod. It also features a ball head which allows you to achieve virtually any angle by rotating or tilting your camera (or any other device with a standard mounting thread). Clamp body is made of high strength aluminum alloy extrusion. It weighs about 2.5 ounces. Campmor sells these for $17.99--1-800-230-2153. **_Clampette_** The Clampette is manufactured by High Sierra Mfg. and is similar to the Ultraclamp. The Clampette is smaller and a little lighter than the Ultraclamp (good) but doesn't have the adjustability of the Ultraclamp (not good). It does not feature a ball head which allows unrestricted rotating and tilting of the camera--like the Ultraclamp. The Clampette allows only a side to side movement. However, by loosening the mounting screw, you can achieve 360 degree rotation (just be careful that you don't unscrew it all the way such that your camera falls off). When the desired position is achieved, just tighten up the screw, for maximum stability, and take your picture. The Clampette is very well made, is sturdy, and durable. It folds up very compact--3" x 2.5" x 1" and weighs a meager 2 ounces. The Clampette is made of die cast aluminum alloy and features non-marring neoprene pads--great for protecting your home furniture--for a secure grip and the non-slip, swivel, clamp head for flexibility. High Sierra sells the Clampette for $ 8.00 each. Check it out for yourself at the [High Sierra Mfg. Homepage][7] **\-------------------------------------------------------------** ### OR Mesh Ditty Bags: These stuff sacks are made of a tough flat-weave black mesh. They are ideal for food and other items where ready visibility of contents is useful. This mesh is much tougher than the flimsy mesh that is usually used and will endure a significant amount of hard use. They are practically weightless. They come in three sizes S, M, and L. REI & Campmor sell them. Campmor is cheaper--$3.40, $3.80, and $3.99. **\-------------------------------------------------------------** [1]: http://www.backpacking.net/top.gif [2]: http://www.msrcorp.com/msr/titanium.htmll [3]: http://www.backpacking.net/knowledge-nugget.gif [4]: http://www.backpacking.net/rv-ul-03.html#ultrapod [5]: http://www.backpacking.net/rv-ul-03.html#ultraclamp [6]: http://www.backpacking.net/rv-ul-03.html#clampette [7]: http://mariposa.yosemite.net/hsmc