My Little Improvement Projects:
Backpack - Cabellas XPG 5000 Extreme
Waterproof ripstop nylon internal frame with water resistant zippers, removable
side pockets, removable top pouch, J Zip main access, Zip access bottom section
& zip open organizer panel.
My modifications:
- Straps & velcro tie on loops for
hydration hose
- Waist belt mount snack pouch
- Velcro strap ties for add on gear
- Easy grab zipper pulls
- Strap mounted pill bottle, mini flashlight, Map pocket clips
- Mini carabineer loops for handy camera attach
Hydration System:
Katadyn Hiker filter which I have
modified by adding quick release fittings to pump direct into a bladder
(even still in
the backpack). Makes filtering an easy 1 man job.
I have added a dual use additional pre-filter (also usable as a coffee/tea
infuser)
I have 5 Outdoor Products (OP) 2L bladders modified with extra o-ring lid seals
(to avoid leaks), carry hooks & quick release flow-shutoff valves so I can can carry them full.I
use OP tubes with Platypus insulation, Camelbak: big bite flow valves, bite valve covers,
dual elbows, shut-off valve with
quick release fittings both ends for filter/bladder.
Extras:
Bladder 'T' fitting (to use 2 bladders at the same time (=> 4 Liter capacity)
I have a quick release on/off tap system & velcro hanger for in camp water
bag use
Velcro strap loops allow me to carry full bladders and/or hang them from trees
etc
Quick release twist on/off shower head allows for easy camp hair/hands washing
I also have a platypus 3L hoser bladder
for use in a pack for intermediate capacity.
For in-camp I use Platypus 1L & 2L (Zip top) collapsible water bottles
w/ pull caps
I have a very basic insulated 2L hydration only pack with no storage - that can also piggy back one of my
backpack's removable side
pockets to add small storage.
Also a small/med capacity insulated 2L hydration pack suitable for a day hike
Bear Bag System:
Nylon
Bear bags (ditty & stuff sacs), bear bag line (paracord) with mini-pully,
tree straps and screw carabineer type links
and a frisbee as a water/small animal cover!
I use the bear bag cord as a drying line during the day
(using mini sliding pegs) and also as a set-up for an in-camp flag "pole"
Cooking:
Jet Boil System:
I have a Jetboil GCS with an extra PCS
pot for flexibility
I have built a small stove table for better stability (chopping board top &
titanium legs)
This doubles as a side table/prep table, storage & holder for
food/condiments/ utensils/trash bag holder and water dispenser holder.
I'm considering converting to a multi-fuel system
for the GCS using an MSR Simmerlite
I'm further considering modifying this to also use butane/propane and simmer
better (with a dragonfly type dual control system).
MSR Pocket Rocket/DuraLite:
I have an ultralite Pocket Rocket Butane Stove &
DuraLite 1L/2L + lid pot system + BlackLite fry pan & spring tensioned pot
holder.
Other:
For eating I have a medium flexi plastic bowl,
Lexan spork & Titanium cup (can be used to heat 1 cup directly on Jetboil or
pocket rocket)
Tent Modifications:
I have a Four Peaks Ultralight 3 man 3 pole dome
tent. I converted this from fiberglass poles to super-light aluminum, added
ultra-lightweight titanium stakes, Tyvek groundsheet and a clip in gear
loft. It has been extensively waterproofed/sealed
I have a Eureka! Apex 2A tent with lightweight
aluminum poles, I have purchased the 2XTA flysheet from Eureka! to expand
the tent's flexibility in bad/cold weather. I've also added the gear loft and
a Tyvek groundsheet. I have ultra-lightweight titanium stakes.
I have a Eureka! Solitaire 1 man tube tent and have
added quick release fly & door attachments, Tyvek groundsheet & ultra
lightweight titanium stakes.
