GoLite's Den 2 - It's not a tent so much as a floored tarp with doors, but was tougher than it looked. I gave this innovative shelter a run for it's money at Marion Point, at 6800 feet, just below the North Rim. An unexpected early snowstorm blew in and we had to hole up. The Den withstood raging winds and rains all night. We slept warm. The main caveat: you must position the openings into the wind properly to prevent excessive condensation.
At 3.5 pounds, it's weightier than some other 'lite' three-season shelters. But, for borderline freezing temperatures, the Den performed above expectations - two thumbs up.
Things to wear, misc to carry
The Go Light Flow Rain/Wind Resistant Jacket, paired with their carbon-fiber Dome Hiking Umbrella, makes a top-notch and super-duper LIGHT rain-repellant system. The Flow jacket does packed down very well and was the envy of all my friends, however, the umbrella was useless in high winds and beneath the grabbing branches along Nankoweap's unmaintained Supai traverse.
GoLite's C-Thru Tank was cool and light - as promised - but sprouted a major run across the front on it's first test in the field. GoLite PR Manager Coral Darby said GoLite's materials are as durable as can be and still travel light. "We've put our gear through rigorous tests," Darby explained. "Extreme testing grounds like the forests of Borneo. Our products withstand a lot. Unfortunately, the nature of base layers like C-Thru is that they tend to pick a bit. But, they are really bomber overall. You don't have to sacrifice durability to be lightweight."
Since I wasn't planning to carry more than 20-30 pounds, I eschewed the heavy wool socks most backpacking requires. The Thorlo Light Hiker Socks were a well-padded, comfy and breathable replacement. With a Nankoweap elevation differential of 10,000 feet, and both hot AND snowy weather, I never worried about my tootsies. Much better than a clunky wool sock and synthetic liner combo, with much less fussing.
The Adventure Medical Kit's Trail First Aid pouch is a well-designed package. The 'Trail' weighed only 13 ounces and easily slipped into a mesh pack pocket for easy access. A nice-sized moleskin sheet was included, but not enough antibiotic ointment for a realistic trip. However, the precision forceps were perfect for removing those irritatingly small southwestern cactus spines that nothing else grips. There was plenty of room to add personal first aid supplements. The durable nylon pouch is a bit "heavy" for an ultralight trip, though, and I wondered if it wouldn't have been better to just throw everything into a sturdy gallon ziplock.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
