There Are Pandas, and Then There Are Pandas.
And this isn't either of them! The Pandas we're talking about here, are watches, not bears. And what got me thinking about them (again) was a link posted this morning by @cm.rook who pointed a few of us to the very attractive (and not terribly priced) Yema "Rallygraph" Panda which, in it's most traditional arrangement, looks like the one on the left, but can also be had in the version on the right: The model on the left is a true Panda, while the model on the right is called a reverse Panda. The reason for that distinction is clear--Panda bears, only come in the first arrangement. Now at this point, everyone should be thinking about the most well-know Panda, The Rolex Panda, which is actually a Daytona, and among Rolex Daytonas, the most famous of which is the Paul Newman Daytona, which was famous first, because it was Paul's, and second because it sold at auction for $17.8 million (US Dollars). The story of that auction is well-known so I'll only...
Nov 8, 2019
Shelters Big Agnes - Their Fly Creek UL 1 is a pretty common site on the long trails Lightheart Gear - Made in USA - I have their Solo and love it. The SoLong is a bit roomier TarpTent - Also made in USA - Their Notch and Moment are neat designs Six Moons Design
Hammocks - (Besides Eno, Hennessy and Warbonnet) Butt In A Sling - Weight Weenie Dutchware - The new Chameleon Hammock is worth looking at Simply Light Designs - Streamliner SL
Quilts - 30° & 40° top quilts are popular among ultralight backpackers whether or not they hang, and bikepackers ought to be interested in saving weight and bulk this way. Hammockgear Enlightened Equipment Jacks R Better
Pads - (I love what yer doing with Klymet ....) Exped Klymet Thermorest - Neoair Xlite (The Women's model is an interesting version any gender should appreciate
Cook pots - Mostly in the 600-700ml range but maybe larger options for couples Evernew Snow Peak
Stoves - Small lightweight canister stoves. lightweight alcohol stoves. Folding wood stoves... Maybe drop something more cold wx worthy in fall for winter camping ... MSR - PocketRocket 2, Superfly, WindPro II Fire Maple - FMS-116t - Back when I was first planning a long hike, BackpackingLight was raving about the Monatuak Gnat as the lightest canister stove on the market. Made by Fire Maple in China and rebadged. Monatauk is closed, but Fire Maple still makes it and lots of folks rebadge it.
Spoons - Long-handled, titanium to get to the bottom of the pot, and to scrape it clean when done. Toaks Vargo Sea-to-Summit
Dry bag stuff sacks - 10- 15 liter bags for food/bear bagging, clothing, sleeping bags Sea to Summit - Ultra-Sil Nano Dry Zpacks - Dyneema/Cuben Fiber roll-top bags
Cup - Shirley a violation of all Orthodox UL Laws and Customs. But ... Kupilka - I love the Kulpilka 21 my son gave me as I was leaving for the AT ...
Things specific to bicyclists ... Not as familiar nor up to date. Old-school front and rear panniers, and handlebar bags in updated, light, waterproof designs. New, hip bikepacking under-seat, frame, and handlebar bags would be worth a survey or 10 ... Tools, water bottles, helmets, gloves, shorts, shoes, pedals, lights, jerseys! (I'd buy a MassDrop cycling jersey!) Handlebar mounts for smartphones ...
Thanks for all you do! L Dog