DIY StickPic Trekking Pole Attachment

As most people do, when they come across the plastic material known as Instamorph or a dozen other trade names, I started trying to find problems that I could solve with it.

Enter the problem that I didn't even know I had.  Since Disney banned selfie sticks, I figured it was time for me to get one. But the only time I need it is for group photos while backpacking. That leads to commercial solutions, like:

The StickPic is an attachment to affix your camera mount to the tip of your trekking pole.  It's not that expensive, but my solution is so cheap it's hard to calculate.  The StickPic appears to be limited to a compression/friction fit made in several models to cover the broad range of trekking pole tips that exist.  My real inspiration came when I noticed that the StickPic is white plastic. I figured out two different ways to thread it onto my poles, but I could still make it a compression fit if that works out better.

Enjoy the video. Buy the stuff you see in it with these links and we'll all be happier.

Glow Inc. Ultra Green V10 Glow Powder 1/4 Ounce

Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

Polly Plastics Moldable Plastic Pellets. 16 oz. EZ Grip Jar

RetiCAM® Smartphone Tripod Mount XL - Metal Universal Smartphone Tripod Adapter - XL, Black

Glow in the Dark (GITD) Zipper Pulls

When life tells you to be able to see what you're doing, you need phosphorescence (yes, I spelled that right the first time without Google).  Using some 2mm rope from glorope.com, some rubber cement, and some clear 1/4" heat shrink tubing, I up-scaled my already awesome Camelbak Octane 18x into a daypack to remember.  Check out the video below to see how it's done.

Salomon Quest 4D GTX Backpacking Boot Review

Purchased from REI. I tried all of the hiking and backpacking boots that they had in stock and found that these and the Asolo Power Matic were the only ones that didn't rub my feet the wrong way.  (For my usage, the Asolos only added a feature of the bearing in the laces eyes that make your boot explode open when you untie and unlock the laces; nice, but not worth the extra money.)

The Salomon's were comfy right out of the box, though I did have to get the one size larger than my normal shoe size (The Asolos would have worked with my normal size 12.)

Wore these in New Mexico (see amusingly insufficient video) for a week and had no blister development. Walked and hiked about 50 miles over that week. Break-in consisted of wearing them around the house for about 4 hours while sitting at a desk and watching TV (so, really nothing).

The locking heel cam is really nice for getting the right tension on the lower and upper part of the boot.

For a simple action video with white legs, see my YouTube posting: http://youtu.be/7_CqZFZnBsE

My Review of Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Mummy Pad - Regular

Originally submitted at REI

This insulated Big Agnes pad is so light you'll never tire of carrying it, and so comfortable you may need an alarm clock!

Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Mummy Pad - Regular

Nice, but too narrow

By gregnx from Fort Worth, TX on 2/23/2012

 

2out of 5

Pros: Packs Easily, Lightweight, Easy To Inflate, Small / Compact

Cons: Uncomfortable

Best Uses: Backpacking

Describe Yourself: Casual/ Recreational

What Is Your Gear Style: Comfort Driven

Was this a gift?: No

Nice mattress. Inflates easily (see video) in about 2 minutes (20 breaths). Unfortunately I had to return it as I found the 20" width was just too narrow. I sleep on my back most of the time, and my arms kept sliding off of the edges.

With the black side up it's supposed to be cooler, with the red side up the insulation hangs down and provides more thermal insulation.

I ended up needing to remove some of the air in order to be most comfortable. My body never slid off.

I might be able to make the 25" wide version work for me, but trying other 25" mattresses in the store was still not quite wide enough to make me want to try their (more expensive) B.A. 25".

Inflation time lapse

Tags: Air, Mattress, Picture of Product, Neoair, REI, Cabelas, Thermarest, Camping, Made with Product

(legalese)

How to Set Up the REI Half Dome 2 Plus Tent, with a Time Lapse

Another time lapse from my phone. One person setting it up.  Note the top hub design that spreads the wall poles apart to get the near-vertical walls.

I use the REI footprint for the floor saver, coated (shiny) side up. I had to remove some forest material to prevent sharp items from stabbing through. Orienting the footprint, tent, rain fly, and poles is helped with color coded anchor straps.

Setting up the poles with one person isn't that tough now that I've done it a few times.  It's amazing how the aluminum poles bend so much, and getting that top hub piece in place takes quite a bit of bending in two directions.

Putting up the actual tent is as simple as clipping to the poles, rather than pushing the poles through sleeves. This is a time saver in setup as well as tear down.

The rain fly straps attach underneath the ground cloth straps, then the fly just cinches up at the corners to make sure it's taut.

There was a rain chance, so I spent some time on getting the rain fly tied in properly. This involved making sure the hook and loop tape on the underside was attached to the outside corners of the pole structure and staking out the ends.

Note the vent at the top of the rain fly, with another one on the other side. This consists of a stiff piece that attaches either closed or open. The rain (and cool weather) wasn't coming for a few days, so I started with it open.

The pink visibility tape on the fly guy wires was my first quick attempt at helping people see the black string. I am getting close to an economical solution that ensures daytime and nighttime visibility. More later.

I have switched out the stakes that come with the tent for some Coghlan's three-sided stakes. I have found the ground where I camp the most is too hard for the aluminum pegs that come with the tent (though not this time).  Go here for an excellent discussion and comparison of tent stakes. 

These tents are a nice purchase for backpacking gear if you need the space. One person fits in it great with lots of room for equipment that can stay in the tent with you.  For housing two people it has plenty of room with backpacking sleeping pads, given that the rain fly entrances on either side are spacious enough for packs and shoes to keep the inside free for sleeping.

ALPS Mountaineering Axis 5 Tent Setup

First attempt at time lapse from my phone, with my oldest helping set up the new tent from REI for the first time. Rain fly didn't make it into the video, but I'll try again when I set it up next time.

A more detailed review will be posted as well, then.  

My Review of REI Stuff Sack

Originally submitted at REI

This REI stuff sack corrals and contains your sleeping bag or gear without adding significant weight to your load.

REI Stuff Sack

Broke the cord lock 1st trip on one bag

By gregnx from Fort Worth, TX on 11/14/2011

3out of 5

Pros: Seems tough
Cons: Lacks smooth action
Describe Yourself: Casual Adventurer
What Is Your Gear Style: Comfort Driven
Was this a gift?: No

Cord lock broke on my son's sack on his first event. Otherwise it's a sack.

(legalese)