Everything Goes Wrong - Day Hike Adventure

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There are moments where nothing seems to go the way that you plan and that is especially true on the trail but that doesn't mean that it isn't fun! :D

Our recent hiking adventure series comes to an end with everything going wrong!  Join us for a Cluster #@$* of a good time on the Appalachian trail!

Modular Sleep System Molle II Sleep System Carrier

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Want to Attach the Modular Sleep System to any backpack?  This is the Molle II Sleep System Carrier and it makes that possible!

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Link : eBay and just about any military surplus provider; they are very common.

Price : Around $25 is very common

Weight : 1.4lbs

NSN : 8465-01-465-2124

Measurements : 15” x10” x 9" Approx. 1500 Cubic Inches (25.5L)

Materials : water-resistant Cordura nylon

Made by SDS

Versions : Can be found in multiple camo patterns including woodland which you see here.

Compatible : Works with the MOLLE II system as well as other military packs such as the Alice pack.

Features D-Rings so you can attached a shoulder strap to if you desire to carry it.

Was designed to fit the MSS; You will have to compress the hell out of it but it will in fact fit.

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I see online that the term Molle II seems to confused people as they think that this means that it is Molle/pals compatible which it is not.  It was designed to fit with the Molle II rucksack.

Wht I like about this is that you can strap this to just about anything with a little ingenuity.  Molle II, Alice, ILBE, Eberlestock pack and so on.  Something to keep in mind is that it doesn’t have to be pretty, it just has to work.  I’ve seen some rig up their packs so that they have two of these attached for when there is a need to carry large amounts of gear.

Big enough for just about anything; large sleep systems or even combination of shelter and sleep system.  Hammock and sleeping bag, tent and bag, tarp and bag

I often hear complaints when it comes to attaching these to backpacks because you have to remove the buckles; that is par for the course so if you wish to use this system, you will likely have to do remove the buckles, feed the strap and then reattach.  It’s not that big of a deal.

Best Selling Backpacking Tent on Amazon - ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1 Review

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This is the Best Selling Backpacking Tent on Amazon and here is my review of the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1....

it's not for everyone....



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Link : https://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Lynx-1-Person-Tent/dp/B07NXVYGXW 



Weight : 4 lbs. 4 oz



Price : At the time of filming; $115 for the Blue / Green and $55 for the Clay /Rust. I paid $79 when I purchased this tent



Colors : There are two colors of this tent; blue / green and the clay / rust.



Measurements : 2'8 x 7'6, Center Height: 36",



There is a Lynx 2, 3, 4 person version available.



Design : Freestanding that really isn’t freestanding and I will explain this in a bit.



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This tent is an oddity of sorts as Alps Mountaineering describes the Lynx in the following way;



What's especially nice about the Lynx is that the walls are mostly mesh, which helps increase ventilation.



While the walls are of a higher percentage of mesh, this is by far not their most ventilated tent and in fact, for summer use I feel that there are better tent options out there when you are counting on air flow to keep you comfortable.  In my opinion, this is more of a 3+ season tent and what I mean is this; this tent has more in common with a double wall, 4 season tent than a meshy 3 season tent and I see it being the best of fits in the fall, winter and spring use as the polyester material holds in more heat and blocks more wind than the average 3 meshy 3 season tent.



To me, this tent seems confused; it’s part 3+ season and 3 season but it isn’t a matter of neither area. Too much polyester paneling for summer and not enough of it for holding in a lot of heat in the colder months thanks to the mesh which is present.



Since AM has other tents which are a better fit for warm weather/summer use, I would like to see them leave a majority of the mesh behind for this tent and make it a fanstastic 3+ season.







Pros :



Excellent quality for the money.



Tall; allows for sitting up as long as you are under 5’



Waterproof; I’ve had no issues with leaking.



Rain fly covers the entire tent.



I don’t mind the rust color tent.



Simple setup and break down



Cons :



Size : for an average size individual, this was fine but for tall and wide individuals, you may not like what you find with this tent.  I had a buddy of mine hop in this tent who is 6’; he could lay flat but he couldn’t sit up straight.



I dislike the blue green version of this tent; not my tastes at all.



Narrow – might be a problem for larger individuals



Tall- this is a pro and a con because of the height, you have to stake it out as it will blow away in a slight breeze unless it is anchored down.  During mild winds, this tent is so tall that the force of the wind pushing on it began to pull the tent stakes out of the ground.



Velcro pole straps are extremely long and because of that they don’t do a very good job of securing the fly to the pole.



The good news is that the fly hugs the body of the tent closely so that isn’t be much of an issue when it comes to it being locked into place other than it being annoying to attach; that is why I generally don’t worry about attaching them.



Because the fly hugs the body of the tent so tightly, air flow is restricted to main the door.



Limited ventilation and air flow which means condensation is possible



Can be a very hot tent to sleep in and will require a good breeze blowing through the door to feel it.



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Summary :



This is a good quality budget tent that for myself is one that I would only consider using for cooler nights out on the trail and that’s because of the design.  On the hotter windless nights, it has been HOT in this tent and at times, I have been miserable in this tent especially when it warm out and it is raining so the door is zipped shut.  Uncomfortable for sure. If you need a budget tent which offers excellent ventilation, take a look at the Zephyr.



AM continues to be one of those companies who in general makes good quality, budget gear which I have no problem recommending as I haven’t had any failures yet.  The material choices with this tent and some of their others is questionable but maybe mesh is more expensive than the fabric.

Apple Orchard Falls - Hiking Adventure

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This is part 2 of a 3 part Day Hiking Series where Susie and I adventure deep into the mountains of VA.

In this episode, we are exploring the Apple Orchard Falls which turned out to be absolutely beautiful!  We also encountered a Thru-Hiker who shared some of his experiences in the bad parts of Roanoke.

Next week is part 3 in which every single thing that could go wrong did go wrong!