Rob J. from United States, MT Public Profile

I purchased this specifically for summer use in my WBRR hammock. I have the Downmat 7 UL LW for the colder camp trips. The wider models do well at keeping the proverbial hammock cold shoulders at bay whilst in a hammock. Tonight I am going to assess my Arrowhead underquilt with a Exped regular Synmat 7 at around 15* to see if this is the sleeping system I want to take on the AT thru-hike in 2016...fingers crossed...gear systems tests underway. I really want to hang the AT.

Once upon a time in a far away wilderness known as the Eagle Caps, I showed up at the trailhead and the trail gremlins had stole my hiking boots. Since I was wearing a pair of Salomon running shoes I thought, well #$%@#$&, or something to that affect. I was aware that some doofusses actually wore running shoes whilst hiking the long distance trails. So why not I. Sure beats turning around and heading home with one very disappointed border collie. It was a phenomenal backpack trip...long, hot, dusty, and beautiful. The Salomon GTX gore tex running shoes performed excellently except for trail dust impregnated my filthy feet every day, even with low spandex gaiters. But, ever since that trip I decided Salomon mid GTX goretex boots, that are the same as the running shoe except for the mid height, were my footwear of choice for summer backpack trips having more ankle support and less dust penetration. Oh, in case you were wondering the rascally thieving trail gnomes dropped my regular hiking boots off at home where they safely reside in a large rubbermaid tub with a collection of assorted lesser worn shoes and boots. And my feet lived happily ever after. The end.