Gear Geeking is simply a list of the gear I am currently using and happy with.
The links are to the manufacturers current versions of the items and so may not exactly be the same as the one I use. I shall continue to add gear as time permits. In time i will review each item on the main blog page.
Bikes
Surly Krampus
My Krampus is set up singlespeed. I am currently using 34x22 gearing.
I have also user 32x24 and 32x22 gearing. The bike is fully rigid.
I completed the 2013 High Cascades 100 riding the Krampus and have
done many an epic on it, from local trails to Chilcotin monster loops. It is
simply the most fun bike I have ever rode on trails!
Surly Straggler
The Straggler is the newest bike in my collection. Awesome on gravel
roads and surprisingly capable on trail. I used the Straggler riding the
Oregon Outback in 2014, the bike was flawless. I completed the Outback
in 2.25 days.
Surly Karate Monkey
My first Surly I named it the "Supermegamonstercross" it is built up with 2.2
tires, drop bar, 2x9 drivetrain with bar end shifters. This bike has a dyno
hub on the front (also used on the Straggler) and rocks full fenders. I have
rode this bike on many an adventure and is my go to bike for unknown
conditions. From snow to elk trail to swamp hike a bike, day trips and
multi-day this is the bike.
Guru Praemio
Custom fit titanium road bike with Shimano Ultegra.
There are a few other bikes in my stable, but they are rarely rode. I have a
vintage Colnago, A 26" wheeled road tandem and a Trek XO CX bike set up
as a single speed.
Sleep System
Mont Bell Down Hugger #5
I am not sure how many years I have had this bag, maybe 15 or so. Any how this is the item that set me on a course to reduce the bulk and weight of my gear. I recommend it without reservation, however heed my warning THIS bag is warm enough for 3 seasons add a down jacket some Primaloft pants and Primaloft socks and you will be good to -10. Nine times out of ten this is the bag i use.
Exped Synmat UL 7 M
This is a new piece of gear replacing my Thermarest ProLite 3 3/4 length pad. About the same weight, less bulky, way more comfortable, warmer and full length it was a no brainer. The down side? It is a bit more time consuming to inflate. So on trips where I just want to slightly soften the ground a bit for a short nap I may still take the Thermarest we will see.
Exped Pillow M
Seems silly, expensive, redundant call it what you want, my sleep in the outdoors improved tenfold when I got this, Get one!
Rab Silk sleeping bag liner
Weighs next to nothing, keeps my bag clean, stops my sweaty body from sticking to my bag in summer, it's all good. Often in summer I will sleep in the liner with my bag used as a duvet, excellent.
Rab Survival Zone Lite
Mine is red, keeps moisture off my bag, I like it.
Other sleep gear include a -20 or 30 Taiga Works M4 bag that is over thirty years old and still in great shape but it is seldom used, a Mountain Hardwear Stormlight bag rated to -12 if i remember correctly, it also has Conduit waterproof/breathable shell material although seams are not sealed.
Again this bag is seldom used and in great shape. I still have my Thermarest Prolite 3 pad but I am not sure why, and for full on winter and car camping I have an Exped Down Mat 9 M both of my Exped mats are extremely comfortable, you should buy one!
Give me shelter
Integral Designs Sil Tarp 1
For the past few years this has been my go to shelter. It is simple light and effective, albeit a bit slower to set up. Mine is grey which makes for a stealthy campsite if needed.
Sierra Designs Convert 3
This tent is unfortunately discontinued as Sierra Designs continue to struggle with their identity. I owned this tent about three years and have only used it four times, on the fourth use one of the bonded in place windows fell out!, it is off to Sierra Designs for repair or replacement. I must say this was a very frustrating experience getting Sierra Designs to respond other than a vague automated e-mail, the 1-800 number will not work from Canada and there are no other numbers that I could find for them. Eventually after several emails I got a some help, I hope the repair is better than the customer service. At this point I cannot recommend anyone buy a Sierra Designs product in Canada
Sierra Designs Mojo 3
This tent also seems discontinued? WTF is up at Sierra Designs? Also have only had this tent about three years and only used it a few times, very roomy with great ventilation, but care needs to be taken when setting it up regarding wind direction.
Integral Designs Bivy
I have had this bag/tent for many years, it has never let me down. It is easy to set up with it's single pole and only a few stakes. Great option for those wanting a bivy but can't handle the material on the face issue. Not used so much since I have moved over to the "tarpside"!
Packs
Osprey Aether 70
It took many years to find this pack, it is supremely comfortable any hikes over a few days it comes out of the gear closet. I have owned this bag for about 7 years.
Osprey Talon 22
For light day hikes in fair weather or commuting by bike this is the bag. It just works and has no faults.
I have used this bag for about five years.
Osprey Manta 20
This has been my go to hydration pack for four years now, from epic days of 8+ hours on the bike, or whenever there is foul weather expected, this is the one. It stays in place very well, is comfortable, and has room to spare for everything I wish to carry.
Shimano Unzen 10
I bought this pack when I needed a minimalist hydration pack for the High Cascades 100. The bag functioned well but has not seen a lot of use since.
Black Diamond Speed 40
Mine is an older model and I must say I like mine much more than the new version. On mine the main compartment is a roll top like a dry bag, and as the seams are tape sealed from the factory it is 100% waterproof! I rarely use this pack with the top compartment on day trips in winter, adding it for winter overnights and summer multi-day excursions. This has become my go to pack in the last two years.
Let There be Light
Hope R4
Great light, on my third winter using it and have no complaints, 1000 lumens of honest light for a claimed 2.5hr, I am consistently getting 2:45 on full power and over 4.5hr when mostly using 630 lumens switching only to 1000 for trickier sections or fast descents. Highly recommended!
Lezyne Macro Drive
This is the back up light when trail riding, USB rechargeable my older version is 300 or 350 lumens with a 2hr burn time? I can't remember, great light though. The mount is simple and secure, with easy on and off. This is also the light I use for out to the pub night, over to friends etc Do be careful with the charging port cap the threads are fine and easy to strip! Again highly recommended!
Exposure Revo Mk1
My newest light, the start of our relationship was shall we say a bit rocky, however things have been sorted out, no pointing of fingers lets just say mistakes were made.
I used this generator light for the Oregon Outback it worked flawlessly with 800 lumen output at full song I could easily see where I was heading. When climbing steep hills output dropped to about 400 lumens still easily enough to navigate. Teamed up with the Red Eye tail light all was good! This is the planned light for the Tour Divide, Colorado Trail Race and the Trans North California, augmented with the Hope R4 for faster sections or tight singletrack.
Petzl Myo RXP
Hiking, around camp etc, pretty much the "standard" in headlamps.
Body Coverings
Rab Xenon Hoodie
This jacket is an ass saver! Around camp in the sleeping bag on the bike, it has never failed to perform.
This jacket is always with me on epic rides, it offers a piece of mind should all go for a shit, I have warmth. It packs ridiculously small for what it offers, simply get one you will not be sorry.
Mont Bell Thermawrap Vest
Much like the Xenon Hoodie, the Thermawrap vest is the real deal, light, wind proof, and extremely packable, mine is over 10 years old. I have used it as a mid layer during all kinds of adventures. Rarely is it not with me when I leave the house.
Rab Demand Pullon
Unfortunately this jacket was discontinued a couple years ago. It is my goto jacket for any kind of riding adventure. After much use it always keeps me protected from rain, the hood is super functional and the whole thing packs down very small. I would buy another if it were possible. Now five years old, there are no signs of wear at all.
Gore Bike Wear Bib Tights/shorts
Bontrager Race Thermo Bib Shorts
Great shorts, add leg warmers and well it just never gets cold enough to need any more here on Vancouver Island when mountain biking. Heading out for a full on winter road or gravel ride, better look toward something with a bit of wind resistance.
Shimano SH-MW81 Winter MTB Shoes
Hogboy does a slightly over the top impression of me whining about cold feet. My feet are always cold, with the Shimano SH-MW81's I can mountain bike most winters most of the time for most rides without getting cold feet. However if ride length exceeds 4-5 hours or includes significant gravel or road, I need to add booties. Winter gravel or road rides over 3 hours require the shoes, some custom fleece booties and a Louis Garneau booty over those, I am now good to about 5 hours past that I add heated insoles. All this would make you think the Shimano SH-MW81's are not warm, that is simply not true, they are warm durable and waterproof, I am just that much of a wimp about cold feet. My shoes a re three years old and still going strong, I wear them from about October to June most years.
Bontrager RXL MTB Shoes
Cameras/Electronics
* for this section the links are to reviews of the product I have, most are out of production.
For the ultimate reviews of bike computers, trainers, sports watches etc check out DC Rainmaker
Panasonic G3
A bit better than the GF1 in low light and an optical viewfinder eliminating the bright light issues, a tilting and rotating screen at first made me think this would replace the GF1, but it is bulky by comparison, still small but the GF1 wins out when space is of prime importantse.
Panasonic GF1
My first good camera, and I still have much to learn to use it to anywhere close to it's full potential.
The only major down fall is the screen can be near impossible to see in bright light.
iPod Nano 6G 16GB
Music on the go, great battery life in a very small package. Very good, but the ear buds were crap, wouldn't stay in place sounded like a muffled fart.
Sure SE215 Earphones
Great sound, stay in place very well and comfortable for up to 8 hours or so. Block out most other sounds so perhaps not the best for those not aware of their surroundings. Over three years old still in very good condition. I like how the cable wraps over the ear as you can then un-insert the driver and just let it "float" on ears surface, no bass like this but you can hear your surroundings. I have no reservation recommending these.
Garmin Edge 500
Such a popular bike computer. This GPS enabled unit, to me anyway is the perfect bike computer. While it's specs say something like 18 hr of battery life, I consistently get 13-14 hr. I think the 18 must be with the GPS turned off. Very customizable screens, check out the review at DC Rainmaker.
Spot Tracker
A piece of mind on solo rides.
