GSI Pinnacle Soloist – Update

Well I had promised to get back to this little cook set, and I suppose its about time I did to. I have used it on my last couple of outings and it is definitely a nice tidy little bit of kit. I have cooked a good bit of pasta, rice and couscous on it as well as using it for a good few brews, and am still to see any wear show up on it. The Teflon radiance coating actually works, something I was very sceptical of, burnt pasta and sauce seems to come off after a bit of a soak and a light wipe.

 

 

 

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The one issue I have had with it is trying to get my stove, a  pocket rocket, to fit into the set; one of the main reasons why I purchased the set was to have my kitchen in one convenient box. However it appeared to be an impossible task, with both the 220 and 125gram canister. It would appear that your stove would have to be very slim for it to work in this system and I was considering getting rid of my pocket rocket and replacing it with an Primus Crux, which has the ability to fold up and fit in the hollow bottom of the gas canister, a very neat trick.

L2R; Carrying bag/water carrier, pot with siliconized handle, rag/washer, pot cover/sipping lid/streamer, insulated mug with volumetric markings, 220g gas canister, stove pouch (holding dismantled pocket rocket and spork)

 

The solution, as extreme as it may sound, is to dismantle the Pocket Rocket by unscrewing the centre column so that it is in 3 pieces. In this condition it will fit into the stove bag with the telescopic spork and pack down with the rest of the cook set. I’m uncertain of how the threads will hold up to the screwing and unscrewing, however for the mean time it seems like a worthy solution, and will at least postpone my purchase of a primus crux.

 

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After finally figuring out how to fit my stove into the system, as fiddly as it is, this seems like the perfect cook set. Cosmetically the set is immaculate and shows little sign of wear and taken any abuse on the chin. I have full faith in it and can’t see it letting me down any time soon.

Hiking and Climbing in Japan

Just found this blog and it has probably the best photo’s I’ve seen on any blog. The text ain’t half bad either!!

Shiny Shiny – New Kit

It’s been a busy week for the postman with a good few parcels coming my way. There’s nothing better than getting a good bargain and there are plenty out there to be had Ebay defo being one of the best resources for picking up cheaper kit. Ive been looking at footwear for tthe ulster way, which I’ll be starting either in the middle or end of June and whether to go down the membrane or non membrane route. Theres been a got bit of coverage of the topic on OM and I finally decided for a modular footwear system , with a gore-tex  sock which can be worn or removed whenever required, hopefully keeping my feet dry when required and help stop my feet oversweating too much.

After having a pair of Inov-8 MudClaws I knew that they would be my favoured choice of footwear, and without being too bothered on what model I got, I ended up with a couple pairs from ebay for the the same amount I paid for my claws. I have to say I’m really chuffed with them, I havent worn anything as grippy as Inov-8s and it really gives you confidence when descending/ascending, I’m sure being footsure has saved me from a good few injuries!.

My Roclite 295’s, proper bargain

The other important part of my footwear system is obviously the gore-tex sock. OM is a great resource for reviews and opinions on kit and those with experience of waterproof socks have said the same thing over and over; that Rocky gore-tex socks are the best thing out there, and that seal-skinz are a complete waste of money. On this basis the hunt for Rocky socks started, however,  after months of trying to find a supplyer it appears that theyre not getting imported anymore, so whatever stock is in the country is it. Getting them from the states was a bit rich for my liking, so after seeing Martin Rye give them the thumbs up as well as seeing them for under £25 inc P&P I decided to give the trekmates ones a go.

Im led to believe that the Rocky’s are a far better fit, probably due to them being made to half sizes instead of to cover 2 whole sizes, however after some worries over how loose they are in places I was relieved not to have any hotspots or signs of rubbing after a days walking. Dry feet after walking through every bog in sight was also a plus. They are made of 3 ply g-tex so should hold up to the abuse pretty well,as long as I dont run into thorns and the tape doesnt delaminate.

Last but not least is my new inflatable sleeping pad. I’ve been looking for a new pad for quite some time and was nearly going to go for the Pacific Equipment Aether, however wasn’t overly impressed when I read it was quite slim, and seeing that it is always going to be heavier than a foam mat, I didn’t see the point of not having all out comfort. Once againg OM influencd me and I was very much intrigued by the Big agnes Insulmat, which uses primaloft to add warmth to what is essentially a toughened lilo. I was quite taken back with how small it was rolled up, and again at how large fat and comfortable it is when inflated. There has been much anticipation for the Thermarest neo-air coming out, however I’m not so certain why, being a tall lad, I picked up the long mummy pad, and looking at the specs side by side, the BA is very similar ; theyre pretty much the same size and rated to similar temperatures and they have similar weights (the BA is heavier by a bag of McCoys.)

It must just be the marketing power of thermarest, and the lack of distribution of Big Agnes perhaps? However £60 extra seems a lot to me for a similar specced product which should give a similar amount of comfort. The Air Core was another bargain had through ebay, nearly paid 45 nupes for it from Freedom Outdoors, but instead got it from their ebay shop for a tenner cheaper, which made me a happy boy, great service too.

The included repair kit has its own pouch within the stuffsack.

The only downside I’ve found with the air core is that it ain’t self enflating, something I’m sure I can live with I think, however could become a wee bit annoying. Yet to have a sleep on it outside but feels luxurious compared to my foam mat, not a hard task

Fail Blog, pure bant

Been checking this out randomly over the lsat couple of months, but just watching some of the vids for the first time, many are nothing else but priceless!! Its updated all the time, and is defo a good way to spend the Friday afternoon at work !!

Click here for the Fail Blog

Ti Respray pt2

Well after cleaning the case of paint I threw down a couple layers of metal primer, leaving 15 minutes between each coat and then left it for the 24 hours. The primer is light but, thick enough to cover up the light scratches left by sanding down the case. The smells of the primer is quite overpowering, and it is strongly advised to wear a face mask rather than holding your breath while laying a layer down and running away, as I was doing. The fumes are also apparently quite harmful, but that doesn’t really bother me too much, however it was the number one reason I avoided a self etching primer, as acidic vapours don’t sound to great to be enhaling without proper breathing aparatus.

As is usual I didn’t remember to get any photo’s while spraying and only have the results of a couple layers of colour paint. The outside has recieved around 5 layers of orange  and the screen surround the same amount of black, however I’m now out of “brilliant orange” and face the option of buying another can or painting the palmrest black, resulting in an orange exterior and black interior, still undecided on what to do.

The orange paint seems to have came out leaving an “orange peel” effect which may result in me actually doing some sanding to it, much to my disgust. I have to say I am rather worried about destroying any work donw through sanding the case.

The black on the other hand has came out far smoother, this may be down to it sitting in the sun prior to me spraying  it or possibly that itsa gloss paint. There are still some problems though that could be resolved through some sanding, however I have to wait atleast fortnight according to the can before trying to anything like that.

To paint the palmrest or get another can of orange paint, decisions….