Not so tasty

MSR MIOX Purifier

MSR MIOX Purifier

Rating for this product: 4 July 28, 2004

I didn't want to carry around a bulky water filter, so I picked up this nifty gadget. Very light and compact, and easy to use once you know how (learn before you go). The problem is, it gives your water a noticeable chlorine taste, which I had not expected. Not nearly as bad as iodine tablets (Blech!), but about the same as heavily treated city water (not so great). You could probably hide the taste with drink crystals I guess. I don't really want my water smelling like a swimming pool. I think maybe I'll pick up a filter instead.

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Light stuff! But not perfect...

Mountain Hardwear Waypoint 2 Tent 2-Person 3-Season Spring 04

Mountain Hardwear Waypoint 2 Tent 2-Person 3-Season Spring 04

Rating for this product: 3 July 28, 2004

This tent is very light and compact. It has allowed me to go from my 70L pack down to my 40L. However, it takes a little while to set up compared to most other tents (what do you expect with only one main pole?). The ventilation is ample. However, despite the mesh everywhere, a cool, still, damp night up on Mount Robson caused condensation to build up on the canopy. When it finally started raining in the middle of the night, the pounding of the raindrops caused the condensation on the inside to splatter down on us. My sleeping bag stayed dry, but my face got wet. I imagine the same would happen with any single wall tent. There is ample floor space for two people, a 70L pack, and two pairs of boots inside, but the ceiling is very low down in the foot section. This is because the (supposedly) optional pole at the foot of the tent is too short. I've been propping it up with a chunk of wood, otherwise my toes nearly touch the roof when I lie on my back. The other (main) pole runs along the inside of the tent, and then out the sides, meaning that there are two small holes (maybe a square inch) where the poles protrude. This design allowed a mosquito to get in, so I stuffed each of the holes with my socks. Very light and compact tent, but this comes at the cost of convenience. I don't mind the sacrifices so much, but my girlfriend doesn't like the tent. Then again, she's not the one carrying it!

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