[Paddlewise] Stoves/Sleeping bags.

    In the past eight months that I have owned the new MSR DragonFly stove, I can say that it is by far the easiest to use in many ways. The stove lights instantly in virtually any/all conditions I have yet to experience including, wind, cold, and wet/humid.Over the past twenty plus years of playing outside with half-a-dozen stoves, I only wish that this one was around back then. It would have saved me not only a considerable amount of grief but also money. The stove also fits neatly inside the pot set for two that stows neatly in the kayak. It is very easy on fuel, light weight and will burn everything but pressurized Propane/Butane mix.
    Sleeping bags; In eastern Canada the most popular three season bag must be able to pack small, dry quickly, and keep one warm/comfortable from -7 Celsius with morning frost to hot humid nights. Watch the manufacturers advertised temperature rating as there is yet to exist an actual standard for such ratings. As with most things, you pay for what you get. With that said, one can expect to pay Can$ 200.00 - 300.00. (100.00 - 150.00 $US.) I average 150 plus nights a year in a sleeping bag and in and on some rough terrain and when thinking of sleeping bags, don't forget the sleeping pad! They truly do make the difference between a night camping and a good nights sleep.
    More on bags. Polargaurd (in one of it's current three forms) has stood up to all that I have thrown at it and is still providing the same level of comfort fifteen years later. The bag is a North Face Cat's Meow and would have to say that based on my wives experience (VERY cold sleeper) it has kept her warm at and below its advertised rating.
    With all that said, a down filled sleeping bag from the same manufacturer is still my bag of choice for most adventures. It is also rated to -7 Celsius but stows in almost half the room. However, if I am to put myself many nights or days walk from help, I stay with synthetic Polargaurd. Down is not forgiving to that leaky hatch or dry bag that did not get rolled as tight as it should have. 
    Hope this helps.......



***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************