10 Day Trek through the Himalayas on the Gokyo Lakes Route to Mt Everest BaseCamp.

Pack:

ESC The Ranger 40L Pack – https://evolvedsupplyco.com/supplies/p/the-ranger

Sleep System:

EE Enigma 20* Quilt – https://bit.ly/37b1iSs

Zpacks Medium Plus DryBag – https://bit.ly/3hr6s0L 

Thermarest UberLite  –  https://amzn.to/2Xc7NPU 

Aeros UL Pillow – https://amzn.to/39NsCpR 

EE Side Kicks –  https://bit.ly/3a1ka8p 

Gossamer Gear 1/8” Pad – https://bit.ly/2JEHCh0 

Cook System:

SnowPeak 700 Ti Mug – https://amzn.to/2PEeGnR

Sea to Summit Spoon – https://amzn.to/3JMK9l7 

Sawyer Micro Squeeze – https://amzn.to/3rdGt5E 

CNOC 1L Vesica –bit.ly/3puppI6 

1L Plastic Water Bottle

Hilltop Food Bag – https://bit.ly/3dBJgf0

Clothes:

ESC The Mirage Sunhoody – https://bit.ly/3R0Dok4

Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts – https://bit.ly/3L6F0oI

Senchi Design’s Wren Alpha Crew – https://bit.ly/3pAqKNu 

EE Visp Rain Jacket – https://bit.ly/3wafCUS

ESC The Outcast Jacket – https://bit.ly/3L2Mc51

Smart Wool Beanie – https://amzn.to/3NEZeGv 

Patagonia Capilene TShirt – https://bit.ly/3PJFHHK 

Patagonia LW Tights – https://bit.ly/44A9vu6

Darn Tough Merino Running Socks – https://amzn.to/43aYLBO

MH Gloves – https://amzn.to/3dBTr3c

ESC 5 Pannel Cap – https://bit.ly/44chI8s 

Ombraz Leggeros (RX) – https://bit.ly/445T6xc

Topo Pursuit Shoes – https://amzn.to/3qZBvK0

Electronics:

Fuji XT-4 – https://amzn.to/3aG6N0j

Evolved Camera Strap – https://bit.ly/3PJW07b 

Fuji 16-55 2.8 – https://amzn.to/481E6DY

KUVRD Silicone Lens Cap – https://amzn.to/3EshYVm

Tiffen ND filter – https://amzn.to/3YYLLyE

Rode Video Micro 2 – https://amzn.to/44dB7FS 

DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone – https://amzn.to/3QZ4OH8 

Aoka Carbon Tripod – https://amzn.to/3NHUG2l 

SD Card Reader –  https://amzn.to/3yeiEIZ

Anker Powercore PD 20,000 – https://amzn.to/3Z1g3Ri 

MOKIN Fast Charger 40W Plug – https://amzn.to/3qW5gv4 

SHEZI 4 in 1 Cable – https://amzn.to/3P00Lry

Various Charging Cables

Nitecore NU 25 Headlamp – https://amzn.to/3PLRc1q

iPhone 14 Pro – https://amzn.to/439GxjX

Apple AirPods – https://amzn.to/3JGha2b 

Misc:

PackTowl Ultralite – https://amzn.to/45AeOuG

Hilltop Ditty Bag – https://bit.ly/3dBJgf0

Leuko Tape  – http://amzn.to/2xYkDGr

Deuce of Spades Trowel – http://amzn.to/2GwhVsA

Travel Bidet – https://amzn.to/3bbnF99

Piz Buin High Altitude Sun Screen – https://amzn.to/481EWk6  

Bamboo Tooth Brush – https://amzn.to/2WEkMZc 

JT Lip Balm – https://amzn.to/3fyFouW  

First Aid Kit

3 Day Trek in the Alps around the Matterhorn followed by a 8 Day Group Trek of Tour du Mont Blanc through the French, Swiss, & Italian Alps with Vagabond Trails.

Pack:

ESC The Ranger – https://evolvedsupplyco.com/supplies/p/the-ranger

Sleep System:

EE Enigma 20* Quilt – https://bit.ly/37b1iSs

Zpacks Medium Plus DryBag – https://bit.ly/3hr6s0L 

Thermarest UberLite  –  https://amzn.to/2Xc7NPU 

Aeros UL Pillow – https://amzn.to/39NsCpR 

EE Side Kicks –  https://bit.ly/3a1ka8p 

Gossamer Gear 1/8” Pad – https://bit.ly/2JEHCh0 

Cook System:

BRS UL Stove – https://amzn.to/2GPlJqY

SnowPeak 700 Ti Mug – https://amzn.to/2PEeGnR

Sea to Summit Spoon – https://amzn.to/3JMK9l7 

Sawyer Micro Squeeze – https://amzn.to/3rdGt5E 

CNOC 1L Vesica –bit.ly/3puppI6 

1L Plastic Water Bottle

Hilltop Food Bag – https://bit.ly/3dBJgf0

Clothes:

ESC The Mirage Sunhoody – https://bit.ly/3R0Dok4

Nike Pro Running Shorts – https://amzn.to/2PfWfqn 

Senchi Design’s Wren Alpha Crew – https://bit.ly/3pAqKNu 

EE Visp Rain Jacket – https://bit.ly/3wafCUS

EE Torrid Apex Jacket – https://bit.ly/3h9NSv5

Smart Wool Beanie – https://amzn.to/3NEZeGv 

Patagonia Capilene TShirt – https://bit.ly/3PJFHHK 

Patagonia LW Tights – https://bit.ly/44A9vu6

Darn Tough Merino Running Socks – https://amzn.to/43aYLBO

MH Gloves – https://amzn.to/3dBTr3c

ESC 5 Pannel Cap – https://bit.ly/44chI8s 

Altra LonePeak 6 – https://amzn.to/3R6D5AD

Electronics:

Fuji XT-4 – https://amzn.to/3aG6N0j

Evolved Camera Strap – https://bit.ly/3PJW07b 

Fuji 23mm 2.0 – https://amzn.to/3O9iNF1

Gobe ND filters – https://amzn.to/3jyKuf5

Rode Video Micro 2 – https://amzn.to/44dB7FS 

Tascam DR-10 – https://amzn.to/3XCHHTQ 

Aoka Carbon Tripod – https://amzn.to/3NHUG2l 

SD Card Reader –  https://amzn.to/3yeiEIZ

Nitecore PD Charger 10,000 – https://amzn.to/46D1uHa 

Aukey PD 18 W Plug – https://amzn.to/46NdkP0 

Various Charging Cables

Nitecore NU 25 Headlamp – https://amzn.to/3PLRc1q

iPhone 14 Pro – https://amzn.to/439GxjX

Apple AirPods – https://amzn.to/3JGha2b 

Misc:

Hilltop Ditty Bag – https://bit.ly/3dBJgf0

Leuko Tape  – http://amzn.to/2xYkDGr

Deuce of Spades Trowel – http://amzn.to/2GwhVsA

Travel Bidet – https://amzn.to/3bbnF99

JT Sun Screen – https://amzn.to/2A15mGT  

Bamboo Tooth Brush – https://amzn.to/2WEkMZc 

JT Lip Balm – https://amzn.to/3fyFouW  

First Aid Kit

Raen RX Sunglasses – https://amzn.to/3O3rC6N 

10 Day Trek in Nepal through the Himalayas from Phaplu to Mt Everest BaseCamp to Lukla.

Pack:

ESC The Ranger 35-40L Pack – https://evolvedsupplyco.com/supplies/p/the-ranger

Sleep System:

EE Enigma 20* Quilt – https://bit.ly/37b1iSs

Zpacks Medium Plus DryBag – https://bit.ly/3hr6s0L 

Thermarest UberLite  –  https://amzn.to/2Xc7NPU 

Aeros UL Pillow – https://amzn.to/39NsCpR 

EE Side Kicks –  https://bit.ly/3a1ka8p 

Gossamer Gear 1/8” Pad – https://bit.ly/2JEHCh0 

Cook System:

BRS UL Stove – https://amzn.to/2GPlJqY

SnowPeak 700 Ti Mug – https://amzn.to/2PEeGnR

Sea to Summit Spoon – http://amzn.to/2nqpICn

Katadyn BeFree 1L Filter – https://amzn.to/2xr9CLG

1L Plastic Water Bottle

Clothes:

ESC Prototype Sunhoody – COMING SOON

Nike Pro Running Shorts – https://amzn.to/2PfWfqn 

EE Visp Rain Jacket – https://bit.ly/3wafCUS

EE Torrid Apex Jacket – https://bit.ly/3h9NSv5

App Gear Beanie – https://bit.ly/3h9KrVd 

Patagonia LW Tights – https://amzn.to/2Xuzn9u

Darn Tough Merino Running Socks – https://amzn.to/3xaLRo7

MH Gloves – https://amzn.to/3dBTr3c

Buff – https://amzn.to/3i2ATJq 

ESC 5 Pannel Cap – COMING SOON

Altra LonePeak 6 – https://amzn.to/3R6D5AD

Ombraz Leggero RX Sunglasses

Electronics:

Fuji XT-4 – https://amzn.to/3aG6N0j

Fuji 23mm 2.0 – https://amzn.to/3O9iNF1

Gobe ND filters – https://amzn.to/3jyKuf5

Boya Mini Mic – https://amzn.to/3pRP0Hk

TTArtisans 35mm 1.4 – https://amzn.to/3RBxjbG

SD Card Reader –  https://amzn.to/3yeiEIZ

Nitecore PD Charger 10,000 – https://amzn.to/3QeshjH

Aukey PD 18 W Plug 

Various Charging Cables

Nitecore NU 25 Headlamp – https://amzn.to/3dBrloZ

Iphone 11 Pro – https://amzn.to/3h6ZvDc

Misc:

Black Diamond “Knock Off” Trekking Pole – Bought in Kathmandu

Hilltop Ditty Bag – https://bit.ly/3dBJgf0

Leuko Tape  – http://amzn.to/2xYkDGr

Victorinox Classic SD Knife – https://amzn.to/2GHkaKx

Deuce of Spades Trowel – http://amzn.to/2GwhVsA

Travel Bidet – https://amzn.to/3bbnF99
Rawlogy OE Cork Ball –  https://bit.ly/3juZSch

JT Sun Screen – https://amzn.to/2A15mGT  

Bamboo Tooth Brush – https://amzn.to/2WEkMZc 

JT Lip Balm – https://amzn.to/3fyFouW  

First Aid Kit

1000 miles from Land’s End, England to John O’ Groats, Scotland.

Bike:

2019 Kona Rove ST Frame – https://bit.ly/2Lmb5gn

Crust Carbon Fork –https://bit.ly/35uQduD

Whiskey No.9 Carbon Bars – https://bit.ly/3pSm2Fo

Whiskey No.7 Carbon Seat Post – https://bit.ly/398KcVa

Shimano XT Rear 11-46 – https://amzn.to/3ApaYGA

11 Speed Shimano GRX STI Shifters – https://amzn.to/3wC4Hq4

Raceface Affect Crank with 40 Tooth Chain Ring – https://amzn.to/3bfvfDs

NOX Teocalli Rims w/ DT Swiss Rear 350 Hub – https://bit.ly/3pWDgUa

SONdelux 12 Dynamo Hub – https://bit.ly/2zPwLYy

SuperNova E3 Triple 2 Light – https://amzn.to/3RgMrdF

Perelli 700×45 Front Tire – https://amzn.to/3Tqg9yH

WTB Riddler 700×45 Rear Tire – https://amzn.to/3wIFCcT

Brookes C17 Saddle – https://amzn.to/39aQB2q

Frame Bags:

Rouge Panda Custom 1/2 Frame Bag – https://bit.ly/35dc9Ke

Ron’s Fabios Chest small – https://bit.ly/3crdN1O

Brooks Seat Pack – https://amzn.to/3AyWWC9

EG Prototype Toptube Bag

Shelter: 

ZPacks Altaplex Tent – https://zpacks.com/products/altaplex-tent?aff=7

10 Groundhog Mini Stakes – https://amzn.to/3Pg8hxo

60” Carbon Pole – https://zpacks.com/products/60-carbon-fiber-tent-pole?aff=7

Sleep System:

EE Enigma 20* Quilt – https://bit.ly/37b1iSs

Zpacks Medium Plus DryBag – https://bit.ly/3hr6s0L 

Thermarest UberLite  –  https://amzn.to/2Xc7NPU 

Aeros UL Pillow – https://amzn.to/39NsCpR 

EE Side Kicks –  https://bit.ly/3a1ka8p 

Gossamer Gear 1/8” Pad – https://bit.ly/2JEHCh0 

Cook System:

BRS UL Stove – https://amzn.to/2GPlJqY

SnowPeak 700 Ti Mug – https://amzn.to/2PEeGnR

Sea to Summit Spoon – http://amzn.to/2nqpICn

Katadyn BeFree 1L Filter – https://amzn.to/2xr9CLG

1L Plastic Water Bottle

2 Bike Camelback Bottles – https://amzn.to/35gBu6m

Clothes:

Arcteryix Flannel Shirt – https://amzn.to/3B6wJwB

Patagonia Dirt Shorts – https://bit.ly/2XcDtEn

EE Visp Rain Jacket – https://bit.ly/3wafCUS

EE Torrid Apex Pullover – https://bit.ly/3h9NSv5

App Gear Beanie – https://bit.ly/3h9KrVd 

Patagonia LW Tights – https://amzn.to/2Xuzn9u

Darn Tough Merino Running Socks – https://amzn.to/3xaLRo7

Nike Pro Running Shorts – https://amzn.to/2PfWfqn 

Buff – https://amzn.to/3i2ATJq 

Pearl Izumi XAlp Summit Shoes – https://amzn.to/3wEwgz4

POC Omne Air Helmet – https://amzn.to/3nkeV6I

Ombraz Leggero RX Sunglasses

Electronics:

Wahoo Element GPS – https://amzn.to/3QYPUOk

Fuji XT-4 – https://amzn.to/3aG6N0j

Fuji 23mm 2.0 – https://amzn.to/3O9iNF1

Gobe ND filters – https://amzn.to/3jyKuf5

Boya Mini Mic – https://amzn.to/3pRP0Hk

TTArtisans 35mm 1.4 – https://amzn.to/3RBxjbG

SD Card Reader –  https://amzn.to/3yeiEIZ

Nitecore PD Charger 10,000 – https://amzn.to/3QeshjH

Aukey PD 18 W Plug 

Various Charging Cables

Nitecore NU 25 Headlamp – https://amzn.to/3dBrloZ

Iphone 11 Pro – https://amzn.to/3h6ZvDc

NiteRider Sabre Rear Light – https://amzn.to/38erxYR

Bike Repair:

Bike Multi-Tool – https://amzn.to/3oh92IQ

LEZYNE Tubeless Repair Kit – https://amzn.to/38jtOCi

LEZYNE Pressure Drive Pump – https://amzn.to/3QTmDo5

Tubolito CX Spare Tube – https://amzn.to/3njhrdF

Small Bottle of Chain Lube

Rag

Misc:

Hilltop Ditty Bag – https://bit.ly/3dBJgf0

Leuko Tape  – http://amzn.to/2xYkDGr

Victorinox Classic SD Knife – https://amzn.to/2GHkaKx

Deuce of Spades Trowel – http://amzn.to/2GwhVsA

Travel Bidet – https://amzn.to/3bbnF99
Rawlogy OE Cork Ball –  https://bit.ly/3juZSch

JT Sun Screen – https://amzn.to/2A15mGT  

Bamboo Tooth Brush – https://amzn.to/2WEkMZc 

JT Lip Balm – https://amzn.to/3fyFouW  

First Aid Kit

Total Base Weight – 10lb 9oz (4.79 kg)

Total Starting Base – 12lb 3oz (5.52 kg)

Pack:

Waymark ĒVLV 35L Pack – https://waymarkgearco.com

LiteAF Minimal Hipbelt – https://bit.ly/3j76ihs

Shelter: 

ZPacks Altaplex Tent – https://zpacks.com/products/altaplex-tent?aff=7 

10 Easton Nano Stakes – https://www.tarptent.com/product/stakes/ 

Sleep System: 

UGQ Bandit XL 20* Quilt – https://bit.ly/3A6WsSJ

Zpacks Medium Plus DryBag – https://bit.ly/3hr6s0L 

Thermarest UberLite  –  https://amzn.to/2Xc7NPU 

Aeros UL Pillow – https://amzn.to/39NsCpR 

EE Side Kicks –  https://bit.ly/3a1ka8p 

Gossamer Gear 1/8” Pad – https://bit.ly/2JEHCh0 

Cook System: 

Talenti Jar for Cold Soaking

Sea to Summit Spoon – http://amzn.to/2nqpICn

HillTop DCF Food Bag – https://bit.ly/3dBJgf0 

Katadyn BeFree 1L Filter – https://amzn.to/2xr9CLG

1L Water Bottle(Swart Water Bottle)

Clothes:

EE Visp Rain Jacket – https://bit.ly/3wafCUS

EE Torrid Apex Pullover – https://bit.ly/3h9NSv5

OE Prototype Sun Hoodie 

App Gear Beanie – https://bit.ly/3h9KrVd 

Patagonia LW Tights – https://amzn.to/2Xuzn9u

Darn Tough Merino Running Socks – https://amzn.to/3xaLRo7

Nike Pro Running Shorts – https://amzn.to/2PfWfqn 

Buff – https://amzn.to/3i2ATJq 

MH Gloves – https://amzn.to/3dBTr3c

Altra LonePeak 5  – https://amzn.to/2SF0QaL

Electronics:

Canon M6 Mark ii – https://amzn.to/3i252JZ 

Canon 22mm 2.0 – https://amzn.to/3AgPVFb

Gobe ND filters – https://amzn.to/3jyKuf5

BOYA Mini Mic – https://amzn.to/3qH9xhf

RODE SmartLav – https://amzn.to/3qDpIfP

UltraPod III – https://amzn.to/3qJ1wZw

SD Card Reader –  https://amzn.to/3yeiEIZ

Anker Powercore PD 20,000 – https://amzn.to/3xcRORh

Aukey PD 18 W Plug 

Various Charging Cables

Nitecore NU 25 Headlamp – https://amzn.to/3dBrloZ

Iphone 11 Pro – https://amzn.to/3h6ZvDc

Misc:

CNOC Carbon Cork Trekking Pole – https://bit.ly/367tLY8

Hilltop Ditty Bag – https://bit.ly/3dBJgf0

Leuko Tape  – http://amzn.to/2xYkDGr

Victorinox Classic SD Knife – https://amzn.to/2GHkaKx

Deuce of Spades Trowel – http://amzn.to/2GwhVsA

Travel Bidet – https://amzn.to/3bbnF99
Rawlogy OE Cork Ball –  https://bit.ly/3juZSch

JT Sun Screen – https://amzn.to/2A15mGT  

Bamboo Tooth Brush – https://amzn.to/2WEkMZc 

JT Lip Balm – https://amzn.to/3fyFouW  

First Aid Kit

Sunglasses

Extra Gear:

Vargo Pocket Cleats V3 – https://amzn.to/3w8CeEX

Camp Corsa Ice Axe – https://amzn.to/3hbnbpU

Bear Spray – https://amzn.to/3yiXwBv

Sea to Summit Head Net – https://amzn.to/2GL54Ud

CNOC Vecto 2L – https://bit.ly/3hpSigl

Sawyer Squeeze Filter – https://amzn.to/3jDjZ87

OR Sun Gloves – https://amzn.to/2SGiACF

Bike:

2019 Kona Rove ST Frame – https://bit.ly/2Lmb5gn 

Whiskey No.9 CX Carbon Fork –https://bit.ly/35uQduD 

Whiskey No.9 Carbon Bars – https://bit.ly/3pSm2Fo

Whiskey No.7 Carbon Seat Post – https://bit.ly/398KcVa

Shimano XT Rear 11-46

11 Speed Shimano 105 STI Shifters

Raceface Affect Crank with 40 Tooth Chain Ring – https://amzn.to/3bfvfDs 

Easton ARC 27 Rims w/ DT Swiss 350 Hubs

TRP Spyre Brakes – https://amzn.to/35f3GGx 

Specialized Sawtooth 700×42 Tires

Brookes C17 Saddle – https://amzn.to/39aQB2q 

Bags:

Rouge Panda Custom Frame Bag – https://bit.ly/35dc9Ke 

2 Swift Zeitgeist – https://bit.ly/38fgmz4 

Sift Sidekick Stem Pouch – https://bit.ly/3odyzCN 

Carradice Bagman Seat Rack – https://bit.ly/3njS0II 

Shelter: 

ZPacks Altaplex Tent – https://zpacks.com/products/altaplex-tent?aff=7

10 Easton Nano Stakes – https://www.tarptent.com/product/stakes/

60” Carbon Tent Pole – https://zpacks.com/products/60-carbon-fiber-tent-pole?aff=7 

Sleep System: 

UGQ Bandit XL 20* Quilt – https://bit.ly/3A6WsSJ

Thermarest UberLite  –  https://amzn.to/2Xc7NPU

Gossamer Gear 1/8” Pad – https://bit.ly/2JEHCh0

Aeros UL Pillow – https://amzn.to/39NsCpR 

EE Side Kicks – https://bit.ly/3a1ka8p 

Cook System: 

BRS UL Stove – https://amzn.to/2GPlJqY

SnowPeak 700 Ti Mug – https://amzn.to/2PEeGnR

Sea to Summit Spoon – http://amzn.to/2nqpICn

HillTop DCF Food Bag – http://partners.hilltoppacks.com/149031/10882 

Sawyer Squeeze – https://amzn.to/3pRpikb 

CNOC Vecto – https://amzn.to/3ohVhtn 

1L Plastic Water Bottle

Stainless Steel Bottle – https://amzn.to/35gBu6m 

Clothes:

OR Echo Sun Hoodie – https://amzn.to/2Dpj1Jt

KUHL Fugitive Shirt – https://www.kuhl.com/kuhl/mens/long-sleeve/fugitive/

Patagonia Dirt Shorts – https://bit.ly/2XcDtEn

EE Visp Rain Jacket – https://bit.ly/3a2mlc3

EE Torrid Jacket – https://bit.ly/3a13Pkf

App Gear Beanie – https://appalachiangearcompany.com/collections/accessories/products/all-paca-fleece-beanie 

Patagonia LW Tights – https://amzn.to/2Xuzn9u

Darn Tough Endurance Socks –https://amzn.to/2EGTnyp

Shimano XC5 Shoes – https://amzn.to/3ojTPXF 

Pearl Izumi Cyclone Gloves – https://amzn.to/3nj0D6y

PEARL IZUMI Barrier Cap – https://amzn.to/3pSdK01 

POC Omne Air Helmet – https://amzn.to/3nkeV6I 

Electronics:

Garmin Edge Explore – https://amzn.to/38fImmc 

Canon M6 Mark Body only: https://amzn.to/3i252JZ

Canon 24-70 f4: https://amzn.to/2MPhwJD

Viltrox Speedbooster: https://amzn.to/35n6x08

UltraPod II – https://amzn.to/2EEznP3 

Anker Powercore PD 10,000 – https://amzn.to/33duney

RavPower 18 W Plug –  https://amzn.to/33aBzIw

Various Charging Cables

Nitecore NU 25 Headlamp – https://amzn.to/38Z995u 

Serfes 350 Head Light – https://amzn.to/398CH0m 

NiteRider Sabre Rear Light – https://amzn.to/38erxYR 

Iphone 11 Pro 

Bike Repair:

Bike Multi-Tool – https://amzn.to/3oh92IQ 

LEZYNE Tubeless Repair Kit – https://amzn.to/38jtOCi 

LEZYNE Pressure Drive Pump – https://amzn.to/3rTYEsO 

Tubolito CX Spare Tube – https://amzn.to/3njhrdF 

Small Bottle of Chain Lube

Rag 

Misc:

Hilltop Ditty Bag – http://partners.hilltoppacks.com/149031/10882 

Leuko Tape  – http://amzn.to/2xYkDGr

Victorinox Classic SD Knife – https://amzn.to/2GHkaKx

Deuce of Spades Trowel – http://amzn.to/2GwhVsA

Travel Bidet – https://amzn.to/3bbnF99
Rawlogy Cork Ball – https://amzn.to/2Oxa7gb 

Bamboo Tooth Brush – https://amzn.to/2WEkMZc 

JT Lip Balm – https://amzn.to/3fyFouW  

First Aid Kit

Sunglasses

(DISCLAIMER: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS, WHICH MEANS THAT IF YOU CLICK ON ONE OF THE PRODUCT LINKS, I’LL RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. THIS HELPS SUPPORT THE CHANNEL/WEBSITE AND ALLOWS ME TO CONTINUE TO MAKE CONTENT LIKE THIS. THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT!)

It all starts here….

In January of 2015 we ( Snuggles and I ) would leave our jobs, house, family, friends, and Hometown behind. Piling into a converted mini-van (The Black Stallion) to venture out into the world looking for Adventure, Culture, and the true meaning of happiness.We were on a mission to meet new people, try new food/drink, and discover all that we could about this amazingly beautiful country.

With plans of starting a Thru-Hike in early March, we had some time to kill and other business to attend to before hiking the East Coast for up to six months. We grabbed Bowie (our black lab), loaded up the “Black Stallion” with various camping gear and headed West to see as many National Parks as we could in a Month.

“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Rolling in late to Cortez, CO we camped in the Black Stallion for the night waiting for Mesa Verde NP to open in the morning. Bowie decided she would drive…

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Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

“The Palace” – Beautiful Cliff Dwellings at Mesa Verde NP

Happiness Selfie.

Exploring the Underground homes of an Ancient Civilization

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Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim), Arizona

First view of the “Great Ditch”…

Everyone needs a classic “Cheesy Tourist” shot.

Desert View Watchtower

Native art from various surrounding tribes dawns the walls and ceilings of the great tower.

“The wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot be adequately represented in symbols of speech, nor by speech itself. The resources of the graphic art are taxed beyond their powers in attempting to portray its features. Language and illustration combined must fail.”  – John Wesley Powell

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Joshua Tree National Park, California 

Joshua Tree, CA (right outside the park)

Our great friends Dan and Lil drove over from LA to camp with us for the night

Huge beautiful boulder piles cover the desert landscape

Standing atop the massive rocks and looking out onto Joshua Tree, you feel as if your peering into an “Alien World”…

Lil, perhaps jealous of Bowie’s fine fur coat.

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Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

A long forgotten forest turned to stone, strewed out through a now harsh desert.

Petrified Wood Modeling.

Broken Monsters from another time…

The beautiful “Painted Desert”

 

We would soon travel back to Indiana to park our van, drop of Bowie, and head to Georgia to start our next Grand Adventure on the Appalachian Trail.

 

Trip Report By: Darwin

In preparation for my ride of the Arizona Trail, One last “Gear Shakedown” was in order…

On Sunday Snuggles, Bowie, & I headed 1 hour North West of Albuquerque to the beautiful Jamez Mountains of New Mexico. We drove up to Forrest Road 144 at the top of the mountain. The plan was, Snuggles and Bowie would camp off of the road for the night – while I did a 40 mile out and back of FR 144, meeting back up with them in the morning. Snuggles found a good old “Hunting Camp” spot right off the road, I packed up the ECR and we parted ways for the night.

When we first arrived at the top of the mountain it was a bit cloudy and looked like it would be a rainy day. To my surprise – after the 1st few miles, the skies cleared up and a bright blue color peered its way out. There was no “Real Route” to my trip, just a bunch of riding and getting a feel for how my fully loaded rig would handle. While heading North on FR 144 I would periodically peer off onto side roads and trails – getting as much different terrain and miles as possible. When I got to a 20 mile mark on the road, I decided to turn around and head back towards an amazing campsite that I had passed up earlier in the ride.

When I finally got to camp dark clouds started rolling in and the sound of thunder was present in the distance. I quickly unloaded my SMD Skyscape Trekker tent and set it up. As soon as my shelter was up and all my gear was off of the bike, it started to pour. Luckily I had everything in the tent and my sleeping pad inflated. There was nothing to do but lay there and wait out the rain. I woke up almost 2 hours later… seems like I had fallen asleep while waiting out the storm.

I finished fully unpacking my gear, made a fire in a nearby rock formation and cooked up some dinner. After I devoured a fine meal of  Instant Mashed Potatoes and TVP, I stretched out on a nearby rock to gaze at the starry sky.

When I awoke in the morning, I rode a few miles out from my camp to meet back up with Snuggles and Bowie. Everything seemed nice and dialed in with my Gear Set-Up.

 

The Aspens putting on their Sunday’s best for me…

Finally, Clear Blue Skies…

Fall had finally come to the Jamez – Slowly making it’s way up the mountains

The ECR gets a Fine View…

Perfect Camp Spot for the night

The Sun sets as the Campfire Smoke Rises…

Full Review

Review By: Darwin

The Inhaler has no break-in time and is ready to go right out of the box. Overall the fit is nice & snug in the heel but very narrow in the toe box, not lending enough room for extra socks and/or swelling. The overall breathability of the Inhaler performed great in most climates, yet the GoreTex liner tends to make your feet overheat when hiking on a hot day. With a nice soft flexible upper and fast ride, the Vasque inhaler feels much more like a performance trail runner, rather than a mid hiker.

Stability in the Inhaler is less than ideal, with a very flexible EVA foam sole. With no mid foot shank, it loses a lot of its side to side stability on technical terrain. However the Vibram lugs on the outer sole provide great traction on slippery surfaces like wet rocks and mud.

The overall durability of the Inhaler is surprisingly good, with no delamination or undone stitching. The exposed EVA foam arch is starting to break down a bit and was chewed up by rough trail surfaces.

With a very soft exposed mesh upper and little to no toe bumper, the Vasque Inhaler falls a bit short when coming to protection from rugged trails and the elements.

Because of the lack of a mid foot shank and/or fore foot rock plate, the Inhaler is not quite stiff enough when rock scrambling or edging steep terrain. Off trail capabilities in the Vasque Inhaler are very limited.

Overall, I found the Vasque Inhaler 2 Mid to be a quick and light hiker that tends to perform more like a trail running shoe, rather than a full featured mid hiker. This makes it ideal for fast and short day hikes, but falls short when doing extended and loaded hikes.

 

 

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Product Specifications

Price: Usually around $95 – $120

Weight: 2lbs 2oz

Check Them Out Here: Vasque Inhaler 2 GTX 

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How I Tested Them

These boots were tested over a series of long day hikes & lightweight backpacking trips in the Sandia & Manzano Mountains of New Mexico. They were tested on a variety of trail conditions including muddy, rocky, sandy, & hard pack trails.