My attempt at a WW type post........ 
Overcast, 10 minute sprinke, windy, 48F.
Clothing for the day was Wigwam Coolmax hikers, Merrell boots, Underarmor 9” boxerjock, Columbia canvas cargo shorts, silk wieght poly-pro top, Patigonia R1 Flash pullover fleece, and my Crye MC cap. Other than my regular clothing I had packed a few items for when I stopped, and in case the weather turned colder.
Topping me off is my black OR PS50 beanie. The beanie is a very thin, wicking poly-pro hat I can pull down low or roll up helping to thermo regulate my ass. Second item was gloves. I took my OR Guillotine fingerless gloves. They’re made of Windstopper Fleece, and have a great protective, grippy palm covering. These protect my hands and provide plenty enough warmth for the temps I was facing. A side from that since they are fingerless I can leave them on while getting things done.
As my insulating mid-outer layer I chose my Patagonia R2 Regulator Fleece. This is a simple lightweight Polartec Thermal Pro Fleece jacket. It has thinner stretch panels on the sides of the torso. It is not windproof or resistant. This jacket is not as thick or warm as the Mil Issue 300 weight fleece jacket. It is lighter being better suited to a higher level of physical activity. They also pack up smaller than the Military issued fleece. Has two hand warmer pockets and one zippered chest pocket, and elastic cuffs. No interior pockets are not a big deal since I won’t be wearing this fleece when it’s very cold. My cold weather jackets all have internal pockets good for water and fuel bottles. A good lightweight fleece that is not too hot for vigorous outdoor activity. This jacket works well for me while I’m working and on the move since it’s thinner and breathes very well.
With a 50% chance of rain I took my Patagonia Rain Shadow Jacket as my outer shell. This is a very lightweight rain jacket. It’s still a storm level garment with a highly breathable inner barrier and a DWR finish. The Rain Shadow is very packable with minimalist details. It has a huge helmet compatible hood and pit zips to help with thermal control. I hate to be clammy in my rain gear. Hand warmer pockets, extended rear hem line, water resistant zippers, and Velcro cuffs. All in all it’s a great lightweight packable storm proof rain jacket. Sometimes I roll it up to pack it. Other times a put it in a stuff sack. Jacket worked really well protecting me on some exposed rocks during my lunch stop.
Some equipment taken along was 550 cord, Sil Tarp 2, and a Heatsheet Bivy as shelter. Blades taken were CQC7 folder, Leatherman Wave, and a Gerber LMF II. First Aid was covered by AMK’s Ultralight .9 kit. I carried my Petzl Tactikka XP with one set of extra batteries for light. A small chunk of a VS17 panel, (I carry a chunk in all of my packs.) For starting a small fire (for the sake of practice) I had various methods; Nato kit, Nato Matches, Strike Force, Fresnel lens, flint/steel, and Spark Lite kit. I also carried a small pair of bino’s and a small RIR notebook with cover. (Gear hanging off my pack is for the picture only. I ain’t no hobo!)
Once the Esbit fuel was burning I topped off my Ti 700 mug with filtered water and got it boiling. I keep a rolled up aluminum foil wind screen with my Esbit Stove. I always have a lid on my cooking container as well. Both of these items help in the efficiency of the stove. The boiling water was poured into the MH Pro Pak meal, chicken and rice, along with two packets of Jalapeno Cheese and a Sedona Trading Co. chile capsule. The spiced cider was awesome and drinking it from a Guyot Designs Squishy Bowl is always cool. On my Ti spork lanyard I also had a can opener, a flint and a striker. A small scrubby sponge and MSR ultralight small personal towel helped with clean up.
At the last minute I decided to take my trekking poles due to the fact that the trail I chose is pretty rocky. I use Leki Super Makalu’s. They are light, strong and haven’t let me down yet. I slipped on the rubber walking tips to protect the carbide tips which work very well in the winter time. Only other gadget I have in regards to the poles is a small 20mm, grade AA button compass that attaches to the pole it’s self.
I took two Platy Bags, a 1L and a 2L. The 1L bag I not only marked in red Sharpie as my source water bag (non-potable) but found a use for the dumbass Bottle Bezel cap. (With the Bezel cap on it I will know by feel in the dark which is my potable water from my non-potable water.) The Frontier Pro worked well. Having the extra pressure provided by squeezing then rolling up the Platy Bag was a big win. I filled the 1L Platy from a stream, puddle on top of a boulder and from a very slow moving shallow ground puddle/stream.
At the beginning of the hike I topped off my Nalgene with stream water and used my MIOX to purify it. I drank the purified water after the hike. The manual states 4hrs for Cryptosporidium. One thing to remember is that the Miox Pen does not produce simple chlorine as some people seem to believe, but rather a potent mixed oxidant purifier, chlorine dioxide, such as found in Micropur tabs or Aquamira. Chlorine dioxide has no side affects on the body, unlike iodine. Also, chlorine dioxide WILL kill parasites that neither iodine nor chlorine will touch, such as cryptosporidia. I didn’t notice any aftertaste in the water.
The homemade “bottle leash” worked great holding my MSR UL Pack Towel in place as a pre-filter when filling from the stream. Also worked great hanging the 1L Platy with Frontier Filter off my shoulder strap.I had decided not to take my PUR Hiker Pro.
Great day, great hike! My back worked, my gear worked! Man am I blessed.....Thanks for sharing!
Frontier Pro and Platy Bag have earned a perminent spot in my inventory! Miox worked fine. No problems or after taste. I should have taken a picture of the Frontier's pre-filter post hike. It was grungy!
