[pct-l] A few topics/inside info

[maurer at earthlink.net (maurer@earthlink.net)]

Hi all,

Catching up on the last digest:

1. To the guy who's doing the project on weights - my 3 season 
baseweight is 7 lb. before food and water. I weigh 180#.
2. To the fellow with the homemade bag question - I have made 3 down 
bags so far. I wrote and posted the instructions on how to do this on 
AYCE's site - http://www.thru-hiker.com/workshop.asp?subcat=5&cid=73. 
I've also just finished a 20 oz down/quantum hoodless Arc bag. Email me 
directly with any questions.
3. To the guy who wants to make his own Spinnshelter - we are not 
currently offering kits or patterns for sale. it took me a good deal of 
effort to get the size and shape just right, so I'm not ready to simply 
give it away yet. However, I have made and used many types of tarps and 
of course currently use a Spinnshelter, so if you have any questions let 
me know.

Finally, a bit of inside info - we are close to launching a two person, 
full catenary cut Spinn Tarp for 2. Prototype weight is 7.9 oz before 
seam sealing. That's 4 oz PER HIKER! It can also be a massive (but 
extremely light) tarp for 1 person. Ridgeline is 10', front entrance 
length is around 9', rear entrance is around 7'. I think we'll be ready 
for pre-orders in about 1 week, and should be shipping by March 1. Also, 
I'm hoping we'll have some for Trail Days in Portland, and will 
definitely have some at the Kick Off. I'm not trying to make this a 
commercial post, I just wanted to let anyone know who is finalizing 
their Thru-Hike gear list that the new Gossamer Gear SpinnTwinn might be 
worth considering.


Mike Maurer
Gossamer Gear