The Rab Summit Superlite Bivi is made of the very breathable eVENT fabric. This is the same material used for waterproof and breathable raincoats.

The advantage of the eVENT fabric is its very light, single-wall structure for an almost condensation free tent.

The disadvantage of eVENT fabric is that is does not comply with the safety requirements for tents for flammability. If eVENT is exposed to open flames, it is very flammable. That is why it is called Bivi, as according to the usual definition, a bivy is too small to use a camping cooker inside.

The Rab Summit Superlite Bivi was designed for alpine use, among other things for mountain climbers. The Bivi is very lightweight, compact, easy to set up, and very wind resistant. These are all key features that ultra-light hikers are interested in.

For me, the Rab Summit Superlite Bivi complements my MLD Duomid Tarp ideally on tours where I expect rougher environments, such as Iceland, Greenland, or in winter where there is little protection from trees.

Technische Daten:
- Material: 3-layer eVENT outer fabric, waterproof nylon for the base
- Suitable for 2 persons
- Base: 222 x 120 cm (87.4 x 47.2")
- Height: 70 cm (28")
- Mosquito net: no
- Poles: two poles of 8.84 mm (0.35") aluminum
- Inner pockets: 1
- Colors: red, blue
- Climbing feature: 2 sealed "donut" tie-in points
- Weight: 1,500 grams (53 oz.) including aluminum poles and pegs

Manufacturer: Rab Website

I use the Soul Bivy Side Zip in the mountains as well where a tarp or tent can be very hard to set up because there are sometimes no suitable spaces for a tarp. It’s quite an experience to sleep out in the open with the bivy. Ultralight hiking with no tarp or tent!

The bivy is also an ideal emergency bivy to have in a day tour backpack, as it weighs only 295 grams. On a cabin tour, it provides more freedom and in an emergency when the cabin is full, you can sleep very well in the bivy in front of the cabin.

The MLD Soul Bivy Side Zip eVent Bivy has enough room to store all your equipment including backpack and shoes. The head area is larger than in other models. So you can spend the night in the bivy if it rains without getting your equipment wet. The 2010 models have been adapted for the Neo Air and are a bit wider.

The Soul Bivy Side Zip eVent Bivy also has a mosquito net and side zipper. The bivy can be attached to the ground with pegs in stormy weather.

Mountain Laurel Designs is a small company that specializes in ultralight equipment.

Specifications:
• Weight with eVent outer fabric: 395 grams
• Outer fabric: 3-layer eVENT fully waterproof
• Inner fabric: 1.35 Silnylon
• Size (shoulders / feet) Regular: 183 / 137 cm (72" / 54")
• Size (shoulders / feet) Large: 193 / 147 cm (76" / 58")

Prices:
MLD Soul Bivy Side Zip eVent $350.00 or similar MLD 2010 Alpine eVent Bivy $250.00.

Website with Onlineshop: www.mountainlaureldesigns.com

The Patagonia Down Sweater is filled with high quality 800 fill power down and has two outer pockets and one inner pocket. The inner zip pocket doubles as the packing bag.

I like the jacket’s style so much that I wear my Patagonia Down Sweater not only on trekking tours, but in town as well.
The jacket is available for men and women. Size L weighs 340 grams.

Available online at Bergzeit.de.

Schneeschuhtour an den Hohneklippen

Information:
- Starting point: Schierke parking lot (800 meters from Schierke train station)
- Altitude: Starting at about 650 meters above sea level / up to about 900 meters above sea level at Hohneklippen and Kapellenklippe (927 meters above sea level)
- Length: approx. 4-5 hours, depending on breaks

Map:

The Backpacking Light Hane Tenkara was developed by Ryan Jordan, the founder of BackpackingLight.com. The fishing rod is 3 meters long, making it suitable for fly fishing on larger bodies of water.
The rod consists of ten carbon fiber sections and collapses to a packing size of only 40 cm. The handle is made of high quality cork.
The Hane Angel was produced by Tenkara USA in cooperation with Backpacklinglight.com. Advance orders for the first production will be taken until January 16.

Specifications:
- Length collapsed: 40.6 cm (16")
- Length extended: 3.00 m (9’ 10”)
- Handle length: 21 cm (8.25")
- Weight 77 gr. (2.7 oz.)
- Number of sections: 10
- Ratio: 7:3

Can be ordered from Backpackinglight.com for $199.99.

1. PossumDown gloves
These gloves offer an unbelievable weight/warmth ratio. A pair in size L weighs only 38 grams and keeps the hands considerably warmer than any other glove in this weight category of which I am aware. This glove has its origins in New Zealand and has been distributed for some considerable time in the USA by Backpackinglight.com. It is, however, also available in Germany via “Shop New Zealand”. The only difference with the latter model is a leather patch which is easily removable (saving 3 grams).

2. Mountain Laurel Designs eVent Rain Mitts
I have found MLD eVent Rain Mitts to be an ideal supplement to the PossumDown glove. The Rain Mitts are waterproof, offer good breathability and weigh only 25 grams in size L. Even though the MLD website indicates that these have only been designed as 3-season gloves, many people probably also have them in full winter use. In my case, no signs of wear and tear are in evidence even after a number of trips. Care needs to be exercised when using the gloves near campfires or other sources of heat, since the eVent membrane may become damaged.

The Shell Mitts are available via the Mountain Laurel Designs Shop in the USA.

Links:
Shop New Zealand: www.geschenkeausneuseeland.de
Mountain Laurel Designs Shop: www.mountainlaureldesigns.com

The SnowClaw is ideal for winter tours where a larger shovel is often not needed. It is ideal for the central uplands or Harz Mountains. For a long time, I never took a snow shovel with me because the larger ones were always too heavy. But I have had the SnowClaw on all of my recent winter tours because of its low weight and packing volume. Even if I only use it to level out my bivouac or build a small snow cave.

In addition, I use the SnowClaw as reinforcement in my frameless Gossamer Gear backpack. The slightly curved shape is ideal for my back. I also use the SnowClaw as an (oversized) peg to anchor my tarp or for sitting on in the snow.

I now take the SnowClaw in my pack on every winter tour.

The manufacturer’s website lists some places where it is sold all around the world. There is probably also a distributor in Germany by now.

Manufacturer: Snowclaw

Price: about $19.00

The down quilts are expensive, but they are worth the price. Generally, customers do not just purchase one down quilt. Some ultralight hikers have 2 to 3 Nunatak ultralight down quilts for various areas and temperature. I now have 4 quilts.

The Arc Alpinist Quilt is designed for temperatures down to approx. -7 degrees Celsius (20 degrees Fahrenheit) and is thus flexible for use on most 4-season tours. I have also spent a few nights in it in snow at approx. -12 to -15 degrees. I was wearing only long underwear, so it still has good reserves for low temperatures, if you keep additional clothing on.

One big advantage of the quilt in comparison with a normal sleeping bag is the greater temperature range it can be used in. For higher temperatures, the quilt can be used like a blanket. For lower temperatures, the Arc Alpinist can be cinched close to the body with a belt so that the surrounding air inside the quilt does not escape to the outside. The Arc Alpinist is very roomy and comfortable. But I recommend combining the Arc Alpinist with a cap or balaclava facemask at very low temperatures. I usually use the cap that I have in my pack anyway.

At Nunatak every quilt is handmade by Tom, the owner. There are a few materials available for the outer covering. There are very breathable and water-repellent fabrics such as Epic (1.7 oz/sq.) or ultra light fabrics such as 0.8 oz Pertex Quantum.

Depending on the size (S, M, L) and materials, the Arc Alpinist weighs from 510 to 720 grams with the down filling weighing 280 to 340 grams. I had my Arc Alpinist filled with an extra 2 oz. (56 g) of additional down and had a larger foot space made (shoe size 50).
In general, advice and communication with Tom the owner is very good. He is happy to make suggestions or integrate your wishes into production. Delivery time is 6 to 8 weeks.
I have used my Arc Alpinist on a few tours now and I am very pleased with its flexibility. It has now become one of my most often used equipment items and is a component of my sleep system. I have often combined it with the BMW Torsolite or Therm-a-Rest NeoAir.

Arc Alpinist specifications:
- For use at temperatures down to -7 ºC / 20º F
- High quality 800+ down
- Weight: 510 to 720 grams depending on size and material
- Down filling: 280 to 340 grams depending on size
- 2.5” baffle height
- Price: $352 (Size S) to $422 (Size L)

It can be ordered at the Nunatak website (www.nunatakusa.com)

I was able to test the SPOT thoroughly on my latest Sweden tour.

After unpacking the SPOT, it must be registered on the manufacturer’s website. During registration, the serial number is recorded so it can be identified later. The manufacturer offers various services for SPOT.

The basic rate of EUR 99 per year includes the following:
- ALERT 911: Sends rescue services to the exact location.
- CHECK IN: Lets selected contacts know where you are currently and that you are okay. Unlimited usage of Check In E-mails. Up to 200 SMS text messages annually (Check In or Help) are also included. Every further text message costs €0.10 per message.
- ASK FOR HELP: Ask friends and family for help and transmit your exact location. Unlimited usage of Help E-mails. Up to 200 SMS text messages annually (Check In or Help) are also included. Every further text message costs €0.10 per message.

You can order the additional “Track Progress” service for € 39/year. This additional function allows your progress to be followed and sends and saves locations. Selected contacts can follow your course on Google Maps.

At the SPOT website, you can file your own texts for the “Help” and “OK” buttons. These texts are sent by E-mail or SMS to the designated contacts when you press the corresponding button. The messages can also be displayed on the “Track Progress” function.

In practice, sending texts always worked very well. It is also practical that the message includes a link to Google maps with the current location.

Example of an "OK" message (by E-mail):
“Bivouac set up. Everything OK. Greetings from Lapland... Trailblaze - Sent by Spot Personal Satellite Tracker."
ESN:0-7444558
Lat.:68.2002 / Long.:18.515
Next position:unknown
Distance:unknown
Time:08/09/2009 22:16:01 (Europe/Berlin)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=68.2002,18.515&ll=68.2002,18.515&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1 "

In an emergency, rescue services can be alerted using the "911" button. However, I did not test this function

For me, the SPOT unfortunately still has some weak points. The LED status indicator is very basic. Some different conditions of the SPOT are shown using the same status display. Due to the at times poor status display, I could only hope that there was currently satellite transmission. I wasn’t always sure. To switch from the function “Track Progress” to send “OK” message, I always switched the SPOT off and on. But in the end, everything worked.

Unfortunately, the buttons are not well protected, and I was often afraid of triggering a function unintentionally. For this reason, I removed the batteries during transport by plane.

I would be happy to rent out the SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker on a weekly basis for a fee. If you are interested, send me an E-mail.

Technical data:
- 208 grams incl. batteries (works only with AA lithium batteries)
- Batteries last about 14 days in “Track Progress” mode.
- Operating temperature: -40 to 85 degrees Celsius
- Waterproof up to 1 meter (for up to 30 minutes)

Supplier in Germany:
Bergzeit: www.bergzeit.de (199,00 EUR)

Manufacturer’s website: http://www.findmespot.eu