mystery tramp

I have had my Tarpon 120 now for over three years. I use it in the ocean just off the coast of Hilton Head. My dog Jack and I fish off Joiner Banks, an island about 1/4 mile off the coast. I have fished off the Tarpon for flounder and have caught a few fish while in the kayak. I actually wouldn't recommend fishing from the kayak in the ocean—any fish larger than legal limit pose a problem as far as stability is concerned. But the Tarpon has been stable in some pretty nasty chop and can take me, my dog, my bait and fishing gear without too much danger of a roll. I actually use the rod holders in the rear for trolling in the deepest cut next to the island. If you have a strike, you need to put it on shore quickly, because even a small shark can drag you backwards. The Tarpon has been a blast over the years, and I trust it in anything but stormy weather.

I have a real need for sunglasses when fishing and kayaking. Many times it is important to know what is beneath you while in the kayak. I use them for shark-fishing off the coastline in Hilton Head. The good news is that now I can see critters beneath the surface--the bad news is that I've spotted sharks down there as long as my twelve foot long fishing kayak. Anyway I think they're inexpensive for what you get. I just used them for marlin fishing off the coast of Mexico and they really help in discerning shapes on the water. I would def. recommend.

I used the Lighthouse at Yosemite at the beginning of October. Unless you are an extremely small person I would definitely opt for the larger Lighthouse over the Firstlight. If you wanted to fit two people in it you could, but the extra space for gear, my dog Jack, etc. is nice. The tent can be erected easily with one practice run. I did rather object to the extra step of self seam sealing, but it really wasn't too much trouble and it's not going to leak. The tension involved in the framing did cause me some concern. That is, a concern of having one end come loose with tension while you are putting the tent up and having it rip the side. I put a very small piece of electrical tape over the ends to obviate any concerns for sharp edges and I think it worked fine. I used it with a ground cover which I pegged in place with the supplied pegs. Why spend so much for a tent and not buy the ground cover? The tent kept me warm and dry and is amazingly small and light. Hiking Yosemite Falls was absolutely no problem. Didn't even know the Lighthouse was there. I am extremely happy with the Lighthouse. It's worth every penny.

I used the Tikka Plus four nights in Yosemite in October. I really don't know why you'd ever need another headlamp. It does everything you need done around camp and in the tent and on the trail. And for the price, it is truly a huge bargain. It is so light you forget it's on your head.

I originally purchased the LT Hurricane by Sierra Design. While it certainly was affordable and waterproof I didn't think it was breathable enough so I traded it in for the Marmot Oracle. I found it to be everything I needed in a jacket. You can wear it to any function and it isn't merely a trail jacket, although it has performed well for me on many hikes. I like the tuck-away hood and the slight brim on the hood. I also liked the fact that it covered my rear end better than the LT Hurricane. If you can afford a couple extra bucks, this is a great jacket.

If you want to stay dry and have a limited budget, this is the jacket for you. But if you'd like a jacket that you actually may wear somewhere other than the backwoods, you may want to upgrade to the Marmot Oracle or the North Face products. I tried the Hurricane and found it too "plasticky" and not breathable enough. Also the design is short. I like the feel of a jacket that covers my butt a little more. And the hood can't be tucked away. Like I said, I was hoping I'd like the LT Hurricane more because of the great price, but returned it (with absolutely no hassle) and bought a Marmot Oracle which has been great and much more versatile off the trail.