Gnat's Equipment

Wingnut Hyper 3.0 Pack

2010-03-09T10:00:47Z

I have two packs that have gone through a thorough beating and will get Gnat's approval here on my equipment page. I will share the first today, my Wingnut Hyper 3.0 pack. This is my go to pack for one day trips and the occasional overnight or bike packing trip. While this review is about the Hyper 3.0, much of it could be about any of the Wingnut packs.

I searched out a Wingnut pack for one reason, to carry the weight low on the back. When set up properly, the pack is carried at the hips, as opposed to "on" the back like most packs. This removes the weight from higher up and reduces stress on my back (and possibly yours). It is a real game changer once you get used to it.

As if that wasn't enough, tough construction, accessible while riding side pockets, and solid contruction really tip the scales and put this pack in a class of it's own. I've used this product for 1.5 years and can't imagine not having it in my gear arsenal. My only issue was when I ran over it with my Honda Element and broke the sternum strap buckle, which I easily replaced.

Here are a few comments specifically about the 3.0 pack.

- Just the right size for most events. It's 800 cubic inch pack can store just the right amount of stuff for those one day adventures.

- The bullet points say it hold up to 3 liters. I've never had more than 2 in it.

- I use it a lot to hold my DSLR camera and an extra lens. It carries the weight low and keeps it tight to my body. I then use the side pockets for other gear.

- It's tough and fairly weather resistant. I still carry a dry bag inside to stuff my camera in just in case it gets really ugly outside.

- Flexible side pockets conform to body

I purchased this pack with my own money here at Wingnutgear.com. One of these days I'm going to purchase the 1600 cubic inch Adventure pack for those overnight trips and longer adventures.

Cane Creek Thudbuster ST Seatpost

2010-01-06T02:23:48Z

Many years ago I started riding with and testing suspension seat posts. I went through many different models and iterations. All of them pretty good when new but all had issues and I eventually broke them or they stopped working properly. Then I decided to try the Cane Creek Thudbuster ST seatpost.

About 20 months ago, I purchased a Cane Creek Thudbuster seatpost for my prototype Fargo. Check it out above. Within the first few rides I was hooked. My body felt better. I have a bulging disc in my lower back and I was having difficulty with longer rides. With the Thudbuster ST, I was pleased that I could ride further and recover quicker afterwards.

Now....I own 3 of these posts. I purchased 2 and Cane Creek graciously gave me one for a new build. I have ridden the bike above on just about every surface and on every type of terrain including the hoof battered Maah Daah Hey in North Dakota and the rocky, rooty and wet Umpqua River Trail in Oregon. Time and time again it has proven itself.

I have also added one to my snow bike for the same reasons. Snow when packed down by hikers and walkers feels very much like a hoof battered trail. The Thudbuster ST shines here too. I don't notice what it is doing when I ride, but I do notice it the next morning. My body feels better.

This is a very good product that I think is relevant for anyone or any bike being ridden on a rough surface for any extended period of time. I've grown so accustomed to it that I miss it on my cross or road bike or on shorter rides. I have experimented with a titanium seatpost on both my Fargo and El Mariachi, but I keep coming back to the Thudbuster ST because it adds comfort and my body recovers quicker when I use it.

Now...Don't buy this product thinking that it makes your hard tail a suspension bike. Putting one on a hardtail doesn't magically transform a hard tail bike. I describe the feeling of the ST similar to a bike with a large volume rear tire. It's got just a bit of give to it. The first few times you ride it, you may think you flatted your tire. That's pretty normal.

I love it and will always consider it when I am building a new bike for long rides. It's proven itself on many occassions and I have had zero problems with it over several thousand miles. That is why it is here on my equipment page.

Nemo Gogo Tent

2009-12-05T13:00:54Z

Let met start by saying that my tent/shelter set up is far from being the lightest. I'm a full coverage guy except for a few places that I know don't have bugs. I need a true shelter for comfort and piece of mind. My shelter of choice for solo adventures, my Nemo Gogo Tent.

NEMO is a New England based company specializing in making outdoor equipment. I don't know much about the company, but I took notice of the tents because of their patented Air Supported Technology. That's a legal way of saying it uses air tubes for support instead of traditional poles. It's light and tough for it's weight.

My Gogo tent has a packed weight of 2.5lbs. As I said, it's not as light as a tarp set up nor is it as light as a bivy, thus ruling out the super ultra light folks. But it's pretty light though and works well. It's a pretty tight the first few times in it with an internal height of about 2 feet. It isn't big enough to change clothes in, but its stable in the wind, provides protection from the elements and has a little bit of room to keep your stuff inside as opposed to out. This is important to me as I keep my camera equipment inside my tent. It also sets up quickly.

One comment. This is a single wall tent. The fabric is nice, but I've had a fair amount of condensation build up when I had to fully zip up the tent due to rain. I usually sleep with only the door screen zipped up and don't have issues.

I've used this tent in the southwest, midwest and northwest with not a single issue.

Note: I purchased this tent and have no affiliation with NEMO in any way.

Epic Designs Frame, Bar and Seat Bags

2009-12-01T05:02:19Z

OK....Let me start by saying I wanted to not like bags. Joe Meiser talked me into trying one and in all honesty, it has been ride changing. In fact, right now it is life changing, but I'll get to that later.

I ride Epic Designs bags. Website link here. Why? They are the best and I like Eric. He's a true adventurer and makes great product. Pretty simple.

Currently, I have the following bags which I frequently swap in and out depending on my desired usage.

Frame Bag - Fargo

Gas Tank - swaps to almost any bike

Bar Bag - Optimised to fit inside my 46cm Salsa bars

Seat Bag - I use the smaller one as the big one is just too big for me

Here are a few pictures in different set ups.

This was my set up for a bit as I was preparing to ride the Kokopelli on my Big Mama suspension bike. I was practicing not having a frame bag.

Here is a good profile shot of my set up for the Maah Daah Hey showing the Frame Bag and the Gas Tank. I had a back pack here with no bar bag.

The bags were custom made for me and my bike. They fit perfectly. The straps are in the right places and they just simply work. I bashed them on rocks, trees and bushes time and time again.

Recently, due to my shoulder injury in August, I am finding that I can't wear a back pack or water pack very well. The Frame bag has been a life changer as I can carry everything I need in the frame bag. This has resulted in increased freedom for me and this allows me to ride longer as a result of no stress or weight on my back.

Duration Tested: 12 months

Disclaimer: These bags were purchased and made to specification.

Salsa Fargo

2009-11-28T12:38:27Z

I thought I'd start my gear and equipment page with my favorite piece of equipment, my Salsa Fargo.

I've ridden this bike more than any bike I've owned. In the last 18 months It's been set up in so many different ways. I've ridden it in multiple states and places. It's taken me there and back again. Here is my final set up and how I plan to leave it for....For now!

Frame: Fargo size Large

Fork: Fargo

Seat Clamp: Salsa Flip-Off

Headset: Hope

Rear Derailleur: Shimano Shadow XT

Front Derailler: Shimano XT Traditional

Crank: XT 22-32-44 (I also swap to an SLX 22-36 for off road tours)

Bottom Bracket: Hope

Cassette: Shimano Ultegra 12-27 9spd (I use an 11-32 for off road touring)

Chain: SRAM

Brakes: Avid BB7 Mtn

Shifters: Shimano SB77 Bar End - 9 spd

Brake Levers: Tektro RL520

Seat Post: Cane Creek Thudbuster ST (I also swap to my Eriksen Ti)

Saddle: I'm using a Fizik Aliante right now but am searching for that just right saddle for long hours in the saddle.

Bar: Salsa Woodchipper, 46

Stem: Salsa ProMoto Ti, 90mm

Tape: Salsa Gel Cork

Tires: Schwalbe Furious Freds for road based fun. Conti Race King 2's for off road.

Tubes: Yes, I use tubes - 29er tubes with long valve stems (Long valve needed for Edge rims)

Hubs: DT-Swiss 240s, 32 hole

Rims: Edge Composites 29er rims

Spokes/Nipples: DT Swiss 2.0/1.8 spokes with brass nipples

Skewers: Salsa Flip-Offs (Black)

Bottle cages: Velocity cages because I can move them up and down to fit. I also use Salsa Nickless cages.

Pedals: Time ATAC

Other: Epic Design frame bag, seat bag and bar bag. Those will be reviewed elsewhere.

I love this bike. It has taken me so many places and allows me to go where ever I want to go. It really can do anything if set up properly for that terrain. I leave the frame pack on 100% of the time now because if used properly, I can carry a lot less weight on me, thus making my back and body feel better over longer distances.

Occassionally I do long for a slightly taller BB and a little slower steering response. However, I always settle back in and realize I have that bike already in my Salsa El Mariachi.

Testing Duration: 18 months

Disclaimer #1: I work for Salsa Cycles.

Disclaimer #2: I do work for Salsa Cycles, but I purchased every part on this bike for my own use. I returned the prototype I rode for 6 months and purchased a production frame.