Here is an OR for the GoGirl. Thank you in advance for the edits.

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/test/OWNER%20REVIEWS/GoGirl%20Jenn/

GoGirl
Female Urinary Device
Owner Review by Jennifer Koles

November 11, 2009
Personal Information
Name:  Jennifer Koles
Age:  34
Gender:  Female
Height:  5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)
Weight: 140 lb (64 kg)
Email address: jennksnowy at yahoo dot com
City, State, and Country: Orange County, California, United States

Backpacking Background
After getting into the outdoors scene camping while 4-wheeling and day-hiking, I
switched to backpacking in the early 2000's. I have backpacked extensively in
Utah, Wyoming and Idaho along with California, Pennsylvania and Nevada. I have
slowly been cutting my base weight to be able to go longer in duration and
distance. I have done so mainly by using better gear and dumping heavy luxuries.
I backpack year round in all weather, and usually take a free standing tent and
a gas stove on all my trips. I love trying out new gear.


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Product Information
Manufacturer: GoGirl (FemMed, Inc.)
Web Site: www.go-girl.com
Product: GoGirl Female Urinary Device
Year Manufactured: 2009
MSRP: $6.99 US
Available Colors: Pink Tube with Lavender GoGirl and Camouflage Tube with
Lavender GoGirl
Reviewed Color: Pink Tube with Lavender GoGirl

Weight Listed: none listed on website
Actual Weight: 1.50 oz (42 g) packaged tube; 1.05 oz (28 g) GoGirl alone

Measurements of Tube: Height- 3.75 in (9.53 cm); Diameter- 1.38 in (3.5 cm)
Measurements of Device: Approximate Length- 6.5 in (16.51 cm); Width- 2 in (5.08
cm)



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Product Description

The GoGirl is a feminine hygiene product or known as a Female Urinary Device
(FUD) that is designed for women to urinate while standing up. It is indicated
by the manufacturer to be used in unsanitary bathrooms, traveling, camping,
boating, concerts, sports, or just to avoid germs. The device is made of a
durable germ resistant medical-grade silicone and it can be disposed of or
reused. At $6.99 each I decided to wash and reuse my device, since I can not
afford to buy a new one each time I use it.

The GoGirl comes packed inside of a plastic tube with a removable cap on one
side. The outer tube wrapping has pictures indicating ideas of where to use the
device. There is also information on the contents of the tube (one GoGirl,
tissue and baggie). Printed on the wrapping is information for disposal (do not
flush, and use biodegradable baggie for storage or disposal).



Inside the GoGirl tube is the GoGirl with a small folded piece of tissue and a
white biodegradable baggie. I found the tube to be small enough to carry in my
purse and my smallest cycling pack. The baggie has the GoGirl logo and name
printed in pink on one side and instructions (in English and another language)
for use on the reverse. There is a sticker on the baggie that can be removed to
seal the baggie closed.



The GoGirl (FUD) is made of a flexible silicone material that I can easy bend or
roll up. It also retains its original shape after it is stored. It reminds me of
a funnel. It has a large opening on one end and tapers to a point with a small
opening at the bottom. It has some embossing on it to indicate which way the
device should be positioned up, "GOGIRL", symbol and the letters "DO NOT FLUSH",
the text "patent pending". There are also two dashed lines at the top of the
funnel opening on the ends. I think these dashed lines are for an extra grip for
finger placement when using the device. The funnel opening that is placed close
to my body is designed to obtain a close seal and to prevent splashing. This is
achieved by the silicon having an area that can be pressed against by body and
not just a straight edge.



Using the GoGirl (First Time)

After opening the packaging for the first time I knew I would never be able to
remember or be able to package it in its original state. I found that I can roll
it up in the baggie or a plastic small zip closure bag and still get it in the
tube. I just cram it in there and there is some room to spare for a tissue. It
works for me!

OK so my first time using the GoGirl I was scared that I would make a mess. Plus
I did not want to embarrass myself using it in the wilderness for the first
time. So I used it over a toilet. Pulled down my pants, placed the GoGirl and
wee I went. I had some hesitation before I could actually urinate, because it
felt odd to stand up and handle this task. However, it was a success. No mess to
clean up on myself or my surroundings. After the first use I was hooked. Read
on.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Product Use

The GoGirl has been used or carried in the following locations during various
sport and leisure activities

Hiking: Red Rocks, Nevada; Whiting Ranch Park, California; and Cleveland
National Forest, California
Backpacking: Yosemite National Park, California (three day trip); San Jacinto
State Park, California (overnight trip)
Biking: Whiting Ranch, California; Weir Canyon, California; Peters Canyon,
California; Fullerton, California; El Moro Canyon, California; and Big Bear,
California
Rollerblading on the beach path near Huntington Beach California
Rock Climbing: Red Rocks, Nevada
Day to day in my purse and in the car.
The elevations ranged from sea level to over 10,000 ft (3,048 m). The
temperatures ranged from 43 F (6 C) to 90 F (32 C).


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Impressions and Performance

I must say that I am impressed with the performance of the GoGirl. I can now
urinate like to guys. Well almost, I still need some extra help. At first I
thought it would be difficult to use. But, for me it has been easy to master
using the GoGirl. It is now natural for me to use it and I do not freeze up when
it is time to urinate in the device, as I did the first time.

The instructions say to "adjust clothing" as step one. I began to pull down my
pants some to use it and now I have mastered being able to use it successfully
by not pulling down my pants/shorts, just pulling them away from my body. For my
biking shorts and for pants/shorts with no zipper I just pull some of the
material away from my body, slide the GoGirl in place, do my business carefully
while pointing the tube end of the device, shake it while still holding it when
I am done, then position my pants/shorts. With my pants or shorts that have a
zipper I open the zipper place the GoGirl inside, position it and then I poke
the end through the zipper opening.

This took some time to develop this skill and at first I was reluctant to try
it. I urinated with my back turned in the wilderness and my friend did not know
what I was doing because my pants were up in the back. I call this "stealth
urination". Sometimes when I am finished doing my business and I pull it away
from my body some drops of urine will roll towards the large opening of the
funnel. But the design of the funnel traps those drops and they do not dribble
out of the large opening.

After using the GoGirl wherever I may be, I just rinse it with water and store
it in the baggie or my own zip closure baggie. The provided baggie got some
holes in it after about 6 uses. A zip closure bag works fine. When I get home I
rinse the GoGirl with soap and water. There has not been a noticeable odor when
I am on the go and just rinse it with water.

Now the color of the GoGirl is not discrete. It is a light lavender color, but
it is unnatural to have a lavender colored item poking out from my pants or
using it to urinate. I would like to see the GoGirl available in more natural
colors like a light tan or a beige color.

This thing is great! There is no splashing over the top of the device. And I can
aim it exactly where I want to. The GoGirl rolls up and can be stored inside the
tube or in a small pouch in my backpack (in a baggie of course). The only issue
I have with storing it inside the tube is that sometimes the lid pops off
because it does not tighten with threads or securely. I would like to see some
threading on the tube or a pop off type of lid that has a tab to open it.

The silicone material appears to be durable. It has not torn, stretched, and has
not melted when stored in the tube on the front seat of my car in direct
sunlight. My GoGirl looks as good as new.

I get quite a few comments on the GoGirl when I debut it to my friends. Some of
them think I am nuts (my shy friends) and others think it is such a cool idea.
Even my guy friends think it is pretty nifty.


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Things That Rock
I have mastered urinating while standing up
I do not mess my shoes
The storage tube is compact
Easy to use
No leakage
Easy to clean
Things That Are SoSo
The lid of the tube does not secure tightly in place
The color is not discrete
Storage baggie is not durable


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Summary
I have love using the GoGirl and I had to get more. I now have a total of four
GoGirls to store in my car, at work, in my purse, in my backpacks, and in my
cycling packs. This is one of those things that I do not want to leave home
without.

Cheryl,

It looks so much better, but unfortunately, it causes scrolling at 1024 x 768. 
I think if you just put the third picutre (Simmer mode) on a separate line,
it'll be ok.  Try it, ok and let me know?

Kathy

   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Cheryl Mcmurray
   To: BackpackGearTest@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 3:24 PM
   Subject: [BackpackGearTest] REPOST: Attn Kathy Waters-ThermoJet MicroLite
Stove - Cheryl McMurray



   Hi Kathy,
   I did find a solution. It required using tables but have the fixed
   review posted back on the OR edit page so you can check it over before
   I upload it. I think it looks cleaner and the captions are now tied
   to the photos. The URL is http://tinyurl.com/yfdab2w. If this looks
   okay, let me know and I will upload it to the folder, or if there are
   further changes, just let me know.
   Thank you for your patience
   Cheryl

   THERMOJET MICROLITE STOVE
   OWNER REVIEW
   BY CHERYL MCMURRAY
   NOVEMBER 2009

   PERSONAL BIOGRAPHY

   Name: Cheryl McMurray
   Age: 50
   Gender: Female
   Height: 5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
   Weight: 145 lb (66.6 kg)
   Email Address: cherylswanATearthlinkDOTnet
   City, State, Country: Garden Grove, California, U.S.

   BACKPACKING BACKGROUND

   I've been backpacking and hiking for four years, mostly on weekends
   year around. Overnight trips are usually long weekend trips in the
   Eastern Sierras with 32 lb to 40 lb (15 kg to 18 kg) loads depending
   on the season. One class two rock climb with a day pack is common.
   Day hikes are 10-15 mi (16 km to 24 km) in the San Gabriel Mountains
   with loads of 15 lb to 20 lb (7 kg to 9 kg). I'm a tent style camper
   and have experienced snow, freezing temperatures, winds (once was gale
   force), light rain, but mostly fair weather.

   PRODUCT DETAILS

   Manufacturer: ThermoJet
   Manufacturer website: www.thermojetstove.com
   Stove type: Alcohol Stove
   Sizes: Standard and Large
   Size tested: Large
   Listed Weight: 2.5 oz (71 g) standard size (sack and fuel container
   not included)
   Actual Weight: 3.2 oz (91 g) large size (listed weight for large size
   not stated on website)
   Packed size: 2.5 in x 4 in (6 cm x 10 cm) pot support rods 0.12 in x
   6.75 in (0.3 cm x 17 cm)
   Operating size: 6.9 in x 4 in (17.5 cm x 10 cm)
   Material: 3XXX series aluminum (burner, combustion chamber, simmer
   band) and cold drawn steel (support rods)
   MSRP: $39.95 US (standard or large size)
   Purchase Date: March 2009
   Guarantee: Lifetime

   PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

   The ThermoJet MicroLite Stove is a full featured three season
   lightweight backpackers' alcohol stove. It compacts down small enough
   to fit inside of my 44 oz (1.3 l) pot with enough room for other small
   items. It consists of a burner, combustion chamber, simmer band, pot
   supports, 4 oz (120 ml) Nalgene bottle, green burlap storage sack and
   instruction sheet. The burner uses pressurized fuel jets, is sealed
   with high temperature industrial epoxy and the combustion chamber
   doubles as a windscreen. The simmer band is designed to provide even
   heating that results in faster cooking times and can be adjusted on
   the outside without removing the pot. The large stove (reviewed) is
   designed for pots that have a diameter between 5.75 in to 6.5 in (14.6
   cm to 16.5 cm). The efficiency of the stove is aided by having the
   correct size cooking pan so measurements must be taken to insure that
   the correct size stove is ordered.

   This stove can use a variety of alcohol fuels: denatured alcohol,
   methanol based gas line antifreeze, grain alcohol, 91% isopropyl
   (rubbing alcohol), and even 151 proof rum. I have only used denatured
   alcohol in this review.

   Include parts Complete unit rolled up Stored in cooking pot
   Include parts
   Complete unit rolled up
   Stored in cooking pot

   Top view set up
   Full cooking mode
   Simmer mode
   Top view set up
   Full cooking mode
   Simmer mode

   INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

   I have used a white gas and canister stove in the past but this is my
   first alcohol stove. In my efforts to lighten up my backpacking load
   I decided to try this stove and see if it would work well enough for
   me to continue using it on summer backpacking trips. I have already
   had pump issues with my white gas stove (yielding it unusable for the
   outing) and my canister stove has had some ignition issues in the past
   so I was excited about the fact that the only mechanical issues this
   stove could have is if I lost any parts (still possible) or something
   breaks.

   The sack is a green burlap material bag and I found it hard to take
   the stove in and out as it kept getting caught on the sharper ends of
   the stove unit. I decided to leave the sack at home and just store
   the stove in the titanium non-stick pot that I would be using
   protecting the pot with a lightweight towel inside.

   The stove is very easy to set up but taking it down requires a little
   work. The simmer band has a nylon band around it that is used for
   essentially keeping the stove compressed. The simmer band is easy to
   roll up and the nylon band slides easily around it but the combustion
   chamber takes a little more effort. Once rolled small enough, it can
   slide inside the simmer band and naturally expand to the inner
   circumference. The burner slides easily into one end giving the
   compressed stove some structure and the Nalgene bottle slides into the
   other end, cap first. I do not keep the fuel with the stove but
   instead store it separately so I usually fill that end with a rolled
   up trash bag that I always bring with. After attempting to fill the
   burner with fuel the first time, I found that I did not like the
   design of the Nalgene container that came with it. I prefer a squirt
   spout instead of the screw cap of this bottle as I was spilling a
   little fuel each time I poured it. I found that the squirt spout gave
   me better control. The pot that I use falls within the stated
   measurements for the large stove and I end up with about 0.5 in (1.3
   cm) between the combustion chamber and the edge of the pot all the way
   around.

   1.3 liter pan on the stove.
   44 oz (1.3 l) pan on stove

   FIELD TESTING

   I have used this stove on seven backpacking trips since April for a
   total of fourteen times heating water for breakfast and fourteen times
   cooking one pot dinners in a 44 oz (1.3 l) non-stick titanium pot. I
   always cover the pot with the lid and only open it to check the
   boiling status or stir the dinner. The testing information is as
   follows, all in California

   Trip #1
   Location: Joshua Tree National Park
   Cooking elevation: 3,700 ft (1,100 m)
   Cooking temperature: 34 F to 75 F (1 C to 24 C)
   Conditions: Cool with calm winds in the morning, warm and breezy for
   dinner

   Trip #2
   Location: Eastern Sierra's near Lone Pine, California
   Cooking elevation: 10,200 ft (3,100 m)
   Cooking temperature: 50 F to 60 F (10 C to 16 C)
   Conditions: Sprinkles of rain and light breezes

   Trip #3
   Location: Eastern Sierra's near Bishop, California
   Cooking Elevation: 9,000 ft (2,700 m)
   Cooking temperature: 28 F to 75 F (-2 C to 24 C)
   Conditions: Cold and calm in the morning, warm and breezy for dinner

   Trip #4
   Location: Eastern Sierra's near Independence, California
   Cooking elevation: 10,900 ft (3,300 m)
   Cooking temperature: 28 F to 60 F (-2 C to 16 C)
   Conditions: Cold with frost in the morning and normal conditions for
   dinner

   Trip #5
   Location: Eastern Sierra's near Big Pine, California
   Cooking elevation: 11,100 ft (3,400 m)
   Cooking temperature: 46 F to 65 F (8 C to 18 C)
   Conditions: Cool with light breezes in the morning, light breezes for
   dinner

   PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD

   Ease Of Use

   I store the stove in my cooking pot along with matches, fork, rubber
   scraper and measuring cup (that fits over the end of the stove) so
   that everything I need is in one place. To set up the stove I pull
   out the burner, then the combustion chamber being careful to unroll
   it. After connecting the ends with the rivets I slide off the nylon
   band from the simmer band and carefully unroll it attaching the ends
   together. The aluminum that extends beyond the rivets can be bent to
   a right angle to form a tab to use when lowering and raising the
   simmer band but I have not used that feature. I then slip the simmer
   band over the top of the combustion chamber with the rivets offset of
   each other positioning it just below the holes for the support rods.
   I then put the support rods in place and fill the burner with
   denatured alcohol. See Efficiency for amounts. I make sure that the
   water is already pre-measured in the pot before lighting the stove. I
   use a match almost touching the match to the alcohol to light it and
   when lit, place the pot covered with the lid on top of the support
   rods and wait for it to boil. One of the features I like is that once
   the alcohol has burned off, it cools within a minute and it can be
   refilled and started again or packed up. I have tried to use a butane
   lighter but find it awkward to reach in without risking burns to my
   fingers.

   For dinners I pre-measure the water and add the dinner mix, place the
   lid on top and put it on the stove once it's lit. I do remove the lid
   to stir occasionally and to be sure that the dinner is not sticking to
   the bottom of the pan. When the alcohol burns off, I let the dinner
   set a few minutes to absorb all the liquid and it's ready. The
   website states that the flame can be extinguished by removing the
   combustion chamber and setting the pot directly on the burner and then
   blowing the flame out but I have not been able to successfully do
   that. I just let any remaining alcohol burn off.

   I don't find the set up of this stove any more time consuming than a
   canister stove and far less time consuming than a white gas stove.
   It is a very simple stove to operate and with no mechanical parts I
   have had no failure issues. The only maintenance that the manual
   states is that the jets can become clogged but with a simple pin (and
   care) can be cleaned easily. I have had very few stove problems in
   the past but enough to appreciate the simplicity of this stove and so
   far the jets have not clogged.

   When I take the stove down I remove the pot supports and store them
   immediately in my pot storage bag (they will not fit inside the pot)
   so that I don't forget them on the ground and lose them (a possible
   show stopper for the stove). I then unhook and roll up the simmer
   band a little smaller than the circumference of the plastic band,
   insert it and let it expand to the diameter of the plastic band. I
   then unhook and roll up the combustion chamber small enough to insert
   into the simmer band and let it expand inside the simmer band. I then
   place the burner into one end and it's done. I have found that this
   can be a little cold at temperatures near freezing because of the
   metal and the use of gloves when doing this can be difficult.

   Stove set up with pot in place Showing the flame below Open stove
   with flame
   Stove set up with pot in place Flame burning Open stove with flame

   Efficiency

   Since this is my first alcohol stove, I cannot comment about the
   efficiency of this stove over other alcohol stoves but these are my
   findings after using the stove in temperatures as low as 28 F (-2 C),
   light wind and very light rain conditions. First of all, there are
   factors that will affect the efficiency of this stove. The ground
   surface must be flat and level for the stove to operate at its highest
   efficiency. Also, the pot being used needs to be the correct size.
   It has taken some trial and error (mostly at home) to figure out how
   much fuel I need for the intended meal. For me a typical meals
   consists only of heating 14 oz (0.4 l) of water for coffee (twice) in
   the morning and 9 oz (0.3 l) of water with a 1/2 pkg Knorr sides with
   some dehydrated chicken and vegetable additives.

   These are my findings:

   Breakfast:
   14 oz (0.4 l) water
   0.75 oz (22 ml) fuel (measurement lines are drawn on my bottle with
   squirt spout)
   Titanium non-stick 44 oz (1.3 l) pot
   Best time was 6 min to full boil
   Worst time was 7 min to full boil

   I have not noticed much of a fuel amount or time difference whether
   boiling at temperatures of 28 F (-2 C) with very cold water or boiling
   at 65 F (18 C) with tap water. The website states that 16 oz (0.5 l)
   of water will boil in 3 min 45 sec using 0.5 oz (15 ml) of denatured
   alcohol which is more optimistic than my findings stated above however
   their findings might be based on the regular size stove.

   Dinner:
   9 oz (0.3 l) water
   1/2 package Knorr sides with 3 oz (85 gm) dehydrated chicken added
   1 oz (30 ml) fuel

   I have found that the rice dishes take about 30 seconds longer to cook
   than the pasta dishes but with either I take the pot off the burner
   when they still need some thickening up and let them set. I have
   found that the 1 oz (30 ml) of fuel is very close for either dish and
   any burn time after the dinner is finished cooking is no more than 30
   seconds.

   One thing that I have noticed with the stove is its flame
   distribution. It covers the whole bottom of the cooking pan as well
   as coming up the sides a little. I have to be careful that the handle
   of the pan is moved towards the edge of the combustion chamber so that
   the flames don't burn the handle and melt the rubber coating. It has
   not been a problem. I do like the fact that the stove cooks evenly.

   With the type of cooking that do, I can cook enough breakfasts (two 14
   oz (0.4 l) cups of coffee) and dinners for a three day, two night
   backpacking trip with a total of 5 oz (140 ml) of fuel which will fit
   into a 4 oz (120 ml) container. Although the container is stated as 4
   oz (120 ml), I have found that 6 oz (180 ml) will fit if filled up to
   0.5 in (1.3 cm) from the top thus giving me enough fuel to treat
   myself to some freeze dried eggs on one of the mornings.

   Features

   I have lowered the simmer band once the dinner begins to boil but have
   not noticed a difference in flame size thus questioning its claim that
   it has a simmer mode. I have also boiled 16 oz (0.5 l) of water using
   0.75 oz (22 ml) of fuel in the same conditions when the stove is in
   full cooking mode and then in simmer mode and the boiling times were
   identical. I have never had the flame get out of control in breezy
   conditions nor has it taken longer for water to boil so I can only
   conclude that the combustion chamber/windscreen works well in the
   breezy (not yet tested in windy) conditions I have experienced. The
   pot support rods have worked flawlessly. They have never slipped out
   and do provide a stable surface for the cooking pot. As mentioned
   above, I have switched out the provided Nalgene bottle for an
   equivalent size bottle that has a squirt tab cap to help prevent
   spilling the fuel when measuring. Also as mentioned above I don't use
   the burlap stuff sack as it catches on the stove edges and becomes
   difficult to put the stove into it and pull it out.

   Durability

   After thirty plus uses of this stove, except for some discoloring and
   slight bends in the aluminum (mostly combustion chamber), the stove
   has stayed in good shape and remains fully functional. The epoxy
   sealer on the burner has remained unaffected and the jets have not
   clogged yet and still perform like new. The steel pot rods
   immediately discolored with soot from the alcohol and after wiping it
   off the first few times only result in a darkening color now. They
   are still functioning like new.

   Cooking breakfast (coffee)
   Cooking breakfast in the morning

   SUMMARY

   I don't think that the ThermoJet MicroLite stove lives up to all of
   its claims, specifically cooking time, fuel amount and ability to
   simmer. However, I do think that it is a well designed alcohol stove
   that works well in cold, breezy conditions and has an efficient enough
   cooking design to do a two night three day backpacking trip on just 5
   oz (180 ml) of fuel. Its total weight is 2 oz (60 g) lighter than my
   lightweight canister stove comparing equivalent parts and for light
   weight backpacking every ounce counts. Since I am an early riser and
   like to watch the sun come up, the fact that it is a very quiet stove
   is a plus for my trip partners who are usually still sleeping. It is
   extremely compact and I like the simplicity of its design with no
   mechanical parts to break. This stove has become my favorite stove to
   use and I look forward to using it on many more trips.

   LIKES

   Lightweight and compact
   Efficient even cooking
   Works well in cold temperatures and breezy conditions
   Simple to use
   Extremely quiet
   No mechanical parts to break

   DISLIKES

   Did not find that the simmer band actually simmers
   Sack provided is awkward to use
   Nalgene fuel bottle was hard to pour from
   Combustion chamber is a little hard to roll up small enough to fit
   inside the simmer band especially when it's cold (using gloves)

   I do recommend this stove.

   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Edits made and picture added.
The weird formatting and strange characters
are only happening once i load the html to the
site. I'll try contacting the web help group.
heres the new html.
Once i get the technological glitches fixed
I'll upload again.

http://tinyurl.com/yljz8po

and plain text.

Mountain Hardwear Lamina 45 Synthetic Sleeping Bag
Owner Review
November, 02,2009

Zachary Huang
Age 19
Male
5'10" (178 cm)
125 lbs (57 kg)
the.painting.accident@...
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Backpacking Background:

Typical pack weight: 35-45 lbs (16-21 kg)
Pack style: Light-medium weight
Types of travel: Extended trips abroad, 3-5 day hikes
Shelter type: 3 season 2 man tent
Special Activities: Black and White Film Photography

I began backpacking and hiking 4 years ago starting with overnighters and
weekend trips. I progressively moved on to weeklong trips and months abroad in
foreign countries. I travel mostly in temperate climates and pack as light as
possible. I currently attend school on the east coast of the US so I've
encountered various terrains in all seasons


(Picture courtesy of Mountain Hardwear)

Product information:
Model: Lamina 45
MSRP (Reg) $120.00
Manufacturer: Mountain Hardwear
Year of Manufacturer: 2008
URL:  www.mountainhardwear.com

MFG Measurements:
REG Size
Insulation: Thermic Micro
Loft -2.36 in / 6.00 cm
Stuffed diameter -6.00 in / 15.24 cm
Fill weight - 0 lbs, 11 oz / 335.14 g
Inside length -78.00 in / 198.12 cm
Shoulder girth -62.00 in / 157.48 cm
Foot girth  -38.00 in / 96.52 cm
Weight 1 lb. 12 oz. / 788 g.
Actual Weight: 1lb. 11 oz. /788 g

Description

The Lamina 45 utilizes Mountain Hardwear's efficient mummy cut, which reduces
weight and provides great thermal retention. The Lamina 45 includes in its
design an Ergo Draft collar and face gasket, which can be cinched down to seal
in warmth. The Lamina 45 features a full-length zipper both in right and left
zip, with an insulated draft tube along the length of the zipper.  The Lamina 45
comes in two colors Radiance (a gold/yellow) and ketchup which looks just like
ketchup. Mountain Hardwear adorned the Lamina 45 with two small internal pockets
at my shoulder level opposite of the zipper, one with a Velcro enclosure and one
with a zipper. The Mountain Hardwear logo and the type of insulation fill are
stitched at breast level next to the zipper and the model and temperature
ratings are stitched at the foot level. The lack of seams makes the Lamina
series bags truly distinct, with their welded insulation less fill is needed and
a streamline look is achieved. The Lamina's shell is made of 40D Nylon Ripstop,
which looks and feels like silk.

Location and Conditions

This sleeping bag was used extensively for a month abroad in China during the
month of June. Terrains included marshy areas, riversides, mountaintops, and
hostels with elevations ranging from sea level to 5,000 ft (1,524 m).
Temperatures encountered ranged from 100 F-50 F (38 C- 28 C).

Performance in the Field

Upon receiving my Lamina 45 in the mail I was instantly impressed by the overall
construction, feel, and compressibility of the sleeping bag.  The sleeping bag
was immensely compressible with the included compression stuff sack, compressing
down to the size of a football and was easy to stuff and extract. The welded
design cuts weight and aids in holding the insulation in place. The ripstop
nylon is amazingly supple to sleep in and the thermic micro insulation provides
great loft.  Being the first warm weather sleeping bag I've ever owned I was
concerned at first with its ability to keep me warm on a brisk morning. But upon
getting into the bag I was instantly impressed by its heat retaining
capabilities. The mummy cut provided ample space for me to shift around and even
share with a companion partially zipped open. The sleeping bag has a full length
zipper which can be zipped open at the foot to provide some airflow on stuffy
nights. The sleeping bag comes with both a compression stuff sack and a large
mesh storage sack both adorned with the Mountain Hardwear logo. The sleeping bag
performed past expectations. Not only did it keep me more than comfortable on
cold nights at 5,000 ft (1,524 m) but it also acted, as a plush blanket on hot
windy nights zipped open. The weight of the sleeping bag went unnoticed in the
pack over the month of backpacking and was extremely handy as a blanket,
sleeping bag, jacket, and regained its loft easily upon removal from the stuff
sack. The bag was highly water resistant and dried extremely fast after being
washed.

Summary:
The Lamina 45 is a lightweight, warm, roomy sleeping bag both intelligently and
practically designed

Things I Like:
1. The mummy cut provided ample room for my stature
2. Great insulating capabilities
3. Light pack weight and high compressibility

Things I don't like:
       1. none. I was highly impressed

Signature
Zachary Huang

Hi Kathy,
	 I did find a solution.  It required using tables but have the fixed
review posted back on the OR edit page so you can check it over before
I upload it.  I think it looks cleaner and the captions are now tied
to the photos.  The URL is http://tinyurl.com/yfdab2w.  If this looks
okay, let me know and I will upload it to the folder, or if there are
further changes, just let me know.
Thank you for your patience
Cheryl

THERMOJET MICROLITE STOVE
OWNER REVIEW
BY CHERYL MCMURRAY
NOVEMBER 2009


PERSONAL BIOGRAPHY

Name: Cheryl McMurray
Age: 50
Gender: Female
Height: 5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Weight: 145 lb (66.6 kg)
Email Address: cherylswanATearthlinkDOTnet
City, State, Country: Garden Grove, California, U.S.

BACKPACKING BACKGROUND

I've been backpacking and hiking for four years, mostly on weekends
year around.  Overnight trips are usually long weekend trips in the
Eastern Sierras with 32 lb to 40 lb (15 kg to 18 kg) loads depending
on the season.  One class two rock climb with a day pack is common.
Day hikes are 10-15 mi (16 km to 24 km) in the San Gabriel Mountains
with loads of 15 lb to 20 lb (7 kg to 9 kg).  I'm a tent style camper
and have experienced snow, freezing temperatures, winds (once was gale
force), light rain, but mostly fair weather.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Manufacturer: ThermoJet
Manufacturer website: www.thermojetstove.com
Stove type: Alcohol Stove
Sizes: Standard and Large
Size tested: Large
Listed Weight: 2.5 oz (71 g) standard size (sack and fuel container
not included)
Actual Weight: 3.2 oz (91 g) large size (listed weight for large size
not stated on website)
Packed size: 2.5 in x 4 in (6 cm x 10 cm) pot support rods 0.12 in x
6.75 in (0.3 cm x 17 cm)
Operating size: 6.9 in x 4 in (17.5 cm x 10 cm)
Material: 3XXX series aluminum (burner, combustion chamber, simmer
band) and cold drawn steel (support rods)
MSRP: $39.95 US (standard or large size)
Purchase Date: March 2009
Guarantee: Lifetime

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The ThermoJet MicroLite Stove is a full featured three season
lightweight backpackers' alcohol stove.  It compacts down small enough
to fit inside of my 44 oz (1.3 l) pot with enough room for other small
items.  It consists of a burner, combustion chamber, simmer band, pot
supports, 4 oz (120 ml) Nalgene bottle, green burlap storage sack and
instruction sheet.  The burner uses pressurized fuel jets, is sealed
with high temperature industrial epoxy and the combustion chamber
doubles as a windscreen.  The simmer band is designed to provide even
heating that results in faster cooking times and can be adjusted on
the outside without removing the pot.  The large stove (reviewed) is
designed for pots that have a diameter between 5.75 in to 6.5 in (14.6
cm to 16.5 cm).  The efficiency of the stove is aided by having the
correct size cooking pan so measurements must be taken to insure that
the correct size stove is ordered.

This stove can use a variety of alcohol fuels: denatured alcohol,
methanol based gas line antifreeze, grain alcohol, 91% isopropyl
(rubbing alcohol), and even 151 proof rum.  I have only used denatured
alcohol in this review.

Include parts  Complete unit rolled up  Stored in cooking pot
Include parts
	 Complete unit rolled up
	 Stored in cooking pot

Top view set up
	 Full cooking mode
	 Simmer mode
Top view set up
	 Full cooking mode
	 Simmer mode


INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

I have used a white gas and canister stove in the past but this is my
first alcohol stove.  In my efforts to lighten up my backpacking load
I decided to try this stove and see if it would work well enough for
me to continue using it on summer backpacking trips.  I have already
had pump issues with my white gas stove (yielding it unusable for the
outing) and my canister stove has had some ignition issues in the past
so I was excited about the fact that the only mechanical issues this
stove could have is if I lost any parts (still possible) or something
breaks.

The sack is a green burlap material bag and I found it hard to take
the stove in and out as it kept getting caught on the sharper ends of
the stove unit.  I decided to leave the sack at home and just store
the stove in the titanium non-stick pot that I would be using
protecting the pot with a lightweight towel inside.

The stove is very easy to set up but taking it down requires a little
work.  The simmer band has a nylon band around it that is used for
essentially keeping the stove compressed.  The simmer band is easy to
roll up and the nylon band slides easily around it but the combustion
chamber takes a little more effort.  Once rolled small enough, it can
slide inside the simmer band and naturally expand to the inner
circumference.  The burner slides easily into one end giving the
compressed stove some structure and the Nalgene bottle slides into the
other end, cap first.  I do not keep the fuel with the stove but
instead store it separately so I usually fill that end with a rolled
up trash bag that I always bring with.  After attempting to fill the
burner with fuel the first time, I found that I did not like the
design of the Nalgene container that came with it.  I prefer a squirt
spout instead of the screw cap of this bottle as I was spilling a
little fuel each time I poured it.  I found that the squirt spout gave
me better control.  The pot that I use falls within the stated
measurements for the large stove and I end up with about 0.5 in (1.3
cm) between the combustion chamber and the edge of the pot all the way
around.


1.3 liter pan on the stove.
44 oz (1.3 l) pan on stove


FIELD TESTING

I have used this stove on seven backpacking trips since April for a
total of fourteen times heating water for breakfast and fourteen times
cooking one pot dinners in a 44 oz (1.3 l) non-stick titanium pot.  I
always cover the pot with the lid and only open it to check the
boiling status or stir the dinner.  The testing information is as
follows, all in California

Trip #1
Location: Joshua Tree National Park
Cooking elevation: 3,700 ft (1,100 m)
Cooking temperature: 34 F to 75 F (1 C to 24 C)
Conditions: Cool with calm winds in the morning, warm and breezy for
dinner

Trip #2
Location: Eastern Sierra's near Lone Pine, California
Cooking elevation: 10,200 ft (3,100 m)
Cooking temperature: 50 F to 60 F (10 C to 16 C)
Conditions: Sprinkles of rain and light breezes

Trip #3
Location: Eastern Sierra's near Bishop, California
Cooking Elevation: 9,000 ft (2,700 m)
Cooking temperature: 28 F to 75 F (-2 C to 24 C)
Conditions: Cold and calm in the morning, warm and breezy for dinner

Trip #4
Location: Eastern Sierra's near Independence, California
Cooking elevation: 10,900 ft (3,300 m)
Cooking temperature: 28 F to 60 F (-2 C to 16 C)
Conditions: Cold with frost in the morning and normal conditions for
dinner

Trip #5
Location: Eastern Sierra's near Big Pine, California
Cooking elevation: 11,100 ft (3,400 m)
Cooking temperature: 46 F to 65 F (8 C to 18 C)
Conditions: Cool with light breezes in the morning, light breezes for
dinner

PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD

Ease Of Use

I store the stove in my cooking pot along with matches, fork, rubber
scraper and measuring cup (that fits over the end of the stove) so
that everything I need is in one place.  To set up the stove I pull
out the burner, then the combustion chamber being careful to unroll
it.  After connecting the ends with the rivets I slide off the nylon
band from the simmer band and carefully unroll it attaching the ends
together.  The aluminum that extends beyond the rivets can be bent to
a right angle to form a tab to use when lowering and raising the
simmer band but I have not used that feature.  I then slip the simmer
band over the top of the combustion chamber with the rivets offset of
each other positioning it just below the holes for the support rods.
I then put the support rods in place and fill the burner with
denatured alcohol.  See Efficiency for amounts.  I make sure that the
water is already pre-measured in the pot before lighting the stove.  I
use a match almost touching the match to the alcohol to light it and
when lit, place the pot covered with the lid on top of the support
rods and wait for it to boil.  One of the features I like is that once
the alcohol has burned off, it cools within a minute and it can be
refilled and started again or packed up.  I have tried to use a butane
lighter but find it awkward to reach in without risking burns to my
fingers.

For dinners I pre-measure the water and add the dinner mix, place the
lid on top and put it on the stove once it's lit.  I do remove the lid
to stir occasionally and to be sure that the dinner is not sticking to
the bottom of the pan.  When the alcohol burns off, I let the dinner
set a few minutes to absorb all the liquid and it's ready.  The
website states that the flame can be extinguished by removing the
combustion chamber and setting the pot directly on the burner and then
blowing the flame out but I have not been able to successfully do
that.  I just let any remaining alcohol burn off.

I don't find the set up of this stove any more time consuming than a
canister stove and far less time consuming than a white gas stove.
It is a very simple stove to operate and with no mechanical parts I
have had no failure issues.  The only maintenance that the manual
states is that the jets can become clogged but with a simple pin (and
care) can be cleaned easily.  I have had very few stove problems in
the past but enough to appreciate the simplicity of this stove and so
far the jets have not clogged.

When I take the stove down I remove the pot supports and store them
immediately in my pot storage bag (they will not fit inside the pot)
so that I don't forget them on the ground and lose them (a possible
show stopper for the stove).  I then unhook and roll up the simmer
band a little smaller than the circumference of the plastic band,
insert it and let it expand to the diameter of the plastic band.  I
then unhook and roll up the combustion chamber small enough to insert
into the simmer band and let it expand inside the simmer band.  I then
place the burner into one end and it's done.  I have found that this
can be a little cold at temperatures near freezing because of the
metal and the use of gloves when doing this can be difficult.


Stove set up with pot in place  Showing the flame below  Open stove
with flame
Stove set up with pot in place  Flame burning  Open stove with flame


Efficiency

Since this is my first alcohol stove, I cannot comment about the
efficiency of this stove over other alcohol stoves but these are my
findings after using the stove in temperatures as low as 28 F (-2 C),
light wind and very light rain conditions.  First of all, there are
factors that will affect the efficiency of this stove.  The ground
surface must be flat and level for the stove to operate at its highest
efficiency.   Also, the pot being used needs to be the correct size.
It has taken some trial and error (mostly at home) to figure out how
much fuel I need for the intended meal.  For me a typical meals
consists only of heating 14 oz (0.4 l) of water for coffee (twice) in
the morning and 9 oz (0.3 l) of water with a 1/2 pkg Knorr sides with
some dehydrated chicken and vegetable additives.

These are my findings:

Breakfast:
14 oz (0.4 l) water
0.75 oz (22 ml) fuel (measurement lines are drawn on my bottle with
squirt spout)
Titanium non-stick 44 oz (1.3 l) pot
Best time was 6 min to full boil
Worst time was 7 min to full boil

I have not noticed much of a fuel amount or time difference whether
boiling at temperatures of 28 F (-2 C) with very cold water or boiling
at 65 F (18 C) with tap water.  The website states that 16 oz (0.5 l)
of water will boil in 3 min 45 sec using 0.5 oz (15 ml) of denatured
alcohol which is more optimistic than my findings stated above however
their findings might be based on the regular size stove.

Dinner:
9 oz (0.3 l) water
1/2 package Knorr sides with 3 oz (85 gm) dehydrated chicken added
1 oz (30 ml) fuel

I have found that the rice dishes take about 30 seconds longer to cook
than the pasta dishes but with either I take the pot off the burner
when they still need some thickening up and let them set.  I have
found that the 1 oz (30 ml) of fuel is very close for either dish and
any burn time after the dinner is finished cooking is no more than 30
seconds.

One thing that I have noticed with the stove is its flame
distribution.  It covers the whole bottom of the cooking pan as well
as coming up the sides a little.  I have to be careful that the handle
of the pan is moved towards the edge of the combustion chamber so that
the flames don't burn the handle and melt the rubber coating.  It has
not been a problem.  I do like the fact that the stove cooks evenly.

With the type of cooking that do, I can cook enough breakfasts (two 14
oz (0.4 l) cups of coffee) and dinners for a three day, two night
backpacking trip with a total of 5 oz (140 ml) of fuel which will fit
into a 4 oz (120 ml) container.  Although the container is stated as 4
oz (120 ml), I have found that 6 oz (180 ml) will fit if filled up to
0.5 in (1.3 cm) from the top thus giving me enough fuel to treat
myself to some freeze dried eggs on one of the mornings.

Features

I have lowered the simmer band once the dinner begins to boil but have
not noticed a difference in flame size thus questioning its claim that
it has a simmer mode.  I have also boiled 16 oz (0.5 l) of water using
0.75 oz (22 ml) of fuel in the same conditions when the stove is in
full cooking mode and then in simmer mode and the boiling times were
identical.  I have never had the flame get out of control in breezy
conditions nor has it taken longer for water to boil so I can only
conclude that the combustion chamber/windscreen works well in the
breezy (not yet tested in windy) conditions I have experienced.  The
pot support rods have worked flawlessly.  They have never slipped out
and do provide a stable surface for the cooking pot.  As mentioned
above, I have switched out the provided Nalgene bottle for an
equivalent size bottle that has a squirt tab cap to help prevent
spilling the fuel when measuring.  Also as mentioned above I don't use
the burlap stuff sack as it catches on the stove edges and becomes
difficult to put the stove into it and pull it out.

Durability

After thirty plus uses of this stove, except for some discoloring and
slight bends in the aluminum (mostly combustion chamber), the stove
has stayed in good shape and remains fully functional.  The epoxy
sealer on the burner has remained unaffected and the jets have not
clogged yet and still perform like new.  The steel pot rods
immediately discolored with soot from the alcohol and after wiping it
off the first few times only result in a darkening color now.  They
are still functioning like new.

Cooking breakfast (coffee)
Cooking breakfast in the morning


SUMMARY

I don't think that the ThermoJet MicroLite stove lives up to all of
its claims, specifically cooking time, fuel amount and ability to
simmer.  However, I do think that it is a well designed alcohol stove
that works well in cold, breezy conditions and has an efficient enough
cooking design to do a two night three day backpacking trip on just 5
oz (180 ml) of fuel.  Its total weight is 2 oz (60 g) lighter than my
lightweight canister stove comparing equivalent parts and for light
weight backpacking every ounce counts.  Since I am an early riser and
like to watch the sun come up, the fact that it is a very quiet stove
is a plus for my trip partners who are usually still sleeping.   It is
extremely compact and I like the simplicity of its design with no
mechanical parts to break.  This stove has become my favorite stove to
use and I look forward to using it on many more trips.

LIKES

Lightweight and compact
Efficient even cooking
Works well in cold temperatures and breezy conditions
Simple to use
Extremely quiet
No mechanical parts to break

DISLIKES

Did not find that the simmer band actually simmers
Sack provided is awkward to use
Nalgene fuel bottle was hard to pour from
Combustion chamber is a little hard to roll up small enough to fit
inside the simmer band especially when it's cold (using gloves)

I do recommend this stove.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

REI Travel sack +55 sleeping bag

Name: Matthew Borland
Age: 37
Gender: male
Height: 6' ( 1.83 m )
Weight: 225 ( 102 kg )
Email address: maborland@...
City, State, Country: Newnan, Georgia, USA
Date: November 08, 2009
Backpacking Background: I have been backpacking for 6 months. I do overnight
backpacking trips at least once a month and hike every Sunday covering 8 miles .
My goal is to be able to hike the Georgia portion of the Appalachian trail next
summer.

Product information:
Manufacturer: REI
year of manufacture:2006
manufacturer's web site: http://www.rei.com
Listed weight:  27 ounces (0.77k)
Weight as delivered: N/A
temp rating: 55F (13C)
fill: polyester fiberfill
fill weight: 6 ounces (170g)
lining: nylon taffeta
max user height: 6ft.6in. (1.98m)
shoulder girth: 60in (152cm)
hip girth: 56in (142cm)
stuff sack size: 6x11in (15.24x27.94cm)
sleeping bag shape: mummy
gender: unisex
insulation type: synthetic
MSRP: $59.00

Product description: The Travel sack is designed for warm weather camping, or
can be used as a liner with other sleeping bags. It has a chest pocket for
storing items such as a headlamp, Ipod, cell phone..etc. can also be fully
unzipped and used as a light blanket or partially unzipped at the feet for
ventilation. And it has a partial zipper on the left side for an armhole.

After purchasing the Travel sack at REI in June I went on a two night camping
trip to Doll mountain campground at carter lake. The park is located in north
Georgia near Elijay. The campgrounds elevation is 1100 feet. During the two
night stay the day time temps were 80 degrees and nights were 56-58 degrees. It
was the perfect test run for the Travel sack. The first night I stayed up late,
so when I went to bed the tempature was in the upper 50's. So I got right into
the sleeping bag. I slept a night and woke up nice and toasty. pretty much that
was how the summer went. just this past weekend I went to FDR state park to try
it out in colder weather. Bumblebee ridge campsite is in the back country and is
1.8 miles from the parking lot. The elevation is 1200 feet. The day time high
was in the low 70's and the night was in the low to mid 40's with clear sky's
and a light breeze. During the night I did get a little cold. I think that was
do to the fact that I am a restless sleeper and had the zipper slightly open and
the draw strings around the neck and hood open as well, so I could move about
without feeling cramped. I did wake up a couple of times to zip up the bag and
tighten the neck and hood draw strings.Finally when I woke up in the morning
around 8am I was nice and toasty warm.

On a scale 1-10, I would rate the Travel sack a 7. because I feel that it
preformed to what it is rated to and then some below the rating. the thing I do
not like about the Travel sack is that when I go to get in it, it slides all
over the place. For that reason this is why I would not give it a 10.

In summery, the Travel sack is great for spring, summer and early fall
backpacking and camping. The bag is very lightweight and comes with a stuff sack
that is very easy to stuff the bag into, or stuff it with extra clothing for a
pillow.

Cheryl,

Thanks for graciously accepting my edits.  I just checked your uploaded OR and
the captions on the pictures are showing up kinda funky.  Checking your source
code, I see you manually tried to place them by using the HTML command ";nbsp". 
That's a very chance-y way of spacing.  Since you use ReportWriter, the easiest
way to correcting place a caption with the proper picture is to actually type in
the caption in the "Caption" field under the image.  When you select an image,
you have (under the image) the ability to add the "Alt", border attributes and a
caption.

Let me know if you need additional assistance.

Thanks!
Kathy

   ----- Original Message -----
   From: themiddlesister1951
   To: BackpackGearTest@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Sunday, November 08, 2009 10:32 AM
   Subject: [BackpackGearTest] EDIT: OR: ThermoJet MicroLite Stove-Cheryl
McMurray



   Cheryl,

   Very conprehensive Review! Your pictures and HTML are fine. You know the
drill. When you have made the corrections, please delete the test file and
upload to the brand new folder at:

   Thanks,
   Kathy
   OR Editor
   ____________________________________________
   I've been backpacking and hiking for four years, mostly on weekends
   year around. Overnight trips are usually three day, two night trips
   in the Eastern Sierras with 32 lb to 40 lb (15 kg to 18 kg) loads
   depending on the season. One class two rock climb with a day pack is
   common. Day hikes are 10-15 mi (16 km to 24 km) in the San
   Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains with loads of 15 lb to 20 lb (7
   km to 9 km). I'm a tent style camper and have experienced snow,
   freezing temperatures, winds (once was gale force), light rain, but
   mostly fair weather so far.
   Edit: I know this is an issue with some editors, so I will point out that you
are 8 words over the 100 word bio limit. You might want to re-word before
someone gets their shorts in a bunch (or panties in a twist, as gender
dictates).

   The ThermoJet MicroLite Stove is a full featured three season
   lightweight backpackers alcohol stove.
   EDIT: Change to "backpackers'" with an apostrophe at the end to show
possessive.

   See the website for more information.
   COMMENT: Just my opinion, but I think you should leave this sentence out
rather than directing the reader to leave your review.

   This stove can use a variety of alcohol fuels: denatured alcohol,
   methanol based gas line antifreeze, grain alcohol, 91% isopropyl
   (rubbing alcohol), and even 151 proof rum.
   COMMENT: "151 proof rum"? Captain Morgan and I are both horrified!!! <g>

   What is included Stove, Nalgene bottle, burner, simmer band Stove
   inside a 1.3 liter pan

   Stove set up In full cooking mode In simmer mode
   COMMENT: I just checked your HTML and the above two sentences are in your
"ALT" tag. You might want to add them to the appropriate "Caption" fields so as
to have descriptions under the pictures. Just a though!

   I do not keep the fuel with the stove but
   instead store it separately so I usually fill that end with a rolled
   up trash bag that I always bring with.
   EDIT: I think you are missing "me" at the end of this sentence.

   1.3 liter pan on the stove.
   COMMENT: Ditto my previous comment about picture captions and all other
pictures below.

   I have used this stove on seven backpacking trips since April for a
   total of fourteen times heating water for breakfast and forteen times
   cooking one pot dinners in a 44 oz (1.3 l) non-stick titanium pot.
   EDIT: Correct the spelling of the second "fourteen".

   The website states that the flame can be extinguished by removing the
   combustion chamber and setting the pot directly on the burner and then
   blowing the flame out but I have not been able to successfully to
   that.
   EDIT: Change the last "to" to "do".

   .75 oz (.2 ml) fuel (measurement lines are drawn on my bottle with
   squirt spout)
   EDIT: Conventionally (and BGT standards) a leading zero is added before any
decimal point. So, please add zeros to all measurements, here and elsewhere in
the review, such as "0.75 oz (0.2 ml)".

   The website states that 16 oz of water
   will boil in 3 min 45 sec using .5 oz (.1 ml) of denatured alcohol
   which is more optimistic than my findings stated above however their
   findings might be based on the regular size stove.
   EDIT: Need metric conversion for 16 oz.

   1/2 package Knorr sides with 3 oz dehydrated chicken added
   EDIT: Need metric conversion for 3 oz.

   With the type of cooking that do, I can cook enough breakfasts (two 14
   oz cups of coffee) and dinners for a three day, two night backpacking
   trip with a total of 5 oz (1.4 ml) of fuel which will fit into a 4 oz
   (1.1 ml) container.
   EDIT: Need metric conversion for 14 oz.

   I have lowered the simmer band once the dinner begins to boil but have
   not noticed a difference in flame size thus questioning it's claim
   that it has a simmer mode.
   EDIT: Change "it's" to "its" to show possessive not contraction.

   The epoxy
   sealer on the burner has remained unaffected and the jets have not
   clogged yet and still performs like new.
   EDIT: Change to "perform" (plural as are "jets").

   Although I don't think that the ThermoJet MicroLite stove lives up to
   all of it's claims on it's website, specifically cooking time, fuel
   amount and ability to simmer, I do think that it is a well designed
   alcohol stove that works well in cold temperatures, breezy conditions
   and has an efficient enough cooking design to do a two night three day
   backpacking trip on just 5 oz (1.4 ml) of fuel. It's total weight
   still comes in lighter than my lightweight canister stove comparing
   equivalent parts needed by 2 oz (.6 ml), and for lighter weight
   backpacking every ounce counts.
   EDIT: Change the three instances of "it's" to "its".
   COMMENT: The first sentence is a real mouthful! If you could re-word to maybe
2 sentences, I think it would be much easier to read.





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

So, here is my 2nd OR. It can be found at this link:

Kelty Camp Pillow <http://tinyurl.com/ygkt3fx>

Following is the text version.

Thank you for your time (and edits!)

Chad Poindexter


KELTY CAMP PILLOW
BY CHAD POINDEXTER
OR
November 04, 2009

TESTER INFORMATION

NAME: Chad Poindexter
EMAIL: cg-77 (at) hotmail (dot) com
AGE: 32
LOCATION: Corinth, Alcorn County, Mississippi, USA
GENDER: M
HEIGHT: 5' 10" (1.78 m)
WEIGHT: 200 lb (90.70 kg)

I started backpacking this year and have hiked a section of the
Appalachian Trail in north Georgia and in a few state parks in northeast
Mississippi and Alabama. As a new backpacker I have collected mostly
heavy gear, but want to go light. I use a tent at this time. I like a
warm drink in the morning and a warm meal at night. Since I'm still new
my distance is around 10 mi (16 km) or less per day, depending on
terrain. I haven't done any solo hiking because either my fiancι or
my son is along for company.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 1">>
Manufacturer: Kelty
Year of Manufacture: 2009
Manufacturer's Website: <<HYPERLINK GOES HERE -
"http://www.kelty.com/kelty/" LINK TEXT = "www.kelty.com">>
MSRP: (US) $ 11.95
Fill type: Kelty Cloudloft Pro synthetic insulation
Shell Material: NR210T polyester double ripstop
Liner Material: polyester / cotton
Listed Weight: 10 oz (283 g)
Measured Weight: 8 oz (227 g)
Listed Dimensions: 14 in x 18 in (36 cm x 46 cm)
Measured Dimensions: 13.5 in x 16.5 in (34 cm x 42 cm)
Stuffed Size Listed: 5 in x 9 in (13 cm x 23 cm)
Stuff Size Measured: 5 in x 9.5 in (13 cm x  24 cm)
Available Colors: Blood Red, Woods Green, Nite Sky


PRODUCT DETAILS

The Kelty Camp Pillow (hereafter referred to as the "pillow") is a
small, light-weight pillow, designed for use during pretty much any type
of travel plans. It is machine washable, and it has two (2) different
textured sides.  One side features a slick, cool, polyester double
ripstop fabric (see picture below left), and the other side features a
cozy, polyester / cotton blend (see picture below,right.) The pillow has
the "Kelty" logo screen-printed on the bottom right corner on the side
made of ripstop, and a consumer tag sewn into the upper right hand
corner while looking at the same side.

<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 2">> <<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT =
"IMAGE 3">>
















The pillow also comes with a stuff sack for easy and convenient storage
and weighs 1 oz (28 g.) The stuff sack is made of the same polyester
double ripstop material as the pillow and has the same "Kelty" logo
screen-printed on the side with "CAMP PILLOW" printed beneath it. There
is another consumer tag sewn into the side of the stuff sack closer to
the bottom as well. The stuff sack is closed by cinching the gray,
round, nylon cord, and locking it with the cord lock.

FIELD DATA

NORTH GEORGIA, APPALACHIAN TRAIL. My fiancι and I were out for 5
nights on this backpacking trip. Temperatures were as high as 85 F (29
C) during the days and reached as low as 61 F (16 C) during the nights.
I used <<HYPERLINK GOES HERE -
"http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Sleep%20Gear/Sleeping%20Bags/Th\
e%20North%20Face%20Aleutian/Owner%20Review%20by%20Chad%20G%20Poindexter/\
" LINK TEXT = "The North Face Aleutian">> sleeping bag and an REI Lite
Core 1.5 self-inflated air mattress with the pillow to make up my sleep
system. The ground where we made camp consisted of hard, dirt ground to
sandy / rocky ground. Elevations varied nightly, from 1,770 ft (539 m)
on the first night out, to 4,450 ft (1,356 m) on our last night out.

SOUTHWESTERN TENNESSEE, BIG HILL POND STATE PARK. I have frequented this
state park many times since this past spring. All of which have only
been overnighters. The general elevation is listed at 500 ft (152 m.)
The lowest temperatures that I have experienced while here has been
right at 50 F (10 C.) Again, I used the same sleep system here,
<<HYPERLINK GOES HERE -
"http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Sleep%20Gear/Sleeping%20Bags/Th\
e%20North%20Face%20Aleutian/Owner%20Review%20by%20Chad%20G%20Poindexter/\
" LINK TEXT = "The North Face Aleutian">> sleeping bag and an REI Lite
Core 1.5 self-inflated air mattress with the pillow. The ground here is
typically a softer soil and even padded with lots of fallen leaves.
<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 4">>
I have also used the pillow on about 15 nights while just camping out at
various campgrounds near my hometown. Elevations typically range between
400 ft  (122 m) and 500 ft (152 m.) The temperatures have been as low as
50 F (10 C), sometimes with rain on some nights, and some of the nights
were perfectly clear. The grounds where we made camp have varied from
grassy fields (see picture below), to soft ground with downed leaves, to
gravel and hard packed dirt. On the first few nights I had used a simple
blue closed cell foam pad, but then upgraded to a  REI Lite Core 1.5
self-inflated air mattress and a Therm-a-rest ProLite 4 self-inflated
air mattress. I also used <<HYPERLINK GOES HERE -
"http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Sleep%20Gear/Sleeping%20Bags/Th\
e%20North%20Face%20Aleutian/Owner%20Review%20by%20Chad%20G%20Poindexter/\
" LINK TEXT = "The North Face Aleutian">> sleeping bag as well as the
Kelty Camp Pillow.
<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 5">>

SUMMARY

I purchased two of these pillows, one in a Blood Red and one in a Nite
Sky. As soon as I got them home I removed the consumer tags from both
the pillows, and the stuff sacks. They were just too big and in the way,
flopping around and such. I of course played with the pillows, and came
to find out real quick  that it was way easier to stuff them if I rolled
them up with the ripstop material facing out on the pillow, it just made
it slide in the stuff sacks so much easier.

I have used them for lots of trips, backpacking, camping and even in the
car, and the thing is that, well, they are small. This being said, they
don't provide much elevation while lying on them, for me anyway. I
usually roll up any extra clothes I have and put them under the head of
my sleeping pad, and then put the pillow inside the hood of my sleeping
bag. So the pillow actually is providing me with a cushy place to lay my
head at night, instead of elevation. With this in mind, the pillow is
very nice to have after a long day of hiking.

I have found that the pillow will clump, just as with any other pillow I
have used, so I find that I have to get rough with it ever so often to
break up the fill so it will be nice and fluffy and smooth again.
However, the clumping may have something to do with storing it inside
the stuff sack long term. I will start leaving it out of the stuff sack
and lying flat for storage for now on.

It doesn't matter to me what side of the pillow I use to lay my head on
if it's warm out, but when it does get cold I like to keep the polyester
/ cotton side up. Also, it does take up a good little spot inside my
backpack but I don't mind it. Even stuffed you can still cram it down a
little more. Here is a picture of it in its stuff sack next to a 12 oz
(355 ml) Coca-Cola can for comparison.
<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 6">>

THE GOOD

1. It gives my head a cushy place to rest at the end of the day.
2. It packs down fairly small.
3. It's machine washable.
4. The price is good.

THE BAD

1. It tends to clump up.

SIGNATURE

Chad Poindexter  "Stick"



This report was created with the BGT Report Generator.
Copyright 2009.  All rights reserved.





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Richard,

The edits have been made and the final OR has been posted in the link that you
provided me!

Soon, I will be posting my 2nd OR!

Thank you for your time!

Chad

--- In BackpackGearTest@yahoogroups.com, "richardglyon" <rlyon@...> wrote:
>
> Chad, More excellent work. Just a few Edits (suggested changes) and one EDIT
(required change) and you're ready to upload. After you have revised your
Review, upload to http://tinyurl.com/ygjzt4t and be sure to delete your
Test/Owner Reviews folder copy. Congratulations on completing your first OR!
Cheers, Richard
>
> <<Compressed Size Listed: 8 in X 17 in (20 cm X 43 cm)
> Actual Compressed Size: 8.5 in X 16 in (22 cm X 41 cm)>>
> Edit: Here (and once or twice elsewhere you use an upper case "X" for "by."
Normally it is lower case; I think that looks better. But up to you.
>
> <<I have used the Aleutian this past September on a 40 mile (64 km) hike on
the Appalachian Trail (AT) in North Georgia (GA).>>
> Edit: Consider deleting "(GA)", as you don't use the abbreviation anywhere
else in the Review.
>
> << and it had drizzled rain on us through out the entire day and as night time
came more rain came with it! >>
> Edit: "nighttime" is usually one word
>
> << Also, I have found that it can be a little difficult to get back in the
stuff sack while in smaller areas, such as inside a tent with another person.>>
> EDIT: get the bag back in
>

Hi Travis,

OK this is better. Please go through all of these. Some were there the first
time. Once done please put it back in the test folder (delete the old one) and
give me a link to it here when you REPOST. If it is good I will give an approval
and show you where to put it.

Almost done,

Ray



***Steamboat Springs, Colorado

EDIT: please add "USA" at the end, and if you put (CO) after Colorado you can
use the abbreviation through the rest of the review.



LOKI integrates built-in mittens and face warmers into all of their jackets,
thereby
transforming a normal jacket into a ninja's dream outerlayer

EDIT: outer layer




***While the wearer remains dry in both scenarios, the latter causes the garmet
to hold water

EDIT: garment


***For the mittens, LOKI makes jacket arms about 3 inches (7.6 cm) longer than
other jackets I have reviewed.

EDIT: since you have not reviewed any other coats for BGT can you please change
that to "owned" or "used"



*** The mitt keeps my hands dry and warm. I thought it was a bit gimmicky at
first, but as I tested it over the past year,

EDIT: again, you are not "testing" this. Please say, as I "used" it over the
past year






*** This feature is great when backpacking because the straps of the bag
sometimes get in the way of the venting zips

Edit: I think you mean the straps of the "pack" get in the way




*** Initially, the weatherproofing works very well, but like other jackets, it
loses its beading capacity over time.

EDIT: like other jackets "I have owned" it loses its beading capacity over time.



*** If exposed to constant water, the outerlayer does soak up water

EDIT: outer layer


***If a problem arises with the a garment, chances are good that an owner or
designer will personally address the issue.

EDIT: delete either "a" or "the" before garment



*** Like most raincoats, the beading has decreased over time, but the inside of
the jacket remains dry.

EDIT: like most raincoats "I have used"

I just got back this morning Travis.

I will get to your repost as soon as I can.

The best way to keep from missing them is to check often. We don't post the
edits multiple times. We figure it is to your benefit to watch for them, and we
have many going at one time.

Ray

--- In BackpackGearTest@yahoogroups.com, Travis Crooke <tcrooke21@...> wrote:
>
> Please clarify a question for me because I always miss my posts.  I submitted
my second OR with edits to Ray on October 31.  In last week's queue, it said it
had been taken by an editor.  I always miss when they edit them and then I wait
for days while I could be fixing my report.  Did Ray finish with his edits yet
and I missed the post, or has he not been able to do it? Any input is welcome! 
Thanks!
>
> Travis
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Zack,

Thanks for the prompt repost and the HTML link.  I just have a few more
edits for you and a request for one more repost so I can see if the HTML
changes work properly.  The next Edit from me will be an approval, I'm
certain and you will be halfway to being at BGT tester.

Once you get this OR uploaded, your second OR will REQUIRE a picture (all
test reports require pictures also).  You are not required to have a picture
in your first report, but if you have one, that would be great to include.
You are even allowed to use a picture from the manufacturer's website as
long as you attribute it (Picture courtesy of XXX) to the manufacturer.
Think about it.

OK, on with the edits!

Kathy
OR Editor
______________________________
5Υ10Σ (178 cm)
EDIT:  You appear to have some funky characters showing up in the HTML -
this is just the first instance.  Please check and correct.

EDIT:  Your personal and manufacturer's information at the top of your
report is double spaced which doesn't look very neat and makes it hard to
read.  Please single space this information.

Mountain Hardwear adorned the Lamina 45 with two small internal pockets at
the users shoulder level opposite of the zipper, one with a Velcro enclosure
and one with a zipper.
EDIT:  Change "users" to "my".  One of the cardinal rules here at BGT is
that all reviews/reports are to reflect the reviewer/tester's OWN PERSONAL
experience.  We do not use "you, your, one's, user's", etc.  That is called
"projection" - telling the reader what he/she will experience.  In this
case - "user's" - is a soft projection, but since this is your very first
review, you need to get used to making sure you report ONLY what you own,
experience and observe.

The lack of seams make the Lamina series bags truly distinct, with their
welded insulation less fill is needed and a streamline look is achieved.
EDIT:  Change "make" to "makes" - the singular verb to match the singular
subject which is "lack", not "seams".

Not only did it keep me more than comfortable on cold nights at 5,000 ft
(1,524 M) but it also acted, as a plush blanket on hot windy nights zipped
open.
EDIT:  Use a small "m" for the metric unit "meters".

This sleeping bag was used extensively for a month abroad in China during
the month of June. Terrains included marshy areas, riversides, mountaintops,
and hostels. Temperatures encountered ranged from 100 F-50 F (38 C- 28 C).
EDIT:  Please add a sentence here with an elevation range.  You could just
append it to the sentence that begins with "Terrains included.."

The sleeping bag performed past expectations. Not only did it keep me more
than comfortable on cold nights at 5,000 ft (1,524 M) but it also acted, as
a plush blanket on hot windy nights zipped open. The weight of the sleeping
bag went unnoticed in the pack over the month of backpacking and was
extremely handy as a blanket, sleeping bag, jacket, and regained its loft
easily upon removal from the stuff sack. The bag was highly water resistant
and dried extremely fast after being washed.
Edit:  You should move this section down to the "Performance in the Field"
Section.  It really doesn't fit the "Locations and Conditions" header.  I
think if you put it as a last paragraph, it will work well.



----- Original Message -----
From: painting.accident
To: BackpackGearTest@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, November 08, 2009 7:58 PM
Subject: [BackpackGearTest] Repost Owner Review Mountain Hardwear lamina 45
Zachary Huang



Edits complete.
html link included

http://tinyurl.com/yefklyc

Thanks Kathy!
-Zack

Cheryl,

Sorry about that!  Upload to
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Cook%20Gear/Stoves/ThermoJet%20MicroLite\
%20Stov/
or http://tinyurl.com/yfux2aq

Thanks!
Kathy


----- Original Message -----
From: "Cheryl Mcmurray" <cherylswan@...>
To: <BackpackGearTest@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, November 08, 2009 4:39 PM
Subject: Re: [BackpackGearTest] EDIT: OR: ThermoJet MicroLite Stove-Cheryl
McMurray


> Hi Kathy,
> Thank you for your very quick edit.  I have made all the changes and
> will upload the review but the location of the new folder that I'm to
> upload to is missing from your e-mail.  Was wondering if you could
> send that to me.
> Thank you for your hard work,
> Cheryl
> On Nov 8, 2009, at 9:32 AM, themiddlesister1951 wrote:
>
>> Cheryl,
>>
>> Very conprehensive Review! Your pictures and HTML are fine. You know
>> the drill. When you have made the corrections, please delete the
>> test file and upload to the brand new folder at:
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Kathy
>> OR Editor
>> ____________________________________________
>> I've been backpacking and hiking for four years, mostly on weekends
>> year around. Overnight trips are usually three day, two night trips
>> in the Eastern Sierras with 32 lb to 40 lb (15 kg to 18 kg) loads
>> depending on the season. One class two rock climb with a day pack is
>> common. Day hikes are 10-15 mi (16 km to 24 km) in the San
>> Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains with loads of 15 lb to 20 lb (7
>> km to 9 km). I'm a tent style camper and have experienced snow,
>> freezing temperatures, winds (once was gale force), light rain, but
>> mostly fair weather so far.
>> Edit: I know this is an issue with some editors, so I will point out
>> that you are 8 words over the 100 word bio limit. You might want to
>> re-word before someone gets their shorts in a bunch (or panties in a
>> twist, as gender dictates).
>>
>> The ThermoJet MicroLite Stove is a full featured three season
>> lightweight backpackers alcohol stove.
>> EDIT: Change to "backpackers'" with an apostrophe at the end to show
>> possessive.
>>
>> See the website for more information.
>> COMMENT: Just my opinion, but I think you should leave this sentence
>> out rather than directing the reader to leave your review.
>>
>> This stove can use a variety of alcohol fuels: denatured alcohol,
>> methanol based gas line antifreeze, grain alcohol, 91% isopropyl
>> (rubbing alcohol), and even 151 proof rum.
>> COMMENT: "151 proof rum"? Captain Morgan and I are both horrified!!!
>> <g>
>>
>> What is included Stove, Nalgene bottle, burner, simmer band Stove
>> inside a 1.3 liter pan
>>
>> Stove set up In full cooking mode In simmer mode
>> COMMENT: I just checked your HTML and the above two sentences are in
>> your "ALT" tag. You might want to add them to the appropriate
>> "Caption" fields so as to have descriptions under the pictures. Just
>> a though!
>>
>> I do not keep the fuel with the stove but
>> instead store it separately so I usually fill that end with a rolled
>> up trash bag that I always bring with.
>> EDIT: I think you are missing "me" at the end of this sentence.
>>
>> 1.3 liter pan on the stove.
>> COMMENT: Ditto my previous comment about picture captions and all
>> other pictures below.
>>
>> I have used this stove on seven backpacking trips since April for a
>> total of fourteen times heating water for breakfast and forteen times
>> cooking one pot dinners in a 44 oz (1.3 l) non-stick titanium pot.
>> EDIT: Correct the spelling of the second "fourteen".
>>
>> The website states that the flame can be extinguished by removing the
>> combustion chamber and setting the pot directly on the burner and then
>> blowing the flame out but I have not been able to successfully to
>> that.
>> EDIT: Change the last "to" to "do".
>>
>> .75 oz (.2 ml) fuel (measurement lines are drawn on my bottle with
>> squirt spout)
>> EDIT: Conventionally (and BGT standards) a leading zero is added
>> before any decimal point. So, please add zeros to all measurements,
>> here and elsewhere in the review, such as "0.75 oz (0.2 ml)".
>>
>> The website states that 16 oz of water
>> will boil in 3 min 45 sec using .5 oz (.1 ml) of denatured alcohol
>> which is more optimistic than my findings stated above however their
>> findings might be based on the regular size stove.
>> EDIT: Need metric conversion for 16 oz.
>>
>> 1/2 package Knorr sides with 3 oz dehydrated chicken added
>> EDIT: Need metric conversion for 3 oz.
>>
>> With the type of cooking that do, I can cook enough breakfasts (two 14
>> oz cups of coffee) and dinners for a three day, two night backpacking
>> trip with a total of 5 oz (1.4 ml) of fuel which will fit into a 4 oz
>> (1.1 ml) container.
>> EDIT: Need metric conversion for 14 oz.
>>
>> I have lowered the simmer band once the dinner begins to boil but have
>> not noticed a difference in flame size thus questioning it's claim
>> that it has a simmer mode.
>> EDIT: Change "it's" to "its" to show possessive not contraction.
>>
>> The epoxy
>> sealer on the burner has remained unaffected and the jets have not
>> clogged yet and still performs like new.
>> EDIT: Change to "perform" (plural as are "jets").
>>
>> Although I don't think that the ThermoJet MicroLite stove lives up to
>> all of it's claims on it's website, specifically cooking time, fuel
>> amount and ability to simmer, I do think that it is a well designed
>> alcohol stove that works well in cold temperatures, breezy conditions
>> and has an efficient enough cooking design to do a two night three day
>> backpacking trip on just 5 oz (1.4 ml) of fuel. It's total weight
>> still comes in lighter than my lightweight canister stove comparing
>> equivalent parts needed by 2 oz (.6 ml), and for lighter weight
>> backpacking every ounce counts.
>> EDIT: Change the three instances of "it's" to "its".
>> COMMENT: The first sentence is a real mouthful! If you could re-word
>> to maybe 2 sentences, I think it would be much easier to read.
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> To read our reviews, please visit http://www.backpackgeartest.org/Yahoo!
> Groups Links
>
>
>

Please clarify a question for me because I always miss my posts.  I submitted my
second OR with edits to Ray on October 31.  In last week's queue, it said it had
been taken by an editor.  I always miss when they edit them and then I wait for
days while I could be fixing my report.  Did Ray finish with his edits yet and I
missed the post, or has he not been able to do it? Any input is welcome! 
Thanks!

Travis





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Chad, More excellent work. Just a few Edits (suggested changes) and one EDIT
(required change) and you're ready to upload. After you have revised your
Review, upload to http://tinyurl.com/ygjzt4t and be sure to delete your
Test/Owner Reviews folder copy. Congratulations on completing your first OR!
Cheers, Richard

<<Compressed Size Listed: 8 in X 17 in (20 cm X 43 cm)
Actual Compressed Size: 8.5 in X 16 in (22 cm X 41 cm)>>
Edit: Here (and once or twice elsewhere you use an upper case "X" for "by."
Normally it is lower case; I think that looks better. But up to you.

<<I have used the Aleutian this past September on a 40 mile (64 km) hike on the
Appalachian Trail (AT) in North Georgia (GA).>>
Edit: Consider deleting "(GA)", as you don't use the abbreviation anywhere else
in the Review.

<< and it had drizzled rain on us through out the entire day and as night time
came more rain came with it! >>
Edit: "nighttime" is usually one word

<< Also, I have found that it can be a little difficult to get back in the stuff
sack while in smaller areas, such as inside a tent with another person.>>
EDIT: get the bag back in

Ouch!

--- In BackpackGearTest@yahoogroups.com, "asklarry99" <asklarry98@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Kristine-
>
> As your mentor, let me say great job on the reports--you'll be testing in no
time!
>
> However, as a tester, I wanted to point out that the official company name is
LEKI (in all caps). The name is derived from the founder (LEnhart) and the city
where it started (KIrchheim).  Your mentor (and your editor) should be spanked
for missing this the 1st time!
>
> -larry
>

Edits complete.
html link included

http://tinyurl.com/yefklyc

Thanks Kathy!
-Zack

Mountain Hardwear Lamina 45 Synthetic Sleeping Bag

Owner Review

November, 02,2009
Zachary Huang

Age 19

Male

5'10" (178 cm)

125 lbs (57 kg)

the.painting.accident@...

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Backpacking Background:
Typical pack weight: 35-45 lbs (16-21 kg)

Pack style: Light-medium weight

Types of travel: Extended trips abroad, 3-5 day hikes

Shelter type: 3 season 2 man tent

Special Activities: Black and White Film Photography

I began backpacking and hiking 4 years ago starting with overnighters and
weekend trips. I progressively moved on to weeklong trips and months abroad in
foreign countries. I travel mostly in temperate climates and pack as light as
possible. I currently attend school on the east coast of the US so I've
encountered various terrains in all seasons.


Product information:

Model: Lamina 45

MSRP (Reg) $120.00

Manufacturer: Mountain Hardwear

Year of Manufacturer: 2008

URL:  www.mountainhardwear.com

MFG Measurements:

REG Size

Insulation: Thermic Micro

Loft -2.36 in / 6.00 cm

Stuffed diameter -6.00 in / 15.24 cm

Fill weight - 0 lbs, 11 oz / 335.14 g

Inside length -78.00 in / 198.12 cm

Shoulder girth -62.00 in / 157.48 cm

Foot girth -38.00 in / 96.52 cm

Weight 1 lb. 12 oz. / 788 g.

Actual Weight: 1lb. 11 oz. /788 g
Description

The Lamina 45 utilizes Mountain Hardwear's efficient mummy cut, which reduces
weight and provides great thermal retention. The Lamina 45 includes in its
design an Ergo Draft collar and face gasket, which can be cinched down to seal
in warmth. The Lamina 45 features a full-length zipper both in right and left
zip, with an insulated draft tube along the length of the zipper.  The Lamina 45
comes in two colors Radiance (a gold/yellow) and ketchup which looks just like
ketchup. Mountain Hardwear adorned the Lamina 45 with two small internal pockets
at the users shoulder level opposite of the zipper, one with a Velcro enclosure
and one with a zipper. The Mountain Hardwear logo and the type of insulation
fill are stitched at breast level next to the zipper and the model and
temperature ratings are stitched at the foot level. The lack of seams make the
Lamina series bags truly distinct, with their welded insulation less fill is
needed and a streamline look is achieved. The Lamina's shell is made of 40D
Nylon Ripstop, which looks and feels like silk.

Location and Conditions
This sleeping bag was used extensively for a month abroad in China during the
month of June. Terrains included marshy areas, riversides, mountaintops, and
hostels. Temperatures encountered ranged from 100 F-50 F (38 C- 28 C). The
sleeping bag performed past expectations. Not only did it keep me more than
comfortable on cold nights at 5,000 ft (1,524 M) but it also acted, as a plush
blanket on hot windy nights zipped open. The weight of the sleeping bag went
unnoticed in the pack over the month of backpacking and was extremely handy as a
blanket, sleeping bag, jacket, and regained its loft easily upon removal from
the stuff sack. The bag was highly water resistant and dried extremely fast
after being washed.

Performance in the Field
Upon receiving my Lamina 45 in the mail I was instantly impressed by the overall
construction, feel, and compressibility of the sleeping bag.  The sleeping bag
was immensely compressible with the included compression stuff sack, compressing
down to the size of a football and was easy to stuff and extract. The welded
design cuts weight and aids in holding the insulation in place. The ripstop
nylon is amazingly supple to sleep in and the thermic micro insulation provides
great loft. Being the first warm weather sleeping bag I've ever owned I was
concerned at first with its ability to keep me warm on a brisk morning. But upon
getting into the bag I was instantly impressed by its heat retaining
capabilities. The mummy cut provided ample space for me to shift around and even
share with a companion partially zipped open. The sleeping bag has a full length
zipper which can be zipped open at the foot to provide some airflow on stuffy
nights. The sleeping bag comes with both a compression stuff sack and a large
mesh storage sack both adorned with the Mountain Hardwear logo.
Summary:

The Lamina 45 is a lightweight, warm, roomy sleeping bag both intelligently and
practically designed
Things I Like:

The mummy cut provided ample room for my stature
Great insulating capabilities
Light pack weight and high compressibility

Things I don't like:

       1. none. I was highly impressed

Signature

       Zachary Huang

Okay Larry.Β  I made the change.Β  Thanks for all your help and comments.




________________________________
From: asklarry99 <asklarry98@...>
To: BackpackGearTest@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, November 8, 2009 2:22:38 PM
Subject: [BackpackGearTest] Comment - Leki Diva AERGON Antishock Trekking Poles
- askLarry

Β 
Hi Kristine-

As your mentor, let me say great job on the reports--you' ll be testing in no
time!

However, as a tester, I wanted to point out that the official company name is
LEKI (in all caps). The name is derived from the founder (LEnhart) and the city
where it started (KIrchheim). Your mentor (and your editor) should be spanked
for missing this the 1st time!

-larry







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Kathy,
	 Thank you for your very quick edit.  I have made all the changes and
will upload the review but the location of the new folder that I'm to
upload to is missing from your e-mail.  Was wondering if you could
send that to me.
Thank you for your hard work,
Cheryl
On Nov 8, 2009, at 9:32 AM, themiddlesister1951 wrote:

> Cheryl,
>
> Very conprehensive Review! Your pictures and HTML are fine. You know
> the drill. When you have made the corrections, please delete the
> test file and upload to the brand new folder at:
>
> Thanks,
> Kathy
> OR Editor
> ____________________________________________
> I've been backpacking and hiking for four years, mostly on weekends
> year around. Overnight trips are usually three day, two night trips
> in the Eastern Sierras with 32 lb to 40 lb (15 kg to 18 kg) loads
> depending on the season. One class two rock climb with a day pack is
> common. Day hikes are 10-15 mi (16 km to 24 km) in the San
> Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains with loads of 15 lb to 20 lb (7
> km to 9 km). I'm a tent style camper and have experienced snow,
> freezing temperatures, winds (once was gale force), light rain, but
> mostly fair weather so far.
> Edit: I know this is an issue with some editors, so I will point out
> that you are 8 words over the 100 word bio limit. You might want to
> re-word before someone gets their shorts in a bunch (or panties in a
> twist, as gender dictates).
>
> The ThermoJet MicroLite Stove is a full featured three season
> lightweight backpackers alcohol stove.
> EDIT: Change to "backpackers'" with an apostrophe at the end to show
> possessive.
>
> See the website for more information.
> COMMENT: Just my opinion, but I think you should leave this sentence
> out rather than directing the reader to leave your review.
>
> This stove can use a variety of alcohol fuels: denatured alcohol,
> methanol based gas line antifreeze, grain alcohol, 91% isopropyl
> (rubbing alcohol), and even 151 proof rum.
> COMMENT: "151 proof rum"? Captain Morgan and I are both horrified!!!
> <g>
>
> What is included Stove, Nalgene bottle, burner, simmer band Stove
> inside a 1.3 liter pan
>
> Stove set up In full cooking mode In simmer mode
> COMMENT: I just checked your HTML and the above two sentences are in
> your "ALT" tag. You might want to add them to the appropriate
> "Caption" fields so as to have descriptions under the pictures. Just
> a though!
>
> I do not keep the fuel with the stove but
> instead store it separately so I usually fill that end with a rolled
> up trash bag that I always bring with.
> EDIT: I think you are missing "me" at the end of this sentence.
>
> 1.3 liter pan on the stove.
> COMMENT: Ditto my previous comment about picture captions and all
> other pictures below.
>
> I have used this stove on seven backpacking trips since April for a
> total of fourteen times heating water for breakfast and forteen times
> cooking one pot dinners in a 44 oz (1.3 l) non-stick titanium pot.
> EDIT: Correct the spelling of the second "fourteen".
>
> The website states that the flame can be extinguished by removing the
> combustion chamber and setting the pot directly on the burner and then
> blowing the flame out but I have not been able to successfully to
> that.
> EDIT: Change the last "to" to "do".
>
> .75 oz (.2 ml) fuel (measurement lines are drawn on my bottle with
> squirt spout)
> EDIT: Conventionally (and BGT standards) a leading zero is added
> before any decimal point. So, please add zeros to all measurements,
> here and elsewhere in the review, such as "0.75 oz (0.2 ml)".
>
> The website states that 16 oz of water
> will boil in 3 min 45 sec using .5 oz (.1 ml) of denatured alcohol
> which is more optimistic than my findings stated above however their
> findings might be based on the regular size stove.
> EDIT: Need metric conversion for 16 oz.
>
> 1/2 package Knorr sides with 3 oz dehydrated chicken added
> EDIT: Need metric conversion for 3 oz.
>
> With the type of cooking that do, I can cook enough breakfasts (two 14
> oz cups of coffee) and dinners for a three day, two night backpacking
> trip with a total of 5 oz (1.4 ml) of fuel which will fit into a 4 oz
> (1.1 ml) container.
> EDIT: Need metric conversion for 14 oz.
>
> I have lowered the simmer band once the dinner begins to boil but have
> not noticed a difference in flame size thus questioning it's claim
> that it has a simmer mode.
> EDIT: Change "it's" to "its" to show possessive not contraction.
>
> The epoxy
> sealer on the burner has remained unaffected and the jets have not
> clogged yet and still performs like new.
> EDIT: Change to "perform" (plural as are "jets").
>
> Although I don't think that the ThermoJet MicroLite stove lives up to
> all of it's claims on it's website, specifically cooking time, fuel
> amount and ability to simmer, I do think that it is a well designed
> alcohol stove that works well in cold temperatures, breezy conditions
> and has an efficient enough cooking design to do a two night three day
> backpacking trip on just 5 oz (1.4 ml) of fuel. It's total weight
> still comes in lighter than my lightweight canister stove comparing
> equivalent parts needed by 2 oz (.6 ml), and for lighter weight
> backpacking every ounce counts.
> EDIT: Change the three instances of "it's" to "its".
> COMMENT: The first sentence is a real mouthful! If you could re-word
> to maybe 2 sentences, I think it would be much easier to read.
>
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Richard,

Thank you for the kind words! Ray has been very helpful and encouraging
to me during this review, I'm very thankful to him. Thank you for your
edits as well. I have corrected the errors and have uploaded the
corrected review to the tester folder at BGT. It can be found here at
this link:  http://tinyurl.com/yg47axe <http://tinyurl.com/yg47axe>

Following is the text version as well.

Thank you again for your time (and edits!)

Chad Poindexter  "Stick"


THE NORTH FACE ALEUTIAN SLEEPING BAG
BY CHAD POINDEXTER
OR
October 31, 2009

TESTER INFORMATION

NAME: Chad Poindexter
EMAIL: cg-77 (at) hotmail (dot) com
AGE: 32
LOCATION: Corinth, Alcorn County, Mississippi, USA
GENDER: M
HEIGHT: 5' 10" (1.78 m)
WEIGHT: 200 lb (90.70 kg)

I started backpacking this year and have hiked a section of the
Appalachian Trail in north Georgia and in a few state parks in northeast
Mississippi and Alabama. As a new backpacker I have collected mostly
heavy gear, but want to go light. I use a tent at this time. I like a
warm drink in the morning and a warm meal at night. Since I'm still new
my distance is around 10 mi (16 km) or less per day, depending on
terrain. I haven't done any solo hiking because either my fiancι or
my son is along for company.

PRODUCT INFORMATION


Manufacturer:  The North Face (TNF)
Year of Manufacture: 2008
Manufacturer's Website: <<HYPERLINK GOES HERE -
"http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/index.html?cm_mmc=Google-_-Brand%20\
Terms-_-Brand%20Terms-_-The%20North%20Face" LINK TEXT =
"www.thenorthface.com">>
Size: Regular
MSRP: (US) $89.00 (Also available, Long: (US) $ 99.00)
Temperature Rating: 20 F (-7 C)
Listed Weight: 3 lb 6 oz (1545 g)
Measured Weight: 3 lb 4 oz (1474 g)
Fill Weight: 2 lb 1 oz (930 gm)
Insulation Type: Heatshield Optimal Technology (H.O.T. SL) synthetic
insulation
Max User Height Listed: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Shoulder Circumference Listed: 62 in (157 cm)
Hip Circumference Listed: 58 in (147 cm)
Foot Circumference Listed: 40 in (102 cm)
External Length Listed: 84 in (213 cm) (Length Verified Accurate)
Compressed Size Listed: 8 in X 17 in (20 cm X 43 cm)
Actual Compressed Size: 8.5 in X 16 in (22 cm X  41 cm)


PRODUCT DETAILS:
<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 2">>
The Aleutian sleeping bag (hereafter referred to as "Aleutian" or "the
bag") is a mummy-shaped bag and has a "The North Face" logo
screen-printed on the center front of the bag just below the face
opening (see picture below right) as well as a tag stating the name of
the bag, insulation type, and temperature rating sewn in near the top of
the bag just on the inside next to the zipper (see picture below left.)
There is a consumer tag which states basic product information and
cleaning instructions attached to the outside and located on the foot of
the bag, as well as two hang tabs on either side of the foot box.

<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 9">>
<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 4">>The Aleutian features a 100%
polyester Enduralite shell fabric on the outside of the bag and a silky
polyester taffeta fabric that lines the entire inside of the bag.  The
bag features straight sewn overlapping shingle construction and is
filled using H.O.T. SL synthetic insulation. Quoted from the North Face
web site "Comprised of Heatshield Optimal Technology synthetic
insulation, this sleeping bag won't lose its softness, warmth or
loftiness when compressed and shoved into a daypack for transport." The
bag lofts up to 5 in (13 cm) at the foot of the bag and 3.5 in (9 cm)
throughout the rest of the bag.

<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 8">>

The bag also features a draft tube measuring 3 in (8 cm) wide that runs
the entire length of the zipper, which stops 12 in (30 cm) from the
bottom of the bag. It also has an easy grab zipper pull which is a 2.5
in (6 cm) gray-colored flat piece of nylon looped through the zipper and
sewn together. There is an external zippered chest pocket that measures
3.5 in X 5.5 in (9 cm X 14 cm) and has a small flap covering the zipper
located on the upper right hand side of the bag. The Aleutian also
features a gray-colored rounded elastic drawcord that runs perpendicular
to the zipper around the hood as well as across the chest and exits on
the side opposite the zipper to cinch the hood around my face with a
cord locking mechanism.  The zipper runs from the opening at the face to
12 in (30 cm) from the bottom of the bag. There is a hook-and-loop
zipper stay near the hood of the bag that is able to attach to either
side of the zipper. The bag was accompanied by one 100 % nylon stuff
sack and has a single handle on the bottom end for ease of removing the
bag from the stuff sack. It is closed with a simple nylon pull cord that
cinches the opening together and a cord locking mechanism. The stuff
sack has a label inside the sack stating size "SM" and weighs 2 oz (57
g). Here is a picture of the bag in its stuff sack next to a gallon jug.

<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 1">>



FIELD USE

I have used the Aleutian this past September on a 40 mile (64 km) hike
on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in North Georgia (GA). The temperatures
reached 85 F (29 C) during the days and as low as 61 F (16 C) at night.
Elevations ranged from 1,770 ft (539 m) where we began our hike to 4,450
ft (1356 m) where we made camp for our last night out. We set our tent
up on a rocky / sandy bald atop Blood Mountain and I used a size regular
REI Lite-Core 1.5 Self-Inflating Pad beneath the bag inside the tent.

<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 5"  IMAGE CAPTION = "Blood
Mountain, elevation 4,450 ft (1356 m)">>  <<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT =
"IMAGE 7">>

I have also used the Aleutian closer to home on overnight trips to Big
Hill Pond State Park (BHPSP) multiple times since late spring this year.
The elevation is listed at 500 ft (152 m) and the lowest temperatures
that we experienced were around 50 F (10 C) during the spring of 2009.
The picture to the right is from a trip to BHPSP and it had drizzled
rain on us through out the entire day and as night time came more rain
came with it! Again I was inside a tent and I used the size regular REI
Lite-Core 1.5 Self-Inflating Pad beneath the bag inside the tent.

REVIEW:

The Aleutian was one of my very first backpacking purchases when I
decided I wanted to give backpacking a go this past April! I did not
know a lot about sleeping bags when I made this purchase and I thought
that since it was "The North Face," then it had to be a good bag.
Sometime after the purchase I did more research on sleeping bags for
backpacking in general, and found out that this bag was not
top-of-the-line. But I was still going to give it a chance.


<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 3">>And I did. The day I got it I
was waiting on the UPS driver to arrive with the bag at the house so I
could go out for the night car camping, so when he got here at 7:00 PM I
immediately loaded it up and drove to the campsite and set up camp for
the night, with my brand new bag (see picture to the left)! This was my
very first night in a mummy bag ever. I used a blue closed cell foam pad
beneath the bag, inside my tent. The ground was very hard. It had lots
of ruts in it from just previously being bulldozed so I was somewhat
uncomfortable from the uneven ground  beneath me, so it was an
interesting night for my first time in a mummy bag! The temperature was
around 47 F (8 C) that night and I did get a little chilly, but I think
that was due to the selection of clothing I was wearing inside the bag.
I remember lying in the bag and thinking "Wow, I have no room for my
feet to stretch out, but this is cool!"

It took me quite a few nights sleeping in the bag to get used to
sleeping in a mummy style sleeping bag, but I have gotten quite used to
it, and I have actually come to enjoy sleeping inside of it. The size is
really not an issue for me anymore. I have learned to roll inside the
bag and I can manipulate the bag very easily to become comfortable
whether lying on my back, side, or my belly. Also, in my opinion it is
not that noisy of a bag either, sure I can hear the rustle of the fabric
whenever I move but it does not bother me anymore than moving around
under the covers in my bed. I have found that the zipper does stick some
of the time, but it seems that it's mostly when zipping up the bag, as
in towards the head and closing the bag up. However it can be easily
avoided if careful as to the way that the zipper is pulled on while
zipping. So far it has not caused any damage to the bag, or the zipper,
during any of the times that the zipper has become stuck, and it has
been easy enough to back the zipper out of the snag and get it going
again. Also, I have found that it can be a little difficult to get back
in the stuff sack while in smaller areas, such as inside a tent with
another person. It can be done obviously, and the downside is that if a
bigger stuff sack were involved then it would just take up more room, so
it's just something I must get (and have gotten) used to, however this
really isn't a real big deal to me. So far this bag lofts up to its full
loft pretty much immediately after removing it from its stuff sack. At
home I keep it in a large nylon bag that I already had since the
sleeping bag did not come with any kind of storage sack.

Some other things that I have found while using the bag is that I like
the external zippered pocket because it gives me a place to keep my ear
plugs while not in use and not lose them. I am really happy that the
Aleutian's zipper zips down so far because the majority of my nights in
it has been real warm, 50 F (10 C) or more, which makes it easy to get
hot in the bag so I usually just keep it unzipped and just kind of
thrown over me. I haven't used the hook-and-loop zipper stay located
near the hood of the bag because I don't like having to fool with it
just to get the zipper undone, so I just leave it attached to itself so
it won't get in my way. And only during colder times, less than 40 F (4
C), have I felt that I needed to use the cinch cord around the hood and
chest area. The bag keeps me plenty warm enough without having to cinch
up the bag around my face unless in I am exposed or in direct winds.
Also, I am very happy with the feel of the bag against my bare skin, it
is soft and silky just as advertised. This is also nice because it feels
that while keeping me warm on a chilly night it is also keeping my
immediate skin slightly cool so as not to overheat and start sweating!


SUMMARY

There are a few things that I have found I would like different in this
bag. First is a draft collar. While changing positions inside the bag
while in cooler weather, warm air escapes around the face opening, and
cooler air makes its way in. I have felt no cool air drifting in between
the baffles so the overlapping construction is effective. I have,
however, noticed that while stretching the bag to change positions, some
cool air can sneak in around the draft tube, but once settled back down
again, it's not a problem!

Also, I would like the shell to be more waterproof. I have found that
with a heavy enough dew / condensation the bag will wet through. I have
also found that during these times the temperature inside the bag does
feel slightly cooler. The weight of the wet bag is more noticeable
pressing down on top of me during these times as well. On a good note
though, it does dry out in just a few short hours!

Overall, I am quite happy with this bag, even though I feel like it
wouldn't take me to the proposed 20 F (-7 C). However, I'm not so sure
that the temperature ratings indicate a comfort rating, but rather a
survival rating. It's not an overly priced bag, in my opinion, for what
it is. I was excited when I bought this bag, then a little worried
because of comparisons I had made to other bags, but then after my own
personal experiences with the bag, have come to be very happy with it!

I have a trip planned for Thanksgiving weekend (late November) this year
and I'm hoping / expecting the temps to be pretty low as well as some
wet conditions. I am very excited to be taking this bag out again to see
how far I can continue to push it!


THINGS I LIKE

1. I like that the zipper runs (almost) the full length of the bag.
2. I like the external zippered pocket for my ear plug storage.
3. I like the price of the bag.
4. I like that it dries out fast if and when it gets wet.
5. I like that it is soft and comfy against my skin.

THINGS I DON'T LIKE

1. I don't like the weight.
2. I don't like the fact that it's a 20 F (-7 C) sleeping bag without a
draft collar.
3. I don't like the stuffed size.
4. I wish it had a more waterproof coating.
5. I cannot understand why the bag does not come with a storage sack.

SIGNATURE

Chad Poindexter  "Stick"



This report was created with the BGT Report Generator.
Copyright 2009.  All rights reserved.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Kristine-

As your mentor, let me say great job on the reports--you'll be testing in no
time!

However, as a tester, I wanted to point out that the official company name is
LEKI (in all caps). The name is derived from the founder (LEnhart) and the city
where it started (KIrchheim).  Your mentor (and your editor) should be spanked
for missing this the 1st time!

-larry

Cheryl,

Very conprehensive Review!  Your pictures and HTML are fine.  You know the
drill.  When you have made the corrections, please delete the test file and
upload to the brand new folder at:

Thanks,
Kathy
OR Editor
____________________________________________
I've been backpacking and hiking for four years, mostly on weekends
year around. Overnight trips are usually three day, two night trips
in the Eastern Sierras with 32 lb to 40 lb (15 kg to 18 kg) loads
depending on the season. One class two rock climb with a day pack is
common. Day hikes are 10-15 mi (16 km to 24 km) in the San
Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains with loads of 15 lb to 20 lb (7
km to 9 km). I'm a tent style camper and have experienced snow,
freezing temperatures, winds (once was gale force), light rain, but
mostly fair weather so far.
Edit:  I know this is an issue with some editors, so I will point out that you
are 8 words over the 100 word bio limit.  You might want to re-word before
someone gets their shorts in a bunch (or panties in a twist, as gender
dictates).

The ThermoJet MicroLite Stove is a full featured three season
lightweight backpackers alcohol stove.
EDIT:  Change to "backpackers'" with an apostrophe at the end to show
possessive.

See the website for more information.
COMMENT:  Just my opinion, but I think you should leave this sentence out rather
than directing the reader to leave your review.

This stove can use a variety of alcohol fuels: denatured alcohol,
methanol based gas line antifreeze, grain alcohol, 91% isopropyl
(rubbing alcohol), and even 151 proof rum.
COMMENT:  "151 proof rum"?  Captain Morgan and I are both horrified!!! <g>

What is included Stove, Nalgene bottle, burner, simmer band Stove
inside a 1.3 liter pan

Stove set up In full cooking mode In simmer mode
COMMENT:  I just checked your HTML and the above two sentences are in your "ALT"
tag.  You might want to add them to the appropriate  "Caption" fields so as to
have descriptions under the pictures.  Just a though!

I do not keep the fuel with the stove but
instead store it separately so I usually fill that end with a rolled
up trash bag that I always bring with.
EDIT:  I think you are missing "me" at the end of this sentence.

1.3 liter pan on the stove.
COMMENT:  Ditto my previous comment about picture captions and all other
pictures below.

I have used this stove on seven backpacking trips since April for a
total of fourteen times heating water for breakfast and forteen times
cooking one pot dinners in a 44 oz (1.3 l) non-stick titanium pot.
EDIT:  Correct the spelling of the second "fourteen".

The website states that the flame can be extinguished by removing the
combustion chamber and setting the pot directly on the burner and then
blowing the flame out but I have not been able to successfully to
that.
EDIT:  Change the last "to" to "do".

.75 oz (.2 ml) fuel (measurement lines are drawn on my bottle with
squirt spout)
EDIT:  Conventionally (and BGT standards) a leading zero is added before any
decimal point.  So, please add zeros to all measurements, here and elsewhere in
the review, such as "0.75 oz (0.2 ml)".

The website states that 16 oz of water
will boil in 3 min 45 sec using .5 oz (.1 ml) of denatured alcohol
which is more optimistic than my findings stated above however their
findings might be based on the regular size stove.
EDIT:  Need metric conversion for 16 oz.

1/2 package Knorr sides with 3 oz dehydrated chicken added
EDIT:  Need metric conversion for 3 oz.

With the type of cooking that do, I can cook enough breakfasts (two 14
oz cups of coffee) and dinners for a three day, two night backpacking
trip with a total of 5 oz (1.4 ml) of fuel which will fit into a 4 oz
(1.1 ml) container.
EDIT:  Need metric conversion for 14 oz.


I have lowered the simmer band once the dinner begins to boil but have
not noticed a difference in flame size thus questioning it's claim
that it has a simmer mode.
EDIT:  Change "it's" to "its" to show possessive not contraction.

The epoxy
sealer on the burner has remained unaffected and the jets have not
clogged yet and still performs like new.
EDIT:  Change to "perform" (plural as are "jets").

Although I don't think that the ThermoJet MicroLite stove lives up to
all of it's claims on it's website, specifically cooking time, fuel
amount and ability to simmer, I do think that it is a well designed
alcohol stove that works well in cold temperatures, breezy conditions
and has an efficient enough cooking design to do a two night three day
backpacking trip on just 5 oz (1.4 ml) of fuel. It's total weight
still comes in lighter than my lightweight canister stove comparing
equivalent parts needed by 2 oz (.6 ml), and for lighter weight
backpacking every ounce counts.
EDIT: Change the three instances of "it's" to "its".
COMMENT:  The first sentence is a real mouthful!  If you could re-word to maybe
2 sentences, I think it would be much easier to read.

I have been assigned to edit your Owner's Review. This appears to be your
very first review, so I tried to go easy on you! ;) Writing for BGT takes
practice and you needn't be discouraged by the editing process. If it seems
"greek" to you, you might want to check in with the BGT mentoring program
where eager volunteers will help you master the process of writing ORs,
applying for tests and writing test reports. It's a great
program and I really think it would be helpful for you to contact
Jenn K at mentor@... before proceeding.

Since this is your first review (a very good start) and there are more than a
couple edits, I
would like you to REPOST your OR to the list when you have made the edits.
When you repost, make sure that you have in the subject line "REPOST: Owner
Review – Product Name – Your Name". Your name always
needs to be in the subject line for reviews, reports, edits, etc.

Also, after the corrections, you need to upload your HTML file to the Owner
Review test folder so I can check out your HTML. When you repost, you must
put a link in the e-mail to that file location so I can view the uploaded
file.  Actually, the HTML file must always be uploaded to the OR Test folder and
the URL of that file must be posted in your email text posting to the list.

At that time, I'll check out the HTML and, if all is OK, give you the go ahead
to upload. Please remember to use "REPOST" when you report the plain text of
your corrected OR to the list.

My list of edits follows. Let me know if you don't understand anything I've
written.

Conventionally the following terms are used in the editing process:
*** EDIT: you must fix this to comply with BackpackGearTest standards
[because the Editor says so!]
*** Edit: you should seriously consider fixing this in some way [unless you
seriously object with good reason]
*** Comment: usually just that, although you might want to make a change of
some sort as a result.

Kathy Waters
BGT Owner Review Editor
______________________________________________________________________

5'10" (178cm)
EDIT:  Spacing need to be inserted between all numerals and their written
abbreviations for measurements.  There needs to be a space also between the feet
and inches measurements.  Spaces are NOT needed between the numerals and the
symbols for feet and inches.  So this should read – "5' 10" (178 cm)".

Background:

Typical pack weight: 35-45 lbs (16-21 kg)
Pack style: Light-medium weight
Types of travel: Extended trips abroad, 3-5 day hikes
Shelter type: 3 season 2 man tent
Special Activities: Black and White Film Photography

Backpacking background: I began backpacking and hiking 4 years ago starting with
overnighters and weekend trips. I progressively moved on to weeklong trips and
months abroad in foreign countries. I travel mostly in temperate climates and
pack as light as possible. I currently attend school on the east coast of the US
so I've encountered various terrains in all seasons.
COMMENT:  I like how you did the background.  Very nice and concise!  Just one
suggestion and that would be to put the work "Backpacking" before your header
"Background" and delete the phrase "Backpacking background" in the beginning of
the paragraph.  I think it would read better, but it is your choice.

Lamina 45 – msrp (Reg) $120.00
Manufacturer: Mountain Hardwear
Year of Manufacturer: 2008
www.mountainhardwear.com
EDIT:  "MSRP" should be capitalized as are all acronyms
Edit:  Conventionally here at BGT, the MSRP is places on a separate line, also,
Lamina 45 would have a label of "Model:  Lamina 45" and the website would either
be labeled as "URL:  www…" or "Website:  www…" and be clickable (the clickable
part is mandatory).

Upon receiving my lamina 45 in the mail I was instantly impressed
by the overall construction, feel, and compressibility of the sleeping bag.
EDIT:  Capitalize "Lamina".

Actual Weight: 1lb. 11 oz. /788g
EDIT:  Add a space between "788" and "g".

Description:
EDIT:  This is a great piece of information, but it is not a "description" of
the product as is required.  The Product Description section of an OR is used to
paint a picture of what the product actually looks like.  What color it is, what
the outside/lining is made of, how the zipper is constructed, any features, like
a drawcord, hood, etc.  Imagine the reader of your OR doesn't have a graphic of
the item and make sure your words create the picture of the item.

You should not delete this section (it's good info) but move it into a
"Performance in the Field" section as I explained below.

The ripstop nylon is amazingly supple to sleep in and the thermic micro
provides great loft.
EDIT:  Is "thermic micro" a trademark, a decryption or what?  Is there a word
missing?  I don't understand what you are saying here.  Please explain.

The sleeping bag comes with both a compression stuff sack and a large
mesh storage sack both adorned with the mountain hardwear logo.
EDIT:  Capitalize "Mountain Hardwear".  If the logo is not capitalized on the
product and that is what you want to convey, put the words in quotes.

Field Test
EDIT:  This is an "Owner Review" so "Field Test" is inappropriate as you were
not "testing" the gear, you were "using" it in the field.

EDIT: The information you have in this section is generally broken into two
different sections – one being "Locations and Conditions" and the other
"Performance in the Field".  "Locations and Conditions" would have the
information as to a rough idea of how much you used it, where you used it, what
the conditions were, etc.  You covered that info, nicely.  The "Performance in
the Field" would be where you tell – well, how it worked (or didn't) for you. 
This is where the information you have in your "Description" should go.

Temperatures encountered ranged from 100F-50F.
EDIT:  You need a space between the number and the "F" and you need metric
conversions.

Not only did it keep me more than comfortable on
cold nights at 5,000 ft but it also acted, as a plush blanket on hot windy
nights zipped open.
EDIT:  Ditto, metric conversions.

The lamina 45 is a lightweight, warm, roomy sleeping bag both intelligently and
practically designed
EDIT:  Capitalize "Lamina".

Chad, Welcome to BackpackGearTest.org. This is an excellent first Owner Review,
especially noteworthy for informative photos; Ray has (as usual) mentored well. 
I use the standard format for edits: EDIT (all caps) is a required change; Edit
(initial cap) a suggested change, and Comment is a comment – no change required.
After you have revised your Review, please repost plain text to the list with
"REPOST," the product name, and your name in the subject line, and repost the
html version to the Tests/Owner Reviews folder.  Cheers, Richard

<<LOCATION: Corinth Mississipi, Alcorn County, USA>>
EDIT: Mississippi [spelling]
Edit: City, county, state, and country is the usual order, but up to you.

<I started backpacking this year and have hiked a section of the Appalachian
Trail in north Georgia and in a few State Parks in northeast Mississippi and
Alabama.>>
Edit: No need to capitalize "State Parks."

<<Size: Regular
MSRP: (US) $89.00>>
Edit: Consider mentioning that the Aleutian is available in a Long size at (US)
$99.

<<Shoulder Circumference Listed: 62 in (157 cm)
Hip Circumference Listed: 58 in (147 cm)
Foot Circumference Listed: 40 in (102 cm)
External Length Listed: 84 in (213 cm)>>
Edit: Did you try to measure the circumferences and external length?
Circumferences are very difficult to measure – who knows where the hip point is?
– but you might consider adding an "External Length Measured" line.

<<The Aleutian sleeping bag (hereafter referred to as "Aleutian" or "the bag")
is a mummy shaped bag and has a "The North Face" logo screen printed on the
center front of the bag just below the face opening >>
Edit: mummy-shaped; screen-printed [each with a hyphen]

<< It also has an easy grab zipper pull which is a 2.5 in (6 cm) gray colored
flat piece of nylon looped through the zipper and sewn together.>>
Edit: gray-colored [With a hyphen.]

<< The Aleutian also features a gray colored rounded elastic drawcord that runs
perpendicular from the zipper around the hood>>
Edit: gray-colored [With a hyphen.]
EDIT: perpendicular to

<< The bag was accompanied by one (1) 100 % nylon stuff sack and has a single
handle on the bottom end for ease of removing the bag from the stuff sack.>>
Edit: You could delete "(1)" as redundant.

<<I have also used the Aleutian more closer to home on overnight trips to Big
Hill Pond State Park>>
EDIT: used the Aleutian closer to home [Delete "more" as redundant.]

<<and found out that this bag was not top of the line.>>
Edit: top-of-the-line [with hyphens]

<<It took me quite a few nights sleeping in the bag to get used to sleeping in a
mummy style sleeping bag, but I have gotten quite used to it,>>
Comment: You are a fast learner. After almost fifty years I still haven't gotten
used to it.

<< It can be done obviously, and the downside is that if a bigger stuff sack
were involved then it would just take up more room, so it's just something I
must (and have) get used to, >>
EDIT: I must get (and have gotten) used to [to get correct verb tense]

<< so I just leave it attached to itself so it wont get in my way.>>
EDIT: won't [with an apostrophe]

<< It's not an overly priced bag, in my opinion, for what it is.>>
Comment: Indeed not; I'd call it a bargain!

<<I have a trip planned for Thanksgiving weekend this year >>
EDIT: Thanksgiving weekend (late November) this year [For our international
readers. Many countries have a Thanksgiving holiday but not all of them are in
November.]

<<4. I wish it had a more water proof coating.>>
EDIT: "waterproof" is one word

This is the official Owner Review Edit Queue Update.  Any uploads done after
11:00 PM Pacific Time on Nov. 7th, 2009 will not be noted until next week's
update. IF you have questions about the Q please feel free to ask.

Thank you.
Jamie DeBenedetto
Edit Admin Manager

=====================================================================
EDIT Team Members OOP (Out of Pocket)

Ray until Nov 9

=================================================================
AWAITING EDIT

Zachary Huang(1) – Mountain Hardwear Lamina 45 Sleeping Bag - Posted Nov 2(msg#
78405),

Chad Poindexter(M)(1) - TNF Aleutian Sleeping Bag - Posted Nov 3(msg# 78406),

Cheryl McMurray - THERMOJET MICROLITE STOVE - Posted Nov 7(msg# 78410),

====================================================================
TAKEN BY AN EDITOR/EDITED

RAY - Travis Crooke(M)(2) - LOKI TAK Rain Shell - Posted Sep 18(msg#78240), OOP
until mid-Oct, Taken Sept 27, Edit Sept 27(78288), Repost Oct 31,

=====================================================================
APPROVED AND AWAITING UPLOAD


====================================================================
REVIEWS ON HOLD

David Loome(2) - Sierra Designs Assailant tent - Posted Aug 24(msg@78146),
awaiting revised version and upload correction of OR #1.

RICHARD - Selena Leonard(M)(2) - MSR TITAN TOOL SPOON - Posted Feb
24(msg#77220), Taken Mar 9, Edit Mar 9(77277),  OOP until Aug

=================================================================
NOT ADDED to the Queue at this time

HOLLIS - Andy Rowland(2) - Therma-Rest NeoAir - Posted July 16(msg#77955), Taken
July 19, use clarification requested July 19(77972), needs more field use

===============================================================
EDITED OR APPROVED; WAITING FOR WRITER'S ACTION

RICHARD - Randy Mitchell(1) - Therm-a-rest LiteSeat – Posted Aug 9(msg#78047) –
waiting for use clarification, Revised Aug 13(78066), Taken Aug 15, Edit Aug
15(78081), Follow up sent Sept 4, TTO Oct 3 – missed the edit message; I
directed him to Aug 15th edit on Oct 3rd,

ANDY - David Loome(1) - Titanium Goat Ptarmigan bivy - Posted Aug 24(msg@78145),
Taken Aug 30, Edit Aug 31(msg#78162),  HTML version posted Sep 14, Repost Sept
16, Edit/Approved Sep 21(78257) up Oct 1 – missing date – emailed Oct 2 and Oct
11

RAY - Steve Joiner(1) - Granite Gear Vapor Trail Backpack - Posted Sep
7(msg#78193), Taken Sept 15, Edit Sep 15(msg#78235), follow up sent Oct 3, TTO
Oct 3, plans to repost soon

RAY - Jerry Goller - COLEMAN PORTABLE OVEN - Posted Nov 1(msg# 78397), Taken Nov
3, Edit/Approved Nov 3, up Nov 4 – missing date, emailed Nov 7 about this

Hello new folks,

We are super glad you are here and hope you will be joining the ranks of our
established gear testers very soon. I have a few suggestions for you to help
make your life and the lives of those involved with the OR process easier. I
appreciate you taking the time to review and apply this info.

1. Please READ the How to Become a Tester information on the
www.backpackgeartest.org website more than once. I know at first glance the
documentation seems like a major uphill climb but as with all summits, the work
you put in ahead of time will definitely be rewarded when you get to the top.

2. We strongly encourage new writers to write about, A. something simple and B.
something with which you have lots of trail time.

3. ORs will NOT be accepted into the Owner Review Edit Queue if they do not
clearly state the number of days/nights you have used the item. Given the nature
of an owner review and the possible amount of years you could have owned the
item we understand it may not be possible for you to recall the exact number of
uses so an estimate is fine.

4. ORs will also not be accepted if you do not include your real full name and
email address in the Tester Bio Section.

5. Please make sure you spell check and proofread your work before posting and
reposting it. You will avoid a ton of silly errors if this is diligently done.

6. When posting an OR for the first time please use this format in the subject
line…
Owner Review: Company & Product – Your Name
Here's a current example from one of our veteran testers …
OR - Injinji tetratsok liner - Kathy Waters

7. When REPOSTING, meaning after your OR has been taken and edited by an editor
AND you have made all the requested corrections, please use this format in the
subject line…
REPOST: OR - Company & Product – Your Name
Ex: REPOST: OR - Sea to Summit Silk Liner - Shawn Wakefield

8. If you will be off hiking, visiting your grandchildren, having a baby,
heading an expedition to each of the 7 summits or otherwise away from you
computer for more than a day or two it is very much appreciated if you post a
note to the yahoo group to let us know what is going on. On BGT we call this an
Out of Pocket notice or OOP. This quick note let's us know you are still around
and interested in BGT but you are away from email contact for a predetermined
length of time. Please include your name, the date you are leaving and
returning, and what ORs and/or Tests are affected by your absence.

Again, welcome to BGT and I hope you find this message informative. Please
direct any questions to the yahoo group.

Cordially,
Mrs. Jamie DeBenedetto
Edit Admin Manager

One more edit Jerry.  Please include a date at the top of your OR.

Thanks,
Jamie D
Edit Admin Manager

PLEASE READ THIS EMAIL IN FULL. IT IS MOST IMPORTANT!

Thanks for your Owner's Review. It has been added to the Owner Review Queue and
will be picked up by an Edit Moderator soon. If you are new to
BackpackGearTest.org, welcome to the community! The Editors will work with you,
within their own time constraints, to get your first two Owner Reviews approved
and upload in a timely manner. Do not worry if nothing happens with it for
several days. All our Editors are volunteers and your report will be subject to
an official edit within fourteen days. If you have not had a response from an
Edit Moderator via the Yahoo Groups list within this timeframe, please let me
know directly at jdeben(at)hotmail.com

To assist in this process, if this is your first Owner Review we ask that you
post only ONE Owner Review for edit at a time. Our experience is that it is more
efficient for both the Editors and
yourself, if you post your first review, have it edited, approved and uploaded
before you post your second and subsequent reviews.

Once your first two Owner Reviews have been approved and you have submitted your
Tester Agreement you will be eligible to start applying for Tests. If you'd like
more assistance or guidance with the process you can request a mentor by sending
an email to Jenn K., the mentor coordinator, at mentor (at)
backpackgeartest.org.

You may receive edits or comments from other members of the group. These edits
and comments, while not official, should be considered carefully, and if you
find them substantial, revise and re-post your review. Incorporating member
edits and re-submitting to the list
will usually result in a better review, as well as making things easier for the
official Editor. Please put REVISED in the subject line of your re-submitted
review if you take this route or make any
changes to your review BEFORE the review has been taken by an Edit Moderator.

Additionally, it is important for you to monitor the Yahoo Groups list to keep
track of the progress of your Owner Review. Once an Editor has taken your OR and
made the necessary edits they will post their comments to the list with EDIT in
the subject line. Once you have incorporated these edits into your review please
use REPOST in the subject line. When your OR has been approved by the Editor
they will use APPROVED in the subject line.

If you'd like to keep track of the progress of your OR while it's in the edit
queue, the entire Owner Review Queue is posted to this yahoo group list on
either Thursdays or Fridays.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask via the list or
contact me directly.

Regards
Jamie DeBenedetto
Edit Administration Manager

PLEASE READ THIS EMAIL IN FULL. IT IS MOST IMPORTANT!

Thanks for your Owner's Review. It has been added to the Owner Review Queue and
will be picked up by an Edit Moderator soon. If you are new to
BackpackGearTest.org, welcome to the community! The Editors will work with you,
within their own time constraints, to get your first two Owner Reviews approved
and upload in a timely manner. Do not worry if nothing happens with it for
several days. All our Editors are volunteers and your report will be subject to
an official edit within fourteen days. If you have not had a response from an
Edit Moderator via the Yahoo Groups list within this timeframe, please let me
know directly at jdeben(at)hotmail.com

To assist in this process, if this is your first Owner Review we ask that you
post only ONE Owner Review for edit at a time. Our experience is that it is more
efficient for both the Editors and
yourself, if you post your first review, have it edited, approved and uploaded
before you post your second and subsequent reviews.

Once your first two Owner Reviews have been approved and you have submitted your
Tester Agreement you will be eligible to start applying for Tests. If you'd like
more assistance or guidance with the process you can request a mentor by sending
an email to Jenn K., the mentor coordinator, at mentor (at)
backpackgeartest.org.

You may receive edits or comments from other members of the group. These edits
and comments, while not official, should be considered carefully, and if you
find them substantial, revise and re-post your review. Incorporating member
edits and re-submitting to the list
will usually result in a better review, as well as making things easier for the
official Editor. Please put REVISED in the subject line of your re-submitted
review if you take this route or make any
changes to your review BEFORE the review has been taken by an Edit Moderator.

Additionally, it is important for you to monitor the Yahoo Groups list to keep
track of the progress of your Owner Review. Once an Editor has taken your OR and
made the necessary edits they will post their comments to the list with EDIT in
the subject line. Once you have incorporated these edits into your review please
use REPOST in the subject line. When your OR has been approved by the Editor
they will use APPROVED in the subject line.

If you'd like to keep track of the progress of your OR while it's in the edit
queue, the entire Owner Review Queue is posted to this yahoo group list on
either Thursdays or Fridays.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask via the list or
contact me directly.

Regards
Jamie DeBenedetto
Edit Administration Manager

PLEASE READ THIS EMAIL IN FULL. IT IS MOST IMPORTANT!

Thanks for your Owner's Review. It has been added to the Owner Review Queue and
will be picked up by an Edit Moderator soon. If you are new to
BackpackGearTest.org, welcome to the community! The Editors will work with you,
within their own time constraints, to get your first two Owner Reviews approved
and upload in a timely manner. Do not worry if nothing happens with it for
several days. All our Editors are volunteers and your report will be subject to
an official edit within fourteen days. If you have not had a response from an
Edit Moderator via the Yahoo Groups list within this timeframe, please let me
know directly at jdeben(at)hotmail.com

To assist in this process, if this is your first Owner Review we ask that you
post only ONE Owner Review for edit at a time. Our experience is that it is more
efficient for both the Editors and
yourself, if you post your first review, have it edited, approved and uploaded
before you post your second and subsequent reviews.

Once your first two Owner Reviews have been approved and you have submitted your
Tester Agreement you will be eligible to start applying for Tests. If you'd like
more assistance or guidance with the process you can request a mentor by sending
an email to Jenn K., the mentor coordinator, at mentor (at)
backpackgeartest.org.

You may receive edits or comments from other members of the group. These edits
and comments, while not official, should be considered carefully, and if you
find them substantial, revise and re-post your review. Incorporating member
edits and re-submitting to the list
will usually result in a better review, as well as making things easier for the
official Editor. Please put REVISED in the subject line of your re-submitted
review if you take this route or make any
changes to your review BEFORE the review has been taken by an Edit Moderator.

Additionally, it is important for you to monitor the Yahoo Groups list to keep
track of the progress of your Owner Review. Once an Editor has taken your OR and
made the necessary edits they will post their comments to the list with EDIT in
the subject line. Once you have incorporated these edits into your review please
use REPOST in the subject line. When your OR has been approved by the Editor
they will use APPROVED in the subject line.

If you'd like to keep track of the progress of your OR while it's in the edit
queue, the entire Owner Review Queue is posted to this yahoo group list on
either Thursdays or Fridays.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask via the list or
contact me directly.

Regards
Jamie DeBenedetto
Edit Administration Manager

Here's an owners review to be put on the list for editing.  The url is
http://tinyurl.com/yfj3q2z
.
Thank you,
Cheryl McMurray

THERMOJET MICROLITE STOVE
OWNER REVIEW
BY CHERYL MCMURRAY
NOVEMBER 2009


PERSONAL BIOGRAPHY

Name: Cheryl McMurray
Age: 50
Gender: Female
Height: 5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Weight: 145 lb (66.6 kg)
Email Address: cherylswanATearthlinkDOTnet
City, State, Country: Garden Grove, California, U.S.

BACKPACKING BACKGROUND

I've been backpacking and hiking for four years, mostly on weekends
year around.  Overnight trips are usually three day, two night trips
in the Eastern Sierras with 32 lb to 40 lb (15 kg to 18 kg) loads
depending on the season.  One class two rock climb with a day pack is
common.   Day hikes are 10-15 mi (16 km to 24 km) in the San
Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains with loads of 15 lb to 20 lb (7
km to 9 km).  I'm a tent style camper and have experienced snow,
freezing temperatures, winds (once was gale force), light rain, but
mostly fair weather so far.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Manufacturer: ThermoJet
Manufacturer website: www.thermojetstove.com
Stove type: Alcohol Stove
Sizes: Standard and Large
Size tested: Large
Listed Weight: 2.5 oz (71 g) standard size (sack and fuel container
not included)
Actual Weight: 3.2 oz (91 g) large size (listed weight for large size
not stated on website)
Packed size: 2.5 in x 4 in (6 cm x 10 cm) pot support rods .12 in x
6.75 in (.3 cm x 17 cm)
Operating size: 6.9 in x 4 in (17.5 cm x 10 cm)
Material: 3XXX series aluminum (burner, combustion chamber, simmer
band) and cold drawn steel (support rods)
MSRP: $39.95 US (standard or large size)
Purchase Date: March 2009
Guarantee: Lifetime

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The ThermoJet MicroLite Stove is a full featured three season
lightweight backpackers alcohol stove.  It compacts down small enough
to fit inside of my 44 oz (1.3 l) pot with enough room for other small
items.  It consists of a burner, combustion chamber, simmer band, pot
supports, 4 oz (1.1 ml) Nalgene bottle, green burlap storage sack and
instruction sheet.  The burner uses pressurized fuel jets, is sealed
with high temperature industrial epoxy and the combustion chamber
doubles as a windscreen.  The simmer band is designed to provide even
heating that results in faster cooking times and can be adjusted on
the outside without removing the pot.  The large stove (reviewed) is
designed for pots that have a diameter between 5.75 in to 6.5 in (14.6
cm to 16.5 cm).  The efficiency of the stove is aided by having the
correct size cooking pan so measurements must be taken to insure that
the correct size stove is ordered.  See the website for more
information.

This stove can use a variety of alcohol fuels: denatured alcohol,
methanol based gas line antifreeze, grain alcohol, 91% isopropyl
(rubbing alcohol), and even 151 proof rum.  I have only used denatured
alcohol in this review.

    What is included  Stove, Nalgene bottle, burner, simmer band  Stove
inside a 1.3 liter pan

Stove set up  In full cooking mode  In simmer mode

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

I have used a white gas and canister stove in the past but this is my
first alcohol stove.  In my efforts to lighten up my backpacking load
I decided to try this stove and see if it would work well enough for
me to continue using it on summer backpacking trips.  I have already
had pump issues with my white gas stove (yielding it unusable for the
outing) and my canister stove has had some ignition issues in the past
so I was excited about the fact that the only mechanical issues this
stove could have is if I lost any parts (still possible) or something
breaks.

The sack is a green burlap material bag and I found it hard to take
the stove in and out as it kept getting caught on the sharper ends of
the stove unit.  I decided to leave the sack at home and just store
the stove in the titanium non-stick pot that I would be using
protecting the pot with a lightweight towel inside.

The stove is very easy to set up but taking it down requires a little
work.  The simmer band has a nylon band around it that is used for
essentially keeping the stove compressed.  The simmer band is easy to
roll up and the nylon band slides easily around it but the combustion
chamber takes a little more effort.  Once rolled small enough, it can
slide inside the simmer band and naturally expand to the inner
circumference.  The burner slides easily into one end giving the
compressed stove some structure and the Nalgene bottle slides into the
other end, cap first.  I do not keep the fuel with the stove but
instead store it separately so I usually fill that end with a rolled
up trash bag that I always bring with.  After attempting to fill the
burner with fuel the first time, I found that I did not like the
design of the Nalgene container that came with it.  I prefer a squirt
spout instead of the screw cap of this bottle as I was spilling a
little fuel each time I poured it.  I found that the squirt spout gave
me better control.  The pot that I use falls within the stated
measurements for the large stove and I end up with about .5 in (1.3
cm) between the combustion chamber and the edge of the pot all the way
around.

                                                                1.3
liter pan on the stove.

FIELD TESTING

I have used this stove on seven backpacking trips since April for a
total of fourteen times heating water for breakfast and forteen times
cooking one pot dinners in a 44 oz (1.3 l) non-stick titanium pot.  I
always cover the pot with the lid and only open it to check the
boiling status or stir the dinner.  The testing information is as
follows, all in California

Trip #1
Location: Joshua Tree National Park
Cooking elevation: 3,700 ft (1,100 m)
Cooking temperature: 34 F to 75 F (1 C to 24 C)
Conditions: Cool with calm winds in the morning, warm and breezy for
dinner

Trip #2
Location: Eastern Sierra's near Lone Pine, California
Cooking elevation: 10,200 ft (3,100 m)
Cooking temperature: 50 F to 60 F (10 C to 16 C)
Conditions: Sprinkles of rain and light breezes

Trip #3
Location: Eastern Sierra's near Bishop, California
Cooking Elevation: 9,000 ft (2,700 m)
Cooking temperature: 28 F to 75 F (-2 C to 24 C)
Conditions: Cold and calm in the morning, warm and breezy for dinner

Trip #4
Location: Eastern Sierra's near Independence, California
Cooking elevation: 10,900 ft (3,300 m)
Cooking temperature: 28 F to 60 F (-2 C to 16 C)
Conditions: Cold with frost in the morning and normal conditions for
dinner

Trip #5
Location: Eastern Sierra's near Big Pine, California
Cooking elevation: 11,100 ft (3,400 m)
Cooking temperature: 46 F to 65 F (8 C to 18 C)
Conditions: Cool with light breezes in the morning, light breezes for
dinner

PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD

Ease Of Use

I store the stove in my cooking pot along with matches, fork, rubber
scraper and measuring cup (that fits over the end of the stove) so
that everything I need is in one place.  To set up the stove I pull
out the burner, then the combustion chamber being careful to unroll
it.  After connecting the ends with the rivets I slide off the nylon
band from the simmer band and carefully unroll it attaching the ends
together.  The aluminum that extends beyond the rivets can be bent to
a right angle to form a tab to use when lowering and raising the
simmer band but I have not used that feature.  I then slip the simmer
band over the top of the combustion chamber with the rivets offset of
each other positioning it just below the holes for the support rods.
I then put the support rods in place and fill the burner with
denatured alcohol.  See Efficiency for amounts.  I make sure that the
water is already pre-measured in the pot before lighting the stove.  I
use a match almost touching the match to the alcohol to light it and
when lit, place the pot covered with the lid on top of the support
rods and wait for it to boil.  One of the features I like is that once
the alcohol has burned off, it cools within a minute and it can be
refilled and started again or packed up.  I have tried to use a butane
lighter but find it awkward to reach in without risking burns to my
fingers.

For dinners I pre-measure the water and add the dinner mix, place the
lid on top and put it on the stove once it's lit.  I do remove the lid
to stir occasionally and to be sure that the dinner is not sticking to
the bottom of the pan.  When the alcohol burns off, I let the dinner
set a few minutes to absorb all the liquid and it's ready.  The
website states that the flame can be extinguished by removing the
combustion chamber and setting the pot directly on the burner and then
blowing the flame out but I have not been able to successfully to
that.  I just let any remaining alcohol burn off.

I don't find the set up of this stove any more time consuming than a
canister stove and far less time consuming than a white gas stove.
It is a very simple stove to operate and with no mechanical parts I
have had no failure issues.  The only maintenance that the manual
states is that the jets can become clogged but with a simple pin (and
care) can be cleaned easily.  I have had very few stove problems in
the past but enough to appreciate the simplicity of this stove and so
far the jets have not clogged.

When I take the stove down I remove the pot supports and store them
immediately in my pot storage bag (they will not fit inside the pot)
so that I don't forget them on the ground and lose them (a possible
show stopper for the stove).  I then unhook and roll up the simmer
band a little smaller than the circumference of the plastic band,
insert it and let it expand to the diameter of the plastic band.  I
then unhook and roll up the combustion chamber small enough to insert
into the simmer band and let it expand inside the simmer band.  I then
place the burner into one end and it's done.  I have found that this
can be a little cold at temperatures near freezing because of the
metal and the use of gloves when doing this can be difficult.

     Stove set up with pot in place  Showing the flame below  Open
stove with flame

Efficiency

Since this is my first alcohol stove, I cannot comment about the
efficiency of this stove over other alcohol stoves but these are my
findings after using the stove in temperatures as low as 28 F (-2 C),
light wind and very light rain conditions.  First of all, there are
factors that will affect the efficiency of this stove.  The ground
surface must be flat and level for the stove to operate at its highest
efficiency.   Also, the pot being used needs to be the correct size.
It has taken some trial and error (mostly at home) to figure out how
much fuel I need for the intended meal.  For me a typical meals
consists only of heating 14 oz (4 ml) of water for coffee (twice) in
the morning and 9 oz (2.6 ml) of water with a 1/2 pkg Knorr sides with
some dehydrated chicken and vegetable additives.

These are my findings:

Breakfast:
14 oz (4 ml) water
.75 oz (.2 ml) fuel (measurement lines are drawn on my bottle with
squirt spout)
Titanium non-stick 44 oz (1.3 l) pot
Best time was 6 min to full boil
Worst time was 7 min to full boil

I have not noticed much of a fuel amount or time difference whether
boiling at temperatures of 28 F (-2 C) with very cold water or boiling
at 65 F (18 C) with tap water.  The website states that 16 oz of water
will boil in 3 min 45 sec using .5 oz (.1 ml) of denatured alcohol
which is more optimistic than my findings stated above however their
findings might be based on the regular size stove.

Dinner:
9 oz (2.6 ml) water
1/2 package Knorr sides with 3 oz dehydrated chicken added
1 oz (.2 ml) fuel

I have found that the rice dishes take about 30 seconds longer to cook
than the pasta dishes but with either I take the pot off the burner
when they still need some thickening up and let them set.  I have
found that the 1 oz (.2 ml) of fuel is very close for either dish and
any burn time after the dinner is finished cooking is no more than 30
seconds.

One thing that I have noticed with the stove is its flame
distribution.  It covers the whole bottom of the cooking pan as well
as coming up the sides a little.  I have to be careful that the handle
of the pan is moved towards the edge of the combustion chamber so that
the flames don't burn the handle and melt the rubber coating.  It has
not been a problem.  I do like the fact that the stove cooks evenly.

With the type of cooking that do, I can cook enough breakfasts (two 14
oz cups of coffee) and dinners for a three day, two night backpacking
trip with a total of 5 oz (1.4 ml) of fuel which will fit into a 4 oz
(1.1 ml) container.  Although the container is stated as 4 oz (1.1
ml), I have found that 6 oz (1.7 ml) will fit if filled up to .5 in
(1.3 cm) from the top thus giving me enough fuel to treat myself to
some freeze dried eggs on one of the mornings.

Features

I have lowered the simmer band once the dinner begins to boil but have
not noticed a difference in flame size thus questioning it's claim
that it has a simmer mode.  I have also boiled 16 oz (5 ml) of water
using .75 oz (.2 ml) of fuel in the same conditions when the stove is
in full cooking mode and then in simmer mode and the boiling times
were identical.  I have never had the flame get out of control in
breezy conditions nor has it taken longer for water to boil so I can
only conclude that the combustion chamber/windscreen works well in the
breezy (not yet tested in windy) conditions I have experienced.  The
pot support rods have worked flawlessly.  They have never slipped out
and do provide a stable surface for the cooking pot.  As mentioned
above, I have switched out the provided Nalgene bottle for an
equivalent size bottle that has a squirt tab cap to help prevent
spilling the fuel when measuring.  Also as mentioned above I don't use
the burlap stuff sack as it catches on the stove edges and becomes
difficult to put the stove into it and pull it out.

Durability

After thirty plus uses of this stove, except for some discoloring and
slight bends in the aluminum (mostly combustion chamber), the stove
has stayed in good shape and remains fully functional.  The epoxy
sealer on the burner has remained unaffected and the jets have not
clogged yet and still performs like new.  The steel pot rods
immediately discolored with soot from the alcohol and after wiping it
off the first few times only result in a darkening color now.  They
are still functioning like new.

                                                      Cooking breakfast
(coffee)

SUMMARY

Although I don't think that the ThermoJet MicroLite stove lives up to
all of it's claims on it's website, specifically cooking time, fuel
amount and ability to simmer, I do think that it is a well designed
alcohol stove that works well in cold temperatures, breezy conditions
and has an efficient enough cooking design to do a two night three day
backpacking trip on just 5 oz (1.4 ml) of fuel.  It's total weight
still comes in lighter than my lightweight canister stove comparing
equivalent parts needed by 2 oz (.6 ml), and for lighter weight
backpacking every ounce counts.  Since I am an early riser and like to
watch the sun come up, the fact that it is a very quiet stove is a
plus for my trip partners who are usually still sleeping.   It is
extremely compact and I like the simplicity of its design with no
mechanical parts to break.  This stove has become my favorite stove to
use and I look forward to using it on many more trips.

LIKES

Lightweight and compact
Efficient even cooking
Works well in cold temperatures and breezy conditions
Simple to use
Extremely quiet
No mechanical parts to break

DISLIKES

Did not find that the simmer band actually simmers
Sack provided is awkward to use
Nalgene fuel bottle was hard to pour from
Combustion chamber is a little hard to roll up small enough to fit
inside the simmer band especially when it's cold (using gloves)

I do recommend this stove.

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