Testing the Esbit

Testing the Esbit, originally uploaded by surlyphoto.

The claimed 8 minute boil time was more like 12 for me. Ambient temp
in the 80's and with cold water. Pretty real world scenario. I can
only imagine (or remember!) less favorable conditions.

I wouldn't take it on a fourteener but its adequate for a motorcycle trip or emergency cup of coffee. It kinda reminds me of boy scouts and those old Sterno stoves except it works better.

Esbit stove and fuel

Esbit stove and fuel, originally uploaded by surlyphoto.

More shopping...
Decided I did want to camp some and had to have some coffee and oatmeal in the AM. This means, at least, a way to boil water. Went to REI and was about to get a little alcohol stove but saw this. The fuel comes in a blister pack and stays "good" until you are ready to use it.
Since the goal is to travel on TE610s weight was important and we want to rock an roll not putter along on overloaded KLR's or big twins. I am not that old...yet.

Also bought a bivy and two boxes of fuel. This pic contains the stove, cup, one box of fuel (12 tablets) which should boil 24 pints.

Every thing was weighed. Really just because I have the scale. If I really want to bring something I will even if its heavy but still its fun to trim the fat where its not needed.

Check the other pics for more kitchen scale fun.....

The hammock and tree savers. About $60 plus $20 for the tree savers at Earth Day cannabis festival.

Eno tarp and a couple stakes. Adds some weather protection and shade to your luxurious hammock. About $80 at Earth Day cannabis festival.

So the plan is to hammock (see Eno below) when possible and bivy on the ground when needed. I'd rather stay in the outback when in the mountains and the desert. Basically the western portion of the TAT. About $90 at REI.

New ultralight shelter for TAT

New ultralight shelter for TAT, originally uploaded by surlyphoto.

Yesterday Kat, Riddick and I did the Sweetwater 420 5k which coincided with Earth Day (whoda thought). Right by where we "made camp" they had these purty hammocks which we have wanted since Thaland. If you have ever been to Thailand and you didn't buy a hammock you know what I mean!
I got the tarp too and figured, in the event or rain, even if I cant hang the hammock the tarp will work between two bikes very well.
My impressions are that its pretty good quality and comfy too!