The Southern Sierra Madre Expedition

Finally, after months of anticipation and preparation, our Southern Sierra Madre Expedition will push through. Together with Jake Segui, we will establish a trail starting from Mt. Balabac in the city of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan all the way to Biac-Na-Bato, still in the province of Bulacan. It's a long, arduous, and ambitious plan that will take us 5-7 days to complete, hopefully.

The Mountain Safety Research (MSR) DromLite Hydration Bag Review

The MSR Dromlite 2 liter and 4 liter Hydration Bags

I have recently made a move to lightweight gear, and smaller volume packs. I start early and hike hard so as to enjoy the afternoons exploring. I usually take a hammock withh a mosquito net and tarp, and enjoy hot meals at night. The Mountain Safety Research DromLite Hydration Bags (hereafter called the DromLite or bag) are collapsible, roll-able fabric water reservoirs. They are made of "MSR red" 200-denier Cordura which is welded together to seal the edges creating the envelope-type storage containers seen here. The fabric has a thick plastic-feeling coating on the inside. The MSR logo is applied to the face of the DromLites.

At the top of the bag is metal grommet that can be used to hang the bag on a nail or hook. A small carabiner, piece of cord or webbing can be placed through the grommet too. I have a hang strap from MSR on my 4 L bag.

The MSR Dragonfly Stove Review

The MSR Dragonfly Stove

I have had my eye on a petrol stove for a while, as I have used gas stoves before and have some issues with these. Their performance in the cold can be poor, and of course you are always trying to gauge how full the gas bottles are and how many to take. I though a petrol stove would solve all these problems, although I was not so sure. I have heard they are noisy difficult to simmer with and on occasion temperamental.

After some research, I got my hands on an MSR Dragonfly because of the good things I heard about it (a good simmer control, and a good reliable stove).

The MSR Miniworks Water Filter Review

The MSR Miniworks Water Filter

This is without a doubt the best filter for anyone planning on attacking a major hiking trip. The bottom screws onto my MSR Drommlite bag and my Nalgene bottle. It is long lasting and easy to clean if you ever get to that point.You only have to clean the outside of the filter, and only use clean water to do so. Soap is a cloggy substance and will be unforgiving to the carbon granules inside the element.