Kickin' it in Cologne with Beni from hrXXLight (left) and Mateusz from Laufbursche (middle). At Laufbursche's workshop with a bunch of killer packs and one sweet Boiler.
First the trip. While trying to start a business and with student loans looming this was the least likely time for a trip to Europe. But with promises to my sisters living there, and my wife who wanted to go to there, we went. And it was great – Mulheim, Cologne, Grenoble, Chamonix (oh, Chamonix)… Paris. It made coordination for the Boiler tough, but I didn’t lose too much sleep over the first world problem.
While there I met up with Beni from hrXXLight and Mateusz from Laufbursche. Cool guys. Beni had a wide breadth of knowledge about the most trick gear from everywhere, Mateusz had very deep knowledge about soft goods manufacturing with the most cutting edge fabrics, and truly elegant design. Seeing the operations of a full-time, independent gear manufacturer like Laufbursche (with a workshop and everything) was inspiring. It made me think about getting some stones and going all in.
Between that trip and applying for a day job, prep for the next round of Boilers was slowed. But now that I’m back, things are starting to finally come together. The “improvements” I’ve been touting have now taken concrete form, and they’re going to be subtle but super sweet. The Boiler will finally take the form I originally designed. And with one last task to check off, orders for Boiler 2.0 should open in a big way next week.
And while this blog has been quiet, there’s been a lot of talk about the Boiler elsewhere. I’ve done a guest post on Section Hiker about making the gear of your dreams, and jumped in on a podcast with CampTheSummit. Those who got in on the first batch of Boilers have really been liking them. Let’s see… Ryan dug it on his redesigned blog (even giving it a mention on his favorite gear newsletter!), Hendrik both featured it alone and proved that it is way cooler than the imitation, Don gave it a thumbs up, Kimberlie lusted for it (more are coming!), Phil confirmed that a custom alcohol burner is needed (a solution is in the werks!), “Dragonflyhiker” rocked a 4:30 boil (this is on par with what I get on dry fuel), and Martijn got his own boil on.
Such kind things from all corners – let me know if I missed anything! I’ll be here werking, and you can expect this blog to pick up a lot this month. :)
Update: Stephen (aka The Gear Junkie) just reviewed the Backcountry Boiler on the Outside Magazine blog!
[ 5 comments… read them below or add one ]
Still a bugger I couldn’t make it down to meet you in Germany :/ Next time. Or maybe a good reason to visit Pittsburgh ;)
Great photo, btw, the little BCBoiler between the huckePACKs, great stuff!
It’s definitely on my wish list!
Hendrik – Me too, if only flights were cheaper. If you do make it state-side, let me know. I do love Pittsburgh, but we should meet somewhere in the mountains.
I just noticed there’s a third video where you mention the Boiler. Very well put together, I like the recurring pack on the raft. It really gives the feeling of travel despite the still images. It’s like the thread that ties the images of scenery into a journey.
Now if only I could see more… like a whole series of videos… with some kind of organizational device to move through the many topics of ultralight hiking… :)
Paul – Thanks! Definitely working on it. BTW, +1 to your post on joining forums (or reading trusted blogs) for really comprehensive feedback on gear. The star systems on retail sites are nearly worthless.
The dream come true! ;-)
Good to hear v2 is on the way although I’m delighted with my v1 version. I used it last 2 times out, 1st time with a Trangia burner on the open hill, later in the forest with wood, no problems at all. 2nd time out I used wood only, best time was about 5.30 without trying.
I haven’t done a dedicated post yet, need the video for that but hopefully get it done soon.
Richard