Arizona has stage 2 fire restrictions statewide

Arizona has stage 2 fire restrictions statewide  http://firerestrictions.us/az/    I had big plans to hike in passage 28 again this weekend until I realised that I didn't want to lug my JetBoil SOL alum down the trail and couldn't use Alcohol / Biofuels stove so I purchased a SnowPeak LiteMax @ 54g from REI (should arrive 28Jun) since they have a promotion running right now and use my Evernew Ti 400FD cup w/alum foil lid at 56g, current fuel canister weight is 180g.
I can just hear it now, that with some of the high winds we are having now that the burner will be blown out, well I plan on using a improvised windbreak or no stove at all.
The last few times I have gone hiking in passage 28 I have camped out at established campgrounds, but have recently been inspired by Tony Hobbs aka Tony's Wilderness to "wild camp" as he calls it, and that will require a stove that can be turned off.
LMAO this week Phoenix will reach 117F and I am sure the high country will heat up as well.

Cuben fiber stuff sacks

I received an order of tiny 3 x 5 inch Blue .51 Cuben fiber stuff sacks today, they are from Anthony over at http://wildgear.us note: they were purchased from his eBay store appalachianwildernessgear his cuben fiber creations have outstanding stitching and attention to detail. Here is a short youtube video I created of them.

1/8" vs 1/4" closed cell pads

I just received a new 1/8" foam pad to use under my Thermarest NeoAir X lite, it weighs in at 4 oz versus 8.4 oz for my 1/4" pad.
It is mainly used to protect the expensive NeoAir from Sharp things on the ground, I like not needing to carry the extra 4 oz, but I am worried that it might be too thin. Only time will tell. 

The 1/8" pad is on top, 1/4" below, they are both Sold by Lawson Equipment

The newer 1/8" has cool straps and logo

94 gram tarp

I just received a gently used tarp from Anthony at http://wildgear.us/ and I am very impressed with the stitching and construction of the tarp, seen in the photo below along with a 30 feet hank or cord, it weighs in at 94 grams made from .51oz Blue cuben fiber. I am looking forward to getting out this weekend and trying a few pitches with it. I plan on paring it up with a 80 gram Sea to Summit bug bivy in the summer, making it 174 grams or 6.14oz