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u/HappyBackpacker101

r/GearTrade r/therunningrack r/LightPhone r/Ultralight r/ToyotaHighlander r/ULgeartrade r/OutdoorsGear r/WildernessBackpacking r/dumbphones
My Thoughts on the Dumb.co Dumbphone
▲ 10 r/dumbphones

My Thoughts on the Dumb.co Dumbphone

BackGo to dumbphones

r/dumbphones•11m ago

HappyBackpacker101

My Thoughts on the Dumb.co Flip Phone

I've been using some sort of dumb phone for about five years now and I've tried quite a few less expensive ones just for fun. I recently got the Dumb.co flip phone and have been using it as my daily driver for around a week now. Here are my thoughts.

  1. It is one of the better inexpensive flip phones I've tried. The Dumb.co apps on it are nice, and the built-in mouse/cursor (on/off option) is sweet. Overall, it's a good experience. The customer service is also legit. I can see that this device/plan will be really helpful to a ton of people. It's well-thought-out and well-executed. The Dumb.co team deserves credit for a job well done.
  2. I did an update and followed the instructions, but I can't get voice-to-text to work. I also wish it had more than five emojis - I especially want a "thumbs up" lol.
  3. There are two texting apps - the smart text and the dumb text. I'd like to use only one, but I'm not sure how to do that since some texts go to one and others go to the other.
  4. I'm not wild about having to have my companion device on. I have an old iPhone SE in my drawer that I rarely use, but I had to get it out for this and leave it on. I paid for the middle-tier plan, which requires a companion phone. I'd rather not have a companion phone at all. The pricing isn't horrible, but it's a bit higher than what I'm paying for my other dumbphone.
  5. Because I'm using it as a companion device and doing call/text forwarding, sometimes when I call or text people, they can't tell it's me. I called my wife the other day, and she didn't recognize the number.
  6. The maps work, but you can't use them while driving because they require a manual button press to see the next leg of your trip.
  7. The camera sucks (but that's the case with most flip phones).

Anyway, in all honesty, I'm extremely impressed with this phone and service. At the end of the day, however, it doesn't quite fit the bill for me and I may end up selling it. Feel free to share comments!

u/HappyBackpacker101 — 2 days ago
▲ 3 r/ULgeartrade

[WTS] W's Xero Trail Sandals - 10.5 - 285g - $25

These women's Xero trail sandals are gently used but have tons of life left in them. Size 10.5. 285g. Selling for $25.

Pics/verification: https://imgur.com/a/DkzWUXu

Paypal. CONUS shipping. Can split shipping costs.

u/HappyBackpacker101 — 29 days ago
▲ 4 r/ULgeartrade+1 crossposts

[WTS] UL Icebreaker Merino Beanie (NWT) (30g)

Selling an Icebreaker 200 beanie (100% merino wool). New with tags. Dark gray. 30g.

Pics/verification: https://imgur.com/a/YZZ4qoZ

Paypal. CONUS shipping only. $20 total. - Thanks for looking! SOLD

u/HappyBackpacker101 — 1 month ago
▲ 1 r/GearTrade

[WTS] Xero W's Sandals, Fanny Pack, M's Polartec Delta Sun Hoodie, W's Athleta Tanks, Jlab Buds, etc.

Selling a few pieces of kit.

  1. Burton Fanny Pack. 3L. Lightweight. In excellent condition. $10

  2. W's Athleta In Motion tank tops. Medium. Two available. Great condition - $15 each.

  3. W's Xero Z-trail sandals. Used, but tons of life left. Size 10.5. $30

  4. M's Polartec Delta sun hoodie. Large. Blue. W/thumb holes. In excellent condition. $60

  5. JLab JBuds - sport ANC. New in Box. $20

  6. Velcro ties for gear - free with purchase.

  7. GoPro Hero 13 waterproof case. Free with purchase.

Pics/verification: https://imgur.com/a/uEEAVKZ

Paypal only. Add a few bucks for shipping. Let me know if you have questions or want to bundle. Thanks!

u/HappyBackpacker101 — 1 month ago
▲ 6 r/ToyotaHighlander

Tips on Replacing the Water Pump of a 2015-2017 Highlander 3.5 V6 (2GR-FKS) AWD

I recently heard the water pump start making a noise on my 2017 Highlander 3.5 V6 (115k). It was making a clattering sound that came from the lower serpentine belt area of the engine. After some research, I found out this is a somewhat common issue with this engine. Anyway, as a DIY mechanic, I ended up replacing it myself and saved over $1,000. I thought I'd do a brief write-up of this to help others in a similar situation.

First, this is the best video out there on changing the water pump: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZQrULuDRYQ I watched a few other ones as well, but this one gives you all the info you will need.

Second, the AISIN water pump was $68, and I put a new serpentine belt on for $26. You can reuse your old coolant, but I'd suggest getting new coolant, which will cost about $50(?). I also used some Loctite ($6.00) when reinstalling some of the bolts. Those are the only costs I had. (If your engine has higher miles, you might consider replacing the thermostat, belt tensioner, and idler pulley. Those would be easy to replace while doing this job.)

Third, I didn't need any special tools other than a small torque wrench. My regular sockets and ratchets were sufficient. I do have a decent tool set, but this job only requires regular tools. I was able to do it in my own garage with a jack and two jack stands.

Fourth, it took me about 4:15 hours. I was expecting it to be more difficult than it turned out to be. You do have to loosen the motor mounts (I even removed one). And you have to jack up the motor a few inches. But that was much easier than I thought. Patience was my friend. I didn't try to rush through the job.

Fifth, once you do jack the motor up, getting to the bolts on that side (passenger side) is not too difficult. I did have to fiddle with the bolts and brackets a little, but it really wasn't too bad. Since I removed the lower right (passenger-side) motor mount completely, I could access the water pump very easily.

Anyway, that's my experience. This is only an overview, but hopefully, this short write-up will be helpful to a few people.

(Disclaimer: I am not suggesting everyone can do this job. I am just sharing my own personal experience to help others think it through.)

u/HappyBackpacker101 — 1 month ago
▲ 1 r/GearTrade

[WTS] W's Athleta In Motion Seamless Tank - M - (x2) $20

Selling two women's Athleta In Motion seamless tank tops. Size: Medium. One is a lighter purple, and one is a darker purple. Used but in excellent condition. $20 each. Pics, timestamp, and more info below:

https://preview.redd.it/wash1u0tibah1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3aee5581e7ad4da0381cdd324741add5b2b4132a

https://preview.redd.it/qk859w0tibah1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b281e6dab802fe86a69c92d10a0752c10e408c7e

https://preview.redd.it/1owfqu0tibah1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2bdbc7515c5e9991a27c4927a3a471744b6638bc

https://preview.redd.it/yu0zau0tibah1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=27495631625e957056b9252a2267e5ee85d9eb66

https://preview.redd.it/uyj3ou0tibah1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=27307e392b64e997cdcb45b547abaeb6af7fbbee

Paypal. CONUS shipping only. Add a few bucks for shipping. Thanks for looking!

reddit.com
u/HappyBackpacker101 — 2 months ago
▲ 1 r/GearTrade

[WTS] Men's Prana Stretch Zion Shorts (33x8) - NWT - $50

For sale: a new pair of Stretch Zion shorts - men’s 33-inch waist, 8-inch inseam. Got these for myself, and I really like them, but I need a different size. $50 (price drop from the last post). Can update the timestamp when I get home.

https://preview.redd.it/bhfs7e8ut0ah1.jpg?width=2690&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e358d10618540fbd9e32a47e9bde158f4493fbbf

CONUS shipping only. Paypal. Willing to split shipping costs. Thanks for looking!

reddit.com
u/HappyBackpacker101 — 2 months ago
▲ 4 r/ULgeartrade+1 crossposts

[WTS] Stretch Zion Shorts - Men’s - 33x8 - new $55

Love these shorts but they are just a tad too small for me: Stretch Zion shorts - men’s 33 inch waist, 8 inch inseam. New with tags.

Paypal. CONUS shipping only. Can split shipping costs. Thanks!

u/HappyBackpacker101 — 2 months ago
▲ 5 r/LightPhone

The LPIII and Water...A Lucky Success Story (Do Not Attempt at Home!)

I've been using my LPIII exclusively for 14 months. I really like it...but recently I almost wrecked it.

To make a long story short, last week I was on the dock in a small lake. I accidentally dropped my LPIII in 3 feet of water. I quickly jumped in and got it out. It was underwater for maybe 4 or 5 seconds. I stayed calm but was pretty worried.

Later that day, when I tried to use it, the touchscreen would not always respond. So I took the battery cover off and the SIM card holder out. I put a fan on it overnight to move air through the insides (8+ hours). It's been working perfectly fine since then - no issues whatsoever. I think I got lucky!

Of course, don't try this at home. And I know the LPIII only has an IP54 rating. I'm just sharing this in case it happens to someone else.

reddit.com
u/HappyBackpacker101 — 2 months ago
▲ 2 r/ULgeartrade

[WTS] Sea to Summit Ether Light XT - Large - (22 oz) - $90

Selling my Sea to Summit Ether Light XT - I used it for 15-20 nights. It's in very good condition. No leaks, no stains, no pets. Comes with the pump/stuff sack and STS pillow locks. Size large (78x25x4). $90 - 22 ounces.

Pics and timestamp - can update timestamp later today if need be. https://imgur.com/a/qO1j32K

Paypal. CONUS shipping only. Add a few bucks for shipping. Thanks!!

u/HappyBackpacker101 — 2 months ago
▲ 1 r/GearTrade

[WTS] Sea To Summit Ether Light XT, Craft Hiking Cap, JLab ANC Earbuds

  1. Craft hiking cap - lightweight, moisture-wicking, etc. Adjustable. New with tags. $20

  2. JLab JBuds - Sport ear buds - Waterproof. with active noise canceling. New in box. $25

  3. Sea to Summit Ether Light XT - used, but in very good condition. No leaks, no stains. Size Large (78x25x4). $90

Pics and timestamp here on the post - hopefully they show up!

Paypal only. CONUS Shipping. Add a few bucks for shipping. (Cross-posted)

u/HappyBackpacker101 — 2 months ago
▲ 5 r/GearTrade

[WTS] Sea To Summit Ether Light XT L

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u/HappyBackpacker101 — 2 months ago
▲ 3 r/ULgeartrade

[WTS] NeoAir XLite NXT Max Thermarest Sleeping Pad - Regular Wide - new in box - 1lb 3oz

New in box: Regular Wide Thermarest NeoAir XLite NXT Max - Sleeping Pad - 1lb, 3oz. $145. (72x25x3f inches)

Pics/timestamp: https://imgur.com/a/6mfxDjU

CONUS shipping only. Paypal. Can split shipping costs. Thanks!! SOLD SOLD SOLD

u/HappyBackpacker101 — 3 months ago
▲ 1 r/GearTrade

[WTS] Thermarest NeoAir XLite pad (new), Marmot M's shorts, Jlab Buds (new)

For sale:

  1. Men's Mountain Hardwear lightweight hiking shorts - khaki - 34x11. Very good condition. $20

  2. Thermarest NeoAir® XLite™ NXT MAX Sleeping Pad (Regular Wide) - New in Box - $155

  3. JLab JBuds Sport Active Noise Canceling earbuds. Waterproof. Touch controls. New in box. $20.

Pics/timestamps:

https://preview.redd.it/2364rmmjx25h1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2ff99deaf9fac331858eca8085759949eb038c4b

https://preview.redd.it/2y4mdmmjx25h1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=62e3fd264f89041c1c28cc788be099bb731e14e1

https://preview.redd.it/hjhpuqmjx25h1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ac0ce686acecc5eeeeb0dd915255cfa39019f402

https://preview.redd.it/b1qy3mmjx25h1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=527b724adf3cab378adb04ec8dc647c6fb80b939

CONUS shipping only. Paypal. Add a few bucks for shipping. Save on shipping if you want two or all three items. Thanks!!

reddit.com
u/HappyBackpacker101 — 3 months ago
▲ 2 r/GearTrade

[WTS] M's MH Hiking Shorts (34), JLAB earbuds (new)

reddit.com
u/HappyBackpacker101 — 3 months ago
▲ 4 r/WildernessBackpacking

Interior Space in 2P Non-Trekking Pole UL-ish Shelters: A Quick Reference List

Hello fellow campers/hikers/backpackers! For the past year, I've been doing a real-life comparison of several legit lightweight 2P backpacking tents. I was looking for a freestanding or semi-freestanding tent under 3lbs (or so) that would fit two long/wide pads for two people around 6'0 tall. Below is a list of my findings. Just wanted to share my research, that's all!

Notes: 1) The list is only in reference to interior size and how well each tent fits two long/wide pads and two people around 6 feet tall. 2) Each tent on the list weighs 53oz or less. If I split the weight with my spouse on backpacking trips, it comes to around 26oz per person or less. I'm happy with that weight for a comfortable 2P tent. 3) I did check out two 3P tents and included them below. 4) I marked 2P tents that actually fit 2P with this: *****

  • Big Agnes Copper Spur (2P) —2lbs 12oz
    • Pad fit: Only two narrow pads.
    • Interior: Small. Very cramped inside.
  • Big Agnes Tiger Wall (3P) — 2lbs 10oz
    • Pad fit: two wide/long easily fit.
    • Interior: Roomy. Huge footprint; floor felt very thin.
  • Marmot Limelight UL (2P) ***** 3lbs, 2oz
    • Pad fit: two long/wide pads fit.
    • Interior: Roomy. Good floor space w/cubbies; vestibules are rather small.
  • Nemo Hornet (2P) —2lbs 1oz
    • Pad fit: Only two narrow pads fit
    • Interior: Small. Very cramped inside.
  • Nemo Dragonfly (2P) — 2lbs 13oz
    • Pad fit: Only two narrow pads fit
    • Interior: Small. Very cramped inside.
  • Marmot Tungsten UL (2P) ***** 2lbs, 15oz
    • Pad fit: two long/wide pads fit
    • Interior: Decent. Works well for two 6-foot people.
  • MSR FreeLite (3P) — 2lbs, 10oz
    • Pad fit: Two long/wide pads fit easily
    • Interior: Decent. Only 84" long; sloped walls put feet/head near fabric.
  • Mountain Hardwear Aspect (2P) — 3lbs, 1oz
    • Pad fit: Two long/wide pads are a very tight fit
    • Interior: Decent. Specs say 50" wide floor, but measures ~48"
  • MSR Hubba Hubba LT (2P) ***** 3lbs, 3 oz
    • Pad fit: Long/wide, easy.
    • Interior: Roomy for an actual 2P tent.

All of the above tents are legit lightweight tents. However, my spouse and I settled on the Hubba Hubba LT (2P) because it has the most room of any other lightweight 2P tent I tried. We tested it out over the weekend, and I can confirm it fits two long/wide pads well with two people around 6'0 tall. Hope this helps someone. Feel free to add to this list. Happy trails!

reddit.com
u/HappyBackpacker101 — 3 months ago
▲ 2 r/OutdoorsGear

Interior Space in 2P Non-Trekking Pole UL-ish Shelters: A Quick Reference List

Hello fellow campers/hikers/backpackers! For the past year, I've been doing a real-life comparison of several legit lightweight 2P backpacking tents. I was looking for a freestanding or semi-freestanding tent under 3lbs (or so) that would fit two long/wide pads for two people around 6'0 tall. Below is a list of my findings. Just wanted to share my research, that's all!

Notes: 1) The list is only in reference to interior size and how well each tent fits two long/wide pads and two people around 6 feet tall. 2) Each tent on the list weighs 53oz or less. If I split the weight with my spouse on backpacking trips, it comes to around 26oz per person or less. I'm happy with that weight for a comfortable 2P tent. 3) I did check out two 3P tents and included them below. 4) I marked 2P tents that actually fit 2P with this: *****

  • Big Agnes Copper Spur (2P) —2lbs 12oz
    • Pad fit: Only two narrow pads.
    • Interior: Small. Very cramped inside.
  • Big Agnes Tiger Wall (3P) — 2lbs 10oz
    • Pad fit: two wide/long easily fit.
    • Interior: Roomy. Huge footprint; floor felt very thin.
  • Marmot Limelight UL (2P) ***** 3lbs, 2oz
    • Pad fit: two long/wide pads fit.
    • Interior: Roomy. Good floor space w/cubbies; vestibules are rather small.
  • Nemo Hornet (2P) —2lbs 1oz
    • Pad fit: Only two narrow pads fit
    • Interior: Small. Very cramped inside.
  • Nemo Dragonfly (2P) — 2lbs 13oz
    • Pad fit: Only two narrow pads fit
    • Interior: Small. Very cramped inside.
  • Marmot Tungsten UL (2P) ***** 2lbs, 15oz
    • Pad fit: two long/wide pads fit
    • Interior: Decent. Works well for two 6-foot people.
  • MSR FreeLite (3P) — 2lbs, 10oz
    • Pad fit: Two long/wide pads fit easily
    • Interior: Decent. Only 84" long; sloped walls put feet/head near fabric.
  • Mountain Hardwear Aspect (2P) — 3lbs, 1oz
    • Pad fit: Two long/wide pads are a very tight fit
    • Interior: Decent. Specs say 50" wide floor, but measures ~48"
  • MSR Hubba Hubba LT (2P) ***** 3lbs, 3 oz
    • Pad fit: Long/wide, easy.
    • Interior: Roomy for an actual 2P tent.

All of the above tents are legit lightweight tents. However, my spouse and I settled on the Hubba Hubba LT (2P) because it has the most room of any other lightweight 2P tent I tried. We tested it out over the weekend, and I can confirm it fits two long/wide pads well with two people around 6'0 tall. Hope this helps someone. Feel free to add to this list. Happy trails!

reddit.com
u/HappyBackpacker101 — 3 months ago
▲ 4 r/Ultralight

Interior Space in 2P Non-Trekking Pole UL-ish Shelters: Quick Reference List

This UL sub has been helpful to me in the past, so I wanted to attempt to return the favor. Over the past year, I've had the opportunity to check out quite a few high-quality, popular UL-ish 2P shelters. I was searching for a super-light, free-standing or semi-free-standing tent that could actually fit two long/wide pads for two people around 6 feet tall.

Notes before reading the list: 1) This list is only with reference to the interior space of free-standing or semi-freestanding tents. 2) I know these shelters aren't exactly UL. However, all of them are under 54 oz. Divided by two, that means each person carries about 27 oz (or less). For two people, that's super light. 3) I did try two 3P tents and included them in this list.

Big Agnes Copper Spur (2P)
• Pad fit: Only 2 narrow pads
• Interior: Small
• Note: Doesn't work for two 6' people

Big Agnes Tiger Wall (3P)
• Pad fit: 2 long/wide pads + extra room
• Interior: Roomy
• Notes: Huge overall footprint; floor felt very thin

Marmot Limelight UL (2P)
• Pad fit: 2 long/wide pads fit
• Interior: Decent room
• Notes: Two 6' people fit well in this tent

Nemo Hornet Osmo (2P)
• Pad fit: Only 2 narrow pads
• Interior: Small
• Notes: Very cramped inside - no go for 6' people

Nemo Dragonfly Osmo (2P)
• Pad fit: Only 2 narrow pads
• Interior: Small
• Notes: Very cramped inside - no go for 6' people

Marmot Tungsten UL (2P)
• Pad fit: 2 Long/wide pads fit
• Interior: Decent room
• Notes: Works well for two 6′ people

MSR FreeLite (3P)
• Pad fit: 2 Long/wide pads fit + extra
• Interior: Spacious
• Notes: Only 84″ long; my feet touched the mesh.

Mountain Hardwear Aspect (2P)
• Pad fit: Very tight squeeze for 2 Long/wide pads
• Interior: Just OK
• Notes: Specs say 50″ wide but measures ~48″;

MSR Hubba Hubba LT (2P)
• Pad fit: 2 Long/wide pads fit
• Interior: Roomy
• Notes: Best overall fit for two 6′ people

Final note: all of these tents are nice in their own ways. I settled on the Hubba Hubba LT 2P because it has the most room of any 2P shelter I tried. So far, it's worked well for us. I hope this list helps a few people. Not trying to start any tent wars, lol.

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u/HappyBackpacker101 — 3 months ago