Tag: Trekking

Hiking Gear: MC-101 or SP-404A?

So first of all, what does a music gear have to do with hiking or trekking? As we are currently preparing for a longer hike, I created an spreadsheet with all the items we would need to pack along – including their individual weight. This list is divided into different sections with the most crucial sections at the top: Housing, Cooking, Transport, Clothes. The “luxury” items are more at the bottom. However, when reviewing this list, I realised after only being half-way through, that the total weight is about more than we actually wanted to carry. This left me in the situation that I would probably not be able to carry my Roland MC-707 along with my TR-8S along. So I thought, I would have to look for something lighter in my pack.

Here is what I really wanted to take along: a kind of sequencer with drums and samples. Ideally with only small power consumption. Powered by a USB-C power bank.

As I happen to already have the MC-707, I thought this to be a good excuse to finally get an SP-404. However, looking at its weight with 1200g I am not so sure, if that is a good idea. The MC-101 weights only 60% of the SP-404A. The downside, I would then have a device that is nearly identical to something I already have. On the other hand, I could use all my music (and samples) from the MC-707 (as long as I am using not more than 4 tracks).

Maybe, there are other cool devices out there. I must check. Until then, I have not decided yet. Time will tell.

Hiking Kilt

Today I did it – I actually ordered a kilt. Though not from scottish or gaelic descendance, I gave this a try as my trekking or walking trousers. In German language an ancient word for trousers is “Beinkleid“, which somehow could be translated to “a skirt for legs”. So I thought a kilt would just fit into that category.

And having read about the “Dress Act 1746” I certainly wanted to take the advantage of no longer to be “bound down to the unmanly dress of the Lowlander” (as quoted on Wikipedia) …

As soon as the kilt arrives (and if it fits) I will post an update.

Note: the picture in this post is taken as a screenshot from the web site at SportKilt and courtesy of SportKilt. It is the actual model I ordered. I hope they do not mind, me re-using their image here.