A couple comments over at GoBlog reveal an interesting pissing match between light-backpacking visionary Ray Jardine and the founder of GoLite, who went to some length to put out some fires Jardine was spreading because the two guys had a business falling out. GoLite’ side of the story is here.

My reading of the dustup is that Jardine is one of those visionary types of human beings whose refusal to accept the status quo causes them to do things like cause major paradigm shifts, launch revolutions, etc., but the qualities that make them great can also drive normal people to distraction.

Ray’s quirks notwithstanding, I’m still mulling the idea of trying one of his tarp kits. They look a tad complicated for my taste and I’m a bit worried about the durability (not so much the tents but my sewing skills). My REI Quarter Dome sets up in about 30 seconds and it has the benefit of being practically brand new (though a bit heavy at 4 pounds).