"I recently ordered your 2 person quilt kit, and found the instructions and materials to be of superior quality. The project took a little longer than expected, but the results have been well worth the time and effort. The quilt fits perfectly. As for performance, we hurried off the very next weekend to try it out. The weight savings was incredible, weighing less than one of our traditional bags. The trip was a bit blustery and got down into the 30's but we noticed no loss of comfort. Thank you for such an innovative idea." Jason M.
"Ray and Jenny, Thank you so much for offering your products in kit form. There is definitely *Magic* created while sewing your kits. After thru-hiking the AT in the early 90's, I never thought that I would bond with a backpack or sleeping bag (now quilt) again." Darren P.
"I am 14 years old and have recently finished a tarp kit from you. The tarp works great and I plan to use it during my scout troop's 50 miler on the Appalachian Trail. I am going to make a backpack kit next. Thank you for your great products." Ben B.
"My son and I took our Ray-Way tarps to Philmont this year and they were awesome, rain, hail, wind, always dry and what views the entire trek. We use them all year here in MN and wherever we go. It is amazing to see how much better they work than tents, especially for eliminating condensation and we love the open view. Thanks for the awesome design, complete kits and quality materials!" - Ken D., MN
"THANK YOU!!!! i love my pack- this one is for my husband (he said he'd even sew it!)" Elleyne B.
"I recently purchased your quilt and tarp kits. I have finished the quilt, and it was easy to sew and is quite amazingly warm. Thanks so much and keep up the great work with your kits, the directions are clear and they are a good deal!" Rick T.
"I was given a deluxe quilt kit by my wife for Christmas. It was my first time in front of a sewing machine - my wife showed me the basics then left with the kids for the weekend. I finished the foot box as she pulled back in the driveway. It turned out awesome and her pride in my work was a real boost. Thanks for the great kit - As you imply in your writing, learning to make your own gear is empowering, and I have an attachment to the quilt beyond what my expensive down bag ever meant to me. On top of that, my kids love it and want to sleep under it too, so I'm ordering two more quilts and a tarp." Michael M.
"I love these projects." Nick R.
"You have the COOLEST products. This is my second quilt from you." Fred W.
"I just wanted to thank you for the excellent backpack. I bought your kit last year while I lived in the US for a short while. As I did not have a sewing machine, I made it fully by hand - it took some 2 weeks several hours per day, but it was fun for most of the time - I was constantly mixing inches with centimeters. I took it canyoning for 2 weeks and it behaved extremely well - just some minor scratches, although I never seriously believed that the pack would stand all the abuse it went through. Now I am also using the backpack for packing hand luggage while traveling perfect size even more perfect weight, I am going shopping with it 35 kg 70-80 lbs without problems and, of course, backpacking. This year I am taking the pack ice climbing and on several backpacking and canoe trips." Atis R.
"I ordered my first quilt kit with much trepidation, due to the fact that my only prior sewing experience was watching my wife make throw pillows! I did the whole thing in about 7 hours!!! Wow. Though there are definate signs this quilt was done by a first-timer, it looks really good. This was a most exciting project and I cannot wait to use it. Thank you Ray and Jenny for a most inspirational project." Wil A.
"Thanks for all of the great products that you provide. Making my own gear has changed the way that I interact with the outdoors. The two quilts I've made are my favorite sleeping bags now, and I'm sure my tarp and net-tent will be just as good. Take care, and keep encouraging and empowering the rest of us to make our own gear!" Ben S.
"I so much look forward to sewing and using these kits! Thank you SO much for the inspiration...I used to be a gearhead junkie..poring through the latest catalogs for the newest and best...you guys have given me the inspiration and the confidence to do it myself..cheaper and better! Thank You!!!" James P.
"I just finished up sewing my 3rd ray-way backpack last night, and I've been thoroughly pleased with the packs. I'll be sewing a couple more quilts in the next couple of days, along with another stowbag. Thanks again for the kits and the prompt service! Nothing but praise so far!" Paul W.
"We have made tarps, quilts and stowbags with total satisfaction. Keep up the good work." Phillip B., Australia
"Thanks for offering the kits Ray. You have made my wife a garage widow with all the sewing I'm doing. We just spent 4 days in the Golden Trout Wilderness in the Sierra Nevada using your gear. I think we saved a hour a day just because we didn't have to mess with hipbelts." Rick R.
"This quilt kit is for my wife - she tried the one I made this summer (the alpine upgrade, deluxe) and now won't part with it until I make her one too =)." Nickolas G.
"What a deal. I paid $200 for just a backpack before I bought your book, now I have all the major gear for that amount!" Eric S.
"Thanks for the great products. I've really come to trust your equipment." Thomas C.
"I work at backpacking equipment shop and despite the fact that it's somewhat of a conflict business-wise, I am not hesitant to recommend Ray-Way products as a source of superior gear." Jeff D.
"I wanted to thank you guys for all that you do. I really appreciate your philosophies. I just finished making your tarp, quilt, pack, and stuff sack. It all turned out great. Its amazing how satisfying and rewarding it is to making your own gear. I am looking forward to many excursions with my newly sewn gear. Thanks for everything." JC P.
"This will be my nineth quilt." Don R.
"I have just completed my backpack after making a quilt and a stowbag for the quilt plus a knife. I still have a tarp to put together. I really enjoyed making my backpack. As soon as I was done I loaded it up with all the gear that I could find and found that even with a quilt and a bunch of stuff that it weighs less than my old pack did empty!" Eric S.
"Thanks for designing these wonderful kits. I've finished two quilts in addition to the tarp and net-tent. What a great feeling of accomplishment, and empowerment!" David S.
"I ordered a Package #1 (tarp, net-tent, Tarp Book, and thread), along with a delux 2-person quilt kit with the alpine upgrade, and two stowbag kits. The box and materials combined weigh less than the tent I use now!! And it's considered an ultralight product." Jason L.
"Thanks again Ray and Jenny for the awesome products you have made available. I have read Beyond Backpacking several times and have given it away several times. I have thought about making my own quilt, tarp and pack but wanted more instruction and *hand holding*. Your kits are the answer. You guys are doing wonderful things. keep it up." Geoff G.
"This weekend my wife and I took our newly constructed Ray-Way tarp to Anza Borrego Desert SP for its inaugural voyage. We particularly enjoyed sleeping under the tarp which allowed for us to enjoy the perfectly still and balmy desert night without sweltering inside our old claustrophobic *backpacking* tent. Not to mention the other perks in leaving 4 unnecessary pounds at home and the deeper connection to the landscape of stars and sounds of the night." Ben T.
"Thanks Ray and Jenny! We're having a great time on the A.T. using your gear and system and have met a number of others doing the same." Ben and Lauren T. J.F.
"The sewing journey I was on the last couple of weeks was an incredibly deep and enlightening experience to say the least! Sewing the quilt kit, tarp kit, backpack kit, stow sacks, and studying the tarp book, backpack video, and highly detailed instructions with extremely accurate diagrams = A whole new perspective :) Thank you Ray and Jenny" Will L.
"We just finished our tarp (and are just starting the quilt). I cannot imagine sleeping under anything else now. What a tremendous feeling having made my own equipment. Thank you so much sharing your designs and whole new way of looking at things. Or should I say old way of looking at things. Not many years ago our parents and grandparents made everything they used, now everyone buys the things they use and somehow are never satisfied, and thus are depressed and taking pills and the drug conglomerates are getting rich, people are getting more depressed and so it goes. I have never been more satisfied with a piece of equipment. Because, I made it myself and that is satisfying, which is the antithesis of depression. Thanks again." Bruce R.
"I recently completed my first project - a 1P quilt made with Light fabric and the extra 3D layer. It looks great, especially considering its the first time I've used a sewing machine! I had ordered the extra 3D layer knowing that my wife sleeps cold, and figuring that the quilt would catch her eye immediately. I guessed right, so have ordered a 1P quilt kit for myself. So if you've got a list of delighted customers, put us at the top! We'll be ordering the backpack kits next. Thanks for all your efforts." Don H.
"I finished my pack yesterday morning! I think it came out very well, I am quite proud of it. For me the combination of the book and the video were superb, and you did a wonderful job with the instructional materials and the plans!" David d.
"Made a quilt last fall, it is fantastic!! Can't wait to make the Tarp (ordered today). Thank you so much!" Matt L.
"I received my standard quilt kit just a few days after I ordered it. I thought the kit was excellent. It took me exactly six hours to make from opening the box to sewing the last stitch. Just wanted you to know I'm a very satisfied customer." Patrick M.
"Hi Its Quilt Addic Fred, This Will be my 3rd quilt with you. Thanks a million. The quilts that I have already made are all that I now use to sleep in!" Fred W.
"Thanks for all your impact on the ultralight hiking community, and for offering such great products. Best regards from Germany" Jan W.
"I have built most of your kits over the past few years and find the finished products to be functionally superior to anything on the market today. The backpack is the first one to fit me perfectly. My wife and I will never use a tent on the trail again, as your tarp is vastly more enjoyable to sleep beneath, and the 2P quilt we've used happily for a year now. And the one kit that has given me the most down-right pleasure is the knife kit." - Tom C., AZ
"I had a lot of fun sewing the tarp. I think the backpack was a little easier to sew because the pieces were smaller. My biggest piece of advice is the same as yours: measure carefully. I spent a long while laying out the fabric and measuring and cutting to make sure I got it right. The drawings where very helpful and everything went together exactly as explained. I can't wait to try it out this weekend." Geoff G.
"I received my order yesterday, and really appreciate your business! Before you made your products available I was always searching for the materials you recommended and settling for what I could find. Now when I order from you I get the very best!" George M.
"I spent the last two weekends in a row completing a tarp and quilt, and It has been an incredibly rewarding and satisfying experience. I can't wait to test this equipment in the Sierra this summer. Thank you!" Dylan B.
"My sewing is going along extremely well. This, considering my first experience a few years ago made me angry. Now I look back and laugh at my mind set, and realize my fear of sewing was only what you call *lack of familiarity*. I sure am glad I'm a little more familiar now. Sewing is fun, and your Ray-Way kits are pure magic! Everything falls into place beautifully, one stitch at a time. Thank you Ray, your teachings are truly priceless." Will L.
"Dear Jenny and Ray, Thank you for your wonderful kits. They are much more than a weekend project, they are passports to freedom - spiritual, physical, and material." Elleyne B.
"I am sewing the kits with great enjoyment and sense of accomplishment. I finished the stowbag, and am now working on the quilt. Planning to do the backpack next, then the tarp & net-tent. I think that your materials, designs and instructions are simply superb. I can hardly wait to get out in the Sierra this summer and use the new gear." Steve S.
"Our first Quilt (and also first ever sewing project) only took a weekend to complete--GREAT INSTRUCTIONS, thanks." Blue & Nika M.
"I bought a Ray-Way pack last year and it was a joy to assemble. I never knew I could sew! My son and I are planning an extended packing trip this May for his HS graduation. I ordered another pack for him and we are both thrilled with our packs. Thanks Ray!" Taylor F.
"This is our first sewing project, and we are having a lot of fun with it." Larissa G.
"I recently made the tarp, net-tent, and quilt. I'm working on 2 insulated hats. I really enjoyed working with the nice materials and the well thought-out designs." Gail H.
"I think your kits are fantastic." Jeanette E.
"I just finished up a thru-hike on the A.T. using your philosophy and sewing kits extensively. 2183.7 miles (includes the approach trail) in 88 days. Thank you two so much for sharing your thoughts, ideas, and sewing instructions with a backpacking novice like me." Paul W.
"We are just back from cycling the north sea cycle way - 2768 miles in 61 days - used the quilt I made and it kept us snuggly warm in the cold weather we experienced. My husband was very sceptical but is now converted to the quilt idea. it saved on space and weight. THANKS." Brenda C., UK
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News
Click on the above link to find out what's happening.
Trail Life
Ray Jardine's lightweight backpacking
new version of Beyond Backpacking
"The best backpacking book ever written." -Robert K.
$21.95 Fast Shipping
Order the book here!
"I love Trail Life!!! I couldn't stop reading it. It is like reading candy." - Pamela A.
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I just finished my double tarp. It was my first sewing project, the first time I've used a sewing machine, and the first time I stepped out of my, "Oh, I can't do that..." comfort level. The tarp rocks! I cannot believe how easy it really is. For any readers wondering if it'll be too much work please, please go for it! Take it one stitch at a time. The instructions are simply amazing. And the best part: Holding something in your hands that, 1) you made, 2) that you now know you can customize and change, 3) and that you can repair if or when needed. Take it from someone who'd never threaded a sewing machine before... you can do it! - Zane D.
I was so impressed at how detailed and clear the sewing instructions for the Ray Way Backpack were. Having zero sewing experience, I really thought I would have to sew the backpack twice. But since the instructions were so great, the pack is by far my favorite pack I've ever hiked with. Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge. -Troy A.
Introducing our Ray-Way Sleeping-Pad Kit
Backpack Kit: new sizes
BatWing kit
Spitfire Expedition BugTent Kit
Please see our Order Form.
Hey guys. I've long thought about writing and finally merely decided to say "thanks". Simply - thanks. Thanks for always being there, for your forward thinking, for your inspiration, for proving it can be done, for being bulletproof to the non-believers, for never quitting, for doing it right, for doing it first, for doing it best. With great appreciation, respect, and sincerity - simply - thanks. - J.G.G., Central Virginia
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Will and Emily visit Ray and Jenny
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"Jenny and Ray, Just to let you know that 'Trail Life' was our number-one book for 2009. Congratulations and thank you." - [One of the world's foremost retailers of outdoor gear]
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Trail Life, our new version of
Beyond Backpacking
Now Available!
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Click here for more info.
To order Trail Life, see our Order Form.
"This morning there came a knock on the door. It was our mailman with a package. I immediatly ripped it open to reveal Trail Life. OMG it blew me away. The pictures, the style, the information... You totally understated the book... Wow!!!" Curtis W.
"Once every two or three decades a book comes along that fundamentally reshapes how we think. Jardine's is such a work. Page after page, Jardine brilliantly flips the sacred cows of backpacking on their heads. Every suggestion comes from experience: Jardine has hiked the PCT three times, the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. Get a copy. It could change your trail life." - Backpacker magazine
"Trail Life could be the most important book about backpacking that you will ever read. There are a few names that have revolutionized the sport of backpacking, Ed Garvey, Colin Fletcher, Harvey Manning and of course the Master of lightweight backpacking Ray Jardine. Ray's book 'Beyond Backpacking' revolutionized long distance backpacking by showing hikers how to cut the weight out and exploding myths about heavy equipment. Much of the lightweight backpacking equipment and styles today were inspired by Ray and his groundbreaking book. Now Ray and his hiking partner and wife Jenny have revised and updated that classic book with Trail Life. Trail Life is chock full of lightweight hiking ideas that will further revolutionize the sport. This is the most comprehensive long distance hiking guide ever written. The author and his wife have hiked well over 25,000 miles and all the well known trails as well as a myriad of other trails. Their experiences will prove to be an invaluable guide for those who love to hike and those who seek the solitude of the woods." - Roger W.
"Trail Life is of EXCELLENT quality. There are numerous full color photographs. It appears to a novice hiker that it covers MANY, MANY aspects of thru-hiking. It discusses areas that someone without the years and miles of experience that Ray has would never even imagine come into play for their future adventures in the wild. The quality of the book and the photographs almost make it a fancy "coffee table" book, yet it contains very useful information." Del S.
"It's been said that the mark of real genius is the ability to reduce something to its purest and simplest form. For example, Einstein with e = mc2 or Michelangelo, who, when asked to demonstrate his skill as an artist drew an absolutely perfect circle freehand in one stroke. Well, there's no question in my mind that Ray has done the same thing with backpacking. -Mike W.
We are well stocked on materials and kits for everything listed on our Order Form. We have loads of materials; and the insulation is factory-fresh, as always. When we are not on vacation, we usually send out kit orders the same day they are received, or within 24 hours.
I suspect what keeps most--if not all of us--coming back to the "Ray-Way" is a simple thing called TRUST! We know that what Ray & Jenny offer actually works, and does so most efficiently. Without reference to age, they are truly "elder statesmen" -- they've been there, done that and the rest of us benefit from those years of amassed wisdom. In a world of hyper consumerism, it isn't always easy to know who to trust." -Chris A.
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At Ray-Way Products we make Kits for those who would like to sew their own light-weight gear.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to equip yourself with store-bought gear. You can make your own. And when you do, you gain a tremendous sense of freedom from today's consumer mentality - where everything is heavily advertised, expensive, and yet cheaply mass-produced. Making it yourself is about saving money, making it right - without using any cheap materials or manufacturing short-cuts - and owning and using outdoor gear that you can be truly proud of.
Why Sew?
The Integrity Paradigm
A few sewing tips
We design our kits for ease of sewing, and provide detailed, step-by-step instructions. Literally thousands of people have completed our kits without problems, many with no sewing experience. All that is required is a bit of patience, and the determination to follow our instructions carefully.
"I ordered your Alpine 2-Person Quilt Kit for less than I can find the material (I'm not sure how you do that but thank you). My wife and I now have a quilt that is roughly the same size as my previous sleeping bag unzipped, and much warmer." - Brian W.
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Ray-Way Quilt Kit
Our One-Person and Two-Person Deluxe Quilt Kits come with GorgetTM and Draft StopperTM. Our Two-Person Deluxe Kits also come with SplitZipTM.
What are the Gorget, Draft Stopper and SplitZip?
Our Ray-Way Quilt Kit contains the finest and lightest synthetic materials, and complete, step by step illustrated sewing instructions. This quilt is as warm as the most expensive sleeping bag of comparable thickness, yet can be made at reasonable cost - even by those with little sewing experience.
More Info
Our Quilt Kits also make wonderful "blankets" for beds. You can make them full width and length, and with no leg taper nor foot pocket. For use at home, or as gifts to loved ones. Fabulously luxurious!
Alpine Upgrade
for our quilt kits, upgrades the insulation from Woodland (0.75" thick) to Alpine (0.90" thick).
Stowbag Kit
for the quilt. Ultralight, waterproof, adjustable in volume, and economical. Designed to fit inside the r-w backpack but will fit most other packs. Kit includes detailed, illustrated instructions. Makes an excellent "starter" project for someone learning to sew.
Quilt Storage Bag Kit This simple storage bag is made with a lightweight, breathable fabric - just the thing for storing your quilt between adventures. The storage bag will keep your quilt clean and bug-free, and will help retard mildew and odors. And best of all, the storage bag is large enough that it will not crush the insulation.
"When people are worried about the feasibility of going ultralight, the Ray-Way quilts are exhibit number one in convincing them that ultralight is not about skimping on safety and comfort. Not only are the quilts lighter than conventional equipment, but they are better: every bit as warm, easier to adjust to comfort, less constricting, and more adaptable to multiple uses (e.g., as a blanket around camp). The kits were straightforward to put together with clear instructions taking you through the process step-by-step. I am an ultra-satisfied customer." Scott G.
"I have been using a quilt with the alpine upgrade for around two years now. It is my only quilt and performs far better than any sleeping bag I have ever used. The kit was easy to assemble and has greatly improved the way I sleep in the wilds. I find I can regulate my temperature in my sleep and I don't have to wake up to zip and unzip like I do with a sleeping bag. I highly recommend a quilt to anyone serious about backpacking." -Josh E.
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Ray-Way Tarp Kit
Our Ray-Way Tarp is for anyone who would like to sleep warmer and more comfortably in the wilds. It is simple in appearance, yet will outperform even the most sophisticated tents in a wide variety of weather and terrain, when used according to the instructions in the Ray-Way Tarp Book. This tarp is about a fourth the weight of even the lighter tents, and it offers at least twice the living space. And even though this tarp is open all around, it is probably warmer than the tent you use. Why? Because of the tarp's superior ventilation. A tent traps moisture, and that moisture saps body heat.
The Ray-Way Tarp comes in Kit form. Sewing this kit is not difficult. See Why Sew?
Also, to keep the insects away, you can sew our Net-Tent Kit, for use under your tarp.
For pitching instructions, see our book
How to camp with this versatile, lightweight shelter, safely and enjoyably when backpacking and hiking, cycling, sea-kayaking, canoeing, or scouting.
by Ray Jardine
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Ray-Way Backpack Kit
Includes all the needed materials, and detailed, step-by-step sewing instructions with many illustrations.
Be sure to check out our Backpack
Pocket Kit
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Also available: Our DVD Video shows the full sewing construction of the Backpack Kit.
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Sixteen home-made ray-way backpacks at the 2005 Journey's Flow
"Your designs underwent a very rigorous 6 day field trial with 16 sets of gear [backpacks, tarps, and quilts]. To my knowledge there was not one failure and this was by mostly novice seamsters. WOW!" David d.
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Ray-Way Insulated Hat Kit
Our Ray-Way Insulated Hat Kit comes with one layer of Alpine synthetic insulation. It is warm yet packable, and weighs only 1.1 ounces.
More Info
"I think the Insulated Hat Kit is your most under-stated item. It seems so mundane on the web page whereas the backpack, tarp, and quilt kits etc. all shout for themselves. But the times I've used the Insulated hat in a challenging cold/wet/windy situation and it's turned the whole thing around in a matter of minutes. Both night and day, it offers amazing utility for a 1oz weight. I never go camping without one." Mike G.
Just finished my Insulated Hat. I love it! I have used a Windstopper Fleece Hat that velcroed under the chin for years. It weighed 2.375oz and was pretty thin. The Insulated hat weighs only 1oz.(!!!), is several times thicker (much warmer), and is totally windproof!! It also costs about $5 less than the fleece hat. The insulated hat is so superior, there is absolutely no reason to ever take the fleece hat again! Fantastic!!!! This was my third Ray-Way Kit. It is so great to see the quality in the finished gear go up as I get better on the machine. Thanks again! Matt L.
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Ray-Way Knife Kit Kit
Our custom knife kit is intended as a beginner's project, and can be assembled with minimal tools and no prior woodworking experience. The four-inch blade is stainless steel, has a very sharp and exceptionally durable edge, and weighs only 0.9 ounces! The wooden handle comes in pre-drilled pieces, that you epoxy together and shape to suit.
You may feel very proud of the finished knife, not only because of its beauty, but because you made it yourself. This will give your knife much more meaning than a store-bought one. More info
Ray-Way Knife Sharpening Kit
Ray-Way
Sheath Kit
"I loved the kit and the instructions and the way everything went together just as the instructions said. The alligator juniper in the middle of the handle is much more beautiful than the pictures can show--it has fiddle and the colors change from a glowing golden yellow to a light brown as it is tipped in the light. I hated to use the sealer on it because now I can not enjoy its smell which was wonderful." Dick M.
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To everyone who has placed orders for our kits, our sincere appreciation. We hope you are envisioning good thoughts for the successful completion of your projects, and for the enjoyable time you will have using your home-made gear in the wilds. Make sure you tell your friends about our kits so they can discover for themselves the joys of making and using their own home-made ray-way gear.
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Ray-Way Sewing Thread.
Far superior to commercial threads.
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If new to sewing, try borrowing a machine from someone - a relative, friend or neighbor - and ask them to show you the basics. Once the top and bottom thread tensions are adjusted, (have them show you how) it's a simple matter of guiding the material through the work area, while pressing the foot peddle lightly. The key is to sew slowly.
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Ray-Way Cord. Fits our micro-cordlocks, This is the same cord we use for our tarp corner guys. White, round, 200 lb test. Excellent for drawstrings, extra tarp lines, and camp utility. Order here.
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Soft cover book
Siku Kayak
Paddling the Coast of Arctic Alaska
Join Ray and Jenny as they paddle their home-built kayak 1,400 miles to the top of Alaska and beyond. You'll discover more about the Arctic coastline than any tourist ever dreamed of. But get ready to test your mettle: you'll find whales and caribou, tundra and grizzlies, permafrost and puffins, and a beauty and vastness that tugs at your heart.
256 adventure-packed pages
272 b&w photos!, 13 maps
$14.95 ISBN 0-9632359-6-6
More info and a few photos
Order Here!
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"I just wanted to let you know what a pleasure it was to read about your adventures in your Siku Kayak book. What will and determination it must have taken to continue on at times, and also to make the decision to not continue further. The pictures were well worth a million words, as realizing that the ice may not let you back to shore: AMAZING...I also watched the Atlantic Caper DVD and loved it as well. The skydiving at the end was quite a finish to the whole adventure, nice landing... Thank you so much for sharing with us." Steven S.
"I had quite an enjoyable time reading Siku Kayak. Having no experience in a kayak, the arctic, or a long journey, I found the descriptions and photos gave me a real sense of Ray and Jenny's enjoyment and determination. The reality of the ever present dangers and how their every decision directly affected the overall safety and experience were quite a lesson in themselves. When I turned the last page I was ready to continue on with Nunaluk." Fred E.
"I was quite impressed with Siku Kayak. I love the way you kept printing costs down, yet managed to include tons of inspiring photos though the password on your website. Outstanding adventure!" Ben T.
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Kayakers challenge the Arctic, The Bend Bulletin, Dec 1996
A First-Rate Trip of Last Resort, The Bulletin, Feb 18, 1998
Travelers Take Adventure to the Limit The Bulletin Oct 1999: Back River
www.RayJardine.com
Copyright © 1998-2011, All Rights Reserved
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7,179,490 visitors
Profile
Chronologies
Refresh this page in your browser to see different photos
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Skiing to South Pole
2006
After a year and a half of preparations, we went to Antarctica. Starting from near the coast, we skied 57 days to the South Pole. Along the way encountered fierce winds, ultra cold temperatures, and rough ice. We dragged our gear behind us in sleds, and enough food for a month. At the half-way point we resupplied with a food drop. Reaching the pole in another month, we flew back to the starting point. | |
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Rowing across the Atlantic
2002
A 23-foot ocean rowboat. No sails, no motor, just two pairs of oars. A husband and wife team with a desire for adventure and an intense determination to succeed. | |
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Sailing Around the world
1982
This was a life-changing experience for Jenny and me, and among our favorite trips of them all. We departed San Diego aboard our CT-41 fiberglass ketch "SUKA" (Seeking UnKnown Adventures), and spent a glorious year and a half sailing through the South Pacific to Australia. After waiting out the cyclone season we sailed north behind the Great Barrier Reef, then across the Indian Ocean to South Africa. Then navigating across to South America and through the Caribbean, we passed through the Panama Canal then followed the coast back to home port. | |
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Hang Gliding
1978
I was a very active hang glider pilot for eight years, beginning in 1978. During that time I logged some 400 hours aloft; which is a lot of air time with no motor. I flew mostly in Utah, mainly in the mountains. In the later years I would launch from the Point of the mountain, north side, and fly the thermals to parts unknown. I also flew a lot in Yosemite and Colorado. Gliders: Sea Hawk, Fledge, Atlas, Magic III | |
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Skydiving
2000
Jenny and I were full-time skydivers for a few years, specializing in free-flying. Altogether I jumped 2,591 times, and Jenny 1,850. | |
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Saga of Sea Tub
1988
Northern Paddling Trip #1
A 3,300-mile kayak voyage from Anacortes, Washington through the Inside Passage along coasts of BC Canada and SE Alaska 1,100 miles to Skagway. Then portage the Chilkoot Trail in three trips to the first ice-free lake, 100 miles total. Then paddle the Yukon river 2,000 miles to the Bering Sea, and 7 miles back to village of Emmonak. | |
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Siku Kayak
1996
Northern Paddling Trip #3
The weather had turned genuinely cold, with icy gales and considerable snowfall. Some days, while paddling among the floes, frozen sea spray glistened on the kayak's deck; some days snow. Yet even this part of the trip was enchanting and we loved every minute of it. The expanse of virgin coastline, the beauty of the sparkling sea and its ice floes, the wildlife and the tundra adorned in its fall colors, and the jagged mountains glistening with fresh snow - all were beyond description.
We returned to Shishmaref the summer of 1996. The ensuing kayaking journey proved to be more interesting and rewarding than we possibly could imagined. It was also the most difficult and dangerous, but by then we felt we had developed the appropriate skills, and were better equipped to handle the conditions.
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Pacific Crest Trail #1
1987
Thru-hike number 1
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Paddling on the Brink
1976
Baja Sea-Kayaking #3
Ready to begin, we feel suddenly alone. Immensely alone, to say nothing about committed and vulnerable. A wave of misgiving floods over me, and for the first time in months of planning and preparation the prospects of a successful outcome seem absurd. I utter those classic words aloud: "What have we gotten ourselves into this time?" Having heard this many times before, Linda breaks into a grin. And with that we shove our kayak into the sea and begin our paddling adventures. | |
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Pacific Crest Trail #3
1994
Thru-hike number 5
This was a south bound hike, starting with much snow slogging through the North Cascades and finishing in the hot and thirsty deserts. It was our second light-weight hike, and our the first thru-hike to use a tarp, rather than a tent. | |
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Pikes Portage & Coppermine
2005
Northern Paddling Trip #8
A pull-all-the-stops, full blown expedition across an amazingly vast wilderness area. During the planning stages we asked ourselves the question: "How much adventure can we pack into a mere six weeks of free time?" We are both extremely pleased with the results. It was an unforgettable experience and one of our very best trips yet. We started in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories Canada, paddled the Great Slave Lake, carried our outfit over Pike's Portage, worked up to Clinton-Colden and Aylmer lakes, then paddled down the Coppermine River and finished at the native village of Kugluktuk on the coast of the Arctic Ocean. 44 portages totaling 15 mi. | |
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Back River
1999
Northern Paddling Trip #6
Back & Meadowbank Rivers. Across the Barrenlands of Sub-arctic Canada, From Sussex Lake traveling down the Back River, up the Meadowbank River, over the Divide and down to the hamlet of Baker Lake, for a total of 736 miles in 40 days. 1999. | |
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Hello America Bicycle Tour
2004
We peddled our tandem bicycle across the country, from coast to coast - twice in one trip. "There and back again." | |
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Appalachian Trail #2
2009
Thru-hike number 6
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Appalachian Trail #3
2010
Thru-hike number 7
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Pacific Crest Trail #2
1991
Thru-hike number 2
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IUA Hike & Bike
2003
IUA Hike & Bike, Canada to Mexico through Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Ray & Jenny Jardine. After hiking for a month through Idaho, generally along the Idaho/Montana border, we came down of the mountains to the plains of northern Utah and met our Nemesis - cattle had fouled the water sources to bad that we could no longer continue hiking our planned route. We spent a harrowing 24 hours without water, and finally made it out to a town. Rather than abandon the journey, we bought mountain bikes at a x-mart for $149 each, and switched to riding. What we did not anticipate was how much fun riding these bikes was! And now we could easily reach the next water source, invariably a town. And even though the bikes were far less than optimal, we averaged around 75 miles a day on them, with a high of 95 miles. | |
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The Cardon Coast
1989
Baja Sea-Kayaking #9
The year following our 3,300 mile kayak trip to the Arctic, and immediately following our 10 day hike on the John Muir Trail and 12 days float trip on the Yellowstone River, Jenny and I paddled and sailed the "Sea Tub" (a highly-modified collapsible double) from San Felipe to La Paz. | |
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TransAm Cycling
2010
After completing two thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail, I cycled across the country, coast to coast, generally following the Trans-America Cycling Route. Peddling thorough 11 states, the scenery along this route was very beautiful, but also the many and often-steep hills were extra challenging. Near the end of the trip Jenny joined me on a borrowed bike, and we finished the journey at saltwater's edge at Chesapeake Bay. | |
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Climbing Huascarán
1969
Nevado Huascarán, 22,205' Peru's highest mountain
I took a month's leave from my job as an aerospace engineer to join a mountain climbing expedition to the Peruvian Andes. I was a proficient climber and mountaineer, but this was my first trip out of the country. Little did I suspect that the people I would meet and climb with would have such an impact on my lifestyle. I was super active in the outdoors before, but this was the trip that started my lifestyle as a full time adventurer. | |
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Headwind Magnet
1995
Northern paddling trip #2
A sea-kayaking journey along the W coast of Alaska. We started at St Marys near mouth of Yukon River (at the nearest airport large enough to handle the rigid double kayak), and paddled 100 miles down the river to Norton Sound. Then we continued all the way around the sound to Nome, and farther to the village of Shishmaref. | |
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Kazan River
2001
Northern paddling trip #7
A key feature of these trips is the urge to explore and discover, which is the essence of the journey - the quest, the continual ongoing nature of traveling - day after day - without seeing another person. The beauty of the Barrenlands, its lakes and the rivers are also incomparable. We love the feeling of openness that just goes on and on for hundreds of miles. The feeling that we have practically the whole river - all 560-miles of it - to ourselves. It's invigorating. At every place we stop and stand there a few long moments just to soak it in. Every place is new, different and fresh. What a privilege to have so much land to explore and enjoy. | |
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In the Himalayas
2007
Climbing the Khumbu Icefall and up to Camp 2 on Everest
I joined an expedition to climb Mount Everest. All went well for the first month of acclimatizing to the high altitudes. I felt strong as the others in my team, and like them I was extremely focused on the goal. Then one day the doctors got wind of a preexisting medical condition (that I was hiding), and essentially booted me off the team. It was a very sad day for me and the others when I had to leave the expedition and return to civilization. Still, I had a blast just being part of the action during that time, climbing the famous Khumbu Icefall and up to Camp 2 below the Lhotse face. | |
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Moto-America
2011
Motorcycled twice across the US, from Arizona to Georgia then north to ride the Tail of the Dragon and Blue Ridge Parkway. Then west to California and back home to Arizona. | |
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Moto-Prudhoe
2011
Motorcycled from Arizona east to New Mexico and joined the GDR (Great Divide Route) at Silver City. Followed the GDR in general terms north to Montana, then once in Canada visited beautiful Banff and Jasper National Parks. Then on to Fairbanks Alaska and the Dalton Highway "Haul Road" to Deadhorse and Prudhoe Bay and the Arctic Ocean.
The return trip took me south back through Canada and the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler. Reaching the coast I drove the bike on a ferry to Vancouver Island. Then another ferry from Victoria to Port Angeles. Back in the USA I followed the coast down to Oceanside CA, then a long night's ride back to Arizona and home.
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Continental Divide Trail
1992
Thru-hike number 3
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Greenland Ice Cap
2006
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Climbing Vinson Massif
2007
In the wake of our South Pole trip, I didn't want to leave Antarctica quite yet, and climbing the highest mountain (Vinson Massif), appealed to me greatly. Never mind that I didn't have climbing boots and gear. I bought or borrowed them, and joined an incoming climbing group. The climb was a success, and in retrospect I might have been the first person to ski to the pole and climb the highest mountain in a single trip. Never mind that, it was fun time! | |
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Appalachian Trail #1
1993
Thru-hike number 4
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Mackenzie & Arctic Coast
1997
Northern paddling trip #4
Paddled "Nunaluk" down the Mackenzie River 975 miles in 24 days from Ft. Providence to Inuvik, then float-planed to our turn-around point of last summer on the coast, and paddled to Tuk - 200 miles in 12 days. East of Tuk the ice was solid and looked like it would stay that way. So we switched to plan B: paddling one of the inland rivers. | |
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Thelon River
1997
Northern paddling trip #5
Continued from Northern paddling trip #4: East of Tuk the ice was solid and looked like it would stay that way. So we switched to plan B, which was to paddle one of the inland rivers. We tried to air cargo the kayak to Yellowknife, but after waiting in Yellowknife a week for the yak to arrive (got in a ton of great hiking) we arranged to truck the yak home. Unfortunately most of our gear was in the kayak. We went to the Wal-Mart store and bought a cheap Coleman canoe, paddles, life jackets and rubber boots. And at a grocery we bought a month's supply of food. The next morning (July 25) we float planed to Lynx lake, then paddled 575 miles in 24 days down the Thelon River to the village Baker Lake. | |
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Argentina Adventures 1
2007
In the wake of the Antarctica trips (skiing to the South Pole, and climbing Vinson Massif) I wasn't quite ready to return home, so I stopped by to give Aconcagua a try. I had a great time, but discovered that I wasn't acclimatizing to the high altitudes fast enough, no doubt due to the extreme energy drain of skiing to the pole. Nevertheless I climbed to 22,025 feet, (within 300 meters of the summit) had a very good time. | |
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Argentina Adventures 2
2007
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Flight of the Errant Torpedoes
1977
Baja Sea-Kayaking #4
Having learned much from my previous struggles in Baja, this trip proved to be one of my very finest. John and Al were new to kayaking, but in the ensuing days and weeks they became highly proficient. South of Loreto John inadvertently separated from Al and me, and spent the next 5 days paddling solo. We found each-other just 10 miles from La Paz. | |
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Dont break rule #1
1981
Baja Sea-Kayaking #8
Ed and I paddled single kayaks nearly the full length of Baja. He had never kayaked before, but he was a fast learner and had an experienced partner :) We made an excellent team and had a most enjoyable trip. | |
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John Muir Trail
1989
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Snowkiting
2006
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Fulton Chain of Lakes
1996
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Aerospace Composite Construction
1995
"Tempest" (1995), "Siku Kayak" (1996) and "Nunaluk" (1997) are home-built, two-person kayaks of carbon-fiber, Airex and epoxy. Each was self-designed on a home-built CAD program (written by myself). Building Nunaluk took me 4 months of full time work because each component was vacuumed bagged. | |
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Homemade Knives
2003
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Building a Shop
1994
Jenny and I did all work ourselves except for building and hanging the trusses and the garage door. After we had completed our framing, we had a crew pour the concrete slab. | |
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Profile of Sea Kayak Adventurers
1999
Paddler magazine, Jan/Feb 2000, featured this 5-page ARTICLE by Ethan Bellamy, highlighting Ray & Jenny's adventurous lifestyle. | |
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Light Fantastic
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