Ray-Way Products
Make Your Own
Hiking and Camping Gear
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"I'm working on backpack kit, the instructions are easy to follow. This is my forth Ray-Way project and I feel like I can now sew anything." John K. "My 1st quilt was finished last weekend - 5 more to go for family, 2 kits arrived today. Slept in mine for 2 nights @ 36'F - lovely! Perfect instructions." -Cassi Y. "I placed another order today, after deciding to make all new gear this winter. My last Ray-Way pack (made 5 years ago) is still going, but torn. My tarp was made from your kit 9 years ago and is still serviceable, but is finally showing signs of sun damage. This is on gear that receives a lot of use each summer. Not bad for the price! I still feel your kits are the best thing going in backpacking equipment. I see so much cuben fiber now on the PCT and have seen a lot of fabric failures due to its use. Glad to see you are not caught up in the hype on that. Anyway, I want to thank you for offering these kits. I can't see how you are making any money on them, but your ideas and techniques have had a huge influence on not only my hiking but also my life." - Scott Williamson "Just a note of appreciation for all you two do. I've been an avid follower of your hiking techniques since reading Beyond Backpacking in 2004, and while we have never met, your insight and knowledge has played such an important role in my life I felt compelled to write you both a "fan letter". I hope you start teaching classes again, because I'd be there for certain. See you on the trails!" -Clint B. "I have bought several of your kits and found them to be excellent!" -Andrew B. "Thanks for all your kit and weight shedding inspiration. lots of snow this summer in the Swedish wilderness Sarek, but the tarp and quilt worked well. Just had to lower it a fair bit in the winds to block the rain and draft. Quilt with Alpine thickness worked really well." - Magnus O., Sweden "Hey guys, Just wanted to say that I very much enjoy my Ray-Way Tarp. I've used a lot of products and have the ability to purchase most products at a discount. However, I'd rather use the tarp in most cases. Simplicity is elegance. Solid work on your product design. I want to put together a Net-Tent as well, so my wife and I will be sewing that up." John W., UT "I have completed my backpack kit. The materials, kit instructions and well engineered, elegant design were much appreciated. Lightweight does not have to be fragile - and now that I have made this pack I can see it lasting for a long, long time. I wish I had this during my boy scout days. Would have made those hikes less painful. Can't wait to put some miles on this pack!" -Brooks P. "Thank you for sharing your journey around the world! I really enjoyed it. Now when I am working on my quilt I can have a better appreciation of the wonderful people who designed it." - David B. "This will be my nineth quilt." Don R. "I've been a fan of your adventure philosophy for many years and have bought all your books. Now I'm looking at your blood cleaner." -Ed B "I bought your tarp and backpack kits a few years ago, and am so happy with both." -Noah, ME "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 with all the gear that I could find, and found that even with the quilt and a bunch of stuff that it weighs less than my old pack did empty!" Eric S. "Our ($800) order is large because we figured we might as well just jump into the “Ray-way” with both feet. It is perhaps a bit rash to order everything at once, but we’ve read through your website thoroughly and from what we’ve read, to use the Ray-way backpacks we need to pare down our shelter and sleeping bags, so we want to go ahead with the whole deal and try it out as it was meant to be used. I don’t anticipate any trouble with the sewing. And your testimonials are numerous and highly positive, so we are pretty confident! We’re looking forward to getting started on the sewing and to using our new lightweight gear on the next adventure!" -Catherine & Dan 0., BC "We want to thank you ever so much for your fast and efficient service. We have received all our merchandise and are extremely satisfied with your service." Burt M. "I received my 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. "Just finished the first two quilts, boy is that fun. My son had a few friends over while I was sewing and he was bragging about his dad sewing and about how lightweight his gear is. What fun to see the look on the boys faces when they saw a dad sitting at a sewing machine. The quilts are awesome and so much better than the pictures elude to. The construction is excellent (as with all your kits) and the instructions are easy to follow. I just ordered more thread because with one backpack, a tarp, 2 quilts, (so far) 3 quilt and stowbags, and other ditty bags and many other little repairs and projects, I finally need more." Geoff G. "I ordered and completed your tarp kit and am excited to try your other products! Now I'm ordering a backpack kit" -Garrett S. "I just ordered one of your two person quilt kits after enjoying your tarp kit so much!" -Scott M., WA "I finished my knife and sheath, as usual the components in the kit and instructions are of the highest quality. I was surprised how pliable the leather is when wet allowing a custom fit to the knife handle. The knife and sheath came out great. Keep up the good work providing motivation and inspiration." Charles P., CA "I love the kits, especially the tarp. I use mine as my main shelter up here in Northern BC. My family doesn't all fit under one tarp anymore! I would like to order another." Dale B. "On the hundred mile wilderness, Maine AT, I carried my 2800 Ray-Way pack plus tarp, spitfire, and quilt (and plenty of food :). I am really proud of how beautifully the kits came out. But more importantly they made my successful completion of hike possible. I love the feeling of freedom your light weight kits have given me. I also love how the system allows me to go from hiking to camping in minutes. The simplicity of Ray's roving hitch really makes setting up the tarp a breeze. The illustrated guide to pitching the tarp in the TBE has really improved my pitching skills. I feel confident in my ability to complete longer treks." - John B. "I just finished the one person quilt with alpine upgrade. It is way lighter than the dinosaur it is replacing. Now I'll need to do extensive testing!!" Jeremy C. "We have made tarps, quilts and stowbags with total satisfaction. Keep up the good work." Phillip B., Australia "The order looks good. Looks like I’ll be sewing for a while. :)" Joshua M., Japan "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 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've made many of your products and was very happy with them during my month on the AT." -Ruth M. "While preparing for our FFT (first Ray Way!), few things have been as valuable as "Trail Life". Early in my studying the book, I started making notes. My notes quickly turned into pages, too large for a web post. So rather than trying to convince experienced outdoor enthusiasts to buy your book, I just started buying extra copies and gifting them. If I hadn't buddied around and climbed with Ray in Yosemite, I might find what the two of you have accomplished as somewhat unbelievable. For the less experienced adventurist, in a one-liner summary I would simply suggest the following: "Ray and Jenny provide not only useful products and trustworthy information to believe - but also, and more importantly - two people to believe IN." You can quote me on that. Thanks again for sharing your experiences, tips and inspirations. I love what you have done and are doing." Craig C., AK "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've enjoyed reading of your adventures for years, and I have several of your books. Thank you so much for your service, and keep up the good work." -dave b. "I ordered another Blood Cleaner for mum and Dad. They seem pretty excited by the idea." - Ben D. "I have made your two person tarp, net and insulated hat and have found them to be excellent for use in the Australian climate. It gives a real sense of satisfaction to know that you made it yourself and results in no end of questions from fellow bushwalkers. They all want to know where it came from and how good it is. In Australia we don't have the range of materials available to us from local suppliers and your kits make it possible to get the best and lightest at a sensible price. Thanks for making my walking so much more enjoyable." Duncan C. "Hi Ray and Jenny, I've started using the Blood Cleaner again. Thanks so much. Its a great device." -Noah D. "your 2-person tarp performed flawlessly in our last outing, bivouacing at 1900m in a pretty stiff breeze (Föhn), temperatures around 10°C (50°F). The next official weather station (Adelboden) recorded gales up to 52km/h that night. We were on 1900 and certainly got our share of that: Anything not weighed down with a rock or staked to the ground would be blown away – I actually was surprised how little your tarp was affected by the wind." - Urs G. "We used our tarp and the net-tent on our 100+ mile trip of traversing the Uintas in Utah. Both were great and went a long way to lightening our loads. The tarp saved us from several severe soakings on the last few days. We were able to set up the tarp quickly and get out of the rain. Thanks for everything!" John W., UT "I'm ordering more Trail Life books to give to friends...appreciate your sharing your trail-learned knowledge...I'm incorporating more of it all the time. Your Trail Life book is a great value." - M. Feltis "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. "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. "Here's why I love my Ray-Way tarp and net-tent (not to mention my Ray-Way quilts and backpacks...): For "fun" this past weekend, I reverted to an old tarptent from an established small manufacturer of light backpacking shelters, a shelter I had from the days before I made all my Ray-Way gear. I'd forgotten how vastly superior the Ray-Way tarp and net-tent are to the older shelter. Because the old tarptent has only one configuration, there was no way to pitch the roof high enough to prevent extremely heavy condensation on the underside of the shelter. While it didn't rain outside, it certainly did inside. I've never had this happen anywhere near this extent in my Ray-Way setup, and, when there is some condensation under my Ray Way tarp, I know I just didn't pitch high enough for conditions. I won't be making that mistake again, and, really, I knew better in the first place. It's time to make stuff-sacks from the commercial tarp tent. Thanks for having made Ray-Way available. It's truly great stuff!" - Kerry R. "Four thumbs up! I wanted to let you know that I've been to two healthcare professionals, who, upon learning of your Blood Cleaner device, encouraged me to continue using it, saying that it sounds plausible as a treatment for blood-borne pathogens." -Donna C. "The kits are packaged very well, arrive promptly and go together as instructed. Completed projects: 2-person tarp, Quilt, Knife kit. In Progress: Knife kit, Stowbag. Thanks again" Larry B. "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, tarp, backpack and stowbag kits, 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 Lady "THANK YOU!!!! i love my pack- this one is for my husband (he said he'd even sew it!)" Elleyne B. "Just let me say that Ray is THE God of backpacking in my book. When I read the Hiker's Handbook some 20 years ago I was blown away and Ray forever changed my outlook on the great outdoors. And he singlehandedly created an ultralight movement and a cottage industry to support it!" -Mark C. "I LOVE my Ray-Way quilt and have ordered another quilt kit for my sis for Christmas." -Deborah H. "Now that my son has outgrown the pack I made for him almost 2 years ago, he's sewing a bigger one. I'm sewing a higher capacity one for myself at the same time, so we are going step by step together. This is his second sewing project, having started learning on a quilt stowbag. We're going slowly, and we're very thankful for the excellent instructions you guys have developed. Thanks Ray and Jenny." Mike W., CA "Big fan of your books and the Ray-Way hiking products. Ive completed two of the Ray-Way tarp kits and just ordered the stow bags and shell pants kit. You guys are the best!" - Dan D. "I have been using my Blood Cleaner for over a month with great results. As a trail runner I'd like thank you for developing a tool of this nature and selling it for such a reasonable price. And thanks for writing about your adventures, I love reading about them and find the travelogues to be inspirational and educational." -Andrew F., CA "I did the Blood Cleaner for two months, and I feel great." -Jeff C. "I finally thru hiked the AT with my son. I was a student of Ray's in a 1975 Outward Bound course. He has been a life long guru to me. Thank you Ray!" - Rob S., NH "Thanks for providing such awesome, and well-thought kits. My son (now 15) and I made one of your two person tarps last summer. He's a very active Eagle Scout and has been using it exclusively ever since, even in the winter. He says he'll never use a tent again. The tarp is 1/3 the weight of his "lightest" backpacking tent. He camped under it this winter in temperatures below 20F at night and he said he was warmer under the tarp than he's ever been in a tent in winter. He's also read your book Trail Life cover to cover several times and says he learns something new every time. He's one of your biggest fans. Keep up the good work." Scott M., IN "The Ray-Way quilts are awesome; I haven't used a sleeping bag once since making my first quilt a year or so ago. This includes two trips in snow, and a few near-freezing temp trips in the desert. 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. "Hello Ray, Jenny! I'm currently putting together several of your kits (I've finished the Quilt, Tarp and I'm about halfway through the Backpack), I can't stress enough how awesome the projects are. I've really gotten to enjoy sewing, and am extremely proud of the projects I've finished. Another bonus is that the instructions are so well thought out and detailed that you're practically given no room to mess up :) I've found that any delays in sewing were due to me not having read them carefully enough, thus spending time with the seam ripper :) And, the triple and quadruple stitching on the backpack shoulder straps almost made me feel like I was putting together a parachute harness! :)" Dan D., Prague, Czech Republic "I finished making my beautiful quilt a few weeks ago and I am 100% pleased with the results. I work with an outfitter here in Tennessee and I can honestly say that nothing on our wall matches the performance of the quilts simple design and modest price." Jeff D. "People have commented that your thread lasts forever." -Julius D., FL "Trail Life is the most read-over book I've ever owned!" -Michael M., BC. "Your kits bring a sense of satisfaction that one doesn't get from buying gear! I know you care about others' experiences, so thank you from the bottom of my heart." Elleyne B. "My package arrived this afternoon! Thanks again for the unmatched customer service and fast shipping. I will definitely recommend you to friends and family!" Joe W., TN "Your Trail Life book was a cornerstone in helping my family complete our first backpacking trip, the JMT. Also, the one-person quilt with 2 layers of alpine insulation was a sensation. We swapped quilts throughout the trip and found that the Ray-Way quilt was a great deal warmer than the 20 degree down quilt of equal loft." -Sam J, KY "I’ve really enjoyed sewing all the kits I’ve ordered from you." -Chris J., CA "I love your kits and books! I have made 2 backpacks, a quilt and an assortment of stuff sacks and storage bags. Top notch materials, directions and patterns. After reading your excellent book Trail Life, I am ready to make some shell pants." - Scott C. CA "Just wanted to say thank you for your great kits. I was a bit skeptic about the Quilt's temperature rating, and i didn't want to freeze, so i ordered the extra layer. I have never used a quilt before (or a high performance lightweight bag either....) so when I finished sewing it I decided to test it. The weather was perfect - cold and clear with just a breeze blowing from the north. There was a thick layer of snow covering everything and reflecting the clear moonlight. I had a wonderful nights sleep there in my backyard on the snow with my sleeping pad and my new warm quilt and nothing but stars above me. I checked the temperature and was very impressed when i saw it was -10C (14F) !!! I felt that the Draftstopper and Gorget really helped me in keeping warm." Jonas N., Sweden "Thanks for the great kits. I have completed the tarp, quilt, hat, backpack, and a knife kit and have ordered a net tent kit. I must say that the instructions in your kits are bombproof. They are extremely well written and make the process easy. You simply do one simple thing at a time. My son and I spent a week on the trail in Shenandoah National Park. The backpack and tarp performed exceptionally. We even weathered a couple of blistering thunderstorms and stayed completely dry. We used many principles and ideas from Trail Life to keep our packs light." Ron S., VA "If you are considering hiking all or part of the PCT, I recommend you forget all that you know about hiking, especially if it is based on conventional backpacking knowledge. Study Ray's advice and you will learn things the easy way, rather than having to learn from your struggles like I did my first year on the trail." - Scott Williamson "I just returned from a trip along the JMT and my Ray-Way tarp worked fantastic! There was quite a bit of rain, thunder, lightning and hail but the tarp took it all in stride. My Ray-Way quilt also worked great!" -Darren O. "After doing a 50 mile slog through Kings Canyon in California with my son's scout team, I wanted to try lighter weight backpacking gear. The thought of making it myself with your kits intrigued me. My wife got me started sewing the 2-man tarp on her sewing machine. I heard her laughing and telling my daughter that I was actually sewing. The instructions provided told me everything I needed to know. My son and I tested the tarp out tonight in the backyard with a hose. It's water tight and ready to go! I'm starting the backpack next." Steve S. "I ordered a tarp kit, net-tent kit, 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. "I am really enjoying the process of building your kits. So far I have finished my first quilt and stuff bag. They are beautiful and I can't wait to try it out in two weeks on the Tamarak Trail. Thank you so much for your guidance and your very useful information." -Frank A., NY "Loved Trail Life and had to buy one for my backpacking buddy so she would stop borrowing mine." Heather R. "I have been an ultra light hiker for years and have purchased many of your kits. I would like to thank you for all of your time and expertise. I have been exceptionally pleased with them." -Scot F. "I really appreciate Ray and Jenny sharing what they know and producing the kits that allow me to experience the joy of making my own equipment and using it to experience the joy of being in the wild places. Thank you so much!" -Steve "Hey Ray and Jenny! Just ordered the tarp and net kits for my PCT thru hike this year! Couldn't go wrong with your products, I've heard nothing but praise!" -Mark D. "I recently finished a quilt kit--thank you so much--it works great! Now that I've made one quilt, the next one will be a piece of cake. Thanks!" Steven B. "I absolutely love the two person deluxe quilt. It's amazing how light it is. I love how you can adjust how it's positioned over you, so you don't have a heat stroke like in a mummy bag. Thanks for putting these kits together and making them available." Jason D. "I just made a second quilt, this one with extra insulation for winter camping, and had one of the coziest nights ever at bitingly cold Joshua Tree over the weekend. This was under a tarp, while wearing the insulated hat. A ray-way triumvirate!" Scott G. "Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world!" -Jason B "I started using the Blood Cleaner, and it's working wonderfully, as well as making Nano silver I'm getting Great results! I'm so impressed with this unit, and means a lot to me knowing they are hand made by Ray and Jenny, two very intelligent people! I just bought another 300 Blood Cleaner just to put away. Everyone should have one of these, healthy or not! Just makes so much common sense. Once again Thank you both so much!" -Sherry R., Canada "Thank you so much for sharing your products with us and encouraging us to create! So many lessons about life learned by sewing." -Jim D. "I think your kits are fantastic." Jeanette E. "Just ordered a couple more books. Love giving them away." - Craig C. "I just want to thank you for all the knowledge you've imparted for a great cause. Not only innovative and inspiring but also well written. You have changed my life. I sewed a Ray-way tarp and I'm hoping to use it on the AT this summer." Paul E., MN "I recently completed my first project - a 1P quilt made with Light fabric and the extra layer. It looks great, especially considering its the first time I've used a sewing machine! I had ordered the extra 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've made several of your kits. Really like them!" -Brad J. "I just placed an order for some of your awesome thread. I'm about to run out and realize now I should have followed your advice and ordered more than one spool! oh well, I ordered 3 this time because I can't imagine using any other thread for any of my projects ever again." Joel C., IN "Thank you so much Jenny and Ray, for assembling and shipping my new life on the trail! Your life of exciting adventure breathes vigor to my dreams." - Chris H. |
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Ray-Way Products
We Make Kits for Sewing Your Own Contrary to common 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 the products are 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. Our kits contain only the finest and lightest synthetic materials.
We design our kits for ease of sewing
Literally thousands of people have completed our kits without problems, most with no sewing experience. All that is required is a bit of patience, and the determination to follow our instructions carefully.
Why Sew? * Sewing Tips * Integrity Paradigm See our Order Form for additional info. My home-made Ray-Way gear is A+ professional in function, looks, design, and strength! Not to mention lasting over 9 years of all year around heavy use!" - James G., CA Saturday, 23rd of March, 2019: 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. We usually send out kit orders the same day they are received (if received by 2:00 pm) or the next working day.
Ray-Way Special: $5.00 Discount for including a Tarp Kit, Net-Tent Kit, and a Tarp Book Essential with your order. Applies to any type of net-tent, any color and fabric. Be sure to check the discount box, near the bottom of our Order Form, that triggers the $5.00 off.
Ray-Way Quilt Kit
Ray-Way One-Person Quilt (kit) is used at camp or home for sleeping at night. It works like a sleeping bag, but is open underneath you. You lie on your foam pad and drape the quilt over you like a blanket. But unlike a blanket, the quilt is contoured, so that it molds to the shape of your body. Our quilt design is much more efficient in terms of its reduced weight and bulk, because it eliminates the useless part of the sleeping bag flattened beneath you. It is just 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. Our Quilt Kit comes in one-person and two-person models, and contains the finest and lightest synthetic materials, and complete, step by step illustrated sewing instructions. The sewing is not difficult. See Why Sew? and Sewing Tips "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. Our Quilt Kits also make wonderful "blankets" for beds. You can make them full width and length, and with no leg taper or foot pocket. For use at home, or as gifts to loved ones. Due to its light weight, you might be amazed how comfortable a quilt "blanket" is to sleep under. Fabulous!
Quilt Stowbag Kit(kit) is for carrying the quilt in a Ray-Way backpack while hiking. This stowbag is ultralight, waterproof, economical, and easy to sew. All our kits include detailed and illustrated sewing instructions.
Quilt Storage Bag Kit
Qulit Storage Bags
Sleeping Pad Kit(kit) This Kit will allow you to modify a foam pad so that it fits folded snugly inside your Ray-Way Backpack. The kit comes with detailed instructions. Not included in the kit, you will need to buy a foam pad from your local sporting goods or department store for modification with this kit.
Ray-Way Tarp Kit
(kit) 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 Essential. 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 (even one with extra-large vents), and on a cold night that moisture saps body heat. The Ray-Way Tarp comes in Kit form, and includes detailed and illustrated sewing instructions. Sewing this kit is not difficult. Please see Why Sew?. "I just finished my Ray-Way Tarp Kit. 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. "This weekend my wife and I took our newly constructed Ray-Way tarp to the desert for its inaugural voyage. We particularly enjoyed sleeping under the tarp which allowed us to enjoy the night without sweltering inside our old claustrophobic tent. Not to mention leaving four unnecessary pounds at home and the deeper connection to the landscape of stars and sounds of the night." -Ben T. "After a tremendous rainstorm one night, we were totally dry using our Ray-Way tarp. Some friends who had camped in their 3-season tent were soaked. Thanks for a new frame of reference." -Jim H. "Using the Ray-Way tarp in the high Wasatch Mountains, we experienced the first winter storm. 1.57 inches of moisture in the form of rain, sleet, hail and eight inches of snow. I pitched the tarp using the two pole Ray-Way method. My tarp was one of three structures out of eight that did not sustain any damage and collapse from the wet snow. In the morning I had 18 inches of snow piled on each side of the tarp, but not a drop of water inside! If I had any questions about the design of the tarp, they were answered last Friday night." -John M. Venture Crew 9112 Advisor, US.Army.Mil
Net-Tent Kit
Ray-Way Tarp and Net-Tent Our Ray-Way Net-Tent comes in several designs and sizes: please see our Order Form:
Quadratic Kit Sewing Video
BatWing Kit
BatWing
The Ray-Way Tarp Book Essential
312 information-packed pages, A few hundred B/W photos, and lavishly illustrated The book includes the history of the Ray-Way Tarp design, and explains why Ray and Jenny enjoy tarp camping so much. The book describes campsite selection and tarp pitching methods, and includes several photo sequences of knot tying for tarp pitching. There are chapters on bugs and critters and rain and wind - all the questions and perhaps reservations that a person might have in regards to tarp camping.
Rays A.T. Gear Video
Run time: 93 minutes
Ray-Way Backpack Kit
Ray-Way Backpack (kit) The majority of highly-touted features on most backpacks actually work against a person. For one thing, they add weight - and of course expense. They also tend to waste one's time spent fiddling with them. Contrary to the hype, most of those features are designed for marketing rather than hiking. We designed our Ray-Way backpack for thru-hiking, and have used it during all of our many multi-thousand mile backpack trips. Our backpack is extremely light-weight, and yet very durable when taken well care of. Our kit Includes all the needed materials as well as detailed, step-by-step sewing instructions with many illustrations. The last Ray-Way backpack I made has done over 10,000 miles, so I'm ordering a new one. Still the best pack out there! -Scott Williamson 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. I have sewn nine backpack kits. Two for myself, and others as gifts. Still planning on the AT with ALL Ray-Way gear. -Craig H. Also be sure to check out our Backpack Pocket Kit:
Sixteen home-made Ray-Way backpacks at one of Ray and Jenny's outdoor classes "Your designs underwent a very rigorous six day field trial with sixteen sets of Ray-Way gear (backpacks, tarps, and quilts). To my knowledge there was not one failure and this was by mostly novice seamsters. WOW!" David d.
Backpack Sewing DVD Video
Jenny demonstrates the sewing while Ray narrates. And during the one hour run time, we detail the backpack's complete construction, start to finish. The video shows how easily the backpack kit goes together, and it also provides an understanding of the assembly methods, for those who prefer to learn in a visual and audio context. For someone who prefers, instead, to read and study printed instructions, those that come with the kit describe the process fully, step by step. The video is not meant to replace those printed instructions.
Insulated Hat Kit
The Hat consists of one layer of Alpine synthetic insulation, which is about 0.9" thick. This insulation is sandwiched between two layers of lightweight nylon fabric. So the hat is fully reversible. Intended for use with a quilt or sleeping bag, as well as outdoor activities such as camping and hiking in cool to cold weather. The hat is highly breathable, allowing normal insensible perspiration to evaporate - so it offers maximum warmth. "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 1 oz 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 2.3 oz and was pretty thin. The Ray-Way Insulated Hat weighs only 1oz.(!!!), is several times thicker (much warmer), and is totally windproof!! 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.
Ray-Way Knife Kit
Ray-Way Knife Kit The wooden handle comes in pre-drilled pieces that you epoxy together and shape to suit. The finished Knife is considerably lighter in weight than almost all expensive knives with good quality steel in them. This means you can take your Ray-Way knife hiking, backpacking, or whatever, with minimal extra weight. This is a beautiful knife, and because you made it yourself, this will give your knife much more meaning than a store bought one. "I loved the kit and the instructions and the way everything went together just as the instructions said. The wood 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.
Sheath Kit(kit) The sheath is the open pouch type, protecting the blade while securing the knife by friction alone. It is meant to be carried in the backpack rather than worn on a belt. This is for reasons of simplicity and safety. Our Sheath Kit contains a full set of illustrated instructions, and a set of patterns for cutting out the leather sheath, the welt, and an optional Lightning Bolt pattern for tooling the leather. After cutting out the leather, you punch holes for the stitching, following our template, then hand-stitch the sheath closed. Very simple!"The leather sheath kits are superb! The instructions and materials are flawless. Thank you for the continued inspiration and integrity you bestow to this wonderful life. This art is highly rewarding. With gratitude," -Will Lady
Knife Sharpening Kit(kit) The Ray-Way Knife blade will do a LOT of cutting before it needs sharpening. It started out very sharp, and the steel is uncommonly high in quality. In fact, some of our customer's Ray-Way Knives will probably never need sharpening, if well cared for. At the same time, with a lot of use, any knife will become dull, and the use of our sharpening kits will easily bring the sharpness back.
Knife Stropping Kit(kit) After you have finished using the sharpening boards using the three grits of wet-&-dry, and have achieved the sharpest blade that you can, then it's time to strop the blade to make it razor sharp. The video shows how this is done.
Knife Sharpening Video(DVD Video) In this video Ray shows how to use our Sharpening and Stropping Boards on the Ray-Way Knife to achieve the sharpest blade possible.We produced this video in real time, without repeating takes, so you could see the actual process of sharpening a Ray-Way Knife to a "wicked" degree of sharpness. To make it real, there was no re-shooting and filling in of gaps. And we were very careful to show the specific details so you can emulate Ray's techniques. Run time: 60 minutes
Atlantic Caper Video
A 23-foot ocean rowboat.
Ray & Jenny's Atlantic Crossing "I have to say that Atlantic Caper is one of the best documentaries that we've seen!" -R. S.
"Atlantic Caper is a fantastic show! Thank you so much for investing the time and effort to produce this gem of a movie. The production values are surprisingly good, the editing and narration are first rate, and the on-ocean footage is breathtaking." -Brett T.
"Caper Across the Atlantic is awesome! Last Friday night, we sat in awe of the adventure, the sunsets and sunrises, the Ocean. Congratulations, and the professionalism is impressive." -Ben A.
"I've watched your video three times now and I think it's super!!! I must admit I cried when you left La Gomera and I cheered and cried when you arrived at Barbados. Sure was glad you included the Skydiving also! Great!!" - D. J.
Siku Kayak
Paddling the Coast of Arctic Alaska(Book) 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 "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 was quite impressed with Siku Kayak. I love the way you kept printing costs down, yet managed to include tons of inspiring photos though your website. Outstanding adventure!" -Ben T.
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., VA "Jenny and Ray, Just to let you know that 'Trail Life' was our number-one book for the year. Congratulations and thank you." - [One of the world's foremost retailers of outdoor gear] "This morning there came a knock on the door. It was our mailman with a package. I immediately 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. "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. 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.
Ray-Way Sewing Thread.
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Refresh this page in your browser to see different photos This column: "A life of Adventure" 
Profile Profile of Ray Jardine Profile 
Skiing to South Pole 
Rowing Across the Atlantic Ocean 
Global Voyage 
Saga of Sea Tub 
Sea-kayaking the Coast of Arctic Alaska 
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail #3 
Canoeing Coppermine River & Pikes Portage 
Canoeing the Back River 
Hello America Bicycle Tour 
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail #1 
Hiking the Appalachian Trail #2 
Hiking the Appalachian Trail #3 
The Cardon Coast 
Bicycling the TransAmerica Trail 
Climbing Huascaran 
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail #2 
Sea Kayaking the Western Coast of Alaska 
Himalayan Adventures 
Sea Kayaking Baja #1 San Felipe to Bahia de los Angeles 14 Days, the Sea of Cortez with Five Other Paddlers Sea Kayaking Baja #1 
Paddling on the Brink 
Canoeing the Kazan River 
IUA Hiking & Biking Adventure 
Greenland Skiing and SnowKiting Adventures 
Hiking the Continental Divide Trail 
Climbing Vinson Massif 
2014-07 GDRx2 
Moto-America 
Moto-Prudhoe 
Jennys First Moto Trip 
Moto-Baja 
Moto-Mexican-Dragon 
Motorcycling Canyonlands 
Motorcycling the Four Corners 
Motorcycling CA Mountains & Coast North through Sierras, South along the Pacific Coast. 11 days, 3,282 miles Motorcycling CA Mountains & Coast 
Motorcycling TAT-CO 
Motorcycling the Western TAT 
2014-09 GDRx2 
Flight of the Errant Torpedoes 
Dont Break Rule #1 
Pearl Four 
Sea Kayaking Mackenzie River & Arctic Coast Down the Mackenzie River & Along the Arctic Coast 36 days, 1,175 miles Sea Kayaking Mackenzie River & Arctic Coast 
Canoeing Thelon River 
Adventures on Mt. Aconcagua 
Argentina Adventures 
Father's Memorial 
2013-07 GDRx2 
2015-09 GDRx2-FW 
2015-11-Baja 
Hiking the John Muir Trail 
Snowkiting Adventures Skis, Wind and Kites Snowkiting Adventures 
Hiking the Appalachian Trail #4 (part 1/3) 
Hiking the Appalachian Trail #4 (part 2/3) 
Hiking the Appalachian Trail #4 (part 3/3) Building a Shop 
Canoeing Fulton Chain of Lakes 
Primitive Skills Living in the Wilds Primitive Skills 
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