Meet Patman, one of January's most helpful reviewers

by Seth Levy
February 13, 2012

Congratulations to community members Patman and Tamerlin, authors of the most helpful gear reviews for January.

Patman (aka Patrick) and Tamerlin (aka Rakesh) are our first community members awarded this new monthly recognition: Patman for his review of his Big Anges Fly Creek UL2 tent and Tamerlin for his review of his McHale Super Critical Mass II pack. Both win a Trailspace goodie pack.*

Congratulations, Patman and Tamerlin!

First up, let's meet Patman. Stay tuned for Tamerlin in a separate blog.

Meet Patman

Patman in his Big Anges Fly Creek UL2 tent

When and how did you get interested in going outside?

I was raised by a single parent. My mother grew up near the Smoky Mountains; her life path took her away from the mountains, but I heard her speak longingly of them and that love of the mountains was passed to me.

My family moved from the Florida panhandle to east Tennessee when I was about 10 years old. Our new home bordered a large wooded area of foothills replete with game trails; I began roaming those deer paths and fancied myself quite the adventurer at that time. My day hiking eventually led to backpacking and now I just can't stop.

What do you find most rewarding about going outside?

This is hard to express in words. There is a joyous freedom that resonates within the core of me at reducing my concerns to the immediate and fundamental; food, shelter, clothing, etc. I'm satisfied in a deep way by roaming in nature with my house on my back and the trail before me.

Why were you motivated to review this piece of gear?

Patman gets outside in Tennessee.

I truly value reviews of reasonable efficacy. I simply wanted to return the favor. Most of us work hard for our money and want to spend it wisely.

What are some of your other favorite pieces of equipment?

My most favorite piece of gear is my Mystery Ranch Trance backpack. Strangely, my next favorite is my North Face pants that have been nearly indestructible.

What is one of your favorite outdoors destinations?

I have many favorite spots, one of which is Gregory Bald in the Smokies when the azaleas are in bloom. Every inch of the Roan Highlands is near the top of the list also.

Anything else you'd like to share with the Trailspace community?

Besides my continual encouragement to get out there, here is a favorite quote:

“Deep in man’s heart are some fundamental questions that simply cannot be answered at the kitchen table. Who am I? What am I made of? What am I destined for? It is fear that keeps a man at home where things are neat and orderly and under his control. But the answers to his deepest questions are not to be found on television or in the refrigerator.”
— John Eldredge, Wild at Heart

Great job, Patman!

Besides Trailspace glory, Patman and Tamerlin each will get a goodie pack with an Ibex Zepher Skull Cap with Trailspace logo, a Trailspace Trail Runner Cap, a Trailspace pint glass (for après-backcountry use), stickers, an array of energy bars, and whatever else we dig out of our box of gear swag.

Wondering how you can be so lucky? Each month Trailspace will recognize the member(s) who wrote the review(s) rated most helpful by community members over the previous month.

Be inspired by these reviewers and write a great review of your own gear. Next month someone else will be recognized by the community, and it could be you.