Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Oh, and the saying about them being shaving sharp is absolutely true. I was a little surprised at the grind when I got it - it's a convex grind that is basically stropped to a razor's edge. It doesn't feel really sharp when you're thumbing it, but it will shave arm hair as easy as my knives after a lot of stone/ceramic/strop time. I was really surprised, and I have a bare left forearm as a result.

 

I didn't notice before, but that handle is gorgeous. Is that BLO treated in those pics?

 

Beaut.

 

Seriously, right? Such a pleasure to look at and they beg to be used.

 

I love when shit is made well. Not only functional, but a work of art.
The road bike I own is like that. Built to last a lifetime.
Trying to think of other stuff that I own that is like that...

 

According to the booklet they're all dipped in BLO, left to drip dry then coated in beeswax.

 

Sheath is as well, right? God damnit I want

 

Buy once, cry once! Handmade tools FTW

 

Any one a fan of external frame packs? I love how they feel and distribute weight. I am no way a light backpacker and I enjoy humping weight up a trail. I am looking for a new one but unsure of where to start brand wise. I was never content with the rucks in the military so I don't want to buy one of them.

Also, for you fly fishers out there! I am looking for a new 3 day pack. I don't like to purchase fly fishing branded gear very often since the price is stupid high for a basic backpack. Anyone have a cheaper solution that has worked well for you? I don't need to lug waders around very often and if I did I would just toss them in a bigger pack. My trips are generally a day at most and sub 5 miles but I have been looking at google earth and found some game trails that are around 10 miles. That should get me to waters that are rarely fished. I won't do these trips until next summer due to my pup not being that most active dog . His limit is about 2 -3 miles right now.

 

Not sure how much research you've done so far but the brands are pretty limited: Kelty, ALPS, MountainSmith, High Sierra and JanSport with only a few models each (Kelty seems to lead the way with the most models).

A decent place for consumer reviews: TrailSpace

 

Steripen FTW!!!!

 

For anybody that uses nalgene or other wide neck bottles, these are awesome!


http://www.rei.com/product/729119/guyot-designs-splashguard-universal?stop_mobi=yes

 

I usually end up with most of it down my shirt while wheeling.

 

Same! So I found these, went and picked up 2 and they have worked exactly as advertised.

 

Anybody have one?

 

Yes, these are great for when you are driving!!!

 

Well get to mark one thing off my list, picked up the Deuter Act Lite 40+10 over the holiday sale, should be good for me for 2-3 days.

http://www.rei.com/product/809212/deuter-act-lite-40-10-pack.

 

Nice. That's a sharp looking unit. What colors did you get?

 

For an external framed pack, I'd definitely go with Kelty provided they fit you well and meet your budget. There are a few manufacturers already posted above, but Kelty really has that market held pretty strong and that's where I would personally start.

Can't help you with the fly fishing question, though I could possibly suggest a forum would be a good place to ask, just PM me if you're still curious.

 

Not I, but that's a pretty good discount. Did you pick it up?