Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

FUck i knew some rational adults would come in and burst my young-minded approach...

haha, i welcome it all though. So that's a solid bag im guessing?

EDIT: REI is doing 25% off all osprey bags so it may work out

 

If you apply for their credit card right now you get a $100 gift card. Plus your 25% off (If they allow both. Maybe ask first) you should be able to get whatever pack you want.

In my experience the Atmos AG 50 or 65 is the best for heavier loads. Their Exos 48 or 58 is a solid option for people wanting to transition into ultralight backpacking but still want a frame and full/traditional features of a typical pack.

Do whatever you feel is best ha I just like to weigh both sides as much as possible before deciding. I feel like if you buy that other pack just because it's cheap you'll end up using it a few times and realizing that you needed this or that, smaller probably, etc. and end up getting the right one anyway. Just food for thought.

 

they sent me a booklet because im a REI member today in the mail and thats what it says

 

Perfect. I was getting her the pack anyway. Thanks.

 

I believe it starts on the 13th and ends on the 23rd so thats the window

 

Gracias.

 

In my opinion, just because you get a bigger pack doesn't mean you need to load it up (self control is required, however). It's true that it is easy to overload a larger pack with stuff you don't need. My strategy is to have a slightly larger pack than I need, but have it come with plenty of cinch straps so you can tighten the pack around your load. Then, if you do need it for a longer voyage or somewhere that requires a bear canister or larger piece of equipment, you have the pack space. Plus, packing a larger pack is much easier to work with. Just cinch up the straps around the load to compact it, and you're good to go.

 

What kind of pack do you use by chance?

 

My current pack is a Kelty Coyote 80. Great value at $150, and their newer model is very adjustable and comfortable. Plenty of space for the bear canisters we had to use in Yosemite, and I like that it has the torso adjustment straps you can pull down after you already have the pack on. Much better than having to take the pack on and off to adjust, but once it's set you're good to go. Easy loading either via top or front load, pouches on the waist belt, good hip support, good ventilation on the back. To me, it's one of the best values on the market for a quality light but tough pack that can hold a ton of gear or cinch down to be just a day pack. The top comes off and can be used as a fanny pack quick excursion bag. I haven't used it for that yet, but it's there if I want to drop the main pack and have something to hold gear for a quick summit or exploration of the area.

 

Another pack to consider... =o

Theres just so many different setups but which will get the job done best for me

Im looking for
:High Capacity(50-80L)
:Adjustability when im now using the full capacity (i like the feature on the Kelty for this reason)
:Breathability: as much as i like sweat chllin on my back i'd rather not
: Durable

If i can find something that has those things sub 150$ or around that mark i'd be a happy man, I am enjoying the various inputs from members who already have packs and i welcome y'alls opinions on this matter as i only want to buy once, cry once.

 

The Atmos will be more breathable that most other packs and meets all those requirements except price. Ha

 

I like to go to REI and try on all of the different models. They have weight pillows that you can put into the packs to do a load test, so I throw in 40# (most I'll ever carry) into it and see how it fits when full. Play around with the adjustments and pick the brains of the workers who help you fit the packs. Go with what fits your body best and keeps you balanced.

And never underestimate the usefulness of hiking poles. They take a huge load off of your back and legs and distribute it to your arms, while adding significant balance for those steep or uneven parts of the trail.

 

no lie, i thought it was just something the "cool" hikers took with them..

Guess i'll be hitting up rei then lol

 

This is the best advice I've seen today on this issue. Size, brand, best deal, etc doesn't mean anything if it doesn't fit and is comfortable.

 

Well, ive gotta go to the Apple store in Greenville anyway on friday for my macbook so i may as well hit up REI while im in the area of it.

I'll report back with what i find

 

It's no joke. Go on any serious long distance trail like JMT, PCT, AT, etc. and anyone who's serious will have hiking poles. People without them are at a severe disadvantage. Same goes with gaiters, too. I hate having to stop and clean out pebbles from my shoes and gaiters eliminate that. They keep dust and crap out of your shoes/socks and make for a much more comfortable and healthy hike for your feet.

 

I used to think hiking poles just looked stupid. Then I had some serious injury issues and decided to try them out for a hike. Holy crap does it make a huge difference. And now they're part of my shelter so that lightens my pack load even more. I couldn't do a long hike without them now that I've had them for a while.

 

They literally add miles to your day, and really save your knees, hips, and back no matter what age.

 

On a side note since we're talking about packs..

Scrap the waterproof pack cover and invest in a full poncho that covers you and your pack. Sea to Summit makes a great product that also doubles as a tarp shelter (use your hiking poles as supports, too). When using just a rain jacket and a separate pack cover, water always creeps down between your pack and your jacket. Water then seeps into the back of your pack, getting your contents wet during those long downpours. Plus, the pressure of your pack pushes water into your rain jacket (unless you're wearing plastic rain gear), and over time will seep through to your clothes.

http://www.seatosummit.com/product/?item=Ultra-Sil®+Nano+Tarp+Poncho&o1=0&o2=0&o3=189-32

 

I really like this thread!

I recently bought this head lamp, 550 lumens, very satisfied, 4 intensity of brightness, a strobe and a safety to not light it up in your backpack when you carry it.



I am now considering those figure 9 Carabiner to hold my hammock when camping. Do you guys tried them? are they strong enough to be put at each end of my hammock and old up to 220 lbs?