Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Holcomb Pinnacles up in Big Bear area has great climbing rock for more beginner levels climbers if anyone is near by. My first time climbing outdoors was Joshua Tree and I got hurt because I pushed myself too hard. When we went to Holcomb Valley next it was a breeze. They have everything from a 5.3 haha to 5.10s/12s etc. great rock, good holds.

 

J-Tree does a number on my hands. I like it there though. Plenty of versatile climbs, you just have to be careful with the ratings. 5.7's established back in the 70's end up climbing more like 5.9s with crazy runouts and very little pro. Any route from the 70's I always presume its at least 2 grades harder out there.

 

I tend to agree. My first ever outdoor climb was on a slick crimper 5.8 out there and I felt like it was way beyond me. Whereas doing an 10 at Holcomb almost felt easy.

 

There's some awesome gyms up near st Louis. It's about 650 a year for one gym and like 680 a year to get the membership where you can visit all 3 of their Missouri locations. Awesome gym and worth it but I don't seem to ever have any spare money lol

 

Thats insanely expensive! The gym I go to costs half that

 

I use to go to a gym not too far from my place called Rock City. it was a decent gym for beginners and lots of bouldering (which is all I do but would like to start top roping and outdoor). $20 a month if you do a friends and family packaged. after 1 year both my friends stop and I couldn't afford the regular cost.

 

Climbmax?

 

Nope PRG. Ive never been to climbmax, they dont have a very good reputation or reviews so i haven't bothered going over there

 

My bro-in-law works at a climbing gym and gave me some great advice. He said you can typically talk gyms down (not sure of the big chains). I found a groupon for the gym I joined and instead of doing the groupon, I talked to a manager and worked a deal outside of groupon so they wouldn't have to pay Groupon fees.

It was an entirely different deal for longer period than the Groupon, so I didn't feel like I was cheating anyone. But in the end, my wife and I joined for $60 a month (included climbing, yoga and exercise classes). Its usually $65 a month per person, so we got a screaming deal just by talking with them for a bit. All they can do is say no.

 

I don't know of any other places in Missouri really.
If you think that's bad I took myself and my gf their the other day and for both of us to get a day pass, and a harness (no shoes, no chalk rental) I paid 44 bucks. Shoes are another 4 bucks and chalk is another 4 bucks.
The place in Arkansas I go to Is all small walls and it's 5 bucks on Fridays lol.
Upper Limits costs too much to go to

 

Damn, dates aren't cheap in the Midwest huh?

My membership to the climbing gym was like $300 I want to say for the year.

 

at PRG is $13 for the daypass $5 for shoes and a harness and $1 for a chalk bag.

Annual membership is $365 gear is $20 a month but honestly if you're climbing enough to buy an annual pass you should buy your own gear. Tax is included in the prices too.

 

So i have no Idea what to use my REI 20% + dividend on now. I was going to get Trekking poles but they were way cheaper on Black Diamond's site because they are getting rid of the 2015 gear. Ended up with a set for $44. I could use a summer sleeping bag I guess.

 

I'm thinking about one of those ultralight chairs right now.. Either the REI flex lite or alite mayfly.

 

I have the Helinox Chair One. It's badass. But I got it for $60 not the $100 it is at REI.

 

@amaes you could get a summer weight double sleeping bag.

 

I got the same thing, and it was like $68 on Amazon. Great sturdy backpacking chair if you don't mind the extra 2#. I'm a big dude and it held me just fine. The REI branded one was a little bit "flexy" for me but perfect for the wife.

 

Another vote for the Helinox Chair One. I have two and they're much better quality and comfort wise than the REI one as far as I can tell.

 

All of this.

 

I would never carry it anywhere though as far as long distance backpacking.