Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Aeropress is awesome and much easier clean-up (less to no water needed) for use in desert areas.

http://www.aerobie.com/product/aeropress/

 

As a coffee snob, I loathe instant. However, in a pinch, mixed with half a packet of hot chocolate makes a great mocha!

 

If I could chime in -

I like the MSR stainless steel pots. Yes, they are heavier than aluminum, but I think you get better heat spread and the SS is more durable (less dent-able) than aluminum.

I have a GSI stainless pot set in my teardrop, and the metal is a little on the thin side. They work, but you have to be careful not to overheat the pot.

Now, my GSI coffee pot is great.

 

Aeropress rigs are amazing. I ran one almost every morning for over a year before I bought a nice espresso machine. Held up great. Would be perfect for camping as long as you could heat water somehow.

 

Got the same one!! Love this set very much!

 

What is everyone using as far as 2person tents go? I'm not concerned about weight or anything because I won't be camping anywhere too far from my truck, but need something that is a nice, sturdy, and extremely waterproof tent. I have some weird shitty academy sports 4 person right now and it's trash, I basically bought it to use once because I never thought I'd get into camping, but boy was I wrong. And having a shitty tent is pretty much what keeps me from camping more often.

 

Not really such thing as extremely waterproof IMO.

Budget?

 

Like to keep it under $150-200. I found a nice looking one for like $130 but I'm not super educated on tents... At all. But I wouldn't be opposed to dropping a decent amount of money on one if it's going to work well and me be able to use it for years.

 

Most modern tents will last a while if maintained.

The biggest enemies are poor pole design/material (like plastic) and abuse/neglect.


I'm really happy with my REI Half Dome 2+.

If you're going to see some rain you're going to want some good ventilation, so I would personally go for a tent with lots of mesh.

Will help with the humidity of the southeast also.

Check out a few at REI.com, their house brand is a pretty good value - so check out the REI brand tents.

Marmot is another good company, local to me.

 

I have the previous version of the REI Quarter Dome T2+. I like it and it is a great tent, but I am thinking of upgrading to something lighter. I would recommend an REI tent to anyone, though.

 

I knew a guy once who pissed and moaned about his brand new, super expensive Bibler having issues with condensation in rain.

Bought the tent boners are made of but had no clue how to use it. Have to ventilate, always - especially in foul weather where it's warmer in the tent than it is outside and your hot air is going to continually be exhaled inside.

Mesh tents are in your budget and far more user friendly in inclement weather, especially in humid areas, than traditional tents (if I may call them that).

 

Awesome. There's an REI like 5 minutes from campus, so after I finish up this week full of exams and shit, that may be my reward for not dropping out hahahah.

 

You can set them up in the store, too.

Would also recommend REI tents. I have the one I mentioned above and plan on getting an REI brand car camping tent also. Was trying to swing this year but likely can't.




So first world.

 

My Black Diamond isn't too good in the rain, I try to use it for snow camping. Some of them had poor fabric and some folks don't have issues. I have the ZPacks Solplex for bp trips and an old Sierra Designs Half Moon that got demoted to car camping. Carson Pass off of 88, south of Lake Tahoe, CA.
Duane

 

What wind shirt is that?

 

Actually for two people or just the extra room for one?

As mentioned, REI tents are great. Also used gear sites (Bearfoots hiking gear on FB) and craigslist. REI garage sales are the bomb for awesome pricing. Just be sure to check over any product thoroughly.

If it's just you solo, consider a hammock.

 

Where have you been? Where did you come from? What took you so long?

 

Been camping in a hammock for over 8 years. I refuse to sleep on The ground! Even (finally!) converted the husband!

 

I need a new lumbar pack for day hikes. Anyone recommend a good one with dual shoulder straps?

 

Mainly extra room for one, but maybe he occasional second person. I thought about a hammock, but I move a lot in my sleep and figured a hammock wouldn't be the best idea for me. I'd end up flipping myself out of it.