Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Hello
I use the Sawyer mini most of the time when hiking. when canoeing I use a MSR mini works mini filter. the MSR is heavy but delivers a lot of water faster.

 

I know this is totally not the right thread but... It's kind of gear related!

I have a set of topo map books I need to unload.

Atlas & Gazatteer maps for
Alabama
Georgia
Louisiana
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia

Like new in excellent condition. Original $20 each. Selling as set only for $80 shipped CONUS

 

I've compared Delorme to A&G. There's a reason I have all of these, I find them a much better product. Maybe that's why they have to sell at half off...

I'll consider reasonable offers.

 

Thanks! Picked up the AZ one!

 

So I upgraded my Sawyer Mini home-built gravity filter system. Instead of using the lighter 3L Platypus with the threaded and smaller opening, I got the 3L Big Zip Platypus with the auto-shutoff quick disconnect. It's a pain filling that dirty water bladder with a tiny water-bottle-sized opening. The Big Zip allows for much faster water fills so I can get to filtering much faster. Plus the disconnects are just nice to have. It's a slightly heavier duty bladder, too. I hate adding a little extra weight, but I'd rather have the durability.

 

Tested some new socks today... They work.

 

Here's the gravity filter setup I use, in order. The bottom quick disconnect male end goes right into my Camelbak hose where the mouthpiece connects. It just attaches right to the outlet of the filter with the cut end of the hose . Fill into your hydration bladder, or connect a hose and drip right into any water container. Hang it about 6' above ground for best results. Filters 3L of dirty water in just under 10 minutes with a clean filter. Backwash your Sawyer if it takes longer than that.

 

I was super happy with the wool People Socks I tried out there. Super cushioned, just higher than boot high, and they kept my feet really dry during the day and warm at night. They washed and dried really fast, too.

 

Thanks I bought AZ, UT,WY CA.

 

Been lurking around this thread for a while, but since I just put in a purchase on a Zpacks Duplex I thought it was a good occasion to say hello

 

What did you end up going with? My wife is forever in pursuit of the perfect hiking socks. She uses sock liners which really help, but I'm trying to get her to go wool for the actual socks. She says wool bugs her too much, but there are so many good non-irritating wool blends on the market now.

 

I've been wearing Swiftwick on the bike and hiking/running for quite a while now. Pursuit for Wool and Performance for warm weather. Compression keeps them in place and really eliminated my occasional blisters. Various heights, thicknesses, and materials available. Made in the USA.

 

I'm a huge fan of Icebreaker socks. Wool. Comfortable. Variety of thicknesses. And a lifetime warranty. Rip, tear, wear through... Send them in and they'll replace them. Pricey up front, but you won't buy socks for a mighty long time.

I also favor Injinji toe socks. Great for blister prevention.

Darn Tough, SmartWool also great products.

If she won't fully commit to wool, try for a synthetic/wool blend. Avoid cotton!

 

I think the whole wool thing is in her head, but don't tell her I said that We never use cotton on hikes, thankfully.

 

Darn Tough socks are so amazing. Get some.

 

She hasn't tried them since she was a teenager. I just need to get her some and try them out on our next day hike and see how bad they truly bug her. With sock liners, she shouldn't even notice.

 

There's a big difference in the types of wool on the market. I would suggest looking at brands that use Merino. It has I higher lanolin content (from what I've been told and read for myself on the breed).
Lanolin is also an ingredient in hand lotions. It's what makes them smooth... Higher lanolin content in wool makes it softer.

 

I even tried to sell her on Merino wool as well. I'll get her to convert one way or another. I just don't want her to have hamburger feet after a 50 miler, and I think wool is her only option for that.