Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Where did you end up buying yours from?

 

I think they actually sell them at Bucees locations.

 

Makes sense, thanks!

Any reason you went with their largest cooler versus a smaller one? Is it due to your time out in the backwoods?

 

Got it.

 

FIFY

 

Yeah I saw a ton of them at the SC by me. I picked up a 12x12 EZ-up awning this past weekend for 20% off ($121 out the door). It's the big straight-leg one, not the cheap angle leg ones that have less actual shade. Finally retiring my cheap Walmart 8x8 slant leg awning. It served me well for 10 years.

 

RTIC coolers are legit. My buddy has them along side Yetis and they work the same for half the price.

Only "camping" gear I got was my first GoPro at Sport Chalet for 20% off. Now to actually do something cool enough to be worth taking video.

 

Do any of you have any experience with Gordi Gear and their RTT?

http://www.gordigear.com

 

@Cuffs I need your help!!!

I am looking to spend a few days in Yosemite in September. Should be the 18th and 19th. The main trip is going to Berkeley for the Texas Cal football game so this is a mini side trip.

No backpacking unfortunately, but I was looking at the regular campground reservation pages and it says they aren't available yet for those dates, even though reservations are supposed to be available up to 5 months in advance? I'm confused. Also, how much of a chance do you think we would have to get Half Dome permits? I know there are some walk up ones available but I'm sure they're hard to get.

Also, what are the best "regular" campgrounds?

Was looking at upper and lower pines.

 

Yes for both your visits to CA!

Let's see if I can address each of these...

Campground reservations: "Campground reservations are available in blocks of one month at a time, up to five months in advance, on the 15th of each month at 7 am Pacific time."

What's that mean to you? On the 15 of May, at 7am Pacific, you need to be on your computer hammering away on the Submit button for any and all campsites. Be sure to have already pre-registered your info, it makes the process faster.
Now... May would only be 4 months out so I'm not sure if the message is telling you it's already booked (would have had to do on April 15?) or it's coming available May 15??

Half Dome permit: wilderness center just opened for the season. I'll be in that area next week and I'll ask those folks what the best option for walk up is. In the mean time, if/when permits go live online, keep trying there!

Campgrounds: reserved-Upper, Lower, North.
Walk up- Camp 4 (not a good choice IMO). And a couple others but not in the main valley.

Driving or flying then rental car? There's some options right outside the park entrances and also depending on your route to Yose.

 

Just talked to the head of campgrounds, you're in some luck! For your dates, reservations start May 15.

Like I said above, be pre registered/have an account started on the site. (Do that now!!)

7am Pacific, be on the computer (I say start at 6:50! And on multiple computers, recruit family!)

Request Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines. (I like North and Lower better. I've walked/biked them all, but never camped)

Tent sites at both are away from the river. If willing to pitch a tent on an RV site, better views, I'd go that route.

North Pines map
Map http://www.yosemite.ca.us/maps/north_pines_campground_map.jpg

Lower Pines Map
http://www.yosemite.ca.us/maps/lower_pines_campground_map.jpg

Use these to pick best sites

 

Yeah I just noticed the reservation chart thing on the site. I was obviously in the wrong spot before haha. Very cool, thanks so much for the info! Looks like I'll have to be ready at 9am my time on Sunday!

 

Didn't know of such a thing. Thank you! (Sounds like more work than I want to do... Are you posting info or just answering questions?)

 

The recreation.gov site is not playing well with Chrome.