Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

I have to admit we have changed our minds a hundred times!

*I* wanted the Rpod because of the bathroom. Then we looked at T@b. Then T@g. Each time we changed, it was because we analyzed what we really needed. A little less each time.

We don't/rarely do campgrounds. When we car (truck) camp, we are still in our hammocks. No one is around so the bathroom is not an issue. (Unless it's really really cold out!)
And the kitchen. I really wanted to cook inside in bad weather. Eh. Doesn't matter much any more to me.
We decided all we really need is a warm dry space in case of bad weather. Hence this!

Lemme tell ya what! You can buy new everywhere! There's not a used one to be found. Except this one and I head out shortly (long road trip!) to get it!

 

If you find it here and buy it and need to meet half way... I your gal!

That the thing with this one... It's in Indy...

 

I love the LG but I specifically want the Rough Rider. Better suspension, off road tires, and pintle hitch.

 

I'm paying half that for a 2013...

 

If it turns out to be the one let me know if you roll through the St. Louis area as my wife and I enjoy meeting TW members.

 

Just think of it as a rolling base camp.

 

When I'm not backpacking, I base out of this...

 

One of these days I'm going to have to go through this entire thread. I can never have enough backpacking and camping gear...

I may need to get more gear as I'm seriously considering a thru hike attempt on the Pacific Crest Trail beginning next Spring. Ah who am I kidding... I have plenty of gear for that, but always love having an excuse to get more!

 

I like it, but's a cliche, lol.

 

Every time I pass a bass pro or REI I have to stop and drag the girlfriend in. It's an addiction, it really is.

 

It's my work vehicle in the Summer, over-sized tires, HD shocks and Subaru engine from a Forester

 

And Cabelas. We do it too.

At one point, we had sooo much gear, I wandered around for an hour and bought nothing!
Now we're gearing up for car/base camping...

 

I do normally just walk around and not buy anything because I'm still traveling for work so wouldn't have a use but I still love looking at camping stuff.
I wish there was a Cabella's around Nashville, I've never been in one.

 

It's just a Bass Pro that's less heavy in fishing more in hunting... Bigger selection of guns, less boats.

 

We got our new "gear" a couple of years ago - a Silver Shadow on a Rough Rider frame. (Link to build thread in my sig)

I was very hesitant, as I have always slept on the ground. It is a game changer. We love ours.

No bathroom - go around the nearest tree or get a shower tent.
Cooking outdoors (off the back) - couldn't ask for anything better.
Rain - no wet tent to put up.
Cold - it's warm under the blankets, even with the windows and roof vent wide open.

Tows great behind the truck. We've pulled ours about 20,000 miles in 2 1/2 years.

As much as I don't like campgrounds, I hate hotels. So, when traveling cross country, we "camp" at KOA's or National Forest campgrounds. Certainly beats hotels.

 

You're in luck! (Sort of)

There is one in Memphis, right on the river, and there is one near Chattanooga, just over the Georgia state line. And, there is one in Huntsville.

 

Do KOA's charge you as a tent camper or as an RV?

 

Usually as an RV.

In general, KOA does not know what a teardrop is. That, and most do allow wheeled vehicles on the tent sites. (I know, the tenters have cars...)

Our teardrop is set up to require no outside services - no power, no water. But, at KOA, we end up on spots with power and water, so we have to pay for it.

All in all, still way cheaper than a hotel.