Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

We just used a coupon at REI and bought the Stanley version of YETI/RTIC. Had it out for 3 different weekends of car. And it's with me on this 4K mile road trip. Outside heat has not been oppressive, but it hasn't been cool either. Holding ice and drinks VERY well! It's not huge and only one size available, but the cost and so far it's cold keeping make it a winner!

 

I started wearing Smartwool socks a number of years ago for skiing & mnt biking, now it's all I wear everyday.

 

I love Smartwool! I've recently (2 years) started switching over to Icebreaker as they wear out. Icebreaker has a lifetime warranty. Holes, tears, rips... send them in, get a new pair.

 

I think I will eventually pick one up for my smaller drink cooler so I can keep the Bison 50 quart for food only.

 

Whuuuuut

 

If we're talking 'bout socks, I wear Darn Tough. Very awesome and also have a lifetime warranty. Every one in a while I buy a pair (or I'll even ask for them from my mother for Christmas!) since they are kinda pricey.

Also, for the dudes, ExOfficio Give-and-Go boxers are a game changer. Seriously awesome. Also kinda pricey so I buy a pair every once in a while on Amazon when I see them at about $15 on sale.

 

Speaking on behalf on my Hubs, ditto on the Exofficio!

 

Don't know if jackets have been discussed, but I thought I might need to replace my favorite fleece hoodie when the zipper blew out. I was able to get a cut to length YKK from Zipperstop.com, took it to local dry cleaner and now my TAD Ranger hoodie is back in business.

 

In addition to Smartwool, I've started wearing Wigwam.

 

I think you'll find the Wigwam to be the longer wearing...and ditto on the above love for the Ex Officio undies.

 

LOL, there was talk about Smartwool so I typed it, but I actually wear Darn Tough socks, not Smartwool. I don't have any experience with Smartwool, but Darn Toughs are effing awesome.

 

Same here. I use Merino wool socks and have no problems with blisters. Plus the are very comfortable.

 

I picked a couple pair of Darn Tough socks through Mass Drop. I love them.

 

Yes, Ex-Officio are the real deal. Had a pair where waistband lost elasticity and Ex-Officio replaced w no problem.

 

Also big fan of the Kuhl pants. I wait for them to go on sale at REI, kinda pricey at $80 reg price. Their gusset crotch and articulated knee make them very comfortable. I use them for work and for hiking and they last!

 

I'd like to try some. I currently use the Prana Zion and they're the most comfortable pants I have ever worn. They also have shorts, too.

 

I love my Kuhl pants. I have 4 different pair, in a mix of colors and materials. The Renegade convertibles are my favorite because they really flex but look clean like nice pants and fit my body style perfectly. They wash easily and dry fast in the field. Only pair of pants I wear on long hikes.

 

nothing fancy bout my pants, plain ol Carhartt

 

I did some serious nerding this weekend. I'm so excited about planning next year's almost-complete JMT northbound journey, that I had to start my usual obsessive planning. 17 days to do 185 miles, which I feel is about my limit of daily travel. Starting at Onion Valley, so the first 7 miles are non-JMT, but this puts me back on the trail to do the rest of the JMT that I didn't do this year. I'll also be repeating a 28 mile section from last year, since it's more of a hassle to get off of the trail and re-join again in a different spot.

This spreadsheet is interactive so I can make quick adjustments. On the second sheet, the data page has an open column where I type in a note like "Camp 1", and it pops up on the front page graph exactly where the location is along the trail, with a dotted vertical red line to show me where it is. I can change them as I please. Then, the camp detail chart below the graph populates with the corresponding camp data including altitude, distance since last camp, a description of the area (from a file I downloaded), etc. It even color codes the daily mileage based on the difficulty.

Downloadable data file of the full JMT can be found here.

I need therapy.