Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

I'm looking at the Arc Haul Zip actually. Dyneema instead of cuben fiber because it's a tougher material and quieter. I'm not 100% sure yet though, as CF gives me a boner. I'm going with a Tarptent this year though (probably the Moment DW) because I want a fast pitch and minimal guy lines otherwise I'd go with something poleless and just use my trekking poles. I don't want to have to secure camp every day with 6-8 stakes and guy-lines. The Moment DW just takes 2 stakes to get set up, and 2 extra guylines for high winds. I'm usually camping in the trees anyways, so wind is only going to be an issue on a couple of days.

I've done 2 parts of the JMT so far. Last year I did Tuolumne Meadow south to Agnew Meadow as a break-in hike for the wife. This year we started at Onion Valley and joined the JMT at Vidette Meadow and did the southbound trip out over Whitney and exited the portal. Next year the plan is to go back in via Onion Valley / Kearsarge Pass and join the JMT at the same spot as this year, but head north to Happy Isles. Much easier getting permits that way. It's ~178 miles of JMT, and 7 miles of the Kearsarge trail for a total of 185 and change. First resupply at Muir Trail Ranch for a zero day, then next resupply at Red's Meadow and a hot meal/shower. Last resupply will be at Tuolumne. Yeah, I'll be repeating the section to Tuolumne again next year, but at least it will be from a different direction so it will look different in parts but now I know where all of the choice camp spots are on that route.

 

Dyneema purchased Cuben Fiber last year...its all called Dyneema now.

 

Yup, they got away from referring to it as CF. The dyneema blend on the Arc Haul Zip has some ripstop threads in it and some better abrasion resistance than the old CF formula. I don't mind adding 4oz of weight for tougher fabric and an extra zipper. I tend to throw my pack down at the end of a hike.

 

I still gently put all my shit down after the hikes lol. Cant break any of the UL stuff! haha

 

I also want the rain pants and jacket from Zpacks. Everyone says that the rain kilt is the way to go for convenience of putting on and taking off quickly, but I just don't have the cajones to wear a skirt on the trail LOL

 

I don't exactly throw it down, but you get what I mean. If I had CF or something more fragile than my tough as nails Osprey pack, I'm sure I'd give it some love.

 

Osprey exo's? I love my 58. Fits the whole world in it haha. if im solo, I would use my GG Gorilla 40.

 

Fuck that. That's what I hike in. Best clothing choice I ever made.

 

Talk me back into getting the kilt instead of the rain pants! Not only is it cheaper, but it looks so much easier than having to deal with taking pants on and off with hiking shoes. It seems like I can put the kilt on without even having to take off my pack. I'm no fashion queen when it comes to hiking - I'm a very practical person.

Sell me!

 

I've got the big dog Atmos AG 65. That's for when I need the bear can, because even the big can fits in the sleeping bag compartment perfectly. Easy access all of the time. My non-canister pack is the Osprey Kestrel 32 National Parks edition.

 

My only fret with the Zpacks is that bear canisters only fit in them vertically. I hate that, but will have to make do if I go that route.

 

Yeah i read about that too. The small BV 450 fits in my gorilla, but BARELY fits.

The one i take when I go with my girl is the Garcia bear canister. that mofo is almost 3 lbs LOL.

 

There's extra things that work for me as a female but it's overall perks are a benefit to both genders.

Ten air flow up under keeps things dry. Sometimes a dab of Body Glide is needed... but overall I find a skirt much cooler than shorts or pants.
When I get back to the trailhead, changing clothes is a breeze too. Pull on shorts or pants under the skirt/kilt. Remove skirt/kilt. No flashing of unmentionables.

Not sure how a guy would handle it, but pee breaks are a breeze too. I can keep the skeeters off my derrière and not worry if anyone happens to pass too closely...

 

My wife would have loved it. I'm a chafer for sure, so I have to wear shorts and the right boxer briefs (wool has worked best so far). I found that Neosporin gel worked great for preventing chafing and also keeping control of bacteria.

 

Im a chafer too. ive never tried WOOL boxer briefs, but the ones linked below are by far my favorite briefs.

Champion Men's Tech Performance Long Leg Boxer Brief, Black, Large

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ISRCM6M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

As a gal who doesn't have that coveted 'thigh gap' Body Glide (and similar products) work wonders!

 

Give wool ones a try. They wick better than synthetics, are softer on the skin, and have that no-stink thing going for them. I have huge thighs, but luckily they somehow don't chafe. Just up in the groin area. It's painful if I let it get away from me, and takes days to heal. I have to stay on top of it right from the start of any hike.

 

which ones do you use? I also have to be on top of the hike, everything has to be in order or one thing will lead to another and it would be catastrophic lol.

The ones I linked so far are the best for me. Dont ride up, stay tight, and protect the thighs and the other items from chafing.

 

Ha, this is me exactly. Neosporin does do wonders if it gets to that point, though. I always bring some anti-chafe just in case, but I'm usually okay.

I will buy some wool undies eventually, but for now I use the Exofficio Give-and-Go boxer briefs.

 

I'm using WoolX daily boxer briefs. They're so light and soft, but they keep everything in place and protect the groin chafe, for the most part. If what you have works for you, don't mess up the formula.