Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

On a more camping related note I took this pack hiking yesterday. I thought it was excellent for the price. Large spacious capacity with lots of access and compartments. While I'm sure packs that are twice the price are better, for $105 (when I bought it) it's not bad. I was elk hunting and climbed up 2000 vertical feet with it about 1/2 full. Fits me XL/2XL shirt, 40 inch waist with a tall torso quite comfortably. Lots of adjustibility in the straps. Great airflow between the pack and my back; I was sweating a ton as I normally do but my back didn't have any wet spots when I stopped.

High Sierra Long Trail Top Load Internal Frame Pack, Mercury/Ash/Yell-O, 90L / 36 x 15.25 x 11"es

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HA3ER2C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

That's a lot of pack for a little cash.


I'm one of those that is prepared for anything in the clothing dept when I go but I'm going to try and keep mine at a 65 when I buy it. I know if it's that size (90) I'll go overboard trying to cover everything instead of pack smart.

 

Mostly I was concerned with packing out an elk if I got one (which I didn't). I learned to pack minimal with my motorcycle camping and while I hear it's better to get a smaller pack that is full vs a larger pack that's only 1/2 full I'd rather not have two different packs. I don't have a good picture of it on me sadly just one where it's barely seen.

 

True, they cost too much to be buying multiples of them. I'll upgrade later when we get into some big backpacking trips that are more than a few days at a time.

 

I'm in CA. I can legally carry conceal. I backpack. Often solo. I have never carried while hiking. No need.

 

Hahaha! I have six in my gear closet. Husband has another 4. Like potato chips, you can't have just one.

 

The a6500 was just announced, too. Hmmm.

 

It's more of a financial limitation then a desire to not own a bunch. There is no one universal do-all tool for the job when it comes to guns, motorcycles, or backpacks I've decided.

My father always said the quickest way to "hell and frustration" is using the wrong tool for the job and that includes anything claimed to be "universal".

 

As for pockets and multiple compartments... I hate em. I pack in stuff sacks and all goes in my pack. More pockets = the more the pack weighs. I just don't see a need to put one or two items in each pocket. You'll have stuff all over.
7 stuff sacks. Seems like a lot but...
Sleeping bag
Hammock
Tarp
UQ
Top Quilt
Clothes
Kitchen/food/bear can-when I have to carry it

1st aid in sack in top lid
Water in side pockets
Rain gear in outside mesh pocket.

 

I figure if it's more than will fit in my pack little man can get one and share the load.

 

Has anyone used the top quilts that Therm-A-Rest makes? They look pretty interesting. I know I'll be buying a self inflating mat for me because it kills my back sleeping on the ground. Just can't decide which one to get.

When truck camping I have the air matress.

 

You don't need a Mat, you need a hammock!

 

Like this?



With Atlas straps and one of these?




Got that covered.

 

The few friends who've brought hammocks on trips have had really cold uncomfortable nights in them, at 9,000-10,000 feet anyway. Maybe they just needed a much colder-rated sleeping bag though.

 

I think the general consensus on the hammocks is using a under quilt with them. Not only provides warmth but also blocks the wind. Same thing on top.

 

Hammock camping takes some getting used to. It's also much cooler due to the rapid heat loss caused by air movement around the hammock, which is in turn directly against your body. For me, if I don't get the angle of my straps correct, I'm not comfortable and move around a great deal at night. I also sleep in more clothes than I would inside a tent.

I've made half-assed hammock quilts out of old sleeping bags with double zippers. I ran some 550 cord inside the top and bottom openings that lets me pull the ends of the bag closed once I'm in the hammock and insulating bag.

 

^^ This ^^

 

Underquilt is the answer. I've been in snow camping and perfectly warm.

 

For starters, that will work. I ditched the pillow a while ago. And straps are always good. Just depends on what kind works for you.

 

So about those mats.