Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

I carry when I'm camping or hiking, even though I've never needed it. I've never needed the emergency space blanket that I carry in my pack, or the bag of quik-clot, or the emergency whistle, or the signal mirror, either. I'm not about to stop carrying those, even though I've never needed them.
My main motivation is for rabid animals. I have two family members that have dealt with rabid animals over the years, one of them needed to get a series of shots afterwards as a precaution, so if I ever run across one I'd rather not have to try to kill it with a knife, lol. I also carry concealed on a daily basis, so carrying when I'm hiking/camping is an extension of that habit.

 

Like others have said, two legged animals are why I carry. And the kittys. Oh and the two legged animals.

 

You have lived in the peoples republic of Kalifornia to long.

 

Dangit! The distraction of carrying my samurai sword or not has made me lose the item that I wanted to discuss. We were discussing sleeping pads and I managed to track down one for a decent price that folks who hike often seemed to like. I'll dig and be back....

 

Not the case at all. I utilize the privilege of my ccw on a daily basis. Just not while backpacking.

 

That's very interesting. Are there other hobbies/activities when you leave it behind?

 

Funny... I'm usually the guy that other campers tend to keep an eye on LOL

 

For those that cannot carry while backpacking, what is the most effective bear spray available?

 

Not really your business.

What's 'interesting' is the folks who carry 24/7. Where you going, what are you doing that is so threatening? It's also disturbing that though some folks may qualify for a ccw but are still not capable of Knowing and using it when, how and where needed.

I am all for 2A. NRA Life member. And I speak from a point of experience on both the giving end of lead and the receiving end.

Just because you can carry, why does that mean you must?

 

Wow. Defensive much? Just a question, not an indictment. No big deal if you don't want to share.

 

If you're 5 miles in on a hiking trail and encounter somebody I'm willing to bet they aren't going to chop you up for bear bait. Those kind of people have infinite targets in cities.

 

Because complacency kills

 

The world is full of complacency, and they're still all walking around.

 

IIRC she spent most of if not all her career in law enforcement. I'm sure those experiences help make her decision on when to carry.

 

Deep breaths, people.

 

I think everyone is going to have their own opinion and views on the matter, and that's ok. I choose to carry, others disagree. I guess i shouldn't have opened this door but to late now. Didn't mean to start the bickering.But thanks for everyone who answered

 

If it is that cold outside - I'll use my ancient SVEA 123R with a partial windscreen and an old mouse pad underneath. That puppy has never let me down, even at -10° F near 11,000 feet elevation in early March.

 

Gear ClosetI have a gear closet it's called my attic and it's mostly full

 

I'll add that, carrying a firearm in your pack is literally dead weight. If you let something sneak up on you that wants to kill you, you won't have enough time to go through at least 1 zipper to get it.

 

Thank you for not being a fair weather camper!
I always groan when I hear 'It started raining before I even left so I didn't go'. 'It's too hot/cold' 'it may rain.'

Each weather element brings unique (though sometimes trying) experiences. I love learning from each of them.

Which reminds me I need to get better at snow camping.