Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

BT
another sewing project for you. Might make your companion a little more willing for cold weather camping.

http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/hoodlum/

 

Interesting, I want one for myself! Been meaning to try out a simple beanie but I like this more. Maybe I'll mess around with some scraps tomorrow.

 

I did a little baby hike-in overnighter this weekend. Not real exciting but I did try a new rainfly pitch that I liked for warmer weather (it was a low of 64°, welcome to Texas!).

 

the ultimate in winter shelters (if you have snow)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqGWuyEAcLM

Dug snow caves (had huge drifts to work with then, not so much any more) when I was in scouts (scoutmaster) , they were really quiet and warm; 25-30*.






0

 

I started working with snow caves last season, had a blast and love the warmth and silence!

 

A candle or two really brighten a cave up and also warm quite a bit. Be careful of candle placement, it's not fun to have water drips on your face or dealing with wet gear.

 

All this talk about snow caves and I'm over here in Texas like

 

I am eagerly awaiting our first heavy snow storm . One of the better times to get outdoors because everyone stays inside or at well groomed trails. Plus, you can be one of the only anglers on the water oct-nov .

 

The road to Mammoth Lakes, yesterday.

 

Pulled the trigger on this pad for my fat ass. This thing is so damn comfy, and the R-value is insane at 5.7 which will be more than enough for quilt sleeping. I gained about 6 ounces on my sleep system with it, but I'm going to have some good sleep from now on.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm MAX Rectangular Lightweight Inflatable Backpacking Air Mattress, Large - 25 x 77"es

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Mattress

 

The silence is the part that I really like about it. The wind can be absolutely screaming outside and as long as you've got your door pointing in the right direction it's completely dead quiet inside.

 

Ha I was just looking at these the other day! I determined the extra size and weight wasn't for me and am gonna stick with the XLite

 

It was my present to myself to maximize sleep comfort since I just cut over 6 lbs off of my base weight with other gear. I'll probably regret it in a year LOL

 

Do you have the little pump for it? I go and mention saving weight on my pad and then talk about adding a air pump ... But 2.3 oz. plus batteries isn't too bad. Its not that hard to blow up a pad but nice not introducing all that moisture into them. I remember blowing up my pad this fall around 30°F and place it in my tent, when I came back a little later it was covered with water from the hot air in it cooling. There's ways around it but I learned that night!

https://www.rei.com/product/896046/...214206233320&gclid=CLa6poPmhdACFQ52fgodOsYDfA

 

That a Hubba Hubba 2?

 

I have this version. Doesn't way that much more than the xlite.

https://www.rei.com/product/881575/...126983826280&gclid=CNjV7pfqhdACFQkMaQodx-EHDQ

 

The pad I bought comes with a stuff bag that has a stitched soft nylon hole in the bottom that you press over the valve. You fill this bag with air and roll the top and squeeze the air into the pad. I already have a couple of the Big Agnes Pumphouse dry bags that I use to fill inflatables, so I'll probably ditch the big heavy one that came with this mattress and use the BA one instead. I won't fill my pads with my breath because the moisture will over time cause mildew inside of the pad or it can ice up. I wouldn't ever carry a battery pump though. Those air bag fill systems work great and rather quick with minimal effort, and the BA one makes for a good clothes stuff sack.

 

I almost got that one instead, but I really like the rectangular shape. I just stay on it better. For 3 extra ounces, I thought it was worth it. I'm a big guy and need good mattress coverage under me.

 

Sure looks like it.

 

I forgot about the bag style pumps!

I might look into this one soon! Mine is getting old and a little weathered. No holes yet though!