Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Austin Kayak. 10% and free shipping with only a $19 purchase


http://www.austinkayak.com/giftguide

 

I don't know what you guys use as far as sleeping pads, but this one has been great for the price-

Klymit Insulated Static V Sleeping Pad

Klymit Insulated Static V Inflatable Sleeping Pad for Camping, Lightweight Hiking and Backpacking Air Bed for Cold Weather, 2.5" Thick, Orange

link

I don't do much backpacking but size is important for my motorcycle camping.

 

Just ordered a Gregory baltoro 65 from rei. They're having their winter sale right now.

 

subbd i cant believe i haven't seen this thread

 

The "how much money can you spend on gear" thread!

 

Yep. And I think Seabass is winning lately.

Edited for clarity.

 

I dunno. @Seabass might give him a challenge.
Of course if you count my teardrop, I win!
Which is only temporary as someone else will come up with new gear really quick.

 

LOL I thought I quoted Seabass. Face. Palm.

In my defense, it's Friday.

 

Hehe!

Having bought and then sold so much gear when I finally figured out my system, I thought I was pretty much done buying gear.
Nope. Still refining it. And added mandatory stuff like the bear can. Got better UQs. Shoes wear out and need replacing. It will never end...

 

REI has the Spot at 50% off (75$!!!), and the InReach at 25% off. (224$/284$)which one is better? I want to take this sale opportunity to buy a PLB/messening/tracking type device . I dont need gps guiding ability as i use a phone for that. Does anyone own one of these? I believe the Delorme uses the same satellites as iridium phones and may have better coverage, so I am leaning that way.

 

Is this strictly an online sale? The Inreach Explorer has a lot more features. That's really a good price.

 

I believe it is a general sale, instore as well Nov 11- 21st

 

The Delormes are definitely "better", but the SPOT is a much more basic device, which the price reflects. The SPOT just sends alerts to friends/family as well as emergency services if necessary. You can also give out a tracking link to friends and family and they can track your hike as you do it, which is kinda neat.

I haven't actually used a Delorme myself.

 

@IronPeak4x4 considering it's a device that you only use when your life depends on it, the better reception sounds like it's worth it.

I skimmed over a comparison and one of the commentators brought up a really good point. You can use the Delorme as a texting device when you're out of cell service if something non-life threatening happens (like a vehicle break down) whereas with the Spot you cannot.

Another bonus to the Delorme is if you are using it less than 10 months out of the year you can subscribe monthly at $15/mo compared to only available to subscribe yearly with the Spot.

 

That makes sense, and though I'm not sure what the monthly rate is (looking into it right now) it would seem if that is correct one could recoup some of the price difference by not paying for months in which one does not use the device.

 

The SPOT sale isnt specific to REI. SPOT is offering 50% off themselves. REI just lets you take advantage of it via them

I got to play with the basic SPOT and an InReach. I like the SPOT cause it is so basic. You literally have three buttons....SOS, pre programmed message, and a check in (i think those were the three) and thats it really. They also can do GPS tracking. The InReach has a ton more options and you can change things up more "on the fly" vs the SPOT which doesnt have a screen. The InReach works like a phone text messaging wise which is nice. With the SPOT you are stuck really only saying "OK" nightly. But with the InReach you could say "All is ok, running a day behind schedule". Then the next day be able to say "All is ok, back on original schedule".

Another thing to consider is how often you will use it. Both require plans. SPOT has a straight $150 a year plan. InReach offers a bit more flexibility. I dont remember the exact but they offer an annual plan and also a "freedom" plan. The freedom plan costs $25 a year and then you pay for each month you want to use it. If you use it 6 months a year the InReach would still be cheaper by ~40 bucks.

My thoughts (and i dont own either) would be to buy the InReach. Better plan option and a lot more features. it is a bit bigger an heavier (2 ounces) but i feel the features make up for it

 

The SPOT lets you send either a SOS message (ie i need emergency help) or you can send a "Assistance Needed" alert which alerts your contacts that you need non-life threatening help. Which wont help to say hey my truck broke down but it will let people know you need help without having to trigger SAR.

 

Anyone reading the reviews on the 2 Delormes? They are mixed.
I really want one of these, my wife is a diabetic, so this would be great if she had a problem.
I guess the place to buy one would be REI, that way if we had a problem we could return it anytime.

 

I don't know if anyone here watches Westworld, but it makes me want to go back to Utah really badly.

 

The mountains here and the fact that I have a great job are the only things keeping me from moving back. I am going home for Thanksgiving, so that will be nice