Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

And can be used in an emergency situation.

 

Yep, skip the bladder. Smart Water Bottles and toss in a filtration device for longer trips.

 

Speaking of filtration, i need a purification system for backpacking. i like the sawyer one that goes inline with a hose or on a bottle but there are so many choices

 

When I was still working outdoor retail, I did a cost comparison of Sawyer in-line vs Platy in-line.

Up front, the Platy was cheaper. But based on long term use over the life of both, Sawyer won based on how many gallons it filtered before needing replacement. And the cost of replacement filters.

 

Most Thru-hikers and other ultra light folks have settled on the Sawyer. For those of you seeking to go lighter, check out my friends blog: https://sites.google.com/site/southwestultralightbackpacking/home
He's retired for USFS and an editor for Backpacking Light

 

I created a gravity setup using a Sawyer Squeeze and two 2.0L Evernew soft water bottles. It works like a champ and cost a lot less than the Platy kit. Just make sure you buy the Sawyer coupling so you can attach both Evernews to the filter.

Edit: You can create the same setup using Smartwater bottles in place of the Evernew bottles.

 

I like using the AquaMira, its pretty lightweight and works in about 1/2 hour. Very little taste in the water.

 

Sometimes you just need water immediately though. If you fall behind on hydration, waiting for that time to pass can be a real drag.

Also, what if you spill your drops or run out?

 

I like the AquaMira. But the colder the water, the longer the wait.

I've gone long stretches, got to the sources dry (my water) and was very thirsty. Dont have time to wait.

 

Another good point. If you want that cold drink of water from an ice-cold stream and you're waiting for the AquaMira drops to do their thing, your water won't be as cold. Filter it through a Sawyer, and you're drinking ice-cold water immediately.

 

Now that I have an ARB compressor...

Does anyone know if you can air up an air mattress using this compressor? Not sure what attachment I would need.

My current air mattress uses the nozzle on the right to air up with a electric coleman air pump

$10 Coleman Quick Pump Fitting Replacement Nozzle Main Adapter and Pinch Valve Tip

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JHRJ03A

Not sure what I would need to be able to just use the ARB compressor.

 

This goofy looking thing will probably work for ya : Linky

 

I am so confused on how that thing works.

 

Same...but for $4 I'd buy it and give it a shot

 

Shall see what happens.

 

Here's a smoking deal on a great backpacking solar panel with USB.

For those ultralight backpackers that use solar to recharge some of their items in the field on long multi-day hikes, here's my favorite panel when you want to stay super light. It's a 7W single semi-flexible panel with a mesh zippered pouch on the back side. The USB port is inside of that pouch, and it will fit a large smartphone or other small item like a power bank, USB headlamp, etc. This thing has been really effective for me for the past 2 years, and I trust it to work to keep my power bank topped off every day that there is sunlight. It comes with 2 very small lightweight aluminum caribiners to attach it to your pack or wherever. I usually attach it to the top/back of my pack so it can charge my powerbank while hiking. Get a powerbank that automatically starts charging as soon as it detects voltage input in its charge port, and you'll be good to go even when going in and out of sunlight. I kept a 9000mah powerbank topped off every day with this single panel and always had plenty of juice to keep my phone and headlamp charged.

Actual weight (minus charging cord, suction cups, and caribiners): 6.95oz (per my own digital scale)
Actual dims: 5.1" X 12.4" X 1" (WxLxH) - perfect length to hang sideways for any standard or day pack top

At $12.95 you can't beat it.

SunLabz® Portable Solar Charger (7w) Ultra-Efficient Solar Panels

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MU8T7MM

 

So im looking into the BA Q-Core SLX sleeping pads. they are one heck of an expensive pad, but i tried many options at REI and this thing was so incredibly comfortable i was sold! any reviews on this or things to consider between foam pads and inflatable pads? i realize inflatable comes with the inherent risk of popping, but would carrying a patch kit be sufficient? I saw many people reference the Thermarest a few pages back but this thing made those feel like a board

 

Gonna stick my gratuitous "quit sleeping in the ground" comment here... anything on the ground is on a board. Get a hammock.

 

I have used mine. I just used an air barb fitting and male end that went into the quick disconnect.

It will over fill (least with the cheap mattress I had) so don't just pull the trigger and not pay attention

 

I have a REI pad that has a very similar design to the Q-Core SLX. Popping is really an issue if your tent pad is cleared out properly. I recommend picking up a lightweight hand pump to inflate the pad. Nothing sucks more than having to blow a bunch of hot air into a pad after a long hike. Plus, the hand pump will keep moisture from damaging the synthetic liner.

I am a stomach sleeper so Hammocks don't really work for me. Also, the wife and I like to bring our two dogs with us when we go camping and it is much easier to keep them in the tent with us.