Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

I just upgraded to this tent. I had the Rattlesnake sl2 and wanted to shed a lb. off of my pack weight. Planning on doing the Art Loeb in WNC as my first multi overnight hike. I'm considering on even upgrading one more time to the BA Fly Creek or the Nemo UL Hornet 2p. Both come in lighter, a lb. less then this tent.(Nemo by 2lbs) I do really love its design and 3lbs tent is not bad at all and I may just keep it but from what I've read plus the videos I've seen...if you can lose a lb or 2 off of your pack weight then go for it!

https://youtu.be/7FCNdJ-3e2k

 

I am looking at TarpTents, specifically the Stratospire 1. Anyone have experience with one?

 

I have been looking into Nemo and Big Agnes quite a bit. I have pro-deals with both of them and may look into a small tent for myself if I don't make one. Not sure I would swallow the price without a significant discount for either of those tents though. I would look into Seek Outside Silvertip. Cheap, light, and has the ability to have a stove for winter .

That said, 2lb difference wouldn't be enough to make me "upgrade" a brand new tent. Unless it also boasted new features, might as well upgrade something else to save the weight.

That said, does anyone have experience with sleeping bags from Nemo? My gf is still looking for a decent down bag and those are in a reasonable price range. It would be difficult to make a bag much cheaper without buying in bulk and making 20 bags .

 

I sleep on top of Big Agnes every time I camp.

 

The Nemo bags look nice. I was looking at them because they're nice and roomy but found the Backcountry Bed at a great price.

 

Awesome product (all the Shires stuff is). Doesn't work for me. The floors are too slick. If even on the slightest slope, I slide around in the night. Tried putting down silicone strips. Nothing worked.

 

Art Loeb is a great trail. It's rather easy and short. Don't be surprised if you finish much earlier than you anticipated.

 

I'd be interested in your opinions on the ghost whisper jacket. I've seen it on sale quite a b

I've got a fly creek 1. the one person one and like it. I find it roomy enough to find myself and also to fit extra gear. I leave the pack outside but extra clothes and stuff for with me inside. Only down side....can't really stand up so I have to change pants laying down. Not a huge deal and not really a negative though (since less material means less weight)

 

For anyone that may care, this thing is legit. I bought an inexpensive Coleman 220g isobutane container and refilled two backpacking sized ones, 100g for jetboil, and 110g MSR. My fill rate was about 80%. Probably would have been better if I froze the smaller container. Either way I'm happy.

 

A 12v pump is cheap $20, and faster. I blow up three mattresses in about 3 minutes and use it to vacuum deflate when it's time to pack, another benefit. Get a max flow one, 21CFM.

 

Are these similar to the Kovea adapters? I have one that allows the use of bulk LPG on isobutane. Another that allows the use of the super inexpensive canister butane on isobutane. Wouldn't expect allot out of them at altitude but at or near sea level the less expensive fuels work fine for me. I use mine with a Snow Peak Baja burner or a Primus Omni-fuel.

 

You can get a decent 12v pump/vacuum at Wal Marche pretty cheap. I've had one for several years for blowing up rafts and it's still going strong. And you can vacuum them down to the thickness of a communion wafer in no time! Mine was under $20 when I bought it.

 

Be careful in that area. Recently, there has been a lot of wild fires in WNC.

If you have time, definitely stop by Asheville for a night or two. Lots of great eating places and breweries. I lived there for a few years after College (am still only a couple hours away now). Let me know if you want some recommendations on good spots to visit.

 

I just take my portable Dewalt vacuum and use that to air up and down the mattress, Plus i'm that guy that vacuums my tent when i'm done
I also have the dewalt radio I take

 

Yes. Similar, I have the Kovea LPG adapter for bulk refilling the 1lb propane bottles, works great, probably used it 100 times now.

The one I just bought is made in Korea too.

It essentially allows for mating of two EN417 containers, with Lindal B188 valves, which are your typical backpacking isobutane variety.

With the adapter that I also bought, (but have not tested yet), I can refill the isobutane containers with 100% butane. I'll try that next when I have an empty.

+1 for vacuuming! I used to do that too.

 

Thanks! I lived in Arden and Hendersonville. I was in WNC for about 3 years.I was just there for Thanksgiving, The fires weren't too bad till my last day. The smoke about killed me! I live in Dallas now but really considering buying a small house in East Tenn so to avoid NC's State income tax.that area made me become a hiking junkie!

 

Love my Dewalt radio!

 

I was considering the North Face Cats meow but I do like those Nemo bags because I'm a side sleeper and my blanket goes between my knees. Can't do that with anything else but a Nemo.

 

You can with an EE quilt Solved all of my different sleep style issues I was having with all types of bags.