Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Having the same debate with myself. I like the Jetboil flash WAY better, but the MSR wins every comparison every time. Im stuck between them

 

I currently have 2 cheap stoves from Amazon that work fine. But I do run into some wind problems now and then so I was curious about the msr windburner and jetboil. I was leaning more toward the msr.

 

Just make a wind screen out of roof flashing.

 

Ive had good luck with the Jetboil system. I don't like the fact that the MSR doesn't have a ignitor.

 

Stove ignitors don't work up high (about 10,000') anyway, and our paved roads to the back country go to nearly 11,000', so mine rarely work. The Windpro and Windburner from MSR work great, a good windblock behind a rock helps the Jetboils immensely.

 

I've rocked the JB Flash for a few years, and just this year went with the JB MicroMo to save about 3 ounces. It's a tiny bit smaller than the Flash, but not by much, so you can still cook for 2 on it. I got tired of dealing with windscreens and a bunch of parts to manage, so I always carry the JBs now. I own and have used damn near every stove on the market and keep going back to the JB for efficiency, simplicity, and overall weight. Yes, some other setups are lighter but they're so minimalist it makes cooking more of a chore. I like simplicity and convenience especially when I'm cold or have a bunch of other camp chores to attend to.

Disclaimer - I have not tried the MSR "JetBoil killer" yet. I can't justify the price for something so similar to the JB's, nor the extra weight.

 

ive used the 15 a few times and it did the job! got down to 12 one night I had to pull the dog into it with me so she didn't freeze to death. it compacts down into nothing and keeps you pretty darn warm. the only thing I hate about them (and it may just be a down fabric problem) is that the fabric seems really thin and weak. with the dog in there (shes a terrible snuggler and was pushing away with her claws against the fabric) wriggling around, it didn't tear or lose feathers that I could tell. ive been torn between getting one of those or a NEMO. If the woman and I can find nemos at an rei somewhere we are going to try them since theyre supposed to be able to zip together to form a halfassed double sleeping bag.

 

Mine worked fine at 12,000'. I did notice that I had to click the piezo ignitor a couple of times to get flame but it still worked. And that was with the old JB valve style. It's probably more of a fuel canister temp issue for you than an actual ignitor fail.

 

Most bags should be able to zip together. Ive attached my REI branded bag to my girlfriends Marmot and they different lengths even. Any male bag should attach to any female or unisex bag

 

that's good to know! there was something else drawing us to NEMO too. I think it was the "spoon" shape. both of us hate the mummy style that we have because we just cant move in there. I think the spoon will be less warm, but we'll just have to find that out the hard way.

 

While $$$$, western mountaineering bags are wider than average mummy.

Montbell spiral down hugger is stitched with elastic. Mummy hugs you but stretches when you move.

Sierra Designs has a partial lease on the Montbell technology and can put elastic 2/3 the way around a bag.

 

yea Ive looked at western mountaineering and they have some NICE stuff, but as you said $$$. luckily I at least get the NEMO at a deal so its a little easier to swallow the price tag. same thing goes for the mountain hardwear stuff. otherwise I couldn't afford to buy anything haha

 

I've sold Jetboils, MSR, Optimus, etc for many years and the reps always caution us in their clinics that the Piezo is not expected to work above 10k'. In 45 meals last Summer at 11K' and above, I think my MiniMo worked 3 or 4 times. Granted, mine gets a lot of use between desert at 7500' and mountain camps from 11-13k,but even BBQ grills sold around here have the Piezo/altitude warning label on them. Easy enough to leave a small lighter in the bottom of the cup.

 

Yep, a Bic mini (or even a full size) will fit with the nested burner and fuel in the MiniMo cup.

 

Also I just confirmed a Big Bend trip for 1/12-1/16. It really really pains me to say that I won't be camping, though. I'm going with my mom and she is afraid it will be too cold.

 

Any other info or opinions on cots?

 

Thanks for the input guys. Jetboil is a lot cheaper then the msr. I was just worried about putting a windscreen around canister mounted stove. Was afraid it might heat up too much.

 

Can someone recommend two things for me?

A good all season ground tent for both summer and winter temps? Was thinking about getting an Oz-Tent after the new year.
A good all season sleeping back that can be used during the summer as a blanket and during the winder to keep me warm.

I have a cheap Ground tent now, but it is the Coleman Sundome, so there is not a way to fully close it to keep heat in.

 

Black Pine tents are also in the "easy-up" catagory and they offer four season tents.

If you don't care about the removable camouflage Gore-Tex external shell, these bags work well and are affordable.

 

Will check out Black Pine then. I like the Easy Up stuff of tents as well as the built in Awnings that OzTent has in case I don't want to put out the ARB awnings on the truck.

I completely forgot about those sleeping bags. May have to look into those.