Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

I used to use blow up but now I use the thermal cell foam, i feel like it holds heat better?
similar to this or just go straight ground..

 

I just ordered this one https://www.rei.com/product/881905/exped-synmat-hyperlite-sleeping-pad. I plan to try it out this weekend, I'll report back

 

No. But your locations are off.
Tioga Pass is closed. Usually opens in May. (Closed at its start, Crane Flat Rd. And from the east in Lee Vining)
Tunnel View, AKA 41/Wawona Rd and is open.
Hwys 120 and 140 open year round. May have temporary closures due to weather/mud/rock slides.

You headed this way? Lots to see this time of year!

 

Still using my trusty old Thermarest NeoAir Xlite. It doesn't get much more comfortable for the weight. Less than a lb and three inches thick. Warm as can be. Only issues some have with it is the crinkly sound of the innards and it takes a while to blow up ha.

 

Exped Downmat for sleeping on snow.

 

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Max. So warm and comfy. A few ounces heavier than some, but it still packs small and has an R-value over 5. Necessary for a quilt when you need to stay warm underneath your body in cold temps. Fits us bigger guys well.

 

Looks great ... R 5.7
http://www.cascadedesigns.com/therm...nd-light/neoair-xtherm-and-xtherm-max/product

 

How's The Valley looking this morning?

 

Amazon has a deal today on MTM Ammo Cans and Ammo Crates

$14 MTM Ammo Can - Dry Storage Box - AC11

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ISKM9K

$30 MTM ACR8-72 Ammo Crate Utility Box | Ammo, Survival or Hunting Gear Storage | O-Ring Seal for Water Resistant Dry Storage | Double Padlock tapped for Security | Carries 85lbs of Gear | Dark Earth

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T4XL4HM

 

Like shit. Nonstop rain for at least 12 hours. Hardly a trace of snow left. 35* and warming.

I expect a serious rock slide any moment. We're due. Local roads have water across them and across low water bridges... pretty much a shitshow.

 

@Cuffs what are your thoughts on climbing the trail up Half Dome? I'm petrified of heights but want to conquer it this year if I can get a permit for the tail end of our NOBO journey. I know gloves are a necessity, as well as good strength, traction, etc. I see some people even use a harness to clip onto the cables for extra security. If you've done it, what was your experience like?

 

So I just made this pretty neat tool for camping a week or two ago. Its basically portable running water. I made it for about $50. I used a rubbermade tote with lid, car battery I had laying around the garage, and a 12v marine pump from HF. Of cousre I needed a few valves, some hose, some adapters, a switch, and some other shit. But I cant believe how well it pushes water out. I hook it up to a fillet table I will use as a camp kitchen. What do you guys think?

 

The cables are down right now so it's not advised and even in fair weather it's a long hard hike
They usually go up on Memorial day
when I did it in Aug we started @3am and finished @5pm

 

I know. I'm not going until end of August. We are camping at LYV so we will have all morning to do Half Dome before finishing the JMT at Happy Isles.

Looking for personal experiences like traction, safety, fears, problems with other people going up/down, etc.

 

Pretty slick. Nice and simple, but effective. How easy does it prime when it's dry?

 

Self priming pump! I dont need to do anything but stick the hose in some water.

 

Beautiful.

 

that's the way to do it, My next trip I plan to stay in LYV submit for your permit early
I went up in Asics trail running shoes with no problems, and was scared shitless going up quarter dome but I wasn't going to let it stop me
IMO Quarter Dome is harder than Half Dome
I took my climbing harness and personal anchor system but didn't use it, should have left it and saved weight
I also used the cheap gloves that are dipped in latex on the cables

 

Thx for the info. I'm expecting to be petrified, mostly on the way back down. I'm putting my leather Mechanix gloves in my last resupply at Tuolumne just for this hike if I get the permit.

 

I wish I could give you some info! I'm still in the lottery every year. There's walk up availability later in the season, but I'm a planner...
I can't say I have a fear of heights, but that steep near vertical pitch at the cables concerns me.
Gloves are regularly left behind for the next user. But I'm bringing my own, snug fit, grippy palm...
Newer shoes with grippy traction (Vibram) is what I'm going with. The granite is rough, but over the years of use, it's not what it used to be.


What sections of JMT you have left? I'm putting in for Lyell Canyon, SOBO hopefully to Whitney. Playing every card and pulling every string I got this year.