Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

I have these in the regular (men's?) version. I really like them. Still very light for aluminum. A friend has the alpine carbon cork ones and these are within an ounce of those (as a set).

 

Everything goes on our REI card, except airfare and rental cars. We pay it off monthly so no penalties, just free REI goods!

 

Look into the insurance coverage for car rental. You don't (may not) have the added coverage of costs that regular insurance doesn't cover.
Like this:
You have an accident and either insurance covers the wreck. May have deductible, but insurance covers the wreck.

NOTE: My agent told me it is not customary to cover the "Loss" part of the rental car.
So, I checked.
If a rental vehicle is wrecked, you are expected to pay rental costs until the vehicle is replaced or back in service.

MY REI card customer service people, and the documentation, states they cover those costs, too. Most credit cards do, so I am told, but you need to check.

Ken in NC

 

That's nice.

That's what my AMEX is for.

 

http://sectionhiker.com/pacerpole-posture-poles/
http://www.pacerpole.com/?gclid=CMPcsbG529ICFUlNfgodLw0I3A

If you're looking for trekking poles, check these out. Balance issues demand that I use hiking poles to keep me hiking, but the vertical grips on regular poles really aggravated the arthritis in my hands/wrists - pacer poles don't. They are a little bit heavier but it's not noticeable when in use. The 93 pounds UK is equivalent to $100 US (actual amt will be based on current exchange rate) and covers poles, shipping, and tariffs. Also have a 4 week (from when you receive them) return period. The poles rhave worked well for me.

 

Just for FYI and this doesn't impact many... @Seabass ...

Tuolumne campground will not be taking any reservations until August 1. Still undetermined if the backpackers campground will open before that. (The sewer/septic system will not be operating until at least Aug 1)

 

Oh Man!!!

 

I always forget that they have the credit card. Probably because I've had to mentally block out that it exists or I'd abuse it!

 

I saw that on the FB groups. I won't be down there until about Aug. 22 so I'm just going to do a walk-up to wherever I can camp that's closest to the store. I want my dinner burger and hot breakfast no matter how far out of the way I have to go. Oh yeah, and my little 3 day resupply

edit: I did go online 2 days ago to check, and they are allowing reservations already for Aug 1 and beyond. But, my date falls in a weird timeframe where reservations can only be placed on April 1 or later for the date I want. That late in the trip, a walk-up is probably smarter anyways in case we are ahead or behind schedule.

I do however already have my paid reservations at MTR and, as of yesterday, my reservation at Red's Meadow resort for a motel room Again, as long as I stay on schedule. I'm hoping for the miracle that I'll actually get a day AHEAD of schedule so I can take a forced zero day somewhere before Red's at least. I already have a planned zero at Garnet Lake.

 

got $135. Really cant think of anything I need but will sure check. hahaha

 

New Zpacks rain jackets just came out today. Impressive stats on this super lightweight rain jacket made out of their new "Ventum-WBP" 3 layer waterproof breathable fabric.

Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket - http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/wpb_jacket.shtml

 

Any opinions on the best overall sleeping pad for two people? I don't need it to be the lightest one in the world, but I would still like to be able to put it in a pack for backpacking trips.

I currently have a Big Agnes & Nemo pad.

Thanks,

Bill

 

I've used thermarest products for years... I dont know if they do a 2 person, but they do make good on the lifetime warranty. They just sent me the new and improved version of a 6 year old pad that sprung a leak. Would have been over $100 had I replaced it.

 

Just ordered a new pair of boots... They don't really qualify as a hiker, but I ordered a pair of Drew's packer boots. These are hand made in Washington. You have to measure and trace your foot and send them the dimensions. I'm pretty hopeful that these are as good as the hype!

 

Thanks for the reply. I'll look into them. I have their camping pillow and it's awesome.

 

@Cuffs What kind of hammock rain fly was that in your pic from many months ago? Looked like a tent, but appeared to be off the ground.

 

I really recommend still using 2 separate pads for backpacking. If you get an unfixable hole in the double pad, both of you are on the ground. 2 pads means you both carry your own and split the weight, too.

I second the vote for Therm-A-Rest products. They have many models from ultra-light to light but still very warm (R-value). Consider the overnight temps you're going to be backpacking in, and go from there on comfort and weight.

 

There is a "Coupler" that Thermarest makes to hold two pads together. Easy peasy.

 

Do you mean this one?
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/truck-camping-photo-thread.407866/page-36#post-13337543