Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

This one...

 

Ha! I was trying to find that photo and just didn't scroll far enough to see your post @2Toyotas !

If this is indeed the taro you're looking for @SpeedoJosh, it's from my dear friend TinMan (George) at
AGG. If you order one, let em know I sent ya!

https://www.antigravitygear.com/shop/shelters-accessories/antigravitygear-quicksilver-storm-tarp/

 

Anyone ever used a Mystery Ranch pack? I just ran across them in the store while looking for a new day pack. any thoughts, concerns, insights? I know their a little heavier than their competitors, but they still have my attention.

 

Though heavy, they are bomb proof.
The only folks I've known to need such a pack though are those out winter camping or base camped I. The woods for a month at a time...

 

Mystery Ranch is a buddy of mine, used to be Dana Designs, Kletterworks, etc. Bomber stuff, but as stated above, on the heavy side these days.

 

I used my dividend toward an "old" model of the Exped Megamat 10 from REI since it was 25% off. Supposed to be the best car camping pad EVAR. AFAIK, it's the same as the current iteration, they just kinda rebranded it and changed what they call the size. I guess we will see.

I will be car camping for most of my upcoming Utah trip so it should serve me well.

 

Anyone make any good scores at the REI garage sale
I got a gps using my dividend

 

I have a couple mystery ranch bags, and I'm not a fan. The few I have are just a big pocket with no inner compartments, so unless you stuff the thing full, the weight rides low, the top flap pulls way down, and the bag flops around. I think I've used each once, and haven't been touched since. My main ruck now is a Kelty, that has two inner pockets for water bladders (so they don't just sink to the bottom), an optional "radio pouch", a removable top flap with functional pockets, and an outer pocket for quick access to light weight items. Holds weight great.

 

We often do canoe trips, similar to overlanding you want to pack light but have the essentials. Always have thermarest, sleeping bag, Coleman stove (camp fuel), dry food, tent, essentials box (lighters, cutlery, plates, soap, TP, fire starters, water filter, axe & shovel, saw, map/ gps. Food for every day along with fishing rods. Ponchos, twine, knifes and cards. Beyond that you're living luxury.

 

cool, thanks. yea I loaded the ones up in the store with 20lbs of weight and walked around a bit. its definitely just one big pocket on a few of the models, but the one I was trying out at least had couple of sleeves in the main compartment. Which Kelty are you using?

 

Went with the Kelty Falcon. The internal bladder pockets are perfect for what I needed. It also has a nice frame system. Sturdy light weight metal rods that you can slide out of the back. They help hold the weight, and are adjustable, so you can mold it to fit your back better. You can also easily adjust the straps to get the pack riding perfect. I've hiked 60ish pounds in it and with the waist belt fastened, the weight felt great. I've had less weight in more expensive packs, and it felt like crap.

 

I only had a small dividend, but with that and the 2016 closeout gear in the Garage, I snagged my girl a Gregory Amber 70 pack for 60 bucks, hell yeah.

 

Thanks. ill look into those too.

 

RoyalRobbins is having a giveaway.

 

I'm trying to decide between Kodiak and Oztent myself.

 

Kodiak packs smaller if that matters.

 

Anyone tried the ThermaRest Top Quilt?
Local (teeny tiny) gear shop slowly closing/selling off everything. Got a screaming deal on it so I bought one.

 

Which model?

 

The yellow one? I don't know, I'll go look.


EDIT. This one
https://www.thermarest.com/catalog/product/view/id/16662/s/corus-hd-quilt/category/15/

Most likely I'll just use it for car camping in the hammock.

 

If you need more reasons to visit Yosemite and the eastern Sierra...

http://www.pbs.org/video/2365945953/