Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Thanks guys. This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for.

 

Just like cast iron, or with any frying, let the pan heat up for a bit longer than you would normally expect. Really let the heat spread through your frying pan, and turn that heat down a bit when you're ready to put food on it.

 

Partner Steel 22" stove review - first use

I had a chance to use my new Partner Steel 22" stove this past weekend on a 4 day campout at Overland Expo West. I can say that I was not disappointed with its performance! Even sitting on my factory tailgate with no metal reinforcement, it did not get my tailgate composite even barely warm (my first concern with testing, as I use my tailgate or plastic folding table as my stove support). Next, my Coleman oven fit perfectly on one half of the stove directly over one burner (with that side's wing folded away), and could have fit 2 side by side but I did not need the second oven. It also fit my 10"x10" cast iron griddle perfectly on the other side (with side wing deployed). It ended up being a fantastic truck camping stove that was effortless to use and ran very consistently. I ran it on a full propane tank that has a gauge mounted onto the neck of the main valve, and the stove was very efficient and hardly moved the needle after 4 days' use. I cooked on it 8 times, mostly using the oven which required between 10-20 minutes of cook time. Even on a very low setting, I could get the oven to 400 degrees in about a 3 minute pre-heat.

With its durable build, it rode in the back of my truck between other gear (without the optional non-included case that they offer for it). I'll probably get the case for it to keep it from getting dirty in the open bed, or find another solution for transporting it that minimizes damage and maximizes cleanliness.

 

Last thing I needed to hear... I am soooo close to pulling the trigger but have a perfectly good Camp Chef that is working fine. So much want! Glad you like your stove, Adam. Thanks for the review. BTW, what were you cooking in the oven. I've never thought of cooking anything in an oven on camping trips. My first thought.. cookies! Would be so good in the outdoors.

 

Normally I cook frozen dinners like frozen pizzas, taquitos, etc. This trip, I baked some seasoned tilapia filets and made fish tacos. I also cooked some frozen Asian entrees (General Tso's chicken, orange chicken), frozen deep dish pizzas, and heated up some other thawed foods. My friend used his to make cinnamon rolls for one of the breakfasts, plus he got really creative and put a small smoker canister full of mesquite chips in his and smoked a flank steak for 4 hours for fajitas. I had bacon and shrimp to make bacon wrapped shrimp in the oven, but I never got around to making those because I bought some meals at the expo.

Just think about anything you can cook, bake, or reheat in a 9x9" pan and it works in the oven.

 

I always understood the right-of-way went to the uphill hiker.

Have a look at ClassicCampStoves.com

 

That is correct. Unless the uphill hiker wants to take a break and waves you to come by, they have the right of way. That's the proper etiquette.

 

Also, bikers yield to hikers. Hikers and bikers yield to horses. Then, downhill yields to uphill after that. Anything else calls for common courtesies (flat ground, narrow areas, wobbly bridges, etc.)

 

Well, in my Zpacks obsession, I had to pick up their new rain jacket and also the new Nero frameless 38L backpack.

The jacket is their new Vertice model, made out of a new 3 layer breathable yet waterproof jacket. Coming in at only 6.55oz for the XL, it's a great fit and it rolls up to nothing. They sold out quick, and their next batch of fabric doesn't come in until July. Glad I ordered on the first day they came out. It's a trim cut, but it fits just right over my down puffy jacket still. I tested it last weekend on a windy evening and it makes a great windbreaker, too. No, that's not me in the picture. http://zpacks.com/accessories/wpb_jacket.shtml



The Nero pack weighs in at 10.9oz for a 38L frameless pack and fit me very well. It has an adjustable torso (shoulder straps attached to the waist belt, and waist belt adjusts up and down) and light waist belt. Built for those quick weekends or ultralight thru hikes, it wears quite comfortably with 15lbs of gear. I haven't had a chance to use it on a trip yet, but it test loaded very well and is 100% waterproof. Its only support is the included foam sit pad that fits behind some shock cord, but it's sufficient. The foam doubles as a camp seat or kneel pad to get into your shelter. http://zpacks.com/backpacks/nero.shtml

 

This is correct, but what I am referring to here is that they will just start climbing from a stopped, standing position when you have already started to come down. It's an issue of just not paying attention. It's very bad at the start of the climb up from Scout Lookout. Everybody is so ready to start it takes forever to come down! I would never climb into someone, I just wish people paid attention.

 

Yes, I understand better now.
There is no way to see someone coming up if down climbing. It would be inconsiderate of them to start up if you are already coming down. That is how accidents happen.

 

Needs some input on sleeping pad solution for the bed of my '12 AC. I will be using the tried and true platform solution using 2 x 8's and a plywood top. I am looking at a variety of camp beds:

This looks super comfy and is a full 4" thick, but I am not sure about having something that is inflatable, plus at 77" it is too long for the bed and it is unclear if an air system will tolerate being squished up.

https://www.rei.com/product/113719/exped-megamat-10-sleeping-pad

Other options is the open cell foam pad, it is quite a bit less thick at only 2.5", and is exactly the right length for the bed of the truck:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/hunting/hunting-outfitters-camp/camp-bedding/sleeping-pads|/pc/104791680/c/104757480/sc/104712480/i/104484780/cabelas-deluxe-camp-beds/2224288.uts

Or perhaps this:
https://www.rei.com/product/870757/rei-co-op-camp-bed-35-self-inflating-sleeping-pad

Thoughts?

What you using on your sleeping platform?

Thanks,
DJM

 

we just use our normal camping pads. thermarest. they work just fine. if I had money to spare though, id get the thermarest dreamtime mattress though. I think2 would fit just about perfectly in there.

 

This seems like a decent product to have. Especially on a backpacking trip. It's a bit on the pricey side though...

 

Anyone have experience with one of these of anything similar?

Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot, The Leader in Off-The-Ground Camping, Rainfly and Carry Bag Included, Holds 350lbs, Sets up in Seconds

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000I641UQ?



I'm 5' 11" 220lbs.
More curious as to the comfort level.

 

I have the two person model. I like it and sleep comfortable in it. Set up is fast and is of good construction.

 

Thanks for the input.
How does it handle the weather?

 

It comes with the built in tent that has the screen and tarp doors though all four panels. I offers complete privacy if all panels are closed. It also has a heavy external cover that came with it. It would be used if it began to rain or snow. It also makes the tent darker, making it easier to sleep in when camping. Being low profile, It handles wind better as well.

 

I have the Exped MegaMat 10. It's ridiculously comfortable. The long bed is 6 feet right? I'm not exactly sure how it would handle being squished 5 inches.

 

Time to put this on my short list.
Thanks again.