Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

I may drag my mattress out onto the patio tonight so i can try and use it. But it'll still be a bit warm.

I guess I'm used to cheaper gear though... I lift it up and my brain is confused as to why it's so light.

 

Anybody seen cabelas tent mansion??
http://www.cabelas.com/product/camp...las-ultimate-alaknak-ft-x-ft-tent/1570908.uts

 

That's a great feeling, isn't it? Now you'll want to evaluate your other gear and decide where you can cut weight like that but not compromise comfort.

 

I put a mattress out on the patio last night because it was beautiful out. That thing was so warm and comfy! Only lows of 50 but already know I would buy again!

 

LOL not that I wouldn't mind having fun with that as a base camp for a long camp trip, I'd need 5 other people and an extra day to set that thing up! I see that the packed size is 67x13x18 which means it won't fit in our truck beds with the tailgate closed! I couldn't find the packed weight, but I can imagine it would be heavy as hell.

 

I bet you were probably only half covered for part of the night, too. In the 50's, I'm sweating in mine.

 

HUH?
It's only 67" long. Do you have a short bed? How long is your bed?

 

I ordered a new osprey volt today. Can't wait.

 

This is true. I bought a food scale and made a spreadsheet and was able to cut my gear weight almost in half. I went from 40lbs+ down to about 23 lbs and that includes full water bladder pack and food for two night treks. Cost a pretty penny, though.

 

Oops, I read it too fast and was picturing 6'7" instead of the actual 5'6". I have a longbed so it would fit, but I would never use a huge tent like that.

 

I don't like that many people enough to want to camp with them that close.

 

That's the best way to do it. Food scale is critical if you want to be serious about cutting ounces/pounds. Check out Lighterpack.com for a great free site to help you organize and categorize your kit. I started on spreadsheets and moved over to that and it's a great tool.

 

Great. But, like I said a really good comparison is without the consumables (food, fuel, or water). Those vary too much to be of real use when comparing weights.

 

Splitting hairs now .... 5'7"

 

LOL I'm apparently not awake yet.

 

I'll bet you are now.

 

I still wouldn't own one of those huge tents! It's the RTT or my 15.5oz Zpacks tent for any trips I go on.

 

I see that for some of the hunting parties. Base camp for the evening party.
I've seen guys elk camp using the old canvas Army tents.

 

Heck yeah. Spending weeks at elk camp needs to be comfy!

 

The Kifaru Tipi tents are the way to go!