Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

40 years ago I remember they were pretty good.
No idea about now.

 

I have a slumberjack sleeping bag that is about 15 years old now. Camped with it many times and it has held up well. I'm sure its not the nicest bag on the market, but seems like a good value for the price.

 

Update:
Permit was granted for the GC. Camping in Cottonwood and BrightAngel CGs.

Aug 17-23

 

Gonna be hot. Enjoy.
Keep your clothes and head/hat wet. Drink a lot of water, and replenish electrolytes. Water alone won't do it.

When you get to Phantom Ranch ask about any openings for dinner and/or breakfast.
The hiker Stew is awesome. Breakfast is great, too.
They have several different time offerings for the meals.

It's way worth carrying the food you brought if you get to eat at Phantom Ranch.
If you don't want to carry it, there is a container to leave it at both Bright Angel & Indian Garden Ranger Stations. People leave/take all kinds of stuff, like first aid, food, fuel, etc.

Take a walk out to Plateau Point from IG. Clear Creek or Phantom Creek from BA.
Soak in the creek, too.

Suggestion:
Leave Bright Angel really early, rest in the shade during the heat at Indian Garden, like anytime after 10 to 6, then hike to the top. Or not.

Ken in NC

 

@User Name01
I should add, if you have extra food and wish to stay one more night at Indian Garden, you can ask the rangers at the bottom if there are openings. they can radio it in and change your permit.

 

(The inside scoop)

 

Just back from a few days up in the Weminuche Wilderness. I've been backpacking there as a volunteer "Wilderness Information Specialist" for over 20 years, but its still always good to live up with the goats.

 

That's great. You will have a wonderful time. As has been mentioned, it will be hot in August. I did it from the south rim last October and the weather was wonderful. The Ranger at Bright Angel thought it was a bit warm, but coming from central Texas we thought it felt great. I'm doing rim to rim this coming October, and I'm psyched.

Good thing about coming down North Kaibab is that water will be available. Ive never come down from the rim on the north, but I know that the trail between Cottonwood and Bright Angel is a lot less strenuous than South Kaibab or even Bright Angel trail on the south side.

 

SWEET!
Any other shots of the hammock setup?

 

Here's my setup over he weekend.

 

Yep

 

My camp neighbor

 

I should also say that you really should allow for time to explore Ribbon Falls, and possibly Upper Ribbon Falls on your way down from Cottonwood to BA. Definitely worth it.
A google search will show you the travertine mound and the waterfall that is so awesome.

 

Yeah, my sisters are excited for that part.

 

As well they should. Very cooling.
Research the way to upper to ensure you allow the time.

 

What's everyone's thoughts on cots and air mattresses for camping? I only have an average sleeping pad that I used for motorcycle camping. If I'm going to be using a larger cabin tent, I'm thinking of finding something more comfortable. Though some of the cots I'm looking at cost as much as a tent. And yet I don't want something that takes up a lot of space either.

 

Cots are cold, so it depends on where you'll be. They allow air to circulate under you like a hammock, which is great if you're needing to cool down.

 

Suggestions for a sturdy camping table for cooking and shenanigans?

Was eyeing this:

http://www.coleman.com/pack-away-kitchen/2000020276.html?cgid=coleman-furniture-tables#start=3

Anyone have experience with this? Stove is a Coleman classic 2 burner.

 

I have the Wal-Mart verison.use it with the camper. It's actually kinda nice. But tables are low. Left out overnight and the dew didn't harm it.gave it a quick wipe down and good to go.

 

How many times have you used it? Durability is my concern. Some folks say that the top part bubbles up after several uses.

If I get this, it will get lots and lots of use from me. Thinking about getting roll on top coat to help seal it.