Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Who will you setting the group buy up with and any idea what discounts?

 

It's so worth it. Beautiful area, too. That 2 extra days pays dividends for the acclimation.

 

I'm pretty sure it's going to stay 180 days in advance. That's how mine was this year, and the previous 2 years.

 

I have no idea on anything yet

 

FYI, that's for Yosemite entrances. If you're NOBO, you'll be getting your permit from Inyo National Forest (Sequoia/Kings Canyon) because that's where you'll enter. This is done through https://www.recreation.gov/entranceSearch.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72203. Select "Overnight visiting Whitney", then pick your starting trail which will then be either "Cottonwood Lakes" or "Cottonwood Pass" unless you change plans and start elsewhere further south.

When you get close to the 180 day mark, take a look at what dates start to become available so you know what day to be ready. Be online promptly at 8:00AM PST and try and grab your permits. 2 years in a row I've been able to get the exact entry date I wanted by entering in this region.

 

I know those are Yosemite entrances, I just thought I could use that same table for the dates. If its 180 days, then the yosemite table wont work.

Did you literally just subtract 180 days from your selected entrance day and hope online to book it?

 

Say I select Aug 1st, 2018, I wont know if those dates are available until 180 days before that date. How am I suppose to look at what dates are available?

 

Yup. It's that simple. Every trailhead has its own quota, and some are more popular than others.

When you select your trail and the dates, it will take you to a page showing that block of dates and availability (under the "Date Range Availability" tab). You'll see an "X" on days where it's still too far out to reserve. There will either be a number of permits available, or it will show an "R" if it's all booked up. However, sometimes people release permits and a number will show up. If you miss the day you want, don't fear. Openings can come up and you can grab them if you're online at the right time to catch them. You have to be diligent.

 

Here's an example. I did a dummy search for 2 permits for tomorrow 9/29 entering at Kearsarge Pass. This is the grid that shows what's available. Right now there are lots of permits where the block shows an "A" and a number below it. Days with "R" are booked full. "W" means you can get a walk-up permit only, that same day. X means not available, but the "1" shows that there's 1 permit (not enough to fill your 2 permit request, in this example). Make sense?

 

Obviously i searched the dates I am interested in, month of August 2018, and nothing shows up at all. So ill just wait till 180 days before till something will actually pop up if I search around that "range", correct? @Seabass

 

Is this a gear thread or trip planning?

 

postwhore backpacking, camping and gear thread

 

I actually just purchased a Katadyn befree water bottle, to test and try out. Ive heard good things and how some UL'ers are switching over to these.

I also bought the 3L hydrapack sealer bag that fits the katadyn filter top for extra water. Will probably mess around with it on some overnights around my hood.

 

Yeah it's too early to see anything available yet. Wait until you're closer to the 180 day mark.

 

I'm still not sold on that thing. The proprietary bottle it comes with only has a .6L capacity. I've heard in the reviews that the connection can wear out and get leaks. It also only is rated for up to 1000 liters, and you can't backwash it. You have to buy a replacement cartridge when the thing clogs up. Silty water is going to clog that thing pretty quick if you're on a long hike, and that makes me nervous.

I'm curious.. what sold you on it instead of going for the field-proven cheaper and longer-lasting serviceable Sawyer Mini or Squeeze?

 

Nothing really sold me on it. I also use a sawyer squeeze gravity system and it works great. I just love to try new things. from what ive seen on reddit UL group, a lot of people love it and hate it. For what its worth, I thought i'd give it a try to and see how i like it.

You are right about one thing, it seems super flimsy and unstable. Like its about to tear every time I use it, and I am generally very careful and easygoing with my UL camping equipment.

 

I was looking at your lighterpack for AZ.. that shit is legit. Ive always dreamed about owning zpacks equipment. One day!

Heres my solo backpack gear list. Majority will be the same for JMT and all my solo hikes - https://lighterpack.com/r/dqyimt

 

Good looking list, how do you like the Lukes ultralight rain jacket? I was using one of the frog togs jackets and got caught in a rain storm that turned into a snow storm on the AT and about froze to death. The Frog togs didn't breathe at all and it became a sauna inside, and then when the temp dropped it got cold.. Fast.

 

So after talking to a Garmin vendor, he can cut us a deal.

They must be shipped to one address. The vendor is not willing to ship separate orders at the moment, he just doesn't want to deal with it.

I MIGHT be willing to purchase the bulk order upfront under the following conditions:

1. I get 15 commited members, plus 5 backups.
2. You pay shipping - You can save shipping by combining orders.
3. Paypal funds and you pay the paypal fees.

The discount would be $80 OFF MSRP for the Garmin Inreach which is $450 MSRP. That is about 20% off, the normal group rate discount.

I would pay for the bulk order upfront via credit/paypal. Once I get the order, you pay me and I distribute it to you.

I will NOT take your money upfront.

I know a few of the T4R guys are up for it.

This is open for discussion, I still need to sleep on it...

 

OH and the vendor is in California, so this will save the California people taxes.