Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Source bladders are the shit. I will never go back to camelbak, platypus, etc. But I will say, the bladder that came in my Osprey MTB bag is pretty nice. The back is rigid so it doesn't crumple up as it drains.

 

I have the Ultimate Direction branded hydrapak reservoir. I like the large top opening for cleaning and drying it. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, which I haven't had to use yet.

 

I've been patiently waiting for the Cnoc Vecto water bags to come out. Looks like they ship next month with a pre-order. I just want a wide top bladder that I can use to haul water over long stretches where water sources are scarce (like the AZ Trail). I'm curious about the Source bladders but I don't need the added hydration tube fitting on the side of the bag. Extra weight. I want something durable. I've been using Platypus Big Zips and they do great, but I know there's something better out there. I just want to fill it up, throw it in my pack, and go. Normally I just use Smartwater bottles in my pack side pouches but when I need more than 2 liters, a water bag is all it takes. There are some cheap ones on the market that I don't trust putting in my pack with my other gear for fear of leaking.

 

I'm a fan of the MSR dromedary bags.

 

Keep us posted on that. I am always cautious of new products. the produced item is never what the prototype is.

 

They're heavy, and I could never get the chemical taste out of mine.

Initial reviews by other thru-hikers were positive so far. But you're right.. the final product could be different. I'm going to wait until they're on the market and reviewed a bit more. If they stay how they are, they're 1oz lighter than what I'm currently carrying.

 

I use one of the Dromedary bags too. Only took a little vinegar to get the taste out of the one I have.

If anyone has been shopping for one of these it is at the lowest price it has been listed at so far, $70 instead of $100. We'll see how it is when it arrives but I ordered one.

Kelty Low Loveseat Camp Chair - Tundra/Chili Pepper

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B012EVRCYO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

The Source bags are good to go. I've got a few of them and they are the best bladder I've used. The claim of no grunge is true. I forgot one in the pack over winter and found it a couple months later, not a spot of algea or any bad smell. Just washed it and rinsed with lemon juice and it was good to go.

 

New backpacking gear roll call...

• Enlightened Equipment 40 degree 950 down fill xwide xlong 10D nylon quilt - 17.40 oz. Picked this up for the summer months when the 20 degree quilt is just too hot. Saves me 7.95 oz
• Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex jacket - 8.11 oz - Lighter than my down jacket, but just as warm. I wanted a synthetic fill that's still packable so if it gets wet, it will dry faster than down and won't lose all of its insulative properties. Saves me 6.99 oz
• DutchWare Gear folding sit pad - lightest and most compact sit pad worth sitting on that I've found yet. Measures 15" x 11" x .19" when unfolded. Folds to 7.5" x 5.75" x .76" and weighs only .67 oz. Saves me 1.48 oz
• Zpacks Vertice rain paints - I got these more as a wind pant for the cooler seasons, but might as well get the waterproof part covered as well. I got the large/tall and they weigh only 4.1 oz. These are 2.0 oz heavier than the Zpacks rain kilt, but they give me full leg coverage and something to wear while doing laundry while staying warmer than just wearing shorts. Saves me almost a full 1 lb versus bringing full-length heavier hiking pants.
• Thrunite Ti3 LED flashlight - uses only a single AAA battery, and clips to my hat for hands-free use. Got it for the shorter 1-2 night trips where I know I won't be night hiking. Weighs .78 oz with battery, and has 3 intensity settings. Saves me over 2 oz versus carrying a headlamp

These changes have my base weight down to 6.75 pounds. You can see these and my full short-trip gear list on my updated LighterPack account, as well as pics and product links on where to find these items. Can't wait to test out the new gear.

 

Anybody have any Fjallraven gear? Been wanting a couple pair of the Vida Pro and Keb pants. If you do, how is the sizing? heard it was a little small.

 

Finally got the full JMT video put together the way that I wanted it. Everything is in perfect chronological order and all points of interest are labeled with captions. The description gives links to my gear list for this trip, too. All filmed on my Samsung S8 with zero filters or editing. You see it exactly how I did. My tent, pack and other gear show up throughout the movie.

My truck makes an appearance at 21:21

@Cuffs has a cameo at 22:10, too. The Makers Mark she gave me is in the closing frame, which I quickly consumed as soon as my pack came off in Half Dome Village.


https://youtu.be/Hua-qqPOQTw

 

Very well done sir!!! That was awesome.

 

Ok this one came down in price too...so I don't need another camp chair for quite a while

Kelty Deluxe Lounge Chair - Smoke/Paradise Blue

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B014JQAH08#

 

Thanks buddy

 

@Seabass that was an awesome piece of work, thank you for sharing!!

 

Pretty awesome adventure!

 

Awww, thanks! Looks like I'll have to schedule one in Zion now.

Trip of a lifetime

 

Let me know once you've used it and how you like it. I am in the market for a new 6 person tent (to fit the queen air mattress cot) and can't decide. Not looking to go too expensive as my wife and I will be getting a trailer hopefully before next hunting season. We currently have a glaciers edge massive 14*9ft tent and it is annoying and I have to use 2-4 cans of water proofing twice a year to keep it PNW rain resistant. I need something that will manage to hold up in 4 seasons and is easier to manage than what we have.

 

I won't be able to comment on rain worthiness, but setup isn't too bad, space is nice (especially ceiling height, it's TALL). Definitely roomy enough for a queen bed, plus nightstands!

So far, no complaints from me on construction or design - for PNW or rainy areas though, got me. I'm in the SF Bay Area in NorCal so we see a few seasons, but if rain is forecasted, I'm not camping.

 

For transparency, I received the tent free of charge for testing purposes. Initial impressions is that it's worth the money they ask for it, and it's my first (and only) Alps product.