Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

You have to look at either original or the revised date of the map.

 

Around here, we use the paper maps for topography, but many of the trails are newer that the mapping of the early '50s will show. That's why there are so many newer maps by private publishers with trails recorded by GPS. This is also the reason for all the apps for mountain bike trails, ski trails and moto routes.

 

I posted this in the truck camping thread but if anyone is interested in the 16' version of this it is on sale at REI Garage and you can also apply the 20% Memorial Day coupon. Really good price. REI isn't carrying the Kelty Tarps anymore since they have their own copies on their site now. I already have a 12' version that has been working great and when I saw the larger version listed I immediately pulled the trigger.
https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/142114/kelty-noahs-tarp-16-x-16

 

Good price.

 

I just ordered one and some telescoping poles from Cabelas. Hope it works out. Got the discount and used my yearly member benefit so price was right.

 

For the Sierras yes essentially all the trails are on there. In other regions very much a “depends”. The biggest frustration is actually that the USGS maps for many parts of the Sierra were done in the Carter years and thus have contours in meters.

There are also other map data sets both open source and commercial you can use to print your own custom maps but the USGS data is the easiest to find for free.

 

The girlfriend and I are looking to get a bit more into hiking this summer. Currently I have an old Burton snowboarding backpack that I am using as a day bag. It is pretty beat up as I have had it for 10 years now and I would like to replace it. Does anyone have any recommendations on a good day pack that won't break the bank? At this time I am not looking for anything to carry a tent or sleeping bag for a week long trip. The main plan is to go and hike some statepark or other hiking trails around northern Wisconsin. Any input would be appreciated!

 

I do have one small camelbak I think 2 liter maybe. The bag part doesnt hold much I mainly use it for biking and disc golf. I guess another one might be a good idea. Is there a reason to look into a small framed bag? Or a certain style of back pack. I know we could make any small back packs work but are their any features that I should look out for that are very nice to have?

 

I have a Canon Powershot G7X Mark ii, and I used a Zpacks shoulder pouch on my shoulder strap which was a perfect fit for that camera and would also be a great fit for the Sony A6000. I even have a filter adapter on my Canon which extends the lens another 1/2" when I have at least 1 filter on, and it fit great. It's waterproof when you cinch closed the top cord and fold it over. I use the outer mesh pouch on it for my chapstick and a couple other small items I need to access throughout the day.

http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/shoulderpouch.shtml

My digital maps. I'm a map nerd and built the best KML files for that section and used them in my inReach and on my phone. I'm gonna get bashed about it, but I don't carry paper maps because I have 2 digital devices for mapping in case one gets damaged. The trail is so well-marked though, that all I really needed it for was to look at distances to the next waypoints. I'm happy to export and share those files if you'd like. I have ranger stations, bear boxes, camping sites, etc. all marked as waypoints and I know it's a legit file because I recorded my tracks and revised my current map files with actual data points.

It's amazing. One of my absolute favorite parts of the southern Sierra. Easy to get permits coming in from OV and joining the JMT or just hanging out on the other side of the pass at Kearsarge Lakes and beyond.

Ridiculously well-marked.

 

REI Coop brand has some nice options. I've got 3 different sizes and they're all great

 

For day hikes, I LOVE my Osprey Daylite Plus pack. Easy to access the bladder pouch, and I have carried up to 7 liters of water in this bad boy without discomfort. Side pockets for smaller bottles, and the volume on the main inner compartment can hold food, snacks, more water, a light jacket, and a few other smaller items. There's also a smaller compartment on the top/back where I put my keys/wallet and small items I need to quickly access. I take it with me in my suitcase on business trips where I know I'll have some time to get on a quick trail. Makes a great carry-on bag for the plane for under the seat in front of you, too. You can remove the waist belt strap if you prefer not to use it, but it can be put back on instead of having to cut it off permanently. Great bag, and I have many. $50 MSRP but Amazon always has it for a little less.

https://amzn.to/2KWrJxr

 

x2 My wife and I have been using the REI co-op packs for years now and all have been reliable, tough, and affordable.

^The Osprey daylite plus is a great one too! It breathes really well on the back for those hot days and is a perfect breakaway bag to bring along for those longer backpacking trips since packs really well. Can't fit too much in it outside of the essentials but a great quick, light day pack.

 

Yep, love these. Though, I need a new one now because my mom let the one she was borrowing from me get chewed on by a squirrel at Zion.....the main compartment is still fine but one of the others cannot be closed now. I think it was actually the first "hiking pack" that I bought.

I will use the Daylite or an REI Flash 18 that I got for $20 if I am not bringing a camera, but if I am, or bringing one with a Tripod I will use my Osprey Stratos 22 instead.

I actually got the Flash 18 to use when I am at Havasupai later this year, so I don't have to carry my big pack when going to the confluence or Beaver Falls.

 

I think if he's got an REI near him it's so helpful to just go and try a bunch out. They all fit a little different, carry loads different etc...

Or I guess a Bass Pro or Cabela's. I prefer REI though.

 

I've had good use of my Teton Sports Oasis pack. Lots of features. Since I purchased it many years ago the company has come out with two other capacity options.

TETON Sports Oasis 18L Hydration Pack with Free 2-Liter water bladder; The perfect backpack for Hiking, Running, Cycling, or Commuting

https://www.amazon.com/Teton-Sports...=1-3&keywords=teton+sports+hydration+backpack

TETON Sports Oasis 22L Hydration Pack with Free 3-Liter water bladder; The perfect backpack for Hiking, Running, Cycling, or Commuting

https://www.amazon.com/Sports-Hydra...=1-4&keywords=teton+sports+hydration+backpack

TETON Sports Numa Backpack, Black, 30 Liters

https://www.amazon.com/Teton-Sports...1-11&keywords=teton+sports+hydration+backpack

 

Yup, i love the REI 18 daypack. You can fit a shitload in it. Its also very packable.

 

Thank you all for your input. The nearest REI to me is about 2 hours a way in Minneapolis so will have to try and make a trip over to look at some bags in person.

 

Damn! I thought they were all over the place nowadays.

 

Well worth the drive! Be careful though...just like this forum, it's a blackhole for your wallet lol

 

Haha there isn't much close to me. I live in the vacation zone of northern Wisconsin. Nearest walmart is just under a half hour. But to really get to a town with an actual mall or shopping center I need to drive an hour minimum. On the bright side I have 3 nice lakes within 5 miles of my house. And the ATV trail runs through my town of 700 people.