Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

If you mostly hike in dry or warm conditions, you might consider using waterproof socks for the wet days and keeping the same shoes. I use Altra Lone Peak Neoshell shoes for trips with some snow, but have also used the sock plan and its just another way to look at it.

 

Yeah when I start to think about the sequence of what causes the water from the grass or rain to soak my feet it is a combo that I just dont think GTX shoes will fully solve, and in fact might make the situation worse by not drying as fast. The bigger problem is walking through that grass my pants get soaked, that water runs down my legs straight into the shoe so GTX isnt going to solve that, only getting gaiters will and even then unless the gaiters are higher than the grass it is no good.

 

Consider some tall gaiters for passages like this. Some overlap most of your shoe and go to about knee height and work pretty good keeping your lower legs and feet dry. Great for busting through cat's claw as well.

*edit Just saw your above post. Even with coverage up to your knees, it's way better than nothing. There are higher gaiters but now you're talking about more weight and bulk in your pack. 99% of the time, you'll be walking through this grass when it's dry so you'll rarely need to bring them with.

 

Yeah that is where I am wondering is it worth an additional investment for something that historically is such a low % of an issue out here. I mean $155 for shoes + $45 for gaiters or just suck it up for another weekend. Although the gaiters would probably see a lot of use going from 18-26 and dealing with the catclaw.

Edit I might just pick up the $45 OR gaiters and give that a try, not a huge investment and something I definitely think would see use in the later passages and catclaw. They weigh something like 7oz so not a massive weight to carry when I think rain is in the forecast.

 

Who needs a pack mule (or a backpack for that matter)?
(Put a saddle on the gizmo to carry your valet.)

https://www.bostondynamics.com/ls3

credit: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/space-and-science-bs-thread.300689/page-73#post-18906264

 

I can't really comment at all on GoreTex trail runners because I have never used them. One thing I will advise though is checking out the Sportiva Raptor instead of the Wildcat. It's a much better shoe and is almost the same weight. I used Wildcats for a few years and really liked them. One thing that failed on me before any other part of the shoe was always the toe box. Sportiva solved that issue with the Raptor. It's got a wraparound toe cap and upper that's pretty bomb proof. I've yet to blow out a pair of Raptors before the soles are long gone. Same tread pattern, same sole material, almost the same weight and they last a lot longer.

 

Headed to the creek in the morning for a camping trip with the fam. Should be decent weather in South Mississippi. I need a roof rack!!!

 

Anyone here use a Feathered Friends bag?

 

I had one. Quality product.

 

Good to know. Thinking about investing in one eventually. Learning about that companies products and western mountaineering’s as well. I need a lightweight down bag that will keep me warm in single digit weather

 

I have 2 Western Mountaineering bags. As good as there is.

 

WM and FF have the highest reputation.

I have a FF jacket. It is nice. I haven’t used bags from either.

 

Also good to know. My brother recently picked one up but, I have yet to check it out.
I’m just not into shivering through the night anymore if I want to camp in high elevation during the fall/winter months.

 

I've have both companies products in various forms. When it comes to 800 fill down bags I switched over to Montbell 10 years ago. IMO they make the best lighweight bags currently on the market. My 30 degree spiral hugger will keep me toasty well past freezing. The design and baffling allows way more range of motion when sleeping then any other bag I've ever used. I toss and turn a lot so that is important to me.

Look at all your options but add Montbell to the research list.

 

Picked up a few new sleeping pads cause a mouse chewed my big Agnes one. Picked up 2 klymit static v pads from seirra trading Post ( wife works for home goods, so we get discounts there too). Pretty impressed for something that was like 1/4 the price of my big Agnes inflatable pad. They're not self inflating, but only took maybe 15 breaths to fill, and were super comfy. I slept on my side both nights this past weekend. Also took my daughter along on her first camping trip( she wheels with me all the time). She loved it, and despite getting into the 20s at night and cold rain Saturday and Sunday she was comfy on the sleeping pad and warm in her REI kids 0deg mummy sack.

 

We have 4 WM bags here. One from around '92, and still full of loft.
I do not have any FF bags but have seen that they are just as good. WM customer support is great, too.

 

I am pretty impressed with the static V. Not the lightest pad but much more comfortable than I expected at a nice price. I was super worried about dog nails punctering, but hasn't happened after many uses.

 

About to head out in the morning for Bryce Canyon. I’ve gone backpacking the past couple of years, but this year we’re going to set up camp in the North campground and do day hikes. I’ve been looking forward to this for 6 months. I’ve never really done any cold weather camping, unless you count bivouac in basic training, so I know I’m taking way too much stuff. Pics when I get back home.

 

Besides being a little heavy, only downside is (just like every other damn inflatable pad) you can't get them back in the stuff sack after taking them out once.i don't understand why it's so hard to make a sleeping pad/ tent bag that you're actually able to easily fit the item back in after using once.

I rarely backpack anymore, so weight isn't a huge concern. I try to pack similar to backpacking just cause my FJ has pretty limited storage space.

 

That'll be a blast! When I was there I camped in that forested area on the right just before the entrance to the park. I want to go back when there's snow on the ground.