Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

I recently sold my TarpTent Notch as well, but just because it was a bit small for me. I have a Tarptent Double Rainbow coming, which has a bunch of new features for 2019. It can be freestanding with trekking poles, but not traditionally. Same for single Rainbow. Bowfin is also freestanding.

Traditional free standing tents:

MSR Hubba Hubba NX is still $300 at REI (because they are getting a slightly updated model, but it is not much different). I have this tent and it is on the heavy side, but it is absolutely fantastic. Tons of room, small footprint, really solid and taut pitch. They have the 1P on sale too.

https://www.rei.com/product/863074/msr-hubba-nx-solo-1-person-tent-2018

https://www.rei.com/product/863076/msr-hubba-hubba-nx-2-person-tent-2018

Nemo Hornet 1P and 2P. Also on sale at REI since the new model is coming soon.

https://www.rei.com/product/880474/nemo-hornet-1p-tent

https://www.rei.com/product/863076/msr-hubba-hubba-nx-2-person-tent-2018

 

Eastern side of Linville Gorge actually. I'm out in Wayne County but have been bouncing all over since moving here this summer.

 

Man I love that area. Spent a ton of time backpacking in Wilsons creek. Some brutal hiking out there but it sure is pretty and usually quiet

 

Great climbing as well!

 

Man I miss climbing!

 

You see any bears out that way?
I go to the west side and because of the hunting there, the guys I go with say they are more afraid of people on the west side.

 

I learned how to climb in the Gunks. I've climbed at almost every East Coast cliff there is. Sadly, LInville Gorge is one place I never made it too. It was always on the to do list. Then in 2004 I went on a road trip out west. I ended up in Bishop CA and never left. lol

 

fair enough! I haven’t climbed in Linville but I’ve climved a few spots out at Wilson Creek and Black Fork which is really close nearby.

 

Just realized I have two 23% off coupons for REI on any REI branded item. They have to be used before the end of the year. One from a class I took and another from the AZ Trail association with my membership. Trying to figure out what to get with them. Since my ankle went I realized my backpacking set up is not the greatest for car camping so I have been looking at a couple things like a more comfortable camp chair to use instead of my Chair Zero. So I'll prob use one on a REI camp chair, but not sure what to use the other one on? The 650 down hoodie is a possibility, but then I am getting to the point where I have too much cold weather stuff for AZ lol

Definitely plan on picking up one of those bed tent set ups like the rightline or pro z and an air mattress in the next month or so.

 

Helinox Sunset chair

 

coupon only good on REI Brand items

 

Oh. I conveniently skipped that.

 

Actually we did have a smaller black bear in camp late Friday night, dog was going nuts so I went outside and scared him off.

Haven't made it to the gunks yet. I grew up climbing in the Black Hills in SD, along with Ten Sleep and Devil's tower. Bishop is amazing, finally made it there 3 years ago. I can't wait to go back.

 

If you cut your teeth in the Black Hills you'll be totally fine in the Gunks. The grades and face climbing at both places are very similar. The Gunks truly is one of the best climbing areas in the US. This is coming from a guy who has climbed at almost all of them. There's noty may places in the country like it. It's worth the drive. Just try and avoid it on a weekend.

When you get back to Bishop shoot me a PM. I'd be happy to show you around. I lived out of my van for 6 years doing nothing but working as little as possible and climbing as much as possible. Bishop is the first place in all my travels that just blew me away. The Sierra's are the most impressive mountains in the lower 48, IMO. The sheer amount of alpine climbing within 2 hours of my house is mind blowing. Add the local crags and bouldering and I could climb 10 different routes or problems a day for the next 20 years and still have only touched 10% of it. lol

 

Bishop is awesome! ive only been to the Happys a few times but looking forward to experience more. Only got into bouldering this feb and love it.

 

My brother made one voyage to Bishop and moved out to California so he could be near it.

I haven't been out there yet, but I won't complain about Linville and Rumbling Bald around here .

 

Have you been to Black Fork? It’s less known but a ton of fun and there’s some tough overhung spots too

 

That looks like a great trail! Reminds me of a rock scramble I camped at a few months ago. Makes your palms sweaty!

 

I have not heard of Black Fork honestly - I will check it out!

I am in Greenville, SC - so most of my climbing is done at Big Rock, Crowders, Rumbling Bald, Linville, and Looking Glass.

 

One of so many around here, Picketpost Mountain is another awesome one and one of my favorites.


Battleship is a really cool choose your own adventure type route anything from sketchy to moderately conservative lines across the narrow part. Only down side is a very boring 5.5 mile one way hike to reach the scramble.