Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

I have one like that but these dimensions are based on being able to fit all my main camp gear (tent, bag, pad, stove) in the 25L pelican case on the back of my KLR. My other tent has 22” poles which fit fine on the side of my pack for backpacking but wouldn’t work in this situation.

Thanks. I think I’ll go to REI and a local place or two tomorrow with a tape measure also.

 

Went and looked at a bunch of different tents and wrote down which ones had poles under 17”. I got some weird looks from people by pulling out poles and a tape measure in the store.

1 person tents:
REI quarter dome SL1 $279, 2lbs 6oz (REI)
Alps Mountaineering Lynx 1 $95, 4lbs 4oz (Amazon)
Alps Mountaineering Mystique 1.5 $95, 4lbs 13oz (REI outlet)
Kelty Solstice 1 $110, 3lbs 14oz (Sportsman’s Warehouse)

2 person tents:
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 $240, 2lbs 8oz (Experticity)
Nemo Kunai 2P $300, 4lbs 14oz (Experticity)
Black Diamond $295, 3lbs 5oz (REI outlet)

 

Tiger Wall UL2 for $240? That sounds like a really good deal! How do it get that deal?

 

have you looked at companies that dont require poles? Tarptent, Six mood designs, Gossamer Gear, Mountain Laurel designs, etc. Only thing is that they are not free standing tents, but very lightweight/ultra lightweight.

 

A discount website called Expertvoice.com. Used to be Promotive, I thought it was still Experticity but I guess that changed too. I don’t know what the requirements are to get an account, mine was from back when Promotive offered it to military members.

Yes, and I have a “poleless” lightweight shelter. Unless you have trees to tie off to though none are actually poleless, I’d still need to pack a set of poles since I’ll be on a motorcycle and not hiking with trekking poles.

 

Have you looked into getting a "custom" pole built for your existing shelter? I am going to be picking up the Mountain Laurel Designs CF pole, which measures 57" and has folded length of 16" (I am using trekking poles less often).

Otherwise, I know Zpacks has a couple options (11.25 and 12" folded lengths) and Ruta Locura is a brand that will make pretty much any custom pole.

 

Quest Outfitters. Make your own poles.

 

So me and my gf are beginners.....looking at going camping at big sur. Pretty much need everything. What's a good site thats not super pricey but still good gear, looking to buy once cry once but I also don't want to spend a couple of grand in Gear haha. Figure I would need at the basic...a tent, sleeping bag, lights, and maybe a heater.

 

REI offers bundles. Tent, sleeping bags, and sleep pads. Somewhat cheap. But you'll upgrade soon after your 1st trip, lol.

 

Sup Buddy! Youll also need sleeping pads.. help keep insulation between the floor and your body/

 

Do you have ANY experience camping?
Can you cook when camping?
Do you have friends/family with gear that camp?
You have a truck, do you have a cap on it?

Learn about the gear and look for it at thrift shops and flea markets, and REI garage Sales, too.
You can get by without gear. Wool slacks instead of hiking pants are an example. You can stay really warm in wool slacks.
Wool shirt is the same.
Sleep in the truck. Use blankets.

You can get by pretty well without all the cool stuff. The most important part is where you are and having a good time.

If you spend a bunch of money on stuff that you do not know about, then ... you have a bunch of stuff you may not like.

 

Car camping or backpacking? Two different beasts and different levels of acceptable comfort vs weight.

Here are some of the REI quick start bundles mentioned by @lucky13don
https://www.rei.com/product/119347/rei-co-op-camp-bundle
https://www.rei.com/product/127720/rei-co-op-backpacking-bundle

 

thanks everyone. Not looking for anything crazy, just weekend getaway type deal. Not super off grid haha. I been camping twice, but more like campground camping national park setting. Might have to stop by an REI, just always heard they're super pricey when it comes to gear.

 

Find an REI garage sale (become a member beforehand for $20 once for a lifetime). You can snag tons of barely used gear for very cheap.

Backcountry.com will also run good sales, just have to time it.

 

Big Sur is like Nat'l Park camping to me.
Years ago REI used to be the place to go.
I would learn from them, touch the stuff, try it on, then go on the internet and learn more.
CampSaver, Amazon, ebay.
And ask here.

Like "Is this sleeping bag worth the 100 this guy wants?".

Go camping locally. Depending on where you are, there should be lots of places to go.
You better know how to cook camping. It is more than boiling water.
Sleep rough, get wet, alright. But, if you cannot eat good food when camping .....

 

Yeah I shop all over the place. REI for brand new to market stuff that is the same price everywhere else because dividend. Amazon or other outlets like backcountry etc for apparel/gear deals. I check around as much as I can.

 

Broke down and bought a sea to summit sleeping bag liner. Should turn my 35 degree bag into a 20 degree bag. Didn't feel like dropping 2-300 more on a 20 degree bag

 

Bought my son the first bundle and he loves it for car camping. Always check the rei garage sale. Good deals to be had. Also the used gear can be decent.

 

Thanks for all the help everyone!

 

Just don't look for the lightest gear just yet..it gets expensive fast. Also if you need more room go to a 4 person tent. I've use the hell out of my kingdome4 with a rei queen air mattress and its great.