Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Thanks for the recommendations...I’ll look into both of them

 

Grams are ounces, ounces are pounds, that Olight looks heavy.

 

...and uncomfortable. But those lumens!

 

I’ll more than likely just end up with a Black Diamond again

 

$44 Nitecore NU25 360 Lumen Triple Output - White, Red, High CRI - Lightweight USB Rechargeable Headlamp (Black)

Nitecore NU25 headlamp with the big heavy headband removed and modded with some DCF tape, and some medium stretch cord and a lineloc so it fits all size heads and also fits over beanies, ball caps, hoods, etc. I even hang it around my neck like a "chest light" and that has been handy. USB rechargeable. It tilts vertically. Has 3 white settings and 2 red settings, not including strobe settings. I get over 5 days on the low setting (that's continuous use in testing). Low is enough to see around camp and in the tent. I get 8 hours continuous on the medium setting which is plenty for night hiking. Weight of this setup is only 1.16oz. Otherwise I use a 1 AAA small titanium flashilight

 

Why carry 2 pads and have the extra bulk and weight?

 

Keeps me warmer/ground cold off me more and I sleep more comfortably from the extra padding.

If you have any recommendations, I’m open to hearing them

 

Neoair Xlite has over 2" of loft and has the internal baffling to give it a higher R value. If you really sleep cold, get the Xtherm which has an insane R value over 5. One pad, all the comfort and warmth you need. Heavier than the Prolite, but for good reasons. And only 1 pad to deal with that still deflates and packs down pretty small.

Your body heat is only being reflected back by the Prolite, so the Sol foam pad is keeping only minimal cold from hitting the Prolite. Let your body heat warm up a better pad like the Xlite or Xtherm for much better single layer insulation. And they are comfortable. I'm a big guy and I never slept better than I have on my Xlite and Xtherm. Plenty of loft for heavy side sleepers.

 

I always use two pads in the snow, but usually not otherwise.

 

Thank you for the recommendation, I’ll check it out.

 

This is the way I place my sleeping pads when I’m backpacking.

 

yeah I don't sleep on rough surfaces and always have the tent floor as a barrier after clearing the ground. If you're cowboy camping more than tent camping, maybe consider a thinner roll of closed cell foam if that's all you need it for.

 

absolutely

 

So, I was just using the picture as reference to show the pad placement is all. I’m usually in a tent.

 

I too have that pack. I saw one at an REI garage sale but then passed on it, seriously regretting passing on it, and then bought another one at their next sale.

I have only hiked with it once and it did a great job loaded in the 20lb range. I have loaded it at home with a little over 35 and hit the treadmill and that was terrible though so I'm not sure yet...

 

Talking about insulated pads, I expect an insulated Klymit static V to arrive soon. I’ve used their pillows and seat cushions before so I figured I’d try the pad and worst case just give it to my son to use with his scout gear.

 

I've got four static Vs. Three are insulated. If you have the type with a Male inflate valve I've got a YouTube video on how to inflate them on my build thread...
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...nd-some-wanderings.84336/page-4#post-14963746

 

I'm looking for recommendations on a new table for a base camp setup. Going to be used for cooking, prep and cleaning. Currently using one of those plastic folding Rubbermaid style which isn't bad but I want something more sturdy along the lines of https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.c...ess-steel-prep-table-with-foldaway-basin.html but hopefully more affordable. One with a basin would be great but doesn't have to have one. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

These are hard to beat and often available at 40% off..
https://www.coleman.com/outdoor-compact-table/2000020279.html

 

I got this.
https://www.alpsbrands.com/alpsmountaineering/products/furniture/regular-dining-table

Ken