Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

My old setup, still have / use the screen room

 

Hey all, it's camping season! First time posting in this thread and looking for rain jacket suggestions. Gotta retire my old Columbia, haven't looked at rain jackets in 10 years. What does everyone like?

 

Hard to skip columbia, but we live near their outlet store so.. Kids rock their waterproof stuff with the zip in liner. That said, I do have a lot of Helly gear as well, since they have a great .mil discount. Those are all cold weather jackets though, for warm weather stuff you might something more lightweight.

 

I've got an orange Gazelle tent that a nice gentleman sold me which is SUPER EASY to set up!

 

I really like my Patagonia Torrentshell. Lots of reviews at https://gearjunkie.com/apparel/outerwear/best-rain-jackets or at https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/best-rain-jacket

 

What's your use case? There's a big difference between needing a rain jacket for fishing in AK and for needing one for summers in the Sierra.

 

I just bought this:

$120 Sinweek 4" Thick Memory Foam Camping Mattress CertiPUR-US Waterproof Portable Roll Up Mattress for Adults Cot Mattress Car Van Sleeping Mat Pad with Carrying Bag

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8B85SLN?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

My last foam/air mattress won't hold air. I've slept on the new mattress once. VERY comfy. A little bulky, but I only truck camp. Don't think I'll go back to an air mattress.

 

I recently upgraded my air mattresses. For years I would bring intex double height air mattresses for camping (have kids). Last time I used them, they both deflated overnight. Left me hitting the ground and being swallowed up like a bad dream.

I purchased a couple of real backpacking air mattresses. A double wide from Big Agnus and an Exped Ultra 5R wide long for myself. Used them both 2 weeks ago and we slept just fine! They pack down super small, and are just as comfortable!

 

I’m super interested in how you like that mat. I’ve seen them for a couple years and have considered buying one for car camping

 

Are you putting the mattress on the ground or on a cot? Looks interesting!

 

What brand and model?

I've been using them since the 80s. Thermarest and Exped.
Rare occasions of leaks are easily fixed.

 

Same. Not since the 80s but I’ve got a thermarest that’s 15 years old and has been used over 1k nights at this point. Still running strong.

 

Good point. More like fishing in Pennsylvania ha!

Looking for a daily driver jacket so temps 40F-85F but would probably use it more in the humid summer so let's say around 70F. I'd wear it for a few hours hiking, fishing, camping, walking the dogs, etc.

Liner or no liner? Does one work better in humidity

Thanks for the reply!

 

Thanks for the links! That Patagonia one does look nice

 

Thanks for the advice! Ya I'm looking for something for warmer weather.

Columbia outlet! Now there's an idea!

 

Spent a lot of time looking at all the rain jackets REI sells but ended up getting Grundens Trident jacket. GoreTex and lightweight. Roomy enough to add some warmth underneath if needed too. Has served me well during Sierra summer t-storms and NoCal winter rains.

https://grundens.com/products/trident-jacket?variant=44463298642169

 

A Thermrest knock-off, hence the leaks. I know leaks can be fixed, but don't like noticing them in the middle of the night! And, $90 vs too much for my Scottish heritage....

 

25% coupon off the 4" one right now. Seems like a good purchase. Time will tell.

 

Ground for me. My RTT has a firm foam mattress that I like. This new one is when I bring the ground tent. I have never owned a cot.

 

Everyone's got brands their partial to so I won't tell you what brand to get. I will tell you to read up on 3L, 2.5L and 2L and what they mean. That gearjunkie link upthread is a wealth of info and here's another. It's crazy how much there is to know about something as simple as a rain shell. lol

https://www.outdoorresearch.com/blo...Gp5hFC4Xscp5TEdDV8eNDrAjNeOWTM3xoCzvUQAvD_BwE