Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

I have 4 Thermrest that are 32 years old. Can't count the number of nights spent on them but we did use them for 2 months in Alaska. Never had any leaks.

 

Another plug for Thermarest. I have a couple of the older Dreamtime's. So comfortable and bulletproof.

 

Mr Heater refill for 1# bottles, fantastic, finally

 

I have the Flame King which works similarly.

 

It’s amazing it took this many years, it’s a no brainer. How long have people have a gas grill on their deck

 

Well the bottles do get a bad seal eventually. Just gotta stop and inspect and not use if you smell a leak.

 

I've had this in my cart for years.

 

Flame King
Mr Heater
The 2 main competitors have advantages and disadvantages each.
The stand, the tool, and the release valve if I recall.
One brand has small canisters too.

 

I checked out the possible use of the Neso 1 as an awning for the family 4runner. Looks like a winner...at least in the front yard. The Neso Grande version is too big for the 4Runner but is great at the beach. In the last two photos I'm using the longer poles from the Grande with the Neso 1 for this application. The poles aren't the same height between the different models.

I've used all sorts of tarps for awnings/sun shade with my Tacoma until finally giving in and getting an ARB awning and room attachment. The ARB is a game changer but this 4runner is for my wife and I so it's not a primary off-road vehicle. I still have the Tacoma for that.

 

That’s a good number. Dude!

 

My apologies. Typo.
90s, not 80s. I moved to Seattle area in 92. That was when I was exposed to them.

My oldest is a demo Basecamp from 90s. It has the writing on it, cuz it was hung in a shop. 10 dollars at the old Pacific Feather Company sale where Seattle area manufacturers sold to the public, like a flea market.
It is still my go to car camp pad, or the standard pad.

 

Back to this.
https://springbar.com/
There is a great video.

 

Every time I get rid of a mattress with a mattress topper, I carve up the topper and do this with it. Also good for dog beds too.
When I camp in sub freezing weather it is a great insulation layer.

 

I'm looking for a budget sleeping solution. 1 person, 4 season ability. I would prefer something with heavier material that is a bit more durable, wind-resistant, snow, etc. I have a small coleman tent but it just has a rain fly over open, mesh sides. Most of my solo camping will be fall and winter trips. I was looking another small ground tent or maybe a swag. I have a high quality sleeping pad and a variety of different weight bags.

 

Oddly enough I do more cold season camping than warm so this advice is going to be a little weird.
There really is no such thing as a four season tent. They do make them and there will be someone that chimes in three comments from here but they are a jack of all trades and a master of none. They do OK in Spring and Fall but are too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. It's like saying I want 4 Season Clothing and then trying to wear a jacket all the time. You'll be comfortable in the spring and fall and hot AF in the summer and in the winter miserably cold.

For my camping I run a 1 season cheap-o Coleman ($60) tent and that season is summer. And I run it all year long and I camp mostly in the winter. It has three solid sides to it with the standard doors and windows and then the back side is all one large screen panel. I can cover the screen wall with a rain fly if I want or if I'm camping on the edge of a Mesa and I want to see the stars, I leave the flap off.

Then to stay warm I have invested in the appropriate sleeping bag.
My main bag is a Big and Tall bag from Coleman - https://www.coleman.com/camp-sports...cold-weather-sleeping-bag/SAP_2000037315.html
And then I have a Cheapo $20 bag from Walmart.

In the summer I run the Walmart Bag.
Spring and Fall I run the Coleman Bag.
Winter I line the Coleman with Walmart.

I use a good air mattress too.
Camp down to about 28° on the regular like that.

 

Anybody here has experience with 'Kilos Gear' ?
Specifically their sleeping pads?
Or should I just cough up the cash and stick with Thermarest?
https://kilosgear.com/products/aerocloud-sleeping-pad-elite

I'm mostly looking for comfort. I want a bit thicker and wider sleeping solution than my current minimalist Thermarest.

 

This is so cool. I'm planning a weeklong trip departing next Saturday, was thinking about conjuring up some sort of awning after experiencing a friend's fancy 270° rack-mounted awning a few weeks ago. I already have a Neso 1, had never occurred to me to use it like that.

 

Retired now, Flyfishing bum. Been camping a lot this summer. I have 3 refillable 1# canisters , obviously have refilled them. I would have gone through 7 bottles so far of the old style, progress

 

Truck camping or backpacking? For solo truck camping, the tent-cot with a tarp on top as a second rain fly/insulation layer is super comfy, used it all the way down to snow camping (you'll want to put an insulated pad below of course, cot fabric doesn't insulate) and in the summer just leave it all mesh only.