Ultimate Camping Thread

i really don’t know.

me and a buddy went last summer, and i used a small pack he had.(did not really fit well and not that comfy for me) i had like 28 or 30 pounds. but i had the lighter stuff(both sleeping bags and pads and some water. he had the tent and stuff. it was a 4 person tent.(his old 2 person was not in good shape so we had to use the 4 person.) i think we both want to get a nice 2 person, so we each can take someone if we want. so i’d say maybe 30 to 40pounds. and hicking will be at least 3 miles, but up to 6 or 9 some times. at least for this year. idk who long it would be till i did the AT. that would only be for 3 or 4 nights at the most.

 

The problem with some of the lower priced packs (from my experience) was that they had poor fit. A 7lb pack empty with excellent suspension, will feel lighter than a 4lb pack empty with a shitty suspension.

With those weight ranges, you will want something comfortable, specially for the long haul. I've caried up to 38lbs in my Talon 44, it was heavy but managable. Luckily I'm out of shape and take frequent brakes.

Best bet is to check out REI and try different packs loaded up.

 

What this guy said ^

Try some packs loaded. I'm not a guru or anything but I know you want the weight resting on the small of your back, secured snugly around the hips, and the shoulder straps just keeping the load close to the back. with 35lbs you should easily be able to look straight up and not feel the tendency to fall backward. Check out Gregory's line. The Z55 and Z65 are a pretty universal size and well built pack for the money (sometimes under $200 on sale). REI is great for trying packs though.

 

REI's really great for this kind of thing. Huge selection and people that will take the time to help. REI has the Arc'teryx Axios 50 on sale for $110ish. Never owned one so can't say it's good or bad. That's 50% off almost.

I always like the three person tent for two people. Gives you a bit more room. Again, REI will setup any tent you want (or let you do it)-I think that's awesome because it's not always easy to see if one sucks to set up

 

Yes--Palm Canyon campground. nice layout & facilities.. can be a bit crowded / noisy at times... great for families (take bicycles, easy walks, nature center, etc.)

 

My personal choice is Deuter. Deuter makes great packs that fit and feel great. Like others said though, make sure you go try on several packs and make sure they are loaded with weight.

 

great pics Crom...really makes you want to be out there!

 

thanks guys and lisa. I’ll go to dick sporing good and gander MTN and try some on. and look at some of what they have. I don’t think we have an REI store anywhere close. thats i can go to and rent or try on what they have. I was looking at the REI web site tho. I’ll see where the closest one is and may make a trip out of it.(i’m guessing its 2+ hours a way, only local places are like dicks gander MTN and i think one other small place that has hicking/camping stuff.

 

Agree here. got a Deuter for my girlfriend and myself at REi scratch and dent, 90 percent off.... steal!!!!!
Used to work at REI many years ago....

 

is their and REI store in or around Atlanta? if so maybe thats the one i’ll go to if there is not one closer. Atlanta is about 3.5h or so, I’m up by knoxville.

 

It is because it's winter in Montana?

x3

x2!

I recommend to spend the money and get a well designed pack that fits your body properly. The alternative is pain and suffering. Like others have stated, REI is a great resource for this.

I have a Greggory Baltero 70L pack. As far as I'm concerned it has the best suspension design in human history. What separates it from the competition is independent hip suspension. Each side of the belt can pivot independently from the other side. This is excellent when you need to high step. Because I backpack in the desert where no water sources are available, all the water necessary for survival must be carried. Sometimes that means I'll have over two gallons of water and my pack will weigh 50-55lbs. The Baltero makes carrying a load like this possible while being as comfortable as possible.



Osprey is another good choice. My buddies pack, dunno what model it is, has a hip belt that is heated in an oven and then you wear it and it forms to your body.

Thanks!

 

This thread is super long and I am trying to go through it. I recently picked up one of these on ebay but have not loaded it out yet. The directions on fitting it correctly seem well written and explanatory.

http://www.kelty.com/p-261-falcon-66.aspx?category=backpacks


Another brand I have recently had some experience with is Teton. I have two of their bags for truck camping and they are great for the money. They offer many types of packs at reasonable prices. I haven't seen them in stores though so not sure how they are in person.

 

some nice bags. I would take any of them it is just that they are super expensive. I ended up picking a big cheap bag from a gun show that I have as a B.O.B. And I use it for work when I could possibly get sent out for a couple of days.

 

What kind of stove is everyone using ?

For car camping (campgrounds) I use a Coleman Dual Fuel, for backpacking I currently use a PocketRocket. Thought about splurging on the MSR Whisperlite International, basically a multi fuel stove, but I don't know if I want to add the weight of the white gas.

 

I have a Whisperlite from the late 90's that my father gave me as a birthday present. That thing is robust and has never once let me down. When it finally shits the bed (the primer has become a little moody at times), I will no doubt go with the International.

 

Jet boil for the summer time/ warm months and the Whisperlite International for the winter. I just use regular camping fuel with that. Its a little heavier but I am always about 20 lbs heavier in the winter anyway.

 

Im not sure if the primers are any different with that old of a stove but you could probably replace it with a new priming pump. My dad broke his somehow so he just went out and bought a whole new pump.

 

The Jetboils are nice. If you do systematic type cooking, you can really consolidate with those. But for how heavey they feel in hand, I'm not sure how much they save, other than possibly space. Need to compare numbers.

First time I went winter packing, my bag weighed 53lbs, no joke. I've learned a lot since then and slimmed it down. last time out I was at 41lbs, still trying to slim it down more.

 

this would be nice to have..