Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Gotcha. I've never used one of those, so maybe others can chime in. I know of a couple folks that got one and didn't like it. They either fit weird, leaked, or they made for a small shelter. The wheel wells make a tight fit for 2 people, and you really need a solid pad for the truck to compensate for the ridges in the bed.

My first drawback to ever considering getting one is that I would have to unload my entire truck just to set it up. I like to keep as much gear as possible loaded in the truck and not spread all over. Plus they are nylon tents, and I don't use those anymore. Lastly, fitment is weird on some trucks and you really have to know the model that fits best. For the money spent, I'd rather just do a good ground tent.

 

Yup! Works great!

 

I thought so I have the same set

 

Posted this in a regional thread but thought I'd share in here as well....

Any of you guys interested in a JetBoil Flash cooking system? REI has a really good deal on em. Use GARAGE25 at checkout for an additional 25% off. $59.79 for a $100 product ain't bad.

https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/123921/jetboil-flash-cooking-system

 

Anyone have any first hand experience with any of the following? I’ve read some reviews and people seem to like all of them!

SMD Lunar Solo/Solo LE
SMD Skyscape Scout/Trekker
LHG SoLong 6

I wasn’t really in the market per se but they have some pretty good sales at the moment and they are pretty cheap. Really tempted to just get the Skyscape Scout since it’s only $108 and still 20oz lighter (more like 25oz since they overstate its actual weight) than what I’ve got if I use it with trekking poles (MSR Hubba Hubba).

 

I have a SMD Lunar Solo and Duo.
Old style, but I love mine. Customer service is awesome, they repair a seam tear I did, and no charge.
Trekking poles need to go to 140 cm to work.

 

Any condensation issues?

 

(Like all single wall) Not if I set up with appropriate ventilation. The sides can be set up for more or less ventilation.
Mine are more than a few versions behind the latest.

Anyone local carry them for you to look at them?

Here are photos of the tent in Grand Canyon on a Solo 2 week long trip along the Tonto.
Some answer your question, and others are just there to brag.

 

I've had a Lunar solo and it works well here, we get brief, strong rains but generally have low humidity in the S. Rockies.

 

Having a fit over the real possibility of actually having to sleep in a tent again! Knowing we are moving to red rock country in southern Utah, I know the reality of it is that we may not be backpacking where theres trees for our hammocks... I don't like sleeping on the ground. Period. But it just may have to happen. I don't like it (see a theme here?)

Im looking at tents. All brands. Even small mom/pop places. Ive seen so many I can't focus any more.

Y'all love the gear, help me with some suggestions!
What we want (not in priority order)

2 person (mandatory)
free standing (likely hard ground, not tent stake friendly)
double doors (not mandatory, but preferred)
bathtub floor (keeps out water during rain)
weight: as low as possible

 

Big fan of the Black Diamond's. Have also been using the ultralight TNF OZ. Not freestanding, but it requires so little line tension that it can be set up with rocks instead of stakes. I seldom use stakes, living here in the rocky country on the edge of the desert. I like my hammock, but even in the high country around here there are very few places for it. Trees are either too far apart, too big around (ponderosa) or both.

 

Just ordered me a Lunar Solo (regular version). Going to try my hand at seam sealing it myself so I can use it in Big Bend next month.

 

Cuffs what the matter with Hammocks?

 

She loves hammocks. But they're harder to use in Southern Utah.

 

This is what’s wrong with hammocks... lack of viable places to hang.

I have been hanging for over 10 years. I loathe the idea of sleeping on the ground. But if we’re still going to backpack, I see no other option.

 

Rock to Rock?

 

problem solved

 

Anyone ever burn the inside bottom of there jet boil? Not the plastic itself I don't think at least... but burnt something to the bottom of it and refuses to come off lol

 

Done something similar when car camping... use climbing cams or stoppers in cracks as a point of attachment. But Im not going to carry the weight of the cams in hopes of finding the right spot...

 

I had a lot of luck with the Half Dome tent. 2 person, doorway and vestibule on each side with the rainfly. Never tested the floor in water conditions, but I doubt it'd keep much water out without the footprint. Small and light too without costing an arm and a leg, but still quality built.