Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Heads up, the Mountain Hardwear Metatherm, which is basically an online exclusive version of the Ghost Whisperer, can be had for $128.79 right now. This is a great UL down insulation layer option.

Use promo code MHWWINTER60 at checkout.

https://www.mountainhardwear.com/mens-metatherm-down-jacket-1808871.html

 

staaahp

 

You want need it.

 

I made a cheat sheet for my MSR XGK EX stove since I will only use it in the winter for snow melting duties. It's sized to fit under a piece of packing tape on the fuel bottle. O-ring sizes are for the type B pump (the current pump).

 

Wanted to share two things from my recent camping trip. Both are about dealing with the cold. The first is about my Trangia knockoff stove. These things are great! For boiling water that is. Not sure how they fare for actual cooking but from the love they have in the outdoor community I'd guess they are great in that regard too. I used the stove every morning and several times each night. Temps were cold in Death Valley for the few days I was there. 30-s40s. Having a hot water bottle not only in the sleeping bag but also while sitting in front of a fire helps a lot to keep you warm. It was breezy and the orientation of the fire pit was such that prevailing evening winds/breeze blew the smoke, and heat, away from me. Watching the blue flames wrapping around the water pot at night is kinda mesmerizing.

The second item is a military poncho liner. I wasn't fortunate enough to have used one of these while in the Corps so I didn't know how useful they are. For as thin as they are they do quite well keeping the heat in. I'd wrap up in in while sitting in front of the fire and on the last night I decided to try it out inside my sleeping bag. It was awesome.

 

@ETAV8R
By chance is that Trangia clone by Liberty Mountain?
They may be legitimate Trangia, LM is the sole distributor in the US.
The Trangia windscreen set up makes them even better. High winds, no problem at all. And yes, cooking is great. It was my most used stove on my road trips.

 

No it is some copy I got for cheap off Amazon. I wanted to try them out before picking up one of the real Trangia systems. Right now I'm thinking the 25-8.

 

The real Trangia and the old Optimus Storm Stove (copy) had a great reputation in windy conditions. We never used them in severe cold, but I still have 2 and like them for what they are.

 

Great photo.

Trangia recently, December in Canada, released the remake of the famous DUOSSAL cook kits. You can look them up. They are pans made from aluminum 'clad' with stainless steel for cooking. Aluminum for heat, SS for ease of cooking. Awesome, and the Trangia world has been complaining since they stopped making them. So, they are back. Liberty Mountain says, today, they will be available in the US April or May. I am aware of 2 DUOSSAL kits, 25-21 (with DUOSSAL frypan) & 25-23 (with Non-Stick frypan)
They are available at Canadian Outdoors, LINK to 25-21, now (FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $150*).
Personally I am waiting for them, and will be one of the first to buy in US.
But, I have so many Trangia kits I may just get the pots and frypan. I have old Trangia kits, too. I like the kettles for heating water.

And look at Trangia Central

Cheers,
Ken in NC

 

This was my job for 40 years. Now I merely mess around with it 4-5 days a week.

 

*reported* for being a sexy beast

#nohomo

 

Waiting on my EE Rev like



Side note, their down items have a listed lead time of 2-4 weeks now.

 

Haha
I think I was 60 in that pic. But it was about my 90th day on skis that year.

 

That's not bad. I waited 15 weeks last spring for mine. They claim that they increased headcount last year for faster turnaround. Massdrop just had EE quilts recently, too.

 

This is definitely one of my best (camping) purchases. It’s a Pelican Field Desk made for the military. Folds up into a small, waterproof/weatherproof box and unfolds into a desk/table with a chair. It takes maybe 20 seconds to set up. I use it as a mobile kitchen when we take the Scamp out. Holds all of the nonperishable foods, cookware, utensils, stove, fuel, paper plates, napkins, mixers etc etc.

 

I think it was still at 4-6 when I ordered, with synthetic being 5-7.

Do you mean the quilts that are made in China, or did they do a drop for their ISA ones recently? It looks like the China ones are an ongoing item now.

 

I bought them on Amazon.
ARB OS850 Awning Bracket. They do not come in pairs. At checkout makes sure your quantity is 2. I made that mistake. However the are very strong and still provide a hook for bungie cords.

 

Why DUOSSAL vs Hard Anodized?

 

Stainless vs aluminum for food contact. May not be for everyone. I do not know the full answer off the top of my head. Aluminum for heat conduction, stainless for food contact.
I have Magma cookware for camping. It is boat cookware that nests well.
Cooking with clad cookware is a dream.

Either way the Trangia is iconic. There are canister or multi fuel burners available too. I do not have any of those.

Ken in NC

 

Our pots and pans are stainless inside and out sandwiching a aluminum core.
We got copper for the camper. We'll see how they perform.
But for food contact I would take stainless over aluminum every time.