Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

This works as a good bottom layer to smooth out the ridges, you'll have to cut it to shape. I've used this when sleeping in the bed but then added a mattress topper or air mattress. You'll still be sleeping on a hard surface though.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Traffic...ft-Commercial-Door-Mat-6016909004x6/306932662

 

Horse stall mats work pretty good too.

 

Hell yea, thanks y’all!

 

Another option.

I use a cot in the summer when it’s warm out. Gets you up off the bed floor. Plus having the air circulate underneath makes sleeping when it’s hot out comfortable.

 

Oh yea I’ve got a cot for the warmer months when I’m not in my hammock

 

Since I’m currently unable to get to the Sierras/Redwoods.... I get enjoyment by watching my 2nd little man grow!

I bought him as a little sprout in a plastic tube last time my lady & I were in Kings Canyon. Now he’s this big:



And to think, if I take proper care of this youngster, one day he will grow up to be one of the biggest trees on the planet as he’s a sequoia. I know this isn’t backpacking gear, so, my apologies in advance Adam. I just thought I’d share as I love it up north but only get up there once or twice a year if I’m lucky. I’m really needing to get up that way for another backpacking trip...even if it’s for like 3 nights or so. The mountains & woods are calling me.

 

Just got back from MLK Weekend in Bishop. Arrived in Bishop at about 1:30pm on friday and left around 12pm sunday. I believe based on weather.gov that it as mid 50s during the day and mid 20s at night. There was a puddle of water that was frozen over by the restroom at my campsite so it was cold enough at night for it to freeze that at least. The jacket kept my upper body warm both day and night. I mean standing by campfire helped a lot. But I noticed that when I was away from the campfire the only thing that was cold were my legs. I wore a uniqlo extra warm heatech long sleeve and the jacket that was it. I would say the long sleeve shirt would be comparable to maybe a midweight base layer. Hiking the jacket was fine. It did get warm with it on hiking up the short incline to the climbing area, but didnt feel like I was going to sweat to death in it. I didnt wear the jacket to climb as I was planning to, but scrambling and scraping against rocks when hiking and hanging out, I didnt feel like it was going to rip at all. My friend who was wearing a Patagonia Bivy Down Hoodie wore my jacket to keep her jacket clean while we were climbing commented on how warm my jacket was.

My jacket did not have a hood, I read that the hood was big and would fall off easily. But I wish I had gotten one with a hood. My head was cold at night. I wore a beanie but i think a hood with the ability to break the wind would have made a big difference. I tried on a hooded version yesterday, with the jacket zipped all the way up, i think the hood would stay on fine.

Those are my experiences on the jacket so far. I am very happy with it.

Now, being in the jacket all weekend and around the campfiire, the jacket now smells like campfire. How often should I be washing down jackets? the DWR on the jacket worked great. I dont want to wash it off to quickly. Also, do i just wash the jacket as if i was washing a down sleeping bag?

 

I don't know if this has been asked before but does anyone use a gravity feed water filter for backpacking?

I was thinking about picking up either the 3l or 6l Katadyn one that I can then use for either car camping or backpacking.

https://www.katadyn.com/us/us/51601-8020470-katadyn-gravity-befree-3.0L_usa

I currently have a really old katadyn hiker pro but I get tired of pumping it at camp...

 

I’ve used that exact gravity bag for years as a guide. They are awesome. Only downside is you have to make sure you either use a bucket in the shallow creeks or just skim the surface. They clog easy if you get a ton of debris or sediment.
Also, make sure on the cold nights that you disconnect the hose and spin it around your head to get rid of the excess water. Nothing more frustrating than trying to thaw a frozen grav bag hose

 

I’ve used the 4L platypus both backpacking and car camping. Had no issues at all with it and I’ve done it with up to 8 people in camp. Sure as hell makes drinking water easier when you can have 8L sitting there.

https://www.platy.com/filtration/gravityworks-4.0l-water-filter-system/03135.html

 

Thanks for that mate, I’ve head food things from others as well so I’ll dip into the wallet when I see a good sale.

Smoke smells, I usually hang stuff in the garage to let air after I’ve used a wet sponge whip down that helps a bit on the surface odor. Mate of mine swears by stuffing stinkies That he doesn’t want to wash in the freezer part of his beer fridge with a couple boxes of baking soda. Your mileage may vary.

 

Thanks! yea, i have just been letting it hang in the middle of my room for now. I dont know if i should wash it as often. Hoping for the jacket to last me a while. I guess I can do what you said. Similar to how I spot wash my sleeping bag. just the areas that need it.

 

I don't wash down often. My bags have been washed a few times in 10 years. My puffies have never seen the inside of a washing machine. It's also why all my puffies are black or very dark green. lol

If you do wash it make sure you dry it with some tennis balls. They beat the down clumps and help it get some loft back. Once it's dry you still have to spend some time hand pulling any clumps that remain.

Send anything good this trip?

 

I’m a firm believer in not washing anything puffy. I just don’t do it, synthetic, down, whatever.. call me gross

I just make sure it spends a decent time in the sun, dusted down in gold bond and good as new

 

Didnt have much time to climb since Friday i was showing some friends around. Saturday we went over to the Sads. Sent Fueled by Hate, SIN, The Fang and some other lower grades. Then tried Fueled by Hate sit until someone broke the stand start hold off. Then went over to Pow Pow for a few burns. That swingout on Pow Pow is so hard to stop. still trying to figure that out.

 

Are you using a left heel hook at the lip. You can sink that heel and it helps control the swing.

 

I'm swinging off before I am able to get my left heel on. I'm going left, right hand cross over, then left hand up to the sloper pinch/with thumb catch. then right when I release my right heel hook I start to swing out. I'm 5'6" so I'm pretty spanned out by the time I get the left hand.

 

Used 3L Katadyn. Works great, just be sure to keep the "dirty" water off your hose when you put it in your container. I don't think it took more than a few minutes to process 3L

 

Same one I've used on Isle Royale. I like that they are simple filters and can be backflushed easily.

 

Anybody have experience with these?


https://www.ebay.com/p/5034366748?i...MIodWJ2_Sp5wIVg8DACh2mBQesEAQYByABEgLNhvD_BwE

Or better question. Are they even available in the US.
Saw it on Instagram