Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Ah, I see what you were driving at. For camping I generally use a couple of 2-liters frozen in my deep-freeze. They usually last all week, and I don't have to worry about food getting drowned as they melt.

 

Yeah, but did you pre-chill the cooler and contents before topping it off with fresh ice? Even Yeti says you have to do this to get their multi-day ratings that they advertise. It's in the fine print. Your contents, if room temp or warmer, will melt ice very fast until they get down to temp. Same goes for the walls of your cooler.

Try a full pre-chill the night before, drain some of the melt water out, then top off with fresh ice and see how many days you get in the same circumstances. I bet it doubles.

 

Also depends on where you are going in the summer. High altitude can still get down to freezing here in the US even in the summer.

I usually pack one light change of clothes for sleeping and for when I'm doing laundry. Usually just another light t-shirt and a pair of hybrid shorts (something I can be active in, or swim with and get dry fast). I also carry rain pants, which make a great spare pair of pants when you're washing clothes. Otherwise, it's just the shirt on my back, a mid layer, and one pair of daily pants/shorts. 2 pairs of socks so I can wash one pair and wear the other while they're drying. 2 pairs of underwear (same reason as socks). You'll be clean pretty much all of the time if you do laundry every other day or so.

 

Not to sound like a fool but I've never pre chilled a cooler in my life. My $40 cooler held ice at Lassen for 4 days and was in the sun 75% of daylight hours.

If I'm trying to absolutely maximize cooling for whatever reason then sure, but if I had a cooler that wouldn't last 3 days of normal camping use without being coddled beforehand, I would be irritated. $50 or $500.

 

It is a hassle and most don't do it. It's worth the extra step on those long weekends, though. Thick ice for days.

My old beater Coleman steel cooler, which I've had to put new hardware onto and epoxy the rotted out bottom, crushes that RTIC test by a longshot when I pre-chill it.

 

Sounds like you got a $200 problem then. That sucks.

 

I'm still interested in getting your opinions on good, reasonably priced cots.

Anyone?

 

It's more about looking at all options than a necessity.

I have a RTT but I'm looking at possibly setting up a secondary ground tent with a cot for my niece.

 

Okay, gentlemen, first time on this thread and I need a little input. Just got my backcountry permit to hike into and camp out in the Grand Canyon in October. I haven't backpacked in almost 25 years, but this trip down into the canyon is something I've wanted to do for a long time. I've got access to most of the gear I need, so I really don't have to buy anything, but problem is, I want to, lol.

So question #1 is...internal frame pack or external frame? I know internal frame is the hot ticket now, but the external frame appeals to me. I'd be interested in hearing those of you that have used both.

Question #2...who has the best prices on gear? REI, Campmor, Sierra Trading, etc.

And finally, if any of you have made this hike, I'd like to hear what you would do (or what you did) on a 2nd trip.

 

I can't help you on the GC specific stuff, but as far as packs go, internal frame. They're lighter and generally fit better. Get an Osprey (Atmos) or a Gregory (Baltoro), or even the new REI Traverse. How many days is the trip? Remember you'll need to carry a lot of water.

I buy gear from everywhere. If it's something where the price is the same everywhere, I just buy from REI, since it's local and I get a dividend. They're having a garage sale today actually. You could head to your local one in the AM and snag some good deals.

I always check Amazon though for almost anything I buy. If it's cheaper, I get it there. Get on the email lists for Campmor, Sierra Designs, REI, Massdrop, Steep and Cheap, etc.

 

Internal frame for sure. I own nothing but osprey packs cause they are extremely comfortable and offer a lifetime no questions asked warranty.

I have the Argon 85 and I was a wilderness guide for three years and beat that pack to hell. To date only one buckle has broken and it was non essential.

Secondary only to my pack, I have my favorite piece of gear always on me in the backcountry. An inflatable thermarest. Don't buy the knockoffs.. Buy thermarest only. I've popped all the other cheaper alternatives.

Rei has good prices and if you catch a yard sale you will get some incredible deals. I got a big Agnes ultralight 1 person tent (used once) for 80 bucks. They retailed at the time around 350.

Just please spare yourself from buying cheap gear. Trust me.

 

We'll be in the canyon for 3 nights. Water shouldn't be an issue since we'll be staying in the 2 campgrounds that have water, but I'll be carrying plenty with me for the trip down and back out. I've looked at the Osprey packs, heck, I think I've looked at every pack made, but I'll take another look. As I mentioned, I have access to most of the gear, so I'll be checking things out. One of my friends that has offered me the use of his equipment is about the same height as I am, so the pack should be close to the right size. Thanks for the input, guys.

 

For sure! I'm jealous! One day I'll make it out west to go backpacking. I've hiked all over the Appalachians but never out west.

Have fun and be safe!

 

Backpack fit on your body is what's paramount. There are at least 20 manufacturers of great packs, and many are available at yard sales or on craigslist that have only been used twice. Load up your buddy's pack with 25-35 pounds and walk around the neighborhood. Climb a bunch of steps with it (stadiums are great, even just at the high school). If it feels good enough, use it. If some part of it bothers you, try a few more from friends or in a shop, but now you know where to start.

 

So I've mostly finalized my 4 Corners (Mostly Utah) trip.

Mesa Verde, Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, and a drive thru Monument Valley and the Moki Dugway on the way back.

I need a recommendation for a good slot canyon or two. No time to mess with Antelope, but I was looking at Waterholes since it is right off the highway. I will be driving though the town of Escalante and IIRC there are some in that area too. Any suggestions?

 

Never camped out there, but did spend some time on vacation several years ago. Check out Natural Bridges Monument and Valley of the Gods. They're not too far from Mexican Hat. Gorgeous places, and you might find what you're looking for in that area.

 

Great camping at Natural Bridges or even better at Sand Island, just south of Bluff near the Valley of the Gods

 

Escalante is fucking awesome! Look up Spooky Gulch and Peekaboo Gulch. They're on the same loop trail that can be day hiked, off Hole in the Rock road. I can send you more info if you want, I hiked about 25 miles in Escalante last year.