Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Bought a pack today. Ended up going with a slightly bigger one than I wanted but it seems to be able to compress down to the smaller size pretty easy. Getting it home being that my sleeping gear isn't backpacker type I'm actually glad I got the bigger pack. I'm also carrying gear for me and my son so I think this one will work out pretty good for the time being. I'm going to slowly start buying backpacker friendly gear from here on out.

Also got some plates, cups, combo silverware, tent stakes and a led light for tent and hammock. Waiting on the tent to get here today and do a practice run on setting it up.

 

I'd rock a purple knife. Especially if it's cheaper.

 

Got my Xero Hanas today. Holy hell. These things are like wearing slippers but they look like shoes. Nice wide footbox for proper spreading of the feet and a zero drop heel. Surprising protection on the rocks and gravel, too. Broken in right out of the box, and soft enough to wear barefoot. I need to dig out the digital scale and see how much they weigh in a size 12 though.

 

Which pack did you end up going with?

 

Gregory Stout 75

 

I will echo that bright colored tools make for easy handling in low light. And heaven forbid, if something happens to you and you need to instruct someone with finding gear on you, those bright colors become quite useful. My shears have glow-in-the-dark handles specifically for these reasons.

 

Great choice! My wife was having a very difficult time finding just the right pack that fit her body they way a pack is supposed to, and she ended up going with a Gregory Jade 38. We spent 2 hours fitting packs with a very friendly and knowledgeable REI employee who was extremely patient with us. It paid off, because on our first multi-day hike using that pack, she mentioned multiple times about how she almost forgot she had a pack on. I'm the same way with my Osprey pack, and it's sooo nice to have that feeling with proper fitment.

Believe it or not, that 38L pack of hers carried 6 days of gear over alpine terrain with a bear canister and all of her gear. Her previous pack was a Kelty Coyote 80, and we never thought we could get her gear to fit a pack half that size.

 

I picked up this the other day. Last backpacking trip I was on I really wished I had one.

 

Anyone got any recommendations on a good performing and reasonably priced camp knife (less than $100)? I am looking for something that has a drop point and can be used for chopping logs up to 6" in diameter.

 

If it wasn't for that 'drop point' comment I'd think that you had misspelled 'axe' or 'hatchet'

But, if you're looking for an all-around camp knife that can cut or chop at necessity, but still carve, skin, etc. then my recommendation is the old standby Buck 119. Comfortable in your hand, rugged, holds an edge well but resharpens easily, full tang, and has a good set of quillions for hand protection and pounding. Plus, Lifetime warranty (and Buck has always stood by anything I've had to send back)
The downside to what you're looking for is that it's a clip point. Personally, I prefer a clip point for the extra flexibility for a variety of jobs, but it does make the tip of the knife a little more fragile.
YMMV.


Edit: Linky linky.

Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Knife with Leather Sheath - Wood Handle

https://www.amazon.com/Buck-119BKS-Spec-Hunting-6/dp/B000EI0VTI/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1476992560&sr=1-1&keywords=Buck+119&th=1

 

Buy a small axe and a Becker BK16.

One doesn't replace the other.

 

I have been wanting to do a group buy on nice pocket knives (benchmade?) in awhile, just don't know where to start.

 

You could shoot an email to Whit at usamadeblade and see if he's able/willing to go for that.

Small business, might be more apt to get into such a thing than a large retailer would. Sells quality stuff.

 

spyderco

 

His real name is Scott, btw.

 

http://www.knifecenter.com/item/ONR...tak-ii-fixed-plain-blade-micarta-handles-8628

These are about as "universal" as you can get. There are obvious compromises that must be made to make one tool serve multiple purposes. The key is learning how to baton these knives.

 

Thanks. The size of the Buck 119 looks good and it is priced right. I may go with that and a 12" or 14" Estwing Sportsman axe.

The Becker is a little small for my needs, but thank you for the recommendation.

 

Could try an ESEE 5 or 6 also for around that budget.

 

Estwings are great since they're a solid piece of metal.