Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Most Androids have had that for some time. I really like Backcountry Navigator (pay one-time for the Pro version to get unlimited map downloads). I use that as a back-up or for when I don't feel like hauling the GPS. Great satellite and topo downloads you do before you go out, and it's easy to import/export into Google Maps and other utilities.

 

Hey guys, I have been looking into smaller packs lately. I currently have a massive 80 liter pack which is great for some things but the majority of my trips require less than that. Initially I was interested in just a day pack but after a few recent trips I have found myself wanting to camp when I didn't plan on it. After a short drive I got to see some packs at Sportmans Warehouse (a better version of cabelas IMO). I think a 50L would be a fairly OK size for most my adventures.

I want a pack to basically work as a "bug out" bag. I hate using that term because I am not a prepper nor do I want to be considered one. Bug out to me is the ability to grab and go. For instance, I did a 3 day 2 night trip this weekend. It is a very known area so I expected to be around people and packed as if I was truck camping. Well I got there and found a goat trail that would have took me a good ways back to a weekend of privacy. I wish I had a bag packed and prepped so all I have to do was grab and go. The big bag would work but is way to big and I would have ended up packing the whole truck. If I have space I will fill it . This is also part of my "get shit in my truck organized". For truck meets we basically cater to the RTT folk. Which is great and all but flat spots can be scarce and getting into the woods is 20x better in Wyoming due to wind. Having the ability to park, grab my bag, and venture off to a better spot would be ideal.

Anyways I came across the Kelty PK 50. I know Kelty isn't the best in backpacks but the gear I have had from them has suited me just fine. What attracts me to this bag is the ability to leave a portion of the bag behind and use it as a day pack (which I also need). I tend to set up a base camp rather than constantly packing up and setting camp in a new place. I pick an area, go there, set camp and then explore what I can. I also try to make things I purchase work for more than one situation. For example my tent. It works for backpacking, truck camping, ice fishing, hunting base camp and as a winter survival shelter (I am fairly terrified of being lost in the winter ).

What do you guys think about this pack? Do you know of any other packs that are similar? Any that break down to a day pack? I am not an ultra light backpacker and probably never will be. I don't require much. Hell, I didn't even change my clothes during the last 3 day trip. My dog can carry 3 days of his dog food and I plan on getting a bigger pack so he can carry more. I would prefer to keep it under $200.

Here is a few videos if you guys haven't seen it. So far it seems the best fit but the reviews make me a bit worried about how it will pack.

https://youtu.be/C5OEV1KomfY

https://youtu.be/mSCeZ_nguU0

 

I would check out the Osprey Kestrel 48

http://www.rei.com/product/828434/osprey-kestrel-48-pack

Or the rei flash 45

(New model ) http://www.rei.com/product/862884/rei-flash-45-pack

(Older model) http://www.rei.com/product/863031/rei-flash-45-pack-special-buy

i have the osprey kestrel 38 which is slightly smaller but an awesome pack! Its built very well and still looks new as when i bought it ~2 years ago.

I also have the older version of the flash 45 i like it even more than my osprey but it isnt built nearly as tough, still haven't been able to kill it yet either. Even after going canyoneering with it a couple times

 

Ya know, just a rant, but im getting so tired of everything being "ultralight". Its like the latest fad in the camping industry. OMG its under 3 pounds its ultralight! No its just lightweight. I laugh seeing tents labeled as ultralight and you look at the weight and its 4-5 pounds...like really? Ultralight is striving for the lightest possible...is no special pockets and extra crap on the gear.

But enough on that! Im not a big fan of packs that break apart. mostly cause i had one and honestly i never used it all that much and when i did it just never really fit the role i wanted. Now when i know ill need a day pack i either just use my normal pack or bring a like camelbak style with small amount of storage. A 50-55L pack isnt to bad to carry with nothing in it really. Bit awkward looking but still works!

As for packs im looking to replace my normal summer hiking pack with something lightweigh/ultralight. Soemthing sub 2 pounds.

But for now ive been using a Black Diamond mercury 55. Its a bit heavier but its a solid pack and durable. I use it mostly for climbing and its held up to me falling and sliding over snow with it and also to crampons, ski edges, and ice axes too.



But anyways....Kelty makes good products. They arent fancy but it works. Ive always been happy with Kelty products.

Rei branded stuff is good too. They make (or have made) quality stuff that'll hold up. I have an old rei pack (cant remember which one) that has been pretty well abused, tossed around, and still has held up well. Plus rei will take care of you if something does get damaged.

 

Yeah, like I said, weight isn't a huge deal. I have said it before but 40lbs on my back feels right. I blame the army but it is what it is. Thanks for the suggestions, I will look into those packs more tonight .

As for ultra light. I get it but I don't see the point either haha. I understand why they call my tipi Ultra Light. It's not in the sense of backpacking but in respect to hunting. Mainly wall tents. I do not understand the strong desire to have the lightest pack possible and not sure I ever will. I applaud guys like Timmy for taking the time to count every ounce and create their own gear to be as light as possible though. That's pretty dang cool.

 

Forgot, the Osprey has straps under the lid so you can take it off and use it by its self as a waist pack with out the rest of the pack.

All 3 of those packs are under $200 as well

 

I wasnt knocking ultralight or anything in particular. I just get annoyed anymore how companies have to brand everything the latest fad. Ultralight in camping, tacticool in guns, ultimate, hardcore, extremem, ect

But you are right..ultralight isnt for everyone. Its all about comfort level vs weight. Some people are happy with ultralight and others want the kitchen sink with them. For me i tend to fall somewhere i call "lightweight". Not counting every single ounce....but also only bring what i know i will use and need. I aim for a 15 pound base pack weight. Some trips that leaves a nice 20 pound pack and other more along 30 pounds.

Water is the one thing i havent figured out what route i want to go! Im constantly changing from one setup to another. Water is heavy so i try to carry not more than i need.

My latest thought is just a plastic plastic bottle with a sawyer mini filter attaches. Dunk water bottle at every stream and drink through the sawyer filter. Be light weight and wouldnt have to carry water since be quick and easy to get at each stream. But still be able to carry a bottle when going up and over a pass. But i dunno! Always the one area i know i can trim weight but im also the most worried about

 

The Sawyers are great and I swear by them. The little 16oz squeeze bag they come with work great, but I picked up a 2L Platypus bag that has the same threading that fits right on the Sawyer. I also put together a quick disconnect lead from the output of the Sawyer right to my hydration disconnect so I can fill up without taking my bladder out of my pack. That 2L Platypus is very light and rolls up out of the way, but if fits in a bottle carrier and I can drink right through the Sawyer with it if I want, or spend the time squeezing it into a clean container. It saves time for me. For long-range sections where I need to actually carry water, I have a 6L Dromedary that I carry rolled up, and I fill it with what I need for the campsite or for long treks where water isn't available for a while. I hang it on the outside of my pack and off I go.

 

Rei rebate came in today! What to get.. I'm thinking maybe another knife but I'm at a point where there isn't really anything important I need.

 

How much?

 

$95 and i have some credit left from something i returned

 

Hi. New guy from BC here. Opened REI site and saw this
http://www.rei.com/product/804288/the-north-face-base-camp-duffel-x-large# or smaller (but still big enough) http://www.rei.com/product/804285/the-north-face-base-camp-duffel-large#

These are the definition of an expedition bags. Get itif you do not have it yet truck bed or roof rack, a mule or a porter,,Arizona or Arctic - your stuff will be fine in it.

 

Holy f*** those are expensive duffel bags. Thanks for the idea but I'm OK for bags/backpacks/storage

 

I have one of these in medium. I bought it on black Friday from sports chalet for 50% off. It is awesome and I use it all the time. I even left it in the snow to see if it would stay dry and it did. If you are looking for a bag to have forever and travel a lot this is the one. Mine is going to Kenya with me in May.

 

Kelty makes good bags for the money. If I was going to buy one pack for BOB and camping and weight would be around 40 lbs, I'd look at an Osprey Aether in whatever size my loads warranted.

I had an Aether 70 and with that weight it was great. Now I have an REI Flash 65 and I love it but it's a much lighter pack and wouldn't be as nice at that weight of carry. I'd definitely suggest a nice, comfortable shoulder straps and belt. Kelty has good options as well, I'd not hesitate to recommend them.

 

If I was going on a trip like that one of those bags would be a worthwhile investment. For what I'm going to be doing for the most part its overkill. If I'm going on rafting/paddling trips I have several dry bags. For climbing or camping trips I'll use either a big backpack or a plastic crate.

The gear nut in me is saying buy one now though haha

 

I'll put my BAD BAG up against any duffel under the sun. It's been to Alaska a couple times, Yosemite, several plane trips and still looks new. I mean the thing has seatbelt webbing for straps. Pretty sure NF tried to emulate it but you might as well go original.

https://www.badbags.com

 

My only issue with it - in a heavy rain it will let water in.

As a side chat - used MEC's Scully bags very successfully for where lots of water. My wife on her latest Bhutan expedition (she is a professional guide) had it tested big time - not a drop of water inside . Daughter took smaller version to biking trip in Kambodia/Vietnam - in a torrential rain on a bike all stays dry inside the bag. I pulled it through some rains in Nepal. Works well.

But there is always an option of using a dry bag for whatever important with the Basecamp bag and I would highly recommend that.

And yes - you are getting what you pay for. All expedition bags are not cheap, to say the least..

What are you doing in Kenya, if not a secret?

 

Another pack to look at is Cilogear worksack, from a small Oregon company. They are trully amasing for anything mountains.

 

Yeah I use the base camp duffel as a beast suitcase more then a dry bag. I have actual dry bags to keep things dry as needed. But because I got mine $60 I love the thing.

I am going to Kenya for 10 days for a solo vacation. Hitting a few different national parks and doing safaris (game drives) every day. Then the last 2 days 1 night I am staying at The Griaffe Manor. Seeing the animals in the wild is something I have always wanted to do so I am doing it lol

If the time off request gets approved I am going to got to Nepal in September for 20 days to do the Trek to Mt. Everest base camp And to learn about Sherpa culture. But that's up in the air until I can get the days off work.