Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

You know, if timing worked out better, that's actually not a bad idea. Only problem is you'll be off the trail way before me, so...

But wait... if I left my truck at Onion Valley, you guys would only need to catch a ride to there and you could take my truck back to Yosemite and I could drive to Mammoth in my own rig. Don't forget.. I can leave a resupply in the Onion Valley bear box for you guys, too. Saves you a trip down the hill, at least.

 

I am so stoked for you all. It's making ME excited!!!

 

I have three of them and they are all fantastic. I generally get them when a model is discontinued. Can save a bunch of $$$.

Never had one fail. Great quality & value for sure.

 

flatlanders

q: what's the difference between genius and stupidity?
a: genius has it's limits
A. Einstein

 

Awesome. Good to hear. Thanks!

 

Glad to be in a position to help.

 

The models I have are:

Chaos 2
Morada 4
Taurus Outfitter 3

 

It has ceased to amaze me, I just pay attention to stay out of the kill zone.

 

Anyone going to check out the Yosemite Firefall this year?

 

Yea.

If the rain ever stops. Too much clouds to get good evening sun on the wall.

 

Was trying to convince some of my friends to make the drive up this coming weekend.

 

If you do, call the roads line. All three entrances have had issues with rock and mud slides. 140 was closed for over 12 hours yesterday. 120 closed on and off all week. And now 41 may have to close just outside the park because of erosion under the road.

 

Oh wow. All the rain is really causing lots of problems it seems.

 

Saturday's slide on the way into Yose (actually, that perspective is the outbound. Folks -friends-employees-on the inside trying to get home after having to overnight in the park)

 

Are there usually this many rock slides each winter? Feels like I'm reading more about them this winter.

 

Slides are not unusual. But this year since the rainy season started (October) and especially the last 90 days or so, tjwceains have been incessant. I really do enjoy the rain but damn, some days have just pray to know the sun still exists! As of today, we've been 24 hours without rain and I'm diggin it!!

 

Headed out to J-Tree Thursday for an overnight trip and hoping it isn't going to be a muddy mess out there

 

Zpacks has some "imperfect" stuff sacks in their Bargain Bin that are a great deal. I ordered and received one of the "Bargain - Accessory #001" variety packs of 3 miscellaneous cuben fiber stuff sacks and actually received 4 sacks. One is a tent stake sack ($6 msrp), 2 small-plus stuff sacks (one green, one clear - $15 msrp each), and a medium stuff sack ($20 msrp). That's a total value of $56 for only $25. They state that there are minor stitching or construction imperfections but that the sacks are completely useable and watertight. I looked over all 4 sacks and literally could not spot the imperfections. Their quality control is so tight that the consumer can't even tell the difference.

http://zpacks.com/bargains/bargain-accessories.shtml

There are a bunch of other great deals on there that are compatible with other packs such as their belt pouches and shoulder pouches. Switch to their other Bargain categories and save some $$ on their used or slightly imperfect big gear, too.

I now have stuff sacks to organize all of my gear that I didn't already have their small roll-top dry bags for (like clothes, down jacket, sleeping bag). The stuff sacks are great for use on less sensitive items like rain gear, my Solplex tent, tarps, footprints, toiletry kit, the day's snacks, stove kit, etc. These are great for keeping the dirt off of your gear while you have to dig into your pack. I just toss these out of the way and can leave them on the ground while doing other things. Keeps items grouped together by use, too. Store them in your pack with gear upside-down and they'll keep your stuff dry during those surprise storms.

 

Fired up the dehydrator today. Meal planning has begun!