Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Ha not that one. The step down. It's a ceramic and paper filter. I believe in the 159-179 range

 

For less than $20, and a true field tested workhorse, get the Sawyer Mini. Comes with the squeeze bag, and I've filtered some nasty water through it and it's always clean and tastes good. Super lightweight, no moving parts to fail, and it can filter like 100,000 gallons before needing to be replaced. Comes with a backwashing syringe for cleaning sediment out of the filter while in the field.

I love pump filters (Also have the Katadyn Hiker Pro) and love it for the extra carbon filtration for taste. But it's heavy, bulky, and if something fails in the field then you're screwed.

Water in the Sierras is already pretty darn clean, so the Sawyer is perfect for that environment. That's all I'm taking on the JMT.

 

Aka bathtub floor.

 

Ohh ok. haha When I saw that one I posted....I was like "Damn, this guy like the best of the best! Too bad this is out of my price range..."

Thank you for the advice, I'll certainly look into Sawyer Mini. Possibly get that tonight with a Platypus Big Zip

 

Don't overlook the Camelbak bladders and systems. Plus if you get one with the quick disconnect ends, you can adapt the Sawyer very easily to just attach right to your hydration tube so you can fill right into your bladder without having to take it out of your pack.

I think they're more durable, plus you get the lifetime warranty that Camelbak offers on all of their products.

 

Well, I guess that takes care of my Water Filtration.

I still need to get a proper tent though... As PeeRunner posted earlier, there are a lot of things to consider prior to one purchasing a tent.

 

What's your actual tent budget?

 

Haha believe me I've got a ton of money invested in gear but that's because for 3 years it's what kept me alive, comfortable, and sane in the backcountry.

 

You don't want to even see my garage or my outdoor budget...

 

A couple hundred maybe... give or take 50 bucks
I just don't want to buy a crappy tent because I can't afford the next tier up. I'll sleep on the damn ground till I can afford the good stuff. haha

I waited like 3 1/2 years to get a led tv... drove my lady crazy!

 

So why not a tarp setup? Dude I'll say tarps are super freeing and can be set up a ton of different ways to suite the weather and your needs

 

Not freestanding. Less protection, and often requires a legitimate sleep system. Makes you NEED trees around campsite, or that you carry hiking poles. So not a great choice for some.

Tarps are great, but certainly not for everybody.

 

Touché. I'm used to tons of trees so never an issue with finding a tarp spot.

 

North Carolina has no shortage, that's for sure.

 

Maine's the same way. Usually the problem is finding a clearing, not finding a couple of trees to rig a tarp to!

Nothing wrong with that; I just got an LED tv a couple of months ago.
My budget was otherwise occupied with vehicles, gear, and boomsticks.

 

I love backpacking with my Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro, and a Hennessy 10x12 tarp setup. So light, no poles, and I'm set up in less than 10 minutes as long as I have 2 trees that are about 9-10' apart. No more ground clearing for me, and it keeps the bugs out and no need for a pad unless it's really cold out.

 

Reason #2 my job wins. Spent my day in Wilson's Creek with a film crew. Tomorrows adventure will be getting paid to rent a pontoon boat to drive around the camera crew who are filming with a gyro-copter.

Stay tuned for pictures tomorrow evening

 

I love NC.. thanks for the pics.

 

Yea no worries. If you ever make it here, my juju spot is Little Lost Cove Cliffs near Linville,NC. strangely google maps will pinpoint it.. Not sure why lol

That's where those pics are from. Hidden little rock outcropping that is breathtaking and great climbing