Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

I just realized I put this in the wrong thread. Oops.

 

I was wondering if that was the case

 

Yep that is correct. It's in Sweetwater just off I75, Exit 60. Definitely worth a stop. I will say the steel catwalk to one area is sketchy! Steel in a moisture rich environment are not a good combination.

 

This is true! Did you do the glass bottom boat portion?

 

Yes sir when I was a kid and about 2 years ago with my wife. Funny story now but when I was a kid the battery on our boat died. We were stuck out there for over an hour until they could get another battery to us. I thought I was literally going to be lost in the lost sea. That's a good memory now but I remember being rattled by it.

 

How are you guys carrying you cameras when backpacking? I have a sony a6000 mirrorless that I plan to bring backpacking with me. I am looking for sometype of mount that can just attach to the shoulder straps of my backpack.

 

I don't have my a6000 yet but this is my plan:

Peak Design CapturePRO Camera Clip

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OY5UMD2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1450972377&sr=1-3

Image stolen from Alan Dixon's awesome blog post here (same camera and everything):
http://www.adventurealan.com/serious-lightweight-backpacking-cameras

When it rains I'll just stow it in pack.

 

I have a Capture Clip, but I don't use it that often since using it with a big Canon full frame is kind of a chore. They are nice, though, and the new V3.0 is even slimmer.

 

I use the capture clip type of mount. It works pretty well, but I use it with a Nikon P530, which isn’t a real big camera. I actually attach it to my belt, and use it in combination with a shoulder sling in case it comes loose, which it has done.

 

That’s the kind a clip I’m looking for. But wow $95?

 

Go to Amazon and you’ll find the same style much cheaper. I know, I know...they’re Chinese knock-offs, but isn’t everything now days?

 

@Seabass what map would you recommend for my section hike from onion valley to Whitney portal on the JMT.

 

Onion Valley to Kearsarge Pass is great...I'm sure the rest of that route is great too.

 

This is the new one. It's not $95, though it is still pricey. Peak Design makes super high quality stuff though. I am super impressed with them as a company.

$140 Peak Design Capture Camera Clip V3, Silver with Plate, Holds DSLR, Compact and Point and Shoot Bodies, Secure, Stable and Accessible, Attaches to Straps and Belts, Quick Release, 200 lb Capacity

https://www.amazon.com/Peak-Design-...sr=1-1-spons&keywords=peak+capture+clip&psc=1

 

Went to Overland Expo West this past weekend (report incoming). Stage 2 fire restrictions for most of AZ with some forest areas closed off completely to recreational activity. There are some restrictions already in place in parts of CO, as well. Something tells me that this state of affairs is likely going to continue well into the future...does anyone have any recommendations on propane fire pits? I liked the Camp Chef one but it looked like it needed a full-sized propane tank to operate.

 

We have USFS Stage 1 fire restrictions on the Western Slope since May 1, if 1 or 2 are imposed on the Front Range you won't be able to use a fire pit. See here: https://gacc.nifc.gov/rmcc/dispatch_centers/r2ftc/documents/Fire_Restriction_Chart.pdf

 

I ran into a guy hiking the yosemite falls overlook trail (2700-feet of elevation gain in like 4 miles) using one of those peak design or similar style backpack strap clips and he had nothing but good things to say about it. I don't remember what gear he was shooting with but it was at least a dslr with an intermediate zoom lens, so mid-range weight-wise.

The new peak design clip is definitely on my list, and I plan on using it with my t2i and 400mm 5.6L lens (plus backup strap). I'm glad everyone else on here is also recommending them!

 

Not who you asked the question of, but long ago I gave up on the various commercially produced maps. Since the entire USGS 7.5' map series is available for free on the web these days I just print one 8.5x11 sheet for each day of my hike. You can print duplex of course. If you are covering a lot of ground you potentially can use more than one sheet per day. Typically produces way more useful detail than commercial maps that are usually covering a much larger area at a smaller scale. Keep the day's hike folded in quarters in a ziplock and you have a nice easily accessible map that doesn't even have to be unfolded but one time in the middle of the day when you cross the halfway point. You can of course get fancy about how you arrange your route on the sheets of paper you are using to make things even more compact or easier to read when folded. I've found this to be way easier to use and more useful than large commercial maps that you constantly have to unfold or contort to actually see the part of the trail you are presently on.

That's a nice route you are taking! Years ago I did Cottonwood Lakes up to Onion Valley in two nights. A few more miles than the Whitney Portal route but no need for a WP exit permit.

 

Thanks! I’ll look into this. Are the trails clearly marked on them?

 

Most should be. Well established trails should definitely be on there