Ultimate Camping Thread

Weekend getaway at Philpott Lake in Virginia. Nice weather...cool nights.

 

What a beautiful spot John!

 

Or you load up a Platypus bag...

 

I have two good buddies that use alcohol stoves exclusively when we camp. They work well.

 

Right, so after talking with the G.I.C. black series folks here is what I've come up with. They no longer manufacture their trailer bases, they are imported from China which is why they can't accept requests to flip the right hand drive layout to a left hand drive layout. The warranty is only good in Australia and you are on your own to ship it. Kinda bummed to hear that as long ago they would accept custom orders.

Does that make their trailer a bad buy? I don't think so, but being aware of the limitations ahead of time helps. I'm going to focus on some more truck work for a bit before I return to looking at trailers.

 

Outdoor and sporting goods retailer REI is making an unprecedented move by closing all of its stores on Black Friday, and instead urging its employees and customers to go outside as part of its #OptOutside campaign.

“For 76 years, our co-op has been dedicated to one thing and one thing only: a life outdoors. We believe that being outside makes our lives better. And Black Friday is the perfect time to remind ourselves of this essential truth,” said CEO Jerry Stritzke in a statement.

None of the chain’s 143 stores will be open the day after Thanksgiving, November 27, a day that has become associated with doorbuster sales and the kickoff of the holiday shopping season. Some retailers have already announced they would not be open on Thanksgiving Day, but REI is the first to publicize it would not be open the day after.

REI employees will still be paid for the day.

 

That's awesome! Hopefully they will use the day wisely, and spend it with family and friends outside. AND not shopping!

 

Heading up to either Nantahala or Pisgah here this weekend (we wait to decide till the day before so we don't stress on trying to plan too much) anybody know any hidden gems as far as camping or exploring goes? we will be out and about for 4 days so we will have plenty of time to move around each forest. last time we hit Pisgah, we explored Linville falls, and that area and I lost my good camera to the Devils Hole rapid....

 

So, I just had most of my camping gear/emergency kit/etc stolen the other night. My pain comes from losing my Sierra Designs Omega 2 tent which I've camped around the world in over the last 15+ years, and that leads me to purchasing a new tent. The SDO2 was outstanding in every climate yet they don't make it anymore for whatever reason, but I'd like to keep in that vein. Does anyone own or have experience with: Hilleberg Jannu, Hilleberg Nammatj, or MSR Fury 2?

 

Anyone here use the Arc Pak? It's basically a box that you put your own battery in and are able to charge various things. It is pricey but I think I'd rather do this then a dual battery setup. Here is some info.

https://www.arkportablepower.com/collections/all

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...-Portable-battery-boxes-and-where-to-buy-them

 

Just picked up a Marmt Precip jacket, my cheapo rain jacket started absorbing water instead of shedding it so it was time for something better!

 

Nice. It's a 10,000mm waterproof rating which is "ok" but let me know how it works for you. I have 3 different jackets at that rating, and they all eventually take in water over time on those extra wet days, especially with a pack on.

 

Yeah if it doesn't do well I've got a year to return it! Only reason i bought it from rei. If im out in any really crazy storms ill be finding shelter or putting on a poncho (to cover my legs and pack) asap

 

A'ight, decided on a new tent. Choice of interior color when light shines through is either green/yellow (lime) or brown/yellow (orangish). My last tent was grey/blue so I never had to think about how the color affects me while camping. Anyone with a green interior find it too dark? Too depressing?

 

A lot of the waterproof & breathable gear today will eventually leak. I'm on my third waterproof Marmot jacket. They've been great about honoring their warranty too. The only way to waterproof is vulcanized

 

Yep maintaining gear with something like nikwax can help too.

 

Ive slept in tents of all colors and never had any problems. I do like lighter colored ones cause they let light in a bit better so dont have ot use the headlamp as much.

But I am usually only in the tent when its bed time or its raining. If its raining out Im usually napping or reading so not to worried on it being dark