Posted: 9/3/2007 3:12:48 PM EDT
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I'm wanting to get into backpacking on some mountain trails that are near by, some of this may take 2 days or more. I'm looking for stuff for 2 people. I want quality stuff but dont want to break the bank. I would like to have tent bag etc. that would cover spring, summer and fall. But if I could get some winter use out of it that would be a plus. Suggestions on pretty much everything from pack to stuff to cram in it are welcome. Thanks |
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Check out TarpTents, lightweight and lots of room. (Or if money is tight, build your own) For a packs look at Mountainsmith or Golite. Try to avoid getting too large a pack because you will fill it and have to carry it. For sleeping bags, well that depends on where you are. If its dry, go for down. If not there are plenty of good synthetics. After that get everything you can at a thrift store to start, then slowly upgrade with time. |
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Go to an outfitter first. They will have someone who can size you properly for a pack. You can then take that info and shop on the net. I did end up buying my pack from them, but I bought both of my down bags online and saved about 30%. Tarptents are good, light three season tents, but they won't handle a snow load. You'll also need a water filter (or some other way to treat your water). |
| After you se what you want, get the price and check out campmor.com. See if they have it there and if it's cheaper (which it usually was when I was buying gear) |
link on torso fiting. get sized,, then take that and buy your pack. i like kelty packs,,but thats just me. sleeping bags, i use slumberjack. pack lite save your back/legs. get a good hike staff it helps. i use a tracks lite staff. good socks,, and good boots!!!! fast drying a whicking clothing. learn to layer!!!! a good sleep pad( therma rest) tents... i go lite so i use silnylon tarps( made my own) i like that tarptent deals, like walod has etc. a good compromise between a full tent and what i use. a good water filter. i use a katadyne hiker. just now had to change the filter..3 yrs later and 20 trips later........ check MSR also. geta few nalgenes and some drom bags or platypus bags/bladders( i use these cheaper,lighter etc) not impressed with the newer ones though. |
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i am going to go the other way and tell you to go to a discount sporting goods store and buy a pack and tent. stick with the standard gas station watter bottles. buy a aluminum cook set from the army surpus store. go cheep and simple. try it for a season and if it's for you spend a good chunk of dough. personally i like car camping and i hike. for me, lugging a tent around for a week is not a lot of fun. |
Actually, this is not totally bad advice. Don't get total crap, or you'll end up hating it just because of the gear, but it's not a bad idea to get out and see that you actually like the whole idea of backpacking before spending $$ on the gear. Much of the backpacking gear is pretty specific for backpacking and you're money would be better spent if you decided you were more of a car camper. But definately, once you discover you do enjoy the backpacking type of camping, get some good gear. I'll second that REI gear is good, are most of the other brands listed so far. My basic backpacking gear: REI sleeping bag, can't remember rating. MSR Whisperlite International Stove (not the most effecient, but multifuel capable) MSR Waterworks Filter MSR BlackLite Aluminum Cook Kit Thermarest Ultralite 3/4 length pad (10x better than cheap pads which are 5x as thick in my opinion) The pack is a Dana/K2 prototype I picked up from a local odds and ends outdoor store for a bargain. I really need to go backpaking now, it's been a couple of years. |
That the easier way, but their is a few trails here that are a long hike. So would be a little nicer to be able to take my time and enjoy the scenery instead of worrying about getting out. |
Not to mention the very first time you walk into the wilderness and get past "the point of no return" for the very first time. No going back. Next thing you know your three days hike from your vehicle. I still (fondly) remember that. More so even than my first archery kill. |
This should be #1 and #2 on your list. Buy the socks first so you can try the boots on with them. #3 would be a backpack. Once you have these three, go on a few day hikes for some test runs. After packing some lunch and water and a few essentials, load some extra anything (rocks, ammo--doesn't matter) in your pack to get to desired weight. If you don't have a stove yet, just eat a cold lunch. If you don't have a Nalgene or water filter, just carry regular store-bought bottles of water or soda or whatever. Once you buy another piece of gear, replace the extra anything with it. By the time you have enough decent gear for 2 nights in the wood, you will know if your boots and pack fit. |
  QFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -V |
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I wore my medium ruck with frame once.... ONCE  Went right out after that and got fitted for a pack... Internal frame, around 5000 cubic inches. Buy something in a size that is going to fit the gear that you need. Make sure you can compress it down if you are carrying lighter loads. For water purification I got mine back in the days BEFORE Pur was bought out, I can still get the replacement filters, but no longer the iodine purifier part... So I have had to come up with something extra for that. For a stove I carry a MSR stove that sounds like a little train chug-chugging along. Start with good mid grade gear, you can upgrade later. Make sure it fits you, make sure its comfortable, and most of all, make sure it WORKS for you... Hope this bit helps... -V |