Anyone familiar with the "Backside" brand?

Erock · Joined: 07 Aug 2006 Posts: 87 Location: Taylor

I have a friend who is a fellow hiker up in the Bay area that asked me about a tent and sleeping bag made by Backside (links below). I've never heard of this brand, was wondering if anyone on here was familiar with their gear and how it performs.

The Tent:
http://www.trailtents.com/site/1412894/product/20047

The Bag:
http://www.trailtents.com/site/1412894/page/924667

RedRoxx44 · Queen of the Walkabout Joined: 15 Jan 2004 Posts: 1167

Nope, but browsing the site their brand tents seem pretty heavy for backpacking.
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Acaiaca · Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Sunnyvale, CA

Hello,

This is Erock's friend from the SF Bay. Thanks RedRoxx44 for the feedback. I'm ramping up to get into backpacking and am in the limbo phase between purchase and research, as already came across about half the gear needed. Tent and sleeping bag are the big ticket items outstanding. Ideally I'd like to sleep 3-4 people in wet, windy and borderline freezing conditions. Usage would be about one weekend a month, year-round and I'd hope the tent and bags would last many years.

Can anyone suggest tents or sleeping bags that fit this criteria? Not necessarily concerned about raw cost, but rather bang for the buck.

Thank you,
Trent
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Trent
"Humor is something that thrives between man's aspirations and his limitations."
-Victor Borge

MikeInFHAZ · Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 1401 Location: location location

DesertRoux · Joined: 10 Jul 2004 Posts: 397 Location: Scottsdale

SierraDesigns makes good stuff too. Plus many different 3 person options. This one is NicE
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Acaiaca · Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Sunnyvale, CA

Thanks for all your suggestions and advice. Figure after getting a few more backpacking notches on the belt, I'll step up to the ultalight Stephenson tent. Until then, found a clearance deal at REI for the Quarterdome 3. It's more of a 1-3 man tent, but seems like it'll do the trick for my needs. http://www.trailspace.com/gear/rei/quarter-dome-ul/. Configured it onto my pack then set it up in the living room tonight and am pleasantly surprised.

As far as bags are concerned, I chanced the Backside Xfiber +15. Found them online for a steal, so picked up two. I'll let you guys know how they turn out.
_________________
Trent
"Humor is something that thrives between man's aspirations and his limitations."
-Victor Borge

Davis2001R6 · Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 5591 Location: Italy

I think youll be happy with the REI 1/4 Dome 3, The Half Dome and regular 1/4 Dome have been REI's bestselling tents for years. Must be some logic behind that.