Need input on basic backpacking equipment

Trishness · Posted: 12/1/2003, 7:08 pm Post subject:

Great feedback guys....thanks! I'll definitely see cactuscat when I'm ready to shop for the rest of the items.

CatValet.....the list you sent me last week was awesome and I'm using that as a guideline to purchase items I need. Your wild guess was only a little off. Smile

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~~~Trish~~~

"Eastward the dawn rose, ridge behind ridge into the morning, and vanished out of eyesight into guess; it was no more than a glimmer blending with the hem of the sky, but it spoke to them, out of the memory and old tales, of the high and distant mountains." ï¿½ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of The Rings.

Guest · Posted: 12/1/2003, 7:19 pm Post subject:

Trish, When it comes to packs I've gone through alot because I am 'misproportioned' Embarassed

. Many don't like the REI packs but after trying, giving away and returning at least 5 Crazy

I settled on the REI Rising Star. I am 5'3" and have a fairly short torso. It is the most adjustable, most comfortable pack I have owned. In spite of their reputation I have found the Gregory to be too heavy. My sleeping bag is the North Face Blue Kazoo. It stuffs down to nothing yet is roomy and warm. I've had mine for 15 years and have no plans to retire it anytime soon. Some may consider it pricey but when you divide that by the usage I've gotten it's a steal. Ditto the Thermarest. It's a must. I don't use a tent unless the weather is threatening. I also have a Eureka. Not high end shelter but it serves it's purpose well in Arizona. I have a GAZ stove which I would consider replacing. The MSR miniworks has been the only water purifier in this family. It has been used well by all 8 of us for 9 years. Another bargain. Have fun purchasing your items! Wink

Shawn · Posted: 12/2/2003, 4:06 pm Post subject:

A link to thermarest deals

http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/17949.php
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The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

cactuscat · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 459 Location: Phoenix

Guest · Posted: 12/3/2003, 5:49 pm Post subject:

Kelly, Which Popular do you work at?

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Trishness · Posted: 12/3/2003, 8:37 pm Post subject:

Daryl · Posted: 12/4/2003, 6:40 am Post subject:

I caught my Apex tent on sale for $69. 10% happy camper discount made it $62 +tax, then the $30 rebate was on top of that. Great tent for under $40, but pretty big for one person. My wife, two dogs, and me (at 6'2") fit easily in it (without the dogs on top of us).

I've heard they are iffy in the rain though??? I'd waterproof it good before going out with any chance of rain.
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Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

paintninaz · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 3515

Daryl · Posted: 12/4/2003, 11:01 am Post subject:

Here's the one I got for under $40.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=26504113&prmenbr=226

Floor space is almost 7.5' by 5'. It's even big enough for 2 people that don't like each other. It's not the smallest packing bag or the lightest, but I like it.

The newer ones have the vestubles enclosed. I kind of like them open since I never use them anyway.
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Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Daryl · Posted: 12/4/2003, 1:09 pm Post subject:

7.5' x 5' is enormous for backpack tent. I'm use to backpack tents I barely fit in alone.

With little Trish in there alone she'll probably hear echos!
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maryphyl · Posted: 12/12/2003, 4:19 pm Post subject:

This is something I posted on AZ Wilderness last summer--it is a summer list and I forgot anything for water purification....

Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2003 3:10 pm
(No subject)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You definitely know how to put a body to work woman
Pack--borrow one
bag--blanket will do--you can make a shade with this too
pad--anything foam
pillow-your pack or a jacket or whatever
ground cloth--anything thin and plastic
shelter-your tent or fold the ground cloth over your bag if needed
cup-anything plastic
bowl-margerine tub
spoon-spoon
water bottles-pop or gatorade bottles
food-anything that won't die in the heat preferably dry. Include some
salty things-take your favorites-forget good nutrition
stove-optional try an esbit $10 comes with some fuel
pan-anything you own that is very light like aluminum
windscreen for stove--circle of aluminum foil with some small air holes punched near the bottom--use a paper clip to hold it together.
.
clothing--wear long pants and long sleeves--light colors.Extra undies and
socks only
toilet paper and baggies to tote out the used stuff
bandana--dish towel
hat--for shade

signal mirror and or cell phone which may not work
something like ibuprofen for sore muscles or other pain
some way to clean out a wound and a band aid
small knife
sun lotion
lip goo
clean yourself stuff like a comb and a toothbrush and such
flashlight
map and compass and directions--get some help with this if you are not familiar with how to do it

I am curious to see other's lists--I am sure iIhave missed some things.
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Shikekeh hozhoogo naasha.
I walk in beauty.