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North Spore Shop: Cultivation Supplies

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: pfxtc]
    #10829128 -

Yeah that is your best bet. Especially with things like packs, boots, etc.. you definitely want to try them on first to see if they fit you well.
Most outfitters will let you try on different packs, put weights in them and let you carry it around to see how it fits you. Some will even let you take it home for a night.
Although I do buy most of my stuff online because I can usually find better deals, and can find anything.
Things like knives, sleeping bags, headlamps, filters, all that kind of crap, online is a great resource for finding stuff.

Good places for gear..
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Home_ - good spot for finding some good deals sometimes
http://www.backpacking.net/ - good place for articles, lightweight gear, packing lists and all sorts of general info
http://www.rei.com - REI is ok, they carry most of the major brands but they tend to be more expensive
http://www.backpacker.com/gear/

Lightweight is definitely the way to go nowadays. No sense lugging a pack that weighs 8lbs when you can find one with the same capacity that weighs 2.
It used to be an extreme thing to go lightweight backpacking, people would do things like shave their toothbrushes down to get an ounce less.
Bring nothing but a tarp for shelter, and make their packs out of plastic.
But nowadays with the improvements in technology, it's easier and cheaper than ever. You no longer have to sacrifice comfort to reduce weight.
Sil-nylon is a great thing.
Things like a stove.. you could carry a big bulky jetbroil or whatever with multiple fuel canisters,
I just have a alcohol stove that boils water fine and weighs 1.5oz, and I can find fuel pretty much at any store.
I used to have a big ass tent that was bulky and weighed 5-6 lbs, now I use a hennessy hammock that is more comfortable than sleeping in a tent, packs smaller and weighs 2lbs.
All those weights add up, but your tent/shelter, pack and sleeping bag are you biggest weights, so you want to look at those first.
There are tons of options. But your back and knees will thank you, the less weight you have to carry.


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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: Shroomism]
    #10829386 -

Shroomism said:
Yeah that is your best bet. Especially with things like packs, boots, etc.. you definitely want to try them on first to see if they fit you well.
Most outfitters will let you try on different packs, put weights in them and let you carry it around to see how it fits you. Some will even let you take it home for a night.
Although I do buy most of my stuff online because I can usually find better deals, and can find anything.
Things like knives, sleeping bags, headlamps, filters, all that kind of crap, online is a great resource for finding stuff.

Good places for gear..
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Home_ - good spot for finding some good deals sometimes
http://www.backpacking.net/ - good place for articles, lightweight gear, packing lists and all sorts of general info
http://www.rei.com - REI is ok, they carry most of the major brands but they tend to be more expensive
http://www.backpacker.com/gear/

Lightweight is definitely the way to go nowadays. No sense lugging a pack that weighs 8lbs when you can find one with the same capacity that weighs 2.
It used to be an extreme thing to go lightweight backpacking, people would do things like shave their toothbrushes down to get an ounce less.
Bring nothing but a tarp for shelter, and make their packs out of plastic.
But nowadays with the improvements in technology, it's easier and cheaper than ever. You no longer have to sacrifice comfort to reduce weight.
Sil-nylon is a great thing.
Things like a stove.. you could carry a big bulky jetbroil or whatever with multiple fuel canisters,
I just have a alcohol stove that boils water fine and weighs 1.5oz, and I can find fuel pretty much at any store.
I used to have a big ass tent that was bulky and weighed 5-6 lbs, now I use a hennessy hammock that is more comfortable than sleeping in a tent, packs smaller and weighs 2lbs.
All those weights add up, but your tent/shelter, pack and sleeping bag are you biggest weights, so you want to look at those first.
There are tons of options. But your back and knees will thank you, the less weight you have to carry.


I really appreciate all the information, thanks :smile:


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

koods said:
Young male going by the name "Bassfreak" entered Worcester General complaining of a sharp pain in his buttock region after attending EDM event. Attending physician considered a possible diagnosis of acute rave anus, but upon further investigation it was determined there was nothing cute about patient's anus.
Life-long trip report

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: Shroomism]
    #10829420 -

Go to an outdoors specific retailer, and the staff will help you fit a pack (with weight in it), and direct you in your decision to buy synthetic or down sleeping bag.

The staff you buy your stuff from should be experienced backpackers/outdoorsman and will be able to weigh the pro's and cons of comparable products.

Do some research online and narrow down your search to lets say:

a specific style of tent: 1-2man, 2 pole design, under 4 lbs

Or something in that ballpark. Compare the ratings of the different materials and read reviews of comparable competeing (sp?) products before making a decision. OR go to the store with an idea of whats out there and ask specific questions and get the staffs opinion on it.

You should narrow down how your going to use your equipment too, and let the staff know:

Ie. You are a beginner who wants light weight and durable stuff from a respectable company who has a good warrenty program, but you do not need the most up-to-date, ultra fancy product out there.

The internet is your best resource for learning about this stuff.

I was thinking, footware is of the utmost importance before setting out on your first trip!


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GO OUTSIDE.

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: PDU]
    #10829437 -

also, good gear companies in my opinion:

MSR - cook gear/water filters/tents
sierra designs - tents and clothing
outdoor research - clothing, accessories
mountain hardware - tents
marmot - tents and clothing
GSR - cook gear
MEC - everything
arc teryx (ultra expensive) - mainly packs
North face (pretty expensive) - packs/tents


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GO OUTSIDE.

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: PDU]
    #10829500 -

this is complete lack of knowledge on the subject speaking, but do people ever just bring a hammock to sleep on in place of a tent? (in places with no rain of course)


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

koods said:
Young male going by the name "Bassfreak" entered Worcester General complaining of a sharp pain in his buttock region after attending EDM event. Attending physician considered a possible diagnosis of acute rave anus, but upon further investigation it was determined there was nothing cute about patient's anus.
Life-long trip report

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: pfxtc]
    #10829597 -

pfxtc said:
this is complete lack of knowledge on the subject speaking, but do people ever just bring a hammock to sleep on in place of a tent? (in places with no rain of course)


absolutely. you can even get covered ones. i use a tent, but i know some folks around here do the hammock thing, so hopefully they'll chime in.

another note.. national parks usually charge fees to get into the park, and then you also have to get a backcountry permit for however many nights you'll be there. but national forests - as far as i know - don't charge fees. at least the ones around here, it may vary by state or specific forest.

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: pfxtc]
    #10829695 -

pfxtc said:
this is complete lack of knowledge on the subject speaking, but do people ever just bring a hammock to sleep on in place of a tent? (in places with no rain of course)


I exclusively use my hammock, even in complete downpours.


http://hennessyhammock.com/

The benefits over a tent being: lighter, packs smaller, never have to find 'level' ground, dont have to worry about sticks, rocks, water underneath.. more comfortable to sleep in..
The negatives being: slightly steeper learning curve to set up properly, sleeps much colder than being on the ground so you need some form of insulation underneath you, and you have to have trees or something to attach it to.

As much as I love hammocks I don't think I'd recommend them to a beginner, your purposes would be met just fine with a nice lightweight 1-2 man tent.
I even have a small tent for "backup" purposes.. but I never use it. But if you are really for it, go for it, you'd love it. Just do your research first.


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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: Shroomism]
    #10830047 -

As far as packs.. this is what I use and I absolutely love it:

Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian
3800 cubic inches (62Liter) 3lbs 8 oz (one of the lightest packs in that size range)
Super comfortable, super durable, good waterproofness.


Granite Gear makes some excellent lightweight packs and other lightweight gear with little frills.
With a lightweight pack you are generally getting less pockets and other crap.
Mine has one 'main' compartment, and inside the main bin is a pocket where you can put water bladder, and it has ports for the hose
I have the "deluxe" model that includes a lid for storing small stuff you need easy access to. Which is removeable and doubles as a fanny pack.
It also has mesh pockets on the side, fully padded belt and shoulders straps (comfortable), daisy chain on the back for storing other gear.. and has a great suspension/ventilation system for keeping your back cool. I love my pack.

MEC makes some really solid packs as well, Gregory and Go Lite make some good ones as well


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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: Shroomism]
    #10833020 -

Shroomism said:
pfxtc said:
this is complete lack of knowledge on the subject speaking, but do people ever just bring a hammock to sleep on in place of a tent? (in places with no rain of course)


I exclusively use my hammock, even in complete downpours.


http://hennessyhammock.com/

The benefits over a tent being: lighter, packs smaller, never have to find 'level' ground, dont have to worry about sticks, rocks, water underneath.. more comfortable to sleep in..
The negatives being: slightly steeper learning curve to set up properly, sleeps much colder than being on the ground so you need some form of insulation underneath you, and you have to have trees or something to attach it to.

As much as I love hammocks I don't think I'd recommend them to a beginner, your purposes would be met just fine with a nice lightweight 1-2 man tent.
I even have a small tent for "backup" purposes.. but I never use it. But if you are really for it, go for it, you'd love it. Just do your research first.


WOW! I like that thing a lot, I've never even heard of a covered one. I'll probably heed your advice and get a small tent though for learning purposes :wink:


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

koods said:
Young male going by the name "Bassfreak" entered Worcester General complaining of a sharp pain in his buttock region after attending EDM event. Attending physician considered a possible diagnosis of acute rave anus, but upon further investigation it was determined there was nothing cute about patient's anus.
Life-long trip report

Edited by pfxtc (08/10/09 01:14 PM)

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: pfxtc]
    #10835184 -

pfxtc said:
Shroomism said:
pfxtc said:
this is complete lack of knowledge on the subject speaking, but do people ever just bring a hammock to sleep on in place of a tent? (in places with no rain of course)


I exclusively use my hammock, even in complete downpours.


http://hennessyhammock.com/

The benefits over a tent being: lighter, packs smaller, never have to find 'level' ground, dont have to worry about sticks, rocks, water underneath.. more comfortable to sleep in..
The negatives being: slightly steeper learning curve to set up properly, sleeps much colder than being on the ground so you need some form of insulation underneath you, and you have to have trees or something to attach it to.

As much as I love hammocks I don't think I'd recommend them to a beginner, your purposes would be met just fine with a nice lightweight 1-2 man tent.
I even have a small tent for "backup" purposes.. but I never use it. But if you are really for it, go for it, you'd love it. Just do your research first.


WOW! I like that thing a lot, I've never even heard of a covered one. I'll probably heed your advice and get a small tent though for learning purposes :wink:


Shroomism obviously knows a great deal. But if you want to get a hammock, I really don't feel like being a novice should stop you. You can head to a metropark, or your backyard, really anywhere you can find two decent trees and practice setting up the hammock before you go on an outdoor adventure. I had a bit of trouble setting mine up the first time, but after that it was very easy. I've actually had a worse time setting up some tents than my hennessey.

And Shroomism is correct about all of the benefits of hammocks. I would never go back to using a tent, well except for when I go camping with my girl.

Oh and another benefit of hammocks is that they are great conversation starters. I made more friends on the trail just letting people check out my hammock, or discussing the merits, and how they sleep.

But of course tents are fine shelters as well. I just didn't want you to think that because you are a beginner you should steer clear of hammocks.

Be sure to keep us updated on how your new hobby progresses.

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: MisterPink]
    #10835350 -

Yeah I take back what I said.. anyone with half a brain can learn how to pitch a hammock properly after a couple tries.
I meant that more for like.. in a situation where you can't pitch a hammock and have to go to ground. I guess even then you could just use your tarp for shelter.
I haven't run into that situation yet.. everywhere I camp there is trees.
There are benefits to tents too though.. roomier being the main thing, and you have the earth as your insulation.
I personally find hammocks infinitely more comfortable though. Sleeping in a hammock and then sleeping on the ground in a tent doesn't even compare.
I guess I just thought a novice shouldn't have a hammock as his only means of shelter, like having a tent for backup 'just in case'.. but that's probably totally unfounded.

The biggest concern you'll have with a hammock is keeping warm in cooler temps, but apparently a good synthetic bag does the job.
I have a down bag and it sucks in the cold since it provides very little insulation to the part you're laying on so I basically have to use a pad.
A synthetic bag is better anyway since even if it gets wet it still retains its insulation value, a down bag will not.


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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: Shroomism]
    #10839692 -

I'll let you know of my "progress" for sure - got a bunch of crap to do in the coming months but hopefully after that I can get started.

I appreciate all the help.

Edited by pfxtc (08/11/09 01:48 PM)

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North Spore Shop: Cultivation Supplies

General Interest > The Great Outdoors
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