Backpacking / Camping

[dkane360]

I know that a/v guys aren't the typical adventure type (myself included ), but anyone here go backpacking or camping? I'm looking to get into it, as my roommate does a lot of backpacking. We're probably doing a short backpacking trip next weekend, and I'm trying to get some supplies together.

Mainly, I need a bag. I'm looking at the Kelty Falcon 4000 which I can get on amazon for around $180. I like the fact that its durable, modular, and cool looking . I already have some MOLLE components, so that won't be an additional cost (at least not now).

At some point I also want to backpack the AT (or some of it), so I want to get a bag that I can use now and in the future.

 

[majorloser]

I'm in the market for some camping gear, too.

Here's what I'm looking at:

http://kz-rv.com/durango_1500/2012_D275RE_photos.html

 

[dkane360]

I'm in the market for some camping gear, too.

Here's what I'm looking at:

http://kz-rv.com/durango_1500/2012_D275RE_photos.html

Looks like you would be really roughin it!

 

[jeffsg4mac]

We just got back from Freeport ME today and I saw this at LL Bean and I almost bought it. Looked like a very good pack for the money.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/68621?nav=fb2-916&feat=916-sl

This one was also nice and comes in red or dark green. You would be hard pressed to find a better warranty than LL Bean too. If I am not mistaken I think it is for life on their products they sell.
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/50494?feat=68621-ppxs&dds=y

Read here. http://www.llbean.com/customerService/aboutLLBean/guarantee.html

 

[jeffsg4mac]

I'm in the market for some camping gear, too.

Here's what I'm looking at:

http://kz-rv.com/durango_1500/2012_D275RE_photos.html

Must be nice to be wealthy

 

[jonnythan]

Don't buy a backpacking pack online. The various brands fit very differently, and an ill-fitting pack makes for a pretty miserable experience.

Head to your local EMS or similar and get properly fitted.

BTW, as for the Kelty, avoid it. 7 lbs is very heavy. Look for a pack around 3500 ci and around 4-5 lbs.

 

[dkane360]

Don't buy a backpacking pack online. The various brands fit very differently, and an ill-fitting pack makes for a pretty miserable experience.

Head to your local EMS or similar and get properly fitted.

BTW, as for the Kelty, avoid it. 7 lbs is very heavy. Look for a pack around 3500 ci and around 4-5 lbs.

Too late

I can always return it if it doesn't fit right or it weighs too much. I won't be carrying a tent for the foreseeable future, so that should cut back on the weight.

And the top part is removable, which cuts off 1 lb.

 

[jonnythan]

At least go try on a few other quality backpacks so you have some points of comparison for the Kelty.

BTW, Kelty gear has a reputation of being decidedly low-end and suboptimal. Mass-market, mostly crap. Mostly the same, but to a lesser extent, as The North Face. In terms of packs, the really quality brands are Osprey, Gregory, Granite Gear, GoLite, Arc'Teryx, and maybe a couple of others. EMS and REI brand are usually good too.

Not that it's bad gear. The pack you bought looks pretty good, if a bit old-fashioned and maybe a bit overengineered.

 

[jinjuku]

I'm in the market for some camping gear, too.

Here's what I'm looking at:

http://kz-rv.com/durango_1500/2012_D275RE_photos.html

Man, you are really roughing it with a 27" LCD. Real men go camping with a projector.

 

[jinjuku]

Don't buy a backpacking pack online. The various brands fit very differently, and an ill-fitting pack makes for a pretty miserable experience.

Head to your local EMS or similar and get properly fitted.

BTW, as for the Kelty, avoid it. 7 lbs is very heavy. Look for a pack around 3500 ci and around 4-5 lbs.

++ That. You need to be fitted for a pack. REI has back pack rentals also. Been through the Grand Canyon twice now. If you are serious about it get a pack as light as possible.

I didn't even pack a tent. Just used my poncho and hiking sticks with a bit of mosquito netting and a small tarp. Get low weight water filter (the tablets are NASTY). Figure about 4500-5000 calories a day for strenuous hiking for a food budget.

 

[jonnythan]

You don't have an appreciation for it now, but 2-3 lbs makes an enormous difference when carrying it around all day.