backpacking supplies help (tents/packs)?

[Dan W]

Wanting to get a little more serious about backpacking and im in the process of buying gear. Im not a novice to camping (biggest trip was a month of tent camping in alaska) but i am new to backpacking (before always were able to pack stuff in a car) and while i would like to take long trips in the future currently my longest hike was 2 days.

Anyway heres what im looking for and id really like suggestions on gear that you just LOVED or HATED (and reasons why of course). Imagine price is no option (it is, but ive always been taught not to sacrifice quality so gimme the good stuff). Will probably mostly be doing forrest/hills so i dont need any special desert or mountain stuff...but i do anticipate cold weather.

Im looking for a pack, not sure about internal frame vs. external. Ideally would have the option of making pack bigger/smaller depending on length of trip. Comfort, volume and durability are biggest desires.

Im also looking for a 1 person tent and a sleeping bag (the ones i have are most likely too big for effective backpacking) ideally rated for cold weather and light

any brands or models that have captured your heart or were just a waste of money? any other gear (brands/models) that you think is particularly awesome for backpacking?

 

[BeachBum818]

Well starting with the packs I would definitely recommend an internal frame pack because they tend to be lighter and if you plan on bush whacking internal framed packs tend to be more streamlined than an external frame pack that has the potential to catch branches and brush. If you are looking for a really good pack brand I would look into Osprey and Gregory. Both brands make excellent packs. The best thing to do is do research online have the options that you want and then try them on. The more packs you try on the better fit you will find. I even believe that Osprey makes a heat molded hip belt that they heat up and have you put on so it molds to your hips.

I personally haven`t used a tent in 5 years. I have a Hennessy Hammock that I use and will probably never use a tent again. You can sleep on your side or stomach and wake up without your arms shoulders or hips being sore or numb. Some say the hammocks are too cold wen the temp. drops but i just throw in a sleeping pad and im fine. Also, its about about a pound or so lighter than a one man tent and even more lighter than a two man tent. If you`re in the woods you wont have trouble finding two trees the right distance apart. However you need to find level ground free from rocks sticks and roots when you are pitching a tent. I cant say enough about it

I actually just bought the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0 degree down sleeping bag. It took some getting used to since the hood is well fitted and not oversized and the foot box is smaller than my last bag. Bu tits is a full pound lighter than any other 0 degree down bag and its really warm.

Another piece of gear I can't get enough of is my head lamp. If you need a flashlight, I recommend a good head lamp. Your hands are free to build fires, cook, look through your pack, hike with trekking poles, use a map and compass, read while in your sleeping bag, fish at night. So of the good brands include Petzl, Black Diamond, and Princeton Tec. I own the Princeton Tec Eos, its super bright and waterproof. They do have lighter head lamps and there are brighter ones out there but this is sort of in between.

I buy most of my gear at www.backcountry.com They have the great customer service, no questions asked return policy doesnt matter if its 1 day or 30 yrs. They also have some of the best prices I`ve seen. Definitely worth checking it out.

Any Questions feel free to e-mail me.

 

[laxdrifter]

Go to your nearest camping or outdoors store, depends on your climate and area you are going try stores like REI or Coleman.

Make sure that your backpack puts most pressure on your hips not shoulders. Depends on your preference for external or internal, internal looks modern and external looks rugged which it it.

Synthetic Sleeping bags are nice, mummy style are light there good and warm till about 5 degrees around there rating then they get un-comfortable.

1 person tents are usually half a person tents like 2 person tents are really 1 person. a 3 season tent is good,just for cold weather camping make sure there are limited netting on it. cant remember off the top of my head what the make of my tent is so i will go check but i love it. Exped Aries Mesh 2 Tent is my make, it has a nice vestibule to protect your back pack and shoes. buy metal stakes as now days most tents come with plastic and they break and bend easily.

bring a light weight hammer, and small shovel to clear debris and make a latrine. freeze dried food is the way to go now days, its light and portable but you have to bring in lots of water or a water purifier.

Lighting, the way to go for backpacking is head lamps(there light weight). bring a nice multi tool and a seperate pocket knife, compass, matches in a water proof case. and walking sticks. DO NOT FORGET your first aid kit, some places requrie it b4 you can leave on your expedition. and be safe. but the main thing is it has to be light and fit into your pack.