Backcountry Forum
Backpacking & Hiking Gear

Backcountry Forum
Our long-time Sponsor - the leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear
 
 
 

Amazon.com
Backpacking Forums
---- Our Gear Store ----
The Lightweight Gear Store
 
 WINTER CAMPING 

Shelters
Bivy Bags
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Pads
Snow Sports
Winter Kitchen

 SNOWSPORTS 

Snowshoes
Avalanche Gear
Skins
Hats, Gloves, & Gaiters
Accessories

 ULTRA-LIGHT 

Ultralight Backpacks
Ultralight Bivy Sacks
Ultralight Shelters
Ultralight Tarps
Ultralight Tents
Ultralight Raingear
Ultralight Stoves & Cookware
Ultralight Down Sleeping Bags
Ultralight Synthetic Sleep Bags
Ultralight Apparel


the Titanium Page
WM Extremelite Sleeping Bags

 CAMPING & HIKING 

Backpacks
Tents
Sleeping Bags
Hydration
Kitchen
Accessories

 CLIMBING 

Ropes & Cordage
Protection & Hardware
Carabiners & Quickdraws
Climbing Packs & Bags
Big Wall
Rescue & Industrial

 MEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 WOMEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 FOOTWEAR 

Men's Footwear
Women's Footwear

 CLEARANCE 

Backpacks
Mens Apparel
Womens Apparel
Climbing
Footwear
Accessories

 BRANDS 

Black Diamond
Granite Gear
La Sportiva
Osprey
Smartwool

 WAYS TO SHOP 

Sale
Clearance
Top Brands
All Brands

 Backpacking Equipment 

Shelters
BackPacks
Sleeping Bags
Water Treatment
Kitchen
Hydration
Climbing


 Backcountry Gear Clearance

Topic Options
Rate This Topic
#173689 - 01/09/13 07:17 PM READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION
TomD Offline
Moderator

Registered: 10/30/03
Posts: 4963
Loc: Marina del Rey,CA
How would you answer this question:" I want to buy a car, what should I buy?"
If you answered "How the heck would I know what you need?" (which is the right answer, by the way), then you understand why similar questions about backpacking gear get the same kind of responses.

If you want to get a meaningful answer to your "what do I need?" question, then do the following:

1. Tell us a little about yourself - experience makes a difference in what may be suitable for you. Doesn't have to be much, "I'm a newbie" says it all.

2. Tell us what you want and how it will be used, if appropriate - cooking for one or cooking for four, that makes a difference.


3. Tell us where it will be used mostly (hint, "everywhere" is not the right answer);

4. Tell us the time of year it will be used or the lowest temperature you will be in; for example, canister stoves don't work well in very cold weather.

5. Tell us your budget range;

6. Tell us what's most important - ultralight, cheap, durable, quality, etc.

If appropriate:

7. Tell us your age and size - older campers may want a different pad, for example and bigger or smaller campers may want a bigger tent or smaller bag.

8. Tell us what you don't want,if you know as in "not interested in a hammock," "don't want a heavy pair of boots," "don't want a tarp," that sort of thing.

Example: Hello, I am looking for a lightweight sleeping bag that I will be using for 3 season camping in the Midwest. I probably won't be out in weather any colder than 40F and I have a budget of $200. I'm on a budget, so price is more important than saving a few ounces.

Post something like this and you will be doing yourself a favor. The same questions get asked over and over and those with the most information are the most likely to get answered.

If you are asking about a particular piece of gear or clothing, the same rules apply, so do the same thing. A question like 'I am going winter camping in Yosemite in February at 7500 ft., will a TNF Nuptse be warm enough?' will lead to far more useful answers than just "What do I take to Yosemite?" or "Is the Nuptse a nice jacket?"

ps. This is not official TLB policy, just my own observation. I quit answering generic questions a long time ago and so have other longtime members.

NOTE: THIS LIST IS A WORK IN PROGRESS, IT MAY CHANGE FROM TIME TO TIME AS SUGGESTIONS ARE OFFERED. READ THE COMMENTS THAT FOLLOW. I AM NOT LOCKING THIS THREAD FOR THAT VERY REASON. I MAY INCORPORATE IDEAS FROM OTHER POSTS (AS I DID WITH FRANCO'S) TO KEEP THEM ALL TOGETHER, SO READ THEM AS WELL TO SEE WHERE THEY CAME FROM.



Edited by TomD (01/10/13 02:57 AM)
_________________________
Don't get me started, you know how I get.

Top
#173691 - 01/09/13 08:05 PM Re: READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION [Re: TomD]
Glenn Roberts Online   content
Moderator

Registered: 12/23/08
Posts: 2208
Loc: Southwest Ohio
I haven't stopped answering generic questions (yet), but the answer is usually pretty short: "We need to know a lot more before we can answer."

Thanks, Tom - great reminder!

Top
#173695 - 01/09/13 09:20 PM Re: READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION [Re: TomD]
Franco Offline
member

Registered: 04/05/04
Posts: 1010
Loc: Australia
Tom
Can you please add age and size and possibly " don't like".
Age can be relevant to mats for example.
Most can't sleep at 50 on the same mat they did when 20.
Size particularly for tents is important.
The best tent for me at 5'8" can be far too small if you are 6'4"..
(and if you are 6'4" you may want to consider your suggestion to someone that is 6'8"...)
DO NOT LIKE can save a lot of time .
IE A shelter...
What about a hammock ?
Don't like hammocks.
A tarp
Don't like tarps... and so on..

Top
#173698 - 01/09/13 10:58 PM Re: READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION [Re: Franco]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
All good suggestions. I don't know how many of these type questions I've answered with "we need more information," but I know it's a lot! I also find myself skipping them more and more, even though I really want to help newbies get started!

Please, help us help you! We are not omniscient, and most of us do not have a lot of time to waste getting off on the wrong track.


Edited by OregonMouse (01/09/13 11:00 PM)
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

Top
#173700 - 01/10/13 02:36 AM Re: READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION [Re: Franco]
TomD Offline
Moderator

Registered: 10/30/03
Posts: 4963
Loc: Marina del Rey,CA
Great idea Franco. I am going to cut and paste your post into the stickie with some minor editing.
_________________________
Don't get me started, you know how I get.

Top
#173701 - 01/10/13 03:30 AM Re: READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION [Re: TomD]
Franco Offline
member

Registered: 04/05/04
Posts: 1010
Loc: Australia
Tom
It seems to be right, to me, as it is now.

One aspect that I like about this forum ( I infest most of the popular ones...) is the lack of a gang mentality that tends to control some.
So I see here many regular contributors with their own likes/dislikes but not (that it is obvious to me...) a particular agenda.

I hope that valuable members such as the Mouse (and I only mention her just not to embarrass myself and leave off the very many that do regularly contribute...)
can jump in and fine tune the will be "sticky" (if needed...) to make sure that we have guidelines but not too many or too strict.

Top
#173706 - 01/10/13 08:04 AM Re: READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION [Re: Franco]
skcreidc Offline
member

Registered: 08/16/10
Posts: 1590
Loc: San Diego CA
goodjob

Top
#173708 - 01/10/13 10:21 AM Re: READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION [Re: Franco]
finallyME Offline
member

Registered: 09/24/07
Posts: 2710
Loc: Utah
That's it, I am calling OM "the mouse" from now on. smile

Great sticky Tom. This is a common mistake made by many new posters on most forums. It is a common problem. Usually the first couple answers are "tell us more please".

Another thing to consider. Be prepared to hear something you don't like. We all have opinions, and they aren't the same.
_________________________
I've taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money.

Top
#173724 - 01/10/13 03:56 PM Re: READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION [Re: finallyME]
TomD Offline
Moderator

Registered: 10/30/03
Posts: 4963
Loc: Marina del Rey,CA
Originally Posted By finallyME
That's it, I am calling OM "the mouse" from now on. smile

Great sticky Tom. This is a common mistake made by many new posters on most forums. It is a common problem. Usually the first couple answers are "tell us more please".

Another thing to consider. Be prepared to hear something you don't like. We all have opinions, and they aren't the same.


As they say down under (in OZ anyway) "Struth, mate!"
_________________________
Don't get me started, you know how I get.

Top

Shout Box

Highest Quality Lightweight Down Sleeping Bags
 
Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags
 
Lite Gear Talk - Featured Topics
Backcountry Discussion - Featured Topics
Make Your Own Gear - Featured Topics
Featured Photos
Spiderco Chaparral Pocketknife
David & Goliath
Also Testing
Trip Report with Photos
Seven Devils, Idaho
Oat Hill Mine Trail 2012
Dark Canyon - Utah
Who's Online
0 registered (), 199 Guests and 0 Spiders online.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
Noodles, McCrary, DanyBacky, Rashy Willia, WanderBison
13240 Registered Users
Forum Links
Disclaimer
Policies
Site Links
Backpacking.net
Lightweight Gear Store
Backpacking Book Store
Lightweight Zone
Hiking Essentials

Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:

Backcountry Forum
 

Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!
 
 

Since 1996 - the Original Backcountry Forum
Copyright © The Lightweight Backpacker & BackcountryForum