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

Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 >
Topic Options
Rate This Topic
#182750 - 02/11/14 01:12 PM Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens)
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
Hello all.
We are new to backpacking camping, but not new to camping.
We used to go car camping at State Parks a few times a year when we lived in Iowa (don't even get me started on that place).

But now we live in Beautiful Idaho and have always wanted to REALLY go camping. So we are looking at getting some gear. It would be for my Wife, our 11 yr old, and myself.
We are trying to do it on a budget, but I admit I am looking at nice packs and tent. For some reason I feel I shouldn't skimp on a pack since we'll be carrying it for long distances and a tent since we'll be carrying it long distances and sleeping in it.

Any gear recommendations would be appreciated, but I've been searching online venders and reading reviews, so I have some stuff in mind.

But my problem is finding a nice pack for my wife. I'm looking at the Gregory Balto 65 for myself (used of ebay hopefully), but tried looking for my wife and I noticed the sizing on ALOT of packs are not for thicker chicks. I would like to get a nice one for her with the suspension hip and shoulder straps like the Balto, but she is shorter and thicker and none of the torso length sizes would fit her around the waist.
So would anyone have any idea or recommendations on packs to look at for her.

We don't plan on going ultra light or anything and we have absolutely no gear and are looking to buy all our gear now.
We will probably only do maybe 2-3 nights of camping for now and we don't plan on doing any winter camping anytime soon.

So any ideas on packs to look at for wife and any ideas, tips, or recommendations for some backcountry camping newbies?
Thank you

Top
#182751 - 02/11/14 01:31 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
Heather-ak Offline
member

Registered: 07/11/10
Posts: 597
Loc: Fairbanks, AK
Every body is different, so YMMV.

I tried on every single backpack that REI had in stock in a store in Cali and a local outfitter - mens and womens. I ended up with a Osprey Ariel. It is not even close to ultra light and has lots of ... do-dads, which I like blush Price was more than I wanted, but being a cheapskate, this is normal for me.

I ended up buying this from a local business and they helped fit it for me, the had a hip belt "baker" but they said they had better luck with the individual just wearing it and body heat forming it.

I'm very happy with it, but you have to try backpacks on to find the correct fit.

Good luck!

Top
#182752 - 02/11/14 01:40 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Heather-ak]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
Ahh Ok. Thank you for that. Maybe we'll go do that sometime. We have an REI about an hour away so maybe we'll go get fitted.
But do the people that work there actually know what they're doing? Or is it just some normal non-backpacking sales people that just happen to get a job there and put in that department?

Thank you again Heather.

Top
#182755 - 02/11/14 02:05 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
Heather-ak Offline
member

Registered: 07/11/10
Posts: 597
Loc: Fairbanks, AK
It does depend on your luck if REI has someone with a clue. I'd take the equipment you expect to carry if at all possible. They do have sand weights, but of course they carry different than actual "stuff". I did have better luck finding someone who had knowledge at the local outfitters. You do need someone who knows how to fit the pack - maybe call ahead and see when a good time to stop by is? Or learn how to fit the pack yourself. For instance I know that there are several different sized hip belts in the Osprey line, so I could ask do you have the smaller / bigger one and then feel the difference. However it was nice to have someone there to make suggestions, such as I wear my pack incorrectly (which prior to fitting I didn't know) - I wear my hip belt on my hip bone tips not the iliac crest where it is supposed to be.

Also, just a personal opinion, I (ummm) sometimes listen better to someone else helping rather than the poor hubby. shocked

Top
#182756 - 02/11/14 02:40 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Heather-ak]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
Thanks for that Heather.
Yeah I'll have to give them a call. The only thing with that is I'm afraid that then we'll be stuck picking a pack from REI, which I like to have a huge selection to choose from, and I'm not sure how many different brands REI carry in store.
I actually don't think I've ever been to an REI store before, so maybe they'll have plenty.
But I'm a froogle shopper and I'd rather buy used and/or online if I can.


Top
#182757 - 02/11/14 03:45 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
BZH Offline
member

Registered: 01/26/11
Posts: 1189
Loc: Madison, AL
You probably won't spend the least amount of money by buying from a local shop, but realize the value of the service you receive and you may find you get the better deal by spending more money. There are many cottage guys making packs that you will not find at REI, but without much experience you're taking a real gamble that it has any chance of fitting you. Some of the online places offer a good return policy, but if you don't know what you want it could be a long (and possibly expensive with shipping costs) processes.

In terms of finding a knowledgeable salesperson, that is a risk, but I would try to visit a couple different shops if you can. REI will probably have the biggest selection. Try to go during the day when they are not as busy. You are more likely to be matched to the best salesperson available.

Top
#182762 - 02/11/14 04:22 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: BZH]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
If you box up and take all your gear, including the weight/bulk equivalent of a week's food and a day's water, to the store, that will help. As mentioned, there's a lot of difference between weights or sandbags and real gear.

Pack fit is almost as individual as shoe fit. The pack needs to fit your body, fit your gear and be comfortable for you to carry with your gear inside. For example, while Heather loves her Osprey pack, I have not yet found an Osprey pack (either unisex or woman-specific) with a hip belt that is comfortable for me. A "hike" of at least an hour around the store with fully loaded pack will help you determine if the store staff knows what it's doing.

Make an advance appointment with the store (for a non-crowded time) and insist on their most experienced pack fitter (when I go in, REI always gives me the most inexperiened teenagers unless I scream). You'll of course have to fit his/her work schedule. Tell them you're going to bring all your gear with you and that you need to try the pack with the gear. As a fringe benefit, you will hopefully also get some info on the best way to pack it.

Before getting any farther into gear selection, please check out the articles and gear lists on the home page of this site, left hand column. There's lots of useful information there!

I ended up ordering a pack from one of the many "cottage" manufacturers that sell exclusively online. I was fully prepared to pay return shipping charges for half a dozen packs if necessary to get what I wanted. Amazingly, the first pack I ordered fit me as though it had been made to order just for me! I had my gear and the food/water equivalent all ready and loaded up the pack as soon as I took it out of its box. I "hiked" around the house for two hours--most boring hike I've ever done, but worth to be sure the pack was comfortable while I could still send it back. I'm still using this pack after 8 years and have no plans to replace it.

Even though I didn't buy a pack at the local stores, the several hours I spent at two different stores was worth it to learn what a comfortable pack feels like. The only one there I found that was comfortable weighed 7 pounds. The pack I ended up with weighs 29 ounces and, for what I carry, is fully as comfortable as the 7 pound behemoth!

Oh and another hint--don't go in just after a big sale. I visited REI in early April, forgetting that their big sale is generally the last half of March. All the lighter weight packs were out of stock!

Of course, as we say in the backpacking world, YMMV--Your Mileage May (and probably will) Vary!


Edited by OregonMouse (02/11/14 04:46 PM)
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

Top
#182768 - 02/11/14 04:56 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: OregonMouse]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
Well that's the thing we have absolutely no gear to take in and I really have no idea what we'd be eating whenever we are able to go. I'm one of the pickiest eaters out there. There's ALOT of things I won't eat and maybe a Dozen things that I do eat and that I've always eaten. The thing is none of them convert well into camping food.

So I wouldn't be able to take food (into REI). We don't have any other gear to stuff in the bags. Maybe a few pair of clothing but that's it, not even hiking boots/shoes.

I'm still researching affordable gear to get us. So I should wait to buy a pack till we have our gear? Cause honestly we can't spend hours at store trying on packs and packing and repacking them. We are about an hour away from an REI and one of our kids has Cancer, so we can't just leave him for hours and we have nobody here to stay with him. The only time we really go to city is when we take our son for chemo, radiation and Dr's appointments. Otherwise we're only away from our son for maybe an hour when we go grocery shopping.

And we'd like to get the gear now while we have the extra money. We're not great at saving money as we spoil our kids. So we'd like to order this stuff ASAP.

I don't understand how a pack can have a bad fit if it fits your torso and waist. But then again I know nothing about this and that's why I'm here. grin

I know I can't afford us all nice equipment, but I'm trying to make sure I think of everything and get us the essentials. And yes I have looked at the 10 essentials list.

I'm just trying to get good gear that would make our first few camping trips in the mountains comfortable ones. But I'm sure we'll learn along the way.
Thank You for help and advice.


Edited by Toddlers (02/11/14 04:56 PM)

Top
#182769 - 02/11/14 05:31 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
That's why the backpack is the last gear item you should purchase! You need to have a pretty good idea of the bulk and weight of what you're going to put into it before you can even start researching what kind of pack you're going to get. One pack of the same capacity may support 50 lbs. while another may support only 25 lbs.

Quote:
I don't understand how a pack can have a bad fit if it fits your torso and waist.

As I mentioned, pack fit is as individual as shoe fit. I wear a size 9.5 or 10 B shoe, depending on what the manufacturer thinks that size represents. I don't dare buy shoes without a thorough try-on, even if its a make I've worn before. That's because I have extremely narrow heels and need a wide and high toe box. Each shoe model uses a bit different last, and most manufacturers have a habit of changing them every year or two. The same is true for packs.

You can do the gear trial in the packs at home, as I did, but you need to do it within the period that the vendor allows for returning the pack, which may be only a few weeks. Even REI now is getting really fussy about returns, which they used to accept indefinitely without question. In other words, there's no substitute for waiting until last, or almost last, to buy the packs.

I'm really fussy about food, too; I won't touch stuff like Mountain House, although I do buy ingredients (not meals) from Packit Gourmet, which uses mostly organic ingredients and no preservatives. During the winter, I cook up batches of one-pot meals at home and dehydrate them. On the trail, I add boiling water to the food and let the food stand 15-20 minutes in a cozy--no cooking required. There's lots of info on how to do this at trailcooking.com and lots of recipes there and in the food section of this forum.

With your circumstances, you and your wife will probably have to go shopping one at a time (been there, done that), maybe on different trips, for things that have to be tried on, like packs and shoes. You may want to look at used gear sources, too. Even thrift shops can be a good source--you nevef know when you'll find something good there.

You have my thoughts and prayers for your son!


Edited by OregonMouse (02/11/14 05:34 PM)
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

Top
#182771 - 02/11/14 05:49 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: OregonMouse]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
Cool thanks for all that Mouse, but the wife and I can not go shopping at different times.......I'm the only one in the family that drives......
We are planning on looking at thrift stores for clothing atleast. Not sure if we'd find good donated gear, but we'll keep an eye out just in case.

I can understand why the pack should be the last item purchased, but just not sure if we're able to do that. That why I figured if we got 60-65L packs we should have plenty of room for a few days and then a little extra just in case.

We're also just VERY anxious on getting this stuff as we've ALWAYS wanted to camp like that (backpacking/hiking) instead of camping at State parks by our car as we always did in Iowa.

Thank you again and I'll keep everything in mind and try to figure something out.

Top
#182775 - 02/11/14 07:16 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
BZH Offline
member

Registered: 01/26/11
Posts: 1189
Loc: Madison, AL
You seem to want to buy the pack now because you have money now. The implicit assumption is that the pack is the most important piece of gear you need to buy. I disagree. I think the best bang for your bucks on equipment is spending your money on a quality down sleeping bag (or quilt). There is no comparison between a quality down bag and the cheap alternatives. They pack smaller, weigh less, and keep you warmer, plus they can last a lifetime (I still use the down bags my parents bought 30-40 years ago). The performance differences between a cheap pack and an expensive one do not compare. If you have the money to buy one piece of equipment spend your money on a down bag (unless you have a down allergy)

Top
#182776 - 02/11/14 07:26 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
bluefish Offline
member

Registered: 06/05/13
Posts: 680
I'll throw out there that Deuter makes a good women's pack that has lots of adjustment and is eminently comfortable . Something in the 60-65 liter range will do you for what you want, as long as your sleeping bags aren't cheap monstrosities that have very little compression. Other than that, pads can lash outside or go inside, depending on what you bring. Down bags will be very compressible and light for the warmth they provide, look for used or deals. I wore wool pants, fleece vest and a fleece jacket that cost me 18 dollars total at a thrift store and they kept me warm on a trip that dropped to zero this past weekend.
As long as you keep your sleeping bag bulk down, and your tent size not too large, the pack size you specified will easily fill the bill. Maybe more important than any advice I can throw your way, a heartfelt prayer said for your son and your whole family. I hope all of you have many, many happy miles on trails together.
_________________________
Charlie

Top
#182777 - 02/11/14 07:54 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: BZH]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
Well would we need a down sleeping bag if we don't sleep in temps under 40-50F? 40F being the absolute lowest. I've camped in the winter in 8" of snow in Jan. in the Midwest when I was younger and I'm just not a fan of it.
I just figured the down bags were more for warmth in the winter.

I was planning on getting the BIG AGNES BIG CREEK +30 Double sleeping bag for my wife and myself. I figured that should be good enough down to 40F. I'd kinda like a double sack for the wifey and myself.

Also yes I do want to buy a pack now because we have money now....just seems logical to me. I do understand the reasoning on why it should be the last thing you purchase and we are looking at making a list of what we might need and ordering that stuff first. But I also won't let a deal on ebay pass me buy. So if I can find a nice pack for cheap on ebay I'll probably snatch it up.

I will look into the down bags though and see if I can find something I can afford for all 3 of us.
Thank you

And yeah I was actually looking at the Deuter bags for us. I do like them, I just like the idea of hip and should belts that move with you, but I'm not opposed to the Deuter. Heck I'm still considering some cheap(er) TeTon packs I saw on Amazon.

Also thank you for Prayers...You too Heather. It's been a very tough road, but our son is doing very well considering, so we're very thankful.


Edited by Toddlers (02/11/14 07:57 PM)

Top
#182781 - 02/11/14 08:27 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
In the Rockies, summer nights will regularly get down close to freezing if not below. Some nights will be 40*F and some will be nearer 20*, and this often depends not just on the weather forecast (not very reliable in mountains) but also on local microclimates and the altitude.

I personally will not go out in either the Rockies or Cascades without a 20*F bag--I get COLD! Actually, the "comfort" (women's) rating for my bag is about 25*F, although I've taken it down to 15*F by wearing all my insulating clothing inside over a vapor barrier suit and having a 75 lb. dog to snuggle up to. A warm sleeping pad helps, too.

If a sleeping bag is not EN13537 rated, I'd put the temp rating about 10*F higher than that set by the manufacturer's marketing department.

You might want to look at separate sleeping bags that can be zipped together. The budget down bag that is most popular right now (recommended for Boy Scouts on a budget) is the Kelty Cosmic Down 20. I do not know if they have compatible zippers, though--you'd need a right zipper on one bag and a left zipper on the other. You could check that on the Kelty website.

Do get at least your packs from a place that will allow returns--I'd be a bit wary of ebay. As I said, it's like buying shoes sight unseen. Make sure anything you order is returnable (usually you'll have to pay return shipping cost).

Down is much more compressible than synthetics so takes up a lot less pack room. Unlike synthetics, down recovers more quickly and completely from being compressed. Because of this, down bags will outlast synthetics. A good synthetic bag lasts 5-8 years (depending on how much its used) before losing significant loft; a high quality down bag will last a lifetime if properly cared for. Down is, of course, a lot warmer for the weight, which concerns us--as the motto of this site goes, lightweight backpacking is more fun!


Edited by OregonMouse (02/11/14 08:34 PM)
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

Top
#182786 - 02/11/14 09:21 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: OregonMouse]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
Thanks for info. Looked at the kelty down bags. They look nice, but that'd be $500 just for sleeping bags. I'm just not sure I could afford that. I thought $63 for a sleeping bag was expensive. lol.
When I say camp in the mountains. I don't mean we'll be camping up on the mountains.

Well I'll keep my eyes open on eBay and craigslist for a few nice down bags. Just not sure I can do $150\bag, but I don't want my wife and son to freeze to death.

Thank you

Top
#182790 - 02/11/14 10:07 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
Ok when I look on Ebay for gear I don't know all the good brands of camping equipment, so could you guys add to my list for quality brands.
Here's the brands that I think are good, from reviews I've read.

Tents: Marmot, Big Agnes, Nemo, MSR, Mountain Hardware. Do Kelty make quality tents also?

Sleeping bags: Marmot, Big Agnes, Mountain Hardware, Kelty

Packs: Deuter, Osprey, Gregory, Kelty

I don't know what brands are good for smaller items, but I try to go buy reviews I can find.
And With those brands, Do they all make all sorts of quality camping gear or are they better at making one item more than others?
As in lets say Marmot made real quality tents, but their sleeping bags are to be avoided. Or something like that.
Or any tent, sleeping bag, packs from any of those companies would be a quality item?

Thank you again

Top
#182791 - 02/11/14 10:09 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Those Kelty bags are often discounted at places like Dick's Sporting Goods, Sports Authority, etc. Worth a look, anyway. Unfortunately, down is getting scarcer and the demand is increasing….

It actually gets colder down in the valleys than on top of the mountains. Besides, don't you want to visit those beautiful high mountain lakes in Idaho? You're not in Iowa anymore! (Sorry, couldn't resist that!)
lol

Anyway, instead of my pontificating on, which you're undoubtedly tired of, let me give you a a few references:


Start with the home page of this site that I linked to earlier.

Mark Verber's website. This survey of possible gear is downright encyclopedic, but you really just want to read the introduction to each section for general info and then skip to the end for low budget choices. There are also links to gear lists (a few don't work) and to other lowbudget ideas. No point in reading all about $700 tents, which I can't afford, either!

Dirtbagging and Deal Shopping, by "Sgt. Rock" Lots of low cost ideas for hiking, starting in your own closet, kitchen and garage. While he focuses on the Appalachian Trail, the principles are the same.

One caveat--especially with this year's drought, expect bans on campfires and probably on alcohol fueled stoves. Those options for saving money are therefore not feasible.


Edited by OregonMouse (02/11/14 10:19 PM)
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

Top
#182792 - 02/11/14 10:09 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
rockchucker22 Offline
member

Registered: 09/24/12
Posts: 751
Loc: Eastern Sierras
I like this list of links, really complete. Tons of cottage gear too.
http://hikeitlikeit.com/directory-of-manufacturers/
_________________________
The wind wont howl if the wind don't break.

Top
#182794 - 02/11/14 10:35 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: rockchucker22]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Not a complete list, and at least one (Kooka Bay) has been out of business for a couple of years, but still pretty good; it has the major players.

Note that REI has its own house brands which are pretty good. In fact not all their stuff is heavy. Check their outlet for closeouts on discontinued models. I believe Eastern Mountain Sports does also.

Sierra Trading Post often has specials/closeouts. The insulated air pad I still use was bought there 8 years ago for $30.

Re tents--make sure the screen door(s) is (are) vertical. Lots of tents have screen doors slanting inwards towards the top of the tent. That means you have to shut up the solid door even in the merest drizzle, which means lots of condensation, as well as claustrophobia, inside. And make sure there's enough room inside. A lot of the major manufacturers have tried to meet the lightweight competition from firms like Tarptent by making their tents smaller, so their 2-person size is good only for two small people. Check the specifications on the manufacturers' websites for the actual dimensions, mark them on the carpet with masking tape and see if you'll fit.


Edited by OregonMouse (02/11/14 10:46 PM)
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

Top
#182797 - 02/11/14 11:17 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: OregonMouse]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
Wow thank for those links you 2.

Yeah I think you guys have convienced me to buy down bags, so looks like I'll either be spending more than what I wanted or skimping on something else.
The wife and I are sitting down right now trying to make a list of what we'd put in the bag for our first few 3 day trips. So far we only have the basics of clothing.
Oh yeah question about clothing. Do most people just wear the same outfit for a few days to save on weight or do most have a change of clothing for every day?

Thank you for advice on using tape to get an idea of tent dimensions, Good idea.
Thank you again, much appreciated.

Also how do you cook if you can't use a campfire or alcohol fueled stove?


Edited by Toddlers (02/11/14 11:21 PM)

Top
#182798 - 02/11/14 11:21 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
rockchucker22 Offline
member

Registered: 09/24/12
Posts: 751
Loc: Eastern Sierras
Same clothes everyday. I like extra socks and a pair of undies that's it.
_________________________
The wind wont howl if the wind don't break.

Top
#182803 - 02/12/14 02:43 AM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: rockchucker22]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
The general "rule" followed by most lightweight hikers is to take sufficient clothing to stay warm in the coldest conditions you can expect while you're wearing everything at the same time. Add a pair of spare socks. For me, that does not include the socks (or down booties) that I wear only for sleeping. I'll wear wet socks for hiking, but not in my sleeping bag! Since I don't wear my base layer (formerly known as long underwear) once I start hiking in the morning, it stays dry in my pack so I do have something dry to change into and wear in the sleeping bag.

I use fast-drying undies, so if I have to wash my panties they will be dry enough to wear in an hour. My body heat will dry them really fast after that.



Edited by OregonMouse (02/12/14 02:48 AM)
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

Top
#182807 - 02/12/14 10:50 AM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: OregonMouse]
bluefish Offline
member

Registered: 06/05/13
Posts: 680
Considering you share sleeping arrangements with your wife and don't plan on winter use this discussion might be interesting
http://www.backpacking.net/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=182412#Post182412. Just make sure your pads have somewhere near a 4.0 R-value to insulate you from the ground and the quilt is wide enough for both of you. In the end it may save pack space, money (especially if you sew your own), and be comfortable, too.
_________________________
Charlie

Top
#182810 - 02/12/14 01:29 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: bluefish]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
That's cool, quilts seem expensive, at least the ones I looked at. Are they generally more expensive than bags of same temp rating?
Don't know how to sew, so that's not an option.
Thanks for link and I'll keep that in mind and start checking out quilts.

Top
#182811 - 02/12/14 01:45 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
BZH Offline
member

Registered: 01/26/11
Posts: 1189
Loc: Madison, AL
Quilts are generally cheaper than bags made with similar materials. The quilts you are looking at aren't competing with $50 Walmart bags. They use materials and are of similar quality to bags made by Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends. Check those bags out, if you think quilts are expensive. Oh... and WM and FF are worth every penny (and its a lot of pennies!)

Top
#182816 - 02/12/14 02:12 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: BZH]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
I'll have to check out quilts more when I get home, cause so far all these I've looked at are way more than I can spend. I could possible do $150 for each of us for sleeping systems, but that'd include the pads too. Think I'm just going to have to go with cheap gear then and take extra clothing to sleep in.
I'd do the Kelty Cosmic 20's but then I probably can't afford pads then, or decent cheap ones.
Like I said I'll look more when I get home. Up at hospital with son for a few more hours and I don't like researching things using phone.
Thanks


Edited by Toddlers (02/12/14 02:14 PM)

Top
#182819 - 02/12/14 02:37 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Pads--can you sleep on a CCF (closed cell foam) pad? If not, can your son sleep on one (my 13-year-old grandson does). If so, you can get them for $15-$30 each. Be sure to test sleeping pads in the store and again at home, where you should spend at least one night, maybe two, on the floor, while you can still return them. Your first night on the trail (when it's hard to sleep anyway) is not the time to find out your sleeping system is uncomfortable!

At least check for EN13537 ratings on the sleeping bags. If none, add 10-15*F to the manufacturers' ratings. Also, watch the girth issue--the bag needs to fit over all your insulating clothing without compressing the insulation (you may need that for extra cold nights). Finally, compare weights; if you have to go synthetic, some synthetic insulation is warmer for its weight than others.

Please keep us informed how your son is doing. We care!
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

Top
#182825 - 02/12/14 04:03 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
rockchucker22 Offline
member

Registered: 09/24/12
Posts: 751
Loc: Eastern Sierras
Originally Posted By Toddlers
I'll have to check out quilts more when I get home, cause so far all these I've looked at are way more than I can spend. I could possible do $150 for each of us for sleeping systems, but that'd include the pads too. Think I'm just going to have to go with cheap gear then and take extra clothing to sleep in.
I'd do the Kelty Cosmic 20's but then I probably can't afford pads then, or decent cheap ones.
Like I said I'll look more when I get home. Up at hospital with son for a few more hours and I don't like researching things using phone.
Thanks
My pad alone cost more than $150. Maybe get one set up the another a month later. In the long run good quality gear is worth every red cent.
_________________________
The wind wont howl if the wind don't break.

Top
#182826 - 02/12/14 04:30 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: rockchucker22]
Heather-ak Offline
member

Registered: 07/11/10
Posts: 597
Loc: Fairbanks, AK
On the other hand, getting out there is the most important, IMO. If you have to start out with cheap gear, at least you find your pain points! I have a very cheap tent, which having used it for several years I can now scientifically support why I need a new one (though I'm still getting a sideways look from the accountant... oops sorry husband) - AND I can tell you what I want in a tent! Hubby bought a bunch of equipment for one trip we went on and, in my opinion, some of it wasn't right equipment for how we hike. If we had made do, we would have made better purchases later after he remembered how heavy things got after a few miles grin

Now of course I'm saying this within safety margins. If you hike in the rainy area of Washington state, you probably should have decent rain equipment or only hike in warm temperatures. If you hike in Alaska, you shouldn't skimp on your sleeping bag (well... _I_ wouldn't feel comfortable skimping on my sleeping bag.)

Top
#182827 - 02/12/14 04:36 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: rockchucker22]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
We won't have money the following month. Our son has cancer, I had to quit my job to take care of him and we were a low income family before that. We don't own or believe in credit cards, everything we own is paid for. When we get a nice tax refund that's when we buy our big money items, if we don't have a nice refund (like last 3 years) we get nothing and just keep using/living with what we got.
This year we got a decent one, so we would like to get some camping gear, since one of the reasons we left Iowa was to get to the outdoors.

But if we're unable to get good gear this year then it could be another few years till we get a chance...oh well, we'll be here around all this beauty for the rest of our lives to enjoy.
But i'm still going to try to get us something nice/decent that'll work.
And I agree with buying quality gear, it's just we can't always do that.
Thanks again

Top
#182829 - 02/12/14 04:47 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Heather-ak]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
Yeah I agree. We've never had nice gear, always walmart gear when we camped back in Iowa and it was the experience of being out there camping that made us not care what kind of equipment we had.
But I realize camping in Idaho up in the mountains while backpacking everything in iscompletely different then what we're used too....and that's why we're SOOOOOOO Excited about doing it.
I'm going to have to go through what we can get buy with spending and put a certain % towards a certain piece of equipment and go from there.
I'm figuring from the sounds of it the Sleeping Bag would get the highest % of $ spent on it?
Then I'm guessing after bag it is Pack, Tent, Shoes, Clothing, Misc. gear...something like that.
Well probably be camping in Sawtooth Mountains for first few times since that's only a couple hours away. So if we can only go in summer, than that's better than nothing.


Also our son is doing very well now.
He was diagnosed with stage 4 Ewing Sarcoma cancer. It's a rare cancer that affects mainly children. Only 200 cases a year get diagnosed. He was given a 35-40% chance of survival.
He gets chemo every other week and we're in the hospital 3 to 6 days depending on what type of chemo they give him.
It's scary watching people hang up bags of poison in hazmat suits and then run that same stuff through your kids veins.
BUT
He's doing well, He's gone through half of his Chemo treatments and had radiation to his hip (main tumor) and his lungs (where it spread too).
The main tumor had shrank 90%! before the start of radiation on his hip and that was half way through his entire treatment. Treatment is supposed to last 8-12 months and he was diagnosed at the end of July; happen to be our middle childs birthday. frown
The Dr's like to mention how Amazingly well he's doing, and I just tell them it's in his genes, he can't help it.

Well that's about the jist of it. That's the very Short short short story with just the basics.
It's been a tough, long road, but like I say, We're human and adaptable.


Edited by Toddlers (02/12/14 05:03 PM)
Edit Reason: Update on Son's Situation

Top
#182831 - 02/12/14 05:08 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
BZH Offline
member

Registered: 01/26/11
Posts: 1189
Loc: Madison, AL
Originally Posted By Toddlers
...
I'm figuring from the sounds of it the Sleeping Bag would get the highest % of $ spent on it?
Then I'm guessing after bag it is Pack, Tent, Shoes, Clothing, Misc. gear...something like that.
...


That sounds like a good priority. Many people get by very well using normal everyday shoes and clothes. Some people have a horrible time because they try to hike miles and miles in big, heavy, clunky, expensive hiking boots that they never broke in. If there aren't many insects were you are going, many people use just a tarp and ground cloth instead of a tent.

If you are handy with sewing Ray Jardine sells pre-assembled quilt kits. They use synthetic insulation, but otherwise high end shell and are supposed to be pretty nice: http://www.rayjardine.com/ray-way/Quilt-Kit/index.htm

Top
#182834 - 02/12/14 05:30 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: BZH]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
Yeah I'm not sure if there are bugs up in the mountains. I actually suggested to my wife we just do a tarp and ground cloth, but she wasn't fond of that idea, just in case there are bugs up there.
I don't know how to sew and I know my wife doesn't either, but maybe she knows someone that can.
With clothing we just plan on hitting up a few thrift stores.
Fleece, Wool, Polyester, and Nylon right? Are those all the materials to look for.
Going to go check out that Site and see what they got there and if it's doable then I need to talk to the wife and have her start asking around to see if she knows anyone that can sew.
Thanks

Top
#182835 - 02/12/14 05:36 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
ETSU Pride Offline
member

Registered: 10/25/10
Posts: 933
Loc: Knoxville, TN
You know, maybe for sake of keeping gears cheap and still getting out there (which is what really important as well as being safe.) , is it possible to just camp at campground, and go hike trails and back to campground? If the cheap gears fail or something happened you at least have safe margin of the car with ability to seek help.

First time I ever went backpacking, the temperature dropped to 32. I was using a "30 degreed rated" Coleman sleeping bag that my brother had. I shivered all night long....

You mentioned you didn't want camp in temperature below 40. I was hiking during first weekend of June. A little rain came through and at 6,500 feet the temperature dropped to 36 degrees.. IN JUNE!! I can imagine the mountains in Idaho be just as cold during summer months at elevations. So, that why I'm thinking maybe do some camping at campgrounds in national parks and forests, and explore trails with panoramic views then hike back to campground.. Just getting out, hiking all day, stay within safe confine of campground until your son's health improve and your financial situation improve, then you can advance. Also, this may not be ideal, but you can rent gears. Depending on vendor, they may require credit card hold incase equipments get damaged. So, maybe suffer a short-term loss to see how backpacking will play out in long-run for your family before splurging.
_________________________
It is one of the blessings of wilderness life that it shows us how few things we need in order to be perfectly happy.-- Horace Kephart

Top
#182837 - 02/12/14 06:01 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
wandering_daisy Offline
member

Registered: 01/11/06
Posts: 2865
Loc: California
For me, the items that make most the difference between being comfortable and miserable are shoes, sleeping system (bag and pad), and backpack. All are require an individual fit.

Shoes are the hardest for me. I honestly think just wearing over-sized comfortable running shoes with Smartwool socks is the best way to go if you stay on trails. Most people really do not need boots.

A sleeping bag is like a pack - you have to get inside it and see how it feels and fits. I would not go cheap on the sleeping bag - it has so many other uses - not just backpacking - car camping. I even have unzipped my down bag and used as an extra comforter on my bed at home. There are good medium priced down bags - in the $250-300 range on sale. Personally I would not buy a used bag. The yuk factor is just too much for me. (I also will not sleep in my husbands bag for the same reason). You can wash a bag, but never truly sterilize it.

A moderately comfortable pack is OK with me. I have gone years with a pack that theoretically does not fit me. If you are packing weights in the 25 pound range, less than perfect is OK. If on the other hand, you are doing 40-50 pounds, a better fit and pack is needed. Almost all my packs cost about $150 or less. (my sleeping bag cost $500) There are TONS of sales on packs. Thing NOT to care about in a pack - color. Do not assume that all women need a woman's specific pack. Depends on your body build. Try both women's and men's. Women's packs are built for narrower shoulders. If under 5'4" women's packs probably will fit better. In fact, if short you may want to try a kids pack. But if you are a bit taller and wider, a man's pack may fit better. I am currently using a Golite Quest. I do not think they make that one any more.

Top
#182839 - 02/12/14 06:09 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: ETSU Pride]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
Well looks like I better try and get us some warmer gear, lol.
Cause I'm not camping at camp ground here. I've done that a few times a year, every year, for the past 30+ years.
I'm in Idaho I plan on going back country.
I'll just have to spend more on bags than I want and we'll just get cheap(er) packs then.
I can't rent gear as I don't own any credit cards.
I prefer not to camp in temps below 40F, but really as long as it's warmer than 40F during the day, I really don't mind.

I'm really liking the cost of the Quilt Kits. For $125 I can get a double for wife and myself. For $150 I can get a double that they say is warm down to 10F.
Now I just need to find someone that sews, lol.
Otherwise I'll just end up getting us nicer bags so I don't have to worry about my wife and son.
Also, the son going camping Isn't the son that has cancer.
Our Oldest son has cancer, our youngest son likes to camp and our Middle son likes cat videos, lol.
We wouldn't be able to go until after all of our sons' treatments, which at the latest will be the end of July....hopefully. Even if we can't go this year we still want to get the gear, because we're not sure when we'll be able to next time.

Well it seems after looking more, that the Quilt kit isn't Down. I thought it was at first, but after reading more on it finding out it's not.
So I'm considering the Kelty Cosmic Down 20 (or the 21?) now for each of us + a decent sleeping pad, I'm watching a couple Q Core's on ebay.
Hoping the bag + decent pad + Thermals would keep us warm enough if it got down in the 30's.
Also if I got us a 20F or even 0F bag, would that make too warm to use in the summer or say 50-60F temps?


Edited by Toddlers (02/12/14 07:14 PM)

Top
#182850 - 02/12/14 08:00 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
rockchucker22 Offline
member

Registered: 09/24/12
Posts: 751
Loc: Eastern Sierras
Originally Posted By Toddlers
We won't have money the following month. Our son has cancer, I had to quit my job to take care of him and we were a low income family before that. We don't own or believe in credit cards, everything we own is paid for. When we get a nice tax refund that's when we buy our big money items, if we don't have a nice refund (like last 3 years) we get nothing and just keep using/living with what we got.
This year we got a decent one, so we would like to get some camping gear, since one of the reasons we left Iowa was to get to the outdoors.

But if we're unable to get good gear this year then it could be another few years till we get a chance...oh well, we'll be here around all this beauty for the rest of our lives to enjoy.
But i'm still going to try to get us something nice/decent that'll work.
And I agree with buying quality gear, it's just we can't always do that.
Thanks again
Sorry to hear your going through some family issues! I truly hope it all pans out.

It has taken what seems a lifetime to get all my gear, but easily got by on old gear. Keep an eye out on used gear and REI garage sales. Great equipment can be had for pretty good prices. Post WTB/WTD on the classified section, I'm betting many would be able to donate gear to help you out.
_________________________
The wind wont howl if the wind don't break.

Top
#182852 - 02/12/14 08:33 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
ETSU Pride Offline
member

Registered: 10/25/10
Posts: 933
Loc: Knoxville, TN
Right on. Keep searching you bound find clearance and good deals. Backcountry.com having decent mark down on random gears.

Feel free to ask any questions. Everyone else already cover what I could suggest. I just wanted make sure you knew about temperatures can strongly vary at elevation. It could be 60 degrees at your house, but on the mountains in backcountry during the same day it could be 40 or less! cool I've slept in late July on a mountain that on the Tennessee and North Carolina border that was 53 degrees at night with very low humidity. Can't imagine what that be like in Idaho since Idaho further up the latitude line and elevation can be higher, depending what part of Idaho you're in. I hope to see pics soon!
_________________________
It is one of the blessings of wilderness life that it shows us how few things we need in order to be perfectly happy.-- Horace Kephart

Top
#182853 - 02/12/14 08:44 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: rockchucker22]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
I'm sure all will work out.
Yeah I love shopping on ebay and getting deals, not much for garage saleing though, but I use CL and Ebay alot.
I'll look into the WTS forum, but not looking for any donations. Thanks though

Yeah I think I'm going to get decent bags.
Think I might just get some Kelty Cosmic Down 20's for us; Campmor has them for $150 for normal and $140 for small.
And looking at the Klymit Insulated Static V since those can be found for $70. So that'd be about $650 for sleeping gear for us...now to me that seems like ALOT for JUST sleeping gear, but I realize it's not and that's why I can convience myself to splurg for those. Hoping those will work for now, cause that's pushing it for me on finances for just the sleeping gear.

Thanks for help and tips. Even though I have decided to get the Kelty's and Kyrmit's, I'll still look around for something that's better/cheaper until I make the actual purchase, which may not be for a week or so...just depends on how soon I find ALL the gear I want.


Edited by Toddlers (02/12/14 08:45 PM)

Top
#182867 - 02/13/14 12:33 AM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
Found a tent I'm thinking of ordering.
The Sierra Designs Lightning HT 3 is on sale for $220 at REI.
only about 5.5lbs for 3 person tent. From what I've seent that's on the lighter side.
Was going to look on ebay and see if I can snatch up a deal, but I may just snatch that up at REI.

*EDIT* Also interested in the Mutha Hubba. Actually that was one of the first tents I read about and maybe that's why I still favor it.
I don't know, but I'm going to keep looking around.
It's hard not to start ordering things when you have the money for them.

**EDIT** Ok now I'm interested in the Nemo Losi 3 simply because it's wider than the other 2 and seems to have more floor space.
Ahhh how exhausting researching can be.

***EDIT*** Also looking at these sleeping bags I just realized....I'm a stomach sleeper and never sleep on my back, lol. So not sure how a sleeping bag with a hood will work. I guess I could just lay my head on the hood of bag.


Edited by Toddlers (02/13/14 02:51 AM)

Top
#182871 - 02/13/14 08:58 AM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
ETSU Pride Offline
member

Registered: 10/25/10
Posts: 933
Loc: Knoxville, TN
I don't know anything about those tents. As for sleeping bags, I'm a side sleeper. I'm skinny enough to where I can lay on my side in my sleeping bag. As far as the hood goes, I have been able clinch it tight when needed, but I don't fret too much if I'm on my side and hood becomes useless because if it real cold I tend sleep with a wool hat anyway. My quilt don't have a hood, so the hat has been plenty warm.

When I don't use the hood of my sleeping bag, I just make sure it clinched/rolled up where heat don't escape and draft don't get in. You can make it work, it just take a little trial and error.
_________________________
It is one of the blessings of wilderness life that it shows us how few things we need in order to be perfectly happy.-- Horace Kephart

Top
#182875 - 02/13/14 12:15 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: ETSU Pride]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
That's cool. I'll keep that in mind.

Yeah I like the Sierra plus it's on sale, but seems like it sits high and it can get pretty windy here. Not sure about up in the mountains though. I read a review where a guy said his collapsed on him in high winds.

I like the Mutha Hubba....for some reason, maybe it's just the name I like, lol.

And I like the Nemo Losi 3 just cause it has more floor space then both the others and it looks like it'd handle windy conditions well.

Top
#182877 - 02/13/14 12:23 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
BZH Offline
member

Registered: 01/26/11
Posts: 1189
Loc: Madison, AL
REI has Big Agnes pads on clearance right now. Similar specs to the Klymit (and will have REI's warranty): http://www.rei.com/product/871752/big-ag...al-buy#specsTab

Check out the Tarptent Rainshadow for a shelter: http://www.tarptent.com/rainshadow2.html

or cloudburst 3: https://www.tarptent.com/cgi-bin/surfsho...ategories=00010

Top
#182889 - 02/13/14 03:55 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: BZH]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Big Agnes has, I understand, a lifetime warranty on their pads (check their website to be sure). REI now gives you only one year. In that case, after the one year, it's the manufacturer's warranty that is more important. Buy the pad (and everything else) where you can get the best price (google shopping can help). Which of course may be REI with the current sale!

www.campmor.com often has lower prices, especially when selling closeout models. Another place to check.


Edited by OregonMouse (02/13/14 03:59 PM)
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

Top
#182892 - 02/13/14 05:25 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: OregonMouse]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
Yeah I've been checking out Campmor as some of the items I was looking at was cheaper there than REI or Moosejaw.
REI, Campmor and Moosejaw are the 3 places I've been checking. Well those and Amazon and Ebay.

I didn't know Big Agnes has Lifetime warranty on items.
I do know the Klymit is wider than others and I liked that. Plus I like the horizontal air pockets more than the vertical tube type pads.
But I'll keep my eye on those BA pads just in case I change my mind.

I was thinking of atleast buying the packs at REI, but I'm not sure yet. Cause with what I would spend already on sleeping gear I may just have to get us $100 Teton packs from Amazon.
But I'm still looking, researching and contemplating on what to get, so I don't know.
I think the ONLY gear I'm definitely planning on right now are the Kelty Cosmic Down bags and still Kyrmit Pads....for now.

Top
#182899 - 02/13/14 09:51 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Another question--how big/heavy is your car camping tent? It it isn't too bad, maybe you can use it for a while and not have to buy one for a year or two. You can divide the parts among the family. Of course if it's a 10-pound tent, forget that idea!
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

Top
#182901 - 02/13/14 10:30 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: OregonMouse]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
Our car tent is a giant 3 room Swiss Gear tent. Probably something like 16x20, So it's pretty heavy.
Looking at the Kelty Trail Ridge 3 person tent. I can find it for $180 and seems like a decent tent.
I kinda have (most of) our gear picked out except our packs now.
Wife wasn't happy when I showed her what the total currently was at, so now I kinda have a limit, lol.
But I still plan on buying atleast her and my son a nice pack from REI after we get our gear. I'm going to probably just tough it out with a Teton bag.

Top
#182902 - 02/13/14 10:38 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
rockchucker22 Offline
member

Registered: 09/24/12
Posts: 751
Loc: Eastern Sierras
Sounds like your well on your way.
_________________________
The wind wont howl if the wind don't break.

Top
#182903 - 02/13/14 10:45 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: rockchucker22]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
Yeah, going cheaper on tent than I wanted, but that's so we could get the Kelty Cosmic Down bags.
I don't want to skimp on packs for wife and kid, but I will for me to save $100 or so.
Yeah I'm pretty close to ordering all our gear I think. Just making sure I'm not forgeting any small misc items before I do order.
Going to go through some gear lists and start marking things off now and see what's left that we'd need besides packs.

Top
#182961 - 02/17/14 01:33 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
Well I ordered the majority of the gear, only maybe few smalls things and the Packs is all we'll need now.
Ended up getting the wife and son each a Kelty Ignite 0F DriDown bag. So that'll help me feel better knowing they should be plenty warm enough when we go. I got me just the 20F.

Ended up getting the Kelty Trail Ridge 3P tent. Ordered a small stove and couple cans of fuel, Suunto Compass, some therma-rest pillows, Some SOL emergency blankets, (2) Sawyer Mini water filtration systems and a few other items. Spent more than I wanted, but I feel better knowing we have decent sleeping bags.

We also went to some thrift stores and bought quite a bit of polyester, nylon, or fleece clothing. We found some really light wind breaker pull overs, found us each a wool cap. I have 2 sets of base layer clothing and a pair of Fleece pants and a Fleece pullover. I think I have most of what I need except synthetic undies and hiking socks.
Think my son has most of his clothing, but not the wife, need to find her more base layer clothing and hiking pants.

Would like to get some decent socks for us, was thinking of checking and seeing how expensive Merino wool socks would be.

Well I got a sick feeling in my stomach when I ordered most of this gear..lol. I didn't want to spend anywhere near what I'm going to end up spending in the end, but....it'll be for a good cause. Cause the Sawtooth Mountains are only 3 hours away and we've been looking at pictures and videos of hiking trips...and that is something we MUST do and see, soooooo beautiful up there.
So in the end it'll be worth it.

Top
#183092 - 02/21/14 12:27 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: Toddlers]
finallyME Offline
member

Registered: 09/24/07
Posts: 2710
Loc: Utah
Sorry, I only read through a few of the posts, maybe this has been discussed already...

I would recommend you rent the "big" gear first. Things like tents, backpacks and sleeping bags. I don't think you are 100% sold on this activity, plus those three will really help you decide if you want to. If you get a cheap tent, a cold sleeping bag, and an uncomfortable pack....you might think that backpacking sucks, when it was just bad equipment that ruined it for you. If you rent, and you don't like it...then you know it isn't the gear, but you. And, you didn't spend a bunch of money on gear you won't use anymore.
REI rents gear.
_________________________
I've taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money.

Top
#183096 - 02/21/14 02:37 PM Re: Hello all. ?'s about packs (womens) [Re: finallyME]
Toddlers Offline
member

Registered: 02/11/14
Posts: 23
Thanks for tips. But we can't afford to rent gear and then buy gear. I already purchased almost everything.
Got Kelty Ignite 0F DriDown bags for wife and son and I got the 20F one.
Bought a Kelty Tent already and my wife a Gregory Deva pack. Getting my son a Gregory Wander 50 or a Osprey Ace 48 and I'll get something decent off Ebay with what we have left.

lol...I'm more than 100% sold on this (not sure where you'd get that I'm not). We're an outdoorsy family that loved going car camping at state parks every year a few times a year back in Iowa. We've been Dreaming of camping in the mountains for atleast 20 years (well I have atleast, lol).

Top
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 >

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 (), 170 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