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
#130783 - 03/16/10 07:39 AM New Member
Ambersdad Offline
member

Registered: 03/16/10
Posts: 27
Loc: Norman OK
I've been lurking here for about a month and decided this morning to go ahead and join.

I did a lot of backpacking in the 70's & 80's, mainly as a solo hiker. That kind of dried up after getting married and being consumed with making a living.

I've always loved wildlife photography and recently bought some nice camera gear. Decided a few months ago it made more sense to hike into an area for a few days instead of short day hikes to take photos.

Been slowly accumulating half decent gear while keeping in mind I need to get lighter whenever possible.

Looking forward to hangin' here more often.


Top
#130784 - 03/16/10 07:54 AM Re: New Member [Re: Ambersdad]
Glenn Offline
member

Registered: 03/08/06
Posts: 2617
Loc: Ohio
Welcome aboard. Funny how that "making a living" thing kind of takes over your whole life, isn't it? Teenage years should come with a warning label: "Enjoy it now; in a couple years you'll have to grow up." or something similar.

Let us know as you have questions. We can mislead you with the best of them.

Top
#130788 - 03/16/10 09:32 AM Re: New Member [Re: Glenn]
balzaccom Offline
member

Registered: 04/06/09
Posts: 2232
Loc: Napa, CA
Some of the best times I've ever had in the mountains where with my kids....don't let middle age keep you from doing the things you love, and sharing them with the people you love !
_________________________
Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/

Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963

Top
#130789 - 03/16/10 10:49 AM Re: New Member [Re: balzaccom]
Ambersdad Offline
member

Registered: 03/16/10
Posts: 27
Loc: Norman OK
Originally Posted By Glenn
Welcome aboard. Funny how that "making a living" thing kind of takes over your whole life, isn't it? Teenage years should come with a warning label: "Enjoy it now; in a couple years you'll have to grow up." or something similar.

Let us know as you have questions. We can mislead you with the best of them.


Thanks for the welcome. I'm sure there will be questions down the road.



Originally Posted By balzaccom
Some of the best times I've ever had in the mountains where with my kids....don't let middle age keep you from doing the things you love, and sharing them with the people you love !


All but one of the kids are out of the house. The one left doesn't have the time for backpacking, she's an upper level competitive gymnast.

The only sharing I'll be doing is with the lens. wink

Top
#130790 - 03/16/10 11:00 AM Re: New Member [Re: balzaccom]
Glenn Offline
member

Registered: 03/08/06
Posts: 2617
Loc: Ohio
Took both of my kids backpacking when they were teens; it never really took (though my son likes to kayak-camp; we still occasionally go to Isle Royale: he paddles, I hike, and we meet up in the evening.)

I'm now looking forward to taking my two granddaughters camping this summer, and exposing them to backpacking in a year or two (they're 9 and 6; not quite big enough yet, but getting close.)

For what it's worth: empty-nesting is vastly underrated.

Top
#130798 - 03/16/10 12:48 PM Re: New Member [Re: Ambersdad]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Welcome to the forum! If you haven't already found them, there are lots of excellent articles on gear selection and lightening your load listed in the left-hand column of http://www.backpacking.net/, the home page of this site. I was able to cut my 7-day pack weight to less than half what it used to be five years ago, just from using the "27 lb., 7-day gear list."

Another good site for gear selection is Mark Verber's website. Lots of ideas for gear, from the latest technology to low-budget alternatives.
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

Top
#130802 - 03/16/10 01:21 PM Re: New Member [Re: OregonMouse]
Ambersdad Offline
member

Registered: 03/16/10
Posts: 27
Loc: Norman OK
Originally Posted By Glenn

For what it's worth: empty-nesting is vastly underrated.


Yes, it is. Certainly quieter. wink



Originally Posted By OregonMouse
Welcome to the forum! If you haven't already found them, there are lots of excellent articles on gear selection and lightening your load listed in the left-hand column of http://www.backpacking.net/, the home page of this site. I was able to cut my 7-day pack weight to less than half what it used to be five years ago, just from using the "27 lb., 7-day gear list."

Another good site for gear selection is Mark Verber's website. Lots of ideas for gear, from the latest technology to low-budget alternatives.


Thanks!

I have my gear down below 28 lbs (if I take the tent) for a 3 day outing, not counting my camera gear and water, in good weather. My winter sleeping bag would add another 2 lbs.

Top
#130829 - 03/16/10 07:30 PM Re: New Member [Re: Ambersdad]
hikerduane Offline
member

Registered: 02/23/03
Posts: 2124
Loc: Meadow Valley, CA
I'm single, so I always had time after work was out of the way to go/do what I wanted. I still run across an occasional couple that has gear from the 70's or so. Still works for them, then they shake their heads when I mention I had 30 lbs. with water and a weeks worth of food in my bear canister.:) I gave my old Camp Trails pack away that I bought slightly used in the early 70's when I started bping to check out the fishing, so I don't have any of my old stuff. All I can come up with now is the second sleeping bag I ever owned that I bought at the dime store I managed, a Wenzel and my propane Coleman camp stove from the early 70's.

Top
#130864 - 03/17/10 07:47 AM Re: New Member [Re: hikerduane]
Ambersdad Offline
member

Registered: 03/16/10
Posts: 27
Loc: Norman OK

Wish I still had my Coleman from the 70's. It was a little on the heavy side, but it would put out the heat. I gave away or sold all my old gear.

Top
#130865 - 03/17/10 08:41 AM Re: New Member [Re: Ambersdad]
Glenn Offline
member

Registered: 03/08/06
Posts: 2617
Loc: Ohio
Don't pine for it too badly - the Jetboil is just as hot, and just as heavy. And despite that, it's currently my go-to stove.

As far as gear, I find it hard to get too sentimental about all my old stuff. I'm carrying 20 pounds less for a weekend now, and I'm twice as comfortable. As the song says, " These are the good old days."

Top
#130869 - 03/17/10 09:08 AM Re: New Member [Re: Glenn]
Ambersdad Offline
member

Registered: 03/16/10
Posts: 27
Loc: Norman OK
Originally Posted By Glenn
Don't pine for it too badly - the Jetboil is just as hot, and just as heavy. And despite that, it's currently my go-to stove.

As far as gear, I find it hard to get too sentimental about all my old stuff. I'm carrying 20 pounds less for a weekend now, and I'm twice as comfortable. As the song says, " These are the good old days."


I know what you mean about the old stuff and the good ole days. The things I did to prove my manhood. grin

The stove would be the only thing I would probably still use. Since I only want to heat water I got a MSR pocket rocket.

Top
#130873 - 03/17/10 10:21 AM Re: New Member [Re: Ambersdad]
Glenn Offline
member

Registered: 03/08/06
Posts: 2617
Loc: Ohio
I like the convenience of the Jetboil; it's worth half a pound. I can make oatmeal in the little cup, and have a pot of tea (without burning my lips on the pot) for breakfast. I can boil up water, dump in my freeze dried meal, and have hot, not just warm, food for supper. (This summer, I may experiment with boiling a pot of water, adding it to my freeze-dried meal in the bag, and boiling up another pot for evening tea while the meal rehydrates. No pot to clean; not sure how hot the food will stay, though. May get a padded stuff sack or insulated water bottle carrier to use as a cozy.)

Of course, for all the ranting about the good new days, I do have to blushingly admit that my winter (white gas) stove is Svea 123. My son got my original 1970s model; a Scout who developed into a long-term hiking buddy got the one that replaced that one; I'm using the third one. I love that stove.

Top
#130886 - 03/17/10 03:57 PM Re: New Member [Re: Glenn]
hikerduane Offline
member

Registered: 02/23/03
Posts: 2124
Loc: Meadow Valley, CA
I use my propane powered Coleman for car camping which is the old stove I picked up at the dime store. I am getting into vintage/antique bp/camp stoves. I own two Svea 123's now which I am going thru, they started up my first attempt a few weeks ago, but don't roar. I've ordered new wicks and some dope to get them shiny. My go to stove for summer bping is the MSR Pocket Rocket, right simple and fast to set up/tear down and with the proper technique, works into the low single digits for that late fall trip. Burrr!

Top
#130901 - 03/18/10 01:57 AM Re: New Member [Re: Glenn]
Jimshaw Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/03
Posts: 3983
Loc: Bend, Oregon
Glenn
I'm so sorry to hear that you eat reconstituted mud from a zip lock. I guess you're probably glad to get home to get some real food eh?
Jim smile
_________________________
These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.

Top
#130902 - 03/18/10 07:21 AM Re: New Member [Re: Jimshaw]
Glenn Offline
member

Registered: 03/08/06
Posts: 2617
Loc: Ohio
You're making an assumption about the food I get at home! smile (Please don't tell Karol I said that - she's actually a great cook. However, I do miss sweets.)

My first "camping" food (with the Air Force) was C-rations; my dad was a WWII vet, and I swear those were his initials scrawled on the side of one can. So, freeze-dried tastes pretty good.

But seriously, I do fall on the "eat to live" side of the spectrum. Supper is my only freeze-dried meal, though; breakfast is usually oatmeal, and lunch is usually peanut butter on a whole wheat sandwich round. Dried fruit, nuts, and granola bars fill in for the rest. If I went out for more than 4 days at a time, I might feel a lot differently.

Top
#130932 - 03/18/10 09:07 PM Re: New Member [Re: Glenn]
Jimshaw Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/03
Posts: 3983
Loc: Bend, Oregon
Originally Posted By Glenn


But seriously, I do fall on the "eat to live" side of the spectrum. Supper is my only freeze-dried meal, though; breakfast is usually oatmeal, and lunch is usually peanut butter on a whole wheat sandwich round. Dried fruit, nuts, and granola bars fill in for the rest. If I went out for more than 4 days at a time, I might feel a lot differently.


yeh, like feeling constipated.
_________________________
These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.

Top
#130943 - 03/18/10 10:32 PM Re: New Member [Re: Jimshaw]
thecook Offline


Registered: 10/03/08
Posts: 541
Loc: Minnesota
With all that whole grain and dried fruit! Not likely.
_________________________
If I wouldn't eat it at home, why would I want to eat it on the trail?

Top
#130954 - 03/19/10 07:08 AM Re: New Member [Re: Jimshaw]
Glenn Offline
member

Registered: 03/08/06
Posts: 2617
Loc: Ohio
Not really - lots of water and more exercise than I get at home seems to keep things moving pretty well. But, like I said, it's only 4 days, max, at a time.

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 (), 180 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