Backpack and Tent

So I have started looking around for a new backpack and tent. I like to hike but I also enjoy a lot of camping. So basically I guess that means I don't do as much hiking once I get to a spot. So with this I usually pack a little heavier than just a hiker. So with that said I have been looking at a backpack and a tent along with some other stuff and was just wanting some feedback on what you think. The tent is a 2 person a little on the heavier side for when my girlfriend goes with me but also lite enough for me to carry on my own. Money is a little issue so I don't want to spend to much. Anyway I hope thats enough back info. Here is the tent and backpack. I also included a stove I am looking at and opinions on that also. Thanks!

Kelty Red Cloud 6650 Backpack <a href=" http://www.kelty.com/kelty/products.php?type=4&cat=66&id=28 " target="_blank">Backpack</a>

Kelty Grand Mesa 2 Tent Tent

Pocket Rocket Stove Stove

The pack is huge and heavy. It is the size of a typical expedition pack. Most people here have packs half that size and weight, even for trips of more than a few days.

I would look at a Granite Gear or similar pack in the 3000-3500 ci range.

Not familiar with the tent, but the specs look okay for the money. A lot of people here use tarps or even a Tarptent (a brand of lightweight tent) but the Kelty is probably fine for moderate conditions.

The Pocket Rocket is a well-known, highly recommended stove, so based on that, a good choice. I have a small canister stove, different brand; they all work basically the same. MSR is a good company, if it breaks, they will fix it.

No quibbles with the tent or the pocket rocket - my first tent was a Kelty 2 person dome and I still use the pocket rocket. But the pack is huge. A 4000 cu in pack is plenty big for a luxury oriented backpacker, even one taking girlfriend gear. I carried the kelty, a quilt, and the rest of my gear in a Terra 40 pack (3700 cu in) and I tend to be on the heavier side of lightweight. One of the "ultralight" Gregory Z packs was one of my possibilities for a winter pack, when insulation weight would go up and so would the bulk.

Figure out your gear, how much it weighs, then go try on some packs with either your gear or the equivalent in sandbags in the pack to see how they carry. I had to move on from the Terra 40 because the frame didn't work for me even though the space was adequate. I think the more weight you intend to carry, the more critical it is to get the right pack for the job.

You can find cheaper stuff that is equally functional. Stuff on sale if nothing else.

A very large pack can be highly convenient if you've got lots of stuff to pack, and maybe you do. But it does tend to be more awkward to carry.


The stuff you've linked to looks good - particularly the tent, if that's what you like.
Maybe you'd prefer something larger for the sake of comfort.

A "3-person" tent for 2 people is getting to where some people no longer feel deprived of space or just making do for the sake of saving weight and bulk.

I tend to be eccentric in my view of "quality" (somewhat different topic than design). I think it's a more a matter of personal taste and ability and desire to pay, rather than practical value.

Manufacturing standards are relatively high even in cheapest contract factories. A properly seam-sealed tent is going to be fine within its design parameters. A heavy pack, preferably one that fits, is going to be misery, no matter what the brand.

I'd never buy Kelty for reasons that aren't aren't practically helpful or insightful or relevant. But this is because as a brand, it has no real connection to the origninal and now obsolete Kelty, and I feel the name is purely a marketing tool.

2008 gear is on clearance price now at quite a few places. Use the link on the home? page for the forum to shop at. I am going to order my pack thru it to help pay the bills here.:)

As others have mentioned, that is a HUGE pack. As with all your gear, be sure to consider 1) how long you'll be out and 2) where you'll go, since that will go a long way in determining what kind of gear you'll be taking along. As a general rule, the 5000-6000+ cubic inches packs are used for long trips with few places to restock on supplies, cold-weather trips with lots of bulky winter gear, and maybe folks who are out hunting and need the extra room to carry their prize back in. If you're going out for 2-7 days at a time between resupply you should be good with a 3000-4000 cubic inch pack. Just make sure it fits, and here's the catch-22. Good outdoors stores often have knowledgable folks with the tools to help you fit a pack properly, but have the more expensive brands of packs (since you mentioned that cost was an issue). On the other hand, stores that cater to a wider variety of outdoor sports will generally have cheaper prices, but less-knowledgable staff who may not be able to help you as much. The REI website has a couple of videos about fitting packs. I have an Alps Mountaineering pack (4200 ci) and love it, and it sure didn't break the bank. But above all, go with what is sized correctly for your body and is comfortable to carry with about 20 lbs in it (ask the staff to help you load it up and walk around for a bit).

I can't really talk tents, not really my area of particular gear interest. As long as it keeps the chiggers and ticks off me, I'm good!

The Pocket Rocket is an awesome stove, I carry one with me whenever I'm outdoors and it's just great. You should have no problems with it if you're cooking for 1-2.

Hope that helps, and that you enjoy your first trip out with your new gear!

My lands, that's a big pack! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> I suspect you might be over-estimating how much you really plan to bring along, especially in light of the nicely moderate weight tent and tiny stove you're looking at.

Don't know much about tents either, I'm a hammocker myself.

I'm fixin' to get a pocketrocket just as soon as Santa Clause is done with his world tour. Nice choice.

I'd be real interested to see what you ultimately choose for your pack.

Good luck!

Like everyone else has said, the tent looks like a nice place to start but the backpack is big and expensive. For just a little more you can go to a pack maker like Deuter, Osprey or Gregory or even someone like Granite Gear for better fit and carry or for similar fit and carry but a cheaper price try the REI brands. 70litres should be plenty for you. I just went with my family (wife and two kids) carrying 90% of the gear and food for three days in 70litres and only had the tent on the outside of my pack. If you want a lot of large items alongs then 70 is pushing it for size but looking at the tent and stove you suggested, I'm guessing that you aren't going to be taking a huge volumn of stuff. BTW, I used to do weeklong trips in CO with only 70 litres before gear started getting so lite and small.

I'd look at Golite packs; they're revamping their lines for 2009 and you ought to be able to find a deal. Same thing with North Face and Sierra Designs tents, all new lines in 2009. Pocket Rocket is a good stove; if you watch Steep and Cheap, they've been running the Primus Etapower stove system with pots for $49.