I just picked up a three person Mountain Hardward Lightpath this summer for going out with my two, but they have been at it for 5+ years. It is heavier than I wanted (6lbs!) but it fits us and I could afford it as opposed to some of the others. Have a great time getting your kids involved. I really enjoy taking mine out.
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If I wouldn't eat it at home, why would I want to eat it on the trail?
I showed them the Rainshadow2 tarp tent. Weighs just 42 oz for three people, but $265... Something to work towards!
We're camping with the Cub Scouts on Friday night. They'll get to use the mummy bags and Z-Rests for the first time. Though they SAY they want to sleep in the tent with me, I'm packing my solo tent in case I get bumped in favor of their friends!
I camped for 4 months using a plastic sheet that weighed 6oz and cost - 2 or 3 dollars. Tarps are just overpriced sheets of plastic with fibers in them. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
After using Longhairs tarp, I would prefer a transparent sheet of plastic. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Just my $.02 Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
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These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.
Have fun <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I'm going out with my two, my wife, my kids godfather, his two grandchildren, and their mother this week-end. The youngest is just walking. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> Weather looks to be perfect. Should be a great time
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If I wouldn't eat it at home, why would I want to eat it on the trail?
Every time I look at various options I come back to the lean shelters from Cooke Custom Sewing. http://www.cookecustomsewing.com/leans.htm I am nearly always in a forested area so trees are available for guy lines. Lots of room like a tarp, closed in sides and an awning for a bit more weather protection, less weight for the interior room than a tent. What's not to like? (Other than I don't have $250 burning a hole in my pocket at this particular moment in time.)
That's enough material to make 2 tents. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> So that's where all the sil-nylon has been going. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
Great for a group or canoe camping, but it might be a task to setup in a blow after a long day's hike <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Large surfaces = cicus act during windy conditions IME <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> But, hey, if it's entertaining the group is what yer' after by all means, bring it along.... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> (just envious that I can't afford one Alan <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />)
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PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!
For the most part when I'm in forested areas high winds are not a problem. I'm not certain the shelters would be great in a really exposed area, but I'm fortunate to rarely camp in such areas.
We know Alan, you like to stay near to a source of sqeeky cheese <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Don't forget to bring a hot dish!
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PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!
Every time I look at new gear, I look at what I have and prorate it as to cost per ounce...it would be nice to buy more...but the need for the "bang (or less knee pain) for the buck" just isn't there.
I second that! I'm in the market for some new gear as my kids are getting older, being able to go further, and carry more, but most of the new gear is for them, not me.
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If I wouldn't eat it at home, why would I want to eat it on the trail?
I've always WONDERED about those very things you bring up. And, yes, the left foot is the proper foot on which to begin any hike. Once, forgetting that, I had to walk over a mile back to the trailhead just to get started on the correct foot.
Meaningful topics like the correct distance between blazes are SO important. (Blazes should be far enough apart to be easily spotted in the distance but no further. Am I RIGHT or what?)
So many details, so little time. No, wait, that's "So many women, so little time."
Eric
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"There are no comfortable backpacks. Some are just less uncomfortable than others."
I bought a new bag, cause I passed my other ones down to the twins. (Good enough excuse, right?) Then we needed the third sleeping pad... Gosh, I'm gonna have to buy them honest to goodness backpacks soon! School bags won't work much longer.
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