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 2 1 2 >
Topic Options
Rate This Topic
#124206 - 11/22/09 08:33 PM worthless junk in dumpster
Jimshaw Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/03
Posts: 3983
Loc: Bend, Oregon
I finally purged my camping gear of worthless junk that cost me a lot of money. Gear that never worked, worked poorly, or was a stupid living room camping buy, or stuff that I would never carry anyway. Heres the list:
1) 2 compression stuff sacks
2) wool scarf
3) first need water filter
4) 2 Oasis canteens - the green clip on belt ones
5) Sierra cup
6) folding Cascade cup
7) MSR Dromedary water bag
8) nylon water bucket
9) down vest
10) Rei non-breathable jacket w hood
11) Eagle creek travel bag w built in mirror
12) OR windstopper balaclava
13) a $150 fur lined goretex hat
14) nalgene 400 ml bottle
15) surgical blade and suture kit from first aid
16) Black Diamond self arrest ski grip -pair
17) Mammout avalanche cord
18) camera mount claps to branch - sure it does...
19) GSI Spork
20) REI candle lantern and candles
21) PUR microfilter screws to nalgene
22) Maglight belt case
23) swiss army knife leather belt pouch with sharpener
24) tecnalight 2
25) sewing kit
26) ALL of my light sticks
27) salt and pepper thing screws together
28) many tent stakes
29) spare old XGK pump
30) waxed stuff fire starters
31) cord tighteners
32) potable aqua tablets
33) magnetic chinese checkers
34) all stainless steel pans
35) MSR flame spreader
36) catalytic hand warmer and case
37) 2 marmot jackets with bad zippers
38) down socks
39) Whisperlite stove
40) all matches
41) tent vapor barrier
42) all vapor barrier clothes socks etc
43) neoprene socks
44) all wool socks
45) non-photon mini clip lights without positive off
46) Glass safe glasses holder rigid
47) Lowa goretex light weight hiking boots - ripped seams

and on probation:
1) TNF down vest
2) Sierra designs non-breathable rain suit
3) Markill bivy stove
4) Nalgene folding water bag
5) eddie bauer leather sole down booties
6) Eagle creek folding chair
7) Thermarester chair adapter
8) crossbow pistol
9) TNF Blue kazoo sleeping bag
10) WM bivy sack with screen
11) Whamo slingshot
12) altimeter
13) SILVA compass
14) Sawvivor folding saw
14) TASCO monocular
15) all esbit tablets
16) pyramid tent
17) Coughlans fire striker
18) eddie bower down booties
19) REI goretex bibs - seam tape came out - all of it

Into the garbage so maybe I will have more room for gear that works.
Jim crazy
_________________________
These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.

Top
#124207 - 11/22/09 08:55 PM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: Jimshaw]
OttoStover Offline
member

Registered: 08/30/08
Posts: 62
Loc: Norway
Now the distance between us is too big, but otherwise I found a couple of things that I miss. If you purge the list for the items that are damaged, why dont you put the things up for a sale? Sure some of your neighbours will be interested if you arrange a garage sale.

We sure see things differently, I ONLY wear all wool socks.


Top
#124214 - 11/22/09 11:07 PM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: Jimshaw]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
You could have sold a lot of this stuff to the unsuspecting for cash, and donated the rest (unless really beat up) to Goodwill or the Salvation Army for a tax deduction. This is called recycling for profit.

As for wool socks, it depends on what kind of wool. If yours were the old ragg wool kind, they would be warm but very itchy next to the skin. They also took days to dry!

There is always some stuff for which the dumpster is the best choice (like those bibs with the seam tape gone--although did you try returning them to REI on the premise that the seam tape should last until the knees/seat wear through?).

I went through my stuff a year ago and discovered one of the many leftover tent stakes (from cheap tents long since discarded) makes an excellent potty trowel. It weighs 1 oz. and digs very nicely into hardpan dirt after three months of no rain. It can, of course, also function as a backup tent stake or even (in an emergency) a wrist splint.

On the other hand, I still have a pile that needs to go to the Salvation Army, and a few things to sell. The most disgraceful stuff I have concists of a couple of brand new items I ordered online, found they didn't fit but neglected to return them in the vendor's allotted time span. Utter stupidity/procrastination on my part!


Edited by OregonMouse (11/22/09 11:10 PM)
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

Top
#124215 - 11/22/09 11:22 PM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: OregonMouse]
Jimshaw Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/03
Posts: 3983
Loc: Bend, Oregon
Mouse
I have taken so much to the local Habitat for Humanity thrift - thats all there is here - that they lock the doors when they see me coming. eek

I would never foist this junk onto the unsuspecting, bad enough to give it to your friends and have them carry it on your next trip. frown

I didn't mention the throwing out the MSR kettle last week - a singularly worthless piece of junk with the longest boiling times of anything I've measured. sick

I HOPE PEOPLE WILL READ THE LIST AND RECONSIDER WASTING MONEY ON ANYTHING LISTED.
Jim YMMV crazy
_________________________
These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.

Top
#124219 - 11/23/09 12:36 AM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: Jimshaw]
phat Offline
Moderator

Registered: 06/24/07
Posts: 4107
Loc: Alberta, Canada

I'll agree with most of 'em jim.. but the whisperlite is still a darn good winter stove. Nothing wrong with it.. you just have something else. That particular piece of kit is good stuff for someone needing a snow melter...

Of course, I certainly don't need another wink
_________________________
Any fool can be uncomfortable...
My 3 season gear list
Winter list.
Browse my pictures


Top
#124225 - 11/23/09 03:56 AM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: Jimshaw]
Dryer Offline

Moderator

Registered: 12/05/02
Posts: 3591
Loc: Texas
Yikes! THAT is a bunch o' stuff!
You couldn't find a use for magnetic checkers or a cross bow pistol? Maybe use the checkers as targets for the bow?
(i have a few of those items taking up space too...probably oughta purge)
_________________________
paul, texas KD5IVP

Top
#124226 - 11/23/09 06:38 AM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: Dryer]
bigb Offline
member

Registered: 07/05/09
Posts: 124
Loc: Maryland
If I had your money Jim I would throw mine away, WOW, junk or not thats a couple bucks
_________________________
"In the beginers mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few."
Shunryu Suzuki

Top
#124227 - 11/23/09 07:20 AM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: Jimshaw]
Glenn Offline
member

Registered: 03/08/06
Posts: 2617
Loc: Ohio
"Maglite belt case"

But you kept the Maglite in your camping gear?! grin

Wow, what a stroll down memory lane. Had nearly all of that stuff at one time or another. However, over the years, I convinced all those near and dear to me that gift certificates make much better Christmas presents.

Remember the old Campmor open-cell-foam on top of closed-cell foam on top of coated-nylon "backpacker's sleeping pad" (aka "sponge")? Never did find a strap long enough to lash that thing to my external frame pack. However, it did fit nicely into my 8 pound "anniversary edition" Eureka Timberline 2 tent - the one with TWO sewn-on vestibules! Great solo tent!

In the words of, I think, Carly Simon: "THESE are the good old days..."

Top
#124229 - 11/23/09 09:07 AM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: Jimshaw]
Dryer Offline

Moderator

Registered: 12/05/02
Posts: 3591
Loc: Texas
Candle lantern....

I still use mine for car camping. Used it just last week for an night soak in the Big Bend hot springs. Just the right amount of "bright" to see, but not completely wreck night vision. It has it's place, just not in my pack.

I need to know the lat/lon of your dumpster. grin
_________________________
paul, texas KD5IVP

Top
#124231 - 11/23/09 10:41 AM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: Dryer]
kevonionia Offline
member

Registered: 04/17/06
Posts: 1322
Loc: Dallas, TX
Jim:

I agree with OM -- recycle for profit. But I don't see a garage sale or craigs list, with all you've got you should go down to the flea market and get an annual lease for a table -- or a booth!

Lots of your discarded stuff is worth a lot more than some of the junk I saw at garage sales this summer -- yard sales have reached "Praxis status" here in Denver. Strangest item I saw was some fuzzy stuff in a ziplock:

"What's that?"
"Dryer lint -- 50 cents."
"No thanks."


. . . until I read of people (like phat, I think) using it in an emergency in the wilderness to start a fire. But I figured since I do my laundry like most everyone else, I'd make my own.

_________________________
- kevon

(avatar: raptor, Lake Dillon)


Top
#124233 - 11/23/09 11:16 AM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: kevonionia]
Steadman Offline
member

Registered: 09/17/09
Posts: 514
Loc: Virginia
Saw you got rid of the salt/pepper shaker - how do you carry salt/pepper, particularly if you are with a group?

Top
#124235 - 11/23/09 11:34 AM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: Jimshaw]
Haiwee Offline
member

Registered: 08/21/03
Posts: 330
Loc: Southern California
I still keep an unopened bottle of Potable Aqua around, because I once, like an idiot, left my Aqua Mira bottles exposed to the sun and they burst, leaving me with no back up water treatment. Managed to avoid Giardia on that trip, thank goodness.

It's amazing how much stuff we can accumulate. I probably need to do a purge as well. I was looking in my closet the other day, and I own six day packs. Why? I also have five blaze orange hunting vests, when I need just one, and two dog packs but only one dog. I have no fewer than twelve small light weight knives, and I somehow managed to collect seven Lexan spoons and four titanium sporks.

I still have two down sleeping bags, even though I've used nothing but my down quilts for six years. I, too, have a candle lantern I've never used. The other day I found a replacement globe for a lantern I got rid of seven or eight years ago. Such clutter.


Edited by Haiwee (11/23/09 11:43 AM)
_________________________
My blog on politics, the environment and the outdoors: Haiwee.blogspot.com

Top
#124246 - 11/23/09 02:42 PM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: Jimshaw]
Rick_D Offline
member

Registered: 01/06/02
Posts: 2939
Loc: NorCal
This somehow reminds me of Steven Colbert's "Dead to me" and "On notice" lists smile

I should do something similar, but I'm a confirmed packrat and there's no known innoculation besides a house fire.

Cheers,
_________________________
--Rick

Top
#124249 - 11/23/09 04:15 PM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: Rick_D]
ringtail Offline
member

Registered: 08/22/02
Posts: 2296
Loc: Colorado Rockies
Originally Posted By Rick_D

I should do something similar, but I'm a confirmed packrat and there's no known innoculation besides a house fire.


Same here and with a list that resembles Jim's.
_________________________
"In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not."
Yogi Berra

Top
#124250 - 11/23/09 05:22 PM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: Haiwee]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Quote:
two dog packs but only one dog


Me, too. I use one for dayhiking (the Kelty Sherpa I bought for Hysson six years ago) and the other, which is much larger capacity, for backpacking (the Ruffwear Palisades shown in my avatar). I bought the second only because I planned a 7-day trip and the Kelty wouldn't hold more than 3-4 days worth of dog food. I found the old model Palisades (the current model is a lot smaller) on closeout. For that matter, the Kelty was on closeout when I got it too, so I got both packs for about half price.

I do keep going through my old junk. I still have my old Kelty external frame backpack. For that matter, I have an old homemade Trapper Nelson pack hanging in my garage. I probably should check to see if the Mazamas would like the latter for their clubhouse before I ditch it.

My parents threw out a lot of what they considered old junk. One of them was an antique mantel clock inherited from my great-grandmother, which I would give my eye teeth to have! Just because you think something is junk doesn't mean that others won't give good money for it!!


Edited by OregonMouse (11/23/09 05:24 PM)
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

Top
#124253 - 11/23/09 05:54 PM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: Jimshaw]
BarryP Offline
member

Registered: 03/04/04
Posts: 1574
Loc: Eastern Idaho
One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.

I would’ve arranged a buy for your First Need Filter. That’s the best backpacking filter out there (if you’re looking for fast pump and Scout proof)! It’s also the only filter that ring’s out the viruses (w/o iodine), easy to tell when the filter is cracked (no other filter has that ability—though they claim it), and the only filter that actually ‘clears’ brown water. Since I hike in the dirty-water arena, I like that ability. All the other ceramic and charcoal filters I’ve tested couldn’t do this. The First Need is a one piece setup so you don’t have to mess with several pieces and associated connections/disconnections throughout the day. It has a very nice prefilter on it that has saved my cartridge--- but the competitors were put out of business on our backpacking trips.

Also, ‘down socks’; are they like your down booties? If they have no hard/stiff soles, I LOVE these types. Those are what I wear with my sandals on frozen days. And then they feel like a warm bedroom slipper.

And I would take your matches. That’s the easiest way to light my alcy stove--- and they’re lighter than bics. Actually, I use paper matches.

“13) a $150 fur lined goretex hat” Hmmm. I don’t know if you can sell that one.

-Barry

Top
#124255 - 11/23/09 06:14 PM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: kevonionia]
phat Offline
Moderator

Registered: 06/24/07
Posts: 4107
Loc: Alberta, Canada
Originally Posted By kevonionia

. . . until I read of people (like phat, I think) using it in an emergency in the wilderness to start a fire. But I figured since I do my laundry like most everyone else, I'd make my own.


I don't use it in an emergency - I just use it when it's darn cold out because when I'm out in the -30 type stuff it's easier to light that with a striker and gloves on then to take them off to become dexterous enough to light matches or flick a bic..

While I could light a fire with it in an emergency, the only situations I've been in close to that where I *needed* fire in a hurry I had other materiels that were more effective. And what that really says is that when it comes to emergency fire starting, nothing on earth beats a can of gas (white gas, chainsaw gas, whatever you have on hand..) if you have no such thing, great, fall back to skills and dryer lint - don't get me wrong, I've started all kinds of fire in all kinds of weather - but if the chips are down and you have gasoline at hand.. what are you gonna do?


Of course now, You all know lighting fires with gas is dangerous - don't have a poof no eyebrows moment... and definately don't do it like this... or like this..


Edited by phat (11/23/09 06:29 PM)
_________________________
Any fool can be uncomfortable...
My 3 season gear list
Winter list.
Browse my pictures


Top
#124260 - 11/23/09 06:41 PM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: phat]
phat Offline
Moderator

Registered: 06/24/07
Posts: 4107
Loc: Alberta, Canada
Originally Posted By phat

... fire starting, nothing on earth beats a can of gas


Actually, I do have to qualify that statement - it is misleading.. I've been camping with physics majors. There is one thing that *does* beat a can of gas. Liquid Oxygen is outrageously good. But that falls even more in the category of "don't try this at home"..... but if you're careful it's impressive. If you haven't seen a chips ahoy chocolate chip cookie converted into a 3 foot tall spear of pure white flame that fries your night vision for hours.. well, it's hard to describe beyond that... smile





_________________________
Any fool can be uncomfortable...
My 3 season gear list
Winter list.
Browse my pictures


Top
#124265 - 11/23/09 07:18 PM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: Jimshaw]
MrPhotographer06 Offline
member

Registered: 11/13/09
Posts: 75
Loc: Small Town, SC
purge those esbit tabs to me, and the altimeter


Top
#124273 - 11/23/09 08:33 PM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: phat]
oldranger Offline
member

Registered: 02/23/07
Posts: 1735
Loc: California (southern)
In my crowd, white gas was known as "Boy Scout firestarter" - and it always worked. Just don't overdo it......

Top
#124285 - 11/23/09 10:06 PM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: Steadman]
Jimshaw Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/03
Posts: 3983
Loc: Bend, Oregon
S
Saw you got rid of the salt/pepper shaker - how do you carry salt/pepper, particularly if you are with a group?
__________________________________________________________
those little salt and pepper paper packets from fast food places... If yer with a group, someone else will take it.

And thats the secret of group camping, someone will carry all of their gear just so they can get a chance to take it, so you can leave out pretty much everything but your sleeping bag, pad, and clothes. Someone will have a 5 pound medical kit, there will be two complete mess kits, about 1,000 feet of food hanging cord etc etc.

Oh man, I have to tell this. My wife who rarely ever backpacks had to stop at the store for a few things we "HAD TO HAVE". So I unknowingly packed 4x 4 ounce salt shakers into hurricane ridge in Olympic park. I flipped when I emptied my pack. I poured all but half an ounce onto a bunch of rocks 50 feet from our tent. When I woke up and looked out the tent door at night, there was about 200 elk licking it up. One stepped on my Sigg fuel/water bottle and badly dented it. Worst part - she cried because of exhaustion from a heavy pack that she insisted she would pack, so it was 8 years before she went again and same thing - tears, almost left her pack in the canyon, and NEVER agin, however after that I have never had to plan trips that she could go on.

there are now some very tiny salt/pepper camping thingies that carry about a gram each.
Jim


Edited by Jimshaw (11/23/09 10:09 PM)
_________________________
These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.

Top
#124292 - 11/23/09 11:09 PM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: Jimshaw]
wandering_daisy Offline
member

Registered: 01/11/06
Posts: 2865
Loc: California
Wow! You have really kept the outdoor equipment business going! You know we all are supposed to be good little consumers to get this sluggish economy back on track. Get rid of gear? You are not doing your part.

Top
#124297 - 11/24/09 05:51 AM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: Jimshaw]
PerryMK Online   content
member

Registered: 01/18/02
Posts: 1391
Loc: Florida panhandle
I've used freecycle.org to find old stuff a new home, as well as posting some stuff on this site.

Top
#124301 - 11/24/09 07:05 AM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: Jimshaw]
Glenn Offline
member

Registered: 03/08/06
Posts: 2617
Loc: Ohio
I also took my wife on two trips before she decided never to go again. They both happened the same weekend: her first and last trip.

It was a mixed group I was leading, with (I suspected) more than one hidden agenda. Her friend, who had never backpacked, told her to go - "we'll have a great time." I told her I didn't think the trip was for her. Naturally, she listened to her friend. To make a long story short, I ended happily sleeping under a tarp with a buddy (she and the friend used the tent I had packed in) listening to a gentle rain in the early morning - to be fully awakened by a boot in my shoulder and the endearing words, "Get me the h*** out of here." I did.

I feel your pain.

Top
#124320 - 11/24/09 11:48 AM Re: worthless junk in dumpster [Re: Jimshaw]
Echterling Offline
member

Registered: 08/21/09
Posts: 52
Loc: USA
What was wrong with the self arrest poles?

Also, what was wrong with the windstopper balaclava? I'm not a big fan of wearing windstopper over my ears (hearing), but a needle can take care of that.

I don't use a whisperlite because I have an XGK.

I use a dromedary bag. Did yours leak or something?

_________________________
--------------------------
My blog

Top
Page 1 of 2 1 2 >

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 (), 158 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