What Equipment Are You Buying Next?

[DavidR]

I'm always thinking of new things I want to add to the equipment I carry camping or hiking to make life better. I thought I'd see what others have on their mind as a possible next purchase. Mine will likely be this solar roll up that charges batteries or small electronics:



What about you?

[wildkat]

JRB down sleeves

use as sleeves/socks,leg warmers and pillows

http://www.jacksrbetter.com/Sleeves.htm

[squidbilly]

I just bought a Blackbird

[JC785]

I just bought a Blackbird

Best Hammock there is IMO, I have the blackbird, black mamba, and the yeti and love it.

I would like to get a set of the Jacks are better sleeves and down booties.

[squidbilly]

Best Hammock there is IMO, I have the blackbird, black mamba, and the yeti and love it.

I would like to get a set of the Jacks are better sleeves and down booties.

I agree. Brandon makes quality gear. It's so comfortable.  I took the strap suspension off though, and replaced it with whoopies. It was really easy.

 I already had  the Hammockgear Phoenix UQ and Jacks R Better TQ.      Down Booties would be nice.

[ashman]

I just bought a Blackbird

I just bought a Blackbird as well, and I plan to use my whoopies for suspension.  Hey, squidbilly, did you get the amsteel blue ok?  I am the guy you traded the black amsteel with over on Hammockforums.ne t.  I am new over here and have not posted much.

[buck]

Santa Clause gave me an REI gift card and though there is nothing I really need equipment wise, I began eyeing a couple of new packs. This past weekend we were over in Atlanta and stopped by one of the REI stores and I tried on an Osprey Exos 58 Pack, filled it with weight, and mingled around the store a while with the pack fully loaded. Sharpe looking pack with a lot of features I like  -However, after wearing it a while I was not impressed with the way it wore.

So still looking for a new pack ....

[squidbilly]

I just bought a Blackbird as well, and I plan to use my whoopies for suspension.  Hey, squidbilly, did you get the amsteel blue ok?  I am the guy you traded the black amsteel with over on Hammockforums.ne t.  I am new over here and have not posted much.

Hey Ashman, yes, I got it and there is a blue ENO hanging from it already. Thanks again for the trade.  Welcome to Alatrails!

[montysano]

A good friend (who is retired and goes to the Sipsey all the time) just bought a pair of Wiggies lightweight waders.  He loves them.  I want a pair.  Just think how it would change the Sipsey experience if you could quickly and easily cross most any creek whenever you needed to.  I've done two hikes in the Caney Creek area lately where they would have come in handy.

[BACPKN]

Santa Clause gave me an REI gift card and though there is nothing I really need equipment wise, I began eyeing a couple of new packs. This past weekend we were over in Atlanta and stopped by one of the REI stores and I tried on an Osprey Exos 58 Pack, filled it with weight, and mingled around the store a while with the pack fully loaded. Sharpe looking pack with a lot of features I like  -However, after wearing it a while I was not impressed with the way it wore.

So still looking for a new pack ....

Buck, there are lots of good packs out there.  Our family's preference are the Arcteryx packs; we have a total of 5 between the 4 of us for different uses.  They are bomb proof for off-trail bushwacking or for use as a crag pack to be raised and lowered (read, dragged) across rock.  They also ride like a dream if/when you carry a heavy load.  Only caveat is they are a little heavier than several other brands.  The way we see it though, is an extra pound or so in pack weight is well worth the piece of mind of having a pack you don't have to baby and one that still rides at mile 10 or 12 on the trail like it did the first mile.  Only downside is you'll never have to replace it on account of it wearing out so you won't have a valid excuse to get something new     Good luck!

[wirerat123]

Buck, there are lots of good packs out there.  Our family's preference are the Arcteryx packs; we have a total of 5 between the 4 of us for different uses.  They are bomb proof for off-trail bushwacking or for use as a crag pack to be raised and lowered (read, dragged) across rock.  They also ride like a dream if/when you carry a heavy load.  Only caveat is they are a little heavier than several other brands.  The way we see it though, is an extra pound or so in pack weight is well worth the piece of mind of having a pack you don't have to baby and one that still rides at mile 10 or 12 on the trail like it did the first mile.  Only downside is you'll never have to replace it on account of it wearing out so you won't have a valid excuse to get something new     Good luck!

I'm in love with GoLite and Granite Gear packs.  Light, strong, comfy.  Granite Gear packs are the most comfortable I've ever worn.  I do love my GoLite Jam pack though, the fabrics are really really light, yet still bombproof.  Arcteryx makes a great pack as well, and nice and comfy, but just too much weight for my preferences.  I'm with you on the Gregory packs Buck.  Gregory packs are greatly over rated in my opinion.

[buck]

Speaking of packs, I wish gossamergear packs were sold at some of the local outfitters. I would really like to try the Mariposa Plus Ultralight Backpack and Gorilla Ultralight Backpack with the curved aluminum stay.

[wirerat123]

Buck, chances are if you ever want to try one of those out, you are going to have to find someone with one that is willing to let you test it out.  Most places you ever go to will never have Gossamer Gear on hand.  But I've heard nothing but great things from them.

Check out Granite Gear if you get a chance, there is a reason their packs have been one of the most carried packs in the AT for several years.

[Verduretiger]

I truly love my Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian pack.  Holds enough gear for a 7 day trip,  The only downside for the pack is the absence of exterior pockets.  You can buy some attachable pockets though. 

[buck]

I truly love my Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian pack.  Holds enough gear for a 7 day trip,  The only downside for the pack is the absence of exterior pockets.  You can buy some attachable pockets though. 

When I was last at REI I wanted to try on a Granite Gear Vapor Trail 3600 Pack, but there were none to be found. I read that at one time this was the most popular pack among AT thru-hikers so I wanted to see how it fit. Maybe another day

[jamfan]

Santa Clause gave me an REI gift card and though there is nothing I really need equipment wise, I began eyeing a couple of new packs. This past weekend we were over in Atlanta and stopped by one of the REI stores and I tried on an Osprey Exos 58 Pack, filled it with weight, and mingled around the store a while with the pack fully loaded. Sharpe looking pack with a lot of features I like  -However, after wearing it a while I was not impressed with the way it wore.

So still looking for a new pack ....

I'd really like to replace my pack.  I have a Kelty Tornado (4200), and it's a bit small capacity wise, and also a bit heavy (6 lbs).  I have been thinking I'd go with Osprey as well.  My wife has one and I've worn it a couple of times when taking newbies backpacking.  I like the back vent, which is great in the dead of summer.  I also like how lightweight it is. 

I'll stick with the Kelty for now, but I definitely want something lighter with more capacity.  The back vent will be a big plus for me as well.

[Eliteoomph]

I'm always thinking of new things I want to add to the equipment I carry camping or hiking to make life better. I thought I'd see what others have on their mind as a possible next purchase. Mine will likely be this solar roll up that charges batteries or small electronics:



What about you?

Wondering If u ever got the solar charger...  I was eyeing a couple on REI but the bad reviews turned me off...  I rarely hike anywhere that would have full sun most of the day