Top picks for gear

[Rob]

Hello All, I'm not really a "Gear Head" but I would like to know if you all have any top picks for gear you like best, stove, tent, sleeping bag, etc. If so what and why? Is it a must have on all your treks? (trying to open up the forum a bit.)

[lawnmowwer]

I'll bite. For cheap  and heavy but dependable good ol Coleman, Eureka, and Kelty are hard to overlook for just about anythink. I have some of all of these and still use my apex2 stove after lets just say many years. I still loan my Kelty and peak1 packs out on a regularly. I also still use my Eureka tent that went to Philmont in 1996 infact it was the only tent still dry inside after an all night soaker up at the Nantahala last year. ???I will not mention name but the other tent initals were north face, mountian hardware, and swiss gear.
 

[Rob]

I agree lawnmowwer with the Kelty packs, I've used them for many years, first the external now the internal(part time), I have a coyote 4750 that has proven itself bomb proof, but is heavy. However being somewhat of a neat freak, I love the organization the many pockets offer me.Ialso have a deuterfor short trips that I like. My tent is a N.F. Rock22 that I have had good results with, but I know why they called it the "Rock", it is a 2 person tent and weighs alot. Stove is Jet Boil...Quick, easy, no mess with fuel, Although an expensive alt. to home-made. Have MSR whisperlite too, don't like the mess with fuel.....Thanks for reply...thought maybe I was all alone out here...or smelled worse than most other hikers, lol

[lawnmowwer]

I parsonally use an Arc-terx bora 65 pack not lite but durable ( plan to use it for 10 years or so). I also have a Jetboil and I always have good coffee now. About to purchase a new tent ( MH skyledge 2, MSR hubba hubba, or mabe a Black Diamond) any suggestions. Still got a northface bag form 1983, a slumberjack, and a colman peak1. A new bag is the next purchase ( thinking Mountian Hardware here also). I have several of the old blue ground pads and 2 thermarest. The prolite 4 is the way to go. All my gear still gets used. I generally replace due to new tech and for the weigh savings.

[Delynn]

For a 3+ season, bomb proof, almost Boy Scout proof tent, the Eureka Timberlines are great!  They are indeed heavy for backpacking, but they stand up well to abuse, and if properly set-up, will stand up to strong wind and frog-choking rain.

The Kelty Noah Tarp 12 is what my 3 boys and I are currently using when bugs aren't too bad.  It is lightweight (though not ultralight like silnylon), relatively cheap, and strong.  I would suggest a little practice setting it up in different configurations before your first trip.

Stoves:  I've gone exclusively to using a tuna can version of the Super Cat.  I use empty bottled water bottles (labelled with a Sharpie) for fuel storage.  The bottles themselves weigh almost nothing, and can be crushed flat for pack-out when empty.

[Rob]

I too have considerd a new tent, I have spent alot of time reserching but have not yet come to a conclusion as to the right choice...my north face is still in great shape but hasn't lost any weight , I also carry a foot print when I use it, adding more weight. Was always solo hiking but now my spouse is showing an interest(I wonder what she thinks about sharing the load....may not be a great bonding tool ) I have thought that the Hubba hubba would be a good choice, The Black diamond models seem to be similar to my N.F.  Those Eureka tents seem to get pretty good reviews from actual users and are certainly less expensive in alot of cases, worth considering. I currently use a synthetic Mountain Hardware bag, A 3rd deminsion 30 degree, has served it's purpose well, it has expansion tube...I like the extra room and when it gets really cold can zip it up for closer fit. I took it up to leConte shelter in GSMNP in Jan. this year....was 17 degrees... With sleeping mat (thermorest pro) was pretty comfy, probably another top pick I wouldn't want to do without (the pad). I have been considering greatly on some upgrades, need to start going lighter, thought about down bag and maybe a solo tent for my treks alone. Not sure of the Hammock thing yet...Wating to see the impact it has on trees, I'm really curious about that one, not yet opposed to, just curious.
       Looks like you have done some GREAT field testing with your Boy Scouts Delynn, I appreciate what you are doing for them, what a grest way to keep folks inerested in the sport and teach them to be responsible doing it. When I get back on my feet, I would like the oppourtunity to maybe join an outing, if permissable, to see your great works in action. Hop along Rob

[Delynn]

Looks like you have done some GREAT field testing with your Boy Scouts Delynn, I appreciate what you are doing for them, what a grest way to keep folks inerested in the sport and teach them to be responsible doing it. When I get back on my feet, I would like the oppourtunity to maybe join an outing, if permissable, to see your great works in action. Hop along Rob

Thanks, Rob,
Scouting was very good to me (Eagle Class of 1981), and I try to give back some of what I gained.  All three of my boys are in my Troop, the oldest only lacks completing his Leadership Service Project to make Eagle Scout.  As for field testing, Scouts can find the weakest point in ANY piece of gear!   

If you'd like to join us on an outing, I'd just ask that I get to know you a bit first (read: check up on you to make sure you are OK     I'm sure you understand.)  We go on some kind of outing basically every month except December.  Our next outing is a trip to Chickamauga Battlefield for some history hiking.  Mrs. D is leading the younger boys on a 6 mile and a 5 mile hike.  I am taking the older boys on  a 6 mile and a 14 miler to get their 20 mile hike in for the Hiking Merit Badge.  A friend from Backpacker.com is joining us for that one.  If you are serious about joining us sometime, send me a Private Message or email with a little info about you. 

[lawnmowwer]

I still have a Diamond band tent ( same design as the timberline ) that was handed down from another Scoutmaster. I set it up as part of a gear history lesson last tuesday. Working on camping merit badge right now. I have three b-packs planed this winter for them. We are going to the air show in Pensicola next. I hope some of the older kids get interested in b-packing and will start on the merit badge next. T-61 Moody Al. We are doing a trip to Cheaha with 97 from Remlap on MLKJ day this year plan to do the Odum Scout Trail, part of Cave Creek, part of the Pinhoti, and the Silent tail. Back before I digressed my younger scout informed me it was big enough for 5 of them. Scout can break anything even a cast iron skillet.

[Cuffs]

Tents:  ANY from Henry Shires
Sierra Designs - Lightning
Big Agnes - Seedhouse SL1 & 2
MSR - Micro Zoid

 Stove:
any alcohol stove beats a commercially made one for weight any day.
If you have to have commercial...  Pocket Rocket or Snow Peak Giga types are very efficient and not terribly heavy.

Bags:
Cant beat down for the weight to warmth ratio.
Big Agnes
Montbell
Western Mountaineering
Feathered Friends

Synthetic is so heavy, but if you had to...
TNF Cats Meow is about it.

Pack:
This is a can of worms
Granite Gear
Gregory (they are on the heavy side, unless you get a G or G2 pack)
Osprey (my personal favorite)
Gossamer Gear
GoLite (another great, light pack)
Mountain Hardware