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Need Camping Gear
CycloneRanger
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
I need a few items for camping trips--likely on foot for the most part. I'd like to spend as little as possible while still getting something comfortable, functional, and durable. I'll be in Colorado, so the weather is highly variable and I need to be prepared.
1) Framed Pack--I've never shopped for one of these before and have no real idea what to look for (or where to look). I'm sort of drawing a blank on this one. My intuition tells me it'd be a bad idea to buy one of these things sight unseen--is that correct, and I really ought to try it on, or is it hopeless to try to get a feel for how one fits without actually using it on a hike?
2) Sleeping Bag--I need something that's functional without a tent (i.e. waterproof, or I'll need a bivy sack to put over it) and ideally fairly light. A friend has one of the US Army's modern bags (the Modular Sleep System; several bags you can nest if necessary); something like that would work well. Is there any other similar gear I should take a look at? And, what's the best option for getting such an item without spending an arm and a leg? I believe my friend got his from eBay--anywhere else I should be checking?
1) Framed Pack--I've never shopped for one of these before and have no real idea what to look for (or where to look). I'm sort of drawing a blank on this one. My intuition tells me it'd be a bad idea to buy one of these things sight unseen--is that correct, and I really ought to try it on, or is it hopeless to try to get a feel for how one fits without actually using it on a hike?
2) Sleeping Bag--I need something that's functional without a tent (i.e. waterproof, or I'll need a bivy sack to put over it) and ideally fairly light. A friend has one of the US Army's modern bags (the Modular Sleep System; several bags you can nest if necessary); something like that would work well. Is there any other similar gear I should take a look at? And, what's the best option for getting such an item without spending an arm and a leg? I believe my friend got his from eBay--anywhere else I should be checking?
CycloneRanger on
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I'm sure others will come in with recommendations on pack and sleeping bag.
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You won't find many waterproof sleeping bags because waterproof fabrics tend to trap in moisture to some extent, leaving you with a super clammy feeling. Bivy sacks suffer from this same problem and you'll find the constant complaint of a bivy sack is that they will accumulate a lot of condensation. I believe you can get one of the surplus US army bivies on ebay for a song but it's unlikely to be all that great in terms of functionality.
If you're looking to save money on a sleeping bag I would look for a synthetic fill versus down, especially if you're considering jamming it in a bivy sack. Synthetic is heavier and compresses less but it will insulate you even while moist. Down loses all loft when wet. You can find quite a bit of excellent secondhand outdoors gear on geartrade.com. Remember to buy a sleeping bag a little bit warmer than you think you need. If the minimum temperature on your trip is expected to be 20 degrees don't buy yourself a 20 degree bag, buy a 15 degree.
I've got to disagree here, specifically on the basis that the OP is just up in CO and while the weather varies, it's not the arctic or anything.
You can get a good single person tent that breaks down easily, is lightweight, with a rain shield and vents for under $60 that will last you years if you take good care of it, and it'll break down to a small size in less than 10 minutes once you get the hang of breaking it down, and shouldn't weigh more than 5-10lbs MAX.
Those tube tents are awesome, but there's been so many advancements in low cost single person tents that they're at least worth a look.
Having said that, I camp a lot in the SouthEast USA primarily, so having a tent with a lot of ventilation, a rain shield, and honestly a $5 coleman battery powered fan that hangs on top inside like a ceiling fan is pretty much a must have for me.
As for tents, I have a North Face Tadpole that I use for two people (who don't mind sleeping real close) which would work well for one person plus gear if you weren't being picky. It weighs in at about five pounds with the rain cover and everything, so it's not ultra-light, but it's light weight and suits me wonderfully.
1. Get a tent. I wouldn't recommend just sleeping out under the stars. Even though it's a drier year, there are still rain clouds that come in almost every day currently if you're in the mountain. I've got this, and I was quite happy with it. The rain cover for it was nice as well, because it has two vestibules, which is handy when it's raining out (can put your pack and shoes under it).
2. Definitely get fitted for a pack. Personally I recommend Osprey, they seem to fit well on me at least, and have a lot of ways to adjust it.
3. I highly recommend a sleeping pad...they roll up pretty tight, and really make a difference.
4. Personally, I'd recommend buying some kind of jetboil system. Great way to get a hot meal or make some coffee quickly. Especially currently since campfires are pretty much prohibited across the entire state.
5. Water. You're going to need a lof of it, especially if you climb any mountains. Be prepared!
6. Pack a few layers of clothes. Like you said, the weather is variable. When I was up there last week, it would get up to almost the 90s at points, and at night sometimes into the low 40s.
7. Get a good pair of hiking shoes...I'd recommend something with good ankle support and waterproof. Along with this, get some good, thick socks!
Those are the main things I can think of off the top of my head. Naturally, you can backpack on a shoestring budget, but personally I'd recommend spending the money to make it much more comfortable (and safer) for you.
I fully agree it shouldn't be used a main tent but it's something so cheap and lightweight there's little reason not to carry one. It has a ton of uses other than being shelter. It's bright orange which helps people see you should you need help, can catch rain water, wrap wood or whatever else in it that needs to stay dry. You get what you pay for they aren't the greatest but I always carry one on me for the versatility of it.
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