Found something to protect tortillas/wraps

[WritinginCT]

I just ventured to Walmart and wanted to pick up a couple of those yellow chamois-like cloths in the auto section. Found'em alright but I thought of something as I looked at how they are packaged.

Here's a pic on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Detailers-Choice-10-5600-Spotless-Dryer/dp/B000EFGWIU)

The lightweight (sorry don't have a tiny scale-but it weighs less than an empty 32oz Gatorade bottle) plastic tube container the cloths come in is the perfect size to hold a rolled up package of tortillas. I tried it with a package I had just bought and they fit like a charm. It's not water proof - but will certainly keep them from getting mangled in a pack.

[mudcap]

Now that is interesting. How does the lid work? I can not tell from the pic.

[Pokey2006]

Nice idea! Now, why didn't I think of that?

[WritinginCT]

The whole thing is 10" tall with about a 3" diameter and the plastic is rigid but flexible.. The top is completely removable (about 2").

I've been trying to look at my packing lists to see what other pointy things might work well in another one too.

[charlie2008]

Great idea. I have a couple already. I actually use the spotless dryer towel as a camp towel, bet never thought to use the tube. Thanks.

[buckwheat]

I use this tube to store various things that I don't want to get wet. The lid isn't very secure (at least the one I got wasn't) so I jerry-rigged some Mason's rope to make a simple hinge and a small piece of good old duct tape for ensuring tight closure. Makes it harder to loose the cap.

BTW: Here's another trick for extending the life of tortillas. Place a wet napkin or paper towel between each tortilla or wrap before you store them in your chammy tube. Keeps 'em nice and fresh and wilty.

[buckwheat]

I actually use the spotless dryer towel as a camp towel...

These are absolutely the best camp towels you can find. They're very lightweight and extremely absorbent. I use them to mop up condensate in my tent, dry off my pack and tent, in addition to using them like professional swimmers do to actually dry my body after swimming.

[buckwheat]

I've been trying to look at my packing lists to see what other pointy things might work well in another one too.

While you're at Wal-Mart ...

I've found that most camping gear at Wal-Mart doesn't suit the hiker. However, I'm keeping a list of things I find I can get at Wal-Mart that compare very favorably to typical hiker gear, but at very substantial savings over my outfitter. So far, this list includes:


sleeping pads
caribiners
roll-top watertight stuff sacks
lightweight knives/multitools
parrafin (for candle lanterns)
bear-bag rope
Crok-type shoes (great protection when fording gravelly stream)
Other Camp footwear of just about any kind
Wool socks (and sometimes other wool clothing)

If you're buying Smartwool, you're getting hosed on the price of some items. Do support your local outfitter, however, they need to be competitive on price same as everybody else. And on some items, my outfitter is just not competitive.

Cheers,
Buckwheat

[TomWc]

I use the plastic tube from lays stax chips to protect crushables. The top fits very tight and the whole thing is waterproof.

http://www.fritolay.com/assets/images/fpo/LAYS_STAX_Salt_Vinegar.gif

[Mrs Baggins]

These are absolutely the best camp towels you can find. They're very lightweight and extremely absorbent. I use them to mop up condensate in my tent, dry off my pack and tent, in addition to using them like professional swimmers do to actually dry my body after swimming.

This is good to know. I'll look into them. We bought the ridiculously over-priced "pack" towels (the blue ones you see in REI and other outfitters) and they were useless. They just smeared the water around on our skin and took forever to dry out when they did get wet. :mad:

[buckwheat]

We bought the ridiculously over-priced "pack" towels (the blue ones you see in REI and other outfitters) and they were useless. They just smeared the water around on our skin and took forever to dry out when they did get wet. :mad:

Bilboette,

You will find these towels in the automotive section of any Wal-Mart. Look in the "detailing" area near where they keep the car washing and waxing supplies.

O'tay,
Buckwheat

[WritinginCT]

lol they sell these same chamois towels for 3x the price at petstores too! At the $5 price tag I don't feel so bad about cutting it up either! The material is so soft and light I am actually thinking of sewing my camp pillow out of it. hmmmm

TomWc- that's another good idea!

Buckwheat- I know what you mean. I don't have an outfitter terribly close by (Dick's & EMS would be the closest things to one at the mall) so I'm trying to be practical in my piecemeal buying. And even just reading through the "headlamp" thread there are folks successfully using $10 Walmart models as opposed to more expensive units. I've never been one to be swayed by brand names and I go more by form and function than anything. And I *really* like to reuse things.

[buckwheat]

I've never been one to be swayed by brand names and I go more by form and function than anything.

Me too. I'm amazed at the prices some people will pay to avoid Wal-Mart because that's where "hicks" shop, or because it's trendy to hate Wal-Mart.

When Wal-Mart has the better deal with the same quality, I try to be smart about who I give my hard-earned dollar to. Lots of times, Wal-Mart gear is really better suited for the car-camper. Most of it is too heavy for hiking, but occasionally, they have deals far superior to what you will find anywhere else. Like greater than 50% cheaper.

I try to stretch my dollar when I can, and don't allow my emotions to rule my intellect.

[Christopher Robin]

I agree w/Wal-Mart's prices.

[snowhoe]

when i was on the trail i brought a 1/2 gallon milk jug. it would work good for keeping stuff from getting crushed. i didnt bring it for that though. i brought it to filter water out of. since a lot of the springs were shallow or the banks were all muddy i would gently scoop out a jug full trying not to disturb the bottom and filter the water out of the jug. worked great and it seemed that every one that was filtering with me always asked to use my jug. i let them. the shammi package might do just as good and it has a screw top lid.

[WritinginCT]

you might have to do some creative sealing. There is a hold in the bottom of it about the diameter of a pencil (to let the towel dry out when you stow them I'm thinking) I don't know how well it would work for the water. Let us know if you try it though. :)

[Lilred]

While you're at Wal-Mart ...

I've found that most camping gear at Wal-Mart doesn't suit the hiker. However, I'm keeping a list of things I find I can get at Wal-Mart that compare very favorably to typical hiker gear, but at very substantial savings over my outfitter. So far, this list includes:


sleeping pads
caribiners
roll-top watertight stuff sacks
lightweight knives/multitools
parrafin (for candle lanterns)
bear-bag rope
Crok-type shoes (great protection when fording gravelly stream)
Other Camp footwear of just about any kind
Wool socks (and sometimes other wool clothing)

If you're buying Smartwool, you're getting hosed on the price of some items. Do support your local outfitter, however, they need to be competitive on price same as everybody else. And on some items, my outfitter is just not competitive.

Cheers,
Buckwheat

Check out Walmart for hiking shirts too. Found polyester shirts for 6 bucks there one year. Saw a lot of people wearing them on the trail that year.

[snowhoe]

Walmart also has good prices on bullets for your gun too.

[Jack Tarlin]

This thread is one of the reasons this is such a great website.

I try and spend most of my serious gear money at real Outfitters, and furthermore, I try and spend it at A.T. outfitters.

This includes such things as packs, footwear, tents, sleeping bags, stoves, etc.

On the other hand, there are some things that I simply don't need to carry anymore, nor is there a need to spend the money on such items. For example, Gatorade bottles long ago replaced ten-dollar Nalgenes. My Wal-Mart headlamp, for less than 15 bucks, works just as well as anything I ever owned from Black Diamond, Princeton Tech, or Petzl. There's simply no reason to spend $50.00 on a flashlight. And Bridgedale does indeed make great socks, but at 18 dollars the pair, I generally go elsewhere.

I carry wraps or tortillas all the time, and the Lay's potato chip can idea is really smart.

Likewise, I may leave the seventy-dollar Kershaw at home this year, and instead, spend a dollar on a knife from Wal-Mart. All it'll ever be used for is to slice hard cheese, pepperoni, and occasionally, a piece of parachute cord.
Sooner or later, it'll get lost, broken or stolen, at which time I'll use the Wilkinson razor blade in my emergency kit for a few days, and then spend another buck for a new knife next time I hit a town.

Truth is, most hikers spend way too much money on stuff they don't really need, and there are all sorts of smart ways to avoid this.

[Hrzechman4]

While you're at Wal-Mart ...

I've found that most camping gear at Wal-Mart doesn't suit the hiker. However, I'm keeping a list of things I find I can get at Wal-Mart that compare very favorably to typical hiker gear, but at very substantial savings over my outfitter. So far, this list includes:


sleeping pads
caribiners
roll-top watertight stuff sacks
lightweight knives/multitools
parrafin (for candle lanterns)
bear-bag rope
Crok-type shoes (great protection when fording gravelly stream)
Other Camp footwear of just about any kind
Wool socks (and sometimes other wool clothing)

outfitter, however, they need to be competitive on price same as everybody else. And on some items, my outfitter is just not competitive.

Cheers,
Buckwheat

I have found Wal-Marts "Athletic Wear" brand clothing comparable to "Under Armor" in every day usage. WM also has base layer clothing in the sports section, however I'm unfamiliar with it.
Can anyone verify yes or no as a substitution for trail use?

Thanks,

[amac]

I have found Wal-Marts "Athletic Wear" brand clothing comparable to "Under Armor" in every day usage. WM also has base layer clothing in the sports section, however I'm unfamiliar with it.
Can anyone verify yes or no as a substitution for trail use?

I have 2 of the Athletic Wear long sleeve lightweight "Under Armor" clones. I've used them hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, working out, shoveling snow, and any other activity in which I sweat lots. I think they are great, and highly recommend them.

[Many Walks]

I've used the WM athletic 100% polyester shirts for some time. They wear well and can be bought on sale for $3 each at the end of the seasonal closeout. They can snag, but at that price who cares. Good color selection too, but I usually snatch up the orange for fall hiking in hunting season.

You had a great idea WritinginCT, thanks. Also, thanks to TomWc for the tip on the Lays Stax chips containers. Gonna look for those too.

For pita or tortilla containers a couple more that may work are the ones tennis balls are sold in. I don't have one so I don't know how well the lid fits. I do have a bunch of really nice light plastic containers with tight lids that might work well for smaller 8" tortillas. They are chewy treats for dogs called "Snaw Somes!". They are at WM, but cheaper at Target ($2.96). The containers look good because they have ribs every 1" making them resistant to crushing.

[dart7383]

I was just in WM and found a good substitute for Under Armor coldgear. They have starter tops and bottoms. I tried out a seven mile hike last week with an Athletic Works compression shirt, an AW loose fit tee, Starter coldgearesque 1/4 zip, REI clearance fleece hoody($11), and frog togs on my upper body. For lowers I had the Starter cold weather tights, a pair of nylon cargo shorts, and frogg tog bottoms. I also had a $2 stocking hat and $5 ragg wool gloves. I hiked those seven miles in a blizzard @ around 20 degrees. I was perfectly comfortable, bordering on too hot. The only time I started to get cold was when I got stopped by the police. I guess someone called me in as a suicide attempt when I sat down on a guardrail across a river. I think because of that I am going to add a superwarm fleece vest that I actually wear as part of my work uniform for around camp. I might even send work a few pics of me with the vest on from some mountain tops to show some goodwill and hopefully get my job back when I'm done hiking. If you are crafty, clothing for the trail can be pretty inexpensive and warm.