Changes I've made over the years to my backpacking gear list ('big 4' and other gear)

[Heather_VT]

I've made a lot of changes to my gear list over the years as I've figured out my needs and preferences (and have tried to lighten my backpack!), and wrote a post about it here. Hopefully it will be helpful to beginners or will be interesting to those who have gone through (or are going through) the same process.

[Tipi Walter]

Like your layout and your pics. It's a good format for showing your gear. Your Tarptent quote is interesting and will probably stir up the Whiteblaze hornet's nest "to love all things tarptent" but I like it, as follows---

"Although the tent was very easy to set up, I didn’t enjoy using this tent (TT double rainbow). It was too small for two people to comfortably sit up at the same time (not enough ‘head space’ due to the angle of of the roof), and a lot of water and mud splashed in when it rained (the bathtub floor is very low, especially by the doors). I can see why many people like this tent, but it just didn’t work for me."

As I keep repeating, no tent is perfect and every tent has its flaws.

[Heather_VT]

Thank you! I wanted to love my Tarptent Double Rainbow, but it simply didn't work for me. I thought it was a very well-made tent though, and I think it will work well for many people (especially those who do not use trekking poles). Tarptent is a great brand for those who are looking for something light and easy to set up, for sure.

[Feral Bill]

L
As I keep repeating, no tent is perfect and every tent has its flaws.

Yet we keep looking.

[rocketsocks]

Yet we keep looking.

just like the prefect pack, shoe, or pot.

[rafe]

I have a 2007 Tarptent Rainbow (solo.) A very decent tent but certainly not perfect. Room isn't an issue, I find it palatial. It's just that, in really horrid weather, I think I'd rather be in a double wall tent. It's never let me down though, and is just-right for all but the most extreme weather. Trade-offs everywhere.

[Mike04345]

Thank You for you sharing the knowledge you have gained through your backpacking.

[Secondmouse]

I'm glad someone else found how good the Leatherman CS tool is. it's lighter than the Micra and has better tools than the Swiss Army Knife Classic...

[Tipi Walter]

I'm glad someone else found how good the Leatherman CS tool is. it's lighter than the Micra and has better tools than the Swiss Army Knife Classic...

Never a fan of Leatherman, I guess because I never needed a nail file or scissors or bottle opener or tweezers or a screwdriver while out on a trip. Oddly, of all items which I think would be useful---pliars---the CS does not have. Heather says her scissors came in handy on occasion and I can almost see their use when repairing a pack or cutting apart clothing, even though my little penknife does these jobs okay.

[Secondmouse]

Never a fan of Leatherman, I guess because I never needed a nail file or scissors or bottle opener or tweezers or a screwdriver while out on a trip. Oddly, of all items which I think would be useful---pliars---the CS does not have. Heather says her scissors came in handy on occasion and I can almost see their use when repairing a pack or cutting apart clothing, even though my little penknife does these jobs okay.

bah, the small screwdriver fits the flip-lock adjusters on my hiking poles perfectly. I could do without the cap lifter but the mini carabiner allows me to clip it to the drawstring on my ditty bag so I don't lose it.

the scissors, nail file, and tweezers are the main reason I like this so much. if you have to do foot care there's no safe way to do that with a knife...

and btw, they do make a version of this with pliers and they substitute a smaller scissors for the blade -- https://www.leatherman.com/style-ps-25.html

[Stevep311]

I've made a lot of changes to my gear list over the years as I've figured out my needs and preferences (and have tried to lighten my backpack!), and wrote a post about it here. Hopefully it will be helpful to beginners or will be interesting to those who have gone through (or are going through) the same process.

Thank you for posting--it's always helpful to get ideas from others. BTW, have you purchased the Possum Down Gloves yet? I just got a pair and used them on a trip where it was a windy 27* in the morning. They are amazing in how well they keep your hands warm especially for their weight.

[RockDoc]

Have come full circle since the early 1970's, when I spent months backpacking with a 50lb Kelty frame pack, svea stove, heavy pup tent with aluminum poles, heavy everything although we managed pretty well.

Went scortched earth ultralight about 10 years ago at enormous expense and enjoyed it until we nearly died in some freak bad weather storms, without adequate clothes, rain gear, tent, or shoes. Decided living was better than dying, so added heavier quality gear back into the kit. Bought a heavier backpack with a better suspension system, can carry 40-50 lbs easily. So now we have reliable storm wear, our tent is bombproof, warm clothes are always available, and we eat very well. We may do a few less miles/day, but we are much happier and more importantly it is more responsible to prevent others from needing risking their lives to save people who go "stupid light".

[Stevep311]

Have come full circle since the early 1970's, when I spent months backpacking with a 50lb Kelty frame pack, svea stove, heavy pup tent with aluminum poles, heavy everything although we managed pretty well.

Went scortched earth ultralight about 10 years ago at enormous expense and enjoyed it until we nearly died in some freak bad weather storms, without adequate clothes, rain gear, tent, or shoes. Decided living was better than dying, so added heavier quality gear back into the kit. Bought a heavier backpack with a better suspension system, can carry 40-50 lbs easily. So now we have reliable storm wear, our tent is bombproof, warm clothes are always available, and we eat very well. We may do a few less miles/day, but we are much happier and more importantly it is more responsible to prevent others from needing risking their lives to save people who go "stupid light".

Specifically, what caused you to nearly die?

[Heather_VT]

Thank you for posting--it's always helpful to get ideas from others. BTW, have you purchased the Possum Down Gloves yet? I just got a pair and used them on a trip where it was a windy 27* in the morning. They are amazing in how well they keep your hands warm especially for their weight.

I didn't get them yet, but plan to order them soon (along with the rain kilt). I'm really glad to hear that they worked well for you, because there aren't many reviews of them online (so it can hard to know whether they're good or not).

[plexusbritt]

Considering I started with a three person tent from Wal-Mart, a Navajo blanket, coffee can DIY stove, and no clue what I was doing, I would say my gear has come a looooong way. I love seeing how other people's gear has evolved to meet their needs.

Each trip, it seems like I get something more refined or effective. It has been a wonderfully fun process!

[DuneElliot]

Despite doing some of the best research and testing, and learning from other people's mistakes, I have still found some gear I bought and don't like. I love my Duplex but don't love (don't hate) my SMD Lunar Solo. I love my EE Convert but don't care for my Klymit pad in practice although it is pretty comfortable and fairly light. Even with trying to avoid all the trial and error by learning from others I still find stuff I don't care for that I thought I would like.

[Dogwood]

I've made a lot of changes to my gear list over the years as I've figured out my needs and preferences (and have tried to lighten my backpack!), and wrote a post about it here. Hopefully it will be helpful to beginners or will be interesting to those who have gone through (or are going through) the same process.

Skurka makes notes too about all his gear choices pre and post hike. It's nice to look at these things and see how one has evolved in a greater context even beyond gear.

[rafe]

Absolutely, keep journals. At the end of most of my journals is a summary of what worked and what didn't. Every hike builds on those that came before.

[Venchka]

Have come full circle since the early 1970's, when I spent months backpacking with a 50lb Kelty frame pack, svea stove, heavy pup tent with aluminum poles, heavy everything although we managed pretty well.

Went scortched earth ultralight about 10 years ago at enormous expense and enjoyed it until we nearly died in some freak bad weather storms, without adequate clothes, rain gear, tent, or shoes. Decided living was better than dying, so added heavier quality gear back into the kit. Bought a heavier backpack with a better suspension system, can carry 40-50 lbs easily. So now we have reliable storm wear, our tent is bombproof, warm clothes are always available, and we eat very well. We may do a few less miles/day, but we are much happier and more importantly it is more responsible to prevent others from needing risking their lives to save people who go "stupid light".

I must be thinking on the same brain wavelength.
I would like to know which tents you used in your "stupid light" and your "safe, smart light" phases.
Thanks for your help.
Wayne


Old. Slow. "Smarter than the average bear."

[theinfamousj]

Considering I started with a three person tent from Wal-Mart, a Navajo blanket, coffee can DIY stove, and no clue what I was doing, I would say my gear has come a looooong way. I love seeing how other people's gear has evolved to meet their needs.

Each trip, it seems like I get something more refined or effective. It has been a wonderfully fun process!

I also started with a WalMart tent, but it was a children's tent. I still have the tent lying around and lend it out to people as a lending tent. You can fit an adult in a WalMart children's tent if the single adult sleeps diagonally. Just something to keep in mind should you ever need a cheap (they are under $20) single person tent for any reason. They weigh about 2.5 lbs so not stupid heavy.