Hopeful_hiker
10-16-2014, 21:39
Hey all,
First post (just got approved by the moderators) although I've been reading a ton of the posts on the forum over the last couple of weeks. This site is phenomenal and I really appreciate the friendliness of everyone on here. I'm a 6'0, 160lbs, 23 y/o M college student from Delaware with a huge passion for nature and the environment (Enviro studies major). My backpacking experience is fairly limited and probably only have about 80miles under my waist straps, all about 10 years ago with Scouts (although I've done a ton of day hikes throughout DE, NJ, and PA more recently), and I really want to get into thru and section hiking a bit more seriously (Considering the JMT and AT on no specific time scale) I'm posting in the gear section because I've become pretty much OBSESSED with all the different gear and I think I'm finally narrowing down what I'm looking for, and figuring out what types of things I might like for myself based on previous experience. I kinda wanted to list what gear I already have and the gear I'm looking at buying for myself, keeping in mind that I already have some knee issues which is a serious consideration for weight. I'd really appreciate any feedback you might have to prevent over purchasing as cost is a concern, and I apologize for the intro paragraph :)
Osprey Atmos 65L (already own)
Sawyer Mini, I already own because of the size and weight and I like the versatility of it (gravity feed/including into camelback line), but possibly considering the squeeze for the increased flow rate
I'll probably pick up a couple of platypus' (platypi?) so that I'll have about 2-3 liters of water on me as I drink a lot, and probably a larger one for camp uses (maybe 5L?), which I plan on figuring out a gravity feed system for the larger one
Considering the ALPS mystique 1.0 for shelter because of the weight, and I like the added vestibule for gear under the fly, and I'll probably get lightweight
Ledge Sports FeatherLite +20 F Degree Ultra Light Design, Ultra Compact Sleeping Bag
Looking at the thermarest prolite versus the prolite plus. I'd like to get the 47" one that would come just below my knees (Don't plan on a lot of winter hiking), I've even considered getting a child's size pad (EMS brand) that packs down great and is super light
For food stuffs: MSR superfly (I like the stability and size of it), and the GSI pinnacle soloist for my cookware
I'll probably getting some low-mid grade trekking poles (2) from Cabela's for my knees
And I've also started to consider stuff sacks as well, not sure if cuben fibre or ultra-sil is better and not sure what sizes to get and how many.
That's all I've figured out so far and I really appreciate any advice you have. Thanks!!!
First post (just got approved by the moderators) although I've been reading a ton of the posts on the forum over the last couple of weeks. This site is phenomenal and I really appreciate the friendliness of everyone on here. I'm a 6'0, 160lbs, 23 y/o M college student from Delaware with a huge passion for nature and the environment (Enviro studies major). My backpacking experience is fairly limited and probably only have about 80miles under my waist straps, all about 10 years ago with Scouts (although I've done a ton of day hikes throughout DE, NJ, and PA more recently), and I really want to get into thru and section hiking a bit more seriously (Considering the JMT and AT on no specific time scale) I'm posting in the gear section because I've become pretty much OBSESSED with all the different gear and I think I'm finally narrowing down what I'm looking for, and figuring out what types of things I might like for myself based on previous experience. I kinda wanted to list what gear I already have and the gear I'm looking at buying for myself, keeping in mind that I already have some knee issues which is a serious consideration for weight. I'd really appreciate any feedback you might have to prevent over purchasing as cost is a concern, and I apologize for the intro paragraph :)
Osprey Atmos 65L (already own)
Sawyer Mini, I already own because of the size and weight and I like the versatility of it (gravity feed/including into camelback line), but possibly considering the squeeze for the increased flow rate
I'll probably pick up a couple of platypus' (platypi?) so that I'll have about 2-3 liters of water on me as I drink a lot, and probably a larger one for camp uses (maybe 5L?), which I plan on figuring out a gravity feed system for the larger one
Considering the ALPS mystique 1.0 for shelter because of the weight, and I like the added vestibule for gear under the fly, and I'll probably get lightweight
Ledge Sports FeatherLite +20 F Degree Ultra Light Design, Ultra Compact Sleeping Bag
Looking at the thermarest prolite versus the prolite plus. I'd like to get the 47" one that would come just below my knees (Don't plan on a lot of winter hiking), I've even considered getting a child's size pad (EMS brand) that packs down great and is super light
For food stuffs: MSR superfly (I like the stability and size of it), and the GSI pinnacle soloist for my cookware
I'll probably getting some low-mid grade trekking poles (2) from Cabela's for my knees
And I've also started to consider stuff sacks as well, not sure if cuben fibre or ultra-sil is better and not sure what sizes to get and how many.
That's all I've figured out so far and I really appreciate any advice you have. Thanks!!!