View Full Version : Changes I've made over the years to my backpacking gear list ('big 4' and other gear)
Heather_VT
04-15-2016, 22:39
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 (http://hikingthejmt.com/gear/). 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
04-15-2016, 22:51
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
04-15-2016, 23:18
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
04-15-2016, 23:19
L
As I keep repeating, no tent is perfect and every tent has its flaws. Yet we keep looking.
rocketsocks
04-15-2016, 23:27
Yet we keep looking.just like the prefect pack, shoe, or pot.
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
04-16-2016, 12:24
Thank You for you sharing the knowledge you have gained through your backpacking. :)
Secondmouse
04-16-2016, 15:33
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
04-16-2016, 17:39
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
04-16-2016, 18:38
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
04-22-2016, 09:42
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 (http://hikingthejmt.com/gear/). 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.
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
04-22-2016, 13:15
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
04-24-2016, 10:07
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
06-21-2016, 11:04
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
06-22-2016, 16:34
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.
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 (http://hikingthejmt.com/gear/). 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.
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.
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
06-22-2016, 17:48
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.
Time Zone
06-22-2016, 21:22
Heather, I really like the layout of your website. Neat, orderly, informative. Well done!
It took me awhile to really appreciate the "Hike Your Own Hike" mantra oft repeated here. Many feel the importance of spreading the good news about ultralight backpacking; a few caution that doing so can leave you wanting in a number of ways. Experience is the hardest but best teacher. Everyone will start somewhere on the spectrum and made adjustments one way or another as they feel it is needed, or as opportunities for new/different gear present themselves. There is no one right answer for all, and even for a given person, it may be a moving target depending on health, the trails hiked, etc. The best we can do is share our experiences and reasons for liking/disliking gear (types or specific examples).
You've done that well. May you have a great hike.
My first long hike Dawsonville, Ga to Front Royal, Va. was 1978. No such thing as smartwool, no gortex, less people made Maine than start on a busy day now. No one was really moving,no one was going light, we made a mess with campfires, no trail names just a few nicknames, not one piece of my equipment remains. When gortex came out saw it as perfect never gave the sweating complaint much thought until very recently. Smartwool is as close to perfect as it gets not much else except the mindset. Thank you for the post it shows how far the equipment end has come.
Great gear review- thank you! I also want to significantly reduce my pack weight for future hiking. I have a question about the cuban fiber tent- someone told me on the hike last year that they got stinky after it rained and they were in their stuff sacks. Have you noticed that? I aways dried my tent when I found some sun when I was packing it wet- do you do the same for the cuban fiber tents or do they just repel the water?
cmoulder
06-23-2016, 07:57
No different than any other material. If packed wet and kept there long enough, mold and mildew will inevitably do their thing.
Keep doing as you are and dry out thoroughly when the opportunity arises. When I get home I also dry the tent out very thoroughly, making sure there is absolutely no dampness in the little nooks and crannies, especially the reinforced cups for trekking pole pitching where materials are layered. Store unpacked if possible, or otherwise make sure it's bone dry before rolling up and putting into a stuff sack.
cmoulder
06-23-2016, 08:14
Specifically, what caused you to nearly die?
Good question.
All my gear has changed. Only piece left from the ancient (1990) kit: my black and blue OR "Seattle Sombrero." Looks doofy as ever.
I hold on to old gear, sometimes use it in other ways.
I sometimes think about selling off the old sleeping bags, tents, and stoves, but then I conjure up a catastrophe survival scenario and so they just continue to sit in storage.
Really not many changes in my kit since '06-'07. I went all-out that year, got good stuff, and haven't felt much need to upgrade. Except shoes and boots, of course.
plexusbritt
06-23-2016, 11:02
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.
lol thanks! Good to know! I went to hammocks about 3 years ago and haven't looked back! I keep a ground pad and such for places that don't allow you to hang.
poolskaterx
06-23-2016, 19:37
Good post; I enjoyed seeing your gear evolution.
I don't put anything wet or damp inside my backpack, that is what the mesh back is for.
If not, then the elastic laces across the back of the pack. Be sure to tie or clip it on, less it fall out on the trail.
I shake excess water off my cuben fiber tarp. I use a sham-wow to wipe off moisture.
Nevertheless, it gets loosely stuffed in the backpack mesh back.
Maybe the best thing, I added, is the backpack mesh back.
Heather_VT
07-05-2016, 08:48
Thank you!! I certainly learned a lot simply by going out on the trail and figuring out what my preferences are (it can be hard to know that when you're a beginner!). I definitely agree that "there is no one right answer for all"
Heather, I really like the layout of your website. Neat, orderly, informative. Well done!
It took me awhile to really appreciate the "Hike Your Own Hike" mantra oft repeated here. Many feel the importance of spreading the good news about ultralight backpacking; a few caution that doing so can leave you wanting in a number of ways. Experience is the hardest but best teacher. Everyone will start somewhere on the spectrum and made adjustments one way or another as they feel it is needed, or as opportunities for new/different gear present themselves. There is no one right answer for all, and even for a given person, it may be a moving target depending on health, the trails hiked, etc. The best we can do is share our experiences and reasons for liking/disliking gear (types or specific examples).
You've done that well. May you have a great hike.
Heather_VT
07-05-2016, 08:50
I've never experienced (or ever heard of) any sort of smell like that. I never store my tent wet, and it dries quickly anyway.
Great gear review- thank you! I also want to significantly reduce my pack weight for future hiking. I have a question about the cuban fiber tent- someone told me on the hike last year that they got stinky after it rained and they were in their stuff sacks. Have you noticed that? I aways dried my tent when I found some sun when I was packing it wet- do you do the same for the cuban fiber tents or do they just repel the water?
Seems like the lighter the gear the more compromises we have to accept.
The double Rainbow is wonderfully light, but very tight inside and the walls will mist in a good rain.
Heavier tents don't have these problems, but they are heavier.
cmoulder
07-05-2016, 14:55
Seems like the lighter the gear the more compromises we have to accept.
The double Rainbow is wonderfully light, but very tight inside and the walls will mist in a good rain.
Heavier tents don't have these problems, but they are heavier.
Misting is intermittent; weight is constant. :D
Although I've done some trips in the PNW and misting sometimes seems constant as well. :o
Casey & Gina
07-14-2016, 08:07
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
Kelty frame packs on their own are not that heavy actually. I use a 115L capacity Kelty Serac (circa 1973) with an upgraded harness raided from a Kelty Cache Hauler. Weighs all of 5.5lbs, significantly lighter and more comfortable than many big internal frame packs that can carry the same amount of weight. Not a UL pack but when you have to carry a lot of gear, quite a reasonably low weight for the requirement.
More recently I've found myself desirous of swapping out my "UL" dry sacks for "lightweight" dry sacks which use a heavier fabric, after needing to patch a few tiny punctures in the former over time, and the latter only weigh a few grams more... Most of my gear is on the UL end of the spectrum but I have to carry a lot, and some things are worth a little more weight for significantly increased durability, usefulness, and/or comfort.
A tent is definitely one of those things... I tried a Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 recently as they are very popular on the AT and I scored a great deal - it was, frankly, awful - I tried it for 3 nights then promptly sold it as fast as I could. I'll gladly deal with the increased weight and bulk of a Hilleberg Anjan 3 as it's so much vastly better. I think that the only reasonable way to go lighter without sacraficing too much space (both inside and vestibule) is to go with a single-wall tent like a Tarptent, but again I find the weight or a real double-wall (not just mesh) to be worth it. I am sure that is not a popular opinion here but one's opinion really changes when you start spending every night out using your gear.
rocketsocks
07-14-2016, 13:01
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.htmlwouldnt it be nice if a knife maker would allow you to pick and choose the tools you want on a jack knife...a le carte if you will. Maybe they already do, anyone know?
Odd Man Out
07-14-2016, 13:08
I wish they had a knife with a tick twister or pointy tweezers for tick removal (should be easy for any Victorinox knife with a tweezer or toothpick). I suggested that once by e-mail to Victorinox and they sent back a polite e-mail indicating they had no idea why this would be useful.
rocketsocks
07-14-2016, 13:19
I wish they had a knife with a tick twister or pointy tweezers for tick removal (should be easy for any Victorinox knife with a tweezer or toothpick). I suggested that once by e-mail to Victorinox and they sent back a polite e-mail indicating they had no idea why this would be useful.crazy ain't it, and yet every year tooth brush company's come out with a new and improved brush.
rocketsocks
07-14-2016, 13:21
Oh and +1 on the tick puller, tha'd be one I'd choose as well.
Casey & Gina
07-14-2016, 16:49
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
I have a Squirt PS4 and a Micra. For the odd time scissors are useful, the tiny pair on the Squirt work just fine, and the pliers definitely come in handy, plus the Squirt is smaller & lighter than the Micra, so that's my multi-tool of choice. The larger scissors on the Micra just aren't needed often enough for me. The only thing I like having a bigger version of is a knife - the Leatherman knife doesn't lock which makes it sketchy for some tasks, plus it's very small.
As for the usefulness of a screwdriver on the trail, I think trekking poles must be the only one. I used to appreciate this as well, but then switched to fixed-length poles that don't have or need such adjustments. Just another gear change made over time. :)
DuneElliot
07-14-2016, 20:18
After several trips with my ZPacks Arc Haul I've realized it just isn't going to work for me. The frame sits too much on the bony parts of my hips and causes pain and fatigue. I am currently trying out the ULA Circuit which has a very similar design (all the things I want in a pack) but without the lower frame. It's definitely different and will take some getting used to, but I can feel an improvement in the weight-bearing area.
I also tried out different pads lately to see if I preferred something I already had over my Klymit Static V Lite...that's what all this is about. Even with all the research and such I still didn't get everything right. For short trips I've also realized I don't want to carry a stove or cook at all. It's a constant learning curve