View Full Version : Oldest gear you use?
Doc_of_the_bay
10-22-2006, 20:03
How old is the oldest gear you carry on the trail? And what's the secret to making it last? (or the secret to not getting sick and tired of it?)
I recently replaced my 1971 external frame pack.
Thermarest pads- 1982
Cook kit- Boy Scout days (1970ish)
Coleman 400 stove- bought it in a pawn shop ten years ago, probably several years older than that.
Kelty Hollofil II mummy bag- given to me 12 years ago by a friend who didn't use it any more.
Doc
a aluminum pot from a camping cookset from the 60/70's. Originally owned by one of my aunts, passed to my dad when he was in high school.
I still use the sleeping bag i got for my 16th birthday. Dacron Fibre fill II, 20 degree bag. It is only good for spring, summer and fall now and way too heavy but I love it just the same. I have every stain memorized.
saimyoji
10-22-2006, 20:53
Though I don't use it beyond car camping any more, (its more of a novelty now) I still keep my great-great-great-great-grandfather-in-law's samurai sword and armor. Its great for those midnight strolls to the privy when the 'coons and skunks are out. :eek:
I still use my first cook kit and my first sleeping bag- which is now my summer bag. :-? Going on 18 years.:eek: I've had my 3rd pack since 95. :) It has lasted longer than any pack I've ever heard of.;)
saimyoji
10-22-2006, 21:00
I still use my first cook kit and my first sleeping bag- which is now my summer bag. :-? Going on 18 years.:eek: I've had my 3rd pack since 95. :) It has lasted longer than any pack I've ever heard of.;)
I got my pack in 95. CampTrails Winderness internal. I've not put the trail miles on it you have, but its been around the world at least 10 times, on the trail in Thailand, Japan, Mexico, and here on the AT.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
10-22-2006, 21:43
My favorite pot is 35+ years old and still going strong. Wouldn't hit the trail without it.
fiddlehead
10-23-2006, 00:13
I think my P-38 is about 18 years old.
I don't know how you all do it with one cookit for all those years, i see to wear one out about ever 3 or 4 hikes. (i had my aluminum spoon for 4 thrus but lost it in Nepal last time)
On the other hand, my styrofoam cup usually only lasts about one to 2 weeks.
The General
10-23-2006, 01:30
My Legs or don't they count. If so then its a Swiss Army Knife given to me by my father on my 13th birthday. 36 years ago. Thanks dad.
Kerosene
10-23-2006, 09:41
I'm pretty sure that I've swapped everything out three or four times over the past 30 years, mostly in the interest of saving weight and improving function. I think my little thermometer dates from the late 70s, but I've been reading the min/max thermometer thread with interest. I still have much of my old gear, much to the dismay of my wife.
I ran across Happy Jack on Kinsman Ridge last month. He was out for his first extended hike (a week) since he thru-hiked SOBO in '85 and was still lugging his 24 ounce(!) Optimus 8R white gas stove; the same model I purchased in 1973 (and it still works great as an emergency stove when our power goes out).
Speaking of old stuff, I also met a guy (whose name I promptly forgot) at Lonesome Lake Hut who said he had completed a SOBO thru-hike in 1972, which would have probably made him one of the first dozen or so. I'm surprised that the ATC doesn't maintain an on-line list of 2,000-milers.
Footslogger
10-23-2006, 10:19
At this point it's probably one of my bandanas (if that qualifies as "gear").
And then there are my knees, which have considerable mileage and years on them.
'Slogger
TN_Hiker
10-23-2006, 10:54
I have several pieces of gear pushing 20+ years. My oldest is a little 8in. plastic plate that I have since I was 13.
My p-38 is about 25 years old. Perhaps the most efficient gadget ever made. :o
max patch
10-23-2006, 11:11
30 year old svea123 stove.
Though I don't use it beyond car camping any more, (its more of a novelty now) I still keep my great-great-great-great-grandfather-in-law's samurai sword and armor. Its great for those midnight strolls to the privy when the 'coons and skunks are out. :eek:
And if we had a WB poll about the best WB poll ever started, your hiking with sword poll and thread would win swords up... uh, I mean, hands down.
I started exactly 5 years ago
but what about the people who started less than that thier only choice is to ignore the poll entirely or else feel like they are yuppies
i've seen a couple people mention a p-38, what is that?
saimyoji
10-23-2006, 12:15
And if we had a WB poll about the best WB poll ever started, your hiking with sword poll and thread would win swords up... uh, I mean, hands down.
Actually, that wasn't my poll. Any of the admin will verify by IP, provider, whatever...wasn't me.
gtothero
10-23-2006, 12:23
I still use a Coleman Peak I stove that I got in 1982. It has never let me down. My Timberline tent (1982) and Camp Trails pack (1980) are pretty much retired.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
10-23-2006, 12:32
i've seen a couple people mention a p-38, what is that?A GI can-opener
http://i15.ebayimg.com/03/i/05/75/76/89_2.JPG
Actually, that wasn't my poll. Any of the admin will verify by IP, provider, whatever...wasn't me.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=6931&highlight=sword
Doh! Sorry. I should have checked before posting. My apologies.
(It was SiuWonfung aka Marcus who started that thread.)
I have a Case XX (don't know the model number) hunting style knife in it's original leather sheath. Slim blade about 4 inches long, still as shiny as new, bone handle. It's always with me when fishing, camping, hiking, anything outdoors. I got it about 45 years ago.
Jack Tarlin
10-23-2006, 15:30
My tent, a Mountain Hardwear Laser, was purchased new in early 1996.
Since then it has been on eight hikes of the entire A.T., including seven in a row from 1997 to 2003, and has a few thousand additional miles on it since '03.
I've had ample opportunity to replace it, but never saw the need.
In ten years, I've had the fly replaced once (jammed zipper) and one of the tent poles fixed (someone fell on the tent and snapped one). Otherwise, it's in fine shape; I used it a few days ago.
The bad news is that the Laser is no longer in production, but they have several similar tents on the market.
Great product, great company.
drdewrag
10-23-2006, 15:34
Yeah, I guess mine is the p-38 (28 years). Glad I found this site, too!
I still use my fathers external frame pack. 25+ years since he got it. With bad knees he gave it to me. Jansport, and still looks good, fits well, and has never had any repair work.
RockyTrail
10-23-2006, 17:56
36 years plus and still going...I use a small aluminum pot and plastic cup from 1970, bought new at the time, hasn't clogged yet:D
As for the P-38...now THIS is a real P-38!
It will open cans several thousand feet away from the campsite.
I still carry a 1971 LL Bean Rectangular Down Bag that weighs almost three pounds. Still keeps me toasty in any weather you'll find the likes of me sleeping out in. (mid twenties)
Blissful
10-23-2006, 19:12
Original orange Thermarest with the old logo on it - never had a hole in it either! We got it 17 years ago just after we got married and still use it religiously.
How could I forget my tent.:eek: A Moss Solet. :sun Got it in 90. I need to go hiking again or Jacks Laser is going to have braggin rights.:rolleyes: :D
hikerjohnd
10-23-2006, 21:32
I said 15+ years - but I'm not 100% sure on the age. It might have been a graduation gift in 1990, but again not 100% sure. I have a therma-rest ultralight 3/4 pad that is the first pad they made with no-slip fabric on the top. I assume everyone slid off their pad as much as I do - but it is the same weight as the new smaller pads and very comfortable. I have never had a leak, nor a tear and no reason to replace it (though I did try a torso pad for a short while - not worth the weight savings.) As far as why it has lasted? I have no idea - but I am glad it has.
thanks FD, i just call them a can opener, i never carry one becuase i don't use cans but my dad has one that looks just like that, no clue how old it is.
Glad I found this site, too!
welcome!!!!
my hiking staff is one that i cut when i was in scouts back in about 1976/77. it's a little shorter now, but a few years back, i added a metal tube to the bottom, so it doesn't wear out as fast. i also have my old Silva compass from back then too.
Watch, Rolex, bought in 1971 overseas. i still wear it everyday, hiking too-wearing it now! I have an older Svea 123 but dont use it anymore. That has to be the 'best looking' stove ever made!
Critterman
10-25-2006, 07:32
- 1985 vintage Cats Meow sleeping bag, theramrest pad and Campmor goretex jacket. I replaced the old metal valve in the themarest with a new larger plastic one a few years ago.
- 3 cup Mirro aluminum pot with lid that is at least 35 years old.
i have a us army aluminum mess kit dated 1918
i have canteen cup dated 1944:cool: neo
Cheapie generic compass I've had since high school.
RockyTrail
10-25-2006, 11:39
i have a us army aluminum mess kit dated 1918
i have canteen cup dated 1944:cool: neo
My dad is still hanging on to my grandad's well-used 1917 mess kit; we don't use it anymore but it sure is a relic! Has his name and unit scratched on the back side (30th "Old Hickory" division, US Army).
I'm relatively certain that grandad was glad to finish using it in favor of grandma's cooking...:D
also know as a "John Wayne" in the Marines.
back before MRE's, the military was issued these can openers for C-Rats and K-Rats. Still have one on my key chain and haven't had a c-rat since early 80's and retired in 2003...never know when you will need it though.
halftime
10-27-2006, 12:26
I have carried a P38/can opener for more years than I can remember. I have it attached to a tiny key ring on the handle of my pot gripper. Always know where it is and convienient if needed (which is hardly ever).
I have carried a P38/can opener for more years than I can remember. I have it attached to a tiny key ring on the handle of my pot gripper. Always know where it is and convienient if needed (which is hardly ever).
Yeah, I still carry a John Wayne on my keychain but now a days I mostly use the "back end" to help lift up the pull top tabs on soda, soup, and other types of cans. This way I feel that I'm still using it for what it was originally designed for... opening cans.
Insulated Coffee Mug. Got it in 1980, have used it on every B-packing trip since. My one concession to sentimental gear after replacing everything else while cutting pack weight from 45 lbs to 18 lbs. I still loan out all of my old gear tho, when non-hiking friends want to go out for a weekend or so.
Quote:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">Originally Posted by neo http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=260655#post260655)
i have a us army aluminum mess kit dated 1918
i have canteen cup dated 1944
neo
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
My dad is still hanging on to my grandad's well-used 1917 mess kit; we don't use it anymore but it sure is a relic! Has his name and unit scratched on the back side (30th "Old Hickory" division, US Army).
I'm relatively certain that grandad was glad to finish using it in favor of grandma's cooking...
i looked at the that again its 1914 not 1918 the guy that owned it was
named arthur r porter jr,i bought this mess kit at a gun show
back in the 90's for 10.00 bucks:cool: neo
http://i10.ebayimg.com/03/i/08/bd/a0/4d_1.JPG
An early 70's "Cruiser" pack frame that I used in Boy Scouts with an early 80's CampTrails pack. It's the lightest external frame combination I have found--I can't stand internal frame packs!. I also have a MSR G-K stove that goes on cold weather trips
Cherokee Bill
11-10-2006, 19:16
:eek: Camp Trails Mt McKenley ext-frame pack purchase around 1984. Coleman Peak One stove, about the same age :D And me, I'm 60 yo:p
Ramble~On
11-12-2006, 21:01
I voted for 15+ years but then I remembered that I've been wearing the same underwear for over 25 years:D
Ramble~On
11-12-2006, 21:04
:-? Wait a minute.....hold on.... I don't wear underwear.
I'll stick with 15+ years and that item is a pocket knife I've had for too long to remember.
saimyoji
11-12-2006, 22:37
:-? Wait a minute.....hold on.... I don't wear underwear.
I'll stick with 15+ years and that item is a pocket knife I've had for too long to remember.
Well, I totally forgot about my swiss army knife. I haven't used it in so long, its right in my pack where I know it always is.....my father gave it to me when I was 12. That's like.....a long time ago.....
.....and a galaxy far away..... :dance
greentick
11-12-2006, 23:20
army canteen cup and heat tab stand - tho usually goes out as a loaner.
briarpatch
11-12-2006, 23:55
30 year old svea123 stove.
Ditto. Mine's also 30 years old. I don't carry it all the time, but sometimes I see it on the shelf and somehow it insists on coming along.
Cookerhiker
11-13-2006, 00:40
Small saucepan from my Boy Scout messkit circa 1959.
The Desperado
11-15-2006, 19:26
How about an old canvass pack from 1958...occasionally still gets out their.
Yogi still has our stove from '98. AS of now I'm wearing the remains of a capaline shirt from my '98 hike.
I have two rocks that my family has used to make fire for over 14,000 years. They've been handed down through the generations.
I still use the sleeping bag i got for my 16th birthday. Dacron Fibre fill II, 20 degree bag. It is only good for spring, summer and fall now and way too heavy but I love it just the same. I have every stain memorized.
ummm. Uh. I think I'll let that go...just let it go...;)
hikerjohnd
11-22-2006, 15:23
(http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=259521#post259521)
I still use the sleeping bag i got for my 16th birthday. Dacron Fibre fill II, 20 degree bag. It is only good for spring, summer and fall now and way too heavy but I love it just the same. I have every stain memorized.
ummm. Uh. I think I'll let that go...just let it go...;)
I'll have to second that :D Every stain! :eek: ewww!
hey....there are some good memories there...lol
mark schofield
02-07-2007, 09:31
Svea 123 from the 70s.
Camp Trails Adjustable II external frame pack and Hermans down bag, both purchased in the late 1980s. Eureka Gossamer tent, Seattle Sombrero, Campmor Goretex top/bottom, fleece hat and gloves, Nalgene bottles, Thermarest pad all purchased in 1989-90. I've still got an ancient down bag (manufacturer unknown) purchased in the early 1970s. It's a monster, easily 2-3 lbs of fill. AT map/guide set from '90 - really needs to be retired.
Ok I don't have alot of old gear like these veterns in here. I do have a 1980 something 4 man A fram sear's brand tent, and a old compass I got in the boyscouts in the early 90's. My mother threw out all my old backpacking gear in the mid 90's. I recently got back into grove again a couple of years ago. I got a ton of stuff but all new. Everthing I use now is ultra lite and realy new. Im coming back in 20 years to repost this, So I will have some old gear then.
4eyedbuzzard
02-07-2007, 10:51
I have a North Face down bag, a Moss "Stargazer" tent, and a Kelty Super Tioga pack from 1991 I still use. They aren't the lightest, but on shorter trips, or just some liesurely backcountry camping they're great.
The oldest piece of gear I still own would have to be the Optimus 8R I have from the early 70's. It's been retired to the stove museum. :: sigh ::
About the P-38. More than just a can opener (http://www.olive-drab.com/od_rations_p38.php)...
I've used mine to open beer bottles. Very useful skill, esp. on Western trails where there are more microbrews. :-)
My oldest, still being used gear, is not all that old to be honest. It is generic circa 1996 day pack I bought from Sportsman Guide (http://www.sportsmansguide.com/) for $25 that same year.
I can't believe how well it has held up for the price. Now, it has salt/sweat stains, ground in red dirt from canyon country, is faded from the sun, has to been to Mt. Washington in the winter, etc. etc. I use it almost every day and it shows! (Also carries my books, coffee mug, etc.Lots of coffee stains, too :) ) The stress points are restitched with dental floss.
So, it is only 11 yrs old..but it has had a charmed life!
http://www.pmags.com/gearpics/pack_front.JPG
(Yep..those are trail patches. Up until 1 month ago, I hadn't owed a car in 6 years! The patches are my "wicked cool bumpah stickahs"!)
The Weasel
02-07-2007, 14:49
I use my JanSport external frame pack, bought in the early '80s, with the very unique semi-rigid hip suspension system (padded, hinged aluminum) that hasn't been available for decades; it did the first 500 miles of my AT walk, and it is still my preference for weights over 30#.
Key to having gear last is to buy high end gear with lifetime warranties, which is very unique to backpacking gear. My pack has been rebuilt 7 times by Jansport (all zippers replaced at least once from the 6 compartments, fabric at top replaced, one broken frame rod, straps) and is good for, well, life. Sierra Designs sleeping bag (1984) refilled with down twice, zipper replaced.
I think top companies MAKE money by having lifetime warranties. I praise them (by name) all I can, they've made more off of me telling others (esp 25+ years of Scouts) buying based on recommendations than I can ever cost them. REI, by the way, is just as good - lifetime even if the mfg'er doesn't!
Good stuff is worth the extra money.
The Weasel
jasonklass
02-09-2007, 23:16
My body is probably the oldest piece of gear I use! :(
Jim Adams
02-09-2007, 23:18
I use my JanSport external frame pack, bought in the early '80s, with the very unique semi-rigid hip suspension system (padded, hinged aluminum) that hasn't been available for decades; it did the first 500 miles of my AT walk, and it is still my preference for weights over 30#.
Key to having gear last is to buy high end gear with lifetime warranties, which is very unique to backpacking gear. My pack has been rebuilt 7 times by Jansport (all zippers replaced at least once from the 6 compartments, fabric at top replaced, one broken frame rod, straps) and is good for, well, life. Sierra Designs sleeping bag (1984) refilled with down twice, zipper replaced.
I think top companies MAKE money by having lifetime warranties. I praise them (by name) all I can, they've made more off of me telling others (esp 25+ years of Scouts) buying based on recommendations than I can ever cost them. REI, by the way, is just as good - lifetime even if the mfg'er doesn't!
Good stuff is worth the extra money.
The Weasel
VERY TRUE!:sun
geek
Drala Hiker
02-21-2007, 22:31
Though I've replaced basically everything as I moved a LW kit, I still use a couple of circa 1977 Early Winters stuff sacks, orange color with the green EW label. EW had a lot of great stuff back in the day. I keep the bags mostly just to brag that I'm still using them! They're still in good condition, the poly wp coating still in tack.
I also have a Svea 123, circa 1976, kept out of nostalgia, I guess. No doubt the seals need to be replaced, so I wouldn't think of firing it up. It was a heck of a stove once a separate pressure pump became available.
sj_viperjock
03-22-2007, 12:29
As I was filling that out I realized that some of my gear is older than I am, doh.
Thanks grandpa for giving me all your camping gear!
I happened to look at a shelf in my basement where my wife had placed my "old time" gear after moving here in October. The old Eureka tent, aluminum nesting pots, but what really caught my eye was the brass SVEA 123 stove. I couldn't resist picking it up, bringing it to where my current gear is, and I began to polish it. What memories this one brings back of many wilderness trips in Canada and a couple in northern Maine.
K-mart tent that was at least 15 years old, It got plenty of use until I replaced it last year with a Big Agnes Starvis II. Other than that the big honkin two burner coleman gas stove (Larger than a breif case and smaller than a suitcase.) I still use it and put the propane attachemnt, but not used on a pice of a trail that was longer than a mile).
Skidsteer
03-22-2007, 17:34
I happened to look at a shelf in my basement where my wife had placed my "old time" gear after moving here in October. The old Eureka tent, aluminum nesting pots, but what really caught my eye was the brass SVEA 123 stove. I couldn't resist picking it up, bringing it to where my current gear is, and I began to polish it. What memories this one brings back of many wilderness trips in Canada and a couple in northern Maine.
Yep. Those stoves are works of art. Everybody that owns one seems to be sentimental about it to some degree.
I've just about finished replacing all my old heavy car camping gear from the 70s & 80s. (when I was young & dirt poor) Sleeping on the ground in 40* bags into the 20s brings back memories.
Hooray for hammocks.:banana
leeki pole
03-22-2007, 17:44
Silva compass from around 1972 when I was a tenderfoot.
Yep. Those stoves are works of art. Everybody that owns one seems to be sentimental about it to some degree.
Not me. Mine's gone. Good riddance. I ditched it shortly after I bought my Whisperlite in '89 or so. Now, if that old Whisperlite ever craps out, I'll be upset. It and I have covered a lot of ground together.
kyhiker1
03-22-2007, 17:56
My P38 of 10 years and my favorite aluminum pot going on 15+ years old.
Marine Corps cover - issued 1967.
Peak 1 lantern and stove from 1981 and 1982.
I use my JanSport external frame pack, bought in the early '80s, with the very unique semi-rigid hip suspension system (padded, hinged aluminum) that hasn't been available for decades; it did the first 500 miles of my AT walk, and it is still my preference for weights over 30#.
Bought one a long time ago because of a bad back - it transferred the weight to the hips well and was a really neat idea. Dug it out last year to try on, brushed off the cat fur & dust, strapped the belt on and it slipped down past my hips. Got old, fat and lost my butt.
I stripped off the bag, readjusted it and it feels good again….I’ll worry about the butt thing later. I’m going to set it up so I can strap bags on it horizontally as I wanted to do years ago but never got around to it. One of the folks here uses one of these<O:p</O:p
http://www.luxurylite.com/packindex.html
which is basically the same idea but a lot, lot better set up. It is really tempting to get one now but I like the idea of converting my existing frame.
<O:p</O:p
Kiyu
atraildreamer
03-24-2007, 15:30
I ran across Happy Jack on Kinsman Ridge last month. He was out for his first extended hike (a week) since he thru-hiked SOBO in '85 and was still lugging his 24 ounce(!) Optimus 8R white gas stove; the same model I purchased in 1973 (and it still works great as an emergency stove when our power goes out).
I have an Optimus 8r, purchased in 1972, and I found out that the fuel tank still had gas in it after MANY (10+ :eek: ) years. Considering the price of gas today, the fuel is probably worth more than the stove. I don't want to dump out the gas, and I'm afraid to light it up and see what happens.
Any opinions about what to do? :confused:
Thermarest purchased in 2001. I have sent in two times for repair and it still holds my fat butt up.
Alcohol stove also purchased in 2001, takes a beating and keeps on ticking.
Butterfly pliers and knife set purchased in 2000 for a whopping five bucks.
Programbo
03-24-2007, 20:04
I happened to look at a shelf in my basement where my wife had placed my "old time" gear after moving here in October. The old Eureka tent, aluminum nesting pots, but what really caught my eye was the brass SVEA 123 stove. I couldn't resist picking it up, bringing it to where my current gear is, and I began to polish it. What memories this one brings back of many wilderness trips in Canada and a couple in northern Maine.
Best stove ever made ;)
old gear for old folks, my p38 and my dog tag from the 1960s, plus my external frame pack made by us.camper, it must be 20 years old :D
I still have my zip off pants, and Yogi's capilene shirt from the '98 hike.
SGT Rock
04-14-2007, 08:57
I still have some 20+ year old stuff around the house, but over the last 7 years I have been trying to lighten my pack and working to make everything more efficient at working together. That said, the oldest thing in my pack that goes back 5 years is my hammock, everything else in there is less than 5.
One exception is my dog tags. They have about 21 years on them and I still always carry them.
rjridgely
04-14-2007, 09:09
I would never hit any trail or campsite without my grandpa's miner's cup.... olive green porcelin , one small chip, circa 1930ish. He used it everyday of his 40 years in the coal mines of Superior, WY. I don't carry his headlamp because the can of calcium carbide takes up too much room and the open flame tends to freak people out (but it still works very well).
NICKTHEGREEK
04-14-2007, 10:02
3 items from the service ca 1968
1. Survival kit wrist compass- always
2. Aircrew survival knife-rarely
3. p-38 can opener- most likely a reincarnation of the first I laid hands on. (Trade you a beefsteak and potatos for a can of peaches and the 4 pack of Pall Malls)
Zippo lighter, maybe # 10 in a long string of great lighters.
superman
04-14-2007, 11:45
1968 gear includes my p38 from the land of the little people. It's hanging on a lanyard hooked on a nail in the stairway to my basement. I took it from a case of C rats that I'd busted the wire band with my original issue three pronged flash suppresser. I stopped using it when I started buying Lipton dinners. Winter used my poncho liner for many hikes. My K bar came home in my hold baggage and is in my night stand and still sharp. It’s way too heavy to hike with. Now I carry a knife with a blade about 1.5 inches long. I quit smoking about 11 years ago so my Zippo got left in my desk draw and hasn't had fluid since. I can't throw it out because it has my unit on it. Pat and I have enough old and new gear to be outfitters. Different hikes call for different gear.<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p
flyfisher
04-14-2007, 13:26
Plastic cup from my boy scout mess kit. circa 1964.
BigwaveDave
04-14-2007, 13:46
I use my uncle Jimmy's Army spoon he carried in WWII, he was with Patton's armoured outfit. 63 years old and counting.
I would never hit any trail or campsite without my grandpa's miner's cup.... olive green porcelin , one small chip, circa 1930ish. He used it everyday of his 40 years in the coal mines of Superior, WY. I don't carry his headlamp because the can of calcium carbide takes up too much room and the open flame tends to freak people out (but it still works very well).
A plastic (OK, this being an old gear thread, aluminum/cork if you have one) 35mm film can will hold enough carbide for a week of camping or to finish out a day of caving. NiMH batteries and a Luxeon LED lamp will give you more light per pound, but up to a couple of years ago the carbide lamp was the best (if not most convenient or most odor free) performer.
I bought my basic kit (for bicycle touring) in '74 on a shoestring and expanded on it until I went on active duty in '78. Most of it has been retired or misappropriated over the years but I still have oldies but goodies that get used now that I occasionally can make time to leave civilization. A Dacron 88 bag now relegated to summer use, a slew of Trailwise stuffsacks. I cut two inches off the knife to make it quasi legal (the Navy had a different view on these things than the Army) and still carry it out west as a lighter substitute for an axe. Not exactly an AT thing. EVERYONE of that vintage (admit it!) has a Sierra Club cup or two kicking around. The ash staff I cut from a (now long dead) tree on the farm did not make the cut for a move to Hawaii and is a fond memory, as is the Svea 123 that went up in a blaze of glory that is a story for another time. And I have a few tools from each of my grandfathers but, sadly, no camping gear (and my father's father in Montana knew how it was done).
Here is the odd thing - I have a bunch of newer, lighter, and better stuff now, but longevity? Of all the things I have now, the most likely to be passed on to my granddaughter are the oldies but goodies. Miox pen? Ultralight pack? They may work great, but that stuff will never have panache. Of course I could start working on the patina on the titanium nail tent stakes - they could last through ten generations of grandchildren.
Kerosene
04-14-2007, 20:50
EVERYONE of that vintage (admit it!) has a Sierra Club cup or two kicking around.I admit it. In fact, I think I have two of them! :D
:banana This stuff has stood the test of time.
1 qt cookpot from a messkit 1970
2 1qt plastic army canteens 1977
5 qt water bladder ( army surplus ) 1977
hot pot tongs & spoon /knife/fork 1977
seirra cup 1977
candle lantern 1980
coleman model 400 stove 1982 ?
Jansport D-3 extermal frame pack 1980
My brother, who died 2 years ago, gave me an official 3 blade Boy Scout pocket knife for my 12th b-day. My Dad gave me a Yukon Hunter sheath knife for my 13th b-day. I carry both constantly. I am now 60.
fiddlehead
06-09-2007, 01:15
I've worn out about all my gear at least once.
Two exceptions: my P-38 and a container i use for aspirins.
Except for that, my oldest piece of gear is my Feathered Friends "Hummingbird" sleeping bag which has now done 5 thru hikes.
Everything else gets replaced every other thru or so.
Dholmblad
11-04-2007, 23:53
aryterx bora backpack, 12 years.
just cant do anything to wear it out, tried switching to one of thoes go-lite bags. But after only a few miles the poorly manufactured go-lite bag tore and I am back to using my old bag.
Uncle Silly
11-05-2007, 00:45
Can I change my vote? My banjo's apparently from the first half of last century. We're guessing circa 1930 or so.
Bootstrap
11-05-2007, 07:00
Whisperlite, around 1978.
Jonathan
canerunner
11-05-2007, 09:46
I still have a Coleman single burner stove (stored in it's aluminum container that could be used for a pot, if you don't mind gasoline flavoring). It was my Dad's, and he had owned it isnce the late 50s. It needs a new set of seals and a generator now, but I haven't carried it in a few years. Just can't bring myself to let it go.
I still have, and carry, a Gerber Folding Hunter knife with Sambar Stag handles that I got in 1975. I paid over $100 for it then, but it's been worth every penny!
I also still have and use a Snow Lion Super Mountain Lion 0 degree bag that I bought in about 1972. It's still a darned good bag, although heavier than I like to carry. I've spent many nights in cozy comfort in that bag.
shelterbuilder
11-05-2007, 21:19
Both of my frame packs (circa 1972) and my Optimus 99 stove (the aluminum-body model), which fires up EVERY single time I try it.
Bootstrap
11-05-2007, 21:40
I admit it. In fact, I think I have two of them! :D
I also have two. I use them at home, but don't actually take them when I'm backpacking. They are great for ladling soup!
Jonathan
shelterbuilder
11-06-2007, 10:05
I have an Optimus 8r, purchased in 1972, and I found out that the fuel tank still had gas in it after MANY (10+ :eek: ) years. Considering the price of gas today, the fuel is probably worth more than the stove. I don't want to dump out the gas, and I'm afraid to light it up and see what happens.
Any opinions about what to do? :confused:
Before you do anything, check the seal on the tank cap. They can dry out over time, and you don't want a leaky seal on a hot stove!:eek: I don't know if you can do this with an 8R, but I've made new seals for old Svea stoves from a piece of rubber inner tube (and they've lasted for years), but you need to be EXACTING with this process. Use the cap as a pattern and trace a circle around it on the rubber. Using SHARP scissors or an exacto knife, cut slightly inside the mark, check for a snug fit inside the cap, and re-cut again (and again) if necessary. Go slowly with this, until the new seal JUST FITS SNUGLY inside of the cap. If you cut off too much, throw the seal away and start over.
The gas may have gone bad after all this time - take the stove OUTSIDE to a completely fireproof area (concrete, dirt, gravel, etc.) along with a fire extinguisher (just in case) and fire it up. Old gas sometimes sputters! If it malfunctions, shut it down. If you can't turn it off (or if the tank develops a leak), use the extinguisher!
"God hates a coward" - just be cautious and you'll be alright!
Rift Zone
11-06-2007, 14:55
I love gear. I think it is the pinnacle of human creation... Utilizing our intellect to enable us to exist in our natural environment. It dont get much better than that. I dont get rid of gear. I still have my first backpack. I have bed rolls with metal valves on them. But, thanks to purchasing the latest innovations, I have a ton of gear. I can nearly outfit a small army. Having sad that, I don't think anything I carry is more than 10yrs old. I voted 5+.
My leather gloves are from 1978 and are army surplus, need I say more? A few years ago my gear was mostly standard millitary issue and I don't even want to think about how old most of it was. Over the last few years everything but the gloves have been replaced and a new pair is being made today. Oh well it was a good run while it lasted.
Adam
My ThermaRest pad is over 30 years old. My tent is 14. I've gone thru 4 packs and still have three of them. The oldest is external frame Jansport D3 which is over 30 years old and still usable. In fact I've probably got enough gear to outfit all of you if you didn't have any. Come on . . . let's go hiking! :D
I just recently upgraded to a kmart grease pan for my pot. I was previously using a pot from my dads boy scout mess kit. He prolly' acquired the mess kit in the mid 50's would be my guess? I felt kinda' bad using it as I think it's sort of an antique. I take my favorite stocking cap with me on every backcountry trip. I was given this hat as a gift when I was in the 2nd grade I think? It's a miracle that it's still in one piece since I believe I was in the 2nd grade in the early 80's?!
Tipi Walter
11-28-2007, 20:45
Ok, since the Backpacking Geezors fondly remember their gear, I have two things for you. The first is this great website:
www.oregonphotos.com/Backpacking-Revolution1.html (http://www.oregonphotos.com/Backpacking-Revolution1.html)
And the next is this fotog of a young tipi walt(then known as fungus walt)with his army canteen and his stuffed yucca pack, circa 1963:
Thanks for sharing those Walter! Very nice links and you looked like a cool kid! :)
Thoughtful Owl
11-29-2007, 14:47
I think my oldest piece a gear that I still use occasionally is my old mess kit from my scouting days. Got when I first went from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts about 34 years or so ago.
I just finished a weekend hike with my Academy Broadway Jasper external frame pack bought back in the early 80's from K-Mart. It gets the job done but it is a beast, weighs like 5 pounds empty!
My oldest gear is a Sierra Designs down vest and Frostline(?) down booties I bought for my 1980 2000 mile hike. Wore them both yesterday.
I only retired my Trailwise Slimlite down bag bought at the same time because of a torn baffle in the hood I was told couldn't be repaired.
Truly good gear is worth even more than what it costs.:-?
My parents bought a used Coleman pop-up camper back in 1968. It cost $800, and they were reluctant to spend that kind of money, so the family selling the camper sweetened the deal with four U.S. Army down sleeping bags. We were told they were 15 years old at the time. I still have two of them. They aren't good for winter camping anymore, and they're pretty heavy, but I love them. I get in one and feel like I'm 6 years old again!
At the other extreme, yeah, I have to admit to running to REI whenever there's a sale on, too!
StarLyte
11-30-2007, 11:01
My ThermaRest pad is over 30 years old. My tent is 14. I've gone thru 4 packs and still have three of them. The oldest is external frame Jansport D3 which is over 30 years old and still usable. In fact I've probably got enough gear to outfit all of you if you didn't have any. Come on . . . let's go hiking! :D
Ha ha you win!
I sure wish I had my old gear from when I was kid...I do have my old esbit stove and some REAL old tabs my brothers saved for me when on bivuac overseas.
My dad made me a backpack over 40 years ago while hiking. He had to modify an adult canvas pack into one. I remember smelling it while using it for a pillow. Funny how you remember things like that...fond memories.
We should all get together and bring the old gear to show off. That would be real nice. Make it an old gear Ruck.
Great thread.
That's a great idea. I don't know who organizes "Trail Days" in Damascus each spring, but a "Display/trade your old gear" would be a great theme one year!
faarside
11-30-2007, 15:03
Coleman 400 multi-fuel stove w/ wind screen. In ten years, only had to replace the value (once). Keep it clean and stowed properly to keep dirt/dust out of it. Still use it.
Alligator
11-30-2007, 17:04
Don't know why I never read this thread before:confused:.
Oldest piece of gear I use occasionally is a hickory hiking staff my Dad gave me. It's at least 13 years or so old.
However, the next oldest that gets regular use is my Leki Poles, which are 9 years old.
I've got other functional gear that is too heavy to carry but older: Coleman solo tent (maybe a gossamer), Coleman camp cup, and a Peak 1 stove, all 19 years old.
I've had some items wear out when they were replaced and some were just replaced due to weight. I just move heavier items that are replaced over to the canoe camping/car camping bin.
modiyooch
01-17-2008, 11:49
I still have the external frame that I started with in 1980. It has travelled this far, it is my friend, and it will finish with me. Actually, I like it. Plenty of room, functional compartments. At his point, my bread gets a compartment all to itself.
I just trashed my sierra design tent from 1980 last year. That was a great tent and had a 27 year run. My husband actually thought about pulling it out of the trash, but he must have thought better of it when he got a whiff of the trail smell.
I will replace my poncho from 1980 this summer. I'll probably save some weight because I know longer need it to cover my pack. I don't see the point incovering my pack when I protect everything with garbage bagges, and plastic zip locks.
My cooking pot is old, black, dented. I don't know how old, but it works and I don't see the point in spending $50 to replace.
sleeping bag was the first to go. It was huge. clothing and stove have also been replaced.
modiyooch
01-17-2008, 11:51
ps. I had to replace a stove this year because I cannot readily find the fuel it was using. I like me new stove!!
My 2k7 thru hike was completed with a 1970 Kelty D4 pack weighing in empty at a mere 4 1/2 pounds. In it I carried a rather complete collection of "retro" gear which I had assembled during my '85 thru-hike and beforehand, including a SVEA 123R stove-- which seemed to out-perform the pop can stove I also carried and eventually abandoned. It was well worth the 1 pound plus weight. Other items included a stainless mess cup from the same era, various sundries, such as toenail clippers, pocket knife, and the like. The most interesting items? Some vintage Helly Hansen Lifa Polypropylene Underwear that a fellow down in Harpers Ferry actually offered to buy from me. The moral of the story is that with careful well educated gear choices, old gear does not have to be considered as clunky, awkward, out-dated and old-fashioned, but rather as tried and true quality gear, guaranteed to provide reliability and perform exactly as expected. Sure my pack weight was 37 pounds, but that included six days food and, uhm, winter gear, a paperback novel, and...er... water too. They did call me Retro...
I have a Korean war poncho that has actually had its quality improved by me using it. I very rarely carry it as a poncho. I use it in the winter as a frost cover over my bag or a pillow.
and dont take it on treks
"Buck" folding knife (1988)
Coleman Model 400 Stove (1990)
Coleman dual mantel latern (1992)
wishbone
01-17-2008, 23:58
I'm still using my Boy Scout knife, fork & spoon...... vintage pre-1965 and carry it with with pride!!
a 1944 army sleeping bag cover, it's still in great shape and i use it in the summer time in my HH, it's datd 8/17/1944 there is a video on my myspace page www.myspace.com/douglasofficial
I get in one and feel like I'm 6 years old again!
:) me to buddy!!!
Philippe
01-29-2008, 15:22
I have a Geo Schrade sheath knife that my brother gave me for my 11th birthday. That was in 1956. I guess that makes it 51 last November. I don't carry it on my belt anymore, but I carry it in my pack for oldtime's sake. Great thread.
Gregory Nova backpack, Searra designs metor light tent, coleman stove, crazy creek chair. All items are in excess of 15 years and for the most part are still going stong.
The tent has at least one pole that shouild be either repaired or replaced other than than its still hanging in there.
NICKTHEGREEK
09-10-2008, 16:57
My 59 yr old dragginas brand pack toter. Old and gray and frayed at the edges.
leeki pole
09-10-2008, 17:51
Okay, the gram weenies are going to get me, but I carry a backup knife that my dad gave me when I made Webelos in the Cub Scouts. It's an authentic Camillus made in New York and I would guess it's about 40 years old. Nice main blade, awl and can opener. It has come in handy.
mkmangold
09-10-2008, 18:11
... I have every stain memorized.
Ewww!!!
bikerscars
09-10-2008, 20:17
a no name folding knife with a four inch blade from the old country...
where on a vacation 30? years ago me and my grandfather were sitting at the farm using it to peel and cut potatoes...
he died a couple years back...it was the only time i saw him...but by all accounts he was a remarkable man
summitnh
04-04-2009, 18:59
I have a 22 year old Patagonia base layer shirt (purple) that I still wear
Kathfishes
04-04-2009, 19:20
Army Down Mummy Bag. a P-38, Gas Mask bag from WW1 that I use sometimes for Fishing Day hikes. Heck the newest piece of gear I have is 10yrs old, not countig footwear!