Rozzy
10-23-2012, 10:55
I'm day hiker starting from scratch when it comes to backpacking gear. I've decided that it's time to up my game. This April, I'm doing to do the Connecticut section of the AT, and over the summer, I'm considering a picking where I leave off in April and going through to Katahdin. If I don't end up doing that, I will do a lots of 3-5 day trips in the Whites over the summer.
Since my two biggest expenses will probably be my bag and my shelter, I thought it would be wise to seek advise here. I'm giving myself a budget of $600 for these items. Ideally, I would like to get the bag, pad, and shelter for $600.
Shelter:
I'm drawn to the idea of a tarp and a bivy, but I'm nervous about going in that direction. I'm not an experienced camper, and I'm not a McGuyver-type who is good at making rigs. From pricing things out, it looks like a tarp and bivy set up would be the best combination of affordable and light, but I'm seriously apprehensive about my ability to make this setup work for myself.
I'm leaning toward the Big Agnes Fly Creek 1. It's more money and little heavier, but it seems like it might be a better way to go for a rookie. I suspect I might convert to a tarp system someday. $319, 2 lbs 3 oz.
Sleeping Bag- Sea to Summit Trek 1 30 degree bag. It's affordable, fairly light, and I like the semi-rectangular shape. I'm a little concerned it won't be warm enough for April and I would consider going with the Trek II 20 degree. I'm a little concerned that might be a little hot for the summer, though, and it's also a lot heavier. $219 and 1 lb 13 oz. If I went with the Trek 2, it would run $249 and 2 lb 3 oz.
Pad - Not sure. For my budget, I think some kind of closed cell. Perhaps a Thermarest Z-Lite Sol, $45 14oz.
That would give me shelter and sleep for $585 and 4 lbs 14 oz. or $615 and 5 lb 4 oz with the warmer bag.
Does that sound reasonable? Should I not be so afraid to tarp? If I tarp, would I need a better bag? Am I foolish to not consider more expensive sleeping pads?
Since my two biggest expenses will probably be my bag and my shelter, I thought it would be wise to seek advise here. I'm giving myself a budget of $600 for these items. Ideally, I would like to get the bag, pad, and shelter for $600.
Shelter:
I'm drawn to the idea of a tarp and a bivy, but I'm nervous about going in that direction. I'm not an experienced camper, and I'm not a McGuyver-type who is good at making rigs. From pricing things out, it looks like a tarp and bivy set up would be the best combination of affordable and light, but I'm seriously apprehensive about my ability to make this setup work for myself.
I'm leaning toward the Big Agnes Fly Creek 1. It's more money and little heavier, but it seems like it might be a better way to go for a rookie. I suspect I might convert to a tarp system someday. $319, 2 lbs 3 oz.
Sleeping Bag- Sea to Summit Trek 1 30 degree bag. It's affordable, fairly light, and I like the semi-rectangular shape. I'm a little concerned it won't be warm enough for April and I would consider going with the Trek II 20 degree. I'm a little concerned that might be a little hot for the summer, though, and it's also a lot heavier. $219 and 1 lb 13 oz. If I went with the Trek 2, it would run $249 and 2 lb 3 oz.
Pad - Not sure. For my budget, I think some kind of closed cell. Perhaps a Thermarest Z-Lite Sol, $45 14oz.
That would give me shelter and sleep for $585 and 4 lbs 14 oz. or $615 and 5 lb 4 oz with the warmer bag.
Does that sound reasonable? Should I not be so afraid to tarp? If I tarp, would I need a better bag? Am I foolish to not consider more expensive sleeping pads?