Anyone into Backpacking?

[KillerCharlie]

One thing I wouldn't get used is one of those inflatable sleeping pads. It's hard to tell if its got a leak.

I completely disagree, foam pads suck - a lot.

I had a self-inflatable thermarest that was okay, but I recently bought a Big Agnes pad. It takes a couple minutes to blow up, but it's half the weight and 2-3 times thicker than a thermarest when blown up. It's so comfortable I can sleep on my side. Bring a patch kit and you don't have to worry about leaks.

 

[GoSharks]

Bring a patch kit and you don't have to worry about leaks.

Finding a leak in an inflatable anything is not a trivial task. Have you ever had to patch a leak? PITA. I love my inflatable, but if my survival, or even ability to sleep, depended on it (ie winter), I would never rely solely on it.

 

[DrPizza]

Depending on the temperature outside and the duration of your trip, sometimes it's very nice to splurge on the extra pound or two of weight in your pack to carry some extra goodies. If it's 80 degrees, then I'd hate to carry the extra weight, because it equals more sweat. But if it's in the 60's... a pound of bacon, frozen before the trip, and insulated by wrapping it inside your spare clothes, will take quite a while before it thaws. Powdered pancakes, just add water, are also a nice treat.

Having gone on quite a few backpacking trips with larger groups, I don't think anything even comes close to comparing to having pancakes and bacon (with syrup) on the 2nd morning, while everyone else is eating oatmeal.

 

[Bignate603]

I completely disagree, foam pads suck - a lot.

I had a self-inflatable thermarest that was okay, but I recently bought a Big Agnes pad. It takes a couple minutes to blow up, but it's half the weight and 2-3 times thicker than a thermarest when blown up. It's so comfortable I can sleep on my side. Bring a patch kit and you don't have to worry about leaks.

I didn't say "don't buy an inflatable" I said "don't buy an inflatable USED". It's hard to tell if the person is selling it because it's sprung a leak unless it's an absolutely massive one. If its a small leak it won't be easy to tell just by looking at the pad but it will still deflate over the course of the night. I've got an inflatable which I is pretty nice but I've had to do a patch once and it's an absolute pain in the butt to locate the leak, not something that you want to do on the trail. If you're going to be paying money for it, it's worth a few extra bucks to make sure you get one without a leak.

 

[Sukhoi]

I didn't say "don't buy an inflatable" I said "don't buy an inflatable USED". It's hard to tell if the person is selling it because it's sprung a leak unless it's an absolutely massive one. If its a small leak it won't be easy to tell just by looking at the pad but it will still deflate over the course of the night. I've got an inflatable which I is pretty nice but I've had to do a patch once and it's an absolute pain in the butt to locate the leak, not something that you want to do on the trail. If you're going to be paying money for it, it's worth a few extra bucks to make sure you get one without a leak.

Actually buying used inflatable pads is about the best deal in the world. I've bought two $95 Therm-a-Rest pads for $12 each at REI used gear sales. I easily found the leak in each in the bath tub and patched in 10 minutes. Both pads have been used for near 100 nights with no leaks.

 

[SaDiZTiKStyLeZ]

This thread did remind me. But didn't have chance to inquire about it before my ban.

I've been trying to find a cross body pack like this for my offroading adventures:

This Pacsafe VentureSafe 150 is the only thing that seems to appear in searches. Not exactly what I was looking for, but was wondering if anybody else had similar, or better recommendations, that may match more closely with what I had in mind.

Offroad type of shops around here didn't have anything close, but am going to keep an eye out for stores while I'm out today, and hope I come across some. If I remember.

 

[Bignate603]

Actually buying used inflatable pads is about the best deal in the world. I've bought two $95 Therm-a-Rest pads for $12 each at REI used gear sales. I easily found the leak in each in the bath tub and patched in 10 minutes. Both pads have been used for near 100 nights with no leaks.

Sounds like you got lucky. I on the other hand did not. I bought one used and it has a leak on the seam at the very edge. The patch kit doesn't work well if the leak isn't on a flat spot of the pad. I've tried multiple times but can't get it to seal.

 

[Farang]

Key is to just do it. Good to read tips and whatnot, but there are so many variations of how you can approach backpacking that you won't know what you want until you have done some trips. Spend as little as possible on equipment at first, borrow or buy used when possible.

Example is backpack size. You don't know how big of a backpack you need because a) you don't know exactly what you're taking with you and b) you don't know how long of trips you like to take.

 

[Sukhoi]

Sounds like you got lucky. I on the other hand did not. I bought one used and it has a leak on the seam at the very edge. The patch kit doesn't work well if the leak isn't on a flat spot of the pad. I've tried multiple times but can't get it to seal.

Odd, maybe you should try a different patch kit. One of the leaks actually was right at the corner where the thick part of the pad transitions to the thin edge. Haven't had any trouble with it. I do suppose if the two layers were separating with the leak coming out the end of the thin part it would be very hard to fix.

 

[SaDiZTiKStyLeZ]

OP was already mauled by bears. Nothing to be seen here children. Move along now.

 

[Zebo]

For warm weather - hot weather camping and backpacking, I usually use around a 3,000 cubic inch maxpedition vulture-ii pack.

Here is a general backpacking camping forum you might want to check out

Some of my basic gear for an overnight trip

eureka solitaire tent
maxpedition vulture-ii
sleeping bag
sleeping pad
led light
bug spray
water filter
change of clothes
hammock - lightweight parachute hammock
topo map
gps
map compass
cell phone
matches / fire starter
mres or mountain house freeze dried meals
stove
multi-tool
knife

Good advice. I also bring a full medical kit including sutures, tourniquets, QuikClot combat gauze, etc and learn how to treat serious trauma. In the woods there is no 911.

 

[goobernoodles]

Going to bump this thread.

Anyone know of any good weekend backpacking hikes within 2-3 hours of Seattle? For this time of year, that is. A lot of great hikes for July-August that I read about are still covered in snow or are totally inaccessible.

Since I posted this thread, I've gotten an REI 50L pack, a Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 2 tent, and a Big Agnes 20 degree down sleeping bag. Also picked up a compass, water filter, and some other small items.

I still need to get a knife, synthetic clothing, a good pair of boots, and rain gear. Anyone have any suggestions with those items?

 

[The_Dude8]

Going to bump this thread.

Anyone know of any good weekend backpacking hikes within 2-3 hours of Seattle? For this time of year, that is. A lot of great hikes for July-August that I read about are still covered in snow or are totally inaccessible.

Since I posted this thread, I've gotten an REI 50L pack, a Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 2 tent, and a Big Agnes 20 degree down sleeping bag. Also picked up a compass, water filter, and some other small items.

I still to get a knife, synthetic clothing, a good pair of boots, and rain gear. Anyone have any suggestions with those items?

1. Knife: get a light weight knive, ie, like a swiss army knife
2 synthetic clothing, brands i like are patagonia, mountain hardware, get them when they're on sale, you need go get a base layer for sleeping at night
3. boots:
http://www.rei.com/search?query=hiking+boot&button.x=0&button.y=0
depend on your budget

 

[davmat787]

Thanks, that's a lot of good info.

Are there any places you'd recommend I check out as I get into it?

There are many good trailheads off of I90 between Issaquah and the pass, many are good for beginners as well. I would recommend starting with the likes of Mt. Si, Tiger Mt, Annette Lake, etc. All are easy to get to, are day hikes, and will be well traveled with other hikers.

I used to do a ton of hiking/camping here in WA, up to 50+ milers where you are out in the woods for over a week with 60+ pounds of gear. Unfortunately, it has been several years due to an injury that prevents me from doing any serious hiking now days. :'(

There are a ton of good books on hiking in WA, detailing how difficult each trail is, what to watch out for, and what to bring. I really like these series of books, they are detailed and have separate books for each area of WA.

http://www.amazon.com/Day-Hiking-Nor...5663313&sr=1-6

 

[IceBergSLiM]

Visit your local REI and talk to the folks that work in the camping section.

yeah only if your rich though.

 

[The_Dude8]

yeah only if your rich though.

I thought everyone on ATOT are rich and have model girlfriends. Gear from rei are chump changes for ATOT members.

 

[GoSharks]

I still to get a knife

I'm pretty sure I've never needed a knife once in the 10+ years that I've backpacked.

 

[Farang]

yeah only if your rich though.

REI tends to have the lowest prices because it is the walmart of outdoor recreation (read: big shop that gets the best wholesale deals). That in addition to the 10% refund you get because it is a non-profit co-op.

Definitely areas to avoid, like bicycles or equipment rentals. But overall the first and last place I check before I buy gear.

 

[GoSharks]

REI tends to have the lowest prices because it is the walmart of outdoor recreation (read: big shop that gets the best wholesale deals). That in addition to the 10% refund you get because it is a non-profit co-op.

Definitely areas to avoid, like bicycles or equipment rentals. But overall the first and last place I check before I buy gear.

That only applies to REI's house brand, and even then, you can get similar items at lower prices when they go on sale elsewhere. Ignoring sale events, REI sells inventory at MSRP - there is no denying that.

Apart from their formerly twice a year Super Clearance events (they haven't had one in over a year now...), you will find similarly priced identical items from other retailers, especially online.

REI does not tend to have the lowest prices on non-house brand gear. Not a chance.

 

[Bignate603]

Odd, maybe you should try a different patch kit. One of the leaks actually was right at the corner where the thick part of the pad transitions to the thin edge. Haven't had any trouble with it. I do suppose if the two layers were separating with the leak coming out the end of the thin part it would be very hard to fix.

That's exactly what's happening. I haven't figured a way to fix it yet.

 

[Bignate603]

That only applies to REI's house brand, and even then, you can get similar items at lower prices when they go on sale elsewhere. Ignoring sale events, REI sells inventory at MSRP - there is no denying that.

Apart from their formerly twice a year Super Clearance events (they haven't had one in over a year now...), you will find similarly priced identical items from other retailers, especially online.

REI does not tend to have the lowest prices on non-house brand gear. Not a chance.

Yes, you may find stuff cheaper elsewhere bu REI has an awesome return policy. If it doesn't work, bring it back. No questions asked. Not getting stuck with something you don't like saves you quite a bit of money.

 

[Farang]

That only applies to REI's house brand, and even then, you can get similar items at lower prices when they go on sale elsewhere. Ignoring sale events, REI sells inventory at MSRP - there is no denying that.

Apart from their formerly twice a year Super Clearance events (they haven't had one in over a year now...), you will find similarly priced identical items from other retailers, especially online.

REI does not tend to have the lowest prices on non-house brand gear. Not a chance.

For REI members (which anyone who ever intends to shop there, even infrequently, should be) you get 10% off. So their items are "similarly priced"--plus 10% off.

For me personally I also have an REI credit card, for an extra 5% off. So the baseline REI offers is 15% off regular prices, regular prices being basically equal for them, online retailers, and mom and pops.

On top of that twice yearly they have 20% off one item sales. This helps with bigger purchases, skis or boots or whatever.

While there are a lot of deals to be found elsewhere, as far as a starting point to find gear I don't see how REI can be beat. Like I said it is my first and last--I'll go there first to see what something costs, look around for a deal, but most of the time come back to REI last because it is the best deal.

 

[davmat787]

Does anyone else remember shopping at the old REI on the corner of 156th and Norhtup in Bellevue? I think I bought my first hiking backpack there. REI's stores sure are fancier now, to say the least.

 

[Sukhoi]

Going to bump this thread.

Anyone know of any good weekend backpacking hikes within 2-3 hours of Seattle? For this time of year, that is. A lot of great hikes for July-August that I read about are still covered in snow or are totally inaccessible.

Since I posted this thread, I've gotten an REI 50L pack, a Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 2 tent, and a Big Agnes 20 degree down sleeping bag. Also picked up a compass, water filter, and some other small items.

I still need to get a knife, synthetic clothing, a good pair of boots, and rain gear. Anyone have any suggestions with those items?

Haven't done much of it myself, but I know there is a ton of stuff around the Olympic Peninsula. Just need to make sure it's not raining.

 

[KillerCharlie]

I really wouldn't overdo it on the rain gear. Buy something cheap and light (like a marmot precip). Just don't plan to hike when there's heavy rain. There isn't much point being high in the mountains when you can't see anything anyways.