9 June 2010
Oceanside, CA
For the backpacker who needs some basics and has a little bit of green in his pockets, here are some items high on my list of recommendations.
Lighting:
I recommend using one sturdy, bright multi-task LED (doubles as headlamp / lantern) and one keychain LED backup:
Main: 4Sevens Quark AA or AA2. Don't faint at the price: this light is bomb-proof, water-proof to 12 feet, and can outshine most lanterns. I use them cycling, and carry one at all times. Both models weigh about the same before batteries, but the 2AA model is twice as bright. Though otherwise nearly identical, the most important feature which sets 4Sevens Quark lights above current Fenix models is moonlight mode (.2 lumens) which allows you to read discreetly without waking up others, and do other clandestine things. The benefit the 2AA model is a sure grip and less need to carry spare batteries separately on long trips. The upside of the 1AA model is that it is smaller and thus weighs less, and with the included clip, can be more easily clipped to the bill of a hat. Free shipping from 4Sevens.
Backup: iNova LED keychain - This light is not so feature-full as the Photon Freedom, but in my experience it is more durable and convenient. Three modes: low-high-flash.
Air Pad:
Backpacking on poor sleep is not fun, and your pad makes a big difference. If I had just one pad, the Big Agnes Air Core 2.5" might be the one. Unlike self-inflate pads, this takes a few minutes to fill but you'll get seven or eight superb hours of rest. I've never felt the bumpy ground beneath my pad. It's truly more comfortable to me than most bed mattresses. Combined with a closed-cell foam pad, it works well in the snow.
Stove:
Bomb-proof alcohol stove. Meet the Trangia West Wind - No frills, just works. Runs on Denatured Alcohol available everywhere. For weekend trips I bring a 5 .oz bottle, similar to this. One ounce per basic meal. If all you do is boil water at high altitude, or sub-freezing temps, you may prefer a MSR Pocket Rocket.
Cook Gear:
If you mostly boil water for your meals, go for the GSI Soloist. Mine has been great. If you want more culinary freedom to branch out or aspire to make friends, nothing beats the GSI Pinnacle Backpacker for the price. Saute vegetables, cook pasta, fry meat and eggs, or make pop corn with ease.
Sleeping Bag:
Unless you're a specialist, I recommend synthetic over down. While weighing a bit more, it works while wet -- and you can bet the day you buy a down bag, your tent will leak. Also, I suggest that if you only own one bag, you get one rated for 15o or 20o one. Why? Because you can use it closed in Winter with a liner, or by itself in Spring and Autumn. During Summer, use it open, or like a quilt, if at all.
I purchased a Mountain Hardwear Lamina 20o because of a sale, but I recommend any of these Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, or REI bags. Don't let the price fool you, they are all great. (Note, these are the long models, which I suggest for anyone 5'10" and taller. Then you can put a pillow inside, and keep some gear warm at the end, like batteries.)
Rain Gear:
An absolute must. Rain gear not only helps protect you from getting soaked (read: dying of exposure) but functions as a wind breaker. Often I have a North Face Venture jacket on the outside, with fleece under. As things warm up from activity, the fleece comes off but the rain jacket stays on to block wind. I zip or unzip to regulate heat flow. Other jackets include the Patagonia Torrentshell and Marmot Precip, though I'm not a fan of the Precip shape and have heard mixed reviews. For pants, I use the Northface version. For budget-minded folks, these Helly Hanson Voss' are bomber, but I hear don't breathe as well.
Wind Layer:
In order to block wind, fleece has to be really thick which means you can overheat. Imagine riding a cycle up and down hills in 50o weather. Cold wind on your chest and arms going down, but a burning workout on the climbs. Now imagine hiking into cold winds. Do you want a warm chest and a sweaty back from thick fleece, or a comfortable back with a cold chest, without the fleece? Instead of thick fleece consider a wind shirt like the REI OXT Airflyte or Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie, layered over a medium fleece when needed.
Primary Insulation Layer:
The key is workable layers, based on activity. The ones I brought for my last cycling trip were over-kill for the temps I was in (30o-65o). If you are going to be active in reasonably cold weather, you'll want an insulating layer thin enough to shed heat and sweat, but still keep you warm in adverse climates. This Marmot fleece is a good bet, or this REI Muir Woods version.
Down Jacket (DJ):
If you'll be hanging out in camp for hours and hours in cool weather, bring a lightweight DJ as well, instead of one thick fleece. I like the North Face Nupste. Yes, it's expensive but comes with a lifetime warranty and does the job. I've worn just my down jacket and a t-shirt below freezing, and felt fine. I also wear it in my sleeping bag, making my 20o bag into a 10o bag. Thing is, you don't want to wear a DJ while backpacking because moisture and down are not friends.
Base Layers:
I realize I'm not with the cool kids on this one, but if I'm not being really active then I wear cotton or wool. Just plain old T-shirts during warm weather, and light thermals in colder areas. Why? Because it doesn't smell so bad (my experience) as polyester and spandex, like Under Armor. I also wear the Target Merona brand thermal bottoms if necessary, wool or cotton.
Pants:
I like convertibles well enough, but usually just wear Mil-spec pants like these 5.11 Tactical Pants, which can be rolled up if I'm warm. I like the durability and assortment of pockets. I wore the same pair for about 80 straight days while cycling and backpacking the Pacific.
Trekking Poles:
I jacked my knees and ankles up largely because I was climbing and descending without good support. I strongly recommend selling a kidney to purchase adjustable poles. So far as I know, these Black Diamond Trail Ergo's have the best price-to-rating ratio. They can save your life on a slip!
Weather Radio:
Before setting off on my cycling trip, I wondered if bringing a weather radio was excessive. Not at all! Often without cell or internet access for days, I depended on my Sangean DT-40 to get hourly and weekly reports during the fast changing storm patterns that hit the North West. Weight was small, battery life was great, and I found myself preferring radio to my iPod, since it gave me a sense of community on lonely stretches of highway. I liked having the news, too.
Digital Voice Recorder:
I love journaling and enjoy the classic feel of pen on paper, but not while backpacking. For active sports I prefer digital recorders because I don't have to stop moving to take note of ideas and melodies that comes to mind. Check your .mp3 player and cell phone; either might have a recording mode. Also check Craig's List or Ebay. People often sell to upgrade, since recorders can be expensive.
If you want something dedicated you'll need to decide whether you want super quality or something that just gets the job done:
Lowball: The Sony ICD-PX820 is a bit pricey, but is simplicity itself. Unlike cheaper recorders, it outputs to convenient .mp3 via drag-and-drop USB, like a generic flash drive. While limited to monaural recording, it will suffice for simple voice tasks and introduce you to the medium. I keep one on me at all times for memos and interesting conversations.
Fancy pants: Either the Sony PCM M-10 or Olympus LS-10. Both feature stereo recording and very high quality, which can be nice for resurrecting memories of campfire talks or nature sounds. The Sony has three times better battery life and does more, but is slightly larger (deck of cards) and costs more. Both are good enough to begin an effort into pod casting.
Still wondering about particular gear? Feel free to ask!
Oceanside, CA
For the backpacker who needs some basics and has a little bit of green in his pockets, here are some items high on my list of recommendations.
Lighting:
I recommend using one sturdy, bright multi-task LED (doubles as headlamp / lantern) and one keychain LED backup:
Main: 4Sevens Quark AA or AA2. Don't faint at the price: this light is bomb-proof, water-proof to 12 feet, and can outshine most lanterns. I use them cycling, and carry one at all times. Both models weigh about the same before batteries, but the 2AA model is twice as bright. Though otherwise nearly identical, the most important feature which sets 4Sevens Quark lights above current Fenix models is moonlight mode (.2 lumens) which allows you to read discreetly without waking up others, and do other clandestine things. The benefit the 2AA model is a sure grip and less need to carry spare batteries separately on long trips. The upside of the 1AA model is that it is smaller and thus weighs less, and with the included clip, can be more easily clipped to the bill of a hat. Free shipping from 4Sevens.
Backup: iNova LED keychain - This light is not so feature-full as the Photon Freedom, but in my experience it is more durable and convenient. Three modes: low-high-flash.
Air Pad:
Backpacking on poor sleep is not fun, and your pad makes a big difference. If I had just one pad, the Big Agnes Air Core 2.5" might be the one. Unlike self-inflate pads, this takes a few minutes to fill but you'll get seven or eight superb hours of rest. I've never felt the bumpy ground beneath my pad. It's truly more comfortable to me than most bed mattresses. Combined with a closed-cell foam pad, it works well in the snow.
Stove:
Bomb-proof alcohol stove. Meet the Trangia West Wind - No frills, just works. Runs on Denatured Alcohol available everywhere. For weekend trips I bring a 5 .oz bottle, similar to this. One ounce per basic meal. If all you do is boil water at high altitude, or sub-freezing temps, you may prefer a MSR Pocket Rocket.
Cook Gear:
If you mostly boil water for your meals, go for the GSI Soloist. Mine has been great. If you want more culinary freedom to branch out or aspire to make friends, nothing beats the GSI Pinnacle Backpacker for the price. Saute vegetables, cook pasta, fry meat and eggs, or make pop corn with ease.
Sleeping Bag:
Unless you're a specialist, I recommend synthetic over down. While weighing a bit more, it works while wet -- and you can bet the day you buy a down bag, your tent will leak. Also, I suggest that if you only own one bag, you get one rated for 15o or 20o one. Why? Because you can use it closed in Winter with a liner, or by itself in Spring and Autumn. During Summer, use it open, or like a quilt, if at all.
I purchased a Mountain Hardwear Lamina 20o because of a sale, but I recommend any of these Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, or REI bags. Don't let the price fool you, they are all great. (Note, these are the long models, which I suggest for anyone 5'10" and taller. Then you can put a pillow inside, and keep some gear warm at the end, like batteries.)
Rain Gear:
An absolute must. Rain gear not only helps protect you from getting soaked (read: dying of exposure) but functions as a wind breaker. Often I have a North Face Venture jacket on the outside, with fleece under. As things warm up from activity, the fleece comes off but the rain jacket stays on to block wind. I zip or unzip to regulate heat flow. Other jackets include the Patagonia Torrentshell and Marmot Precip, though I'm not a fan of the Precip shape and have heard mixed reviews. For pants, I use the Northface version. For budget-minded folks, these Helly Hanson Voss' are bomber, but I hear don't breathe as well.
Wind Layer:
In order to block wind, fleece has to be really thick which means you can overheat. Imagine riding a cycle up and down hills in 50o weather. Cold wind on your chest and arms going down, but a burning workout on the climbs. Now imagine hiking into cold winds. Do you want a warm chest and a sweaty back from thick fleece, or a comfortable back with a cold chest, without the fleece? Instead of thick fleece consider a wind shirt like the REI OXT Airflyte or Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie, layered over a medium fleece when needed.
Primary Insulation Layer:
The key is workable layers, based on activity. The ones I brought for my last cycling trip were over-kill for the temps I was in (30o-65o). If you are going to be active in reasonably cold weather, you'll want an insulating layer thin enough to shed heat and sweat, but still keep you warm in adverse climates. This Marmot fleece is a good bet, or this REI Muir Woods version.
Down Jacket (DJ):
If you'll be hanging out in camp for hours and hours in cool weather, bring a lightweight DJ as well, instead of one thick fleece. I like the North Face Nupste. Yes, it's expensive but comes with a lifetime warranty and does the job. I've worn just my down jacket and a t-shirt below freezing, and felt fine. I also wear it in my sleeping bag, making my 20o bag into a 10o bag. Thing is, you don't want to wear a DJ while backpacking because moisture and down are not friends.
Base Layers:
I realize I'm not with the cool kids on this one, but if I'm not being really active then I wear cotton or wool. Just plain old T-shirts during warm weather, and light thermals in colder areas. Why? Because it doesn't smell so bad (my experience) as polyester and spandex, like Under Armor. I also wear the Target Merona brand thermal bottoms if necessary, wool or cotton.
Pants:
I like convertibles well enough, but usually just wear Mil-spec pants like these 5.11 Tactical Pants, which can be rolled up if I'm warm. I like the durability and assortment of pockets. I wore the same pair for about 80 straight days while cycling and backpacking the Pacific.
Trekking Poles:
I jacked my knees and ankles up largely because I was climbing and descending without good support. I strongly recommend selling a kidney to purchase adjustable poles. So far as I know, these Black Diamond Trail Ergo's have the best price-to-rating ratio. They can save your life on a slip!
Weather Radio:
Before setting off on my cycling trip, I wondered if bringing a weather radio was excessive. Not at all! Often without cell or internet access for days, I depended on my Sangean DT-40 to get hourly and weekly reports during the fast changing storm patterns that hit the North West. Weight was small, battery life was great, and I found myself preferring radio to my iPod, since it gave me a sense of community on lonely stretches of highway. I liked having the news, too.
Digital Voice Recorder:
I love journaling and enjoy the classic feel of pen on paper, but not while backpacking. For active sports I prefer digital recorders because I don't have to stop moving to take note of ideas and melodies that comes to mind. Check your .mp3 player and cell phone; either might have a recording mode. Also check Craig's List or Ebay. People often sell to upgrade, since recorders can be expensive.
If you want something dedicated you'll need to decide whether you want super quality or something that just gets the job done:
Lowball: The Sony ICD-PX820 is a bit pricey, but is simplicity itself. Unlike cheaper recorders, it outputs to convenient .mp3 via drag-and-drop USB, like a generic flash drive. While limited to monaural recording, it will suffice for simple voice tasks and introduce you to the medium. I keep one on me at all times for memos and interesting conversations.
Fancy pants: Either the Sony PCM M-10 or Olympus LS-10. Both feature stereo recording and very high quality, which can be nice for resurrecting memories of campfire talks or nature sounds. The Sony has three times better battery life and does more, but is slightly larger (deck of cards) and costs more. Both are good enough to begin an effort into pod casting.
Still wondering about particular gear? Feel free to ask!
Labels: gear list, gear reviews
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Sounds like some good recommendations, I have yet to backpack but I plan on it this summer! I have most everything I need so it will be interesting to see how it all works out in the wilderness :)