GEAR
TENT
The first tent I owned was an A frame tent. I think it was about 30 dollars. My parents bought it at a store when we did a week long camping trip through Ireland. We had two of them. We used them for family trips for a long time. I loved the simplicity of those tents but they would have been too heavy for backpacking and they fell apart after 10 years of use. After I finished High school my parents upgraded to this small fortress of a 4 person tent. I believe it came with a bidet and everything. They gifted the tent to me when I was in undergrad but for backpacking purposes it would be really heavy to carry and it did not pack small. I did a little research and found the Sierra Designs Lightning. It packs super small and has a variable ways of setting up. Depending on Sun, Wind, Rain, Mosquitos you can set up the fly with the footprint and the leave the tent body behind dropping a few pounds. Or if you dont need the fly you can leave that behind. To be honest I always pack the whole tent. The tent seems to weigh next to nothing. The best part about this tent is the ease of setting it up. I can get this tent up in under minute which can be really handy in rainy situations. Also since the fly attaches to the outside you can set up the tent under fly in a rainy situation so the inside of your tent stays dry. Just remember to put the fly into the bag last. Wink* I have owned this tent since 2007 and it has no tears, no sign of slowing down. The zippers never get caught. One of the poles got slightly bent in a move but the tent is still going strong 5 years later. Unfortunately they do not make this tent anymore. The Sierra Designs Lightning HC does not resemble my tent in anyways so ... check out the REI Quarter Dome T2. Update. The Sierra Designs Zia 2 looks fairly similar and comes with a free footprint and tent attic.
More coming soon.
People get pretty excited about backpacking gear. For some people fantasizing about gear can be more enjoyable than actually getting out there and hiking. I can't say that I don't enjoy looking at some backpacking gear and I am not writing to judge anyone. This guide will consist of gear that I have bought and tested over the years. Most of this gear I have owned for about 1-5 years so I know about its durability. Keep in mind that when shopping I am usually looking for gear that is lightweight, durable and a good price. You wont find me purchasing a 500 dollar backpack anytime soon because that is out of my price range. Gear manufacturers update their product often. In order to keep up with the manufacturers I will try to list the product that coincides most currently with the item I might have purchased 6 or 7 years ago.
BACKPACK
My first backpack is still the one I used today. The Kelty Shadow 4500. I love this backpack. Feels great. This pack is lightweight and great for day hikes or for multiple day hikes. I would say that the shadow really is in its prime on a 3-4 day hike but with careful planning could be used for a 5-7 day hike. The durability of this pack is amazing. I have been rough of this pack over the years. There is mildew growing on it! Every time I take it for a spin though, the zippers still work, the straps are as strong as the day I bought them. This backpack is approaching "name" status. Taking suggestions below in the comment box. The shadow 4500 is no longer made today but the Kelty Lakota is fairly similar. I think the Lakota has slightly less space but the trend in backpacking towards "über light" should allow for the same equipment in less space.
TENT
The first tent I owned was an A frame tent. I think it was about 30 dollars. My parents bought it at a store when we did a week long camping trip through Ireland. We had two of them. We used them for family trips for a long time. I loved the simplicity of those tents but they would have been too heavy for backpacking and they fell apart after 10 years of use. After I finished High school my parents upgraded to this small fortress of a 4 person tent. I believe it came with a bidet and everything. They gifted the tent to me when I was in undergrad but for backpacking purposes it would be really heavy to carry and it did not pack small. I did a little research and found the Sierra Designs Lightning. It packs super small and has a variable ways of setting up. Depending on Sun, Wind, Rain, Mosquitos you can set up the fly with the footprint and the leave the tent body behind dropping a few pounds. Or if you dont need the fly you can leave that behind. To be honest I always pack the whole tent. The tent seems to weigh next to nothing. The best part about this tent is the ease of setting it up. I can get this tent up in under minute which can be really handy in rainy situations. Also since the fly attaches to the outside you can set up the tent under fly in a rainy situation so the inside of your tent stays dry. Just remember to put the fly into the bag last. Wink* I have owned this tent since 2007 and it has no tears, no sign of slowing down. The zippers never get caught. One of the poles got slightly bent in a move but the tent is still going strong 5 years later. Unfortunately they do not make this tent anymore. The Sierra Designs Lightning HC does not resemble my tent in anyways so ... check out the REI Quarter Dome T2. Update. The Sierra Designs Zia 2 looks fairly similar and comes with a free footprint and tent attic.
More coming soon.
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