in the mood for new gear

[wawhitey]

So im just gonna take one big hit, get everything at once. On the menu :

Pack
Tent
sleeping bag
Water filtration system
Boots
Camp stove

Lots of "recommend a pack /tent etc" threads out there, and im all ears as far as that goes, but what i really want is to actually try on some different packs. Is there anywhere to do this? Seems like cabelas just sells their own branded crap in store. Hate buying an expensive pack online based solely on recommendation from a stranger without ever getting my hands on it first.

So, say youve got the same shopping list as me. What are you buying, what are you avoiding?

Im thinking 2 person tent so i have a little room for stashing some gear inside it if need be to keep it dry. Light is good, easy setup is good, floorless is bad.

Packwise i want a detachable frame, and a way to securely hold my rifle or bow is a bonus. Something i can take off the frame and throw in the washing machine to get the blood out.

Boots... im sick of buying junk boots. Really, i waste too much money by trying to save money on boots. Obviously something with good support, but not the rock hard soles that are impossible to stalk in. September- november boots.

Water filtration i want low maintenance. Thinking of doing a basic filter / uv pen combo here

[Brendan]

Pack-wise - I personally like Kifaru. The frame is separate from the bag - so first you pick the frame based on your body type. 3 different sizes (22"/24"/26"), 2 different profiles (flat / normal), Stays can either be ultralight - arrow shafts , contoured carbon fiber, or aluminum. The profile is adjustable with the aluminum if need be. Then, you can buy the bag and all the pockets based on what you're looking for. The problem is - there's almost too many choices here. The Mountain Rambler (if you can find one used on Rokslide) is a smaller to medium sized pack, with meat shelf, integrated rifle scabbard. You can also use their "Gun Bearer" accessory to carry a bow or rifle "at the ready" under your arm, or there's a whole bunch of ways to lash a bow or rifle to the back of the pack. The big problem here - they're at the top end in terms of price, they have the most options / configurations to sort through so it can be tough making up your mind. I bet that you could find some local WA folks who would be happy to let you check out their packs. Rokslide gets some pretty heavy traffic so posting a thread there would probably link you up with someone. Otherwise - if you could get to Denver - I'm sure you could get someone at Kifaru to fit you for a frame and go through all the different options.

Other Pack Options - Exo, Stone Glacier, Mystery Ranch, even Kuiu depending on what you're looking for and if you can find some to try on.

Tent - Hilleberg Anjan 2 or Anjan 2 GT, but they're expensive. I've heard good things about the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2, but haven't used one myself.

Sleeping Bag - I have been using an enlightened equipment quilt, and love it as I tend to move around a lot. Mine is down, so it is super light and comfortable, but I woouldn't choose down if I hunted / camped in very wet conditions.

Boots - very specific for your own foot. What works for someone else might be horrible for you. I personally use the Scarpa Triolet and like them, but they're probably stiffer than what you're looking for. Lowa, Zamberlan, Crispi, Kenetrek, Scarpa all get great reviews depending on who you ask. Best thing might be to order several pairs from a place that does free returns to wear around your house. If you buy from REI you could always return them within a year.

Water Filtration - I have a Katadyn Hiker Pro pump that I can pump directly into a water bladder in my pack without removing it - I set it up with quick disconnects. It is a little slow sometimes. Some people really like the Sawyer Squeeze, but I wasn't a big fan. They'd probably work great for gravity filtering from one bag to another at camp. My hunting partner used a Steripen last year and it was simple and faster. I will probably use a Steripen this year and use Aquamira as a backup.

[pointysticks]

i'm gonna get rid of my Kifaru.

it's a great pack, just not the GREAT pack i worked it up in my mind to be.. i have ZERO clue about the newest models.

i have my next pack in wait..and wait. they need to hurry up. i am getting a Mystery Ranch Metcalf. i think it will hit all the marks since i now know what i like and dont like in a pack. i'm a lot stronger of a hiker, so a slight weight penalty i can live with.

Sleeping bag. boy, i love my Western Mountaineering. i regret not go a tad warmer, but this bag is WARM!! i just want to push it more with my winter hunts. i've woken up with frost on my bag and the thing frozen. i was not warm, but not freezing either. it has the best zipper in the business.

[wawhitey]

Brendan are you talking aquamira drops or tablets? Does it really matter? Water has always been a pain in the ass for me, i can always pack and stash several gallons but it limits my mobility. Im over that crap, i want to just take water from whatever creek i come to so i can go further and stay longer.

[pointysticks]

water filters are awesome these days. so many options!!

they all have pro/cons.

hand pump filters are the bulkiest. and there are things that can freeze, break...BUT!! they will save your butt if you have to pump water out of a crack in the rocks..or a seep.

Sawyer works GREAT!! light, simple, no mechanics. but you need a ready water source. one that you can get water from easily..river, lake, active seep, etc.

that Steripen is a good back up. i dont like it. you need a nalgene bottle, so if you are using a camelback..you still need a bottle. and it takes 90 seconds to do the work. in the woods, 90 seconds feels like an eternity after awhile..especailly if you are thirsty.

pill/drops..you need water you can reach. it is best if it is clear of clean looking..(same with steripen) but you could drink leaves and twigs without getting sick..it's just not normal for me. some leave a taste. i have some great one that are tiny and fizz like alka seltzer. but they work in darkness, so i have to wrap up my bottle. i think UV light ruins the affect IIRC. and IIRC, it needs to treat for a time period. and that sucks if you need water NOW!!

[wawhitey]

Water thing is handled. Ordered an msr guardian and also a steripen for backup. Guardian seems a little bulky, but worth it for the low maintenance simplicity i think.

[wawhitey]

Thinking about a brooks range foray 2p tent. Anybody have one? Screw it just ordered one. Sick of the indecision. Next up, sleeping bag. Having a hard time deciding

[Brendan]

Water thing is handled. Ordered an msr guardian and also a steripen for backup. Guardian seems a little bulky, but worth it for the low maintenance simplicity i think.

I've heard great things about the MSR Guardian. It's the same thing with any filter - but don't let it freeze as it can damage the filter element, and pay attention to not letting the intake hose "contaminate" the outlet hose. Defeats the purpose if you take a hose covered in dirty water and throw it in the same bag next to the one that will be filling your bottle / bladder.

If you're going to use a water bladder - getting all the quick disconnects set up makes it very convenient to fill without spillage and getting everything wet.

Regarding the steripen - my hunting partner was able to fill his water bladder and bottles faster using the steripen than I was with my Katadyn hiker pro. It is just "Hook up and Pump" - but sometimes it's slow pumping with the backpressure from the filter.

[wawhitey]

Sleeping bag is handled. Only real hurdle now is deciding on a pack. Need to get my hands on a few. My days of being limited by crap gear are about over.

[Ilikefire]

I wear Hiax boots for work and hunting/hiking. They are made in Germany and hold up better than any other boots that I've tried especially at work, my Hiax boots have held up to 3 years now of constant abuse in the station and out on wildfires. Depending on where you are located you can find a store that sells Hiax boots and go try them on. I wear mine 16+ hours a day at work so I added in Superfeet insoles and it made an already comfortable boot even more comfortable.

[pointysticks]

Water thing is handled. Ordered an msr guardian and also a steripen for backup. Guardian seems a little bulky, but worth it for the low maintenance simplicity i think.

That's my next unit!!


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

[wawhitey]

Anybody use these?

http://www.cabelas.com/product/msr-reg- ... &Ntt=stove

[wawhitey]

Ordered the 1.0l msr reactor. Now im down to pack and boots, neither of which ill buy online without getting ahold of them first to check out in person.

[wawhitey]

i'm gonna get rid of my Kifaru.

it's a great pack, just not the GREAT pack i worked it up in my mind to be.. i have ZERO clue about the newest models.

i have my next pack in wait..and wait. they need to hurry up. i am getting a Mystery Ranch Metcalf. i think it will hit all the marks since i now know what i like and dont like in a pack. i'm a lot stronger of a hiker, so a slight weight penalty i can live with.

Sleeping bag. boy, i love my Western Mountaineering. i regret not go a tad warmer, but this bag is WARM!! i just want to push it more with my winter hunts. i've woken up with frost on my bag and the thing frozen. i was not warm, but not freezing either. it has the best zipper in the business.

What is the kifaru set up yourr getting rid of? If its what i want and the size is right maybe id buy it. Pm me the details / pics if you want

[wawhitey]

Screw it, gonna hop in my truck on the 4th and head to colorado. Go down to kifaru.

[Brendan]

Screw it, gonna hop in my truck on the 4th and head to colorado. Go down to kifaru.

Better make sure they're open first!

[wawhitey]

Screw it, gonna hop in my truck on the 4th and head to colorado. Go down to kifaru.

Better make sure they're open first!

I got time to kill. Little road trip. Just saw on rokslide that theres a backcountry gear seminar going on in denver on the 6th, so i figure ill hit that, then hit kifaru the next day. Theyll be open.

[husky390]

1 Shot Gear and Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear both sell Kifaru packs. Just not sure what they have for inventory and if they're open.

Kifaru and Stone Glacier both offer a trial period on their packs. I have the SG Sky 7400 and an older Kifaru Duplex with the EMRII bag. The SG slightly edges out the Kifaru in the comfort department for me. But I haven't tried the new frames yet.

Since you're coming down to Denver, I'd recommend stopping by Bentgate Mountaineering in Golden and Neptune Mountaineer in Boulder to check out boots. I bought my Hanwag Lhasas from Neptune.

There's also Sierra Trading Post in Cheyenne for boots as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[wawhitey]

Pack-wise - Otherwise - if you could get to Denver - I'm sure you could get someone at Kifaru to fit you for a frame and go through all the different options.

p.

Getting there...... seen lots of pronghorns off i90

[wawhitey]

Damn they still smoke in bars in wyoming. Gross.

[Brendan]

Sounds like a fun road trip... Enjoy!

[buglebrush]

I see you are in WA. I am north of Spokane if you want to lay your hands on a new Exo 3500. Definitely super happy with it! It is the culmination of a couple years of pack research.

[wawhitey]

Thanks for the offer buglebrush, were in the same neck of the woods i guess, i wouldve taken you up on that a week ago, but i went down to denver and checked out kifarus stuff and ordered a pack from them.

[buglebrush]

No problem. Good luck out there