Surly official camping and backpacking thread

[Anton Chigurh 3332]

Speaking of deal sites, I ran across one a couple months ago that you sign up for, and then buy stuff from the sites affiliate links to the major outdoor retailers like backcountry, moosejaw, etc. They then return a portion of the money they get from the affiliate links back to you. I tried looking for it again a few weeks back, but can't seem to find it. Anybody here know of what I speak about?

 

Active Junky. I haven never actually used it. Probably should.

[NotActuallyALonghorn 4998]

Muchas gracias.

[BillyBadAss 197]

To change the subject.. I think the Eureka Timberline 2 is one of the most versatile and perfect tent designs ever. You can dial in the cross ventilation from completely closed to all the way open to the ground and everything in between. Works great in the heat or cold. Simple, tough, stable, weather resistant.. the only downside is weight.  If someone made a lightweight version I think it would be a perfect backpacking tent. QED

[UnivTex34 1765]

Link

 

thoughts on this from you hammock campers? I’ve been drooling over a Hennessey for a few years, but this looks easier to set up. I have a cheap amazon hammock right now with an integrated bug net, but it is not near as comfy as my regular eno. 

Edited February 14, 2019 by UnivTex34

[Biff Tannen 46061]

Well from the video it looks badass.  I am not a hammock person, but that doesn't mean I can't be persuaded.

[Digdogger 1345]

I always take my banana hammock when I go backpacking 

[Your Mom 4956]

Pretty much all the hammock makers have a similar set up. That one may be lighter though.   My kid has the jungle nest from ENO.  Looks real similar to that with the bug net and rain fly all Incorporated. 

 I don’t like hammock sleeping. I’ve tried it a few nights and I just can’t get comfortable. I’m a stomach sleeper.   And most systems end up weighing no less than a two-man tent and aren’t much quicker to set up.  Seems like I have more options with a tent. 

 All that being said, I’m still a total gear geek and I was thinking about trying one of these. 

 

Edited February 14, 2019 by Your Mom

[UnivTex34 1765]

Yeah, the Jungle nest is comparable to my cheap-o. Its ok, but not perfect. The main problem is the bug net solutions for those, they droop and get in your way, I like how the Kammock has the lines down to the tarp stakes to keep it open. Also, you are spot on with most about set up, and that is what excites me the most about this one. They show set up is crazy quick. Either way, my cheap-o is about used up, so I went ahead and backed. 

[DougO 5261]

On 2/10/2019 at 1:16 PM, DougO said:

Probably nobody cares, but in case there are other poors out there looking for something cheaper, Columbia is having a pretty nice sale on some of their stuff. I ordered a pair of these just for starters to have something cheapish to play around with and get my feet wet, hopefully without getting my feet wet. I must have ordered the last pair of size 12 in these.

https://www.columbia.com/mens-newton-ridge-plus-ii-suede-waterproof-boot-1746411.html?Quantity=1&source=cart&dwvar_1746411_variationColor=213&uuid=e7008129a6ec9ddbf9d1ad3f66&dwvar_1746411_variationSize=12

I found the deal on slickdeals or one of those things. If you sign up for their rewards deal for free you get another 20% off on top of the sale price. They have some nice jackets and stuff on sale, too.

 

I got my Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II hikers yesterday and have been wearing them to get them broken in. I'm pretty impressed for the price I paid, which was about $48 total. Heal cushion is very nice, arch support is adequate, toe box is good, they feel really stable and look great. Today I went birding on an old golf course for about an hour, a couple of miles, and the feet feel good. The only slight irritation I feel is in the ankles because I'm not used to wearing any kind of top above the ankle bone. They seem like a great option for occasional use for the poors, until I get serious enough to invest in a higher tier shoe.

[hookem2010 2700]

I don't have time for an overnight trip at the moment, but I want to take a day trip up to Wichita Mountains NWR. I'm about a 3-hour drive away in FW, so I should be able to wake up early and have 6-8 hours to hike. I'd be most interested in wildlife and elevation change since I don't get much of that down here. Any recs for a good trail that meets that description?

[UnivTex34 1765]

If any of you were thinking about that Kammock setup, use my link to purchase, I get a little back, then share your link.

 

https://3e5efb15.kckb.st

[Anton Chigurh 3332]

Marmot having a nice sale today. 20% extra off already clearanced stuff, a lot of which is already 50% off.

Got another down jacket that should be much warmer than what I have already for $100.

[BBQ2Bayou 807]

On 2/13/2019 at 7:01 PM, UnivTex34 said:

Link

 

thoughts on this from you hammock campers? I’ve been drooling over a Hennessey for a few years, but this looks easier to set up. I have a cheap amazon hammock right now with an integrated bug net, but it is not near as comfy as my regular eno. 

Which cheap one do you have? I ask because I have an Everest with the integrated bug net. I like it, but it's the only camping hammock I've had, so I was wondering if you were talking about that one not being nearly as comfortable as your Eno.

[UnivTex34 1765]

13 hours ago, BBQ2Bayou said:

Which cheap one do you have? I ask because I have an Everest with the integrated bug net. I like it, but it's the only camping hammock I've had, so I was wondering if you were talking about that one not being nearly as comfortable as your Eno.

It was an Amazon deal of the day, so no idea on brand

[austingirl 2194]

I'm taking my two kids (7- and 10-yo boys) camping with the Cub Scouts next weekend. I want to get a self-inflating sleeping pad - has anyone used this one? Or have any others to recommend? We'll be car camping at Lake Georgetown and the weather shouldn't be crazy cold or hot, but I do want to get into backpacking soon so it would be nice if the pad I got would work for backpacking.

Edited March 3, 2019 by austingirl

[NotActuallyALonghorn 4998]

That pad will work for backpacking, but just be aware that you will be replacing it fairly soon if you go on many trips. It is oversized and pretty heavy and has no R value listed from a quick glance at the description.

For backpacking you will pretty quickly want gear to be as light weight as possible so you can go farther quickly. So a pad that is just wide enough and that tapers around foot end weighs less and makes your pack that much more comfortable. In the same vein, you want a pad that has an R value (insulation) for cooler weather. The insulation in your sleeping bag underneath your body is compressed when you lie on it, so it doesn't have air space to trap warm air and basically doesn't do much. So you need a sleeping pad to have some insulating properties if you want to camp in anything but the summer.

[Anton Chigurh 3332]

That pad will work for backpacking, but just be aware that you will be replacing it fairly soon if you go on many trips. It is oversized and pretty heavy and has no R value listed from a quick glance at the description.
For backpacking you will pretty quickly want gear to be as light weight as possible so you can go farther quickly. So a pad that is just wide enough and that tapers around foot end weighs less and makes your pack that much more comfortable. In the same vein, you want a pad that has an R value (insulation) for cooler weather. The insulation in your sleeping bag underneath your body is compressed when you lie on it, so it doesn't have air space to trap warm air and basically doesn't do much. So you need a sleeping pad to have some insulating properties if you want to camp in anything but the summer.

I agree with this.

Good stuff is more expensive of course, but this pad is a pretty good starter pad.

It’s over twice the price but it is a much better product and has an R Value of 4.4.

Klymit Insulated Static V Lite Sleeping Pad https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UW7LEOW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_F93ECb5FYQ50R

[austingirl 2194]

Thank you both! I may get the Klymit one for me and get the other one for the kids.

[Druggist 303]

On 3/3/2019 at 1:25 AM, Anton Chigurh said:

 

I agree with this.

Good stuff is more expensive of course, but this pad is a pretty good starter pad.

It’s over twice the price but it is a much better product and has an R Value of 4.4.

Klymit Insulated Static V Lite Sleeping Pad https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UW7LEOW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_F93ECb5FYQ50R
 

 

My wife and I bought this exact pad this past October and it was more comfy and weighed way less than my old thermarest.  Amazon had it for ~$60-65 back then so i’d look around for deals on it.  

Massdrop has a similar one for about $60 right now, but most of the sizes are gone.

[Anton Chigurh 3332]

Thank you both! I may get the Klymit one for me and get the other one for the kids.

My wife and I bought this exact pad this past October and it was more comfy and weighed way less than my old thermarest.  Amazon had it for ~$60-65 back then so i’d look around for deals on it.  

Massdrop has a similar one for about $60 right now, but most of the sizes are gone.

 

 

Something else I forgot is that they sell refurbished ones on their eBay store (likely have a small repair or rewelded plastic seam).

 

I have heard as long as it’s not ridiculous they will accept a lower offer too.

 

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323141972732

 

I bet you could offer $40 on this and get it. Hell, get two of them and you’re set.

[HawaiiHorn 8]

That is a great deal on ebay. Thank You for posting.

[austingirl 2194]

On 3/5/2019 at 10:11 PM, Anton Chigurh said:

 

 

 

Something else I forgot is that they sell refurbished ones on their eBay store (likely have a small repair or rewelded plastic seam).

 

I have heard as long as it’s not ridiculous they will accept a lower offer too.

 

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323141972732

 

I bet you could offer $40 on this and get it. Hell, get two of them and you’re set.

Thank you! I ended up getting the Klymit for me and the Freelands for the kids. Inflated both for a test run before we leave this weekend, and wow, the difference in comfort is substantial. Can't wait to use it for real. Thanks again for the rec.

[Biff Tannen 46061]

Just used my dividend and 20% off coupon to get my tent for the PCT.  This was my last big piece of gear, not including sat beacon, bear can, ice axe, and microspikes/crampons.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1.

 

Also, I think I am revising my start date.  I had originally been shooting for April 6, 2020.  Of course a lot of this depends on the permit as well.  Came across an article (blog post) espousing the logic of starting in March instead of the more common mid-April approach.  Makes sense to me and I would love to not be in the "bubble", not to mention being able to get a permit more easily.

https://www.hikerbeta.com/articles/2017/10/10/april-is-the-worst-time-to-start-the-pacific-crest-trail-heres-why

[Your Mom 4956]

Best tent there is for the trade-off of lightweight and durable.

[utee94 16066]

Spent the week of Spring Break out at Garner State Park, and we had some pretty great weather for it.  It was still pretty cold to be swimming the Frio, but I did it anyway.

Since Austin area schools had such a late Spring Break, it was actually pretty empty.  The staffers said it was a lot busier the previous week, but still nothing like the summer craziness.

 

[UnivTex34 1765]

For you car campers, this is a great deal:

 

GCI Outdoor Master Cook Portable Folding Camp Kitchen https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C3WK867/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_ZzzMCbNQK6KT4

[Judge Roybeanbag 11856]

17 hours ago, utee94 said:

Spent the week of Spring Break out at Garner State Park, and we had some pretty great weather for it.  It was still pretty cold to be swimming the Frio, but I did it anyway.

Since Austin area schools had such a late Spring Break, it was actually pretty empty.  The staffers said it was a lot busier the previous week, but still nothing like the summer craziness.

 

You taking the airstream down to PINS soon?  My brother and I are planning a trip down there the first weekend in May.

[UnivTex34 1765]

11 hours ago, UnivTex34 said:

For you car campers, this is a great deal:

 

GCI Outdoor Master Cook Portable Folding Camp Kitchen https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C3WK867/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_ZzzMCbNQK6KT4

Looks like it went back up. was $45 yesterday.

[utee94 16066]

5 hours ago, Judge Roybeanbag said:

You taking the airstream down to PINS soon?  My brother and I are planning a trip down there the first weekend in May.

Sadly, I sold the Airstream last summer. However, I expect we'll head down to PINS in our new trailer sometime in the next 2 months, maybe Easter or Memorial Day (or whynotboth?)

 

[hookem2010 2700]

Anybody been to Lassen Volcanic NP? I'm considering a long weekend trip to visit my brother in Sacramento and possibly making the 3-hour drive up there for 3 days/2 nights of camping in late June. I would love to try a relatively tame backpacking route, as I bought a pack and jet boil a couple summers ago. Unfortunately, my previous backpacking plans always seem to hit a snag so they sadly remain essentially unused. I have a good amount of experience camping, including some primitive hike-ins, but no multi-night trips in wilderness. I know established campgrounds fill up early in Cali and I won't know until pretty last minute if I'll be able to make it so I don't want to make any reservations. I also like the idea of a relatively uncrowded park, so Lassen seemed like a good choice. Thoughts or recs on specific trails in the park or elsewhere within 3 hours of Sacramento would be great.

[Biff Tannen 46061]

Severe thunderstorms on Saturday now.  Think I may have to call off my Colorado Bend trip.  I reserved my back country spot 6 months ago and of course I picked the one day it's going to rain in a 3 month span.

[Born to Run 6598]

Anyone have thoughts or a good primer on trekking polls?
Planning on doing Raes Loop portion of JMT this summer and I like the idea of greater stability and maybe taking some strain off my knees.

[Biff Tannen 46061]

Just now, Born to Run said:

Anyone have thoughts or a good primer on trekking polls?
Planning on doing Raes Loop portion of JMT this summer and I like the idea of greater stability and maybe taking some strain off my knees.

I love trekking poles, especially for downhills.  It's kinda hard to go wrong, so it just depends on what you want to spend really.  Gossamer Gear LT5s are probably the lightest you'll find, but they are pricey.  I have a pair of Black Diamonds that are great.  You may want to think about a pair that folds up as opposed to extends, for packability purposes.

[Anton Chigurh 3332]

I have the BD Ergo Cork Red Aluminum ones. They’re great. I have upgraded most things but these have been good and are only an ounce or so heavier than their Alpine Carbon ones.

The cheap Cascade Mountain Tech ones are amazon are actually pretty good too and they’re only like $40 or something for real Carbon. They aren’t as light as even the BD aluminum though.

[Biff Tannen 46061]

2 minutes ago, Anton Chigurh said:

I have the BD Ergo Cork Red Aluminum ones. They’re great. I have upgraded most things but these have been good and are only an ounce or so heavier than their Alpine Carbon ones.

These are what I have as well.  I love them, but my wife's REI pair that folds in three pieces are much smaller and easier to fit in a suitcase when flying.  That's my only complaint.

[UnivTex34 1765]

Yeah, I bought the Cascade Mountain techs from Amazon last year, and they were a lifesaver for GUMO.

[Anton Chigurh 3332]

These are what I have as well.  I love them, but my wife's REI pair that folds in three pieces are much smaller and easier to fit in a suitcase when flying.  That's my only complaint.

Yeah, when I fly with camping/hiking stuff they always just barely fit in my duffel bag even when fully collapsed.

One other thing I’d recommend to someonebiuing poles is get them with cork handles regardless of which ones you get.

[davidg 4057]

BD Trail Pro's for me.  I really like the flick lock adjustment and they are fairly strong.  Use them with my  Tarptent ProTrail. 

 

 

[Anton Chigurh 3332]

Yeah, when I fly with camping/hiking stuff they always just barely fit in my duffel bag even when fully collapsed.

One other thing I’d recommend to someonebiuing poles is get them with cork handles regardless of which ones you get.

Look at this idiot who can’t spell.

Also yes, get flick locks. Highly superior to twist locks.

[Your Mom 4956]

Cork grips won’t get slippery when your hands are sweaty. 

[Biff Tannen 46061]

Fuck it we are heading out to Colorado Bend this afternoon.  Severe right now, but supposed to taper off in the afternoon and evening.  Muddy dogs will determine camping viability.  Will post pics.

[Biff Tannen 46061]

4 hours ago, Biff Tannen said:

Fuck it we are heading out to Colorado Bend this afternoon.  Severe right now, but supposed to taper off in the afternoon and evening.  Muddy dogs will determine camping viability.  Will post pics.

Ha, well, just as we left the driveway it started fucking dumping.  It's actually clear out in Bend, but the drive out there would have been treacherous.  Gotta know when to bail.  Going to hike it tomorrow instead with no camping.

[Born to Run 6598]

Thanks for all the suggestions fellas.

[atomheartbevo 90546]

Anybody use any of the larger (6-person) Kelty tents?  We are needing a larger tent (2 adults and 2 kids) as we are camping once again, and especially with our kid being a Cub Scout.   We don’t want to shell out REI money right now, as we are only camping 6-7 times a year.   The Kelty tents are within our budget and have solid ratings.   

[utee94 16066]

I have this Coleman for our family Cub Scout campouts, it's made it through 3 years of Scout camping with no problems so far.  I also usually set it up next to our RV when hit state parks and such, as an extra shelter and/or getaway for the kids.

[Bone3421 716]

Anybody use any of the larger (6-person) Kelty tents?  We are needing a larger tent (2 adults and 2 kids) as we are camping once again, and especially with our kid being a Cub Scout.   We don’t want to shell out REI money right now, as we are only camping 6-7 times a year.   The Kelty tents are within our budget and have solid ratings.   

I know its a late reply but i love Kelty...had 2 man and 4 man ...never had a leak and still going strong.
Big bend,yosemite, yellowstone, nebraska, glacier,multiple colorado spots,etc....

[LebongJames 1900]

Any suggestions on Palo Duro Canyon? Heading out there in 2 weeks and didn’t want to miss a hike or bike ride that we shouldn’t pass up.

[UnivTex34 1765]

1 minute ago, LebongJames said:

Any suggestions on Palo Duro Canyon? Heading out there in 2 weeks and didn’t want to miss a hike or bike ride that we shouldn’t pass up.

I have only ever done the Lighthouse, but we enjoyed it. 

[UnivTex34 1765]

Got my Mantis from Kammock last week. Only set it up once, but holy shit, set up is so much easier than my previous setup. Not sure when I'm going to have a chance to use it, but I'll take pics next time I get it set up.

[HookEm 2492]

Anybody have suggestions for a 2-night backpack in Arkansas over Memorial Day?