Backpack purchase, the result.

[penk]

Thanks to everyone who commented on my previous post. Based on some awesome suggestions, I went to the LL Bean store in Burlington (which, btw was awesome), with a pretty good idea which pack I was hoping for, and after trying it on and adjusting all the straps left, right, and sideways, left with a White Mountain pack. The price was excellent, it fit like a glove, and has all the oomph I'll need.

I also finally replaced my long lost Leatherman. I had a Wave for quite a while, and it was damned useful. It went missing about 3 years ago. I tried a variety of interim Gerber and other tools, but none really fit the way the Wave did. This time I have a Charge AL, which is a slightly beefier version of the Wave. It feels wonderful, has all the fantastic bit accessories fro the screwdrivers (already used two and it's been less than a day since I got it).

I forgot how much I like having a tool that can be pulled out easily, opened with one hand, and closed and put away in the same fashion.

Back on the camping front, I was pointed at GearTrade as a great place to shop for camping gear. I'm looking for a lightweight sleeping bag and a 1-2 person tent, plus a small camping stove. I think those are the last pieces I'll need before scheduling an overnight hike.

Course, next I need a place to go. Any suggestions? Something like "Park here, hike 2-3 hours up to there, camp for the night, hike back down the next day" would be perfect.

Comments

[noeltheone.livejournal.com]

This is not a specific suggestion of venue, but if you are trying out new gear, I highly recommend doing it first in a campground before taking it into the backwoods (even slightly backwoods). There is nothing worse than being on a hike in the middle of nowhere and discovering that your new stove is quirky. Trying it out in a campground can give you more options to work around it while you work out the bugs.

[penk.livejournal.com]

Oh absolutely. My current plan is to find some place I can park, hike a mile or two and camp, and then take a longer hike. I should be able to cook dinner and breakfast on my pack gear. If it fails, I'll only be a mile or two out, and I'll bring backup coldfoodstuffs.

[pumpkin-pi.livejournal.com]

Yay for a new pack!!! For gear you don't need to try on, you should definitely check hour Campmor (http://www.campmor.com/). They're fantastic!!! For your trip, how far are you willing to drive?

[pumpkin-pi.livejournal.com]

Oh, and as for tent and sleeping bag recommendations, my Sierra Designs tent has stood up to all kinds of abuse, and after nearly 20 years (with a rather long hiatus in the middle), its waterproofing is just starting to fade. I can't comment on their current level of quality. My 20-year-old North Face bag (Cat's Meow) is still doing great! One of the most important things to think about is the weather in which you plan on using it - temperature and water/snow-proofness are key issues. If you go for a very warm bag and tent, you'll be miserable in the summer. If you go for something that'll keep you very cool, you'll be miserable in winter, early spring or late fall. My 20-degree sleeping bag and 3-season tent have served me quite well under a variety of conditions, but my body tends to run rather warm.