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Is there a trick for getting sleeping bags back into their stuff sacs? Like a better way to fold or roll them? It's easily my least favorite part of camping.
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Mar 20, 2019 07:15
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yaffle posted:Is there a trick for getting sleeping bags back into their stuff sacs? Like a better way to fold or roll them? It's easily my least favorite part of camping. I hold the lip of the bag in my left hand, closed fist fingers technically inside the bag, hold the bag under my left arm as it gets full and use my right hand to jam that poo poo in with an extended karate chop hand. Go until the bag is packed or you pull more than two muscles.
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Mar 20, 2019 07:28
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yaffle posted:Is there a trick for getting sleeping bags back into their stuff sacs? Like a better way to fold or roll them? It's easily my least favorite part of camping. It might not be a thing for all bags but if I try to stuff mine head-first, the foot fills up with air and is a total bitch to get in. I guess I should be happy, since holding in air is basically a sleeping bag's job...
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Mar 20, 2019 15:18
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Pham Nuwen posted:It might not be a thing for all bags but if I try to stuff mine head-first, the foot fills up with air and is a total bitch to get in. I guess I should be happy, since holding in air is basically a sleeping bag's job... Likewise, if your bag has a membrane in the shell, stuff it inside out to let the air out. Same goes for puffy jackets and parkas.
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Mar 20, 2019 16:01
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yaffle posted:Is there a trick for getting sleeping bags back into their stuff sacs? Like a better way to fold or roll them? It's easily my least favorite part of camping. I fully unzip my bag, stuff the foot box in first, and then just keep mashing it in there until I can close the bag. I keep my down bag in a 10L sea to summit dry/stuff sack. Getting air trapped in is probably your biggest hurdle which is why I unzip everything and do the footbox first. I guess I've never really "struggled" with it though, maybe your stuff sack is just too small for your sleeping bag?
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Mar 20, 2019 17:01
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I don't use a stuff sack anymore (I just stuff my quilt/sleeping bag in the bottom of my pack and let my other gear compress it down in there), but when I did, I just stuffed it in willy-nilly. Rolling/folding is not the way to go. And if you do it the same way repeatedly, it will create lines of stress. As always make sure that once you're home, you're storing it loose.
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Mar 20, 2019 22:07
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I’m going to be using my Pocket Rocket a lot this summer and something I’ve never learned is how big a flame to use when boiling water. Bare minimum to keep it lit? Jet engine? Neither?
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Mar 21, 2019 00:03
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Rolo posted:I’m going to be using my Pocket Rocket a lot this summer and something I’ve never learned is how big a flame to use when boiling water. Bare minimum to keep it lit? Jet engine? Neither? This depends a lot on the pot you're using. Basically you don't really want any flames coming up around the sides of the pot as that is just wasted heat. Try to get it to the point where it's hammering the bottom of the pot and not the side.
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Mar 21, 2019 02:41
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Rolo posted:I’m going to be using my Pocket Rocket a lot this summer and something I’ve never learned is how big a flame to use when boiling water. Bare minimum to keep it lit? Jet engine? Neither? Well, you want to be careful you don’t burn the water Catatron Prime fucked around with this message at 07:09 on Mar 22, 2019 |
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Mar 21, 2019 14:05
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Rolo posted:I’m going to be using my Pocket Rocket a lot this summer and something I’ve never learned is how big a flame to use when boiling water. Bare minimum to keep it lit? Jet engine? Neither? Definitely not on full blast. Somewhere around medium/low is the most efficient use of fuel. Also use a windscreen.
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Mar 21, 2019 19:57
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Ok sounds like my common sense was good in this scenario.
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Mar 21, 2019 20:59
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khysanth posted:Definitely not on full blast. Somewhere around medium/low is the most efficient use of fuel. Also use a windscreen. I picked up a pocket rocket last year and one of the warnings in the manual was to not use windscreens. IIRC it didn't explicitly say why so I assumed it was to avoid possibly cooking the fuel canister and detonating it, but unless you're using the windscreen totally wrong that seems pretty unlikely. I've done it and have all my fingers!
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Mar 22, 2019 02:30
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Chard posted:I picked up a pocket rocket last year and one of the warnings in the manual was to not use windscreens. IIRC it didn't explicitly say why so I assumed it was to avoid possibly cooking the fuel canister and detonating it, but unless you're using the windscreen totally wrong that seems pretty unlikely. I've done it and have all my fingers! There have been a lot of cases of fuel canisters exploding after overheating from improper windscreen use. In general, using a half screen (rather than a full wrap-around) with a reasonable stand-off distance will not result in any problems. You can check to make sure the fuel canister doesn't get hot to the touch. Canisters are rated to be safe up to a minimum of 50C (122F), and the actual failure temperature is likely well above this (someone at BPL blew up some fuel canisters and found that the typical isobutane/propane mix blew up just below 100C). If you just keep it from being noticeably warm you are definitely safe. If you want to be extra safe, putting a radiation shield (reflector) directly on top of the fuel canister will dramatically reduce the heat it can absorb from the flame above. Just be sure to put it on top of the fuel canister, not below it on the ground like you do with remote feed stoves! Used appropriately, windscreens really improve efficiency and reduce cooking time. I use them, everyone uses them, but the consequences of loving up can be pretty severe so manufacturers will tell you not to use them. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDIWMp3cIPM&t=164s) Morbus fucked around with this message at 04:22 on Mar 22, 2019 |
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Mar 22, 2019 04:20
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As far as windscreens go, I really love the integrated heat fins on jetboil style pots, such as the Olicamp XTS I use: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007OJKI2U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_ZShLCb4WN2X9P Not only do the heat exchangers help trap more heat off the flame so your fuel consumption is more efficient, it acts as a windbreak if you have a smaller stover that fits up inside it, like the pocket rocket 2 or Olicamp ion. Never had an issue keeping a flame going with this pot, rain, wind, or snow. Plus the silicone handles and lid are just  This might be one of my favorite pieces of gear, hands down.
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Mar 22, 2019 07:15
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I've decided to get a pillow for backpacking. Last year I had too many bad nights of sleep using stuff sacks etc. Any suggestions?
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Mar 31, 2019 19:08
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Huge fan of the Nemo Fillo as a side sleeper.
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Mar 31, 2019 19:17
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I love the sea to summit aero inflatable pillow. My spouse also.
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Mar 31, 2019 19:55
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Only used it a few nights as I just got it at the end of last seasons backpacking, but really liking my Big Sky Dreamsleeper. 1.6 oz. use my buff as a pillow case. I used an Amazon special knock off of the S2S aeros and actually like this more http://bigskyproducts.com/Big-Sky-DreamSleeper-UltraLight-inflatable-pillow.aspx
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Mar 31, 2019 21:40
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-Anders posted:I love the sea to summit aero inflatable pillow. My spouse also. I have this too. +1. It’s pretty soft for an inflatable doodad.
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Apr 1, 2019 00:55
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I recently rejoined my old Boy Scout troop as an assistant scoutmaster, and have spent the last week or so going through my brother and my old 15-20+ year old gear, figuring out what's serviceable, and what needs replacing. Going on a short backpacking trip next weekend, and I think I'm set for that, but it's been interesting seeing what's changed since I last looked at it.
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Apr 1, 2019 04:01
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My first backpacking trip in scouts I used a bright red external frame backpack I got from a yard sale with some carpet underlayment as back padding. The belt was just nylon webbing. I also took with me 3 Garfield books and a foldable pickaxe 
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Apr 1, 2019 04:05
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Trekology aluft pillow for me, 15 bucks and a nice valve that folds up small and light
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Apr 1, 2019 04:48
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I got a couple of the massdrop X klymit X pillows, they've been fine for my purposes. They appear to be a recurring thing, there's a round going on massdrop now that has 12 hours left.
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Apr 1, 2019 05:58
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Nohearum posted:I've decided to get a pillow for backpacking. Last year I had too many bad nights of sleep using stuff sacks etc. Any suggestions? I cant recommend the Dutchware Argon pillow highly enough: https://dutchwaregear.com/product/argon-pillow/ 1.9 ounces, no need to inflate a bouncy air brick, super soft and comfy... this thing hella beats wadding up my jacket and weighs zippo. Plus you can just get the materials for 11$ and diy it if you’re so inclined.
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Apr 2, 2019 12:20
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Thanks for the pillow advice. Ended up snagging the Trekology pillow for $10 off an Amazon lightning deal because I'm cheap. Will try some of the other options if it doesn't work out. I'm pretty sure the Trekology is just a rebranded Naturehike product but you don't have to wait for it to ship from China. I should get into the Amazon arbitrage business...
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Apr 3, 2019 04:59
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Yea, I think they are all just S2S knock offs.
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Apr 3, 2019 05:57
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I'm eyeballing the Patagonia Down Sweater for my 20% + dividend splurge. Question: down jacket owners, do you think having an insulated hood is worth it? I'm leaning towards no since I have a good hat and with my waterproof jacket (and optional neck fleece thing) I feel it would just be in the way. e: it's bogus that REI only sells the ghost whisperer in women's 
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Apr 8, 2019 05:00
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Chard posted:I'm eyeballing the Patagonia Down Sweater for my 20% + dividend splurge. Question: down jacket owners, do you think having an insulated hood is worth it? I'm leaning towards no since I have a good hat and with my waterproof jacket (and optional neck fleece thing) I feel it would just be in the way. I really love having the hood, I would absolutely go for it. Granted, this is with the thermoball jacket, but it’s the same idea. Adds a ton of extra versatility for almost no weight or space penalty. Mid weight puffy jackets are one of my most used pieces of gear, that’s a solid dividend choice!
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Apr 8, 2019 05:17
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My only suggestion with down jackets is to not try to use it to replace / augment a sleeping bag. You will get very sweaty and then cold.
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Apr 8, 2019 10:22
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Well, since it's spring, now is probably the best time to buy cheap winter equipment, so let me ask: Does anyone have a brand or model of balaclava or freestanding hood they swear by? I have the problem where if my head gets too cold, I get debilitating migraines until I can get into a hot shower and warm up, so it might still see use outside of camping. SwissArmyDruid fucked around with this message at 18:46 on Apr 8, 2019 |
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Apr 8, 2019 10:30
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SwissArmyDruid posted:Well, since it's spring, now is probably the best time to buy cheap winter equipment, so let me ask: Does anyone have a brand or model of balaclava or freestanding hood they swear by? I would look at a down or synthetic beanie to augment whatever balaclava you get. I personally very much love balaclavas with the hinged design, so you can pull it off your face entirely while still keeping the whole thing covering the rest of your head. I’d try one of the 10-15$ lightweight ones off amazon, I think most of them are virtually the same in that price range, and layering with an insulated hat gives you more flexibility since your head can really heat up when hiking in the winter. A scarf might also be a good layer to add on above the balaclava base layer. Layering is key when you’re active and outdoors, you don’t want too little that you’re cold at rest, and too much causes you to sweat while hiking. Being able to adjust on the fly is absolutely key. Comedy option, I use this in combination with my down quilt to get a mummy bag effect while sleeping in the winter: https://www.wiggys.com/clothing-outerwear/insulated-head-cover/ It’s just amazing, like having a sleeping bag over my head. Also very nice for putzing around a cold camp in the morning. Also, if you want crazy overboard warm weather head gear, try looking at genuine fur Ushankas or Captain’s hats. That’ll keep you comfortable well into the negatives, though it’ll be too warm for high activity stuff and cause you to sweat, which is bad in real cold weather. For hiking and being real active in the winter, I really love Alpacca yarn beanies for their breathability, versatility, and comfort. Alpaca fiber is a lot like wool in terms of performance, but just crazy soft and my favorite material for knit hits and gloves.
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Apr 8, 2019 11:59
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SwissArmyDruid posted:Well, since it's spring, now is probably the best time to buy cheap winter equipment, so let me ask: Does anyone have a brand or model of balaclava or freestanding hood they swear by? WWII leather bombers hat. If it’s good enough to keep rabbits alive through winter, it’s good enough for your head. 
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Apr 8, 2019 18:56
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Dr Ozziemandius posted:WWII leather bombers hat. If it’s good enough to keep rabbits alive through winter, it’s good enough for your head. .....there's story here, and I want to hear it, backed up by sourcing.
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Apr 8, 2019 18:59
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SwissArmyDruid posted:.....there's story here, and I want to hear it, backed up by sourcing. The hats are lined in rabbit fur.
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Apr 8, 2019 19:56
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Oh, pbbt. And here I thought there was a story about how a rabbit made its nest in one all winter or something.
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Apr 8, 2019 20:02
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Ok so I had to use my 20% REI day on something so I went back to my sleeping bag stuff sack issue I was having and bought a 10L REI compression sack to help me not pull a muscle when getting my bag into its stuff sack. It’s perfect. I can get it in the thing without breaking a sweat and the straps take over after that. I don’t even have to crank them down and I can make it the size I want for my compartment without straining much at all. Completely worth the 20 bucks I spent. I’m seriously going to save a few liters with this thing and can bring some extra food or something. Here’s a size 9.5 shoe for scale.  I’m realizing more and more that spending money to make bag real estate is like buying crack.
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Apr 9, 2019 15:14
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I used my 20% on another pair of merrell moabs, the comfiest and most versatile shoe I've ever owned. Then after wearing them a couple days and kicking them off into my normal shoe dumping point, it registered that I've been doing this for at least six years. Probably longer, I'm pretty sure I had a fourth pair that got thrown out and I get two years out of a pair. Bought them at first for day hikes and loved them so much they turned into my dailies. I feel like spiderman in these things, they stick to everything I walk on.
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Apr 9, 2019 15:40
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I don't wear my moabs for hiking anymore but I loved how grippy the soles were. They stick to rock like glue.
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Apr 9, 2019 17:14
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xzzy posted:I used my 20% on another pair of merrell moabs, the comfiest and most versatile shoe I've ever owned. Then after wearing them a couple days and kicking them off into my normal shoe dumping point, it registered that I've been doing this for at least six years. Probably longer, I'm pretty sure I had a fourth pair that got thrown out and I get two years out of a pair. Bought them at first for day hikes and loved them so much they turned into my dailies. Moabs were the first shoe I ever walked into a store wearing one busted pair and walked out in a new set of the same
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Apr 9, 2019 17:33
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I used the 20% off repeatedly (as long as it is a separate transaction, you can use it every time) to buy a bunch of mountaineering gear. New crampons, boots, gaiters, helmet. Doing Shasta in the summer and some SoCal peaks next winter.
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Apr 9, 2019 21:19
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