Equipment for Trip???

A

Aquacopter

Joined
Mar 22, 2007
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I will hopefully be taking a Tom Brown class this winter in florida and needs some supplies for it so I did some research and found what I think is good and I am wondering your opinions. I need a tent, sleepingbag, and maybe a new pack. For the tent I was thinking either a Mountain Hardware Lightpath 3 or a Eureka Apex 2xt. For sleepingbags and packs I really don't have a clue. I am wondering if you guys have any opinions or advice on gear. I don't have a ton of money so I would like to keep it all together under $500.
 
For a budget conscious sleeping bag, as much of an affront as this may be to some people. Walmart does have a couple decent bags. I have two separate arctic mummy bags rated for 0F and -10F one from SwissGear and the other I don't recall offhand. Both were under 35 bucks though. Might be worth a look.


Gautier
 
That does sting the brain in a weird way. But from what it seems Wal-mart is ok in cheap decent survival gear.
 
You can usually get a slumberjack 0 deg. sleeping bag from your large sporting good stores like sports authority or dicks. I have used one for 9 years and have never been cold. The coldest I have ever been with the bag was when the thermometer dropped below -10, that was as low as it read. My tent stake froze and snapped like they were Styrofoam on that trip. I was warm and cozy in the bag.

goat
 
A tent, pack, and a sleeping bag for under $500? Easy! Check out Campmor.com. I've gotten a ton of deals there over the years.

Here's a 15 degree Eureka bag for $40. Get a compression sack or compression caps, and you can scruntch it down to a more packable size: http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39278143&memberId=12500226

The Lightpath tent you mentioned looks to be a nice lightweight choice. I'd go for the 2-person model at least so you could get your gear inside for the night. http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39290692&memberId=12500226

The Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight is a pr oven design and it packs small: http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39276148&memberId=12500226

As far as a pack goes, make sure you research sizing at whatever pack manufacturer's site to make sure you get something that will fir you. That said, I just had my hands on this pack last weekend, and I was blown away at how solid it was: http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=30621942&memberId=12500226
I want it, but I would be stretching its outer sizing limits, so the 45+10 would be the better choice for me: http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=30621940&memberId=12500226

So, if this was me going, I'd have spent $145 on the pack, $130 on a tent, and $40 for the sleeping bag. Add $35 for a Z-Rest pad, and I'm left with $150 for gas money, clothing, or whatever.


*Disclaimer* I understand you have a choice as to where you procure your gear. By siting Campmor as an example, I am not necessarily suggesting you buy all your gear there. There are many online and local merchants that are worthy of your hard-earned dollar. REI is a great source for gear and knowledgeable staff (at least around here), but you'll pay more for top-notch gear. Sierra Trading Post is another online 'bargain barn' where I have found screamin' deals. To many others to list.

Good luck, and have fun at school!
 
Check out Sierra Trading Post - they have discounts on good quality gear. Of the two tents you mention, I'd choose the Mountain Hardwear Lightpath 3 over the Eureka Apex 2xt. The Eureka's innovative concept of "because 3 walls are waterproof the fly can be smaller and that means weight savings" is interesting - but unless you know someone's opinion who you trust that has tested it in the field, I'd go with the more traditional complete fly that the Lightpath offers. BTW, I've always found Mountain Hardwear gear to be good quality, for what's it worth.
 
I have been in the Army for around 13 years and have used several different types of sleping bags. I swear by the modular sleep system that the we are issued now. If you will have a tent you won't need the gore tex cover, so you could save loads of money buying just the sleep systen minus the cover. If you keep your eye on ebay im sure you can find some real cheap. The system contains 2 different bags. A green lightweight one and a black heavier duty one. You combine the 2 to make a very good sleep system. If you are going to be in florida, I am betting you could get away with using just the green one maybe based on the low temp for your trip. If its going to get below freezing then maybe use the black one by its self. All in all the modular sleep system is a great buy. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!
 
FWIW, keep in mind that Florida's winter temperatures do dip down into the 20s at times, and very rarely even slightly below 20. I've seen 16 degrees at dawn one Christmas morning. I've seen light snow a few times, too. Also, keep in mind that usually we have rain here associated with the cold fronts that sweep down from the N and the NW in the winter. Florida is a long state, though, and there can be significant temperature differences between the various regions of the state. Have fun.
 
The big thing about sleeping warm Aqua is the ground insulation under you. A bags temp ratings are made with the assumption no heat loss is being felt through ground conductivity.

Spend a bit on a decent ground pad or 2.

Walmart wil get you through short trips and a bit more but if you plan on doing such things frequently you may want to obtain some better quality gear over time (expensive).

Skam
 
+1 on the decent ground pads, but more expensive isn't necessarily better when it comes to these.

The closed cell foam pads are actually better insulators than thermarests, and lighter as well. They take up more space but can easily be tied to the outside of your pack without fear of it getting damaged. I like the Z-rest personally.. kept me comfy and warm.
 
k-spar said:
+1 on the decent ground pads, but more expensive isn't necessarily better when it comes to these.

The closed cell foam pads are actually better insulators than thermarests, and lighter as well. They take up more space but can easily be tied to the outside of your pack without fear of it getting damaged. I like the Z-rest personally.. kept me comfy and warm.
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Agreed you dont need expensive pads just ones that work. I love the z-rest as well.

Skam
 
One problem with generic polyester sleeping bag fills is that they are more likely to mat down, reducing insulative value. The branded fills (e.g. Quallofil; Polarguard) are shaped and coated to resist matting.

If one is looking at Eureka tents, the Johnson Outdoor store (Johnson = Eureka, CampTrails, Silva [think Eureka factory outlet]) is open again with blems and returns at significant discounts.

Prices for all sporting goods vary greatly. You can pay $20 or $60 for the same item -- with both prices called discounts by the seller.

Campmor is a good "ruler" to look at. They have a monster selection and excellent service. Shouldn't pay more.
 
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