Tent and Sleeping Bag Info Request

TattooBlade

TattooBlade

Joined
Apr 4, 2009
Messages
1,347
Hey All,

Haven't bought a new backpack tent and sleeping bag in years. Not looking to break the bank but don't mind spending a bit. What are you guys using and what recommendations do you guys have?
 
As for a tent, I use a Golite Hex, it's lasted me for years. They no longer make this model, but offer a similar one; Shangri-La 3. It's a 3 man tepee style, but very light. If you haven't looked at backpacking gear for a while, I'd definitely recommend looking at ultralight gear sites, ultra light has come a huge way over the past few years and is much more hard wearing and easier on the knees and back.

I use western Mountaineering sleeping bags if I'm walking and a surplus 3 in1 GI issue Bivvy and bag, but it is heavy and bulky, so only use this when I'm static camping, don't need much extra gear & not going far or in Bushcraft where the extra robustness is paramount. I've used it down to -30 and it was superb.

I'm looking for a new backpack and like the look at the Exped Mountain Pro 40. I use the Golite Jam pack a fair bit and that's very good. I don't work for Golite by the way!

A lot depends what type of hiking and duration you're looking at, so a bit more information might be useful if you're looking for recommendations.

hth, John
 
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I have a Kelty cosmic down 3 season mummy bag. I like it cause it packs fairly small, weighs less than 3 lbs and has kept me warm. It fits back into its stuff sack easily when it's time to put it away. If you're going to be out in the bitter cold I'd look for something with more down filling. For 40F+ it's been wonderful. I haven't taken it out and used it in freezing temps so it might perform ok, but I can't say for sure because I haven't tested it.

I have an Alps mountaineering vertex 2 tent. Here are the specs and some reviews: http://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountain...RESE/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1318537258&sr=8-6.

I think it's a pretty decent tent. It's definitely not ultralight but it would fit 3 people if necessary or 2 comfortably. It's ridiculously easy to setup and take down. The tent has hooks that attach to 2 poles. If I were going to be backpacking long distances I'd probably want something smaller and more lightweight, but for shorter trips I would not mind bringing this tent. It weighs 6lbs 13oz. I can actually fit the entire tent, stakes, poles and rain fly in the original bag with minimal effort. I was in Scouts and used all sorts of tents that never wanted to fit back into the original bag. This one does pretty easily.

I've also seen lots of people pack a silnylon tarp and a hammock. If you're going to be in a heavily wooded area you might look into that.
 
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Make sure to check sites like Sierra Trading Post and REI Outlet, Campmor, you may find what you want, or last years closeout models.
 
Depending on your size, frame and type of backpacking / camping I recommend several: the Gregory- Baltoro, Kelty-Red Cloud. Osprey and North Face packs, really a personal choice but these cos. provide quality and choice.

Tents
plethora of choice. Need to figure out 2 or 3 man tent, weight, 3 or 4 season, I would look at North Face, Hardgear, Kelty, Marmat would be a good start. Look for 2 way entry, 3 poles or 2 pole tent, clip on for the rain fly.
 
I have a 5 year old North Face 22 model-they are well built and well designed. I have no complaints for the money. I got mine for 80 bucks new on ebay. Check out a nice tarp as well. Heck even a cheap tarp will get the job done. You may want to look into a one person tent or framed bivy. I just picked up a Sierra Designs model for 60 bucks on Campmor and it's pretty sweet. breathable and waterproof, no setup needed. I stuffed my sleeping bag in it, rolled it up, and put it in the stuff sack-no setup needed. A small tarp is still a good idea for keeping your pack dry though. I paid 35 dollars for my 35 degree Slumberjack Solara which is a fantastic lightweight summer bag. I paid 50 for my -20 degree Kelty Mistral at campmor as well. Both brands are dynamite for the money, obviously both are for very different conditions. As far as packs go, check out the Mountainsmith Approach and Kelty's lineup.
 
It's my goal to rig a lean-to so that I can draw it over me while I'm laying down, so I can watch the stars and draw the lid over when I fall asleep. That is, without getting up-like a drawstring blinds system or something. Man that would be cool.
 
I've been debating this same thing every since coming across this forum, ha. I ended up buying today the Kelty Grand Mesa 2. It is not as light as a tarp setup, but isn't all that heavy at just over 4lb's. It pitches really quickly and easily. The aluminum poles are strong. I can pitch it without the fly for a good view all around and still have bug protection. I am 6', 220 and it is just long enough for me, but any taller and it probably wouldn't work. It will be fine for me and gear but I had my wife get in there with me and it will be cozy as a 2 person with no room for gear. The vestibule is tiny with enough room for boots and a small pack maybe. I'm going to use a tyvek groundcloth and imagine I could use the tyvek, poles, and fly as a makeshift tarp setup and save a little weight, but I'll have to try it and see how it works out. It gets good reviews and I paid under $50 for it new so I will make it work somehow.
 
TattooBlade said:
Hey All,

Haven't bought a new backpack tent and sleeping bag in years. Not looking to break the bank but don't mind spending a bit. What are you guys using and what recommendations do you guys have?
Click to expand...

more info please :) where are you going to be most of your hiking? what range of temps are you looking at? mostly weekend trips or longer? solo or w/ someone(s) else?
 
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