| Ok, here's where it can get expensive! You
can
pay $1500 for a backpack, tent and sleeping bag. The good news is
you don't have to pay nearly that much and still have quality
equipment.
A number of companies such as Coleman and Kelty make excellent
equipment
that won't break the bank. Also, if you study the subject and learn
which models are best, you can find real bargains at garage sales and
flee
markets! If you can afford it you can get excellent light weight
and high performing equipment. I hope you do. This keeps these
excellent companies around for the day when I choose to spend the big
bucks.
Currently my long trip pack is a Kelty Super Tioga for which I spent
less
than $200. It is an external frame pack that carries EVERYTHING I
need and a few things I don't. It is adjustable and quite comfortable.
Remember this: a pack is not designed to hang from your shoulders. The
weight is carried on a thickly padded belt around your waist. the
shoulder straps are for stabilizing and keeping the load close to the
body. I like to wear heavy items high in my pack...your preference
should be just that...your preference. My short trip pack is a Kelty
internal frame pack I caught at a sale for $50!
 
My Kelty external and internal frame packs.
I currently use a Timberline 2 tent by Eureka.
It is advertised as a two man tent. I prefer using it as a one man
tent, leaving plenty of room for boots, pack etc. I don't mind the
eight pound weight, having long ago decided that backpacking is not an
endurance contest, I can pace myself. The nice thing about backpacking
is your motel is on your back and your reservations are good anywhere.
I paid less than $100 years ago and this tent has held up great! When
camping with my wife we have the 4 person version of the same tent
model...I paid less than $10 for it at a garage sale in El Cerrito
California. An excellent Eureka two person tent ( Timberline 2 XT)
similar to mine
goes for about $200 and would be a good purchase. Check out Coleman
for even more inexpensive tents that will work fine although you may
sacrifice
on weight. Buy the best tent you can afford.
Tent tips: Always use a ground cover under
your
tent to protect its floor. some people use a liner inside the tent
as well. A rugged emergency blanket makes a decent ground sheet. Duct
tape is a handy item for emergency repairs to poles, boots and tents.
I have a Coleman sleeping bag I bought new for
$25 years
ago. It works fine. I have an Academy bag liner that can serve
as a sleeping bag in cool and warm weather. It is made from polyester
and can be used with the Coleman for low temperature use. I believe
in the layering principle. Truthfully, I guess I'm a little
claustrophobic
and prefer sleeping in light weight long underwear with loose fitting
(no
mummy bags, please) sleeping bags. Rolled up clothes make a
good pillow but I carry a lightweight inflatable pillow that is
excellent. I can survive on a closed cell foam bad but usually use a
full size self
inflating Therm-a-rest pad. You MUST use a pad to keep off the ground
or
no sleeping bag will keep you comfortable.
|
