Since advice is the topic of the week so far, I thought I would give a thought or two on equipment. The best advice I can give is: Buy the best, and cry once (for spending that much money). The typical backpacker, especially a beginner, understandably buys cheap gear, not wanting to make a huge investment, and then ends up buying at least one more full set, maybe 2-3 more sets. If you are unsure you will like backpacking, dont do that. Instead, rent or borrow gear for the first few times, then research for a long time, ask questions of others, and figure out whats best to buy. If you do know you want to pursue backpacking, just bypass the renting and borrowing, and go straight to the research and advice step. After this, look around for the best deals on the best gear, as it is a crime to pay list for almost anything to do with backpacking (save Tarptent, which is never on sale). Also, make sure to look into non-mainstream gear such as backpacks by ULA or Gossamer Gear; quilts, such as Jacks R Better, Enlightened Equipment; and tents made by Tarptent, Mountain Laurel Designs, and the like. These all are great gear that you never see in Backpacker magazine, but which are usually lighter and made just as well or better. Big Agnes, Osprey, and Granite Gear, along with REI, all make great equipment too, so be very thorough. Probably the best way to figure things out is to go on a trip using borrowed or rented equipment with our group, and see their gear in person, and ask questions. Anyway, thats my two cents worth after spending lots more than I needed to on 3 sets of gear! Paula and I finally settled on a Tarptent Stratospire 2, quilts by Enlightened Equipment, and Osprey backpacks.
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 17:02:50 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015