View topic - Minimal Cost Backpacking gear list... Lots of articles and gear lists for low cost lightweight backpacking out there on the Net.
I suspect that inflation has made some of the costs on the older lists understated. I bookmarked most of these a couple of years ago when one of my grandsons (then 18) was asking about backpacking gear. and Deal Shopping" by "Sgt. Rock"--surprising how much can come out of your own closet, kitchen, basement, garage, recycle bin, thrift stores, big box stores Light 101"--go to the last chapter, "Ultra-Light, Ultra-Cheap. " article on outfitting new Boy Scouts; just as applicable to adults! Recent list, mostly from Wallyworld. Henley's "Ultralight and Ultracheap--10 lbs. and $200" Rock's $300 Challenge" (many of the links are broken, but the advice is good. Also, in the encyclopedic "Mark Verber's Recommended Outdoor Gear" which I recommend to everyone, each section ends with a description of low budget options for that particular system.
View topic - Bear Canister Rentals. View topic - Suitable dressing layers for PNW. Basically, two activity modes: actively hiking and staying still (resting or in camp).
I like multiple thin layers so I can regulate my body temperature according to my activity and the environment. Especially in cold weather, it's important to avoid sweating! My layers are:Upper body:*Base layer top, lightweight (my hiking shirt) (I prefer synthetic; some prefer merino wool)*Mid-layer--either second lightweight base layer top (summer) or lightweight (100 wt.) fleece vest (cold weather)*Wind shirt, light weight--the most versatile garment I own even though it's just a thin layer of nylon*Insulation layer (for rest stops and in camp): synthetic or down puffy jacket.
3-Day Ultralight Backpacking Gearlist. Dear fellow backpacker, I’m on the sunset side of 60, but even when I was in my teens and twenties I had fun reducing the weight of my pack.
When I was young, strong, and full of energy I still couldn’t understand carrying a heavy pack. Backpacking is infinitely more enjoyable when you’re carrying a light load and getting closer to nature. Hiking should be closer to walking than hauling. So, for over 50 years I’ve been working on ways to lighten my pack — without sacrificing comfort. I get lots of catalog requests that say things like "I have knee problems and need to get my pack down to 35 pounds. " Much of a heavy pack comes from the overkill of carrying winter items.
Once you commit to a light pack, you can save a lot of weight on the pack itself. Notice how these products are as comfortable to use as heavier ones, and in most cases more convenient because they’re small and simple. 3-Day Ultralight Backpacking Gearlist. How to turn a beer can into a camp stove. E-Readers for backpacking? I use my smartphone for reading ebooks but for that to work on a weekend backpacking trip or something, I would need extra batteries and/or a good solar charger.
Especially since I also use my phone for taking pictures =D. The e-ink devices would definitely be the best option for trail-side reading, due to the significant battery life that's been mentioned already. I'm trying to win a Nook right now but if that doesn't work out then I'm probably gonna get a Kindle and I'll definitely take it hiking with me as I read like a fiend. They have light pouches that make them "splash proof" and help protect against scratches, as well as harder cases (more weight). A clip on light or a headlamp would work fine for some sleeping bag story time, if the device doesn't have a built-in light (not constant back-lighting, just a switchable LED). Amazon does have a proprietary format but it's not required to use it on the device, at least. Basically, if you want to shop Amazon's ebooks - get a Kindle. Product catalog. View topic - Best suggestion to a backpacker solar (or similar) charger? Born2BBrad wrote: Everything I had read about a hiking/backpacking solar charger is bad.
Very, very slow to charge, and when they did, very little power. I decided to buy a rechargeable power pack. 100% true, to my experience. I purchased a NewTrent IMP1000 battery pack for re-charging USB electronics and its great. Lastly, if your using your cell phone while hiking put the thing in airplane mode until your ready to place a call or text. _________________lightweight, cheap, strong... pick 2. View topic - Portable speakers for the outdoors? I've had an idea for a little while for a product, and was wondering if something like this already exists.
Basically it would be a set of speakers that meets these criteria:-Lightweight (<4 oz) and compact-Somewhat durable and water resistant-Max volume is sacrificed in favor of sound quality. -Reasonable battery life I know that small, quiet speakers with excellent sound quality and bass tones exist; earbuds do this. What I am proposing is like a couple steps up from earbuds. Just loud enough so that if you are in the wilderness in complete silence (or maybe mild rain), you can set up these speakers and comfortably listen to some background music. I know I can just use earbuds, they are lighter and smaller, and this is already what I do.