10-23-2015, 08:06 AM
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#31
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official vendor
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,311
Real Name: Mike
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official vendor
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,311
Real Name: Mike
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blkhwk
How are the top quilts holding up for you? I'm undecided about spending the money on a sleeping bag.
My wife and I are slowly building up our gear. I was using Lowepro photosport to carry my camera but walking with the extra weight of clothes and other items put a lot of strain on my shoulders. Now I'm looking at the Kelty 65 pack.
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One thing that I'm now a true believer in is that lighter is better. I think we've just about got everything fine tuned now for us.
The quilts are amazing, and most likely the best investment we've made. I was a bit skeptical about them at first since I've been so used to sleeping bags. The one thing that I hate about sleeping is not being to find any light weight rectangle bags. I can't stand the restrictions that come with a mummy bag since I'm a side, and stomach sleeping. With the it's basically just a blanket, so it's key to have a good sleeping pad.
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10-23-2015, 08:30 AM
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#32
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Elite Member
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Utard
Posts: 12,985
Real Name: Kevin
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Elite Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Utard
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Real Name: Kevin
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I borrowed one of these last time I was out - I will have one. Super comfy, super warm, and surprisingly light.
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'My needle always settles between west and southwest. The future lies that way to me, and the earth seems more unexhausted and richer on that side.' - Thoreau, sort of.
The Grey Bastard, 1985 4Runner, driveway ornament.
Utah DesertRunners T4R, for all things wheeling and 4Runner in Utah.
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10-23-2015, 08:43 AM
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#33
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official vendor
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,311
Real Name: Mike
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official vendor
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,311
Real Name: Mike
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KidVermicious
I borrowed one of these last time I was out - I will have one. Super comfy, super warm, and surprisingly light.
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We've been using the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core pads for some time now, and they're great as well. We recently tried using a Therm-a-rest since they're a bit lighter, but they're no where close to being as comfortable. I'm too old to be sleeping on those thin pieces of foam that so many people use.
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10-23-2015, 11:44 AM
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#34
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Elite Member
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SOCAL OC
Posts: 5,184
Real Name: Danny
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Elite Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SOCAL OC
Posts: 5,184
Real Name: Danny
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MStudt
I'll give you a couple of items.
1. Vasque boots are crap, and Vasque doesn't stand behind their warranty. Their boots started falling apart within 3 days of hitting trail, and we each went through 3 pairs of them.
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I just bought one of their boots from REI, used it a few times and it's a very fine boot.
What is your choice of boot?
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2010 LE > TE Conversion, Fox 2.5 DSC Front W/ Camburg BJ UCA's Fox 2.5 Resi rear W/ Icons. Method 701's, Cooper S/T Maxx 285/70/17. Shrockworks sliders. LLama Tales
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10-23-2015, 11:52 AM
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#35
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official vendor
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,311
Real Name: Mike
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official vendor
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,311
Real Name: Mike
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DannyLlama
I just bought one of their boots from REI, used it a few times and it's a very fine boot.
What is your choice of boot?
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Don't get me wrong, Vasque does have good boots. They're ready to wear out of the box, and can handle long days from day 1. However, I don't feel that they hold up when it comes to getting some serious miles from them.
I'm looking into my next boots now, and I'll most likely go with Salewa or Asolo. I've had Asolo in the past, and I loved the boots. My wife has had Salewa's in the past, and loved them as well. I'll also be sticking with lows or trail runners this time around.
A lot depends on how much weight I'm carrying. In winter with more weight in the pack I'll be in low boots. The rest of the year I'm in trail runners since the weight is so much less.
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10-23-2015, 12:14 PM
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#36
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Member
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Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Austin
Posts: 178
Real Name: Ray
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Austin
Posts: 178
Real Name: Ray
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MStudt
Don't get me wrong, Vasque does have good boots. They're ready to wear out of the box, and can handle long days from day 1. However, I don't feel that they hold up when it comes to getting some serious miles from them.
I'm looking into my next boots now, and I'll most likely go with Salewa or Asolo. I've had Asolo in the past, and I loved the boots. My wife has had Salewa's in the past, and loved them as well. I'll also be sticking with lows or trail runners this time around.
A lot depends on how much weight I'm carrying. In winter with more weight in the pack I'll be in low boots. The rest of the year I'm in trail runners since the weight is so much less.
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Just broke in my new pair of Salomon Speedcross 3 on a day hike last weekend. They were awesome on the trail and gripped everything with ease but, my feet were feeling tired and a little sore when done. I will continue to use these for day hikes and get a low cut true hiking shoe for multi-day trips. I've been eyeing the Oboz Firebrand II.
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OME Front w/885 | Icon 2.0 Rear | Method NV Wheels | 285/70-17 Duratracs | Husky Liners...more to come...eventually
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10-23-2015, 12:19 PM
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#37
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Member
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Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA
Posts: 294
Real Name: Rhett
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA
Posts: 294
Real Name: Rhett
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Salewa fire tail evo 2.0 mid height are, hands down, the best boot I have owned. 8 - 15 miles a day on the JMT segment we did this summer and not a single day of sore/tired feet. I had about 15 miles on the break in before we started our segment
Thermarest pro plus is my go too
I rock a slightly heavy but very spacious mountain hardware drifter 3
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Vinette: 1994 4Runner Black SR5, 3VZE (ARP Headstuds, MLS gaskets, and Flamethrower Injectors) Auto,31/10.5/15 Cooper AT/3s, Aisin Hubs, AOR Plate Bumper, 1.5" Lift: Rancho RS5000s, 4Crawler diff/sway/Pan-Hard Drop, BJ-Spacers, OME Rear Springs, SS TG brake lines, Cobra CB.
Last edited by 9494runner; 10-23-2015 at 12:23 PM.
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10-23-2015, 12:26 PM
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#38
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official vendor
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,311
Real Name: Mike
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official vendor
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,311
Real Name: Mike
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 9494runner
Salewa fire tail evo 2.0 mid height are, hands down, the best boot I have owned. 8 - 15 miles a day on the JMT segment we did this summer and not a single day of sore/tired feet. I had about 15 miles on the break in before we started our segment
Thermarest pro plus is my go too
I rock a slightly heavy but very spacious mountain hardware drifter 3
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I'm deciding between the Wildfire EVO and the Wildfire Pro right now.
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10-23-2015, 12:42 PM
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#39
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Elite Member
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SOCAL OC
Posts: 5,184
Real Name: Danny
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Elite Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SOCAL OC
Posts: 5,184
Real Name: Danny
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MStudt
Don't get me wrong, Vasque does have good boots. They're ready to wear out of the box, and can handle long days from day 1. However, I don't feel that they hold up when it comes to getting some serious miles from them.
I'm looking into my next boots now, and I'll most likely go with Salewa or Asolo. I've had Asolo in the past, and I loved the boots. My wife has had Salewa's in the past, and loved them as well. I'll also be sticking with lows or trail runners this time around.
A lot depends on how much weight I'm carrying. In winter with more weight in the pack I'll be in low boots. The rest of the year I'm in trail runners since the weight is so much less.
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Good info, thanks!! I SUB'd to this thread, I'll check back in a few years when i break my Vasque's. I looked up Asolo, they look pretty solid.
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2010 LE > TE Conversion, Fox 2.5 DSC Front W/ Camburg BJ UCA's Fox 2.5 Resi rear W/ Icons. Method 701's, Cooper S/T Maxx 285/70/17. Shrockworks sliders. LLama Tales
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10-25-2015, 11:18 PM
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#40
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 15
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 15
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I've very happy with the durability and comfort of my Lowa hiking boots. They look a little scuffed after a year of use, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with them. My wife is a big fan of her Asolo boots as well.
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10-27-2015, 11:06 AM
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#41
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official vendor
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,311
Real Name: Mike
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official vendor
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,311
Real Name: Mike
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tornado_chase_hike
I've very happy with the durability and comfort of my Lowa hiking boots. They look a little scuffed after a year of use, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with them. My wife is a big fan of her Asolo boots as well.
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We met several people along the AT who were wearing Lowa Renegades, and loved them. I'm a huge fan of the Asolo Fugitive GTX, and they're my go to boot in the winter.
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10-27-2015, 01:24 PM
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#42
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 15
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MStudt
We met several people along the AT who were wearing Lowa Renegades, and loved them. I'm a huge fan of the Asolo Fugitive GTX, and they're my go to boot in the winter.
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Yup, I also have the Lowa Renegade gtx. Love them. Best use of $230 all year.
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11-13-2015, 10:58 AM
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#43
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official vendor
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,311
Real Name: Mike
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official vendor
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,311
Real Name: Mike
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We just redid our cooking set-up. Should be able to use this for the first time over Thanksgiving.
Snow Peak Titanium Spork- .6oz each
MSR Alpine Knife- 1.7oz
Sea to Summit 1.7L X Pot- 9oz
MSR Pocket Rocket- 4.2oz
Total Weight- 15.9oz (just under 1 pound)
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11-15-2015, 02:52 PM
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#44
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Cowlitz County, Washington
Posts: 1,777
Real Name: Mike
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Cowlitz County, Washington
Posts: 1,777
Real Name: Mike
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Awesome Thread!!
This is an awesome thread. I'm an absolute gear junky and have used all of it all over the world. I'll try and keep my unbridled enthusiasm down to a dull roar...hehe. I'm looking forward to learning from you guys as so much has changed over the years.
Quick comment on Vasque. Many years ago, I swore by Vasque Sundowners. I've always been a firm believer leather uppers, gusseted tongues with vibram soles, nickel eyelets and laces immediately replaced with 550 cord. Back in 91 their product took a sharp downward curve. Outsourced to China and Korea. The inventors of "look alikes" I've also worn out Merrils, Asolos, Scarpas. Not bad, but I found the best boots for guiding in have been predominately La Sportivas. I've spent weeks to months at a time in them. My collection are designed for big wall, crampon compatible, and trails. My wife switched over Zamberlans and loves them. She also has a pair of La Sportivas. One of the most comfortable boot she's owned.
Little hint on Duct tape. If you're carrying trekking poles, just wrap about a half inch to one inch thick of duct tape around your pole right below the grip.
Some of the items you guys are listing in your equipment list I'm not familiar with as the times have changed quite a bit since I was running around the world. My sleep system consisted of an Integral Designs Bivy bag of which I have spent many nights in. Either cocooned on a wall or in the snow.
To travel really light we would also use the Black Diamond Megamid. We would use our climbing ropes as our insulation and throw our black Ridgerest foam pad over the ropes. Winter consisted of snow caves., although we did have our expedition tents.
I have about ten different packs with my largest being the Gregory Denali Pro which could handle 80 lbs of equipment for weeks at a time. Ice climbing packs consist of....I just went and looked at my equipment so I could get the name of the packs and dammit! I'm old! It's called the following;
Black Diamond Mixed Master Ice Climbing Pack Vintage
Seriously Friggin Vintage!! I have some Karrimor's and LowePro's from back in the day when they were made in the US.
I saw a comment about the gaiters on here and the 550 cord. I have about four pair of gaiters but my work horse has always been the Millet. Bullet proof.
Take a look at the cable at the bottom. Rock solid. Full Goretex. If there's any shortfall, it would be the exposed zipper. It's in the back so never a big deal. I might drop in this thread once in a while to look at all the goodies!
Whatever you do, PLEASE go and buy, Mountaineering, The Freedom of the Hills and read it from cover to cover. Understand it, and never be "that guy."
Thanks for letting me drop in...I'm going to be looking up all of the equipment you guys have on your lists. Can't help myself!
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11-15-2015, 03:34 PM
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#45
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Elite Member
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Utard
Posts: 12,985
Real Name: Kevin
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Elite Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
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It's not backpacking gear exactly, but the Cabelas 3D -30 bag is going to be 50% off on the 18th, in store or online. I'm going to have one.
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'My needle always settles between west and southwest. The future lies that way to me, and the earth seems more unexhausted and richer on that side.' - Thoreau, sort of.
The Grey Bastard, 1985 4Runner, driveway ornament.
Utah DesertRunners T4R, for all things wheeling and 4Runner in Utah.
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