I checked last night and the pack I have is a 24L so will definitely need to get a larger one before the trip. It's an Osprey. I like it a lot but there are some things that I would change on it given the option. Any recommendations for size/brand?
Years ago, Lowe Alpine made good packs for longer trips, large and roomy but they were mostly internal frame packs. Maybe they make some with external frames, I dunno... try REI online, they usually have a decent selection. Or visit a Sport Chalet (if they're still in business), maybe a mountain shop if there's one nearby...
Which reminds me, Gregory Mountaineering makes excellent packs, but ours were geared toward technical rock climbing... however, they might have come out with a larger pack for long hiking trips. Wild Country, same deal, our packs were chosen for climbing purposes. Maybe you'll find something in that link; REI also sells lightly-used gear.
This place has some Lowe Alpine packs on sale: Backcountry.Com
Marmot was always a good brand, but on the expensive side, and I'm not sure if they make larger packs...
I checked last night and the pack I have is a 24L so will definitely need to get a larger one before the trip. It's an Osprey. I like it a lot but there are some things that I would change on it given the option. Any recommendations for size/brand?
Try Coleman's Surplus. They sell a lot of military surplus including packs and frames. Can't beat military grade for quality. You can get 20% off on your first purchase. https://colemans.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=backpack
I checked last night and the pack I have is a 24L so will definitely need to get a larger one before the trip. It's an Osprey. I like it a lot but there are some things that I would change on it given the option. Any recommendations for size/brand?
Nice tent. I spent the money on the Hilleberg mainly for the weight. I got the green one which was just under 5Lbs. I also camp on ridge tops a lot and get 60+ mph winds that the Hilleberg was rated for. They even have a routine for putting the tent up in those winds. Hilleberg tents are very pricey but they are extremely well made.
Nice tent. I spent the money on the Hilleberg mainly for the weight. I got the green one which was just under 5Lbs. I also camp on ridge tops a lot and get 60+ mph winds that the Hilleberg was rated for. They even have a routine for putting the tent up in those winds. Hilleberg tents are very pricey but they are extremely well made.
Congratulations on being smart and educated reference tents. For most people cheap junk outdoor equipment is good enough. Professionals purchase the best, primary to save theirs & clients life. You may not be a professional, but you are very-very prudent.
tell someone where you are going and your expected route and when you expect to return home, so if anything goes wrong and you dont return the emergency services know roughly where to look for you.
Congratulations on being smart and educated reference tents. For most people cheap junk outdoor equipment is good enough. Professionals purchase the best, primary to save theirs & clients life. You may not be a professional, but you are very-very prudent.
I can't say that I'm a professional if that means I get paid to take clients camping. But, I'd consider myself a pro because when I go camping it is usually with someone that is less experienced and due to that I typically will carry enough to ensure that they make it back safe. Having the strongest of ultralight gear allows me to carry more "extra" gear just in case they forget things which is typical.
So next year is a milestone birthday for me and I'm planning to take a decently long backcountry/backpacking camping trip. I will be taking a couple of dogs with me as well. It'll be my first big trip like this so I'm really excited.
I'm wondering if anyone has any tips or tricks they want to share or suggestions for locations.
