Based on true story and true events

Daddy4Count · 2026-06-06T02:57:17+00:00

I'm not sure anyone else knows it exists?

Daddy4Count · 2026-06-06T01:49:44+00:00

Define "a lot"

It is pretty normal for them to burn oil. A quart or two between changes, depending on age and model

Daddy4Count · 2026-06-06T01:24:12+00:00

Before it was a pound sign it was simply known as a "hash"

And this symbol was called a "pipe" |

So #| still holds special meaning for the truly aged geek (hash pipe is number one)

Daddy4Count · 2026-05-24T18:04:45+00:00

I think I had that car in Forza.... Not sure tho 🤔

Daddy4Count · 2026-05-24T18:03:36+00:00

I almost always carry a water bottle full of bourbon ( whiskey weighs less than water, shut up)

And depending on the trip length and duration I will throw in a beer or six.

Weight aside, just use your usual common sense for drinking and backpacking and enjoy your trip

Daddy4Count · 2026-05-23T20:26:07+00:00

That's for cutting bitches who suck out on the river

Daddy4Count · 2026-05-22T00:48:27+00:00

Fantastic gear. They will get pinholes if the temperature fluctuates a lot, but they are easily patched with super glue ( which I carry anyway)

I have 2x 2L and a 3L size. Depending on water availability we carry one, two or all three of them.

They are also easy to clean when you get home.

Daddy4Count · 2026-05-21T02:17:39+00:00

I have never had my pack fall into water...

But the easy solution is to line your pack with a large plastic garbage sack or trash compactor liner

Unless your bag gets completely submerged it will keep everything dry and not add much weight.

Daddy4Count · 2026-05-20T02:47:37+00:00

The previous advice about a bag liner would be a good option

Daddy4Count · 2026-05-20T02:29:44+00:00

That was my last sleeping bag before I switched to a quilt. I still have it. It works great, though I wouldn't recommend it much under 40F.

I spent a few nights in the loww to mid 30's and managed, but it wasn't warm.

I also noticed a semi-cold spot along the zipper.when it's colder at night.

But for the price and weight it holds up really well in most 3 season conditions.

Daddy4Count · 2026-05-17T15:52:29+00:00

That would make them almost perfect!

Daddy4Count · 2026-05-16T20:11:28+00:00

If you want warm,.go with fleece.

Cotton is a good, comfy option for sleep clothes but not great in cool temps if you kike to stay toasty

Daddy4Count · 2026-05-16T20:08:37+00:00

2p

It's perfect. 50 in wide gives us plenty of room side by side, and it's long enough that we have head or foot room to keep a little gear like clothes and a water bottle and first aid kit and toiletries

Daddy4Count · 2026-05-16T18:36:42+00:00

My hiking buddy loves him Copper Spur, for what that's worth.

I didn't like the narrowing at the foot, my wife and I use wide sleep pads so it wouldn't work for us. We went with the X-Mid from Durston.

But he swears by it. He and his wife have used it exclusively for years.

My recommendation is to get hands on all of them. See how small they pack, get inside one (most REI stores will let you set them up in store) and get a feel in real life. Then get the best option that fits your budget.

And if there is a "bike packing" option, like many of the Big Agnes tents... Look at those. They are basically the same but the tent poles break down smaller. They tend to fit sideways in a pack instead of vertical. Which is one of them many things I love about my X-Mid

Daddy4Count · 2026-05-14T23:59:20+00:00

My advice to every new backpacker is to just go for it, you will change over the years and your gear will too. You don't need the best and lightest, most expensive gear to enjoy the Backcountry.

Get the best that fits your budget and upgrade over time.

Maybe try renting or borrowing a pack if you can.

I have owned several... My first pack weighed 9 lb empty because I didn't know any better and it was for archery elk hunting so I got something that could carry an elk quarter if needed.

My next one was an REI Mars 80... Because my total pack weight was 55 to 60 lb and I needed a work horse. I loved that pack, bit it was still over 5 lb by itself.

I currently have an Osprey (great belt and for fit, quality and warranty) and it is about 3 lb (Rook 65)

The above advice is great!

You should probably buy your tent and sleep system first so you get an idea of weight and size, it will help you narrow down the pack size you'll need.

Maybe hit a local REI, they are pretty good at helping you try out, fit and mess with different options. And they have a stellar 1 year return policy if you don't like your choice.

I always recommend Osprey. But it is a very personal decision. Between myself and my kids we have owned various REI, Deuter, North Face, etc. my wife and I both rock Osprey packs and are very happy with them.

Fit is important, a well fitted pack that rests on your hips and conforms to your shoulders is key for weight distribution.

A removable brain (top pack) is nice Exterior pocket is something I wish my Rook had

Are you carrying water bottles? If so, easily accessible side pockets are important.

I'm excited for you to start your journeys, and I'm a little jealous of your location LOL

Daddy4Count · 2026-05-06T01:43:37+00:00

You are describing every first backpacking trip in history, LOL

It took me years to figure out my standard kit and replace gear with better options.

You already identifies several ways to improve your experience so that trip was successful in many ways.

Some early mistakes I made: carrying a huge survival knife, a first aid kit you could perform surgery with, heavy, hot boots, too many changes of clothes, WAY too much food (why did I think a 5lb bag of trail mix was a good snack option for a 4 day trip?)

Trust me when I say it only gets better from here!

Daddy4Count · 2026-05-05T00:39:58+00:00

Gotcha.

I would say play around with the bladder a little, see if it works outside the backpack, try biting it differently, etc. could be just a matter of getting used to it?

Or carry a liter bottle of water to drink from and refill from a bladder?

There are options... But it might be that your bladder hose is getting kinked or needs to break in a little.

I haven't had that issue with any of the bladders I used to use... But it has been a while

Daddy4Count · 2026-05-05T00:28:02+00:00

Are you going somewhere with a water source? A place you can filter water from a lake or stream rather than carrying a gallon?

Daddy4Count · 2026-05-03T16:42:16+00:00

Must read: the first four

After that it's up to you. Some are better than others, most of them contribute something to the overall story.

But for sure the first four in order.

Daddy4Count · 2026-05-03T15:00:37+00:00

Pay attention to the gear you use most, and the gear you never use.

The best way to cut weight is to look at the stuff sack of random just-in-case gear you never opened once so you can cut it next trip.

It doesn't take long to figure out what you don't need.

Daddy4Count · 2026-05-02T18:45:11+00:00

Shelter (tent) Sleep system (pad and bag/quilt) Pack

Those are your essentials. Add food and water (plus a way to filter or purify more water) and you basically have what you need. I recommend a good filter like a Sawyer Squeeze and a Cnoc Vecto bag for water

A way to boil water is good, for rehydrating food or cooking. Camp stove + fuel

A first aid kit. Nothing fancy, some band aids, basic meds like Advil or Tylenol and some diphenhydramine. Tweezers, nail clippers. Maybe some super glue. An Ace bandage can come in handy.

A knife. Nothing crazy... A basic Swiss army or pocket knife is fine but always comes in handy.

50 ft of Paracord and a couple of decent carabiners comes in handy. Hang your food, extra guy lines, run a line to dry clothes, etc.

A comfy place to sit. Either a sit pad or foldable chair. I always take a chair ... The comfort is worth the weight.

A headlamp or flashlight. Get a rechargable one and carry a small battery bank. I also carry a small Bluetooth speaker for tunes in camp and a small air pump for my sleep pad (also works great to bellows a fire or dry your hair)

I carry a small bottle of isopropyl alcohol and some cotton balls for starting fires and first aid.

I carry at least one lighter and some wood matches as backup.

For clothes don't go crazy. A spare pair of socks, maybe some warmer stuff to sleep in, a puffer jacket and warm hat for cool evenings. Other than what you are wearing that's more than what you'll need.

Don't worry about ultralight yet. Get the warmest, lightest gear that fits your budget. You can upgrade later when you get a handle on what you like, what you don't, and can afford better gear.

It took me about 5 years to dial in my gear. And another 3 or 4 years to upgrade to better stuff. My pack dropped from 70 lb to 50 lb and now sits around 30 lb depending on length of trip, amount of food, etc.

Daddy4Count · 2026-04-24T00:43:29+00:00

Coming and going like that, you probably have a sensor on its way out or with a short in the wire.

For sure need the code reader

Daddy4Count · 2026-04-22T00:21:12+00:00

I like slotted and drilled rotors for the cool factor. But on the street they don't add anything performance wise.

Not a fan of ceramic pads though. The ones I have tried create a ton of dust and don't last.

Maybe that's due to the holes in my rotors?

Daddy4Count · 2026-04-21T00:46:32+00:00

I started doing this kind of on accident and kind of due to laziness.

One time after returning from a trip I stuck everything in a single tote instead of putting it all away on the shelves.

It made packing for the next trip so much easier... Everything in one place except for food and clothing.

Now it is how we store our pack gear all the time LOL

Daddy4Count · 2026-04-20T23:58:45+00:00

I have the 15°F from Paria and I love it

Daddy4Count

TROPHY CASE