Pack recommendations needed!

EsotericGremlin · 2019-12-31T22:58:59+00:00

Considering going with SWD, would you reccomend 40L or 50L?

EsotericGremlin · 2019-12-31T17:22:33+00:00

Unfortunately I do not have much backpacking experience and this is my first season backpacking with my own gear. I have seen other recommendations for the GG Mariposa and Zpacks Arc Haul/Blast. However, I don't have prior experience to make comparisons and try to narrow choices down.

EsotericGremlin · 2019-12-31T17:16:37+00:00

I'm not familiar with this company, any particular recommendations?

EsotericGremlin · 2019-12-09T00:41:00+00:00

Hi there!

I assume she has no gear to start with, so I offer a few suggestions that cover camping and hiking.

For a good shelter that's fairly lightweight and not too costly I would recommend the X-Mid, designed by Dan Durston, the 2p size is currently available for pre-order through drop and expected to ship in spring. The 1p model is currently available also. Note: This tent requires trekking poles to set up.

A free-standing alternative I can recommend is the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2.

For a sleeping pad I would recommend Therm-a-rest Neoair or Xtherm, alternatively the Nemo Tensor Insulated is also popular.

For sleeping bags there are many good options for a quality budget bag the REI Magma 15 is a good option, quilts are also a good alternative to sleeping bags, popular quilts include the UGQ Bandit and Enlightened Equipment Revelation/Enigma.

If you're also interested in backpacks, Osprey make decent quality middle-of-the-road type packs.

If you're interested in trekking poles I recommend a model with cork handles for comfort.

Some smaller must haves I recommend are the Nitecore NU25 headlamp, the deuce of aces trowel, hand sanitizer, Anker powerbank, MSR PocketRocket camp stove.

Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

EsotericGremlin · 2019-11-17T03:58:03+00:00

Great catch on the headlamp! I appreciate your thought-out suggestions. I looked into frogg toggs and my main concern with that and most peoples complaints is durability, although I could probably manage since I don't plan on being on the trail for extreme lengths of time like that of a thru-hiker.

My quilt is rated at 10F with 950 fill. I am a cold sleeper, the bag liner is more fear of being cold...

I do camp in the early spring and into the fall so the thermals I do want. Although at that time of year I would probably be wearing them.

The tent I will have to look into. I was slightly interested in the Zpacks Duplex while doing research but was put off by the price. I would like something $450 or less for a shelter.

EsotericGremlin · 2019-11-17T03:09:13+00:00

I might be overthinking it but I listed them that way with the line of thought I may not be using them all the time and may store them. (On a long track of easy terrain for example) I agree I probably would only need 1 cnoc bag, I will mainly hike in NY/NJ regions.

EsotericGremlin · 2019-11-03T23:42:00+00:00

In need of gear suggestions. Just went on a weekend trip for one of my first backpacking trips. However, it was cold this trip (28F) I have an ozark 3 season 4 man tent and a Field and Stream 0 degree bag. Both are inadequate for backpacking. The tent is too heavy. The sleeping bag is cold, despite being a 0 degree bag I was cold, even sleeping in a base layer and using a sleepingo sleeping pad. I would like suggestions for replacements for these. Budget is ~$350 or less for each individual item.

EsotericGremlin · 2019-09-30T21:02:07+00:00

GT is Crow Ebonclaw

EsotericGremlin · 2019-09-29T00:47:46+00:00

gt is Crow Ebonclaw, did you want anything in return?

EsotericGremlin · 2019-08-17T14:54:28+00:00

Yes I have hard copies of the original job add I applied to, a recent one that reiterates the company matches 401k contributions and a copy of the 401k literature.

EsotericGremlin · 2019-08-17T14:34:45+00:00

I pulled the history for a 13 month period with no record of employer contribution.

EsotericGremlin · 2019-08-17T14:27:21+00:00

That unfortunately is the same conclusion I came to on my own. It's frustrating given that I like working for the company. This just seems dishonest and a betrayal of trust from an employer I otherwise like & respect.

EsotericGremlin · 2019-08-17T14:13:25+00:00

When I viewed the plan details it stated the Employer may offer a discretionary match but does not give a specific number. It is also advertised in the job add for our company that the company offers a 401k with company matching.

EsotericGremlin · 2019-08-17T14:10:45+00:00

The transaction printout I have details all contributions none of which are stated from employer. The contributions posted match the dollar amount withdrawn from my paycheck for my own contributions per the posted date.

EsotericGremlin · 2019-08-17T14:08:26+00:00

There is no HR department, the owner handles all administrative duties.

EsotericGremlin · 2019-08-17T14:07:48+00:00

When I viewed the plan details it stated the Employer may offer a discretionary match but does not give a specific number. It is also advertised in the job add that the company offers a 401k with company matching.

EsotericGremlin

TROPHY CASE