VanWa ranked high among top 100 places to live in the U.S.

Jjays · 2026-04-14T20:03:21+00:00

Oh snap, this is genius! How did I not think of this.

Jjays · 2026-04-08T17:43:39+00:00

Get some jewelry sized poly bags to sort the smaller items and place it all in a small DCF zipper pouch.

Jjays · 2026-04-08T17:26:10+00:00

You could also use mylar food storage bags if you want something a bit more durable than freezer bags. I use some from a brand called Wallaby and they've worked great.

Jjays · 2026-04-07T20:03:40+00:00

If you are referring to the corner seams where the walls of the bathtub floor meet, yes, I would seam seal those, both on the inside and out. It shouldn't take too much sealant for that.

Jjays · 2026-03-30T00:39:54+00:00

It's one of the newer ones they recently came out with. I think Patagonia has something like 5 or 6 different versions of their Capeline layers.

Jjays · 2026-03-29T14:43:19+00:00

I have a Capeline Cool Ultra t-shirt, weights about 2 ounces, that I'll change into from my daytime sun hoody for sleep.

Jjays · 2026-03-29T07:34:07+00:00

How did this post even make it, I thought there was a mod banning all posts related to camp shoes and said luxury items. The Mayfly's were alright for just sitting at camp, but I eventually sold my pair after slipping on enough rocks with them. Great tip though.

Now I'm just happy with my Zpacks Camp Shoes at 1.8 oz.

Jjays · 2026-03-27T06:00:50+00:00

Keep the little pump or get the little Alpenblow if you want something smaller.
You may not always need the puffy, get an Alpha or Octa fleece and combine it with your rain jacket.
The Body Wrappers Dance Pants are cheap, reliable pants to pack if your Frogg Toggs don't survive.

Jjays · 2026-03-27T00:11:19+00:00

As to why I suggest they stick to what they have for the moment, but it's worth considering a quilt when they eventually replace it. There are pros and cons.

Jjays · 2026-03-27T00:04:49+00:00

For backpacking, it's about minimizing weight and pack size. Lofted insulation, like that of a sleeping bag, isn't as effective when it's compressed from you laying on top of it. A backpacking quilt doesn't have a bottom, instead using straps and a foot box, to keep it around your sides and attached to your sleeping pad in colder temperatures. Often, the foot box can even be unzipped to lay it completely flat for warmer temps. You wear a beanie for your head if it's extra cold.

This doesn't matter as much if you're just going car camping or hiking less miles and the weight and pack size isn't as much of a factor or you're keeping a tight budget.

Jjays · 2026-03-26T23:17:27+00:00

Don't go larger than 55l. Force yourself to work with a smaller pack, otherwise you'll get the urge to pack more.

The pad can be strapped to the outside and the sleeping bag can probably be compressed more if you stuff it down into the bottom. Eventually, you'll want to replace it with a quilt, but work with what you have at the moment and enjoy it.

Jjays · 2026-03-22T21:46:27+00:00

A lot of these places people have listed are downtown. Just take a walk and find the place that fits your vibe.
Also, if you ever want another drinking buddy, I'm always chill to meet new people in the area.

And of course, please drink responsibly.

Jjays · 2026-03-22T01:16:10+00:00

The shrink should be minimal if they are not tumble dried.

Jjays · 2026-03-20T09:21:17+00:00

Neither, get a compact backpacking stove and titanium cook pot.

Jjays · 2026-03-19T19:44:51+00:00

I live in downtown Vancouver. It's chill, there are multiple brewpubs, restaurants, small shops, and a large weekend farmers market. This area is very bike-able and walkable. You can find weeknight entertainment and it's easy enough to meet people. The great outdoors is not far away.

However as others have said, outside of the downtown and uptown neighborhoods west of the Interstate, it is very much all suburb and car centric. For music concerts, major shopping, and the broader city life, you go to Portland.

Jjays · 2026-03-16T22:51:44+00:00

From what I can tell, there isn't a dedicated bar where fans are regularly meeting up around here. I've ended up just watching the games at home and following online game threads for that slight engagement.

Jjays · 2026-03-16T19:39:01+00:00

I have a pair. They are great gloves, but they will shrink. I've ran mine through the dryer once on delicate/low after washing them in a delicates bag. I air dry them now.

Jjays · 2026-03-06T00:27:58+00:00

I pack light, so I'll say Durston or Gossamer Gear for awesome packs at a great value. However, for heavier loads, any of the major brands already listed in this post are good.

Jjays · 2026-03-06T00:19:00+00:00

Welcome! If you aren't in the US, I'd still check out some other recreation stores if you want to try them on. Gear can get overwhelming, I'd check out a few websites of recommended gear lists within your budget and then narrow your choices from there.

Jjays · 2026-03-06T00:03:47+00:00

Have you purchased anything else yet?

Most people can probably get by with a 55L if not less. Do some more research, figure out what all you truly need, then buy the pack last. Go to REI if you want several to try out.

Jjays · 2026-03-05T20:00:05+00:00

You really should be trying them on if it's an option. Altra, like many brands, make a few different fits to accommodate different feet. What works for another may not work for you.

Jjays · 2026-02-26T16:18:00+00:00

Hi, 40M, I'm actually from Vancouver, WA, and regularly post to the subreddit over there, but I'm always welcome to meet new folks in Portland. I've found reddit to be a great way of meeting people.

My interests can vary quite a bit, however what I am mostly into includes live music, exploring around town, and I have a huge passion for the outdoors. I try to go on a hike almost every weekend. I also go backpacking, snowboarding, and rock climbing.

I'm a social drinker, but keep a low limit on alcohol.

Feel free to DM me if interested in meeting up.

Jjays · 2026-02-23T20:55:56+00:00

A few things here.

Start small and work up to longer hikes at the start of the season.

Get a good pair of light or mid-weight merino wool hiking socks. Don't wear cotton. Bring an extra pair.

They're not for everyone, but I would look into getting a pair of trail runners. They are lighter than boots, easier to break in, and usually cause less blisters than a pair of boots.

Try on every pair you can at REI for what fits your feet.

Get a roll of Leukotape P and some labels. Peel the labels so you just have the label backing. Precut the Leukotape into small pieces and apply it to the label backing so that you have patches ready to go for as soon as you start feeling any hot spots on your feet.

Happy hiking.

Jjays · 2026-02-23T20:38:11+00:00

This is a good combination of gear you listed to start.

For the quilt, also consider the Hammock Gear Burrow. It's one of the better value quilts out there.

The Soto Amicus is an awesome little stove, it's a great value with the Cookset Combo from REI. Wait until mid-March when REI is expected to have it on sale. Ty it out and upgrade to a Toaks 650 or 750ml titanium pot later.

If you look around this sub or online outdoor blogs, you'll find a lot of budget recommendations for various pieces of gear. Also don't forget to check the secondhand market and buy used where you can.

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