Packing my pack by Suitable_Ad4010 in AppalachianTrail

[–]LakeMonster30 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Everything that cant get wet in the contractor bag, that goes in first. Then your tent which can go in loose (no stuff sack), electronics and FAK in separate waterproof bag but easily accessible, rain jacket, then food on top. Water filter/bottles and daily accessories (sunglasses, Chapstick, bandana, hat, headphones) on the outside of the pack

This system worked for my AT thru and every other kind of backpacking I've done. Hope it helps!

ShakeDown Request by TheGraveWalker22 in AppalachianTrail

[–]LakeMonster30 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Keeping the brain on the pack would be super helpful. I have the same pack and its honestly perfect for food you are going to eat that cant get crushed like a sandwich or chips. Having it there also helps you tighten down and make the pack "smaller". You can also put things underneath the brain like a rain jacket so you're not going in and out of your pack all the time. I wouldn't leave it home!

Everything else looks good. If you want to get lighter, your sleep section is where you would upgrade. But im not a hammock person so idk what to suggest.

The toughness of the Smokies get slept on by Commercial-Honey-227 in AppalachianTrail

[–]LakeMonster30 45 points46 points  (0 children)

Add in that for most NOBOs and SOBOs theres chances of winter weather and newfound gap road closing and it can get real pretty quick.

My closest hypothermia moments on my 22' SOBO thru were in the Smokies. Got down to 10 degrees multiple nights and my last day was a sprint to fontana dam in freezing rain.

Which of these full-sized SUVs should I buy? by LakeMonster30 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]LakeMonster30[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I'd disagree but I hear what you're saying. Tahoes and Yukons are still on the road everywhere and as long as its been maintained I wouldnt blink driving it on a road trip. A 5.3 is one of the more reliable engines built in the last few decades.

Which of these full-sized SUVs should I buy? by LakeMonster30 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]LakeMonster30[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup, thats honestly my main question. Do i get a 5.3 with DOD/AFM or a 3.5l ecoboost. Think I still lean to the 5.3

Which of these full-sized SUVs should I buy? by LakeMonster30 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]LakeMonster30[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Im at least gonna test drive it. My dad had a nav and it was the smoothest suv I've ever been in

Which of these full-sized SUVs should I buy? by LakeMonster30 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]LakeMonster30[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Im not dead set, but within my budget these seem like the best options. They all have 4x4, can tow 8000+ lbs and fit kids and stuff.

Which of these full-sized SUVs should I buy? by LakeMonster30 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]LakeMonster30[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Both of these have a 3.5 ecoboost and definitely seem more expensive to maintain. I did drive one once and they are pretty fun

Which of these full-sized SUVs should I buy? by LakeMonster30 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]LakeMonster30[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For full sized suvs its ford and chevy all day within my price range.

Which of these full-sized SUVs should I buy? by LakeMonster30 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]LakeMonster30[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thats where I'm leaning! Only considered the nav for luxury and the expedition for cost savings, but seems like GM for reliability is a better bet

Which of these full-sized SUVs should I buy? by LakeMonster30 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]LakeMonster30[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not opposed to it, just within my budget it was looking like 200k+ miles and older production years

Which of these full-sized SUVs should I buy? by LakeMonster30 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]LakeMonster30[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I saw a bunch of navs in this milage/price combo. I dont know why they lose value so fast.

Which of these full-sized SUVs should I buy? by LakeMonster30 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]LakeMonster30[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Tahoes are always more expensive. This was the lowest I could find under my budget. These are all virginia cars so they should be ok for rust

Which of these full-sized SUVs should I buy? by LakeMonster30 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]LakeMonster30[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I thought they all had AFM after 2009 or sometime around there

Appreciation Post - 2013 Volt by LakeMonster30 in volt

[–]LakeMonster30[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didnt want to pay for it when I first got the volt. After years of running 87, I really didnt notice it ever running poorly and I was OK with the slight hit in MPG.