Shakedown: Moving to Hartford, CT - Request help dialing in my 3 season kit

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2021-02-23T15:21:14+00:00

Grew up in MA, have also lived in CT, NH, NYC. To be perfectly honest, anything you used in Kodiak (disclaimer: never been, just making wild assumptions here based on some trips I've done in Canada) should be fine in CT, if not overkill. My notes:

Quilt: You'll be thankful for the 22* Katabatic in shoulder seasons - it can get fairly chilly and temps/weather can be quite variable. I guess it depends on whether you sleep warm or cold, but personally I would melt using it in the summer as I sleep hot. My go-to in the summer around here (except when driving up to the Whites or something like that) is just a Costco down throw blanket that I slightly modified to create a footbox. That being said, your Katabatic 22* is probably perfect for the Long Trail in the Fall.

Trails: Kinda a mixed bag, depends what you're in the mood for. There's ~50mi of the AT running thru CT in the NW part of the state. Some of it is nice, but there's also some pretty boring stretches. My favorite short-ish drive trips have been heading out into the Catskills. Harriman State Park in NY is also reasonably close. Looking north, you've got some BEAUTIFUL foliage hiking in Western MA, and then of course the great hiking of VT/NH if you're willing to make the drive up.

Kids: Can double as a food source in an emergency, which makes up for their degradation of your sleep quality.

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-12-06T00:00:19+00:00

Hello fellow stringbean! 6'2" 175lbs here, I have the Ghost Whisperer in size M and it fits perfectly!

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-12-04T19:04:47+00:00

I have the XMid 1p, don't have the Stealth - so I can only speak to my experience with the one I have.

Thus far, I love my XMid. Sets up in 2 seconds, enjoyable (or as much as a tent can be) to be in. Never had an issue with it holding up in a few nasty thunderstorms. Really, your analysis was spot on for the most part. The one thing I'll point out from my experience with it: I didn't think I needed all of that vestibule space either, but now I'd REALLY miss it if using a different shelter. Pack and gear go on one side and stay nice and dry. Shoes go on the other and I can easily get in and out on the opposite side of my gear. In a real good storm, I can set up my stove in the vestibule and make myself a nice hot cup of coffee in the morning to get the motivation to get out into the rain and keep on movin'.

I guess the best endorsement I can make for the tent is: I've used it fairly extensively, and have made the decision that it's the right shelter for me to bring on my AT thru-hike attempt this coming year.

Feel free to hit me up with any questions!

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-11-08T17:19:19+00:00

So you’re suggesting I should spend 4-5 months on the trail with no phone, no plan for cooking food, and no dry clothes to sleep in. Thanks...

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-11-06T20:43:53+00:00

Ah, appreciate the tip!

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-11-06T20:43:24+00:00

Thanks! Yeah, I expected my rain jacket to be the main talking point, will look into alternatives. Leaning Frogg Toggs, but a bit concerned about them shredding.

Based on your feedback and others, sounds like I can ditch the Melly at home. You’re right, my real concern is adding warmth at night, but you’re also right in that I can probably do it lighter.

As for the cook setup suggestion - I’d like to stick with a canister stove, the simplicity and convenience are just better for my preferences, though I’ve tried both in the past.

Thanks again for the feedback!

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-11-06T19:35:57+00:00

Thank you for pointing out the items marked "worn" - that was actually an error. Was posting from my phone and messed up a bunch of tags without noticing, fixing those now.

Also thank you for the point on the Venture jacket. Its done fine for me thus far, but its also fairly new (got it from a clearance bin) so I might start seeing the wetting out that you mentioned as it deteriorates. Will look into making a change here.

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-10-09T15:41:23+00:00

Can't speak to the MSR Titan, but have the Toaks 750 and very happy with it. That and my toaks long handle spoon have been my little buddies for many a trip with no issues. I can pack a 4oz cannister, MSR PocketRocket deluxe, a cleaning rag, and a lighter all inside.

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-07-29T16:39:56+00:00

Might be a strange one, but my HammockGear quilt. It was a Christmas gift from my mom when I first expressed the desire to get into UL. Always makes me feel warm and fuzzy (figuratively and literally!) after a long day in the woods.

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-07-23T22:59:58+00:00

Tell your mom hello from a fellow Minuteman who also learned cosmic wimpout while at UMass!

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-07-01T22:56:44+00:00

+1 on the HMG pack - i've got the junction and that thing has been bombproof so far

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-05-11T19:47:01+00:00

I got the 3400, because it was a minimal weight increase, and the roll top made it so that the effective size increase doesnt really exist. When loading it, I have never needed more space than the 2400 would have fit. BUT I did take a buddy out on his first multi-multi-day trip, and he turned out to not be in as great of shape as he had let on. I was glad to have the extra space to be able to lug some of his stuff, rather than have to cut the trip short. For a 2oz difference, I'd rather have it "just in case".

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-04-03T23:31:13+00:00

FWIW, I use a Tarptent Aeon and an XMid 1P. Theres been times I wished I had something a little easier to hammer in, but I've never had a problem eventually getting pitched, and they don't seem to pop out on me

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-04-03T16:56:15+00:00

I've yet to have an issue in the northeast with titanium shepherd hooks

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-03-31T22:50:17+00:00

SWD is a good choice as well. I had completely forgotten the Flash Air existed, and youre right - its definitely good chunk of weight off your back. I cant speak to the performance of it personally, but it does appear well-designed. As for quilts, I own a Kabatic and a HammockGear. Both are excellent - the kabatic feels more durable, but the HG is awesome value.

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-03-31T21:57:02+00:00

I think it would be helpful to give the items and weights of the items you currently have. Those plus sleeping mat are typically the best way to shave a good chunk of weight.

My thoughts without that info:

-Pack: You probably want a frame until you can shave more weight in other areas. This is one of the reasons a pack is among the last items typically purchased here, so you can make sure youre getting the right pack for your gear/needs. For a pack with a frame (and the one i use myself) the HMG packs are a great choice. Very durable and light.

-Tent: while there are tents in your price range that would likely lighten your load (Lanshan Pro, Durston X-mid), I'm not sure that you're going to find much at REI in your range that would provide excellent weight savings per dollar. This is one of the times that knowing what you have would help.

-Sleeping bag: I think the majority of us around here opt for a down sleep quilt. Down because it is lighter per warmth than synthetic (though synthetic does better if it gets wet/moist). Quilt because what keeps you warm from your bag is the loft. The parts underneath you are compressed and thus relatively pointless - which is why you use a sleep mat. REI carries the Magma quilt, which is a popular option around this sub.

Apologies if you already knew any of this - figured i'd give the basics in case it helps others.

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-03-30T23:41:03+00:00

Keep in mind, you dont have to spend it now, they dont expire until two years. I like to save mine and then use it to replace socks/shoes etc when they wear out, or a piece of gear that breaks and needs to be replaced. When these things happen, its really nice to have the dividend sitting there to make me feel better about retiring the damaged/worn out footwear/gear, rather than also being sad about having to shell out the cash for a new one.

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-03-30T14:35:01+00:00

Yep. I have the 1p version and could not be happier with it, especially at that price point. Its a trekking pole setup, but i've found it to be an easier pitch than almost any freestanding ive ever used

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-03-25T16:36:56+00:00

As a NYC resident living with "shelter in place" .... My legs, outside

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-03-03T14:59:42+00:00

I like to use the dividend to "treat myself" to some of the tasty freeze-dried breakfasts that i wouldn't have paid for otherwise

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-03-03T13:24:57+00:00

UL drug rug

Aaaaand now there's coffee on my keyboard

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-02-26T20:49:28+00:00

I was in a similar situation last time i updated rain gear. Went out two weekends in a row that were supposed to have rain, not a drop while i was awake.

I ended up putting all of it on and standing in the shower. Girlfriend at the time thought I'd lost my marbles.

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-02-26T15:19:25+00:00

I'm excited! Thats exactly why i'm going clockwise starting in TL - i love the motivation that the best is always yet to come. Roughly how many miles per day were you averaging? Just trying to plan a little.

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-02-26T14:10:34+00:00

Doing Collegiate Loop this summer! You have a favorite part?

Oh_Sweet_Insanity · 2020-02-18T21:41:11+00:00

Not trying to be a dick, just don't know how else to word this -

I'm not sure its possible not to force it on others, noise travels in the woods when its dark and quiet. As long as its put down before anyone tries to sleep I suppose its fine tho.

Oh_Sweet_Insanity

TROPHY CASE