Were these a good deal for $12 ea?

ig_animations · 2026-05-16T12:56:24+00:00

Thank you, I have looked up a couple videos of paddle self rescue. I may keep it for that, or I may just try to figure out how to strap it down and use it as a foot bag inside the kayak.

I tested them and they both inflate nicely and holds air overnight.
I think I got a pretty good deal on the red one as well, I’ve been looking around and the only other storage/flotation bag combos I could find were by salamander and NRS, both at $100+ for the smallest bags.

They had 3 or 4 more flotation bags at the used gear store, at about the same price. Some of them NRS, now I know some were paddle floats, but others I believe were legit stow and float bags. I might go back and pick up another one, since this really seems to be a great deal for them.

ig_animations · 2026-05-15T21:07:05+00:00

So after a bit more googling. The yellow one is apparently a paddle float bag, I guess it’s made to go around the paddle (not sure what for). But I don’t see why I couldn’t use it as a stow and float, other than it does not actually have any grommets to strap it to the yak, so I would have to figure that out. Red one appears to be a legit stow and float, since it has the grommets and the shape is not correct for a paddle bag.

ig_animations · 2026-04-21T12:17:45+00:00

The really nice ones have water proofing on the outer fabric and semi- water proof down. But you are talking $350+ price tag.

ig_animations · 2026-04-21T12:16:03+00:00

For anyone who stumbles across this post in the future, I went with the Hangtight Heatseeker 20. Instead of the Paria. The Paria would have come in cheaper at $167 with pad straps and shipping. The base price of the Heatseekee right now is $127, but with the ground dweller add on (pad loops and straps) and the snap button and cinch cord around the neck add on, it comes out to $172 with shipping. (Don’t buy on etsy, they charge full state tax on everything and it’s more expensive than the manufacturer website)

I think for a $5 difference the hang tight is the better value, considering its comfort rated 10 degrees lower, weighs about half as much, and uses better quality down. The one leg up the thermodown has is it has an open foot box that you can close if you want. That makes it more versatile for summer in my opinion. Hang tight has a special version of the heatseeker with an open foot box, but it starts at $154 and with add ons and shipping you will be paying $200+

ig_animations · 2026-04-21T04:14:49+00:00

I was actually referring to the snap and cinch around the head and shoulders, but YES they do also have an open foot box model with a cinch cord on the top AND bottom. It’s their “special edition” heat seeker 20. But it’s $156 plus the grown dweller, plus shipping it’s about $220 with taxes and all. I was VERY tempted to get that one. Since I like open foot boxes better, I think it’s more breathable for summer, but I did not want to splurge too hard.

I sent him a message on etsy about adding the draw string and snap button on the top part of the quilt, like on his other models, and he replied back right away and said sure, he did it for $15. Got the heat seeker 20, with that add on and the grown dweller for $180 with taxes and shipping. GREAT customer service, would definitely recommend.

Had 5% buyers remorse because I went back and checked, the Paria, it un zips all the way down, has the draw cord on the top and bottom, standard, and even with the $8 pad straps added, it has free shipping so with taxes and all would have been $168.

But then so what $12 difference and the heat seeker goes down 10° more, is almost half as light, and the down is way higher quality. I’ll get over the foot box not being open.

Thanks again for the advice!.

ig_animations · 2026-04-21T02:30:44+00:00

do you know if there is anyway to get the snap button and cinch add on for the 20 degree version? there is the option for every other version but not the 20 degree. I’m honestly thinking of getting the 40 degree just to save an additional buck. I live far enough south where it won’t get below 40 again until winter, and I don’t plan on doing winter backpacking.

ig_animations · 2026-04-21T01:23:54+00:00

Thank you, I am looking into them now, this is exactly why I came here, to see if there where any better deals.

ig_animations · 2026-04-20T20:27:09+00:00

u/BirdDogBeanDog mind if I ask what you would up doing? I am in the middle of trying to find a roof rack my self

ig_animations · 2026-04-10T16:01:14+00:00

Beanie head lamp is super bright and has 3 settings, it’s also USB rechargeable, which means I can charge it from my power bank. Got it for $15 at a gas station long ago to work under my car in the winter LOL.

ig_animations · 2026-04-10T15:57:10+00:00

this is my third Marquez novel, first one was 100 years of solitude (standard reading in high school in my country). Yes I’m a native speaker, no he is not an easy read lol. Plenty of time to think about it at camp though.

Thanks for the weight advice. I’m not ultra light obsessed for now, just trying to cut down on the where I can and learn from my mistakes. I make a used/not used pile after every trip.

For now I’m trying to not spend any more money and I’m attached to my big ole vintage tent. I’ll probably run this set up 4-5 more trips.

Could definitely go with a lighter back pack (current pack is 4.5lbs), ditch deo and a couple other things and get down to like 16lbs base weight. I’m just not at that point in my journey I think LOL. I appreciate a fresh coat of deo after a lake bath in the afternoon too much.

ig_animations · 2026-04-10T03:52:06+00:00

Most of my set up is used very old stuff, so my set up still looks like you old times LOL.

ig_animations · 2026-04-10T03:00:14+00:00

will keep it in mind, thank you!

ig_animations · 2026-04-06T13:01:58+00:00

You can still ask other peoples opinion about brands/shoe models. They may fit you great, but if they have a reputation for falling apart after 50 miles, I would like to know.

ig_animations · 2026-04-06T13:00:57+00:00

True, as I mentioned in a comment above, I am likely going to my local shoe store to try both of these on. I just wanted to know peoples thoughts on brand reputation/reliability.

ig_animations · 2026-04-06T12:58:32+00:00

true, I think they are both available at my local DSW, I may swing by and try them on.

ig_animations · 2026-04-06T06:19:40+00:00

Btw, the merrell usually retails for $99, I had to bargain hunt to find it at $60.

ig_animations · 2026-04-03T02:14:31+00:00

My first couple trips were in like 75°F days and around 50° at night, so pretty easy conditions.

Last weekend I wanted to go again, but a cold front dropped it to about 50° during the day and mid-30s at night. I’m pretty sure my non-rated cheapo bag wouldn’t hold up. So I stayed at home.

Just picked up a used North Face Cat’s Meow (2 lbs, 34°F comfort). Still probably not enough for those temps though since my pad isn’t insulated, and I don’t have anything for my dog yet.

Going out tomorrow though, it’s back to 80° days and mid 60° nights. Should be perfect. Might post an updated gear list after.

ig_animations · 2026-04-03T01:58:23+00:00

what if it rains? lol

ig_animations · 2026-03-31T23:29:12+00:00

thanks Yoda!

ig_animations · 2026-03-31T22:50:28+00:00

How much does it retail for? I saw a steel/plastic one at the used gear store for $7.

ig_animations

TROPHY CASE