Over the last few years I have spent more money than I'd care to admit on my backpacking gear! I originally started out thinking, "I'll buy the cheaper stuff so I don't break the bank." After going on a few trips here and there and watching YouTube videos of my favorite hikers and seeing their gear, I noticed myself start buying a new tent, sleeping bag, pad, etc. Before I knew it, I had invested quite a bit of money in the hobby! Thankfully, my journey allows me to share my gear with friends who are just starting out! In the end it worked out, but I wish I would have bought the gear I really wanted originally, I might have a few more bucks in the bank!
Before we dig in too deeply, I have multiple set ups for each system. I put the descriptions in the order of favoritism.
I have three packs. This is one of those examples of where I thought I was picking an ultra light pack, but really I wasn't. All three are GREAT packs, but as time goes, you learn what you like and don't like...
Pack A:
2400 Southwest Pack | 1.88lbs | $310.00
Pack B:
Osprey Ariel 65 Pack | 4lbs 7oz | Pack is no longer available. The new version is $310.00
Pack C:
Gregory Amber 44 Pack | 2.71lbs | $159.95
To start off, I have two different sleeping systems: hammock and tent. I'm fairly new at the hammock sleeping arrangement, but that doesn't mean I don't already love it!
Eno Sub7 Hammock System:
In the photo you'll see my hammock system. It consists of the following pieces:
Eno Sub7 Hammock | 6.5oz | $39.95
Eno Helios Suspension System | 6.1oz | $34.95
Eno Vulcan Underquilt 30-40degree F | 1lbs 14oz | $174.95
Eno Guardian Bug Net | 16oz | $59.95
Eno ProFly Rain Tarp | 1lbs 6oz | $79.95
*REI Magma 17 Sleeping Bag Regular | 2lbs 4oz | $350.00
I love my hammock! To be honest, I haven't used it where I needed the bug net, so in essence, that trip my sleeping system weight was 16oz lighter! However, I always bring it with me so I can decide if I want to bring it on the trail or leave it in the car. The only downside I have faced is when I was backpacking in Colorado's Holy Cross Wilderness. In fairness, a lot of that wilderness has tree cover, but when I did the Fancy Pass to Missouri Pass trail, there were no trees on the other side of Fancy Pass coming from Missouri Lakes. Had I not ran into someone familiar with the trail at the Missouri Lakes, I would have had to either cowboy camp or trek up the pass again to camp in the Missouri Lakes area. Make sure the trail you're on has enough sturdy trees!
I have three tents! One is pretty much retired and I only use it if I have a friend who would like to borrow it. My dog, Pike, pierced a hole in the door and it's been salvaged with duck tape! It's a perfectly good tent, but it gave me an excuse to upgrade to another tent, or two...
Tent System A:
Marmot EOS 1P Tent | 2lbs 12oz | $289.99
Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm Sleeping Pad | 1lbs 4oz | $199.95 | R-Value 5.7
REI Magma 17 Sleeping Bag Regular | 2lbs 4oz | $350.00
Tent System B:
Sierra Designs Summer Moon 2P Tent | 3lbs 7oz | $189.95
*Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm Sleeping Pad | 1lbs 4oz | $199.95 | R-Value 5.7
* REI Trekker Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad | 2lbs 8oz | $69.95 | R-Value 5.6
* REI Magma 17 Sleeping Bag Regular | 2lbs 4oz | $350.00
* Marmot Trestles 15 Sleeping Bag Regular | 4lbs 12.6oz | $109.00
I do not use the Marmot Trestles 15 Sleeping Bag often. You can see it adds a significant amount of weight to my total. In my opinion, this sleeping bag is more suitable for car camping. It's an extra bag I have for friends or family. It doesn't compress as well as my REI Magma, but it sure is comfortable!
Tent System C:
Big Agnes Tumble 2P MntGLO Tent | 4lbs | $269.95
*Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm Sleeping Pad | 1lbs 4oz | $199.95 | R-Value 5.7
* REI Trekker Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad | 2lbs 8oz | $69.95 | R-Value 5.6
* REI Magma 17 Sleeping Bag Regular | 2lbs 4oz | $350.00
* Marmot Trestles 15 Sleeping Bag Regular | 4lbs 12.6oz | $109.00
Water Filtration:
Platypus GravityWorks Filter System 4L | 11.5oz | $109.95
Mini Sawyer Filter | 2oz | $19.97
To wrap up, I have a ton of other gear that I bring with me on my backpacking trips that is not included in this blog. The important thing to consider when making the decision to buy backpacking gear is to ask yourself, what will I be using the gear for? You want to find a happy medium between budget and purpose. Have fun and stay in tune with nature!
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