I increased my 3500 by sandwiching a eberlestock spike camp duffel between the frame and pack. It added another 2000 cu inches and I just removed it when we reached a camping spot. Someone might be able to use this idea as I got it off ebay for about 20 bucks.
I am with everyone pushing the 4 dog stove. I got a 3 dog for my Alaknak 12x12. Unlike some of the other stoves, it has a steel plate welded between the fire and the stove top so the flame is pushed forward then back to the stove pipe. This eliminates most sparks coming out of the stove pipe.
I bought a 3500 and its great but I couldn't get 7 days worth of stuff in it. My solution was to buy a eberlestock duffel and put it between the frame and the pack. I can carry 14 days of stuff now. It does put extra pressure on the lumbar pad but a little adjustment of the load lifters and all...
Steve Oltmann
65
retired banker
My kids are older than most on this forum. Gee Whiz, I go elk hunting because it forces me to stay in shape. Nothing more revealing than pushing up a steep trail except a bull bugling in your face.
I picked up a Marmot Helium 15 degree 850 down bag for $290.00. Its compacts down nicely and weighs very little. I Used it Last year in Colorado. It was good down to 32 one night. Another night in Texas it was 18 degrees and I was still warm. If you don't get a quilt this bag is a winner
If you want to use flies, google tenkara rods. They collapse really small, don't need a reel. They expand to anywhere from 9' to 12' and only has a line attached. You can collapse them fully rigged, reach a good spot on the stream, extend and fish, then repeat. The good rods cost over $100 but...
I packed in this year and used Russell apg clothing. I wore the l3 pants and jacket along with a long sleeve Columbia dry wear shirt. I had a fleece beanie along with a LL Bean 850 down sweater. I wore this all week and used the down sweater as needed. I had one pair of light gloves and one pair...
I used a Marmot Helium 15 degree this year in the last week of September. It got down in the 30's and I was extremely warm. In fact I had to keep it partially unzipped to regulate the heat. For around $300 its a great deal.