Gear needs following overnight scouting trip

good2eat

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Dec 27, 2014
Messages
161
I know there are specific for for specific pieces of gear. Since there are a few items I'm looking for suggestions on I thought I'd post in the general discussion Forum

I spent yesterday and today on a scouting trip. Got to try out new gear. Found a few holes that I'm looking for suggestion on:

1. Tent. Not happy with what I have - too short, hit my feet and head, not gonna work. I'm not a big guy at 5'10" but want something light and big enough to comfortably stretch out in. Price range is probably on the BA Cooper Spur territory.

2. Chair. Man I missed some where to sit comfortably.

3. Gloves for the morning. Was below freezing overnight, in late June. Probably will see freezing temps. during hunting season. Looking for gloves that will be warm enough but still light.

4. In soles. I have the Lathrop and Sons but now that my Kennettreks are fully broken in, they don't seem to provide sufficient arch support or volume.

5. Pillow - used my FL puffy. Not gonna work. Looking for head pillow and one I can put between my knees (hips and knees hurt and are very uncomfortable without)

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

Gear that met or exceeded my expectations:

EE quilt - almost too warm

EXO pack - needs some fitment adjustments to perfect but worked well
I am looking forward to receiving the UL pockets, organization will be a tremendous help

MSR reactor - does the job and quickly.

Trimble outdoor navigation app in my phone. Fantastic app.

The good part is I identified an area with significant sign - both fresh and of various ages and in an area high enough they should be around come Aug/Sept. And it's far enough away from roads and easy access that it shouldn't be over pressured.

So all in all a pretty successful trip.
 
Last edited:
My stock insoles in my Lowas started giving out when I increased training weight in my pack. I picked up some of the Superfeet green insoles and they definitely give me more support. I went to a local running store and they watched me walk and checked out my arch and recommended the green.

Which tent do you have?
 
Thanks Finch.

Tent is non-descript. I bought it a number of years ago for motorcycle touring. I'm looking to lighten my load and still be comfortable.
 
As with everything, gear is a personal thing so what works for me might not work for you.

Tent - I just picked up a BA copper spur 2, not a huge amount of room but for the weight compared to what I was using, (3 man) I think I'll like it.

Chair - just a fold up pad and a rock or stump - http://www.rei.com/product/829881/therm-a-rest-z-seat-pad

Gloves - As a fellow motorcyclist you will probably enjoy these, work well, just not totally waterproof, I bought them based on a recommendation from someone here on the slide and like em just fine and ride with them year round - http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/...&kpid=857117&gclid=CIONn42Pp8YCFQYQaQodQiwI_w

Pillow - thermarest pillow.

Insoles - I prefer superfeet green.
 
3x for the superfeet green. The Helinox chair is pretty nice but a heavy luxury. Get the tall one not the low to the ground model. I think it's worth the weight if you are not going to be hunting with camp on your back at all times. I carry one. I'm using a Kifaru Sawtooth but that's definitely more money than you want to spend and it's a big shelter. Check out the Kifaru Supertarp.
 
I bought a hubba hubba nx, am 6'2" with a 56 coat and as a one man tent I've been very happy with it, with the caveat that I haven't had it in a downpour yet.

Pillows go to an REI store if you can, they have them all to try out. I'm a Canuck and have an MEC (canadian REI) pillow I'm very happy with.

Insoles or should you have orthotics?

Try stuff out from friends if you can,,,

Ian
 
Tent: You already said it, BA CSUL2 is about the best free standing tent in that range. I used one for a season and really liked it. Of course, if you're wiling to go floorless there are a ton of options.

Chair: Only suggestion I have is a non-inflatable sleeping pad. You can roll/fold it up just about anywhere and have something soft to sit on. I'm still experimenting with this, but the weight/bulk is a tradeoff.

Gloves: I find mountain bike gloves are the best option for light gloves. My favorite are Oakley Factory Pilot. They are very dexterous and still easy to get things done around camp with them on. If you want them to be waterproof, there are some good gloves from companies like Gore, Endura, and showers pass.

Pillow: I would not ever pack a specific pillow, but basically use everything in my pack stuffed into a large Kifaru pullout. Clothes, game bags, etc. I like to sleep with my head elevated quite a bit so I also fill my hydration bladder with water, stuff it in my pack, and put that under my bag/pad to elevate the base a bit also.
 
I've got a Tarptent Rainshadow 2 that has been set up and seam-sealed that I'll sell you for $250. It also comes with the two optional poles that he sells. It's right at 3lbs.
 
what degree is your EE Quilt?

As for a chair i always use down trees/ logs..... I also made a toilet like this! it beats trying to hover

as for a pillow I bought a sea to summit and a down and i like the down... hands down
 
Back
Top