Thanks for the thread mf, interesting and I like your price ranges.
Seeking for a light source- I looked at noodle lights, rope lights etc
These are cool and may get one, with an optional in line usb on/off switch for easier access to the switch in the dark.
But I found this cool little lantern that I thought, here is another piece in my cheap price range
lol
here is this little gem:
Amazon.com : Suaoki Camping Lantern Led Light Flashlight Powered By 3AA Batteries Collapsible Ultra Compact Great for Hiking Camping Tent Garden Patio etc (Orange) : Sports & Outdoors
At $10 and only 4 oz, a light that uses 3 AAA batteries also offered me a place to carry 3 extra AAA batteries for my spare head lamp or vice versa
Stretched out this is plenty bright.
I removed the plastic handle , accidently, trying to mess with it, so I installed serving string as a handle and made it long enough to hang lower so I can reach it while sitting up, then string it higher when needed.
Yes most coleman reviews say they keep ice for 5-6 days, simply due to the huge size of the 100 or 120 qt. But the handles are cheap and break even when unloaded. The Yeti and the RTIC and even the Canyon are out of my price range. I would think any 120 qt chest which holds enough ice should by sheer size keep itself cold enough long enough.
I might be cheap, but for $160 I can get 2 120 Qt ice chests that I believe will work for 2 elk, definitely 1.
If I could just go get a RTIC I would, but I need a better spotter first, maybe a more mountaineering boot, and a decent insulated outer.
Would love a Yeti or RTIC- hopefully next year
My purpose for this thread was to maybe highlight decent gear other than the proven and highly popular, saving $$ along the way, while also doing the job efficiently.
My original idea was "What isn't working" but have no desire to be negative and felt this site was better served finding the diamonds in the rough out there
Thanks so much for the input so far
Eddie Baur
A lot of people, myself included, usually think of Eddie Baur as a mall rat store catering to hipster wannabe mountain men. I was wrong. As it turns out, the technical clothing they sell is rather high quality and they have excellent customer service with a great return policy. When they run their sales (which is basically on a monthly basis), you can pick up non-camo clothes that will do what you need affordably......and with a bit of style. So here are some reviews of several items that I wear on a routine basis and would wear on the mountain if I wasn't an ASAT nut:
Eddie Baur Guide Pro Pants: These are very similar in concept to First Lite Corrugate Guides and Prana Stretch Zions. They are a stretchy DWR treated nylon pant with zippered cargo pockets. They are not as thick or as stretchy as the FL and Prana's, but they don't cost as much either. I have 4 that I wear everyday to work, doing yard work, shooting at the range, etc and have yet to bust a seam, tear a hole, or find any flaw besides the screen printed "First Ascent" logo rubbing off. So I do recommend them. You can get them in several colors with a few being earth tone hunter friendly. They are regularly priced around $90, but they often go on sale for less than $60.
I just bought the guide pro pants a few weeks ago and I have been impressed so far. I will be using these for a lot more than hunting. Hell of a pant for the money (got mine 50% off was like $48).
What colors did you buy? I bought the Saddle and will probably pick up the Charcoal next. Those were the only two colors I had at my store so was curious if other colors could be used for hunting.
I use the same 3in1 stick from Dead Down Wind and it works well as a sunscreen and wind balm. I keep mine in my bino harness because I use it often. I also use their toothpaste , deodorant, and bar soap in camp or before hitting the deer woods.
Get it on sale and it will last you a while.
For bugs, I highly recommend Sawyer's permethrin spray on your clothes and gear. For your body, their picaridin lotion is awesome. The lotion is not greasy, scent free, and will not hurt the DWR treatments on your gear. Sawyer's is pricy, but definitely worth it. I will buy it if it's on sale or not, it's that good.
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