Help with newbie gear list.

[ffparamedic]

Well I bought a pack from a member here....Eberlestock Blue Widow, I really like this pack.

I got my camping gear in and really like the weight and compactness of this setup, I was somewhat hesitant about getting a tent that required poles for setup but decided I was probably going to get a pair anyway so I went with it because I like this style tent. I got it out of the package and setup in less than 8 mins, which included tags, untying the cords and not setting up a tent in a long time...I'm very happy with it.

The BA pillow took 4 breaths to inflate and 37 for the pad.......that's gonna suck at 8k feet....

The sleeping bag was very comfortable and roasted me pretty quick, I really like how the pad goes in the sleeve.

I have decided on the MSR Reactor 1 liter stove.

Trying to decide between the MSR miniworks filter or the Katadyn hiker pro, I don't see may ppl using the MSR but I really like that it's made in the USA...Anybody chime in on this?

I know pretty much nothing about GPS but I'll be going with Garmin, looking at the Oregon and Rino units....comments?

I'm going to get a pair of 10x42 binocs and looking at the Bushnell, Vortex, and Steiner......Comments?

Thanks all!!

 

[tttoadman]

Well I bought a pack from a member here....Eberlestock Blue Widow, I really like this pack.

I got my camping gear in and really like the weight and compactness of this setup, I was somewhat hesitant about getting a tent that required poles for setup but decided I was probably going to get a pair anyway so I went with it because I like this style tent. I got it out of the package and setup in less than 8 mins, which included tags, untying the cords and not setting up a tent in a long time...I'm very happy with it.

The BA pillow took 4 breaths to inflate and 37 for the pad.......that's gonna suck at 8k feet....

The sleeping bag was very comfortable and roasted me pretty quick, I really like how the pad goes in the sleeve.

I have decided on the MSR Reactor 1 liter stove.

Trying to decide between the MSR miniworks filter or the Katadyn hiker pro, I don't see may ppl using the MSR but I really like that it's made in the USA...Anybody chime in on this?

I know pretty much nothing about GPS but I'll be going with Garmin, looking at the Oregon and Rino units....comments?

I'm going to get a pair of 10x42 binocs and looking at the Bushnell, Vortex, and Steiner......Comments?

Thanks all!!

we use the rinos, and love em. it is only valuable if you are hunting with other people IMO. It weighs a ton compared to some of the other units, and a simple solar charger can't charge them. many people are using apps on phones now, and you get multiuse from your phone which can lighten your load.

 

[William Munny]

I used an MSR Miniworks this past season. It worked fine, and I like that you can clean the filter in the field when your flow rate slows down. However, I just got a Sawyer mini in my stocking for xmas (after telling the wife 200x what an amazing, affordable stocking stuffer it would make). I haven't had a chance to put it to use yet, but after the glowing reviews Sawyer gets from the guys on this forum, I don't think you can go wrong, especially at it's current price, if you're on promotive, it's like 13 bucks. Plus you save about 14 oz of weight over the MSR, and pumping gets old after a while.

I use my phone for a gps now, as well as a Suunto Ambit watch. I would bring my phone anyway for pics/videos/audiobook at night/alarm, so it was one less thing to carry. I have a Samsung GS4 with a couple of spare batteries, and in airplane mode, only using it when needed, I had to swap out the battery on the last day of my hunt. I am more of a waypoint guy, so I used the Suunto more than the phone for nav. It got me where I needed to go, no complaints.

Check out the fitness section of this forum. Running is great, but I really don't think it does much for you when you strap that pack on at 10k ft. One of my hunting buddies ran his a$$ off getting ready for our trip, and about two miles in, he was begging us to leave him on the trail. Not saying that will be you, just something to think about.

 

[ffparamedic]

I was hoping for more responses than this!! Y'all chime in.

I don't want to use my phone as a GPS, I need a good GPS anyway and don't feel comfortable not having a stand alone unit.

I notice a lot of ppl that keep making a reference to running, maybe I left it that that is all I do so I will post a sample week workout to maybe clear the fitness thing up. And no I don't think I'll be king of the mountain but I will be ready toting a full load of fire gear and equip up several flights of stairs is no joke either........
Mon Upper body, abs: 3 mile run, Tues Lower body, abs: 3 mile run. Wed off. Thur upper body,abs, 4 mile run. Fri lower body,abs, 3 mile run. Sat 6-8 mile run unless training for race and then it varies to my needs. I really focus on abs hard as I feel your core is the most important, it's the foundation your boy works from after all.

 

[bbrown]

For binos I would go with Vortex - great bang for your buck and outstanding warranty. Definitely get the best you can afford - I have the Vipers (best value/performance) but have looked thru the Talons (good glass for the money) and Razors (very nice but top of the line). Get a hold of Paul aka elknut for the best deal on any Vortex optics and great customer service.

I have a PUR hiker filter from way back before Katadyn bought them out - its a great all around filter and still going on strong after all these years. There are lighter options but you can go wrong with the Hiker Pro.

As far as the GPS, I have always ran the bottom of the line Garmin because all I use it for is marking the truck, kill site and possibly a few other cool spots if I find them. That being said "Santa brought me the newer Garmin Etrex 20 with the larger color screen (not a touch screen) and it has the micro SD slot so I can pick up the HuntGPS chip for it. It should be really nice for the property boundaries and landowner info. I would stick with a Garmin and just decide how many bells and whistles you need.