Upgrades , what are you changing out in your pack for next year ?

[Shrek]

I'm already planning for next fall and will be changing out some items. First is a new sleeping bag. My bag was a debacle this year and it will not happen twice. This year was a 20º Marmot bag that didn't keep me warm enough to sleep lower than 42º and an enlightened equipment 25º quilt that was no better . Putting them together got me down to 37º but I still wasn't happy enough to stay in the tent. I'm pretty sure that I will go with a new 0ºslik bag from Kifaru. Next up is a new titanium oval stove from Kifaru also. I love my current medium ss kifaru box stove . The only complaint is that it's a heavy mofo ! Saving three pounds and keeping the heat sounds almost too good to be true. There will be some new hd 10x4? on my chest in either the FHF or the Alaska guide creations harness. The ul pouches on my belt are going away and the rangefinder and gps are going into the harness. At one point this year I dropped my pack and slipped forward and then realized I didn't have either with me. I will also be adding an exped ul pillow to my kit as rolled up clothes didn't cut it.
Thats all I have right now but I'm sure I'll add more. What's your plans ?

 

[ssliger]

I'm getting new boots, a new sleeping bag, new clothes. I am in the transformation phase of Aron's fat bastard thread so I have to drop weight before I even think of spending a lot of money on a new bag and clothes. I am also going to get a new pack, either a Kifaru or Stone Glacier. Hoping to meet up with some roksliders next spring to see the different packs.

 

[Nick Muche]

Dang Shrek, a complete overhaul!

What bino's are you looking at?

 

[justinspicher]

I will probably upgrade my binos, maybe get a spotter. I have been kicking around the idea of getting an HC4800. I just bought new boots for this season, so I am good in that department.

 

[boom]

i'm one of the few that did NOT enjoy my Slick bag. mine was the 20. reg width, reg length. i froze my ass in that thing..one night it was only 40 deg. i have a 0 degree marmot that is like a sweat shop. i sold the slick, and bought a 20 degree WM. the alpenlite. i think my slick 20 was just too small for me.

i might get some clothing, but my primary spending will be utilized on hunting. not so much hunting gear.

 

[Justin Crossley]

I will just be adding a few things this year.

I'm planning on getting one of the new Rino gps units.

I will also be adding a down coat and pants to my system.

Might get a stove for the SL5.

Probably going to get a wall tent also because hauling the 34' camp trailer from western WA all the way to CO costs way too much in diesel. ($1400.00!)

 

[Shrek]

Nick , I have some Brunton Eternas 10x51 that are ok but they suffer from chromatic aberration and a narrow field of view. I had the pleasure of looking through some meopta 10x42 hd's and leica 10x42 and the details I could make out in the Meopta just blew me away. It was snowy and the croma was bad in my Eternas but couldn't see any in the meopta. I looked at a tree at several hundred yards and the details of the bark just jumped out with the Meopta where the detail was flat in my Eternas. I could still make a bunch out with mine but it took more effort. The Leicas were nice but they were not in tough conditions. I could notice less strain in my eyes looking through the leicas. So , bottom line is the Meopta hd 10x42 is what I most likely will go with based on dollar value. I've looked through some swarovski binoculars before and they were stunningly good but I don't think I can swing them and some very experienced people have told me that there isn't a world of difference between the slc's and the Meopta hd's. I'd like to get the Meopta S2 spotting scope also but if wishes were horses beggars would ride.

 

[Shrek]

Boom , my problem with just about all of the bags are too narrow. The 66" at the shoulders marmot I had was a little tighter than I wanted and the western mountaineering kodiak is only 67" at the shoulders. The long wide slik bag sounds soooo roomy. There is much to think about there and I will not be pulling the trigger until spring.

I loved all my merino clothes and will be adding some First Lite pants , sweater , and more shirts. Some kind of ul wind stop jacket to go over them and probably a First Lite puffy. I can't think how it's spelled but the one that starts with a "u".

 

[mtnkid85]

Id sure like to try and get a new hunting rifle setup. Ive been looking at the SS Forbes in 30-06. We will just have to see what kind of funds I have available.

 

[littlebuf]

Jet boil. Every time Brock was eating while I was still cooking I wanted to tackle him. Only thing to really upgrade. My system is pretty fool proof,no need to screw with it. Maybe down pants, I'll see what Justin comes up with after he's done researching

 

[kaboku68]

Shrek. Go badger. Wms widest bag. I can't wear kuiu cause I am too wide. 54 inch chest.
Problem solved.

Thomas

 

[Shrek]

Littlebuf, what are you running now for a stove ?

 

[Shrek]

Kaboku68 , the Kodiak and the Badger are the same cut at 67" at the shoulders. I can get by with that and there is not a doubt in my mind they would keep me warm but I'm thinking of moisture and the ability to get in my bag wet with clothes on and be dry by morning. Best of all possible worlds would be to have both to use in different conditions.

 

[littlebuf]

Littlebuf, what are you running now for a stove ?

Pocket rocket and a titanium pot. Super lite, always gets the job done but holy crap was the jet boil blowing if away. Not that I need to be in a hurry while cooking since it's always at night ( I don't cook for breakfast) but the weight savings in fuel for long trips makes up my mind. And probably money savings on fuel in the long run

 

[Justin Crossley]

Littlebuf, what are you running now for a stove ?

He is using a pocket rocket.

Trevor,
We need to talk about Thursday morning.

 

[Outdoorsman3830]

I'm investing in a Indusrtial Sewing Machine by Brother and going start making a Hybrid Frame Pack System. The design has been in the works for a few years now and I'm finally going to build the frame and a few different bags. I also have plans to make a puffy jacket, rain gear, bivy sac, and a versatile tarp shelter. I don't expect to complete every project this year, but fully intend on completing my first pack. So, I have a few DIY upgrades in mind for this year and probably the next couple years.

 

[Shrek]

Justin , is the $1400 dollars the total amount spent on fuel or the difference if you hadn't been towing ? For a total savings of $1400 I can see ditching the camper for a tent but if it is only adding $400 to $500 the camper looks a lot better. It is nice to have forced air propane heat and a toilet you can use without going outside , not to mention a shower too.

 

[littlebuf]

He is using a pocket rocket.

Trevor,
We need to talk about Thursday morning.

I'll call you later. Heading out to dinner with the girls right now. I'm actually going up tomorrow for the archery opener too. More than likely just be good scouting for muzzy

 

[Shrek]

Littlebuf , I'm using a Primus eta express that will boil 4 cups of water so fast I hardly have time to get the food and coffee ready to go. I got it for @47 tmd so I'm really happy. Haven't tried a jetboil or the pocket rocket so I can't compare. The killer for me is waiting on the mountain house to rehydrate. Breakfast skillet needs every bit of 15 minutes if you don't want any funky eggs.

 

[gobbler1662]

Lets see, I started in October after archery elk season upgrading. So far the recent kuiu sale got me with two complete sets.I used a stone glacier pack this year and added a high camp 4800 with bikini frame. Next I just upgraded my shelter to a seek outside LBO with stove jack and double vestibule. I also have never utilized a spotting scope and just added a Nikon spotter and tripod. Just got a FHF Bino harness, next for me is an upgrade in rain gear. I have the lightweight stuff but lack real quality hardcore rain gear. I think I am about done but I am sure something else will come up.