Questions about some gear I am thinking about.

[Edward Matterfis]

This is my first post. I was asked by my local church to help with the boy scout troop. I don't have much experience with backpacking – only car camping. We are planning on doing a few overnight hikes in the near future and none of my current gear is going to work. I don't want to go ultralight just yet, but just have some decent stuff that I can enjoy the trips with. I was thinking about starting with the following:

Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Tent: http://mountainsmith.com/index.php/morrison-2.html

or

Alps Mountaineering Gradient 2 tent (I can get this tent for $120 from the scouting discount). http://www.alpsmountaineering.com/alps/products/tents/backpacking-tents/gradient-2

Not many reviews on the tent yet, but it looks pretty solid.

Sleeping Bag: Kelty Ignite DriDown or this Alps Mountaineering Cliffside bag on clearance: http://www.rei.com/product/868723/alps-mountaineering-cliffside-sleeping-bag-regular-special-buy

I can get that bag for $150 with the coupon.

Pad: Alps Mountaineering Ultra-Light r value: 3.6 and is 1lb 8oz.

I'm planning on getting the pack last after all of my other odds and ends, but does this look like a good start? Any opinion on the gear I am thinking about?

[Bean]

Some other options, or things to think about…

I know some people that used the Kelty Grand Mesa 2 as their backpacking starter tent. I think it will shave a pound & then some, off the weight of either of those two tents. You lose some comfort (space), but not enough to forgo such a weight saving at a cheaper price. They seemed to like it just fine, and I witnessed it get through one decent thunderstorm without issue.

Depending on the time of year you're planning on backpacking and where. You may be able to save some money and weight on getting a bag rated in the 30's, rather than the 20s. I got a heavy 20 degree bag when I first got into backpacking and slept with it unzipped most nights… if not on top of it.

[Author]

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