Gear list options?

[Ian Rae]

Hi all,

I've been using a spreadsheet to track my gear list, but I'm wondering if there's a better option out there? Seems like lots of folks are using Lighterpack. Are there other options to consider? Thanks!

[Bob Moulder]

also geargrams.com

This is the only one I've used so I can't advise which might be preferable and why. I'll be watching this thread myself for a detailed comparison. However, I find geargrams pretty good for my purposes.

[Ian Rae]

Thanks, Bob. A couple things I'm specifically wondering are what the advantages of a website vs. using a spreadsheet might be – it seems like the website is basically a hosted spreadsheet template. What happens to your data if the website disappears?

Gear grams looks like it's got some interesting features, though, and I might have to try it out.

[John Klinepeter]

Another Geargrams fan here, though I have not been able to log in the last few days :(.

You can save your Geargrams data onto your own hard drive so if for some reason you want to transport it to another site it should be possible in theory. Save options are PDF and CSV as I recall.

On Geargrams you keep a library of all your equipment. You can drag and drop items from the library into a packing list. I don't know how other people use it but I keep about three complete packing lists (subsets of the library) intact at all times. One is for barebones UL/ one to two nights/warm weather. Another is slightly heavier for longer duration trips, rain and low temps down to about freezing. Another is even heavier for week long social trips that might involve hauling frying pans and 1/2 liters of wine.

Actual equipment carried is never the same twice. The list just gives a solid starting point for assembling the kit.

Here is another thing I do with Geargrams. Often I will read about a new whiz-bang rain jacket or tent or whatever, don't want to buy it any time soon, but don't want to forget about it, either. I make note of it in Geargrams and label it as a wish list item. Several times a year I will order something and before placing the order I will review the wish list items to see if any items have moved up the priority buying list.

[John Klinepeter]

Oh, and one other thing. I place notes about fuel usage (alcohol, canister, solid fuel) right into the Geargrams spreadsheet so I don't have to go chasing information that is tucked away in a file cabinet at the other end of the house. Very convenient.

[Chad B]

Hey John, this is a recent message from Geargrams, might explain why you are having log in trouble.

"GearGrams has been updated!!
Read all about it here: http://blog.geargrams.com/geargrams-updated/

This is a big change which requires you must update your password. To to do that click on the “Lost Password” link on the login page."

[John Klinepeter]

Thanks, Chad. You were right. I have a new password and I'm back in business.

The new layout looks nice. There is a little more color. It seems that saving files in PDF format is no longer an option; CSV is still available.

[Bob Moulder]

saving files in PDF format is no longer an option;

This is true, however there is a workaround…

There is a free desktop program called "Cute PDF Writer" (http://www.cutepdf.com/) which, once installed, shows up as a printer option and can save a PDF directly to your hard drive.

I also use the gear library for seasonal gear lists, tweaks and updates to gear selections. It comes in handy every now and then when somebody needs to know the weight of something.

Sometimes I wish there were some sub-lists for things like cooking gear, FAK, repair, etc. I realize I can make separate gear lists for those, but having them within the main list would be handy at times.

[Chad B]

"Sometimes I wish there were some sub-lists for things like cooking gear, FAK, repair, etc. I realize I can make separate gear lists for those, but having them within the main list would be handy at times."

I'm not exactly sure if this is what you are talking about but when you create a new gear item, you can type in whatever you want for the category. After doing it once, it will appear in the drop down list.

[John Klinepeter]

Bob, thanks for the PDF workaround, though I am happy to be able to save files as CSV. I just don't want to lose countless hours of work reconstructing those lists!

I have created my own sub files (AKA Categories) as follows:

bear proofing
clothing (in pack)
clothing worn
first aid kit
food
hydration
kitchen
miscellaneous
navigation
pack
personal kit
pocket items
rafting
repair
shelter
sleeping
snow travel
stoves and fuel
water treatment

To create a new sub file Category click on the "+" down at the bottom directly below "Name", right click in the "Category" box and enter your desired text on the highlighted line.

What I have not figured out is how to eliminate items from the Category selection box itself; I have some garbage items that I would like to delete. They are pretty easily ignored, however.

My apologies if we have taken this too far off topic.

[Hugh Webb]

As I discuss here at some length, I find the "Packing Pro" app is very good, despite some limitations.

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