Think Cheap (Gear recommendation)

I have collected many different temperature ranges of everything over the years. Colder temps require a bigger pack than what I normally have. With this in mind, why don't you look at what you could use as winter gear. Maybe in conjunction with what you have already. So get what you could use to expand your experience. Then ask yourself what gear you want that would fit the criteria you want.

1. Backpacks There really aren't that many fully-adjustable backpacks out there, so that's going to be a tough one. Off the top of my head, I'd recommend a Deuter (try to get a cheap used one; the ACT Lite series are under 4lbs) or a used SMD Fusion (2-ish lbs). 2. Free-standing Tents I'd look on eBay, Steep & Cheap, The Clymb, etc. There are often ALPS Mountaineering tents available for under $100. Even these would probably weigh less than 5 lbs. 3. Sleeping Bags Same as for tents; or get one of those modified Costco quilts that Aaron is selling. 4. Inflatable Sleeping Pads The Klymit Static V series are among the cheapest, and I used one for a couple of trips (not bad at all!). Should be in the 1-lb weight category. I'm sure lots of folks will recommend a tarp, but since that's not what you asked for, I won't suggest it. ;^)

Pack: look for an REI pack, size medium, with adjustable torso length, on one of their big sales. Kelty internals also have a pretty big adjustment range. However, it's going to be difficult to get a pack which will fit both a standard to large man and a small woman comfortably. Maybe impossible. Tent: the SMD Scout, 34 ounces, $125. Get two of their tent poles, $14 each, but I would recommend spending that on a pair of Walmart trekking poles. Dual use, and the new hiker might appreciate them. Pad: a Ridgerest CCF pad. Cheap, bulletproof (not really), and comfortable enough. We all started on one, right? :) Bag: The Kelty Cosmic Down 20, $140 at Backcountry on sale (http://www.backcountry.com/kelty-cosmic-sleeping-bag-20-degree-down)

Not much help but for loaner gear I just hold on to some of the older kit I would Normally put on gear swap.

For a sleeping bag I'd pick another bag that you want, anyway. For instance, if you have a 3-season bag, buy a winter bag for yourself. When you loan it out they can unzip it like a quilt if they're too warm. It'll be relatively heavy for them, but that doesn't seem to be a concern for you. Otherwise, yes, the Kelty Cosmic Down is a 'best buy.'

Many Western Mountaineering bags NEW & USED have been offered FS in the last three weeks that fall in the temperature rating your interested in.

Ditto the Kelty Cosmic. That really is a great deal for a down bag — one of my best friends has one and just finished a 3-week backpacking trip with it and is very pleased. Not UL but solid gear. Otherwise, I'd get an EE quilt in a temp rating that fills a gap in your own kit; EE offers great bang-for-buck and quilts are more comfortable than mummy bags. For a tent you can often find a Eureka Spitfire for <$100. Nice little 1p starter tent — I had one for a couple years before upgrading to trekking pole supported tent. But that was before SMD came out with the Scout… I agree that paired with some cheap Walmart trekking poles, that'd make a better intro to UL philosophy while still sticking to a budget. For packs, it might be easier to find one smaller pack and one larger pack, rather than trying to make an adjustable frame work for everyone. I've taken a lot of young people on trips, and the ones who try to carry dad's way-too-big pack usually have the hardest time. For a skinny young kid, the standard hipbelt on an adult pack is useless. A youth pack or a women's small will be a better choice. Even used Deuter Varios are not cheap. Why not keep an eye on the REI Flash packs? They almost always have one on sale. Kelty Redwing is another decent budget pack, usually <$100.

Here's my loaner list (for simple overnights)…not quite lightweight but it's still comfortable IMO. Big 3 (+1): Backpack: GoLite Jam 50 – you can find these used on the cheap side now, $50 – $70 Sleeping Bag: Alpine Design 20 Degree (650FP) – Sports Authority purchase $40 Sleeping Pad: Theramarest Scout Short – Sports Authority purchase $20 Tent: Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout – Can be purchased from SMD, got it on sale for $90 Cooking: Pot: Imusa 10CM Pot – Walmart $1.79 Pot Lid: Aluminum Foil $Free Stove: That stove from Amazon that comes with a built-in Piezo $10 Other items that are shared: Water filter I typically share…I use the Sawyer Mini, which you can find on sale for under $20. First Aid kits, I just pack mine but do add additional items to cover for 2 or more people. For the rest of the items like clothing, I just ask the person joining me to bring their own sleeping clothes and clothes to hike in, etc. If you add up the costs above, you're looking at around $250…I'm sure there are other items you can purchase online that costs much less but hope this gives you an idea.

My Three word Recommendation: "Sierra Trading Post" Doing a quick search based on the latest coupon email I got: Everything is from STP, except the sleeping pad is on amazon. However, you may also want to consider more traditional gear for loaner gear as it may be more forgiving on someone who doesn't hike a lot. For example a roomier tent, with a little thicker fabric, a synthetic bag that you don't have to fear getting wet, and a pack that is made for carrying heavier loads with more padding. Some of this may also make decent car camping gear, or for me I'd like a set up like this even better when taking my young son on short out and back trips, as I'm a loaded down pack mule anyways. Plus its a tad cheaper. Everything is from STP, except the sleeping pad is on amazon.

Nice advice here. And I’ll 2nd somewhat a few observations: 1. If the newbie gets wet or becomes uncomforatable, that will dampen and delay any zest for the next outing. So decent loaning material is a big plus. 2. TENT: I like the idea of the MLD scout (34oz) and Eureka Spitfire. Make sure your pick is so rain-proof. 3. PAD: The thermarest short scout is a good idea. Hmm. Here’s a thermarest prolite small for $35 (12oz). 4. BAG: The EE 20F Prodigy, synthetic at 32oz and $185 looks nice. And the EE Revelation at 20oz $250 looks good. I loan out my JacksRbetter Hudson river. It’s 21oz and now it’s $250 and in stock. 5. PACK: http://sixmoondesigns.com/packs/Fusion65.html on sale for $110. 39oz. So you’re loaning out an expensive jet boil? I have several alcy stove kits I loan out. Warning: once they try alcy, they rarely go back to another style. -Barry

I can only speak for myself but I try not to lend any of my alcohol stoves to new backpackers (safety reasons). For us, it's easy to manage alcohol as a fuel source…for newbs, not so much. Especially for us who live in CA…where it's been so dry. That's why I purchased a couple of those cheap Amazon stoves…screw onto a canister, light it, then you're done.

Get 3 of the costco 700 fill down quilts … I hear theyre 12$ each now … 3 of em stacked would be warmer than most "normal" synth bags and it still wouldnt be too heavy As to the stove get a chinese one …. Folks seem to like the BRS 3000 … Ive got a different one which i picked up off dealextreme for 11 dollahs A 5 dollah tarp works just fine in the summer …. And itll teach folks how to set it up ;)