Getting some new gear

Have you considered quilts? Since you plan on using a tent anyway there's less of a need to worry about drafts. A Prodigy from Tim Marshall with 5 ounces of Climashield XP should be well under 2 pounds and cost less than the REI bag. Without doing any real calculations I'd assume that with a tarp tent and a quilt there's no reason you can't get all your gear into something like a Golite Jam (these are easy enough to find used for good prices too).

Another option that pops up used from time to time is a Montbell SS Down Hugger. These seem to pop up used quite a bit on the various used gear sites.

I have a Squall 2 and like it a lot. I definitely recommend it. To respond to your comment, though, there is a trade-off. Specifically, if your other (much heavier) tent is double walled, then you will need to learn how to manage condensation. The nice thing is that this tent does a great job in minimizing condensation (for a single walled tent).

For stove, a lot depends on what type of trips you do. An alcohol stove really pays off when you have a short backpack (an overnighter, for example). The longer you stay out (without resupply) the more a canister stove sounds good.

Good thinking with regards to the pack. If you like it, keep it for a while.

A Z-Lite isn't much padding. If you don't get the NeoAir, consider just supplementing with more foam. Foam is cheap, and quite warm (for the weight) so if you can stand the lack of comfort, it is a great way to go.

Tents – The trade-off (or drawback depending on how much it bothers you) with tarp tents is condensation. Look here for a recent discussion of condensation and it’s solutions. There’s many threads on this topic, they’re just a bit hard to find using the search function.

Sleeping bag- Since REI is using the EN rating system, you should be able to trust the 25 degree rating, and 2lbs for a 25 degree bag under $200 with your discount seems like a pretty good deal. Just make sure you try it on. I remember looking at them when they came out a year ago, and they are a very narrow bag. Shoulder girth is comparable to the WM Summerlite, and many here consider that bag too narrow. I’m 5’10” 175, and the Summerlite was wide enough for me at the shoulders, but too constricting at the knees for someone who moves around a bit at night.

Another bag might be the MB UL Spiral Down #3. I tried out one of those as well and was comfortable to it’s rating. It’s a lot more spacious, but since MB sizes there bag length differently, I had to go with a long, even at 5’10”.

Pad- If the Z-lite goes for $30 and you’re not sure it will be comfortable enough, you might just want to go for a BA Air Core. You can often find them on sale for $40 or so, or perhaps check for one on gear swap. Not the warmest pad in the world, though, from what I’ve read.

Stove – Don’t be too afraid of alcohol. Make yourself a cat can stove and try it out. Cheapest option available. Cost about $6 including fuel to give it a whirl.

Pack – Sounds like you’re set there. 65L is going to be a lot of volume for your UL gear though. Hope it compresses well.

Good luck!

Matt,

I remember being 18 and on a budget.

I know you're not asking but I have a perfectly good Pocket Rocket; it's yours if you want it. PM me if you want it and I will ship it out.

Paul

@Larry – I have considered quilts, but I'm trying to build an all around set up right now so I'm reluctant to get a quilt. I also find solace in the snugness of a sleeping bag. Thanks for the suggestions with the Jam and Montbell, I'll keep an eye out for those.

@Ross – I have never slept in a single wall tent, so I guess I don't have anything to compare the condensation to, but I can't imagine it being that much of a problem considering so many people use them. As for the z-lite, while I was on my longer trips I slept every night on a small ridge-rest and I was fine. I actually think I would find foam pads more comfortable than the neo-air since I generally hate air mattresses and I'm mainly interested due to its small size, but then again I've heard rave reviews of it's comfort – either way I should be fine.

Edit – didn't see Pauls and James' post

@James – Thanks for the tarptent information, I'll check that out. I'm definitely going to try out the Halo since there's an REI nearby, but I'm pretty skinny so it shouldn't be a problem. I'll probably end up buying it while I have the discount and maybe returning it before I use it if I decide on a different one. As I said above about the pad, I think I'll be fine with a foam pad, I am still a resilient youngster :). I'll end up getting a stove I think, and I can always make an alcohol one if need be. The Osprey compresses a lot, I'm not too worried about it right now.

@Paul – Thank you for the offer, but for those kinds of things I almost always try to buy from REI because of their amazing return policy which I have had to use more than I wish I did (broken headlamp, boots were falling apart after 1 trip)

check out this thread regarding getting light gears at rei

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=34913

that thread will help you determine light gears that you can find at rei.

Oh I have been following that thread very carefully, lot's of good stuff there.

Also, after reading about the condensation issues, would it be a good idea to buy a 2 person "UL" double-walled tent which is more versatile instead of the tarptent and then get a tarptent later when I can refine different sets of gear? The difference between the tarp tent and a "UL" tent seems to be about a pound, which isn't unbearable considering that I'm carrying around a tent that is probably around 8 pounds right now.

Matt, Paul may have been offering the pocket rocket as a gift.

depending on your comfort level, i'd say a cheap foam pad might be plenty. I know I require no padding what so ever. I'll sleep on jagged rocks in a sleeping bag just fine.

The only reason I take a torso length foam pad with me is for insulation. And since I'm a very warm sleeper, even that is usually superfluous.

Just telling you this because the sleeping pad is the ONE area where I feel I've been nudged towards too much comfort for my personal tastes on this forum. Do consider how picky a sleeper you are.

A walmart blue foam pad costs $10 or so and I love it.

"Matt, Paul may have been offering the pocket rocket as a gift."

Yes I am. Yours for free if you wish. If not, absolutely no problems.

The Halo is a nice bag, I've recommended it to several friends and family members (along with the previous Sub Kilo bag.) If you can get it on sale, it's a great deal.

The Z-lite is comfortable and inexpensive, and I like the way it folds up. Having used one for a while, I will say for large guys and old guys it's not so great — now that I am both, I have a Prolite 4.

The only tents I've used since 2003 have been Tarptent style single wall silnylon shelters. The Rainshadow, the Squall, the Double Rainbow, the Moment, and the SMD Lunar Duo. Love them all. If you are a solo hiker, you might prefer the Contrail or the Moment over the Squall. The Contrail is a fine shelter, great for solo use, plenty of room, and pretty much idiot proof. The Moment is a little heavier, but really easy and fast to set up, and provides a lot of room inside. I prefer the center hoop design, so I got the Moment, but both will work. (As you can probably tell, I don't see any reason to use a double wall tent for my hiking trips. YMMV.)

The Pocket Rocket is a popular stove, however in my experience the Coleman F1 Ultralight is better for the same price — better pot supports, better wind performance, slightly more complicated to set up. (The PR pot supports don't have much contact with the pot.) You might try making an alcohol stove first, though, and testing it before buying something. Alcohol stoves are cheaper to feed (butane canisters are expensive.)

The Atmos 65 is a fine pack.

This is also a nice stove if you do not go alcohol

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___65115

Snow Peak GigaPower Titanium

It gets great reviews on this site as well.

I'm definitely going to get a two person tent because I don't really solo hike. The only thing I'm worried about is if a tarptent is too specialized for general use and if I'm better off starting with a lightweight double walled tent and getting a tarptent later.

I think as far as the stove goes, Paul has been gracious enough to offer me his pocket rocket for free so I will use that, and if I end up using an alcohol one I can always return it to him or pass it along to a fellow hiker in need.

>The only thing I'm worried about is if a tarptent is too specialized for general use and if I'm better off starting with a lightweight double walled tent and getting a tarptent later.

I wouldn't call a Tarptent specialized – just different. For me the biggest difference is condensation management. It isn't something that I typically have to deal with in CO because of the dry air, but there have been a few times that I have had to wipe the inside down.

I'm of the opinion that my Tarptent is my everyday general use tent. If I think I'll run into some heavy snow – then I'll pull my old Mountain Hardwear 4 season tent out and if I'll be soloing, then my LightHeart goes (those are my specialized tents).

I guess what I'm trying to say is you can't go wrong with a Tarptent, mine specializes in being a good all around tent. But good luck with your gear choices.

Mike

I agree with Mike. A good tarptent (like the Squall 2 or some of the other ones mentioned) are great basic, general purpose tents. You just have to manage the condensation. The main reason we are warning you is just so you don't get freaked out (not that you would) if you have some moisture on the inside of the walls. A simple wipe of a bandanna solves that problem. The other night I slept in a swampy area when it was cloudy during the day and clear at night (a good prescription for condensation). I knew it was going to happen but I still took my ultralight, single walled tent. Wiping the walls was a small price to pay for carrying such a light tent. Also, you just want to be aware of how condensation forms and how to reduce or prevent it. Here is a great article about the subject: http://tinyurl.com/3y6ugz.

Just a few things I wanted to chime in that others didn't mention.

First of all, I wouldn't consider Tarptents specialized. They are simple, effective, and easy to deploy. Easier to set up than some tents, for sure. However, and I don't think anyone mentioned this, but they can be drafty. In fact, they need to be drafty to avoid condensation. This may bother you, but most just find a sheltered spot and don't worry about it.

In general, condensation is overblown. Many double walled tents get it, and it's really only a problem if it wets your bag and you have no time to dry it on consecutive days. A potentially miserable night in a tarptent is camping in a cloud when it starts raining. If that happens, you will get wet as the raindrops will knock the condensation/dew/cloud from the underside of the tarp tent.

My suggestion is to get a lightweigt air mattress and supplement it with a foam pad. Big Agnes Air Core or Clear View. So much more comfortable and worth every ounce.

I actually ended up in a completely different direction, getting a a BA Fly Creek UL2 today – not sure if I'm keeping it but there was a huge sale ending soon so I got it in case I decide to go for it instead of the tarp-tent. Turned out my parents had an EMS gear credit sitting around that they let me use so it ended up the same cost as the tarp-tent. One question I had – is it worth it to buy a 5oz footprint to protect/insulate? It also allows me to set up the fly without the tent body which brings the weight down to what I remember being 1lb 4oz (it's not in front of me so I could be mistaken). I guess what I'm wondering is will the floor puncture easily enough to warrant a 5oz $40 investment?

Thanks once again

…

Considering the climate that you stated you normally go, you may want to consider a double wall. FWIW- I live in oregon and use a cloudburst with no problems

> I'll probably go for the pocket rocket, all the reviews have been good

Not at BPL!
I would rank the Pocket Rocket as one of the 'less good' stoves currently on the market. Reasons:
* Highly focused flame burns any food in the pot
* Fragile bendy pot supports collapse under accidental overload.

Not a good choice at all.

Cheers

Sometimes, it pays to wait for a good deal to appear. I spent a lot of time browsing Sierratradingpost.com, overstock, geartrade.com, REI, and a few other sites, but I just happened to be searching on Amazon one day when I saw GoLite Women's bags discounted 80%. I got a 40* and 0* bag for $50 and $70. They are made with decent quality down and Pertex Endurance fabrics. I'm 5'9" 155lb and even the short sized GoLite Venture 40* fits me comfortably. So, if you really want to save money, wait, do your research, and maybe even be willing to make a compromise for now. You don't need the holy grails of BPL RIGHT now.

Oh but I did get my tent and pack at geartrade.