Topic

Gear upgrade suggestion needed

This topic has 9 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 8 years, 3 months ago by Jenny A.

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Jan 4, 2016 at 9:11 am #3373919

Kelly G
BPL Member

@kellydt

I have about $200 in gift certificates to R.E.I., but feel that I already have a pretty good 3-season setup. I’m looking for suggestions for useful gear or upgrade.

For the main 4, I have a Z-packs 20* bag, a G-4 pack (and a GoLite Pinnacle, but don’t like as much), GG The One solo tent (or B.A. Fly Creek ul3 when my husband comes with me) and an Exped Synmat UL7 pad, with 1/8th inch ccf pad on top.

I have stove setups for alcohol, esbit and a canister stove is on order. I have lots of down puffies, down pants and booties — though I do still run cold and was thinking that a B.A. Q-core pad would be a worthwhile upgrade. (What I really need is an electric heated blanket!)

What would you upgrade, if you had $200 to spend?

Kelly

Jan 4, 2016 at 9:14 am #3373920

Kelly G
BPL Member

@kellydt

And the new dividend will come out soon, so I suppose I’ll have more like $250.

Jan 4, 2016 at 9:45 am #3373923

Kenneth Keating
Spectator

@kkkeating
Locale: Sacramento, Calif

If you sleep cold, I’d upgrade the pad to a NeoAir Xtherm Max with a insulation R value of 5.7. The Exped Synmat UL7 only has a R value of 3.1, so you’d be almost doubling the insulation value.

K

Jan 4, 2016 at 11:46 am #3373941

Alex Wallace
BPL Member

@feetfirst
Locale: Sierra Nevada North

Sounds like you’re already set. What about other outdoor activities that they outfit?

Maps or guidebooks? Consumables (e.g. dehydrated foods, fuel). You don’t have to spend it all at once.

I don’t know about you, but my trail runners never last a full season.

Do you ski or snowboard? My local REI sells lift tickets, discounted even, to most of the nearby resorts.

Classes? Some are free, but their more in-depth navigation class is not. Same for their in-the-field snow & glacier travel safety class.

Jan 4, 2016 at 11:58 am #3373942

Ken Thompson
BPL Member

@here
Locale: Right there

And you can always cash out your dividend.

Jan 4, 2016 at 12:30 pm #3373943

D M
BPL Member

@farwalker
Locale: What, ME worry?

Warmer pad. Makes life so much nicer at night when you need it.

Jan 4, 2016 at 1:50 pm #3373956

Jennifer Mitol
Spectator

@jenmitol
Locale: In my dreams....

I’d also vote for a warmer pad.

Jan 4, 2016 at 2:00 pm #3373959

Stefan Hoffman
BPL Member

@sphinx
Locale: High Desert

Exped Pillow. Cant go wrong with socks and shoes. Sunglasses? What about an insulated hat like the OR Transcendent Beanie.

Jan 4, 2016 at 4:33 pm #3373987

Kelly G
BPL Member

@kellydt

Thanks everyone.

Yes could just get the cash on the dividend, but added to the gift cert makes a nice sum.

I think the idea of a new pad is a good one. A bit of research and wait for the next 20% off coupon then. Hadn’t thought of a class. Great idea too!

Kelly

Jan 5, 2016 at 8:08 am #3374066

Jenny A
BPL Member

@jennifera
Locale: Front Range

I third the suggestion for a new pad, and I really like my NeoAir Xtherm. $ well-spent. It sounds like you are pretty well-equipped, so I might suggest splurging on something you wouldn’t ordinarily buy, since it will be “free.” What have you been dreaming of but just can’t justify? (I would probably buy another Tenkara rod….)
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