Getting Back to Backpacking

Backpacking and camping basics and other general trip planning discussion for the uninitiated. Use this forum to learn where to look for the information you need, and to ask questions, related to the beginner basics of backpacking and camping, including technique and best practices.
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Tom_H
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Re: Getting Back to Backpacking

Post by Tom_H »

Here is my new bag, exactly 1 lb. and $300:

Western Mountaineering HighLite Sleeping Bag: 35 Degree Down

Here are some other lightweight down bags:

http://www.rei.com/product/846738/mount ... eeping-bag" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.rei.com/product/845486/the-n ... eeping-bag" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.rei.com/product/808962/marmo ... eeping-bag" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here are some synthetics to consider:

http://www.rei.com/product/860984/mount ... 2-closeout" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.rei.com/product/845984/marmo ... eeping-bag" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.backcountry.com/lafuma-activ ... tic-womens" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.shoplafuma.com/product/37040" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This bag is out of stock here, but the specs show the weight:

http://www.backcountry.com/lafuma-extre ... -synthetic" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here is the same bag on sale (weight wasn't shown so I included link above). The price here is just over $50. The first Lafuma above is $75, but is the same weight as this one and 5 degrees warmer.

http://www.cleansnipe.com/cheap--sale/l ... thetic.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here is the backpack a friend uses and that I have recently bought:

http://www.rei.com/product/780218/osprey-exos-58-pack" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hope this helps, but in the end, you have to buy what's right for you.
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SoxGolf00
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Re: Getting Back to Backpacking

Post by SoxGolf00 »

Have you purchased from CleanSnipe.com before? I've never heard of them and their site is a little sketchy. Looks like they have some great deals.
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Tom_H
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Re: Getting Back to Backpacking

Post by Tom_H »

SoxGolf00 wrote:Have you purchased from CleanSnipe.com before? I've never heard of them and their site is a little sketchy. Looks like they have some great deals.
I have not purchased from CleanSnipe, but I have some Lafuma bags. They have worked well for us. Since that first Lafuma weighs the same as this one and is 5 degrees warmer, I would go with it rather than save $21. You said you sleep cold. You have to do what's right for you, but think about whether saving $21 is worth it if you find yourself colder than you want to be.

Edit: In looking at that CleanSnipe site, I started thinking it might be like DealFinder. I clicked on BUY to see if it would take me to a different store. It turned out that 7 "result" came up as alternative suggestions. It is a deal finding site and that bag is no longer available. The 35 degree bag at shoplafuma.com is also listed at a sale price, and might not last.
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SoxGolf00
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Re: Getting Back to Backpacking

Post by SoxGolf00 »

Thanks for looking in to that. I'm going to wait on the bag for now since my trip isn't for a couple months. REI is having a gear sale this weekend and I'm going to check that out.

You are totally right with the "saving a couple bucks" comment. This is an investment on my gear, not just a one time trip. I'd rather have dependable gear then having to constantly replace it.

Thanks again.
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camptramp
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Getting Back to Backpacking

Post by camptramp »

My roots - raised in Pasadena, my dad & I hiked Eaton Canyon - & remember scrambling up Mt. Hollywood - although to me it was Mt. Griffiths (Griffiths Observatory) I remember we passed up a group of college kids! I guess my dad thought I passed the test - from there we began our treks in the High Sierra !!
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rlown
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Re: Getting Back to Backpacking

Post by rlown »

Sox, you could just go with a Western Mountaineering bag and be done with it.

Pick something in the +20 degree range that fits your size/body type. You will not be disappointed over the long run after you get over the stickershock. I think I have 4 different bags for different purposes (one is a -20 bag)
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