Newgirl's New Gear

“On the TT MT BP thread I asked Aero and everyone else what I need to take on a 4 -5 day backpack across the Beartooth Mtns. here in MT. (This is the proposed trip Aero has planned.) They suggested I start a thread where you can all help design my gear from the bottom up. Even if it seems very basic, I don't have it. It needs to be as inexpensive as possible. I have to be able to get ahold of all of it by July. I would like it to be lightweight stuff, 'cause I love Nigal. Help me get outfitted everybody. I need a complete list. (Cool! This should be interesting.)”

“newgirl.. can i take a swipe at ya.. for fun?

(wow.. asking permission.. ain't THAT a switch?)”

“Since you love Nigal, your gear list should include a 15 pack of Guinness. That said, there are so much good, lightweight gear out there now. I'd start hitting the catalogues (paper and on-line) and comparison shopping. Maybe wait until the after- Christmas sales. You should browse the Base Camp (here in town) and see if you can beat the prices at Scheels. I'll have to put my list together- give me a minute here...”

“Ya need a budget, NG. How much cash you willing to spend per item (for the big stuff, like pack, tent, and bag)? What are your thoughts on shelter? Is someone letting you bunk with them, or do you need a tent as well?”

“So you want us to outfit you with, from the bottom up?

And it oughta be lightweight.. (I guess that rules out leather and chains?)”

“TD, I can guess what the swipe is, so go ahead.

Good suggestions Aero. Guiness is good, but I'd like some Sam. I also want lightweight, 'cause I'm a baby.

Bobk, I would like to have a tent, but it can be small and it doesn't have to be fancy-shmancy. I'm not sure how to set a budget. I'm not too familiar w/ average cost per item. Is it possible to do this under $500? What about under $400?

Thanks to Griz, I have a donated stove and thermrest, so those do not have to be included. I also don't need boots or fleeces.”

“From the 'bottom' up, Newgirl? Actually, we should start with your feet. Boots and socks and liners - synthetic or at least wool - nothing cotton!”

“Got wool socks. Boots taken care of.”

“lol.. beaten to my crack at ya.. twice.. your bottom caught my attention.. I am a sucker for a cute butt.”

“Forget the tent for awhile; either borrow or share. I think you should focus on the pack, since that's what you'll be directly attached to. Dana would be at the high end of prices. lowe, Gregory and Kelty are pretty reasonable. The Kelty Red Cloud is a good all-around pack for around $100 and there're at most outdoor stores.”

“Thanks so much you guys. This is fun. TD, I knew what was coming from a ways back.”

“NG - couple things. Nigal has a good sight on lightweight BPing. I've found it very useful. Also, there's a $300.00 Challenge thread here someplace that has good info on getting outfitted real cheap. I would have to say that the biggest weight expense will be your pack, shelter, and bag (water, also). There are many things around the house that you can use to "get out" for next to nothing. Keep an open mind about shelter.”

“You can also get a decent used pack on ebay. Womens sized Osprey or Mountainsmith for around $100. You can definitely get a lot more pack for the money by going used. Of course you can't try it on, so there is a downside, unless you try one on in a store, and look for a used one elsewhere.

Galyan's had a deal a couple of months ago on 20 degree Marmot and Norht Face synthetic sleeping bags for $89 or so. I thought that was a good deal.

Aero makes a good point on the tent. Try to hook up with one of the ladies who might have some extra tent space. However, off brand 5 lb. dome tents can be had on ebay for less than $50.”

“Here's that $300 challenge thread.

Once you get an idea of what you want, plan to spend some time shopping around for deals. REI-Outlet is one of my favorites for clothing.”

“Consider the 1-pound GoLite packs. I just bought one and love it. Made my pack considerably lighter and easier to carry.

Most backpacks weight about 5 pounds or more, making them one of the three heaviest pack items. GoLite's website is http://www.golite.com. Also I started a thread about these packs recently.”

“Rei.com is a good place to go just to browse and check prices, weights, etc. They have a menu in there where you can make a comparison chart and list it by whatever factor you want. I was looking for a bag that way and I ranked all the types of bags I wanted by weight first and price second. Nigal's sight is good too, but watch out for his "brother".”

“E Bay is my main outfitter. I bought an off brand (KFT) 0 degree bag for 50.00 with shipping. It's a shade over 5lbs and no worries with it so far. They still have them. If your interested, let me know and I'll forward a link to one.

REI has a a bag - the REI Accent, I believe, that is some where around 3200 c.i for 75.00 and didn't weigh that much. I'm sure that you'll get more ideas from this thread than you will know what to do with.

Also, alchol (sp?, sorry. coming from me I SHOULD know how to spell that one) stove is almost free to make!”

“Also, get a water bladder with a flexible hose that will allow you to drink without taking off your pack and digging out your water bottle. Dehydration is a major cause of getting tired on the trail, and if it's a hassle to reach your water you won't drink enough. Here's an example of a bladder with hose”

“Killer Deals at Northern Mountain Supply. A little bit of everything. Clothing is at the bottom.”

“If there are any "wholesalers" in your area (such as Big Lots) check often for deals. I bought a stainless, copper clad cookset (TexSport) for $5.99, two piece 1.5 L and fry pan, with stuff sack. Been using it for a year with no problems. Weight is minimal.”

“Since the socks and boots are covered the next thing would be underwear, right? I assume a thong is the lightest weight so go with that. Silk is probably the lightest fabric and it wicks nicely. Just Kidding.

As for used gear, don't forget the spring gear sale at Base Camp in Billings. I got a Sierra Design tent for $100. Sleeps three fairly comfortable. I think it's a Comet.

There was also a number of packs and sleeping bags there. Key is to get there early as stuff goes fast.

Plus, with all the people that claim to be going, there will be plenty of stoves, and tents to share. Just be wary of that Stevehiker guy. I think he has a lock on the inside of his tent.”

“Try the Victoria's Secret website for super light weight hiking undies. Remember: Less material = less weight!!!”

“There is a place a couple of hours from me that refurbishes tents. They take tents from the manufacturer that have stitching imperfections and fix them. I bought a small 2 person tent for $20. It would not be a good long term tent, but would last a while. It weighs about 4.5#'s. I have a tarp tent, but bought this one because my wife won't use one without sides. I also got a 25 deg. sleeping bag for $30 that weights 2.5 #'s. It's silver with a purple inside. That was why it was cheap. The manufacturer unloaded them and this guy bought em up. I can get the phone # if interested. Email at add on profile. I bought the bag over the phone. They shipped it to me and I mailed them a check.”

“Get a down Bag. They are lighter, more compact, & warmer than synthetic.”

“LMAO Lee!

Well, if you do this newgirl, let me be the first to welcome you to Gear Addicts Anonymous. You will be addicted, I guarantee it.

As for gear:

Get the MSR Pocket Rocket! I don't have one, but I saw Skully's a few eeks ago, and the thing rules. It's lightweight and cheap!

Other gear, ask around here. With all these hikers, I am sure that we all have some used stuff that we'd be willing to sell you at a low price. You can always upgrade in the future, justr like we all did.

Good luck newgirl, be sure to let us know when you make an aquisition.”

“A bandana or two are always helpful and lightweight with many uses.”

“NG,

I thought Griz was sending you a pack, too. I have an old external frame pack that my 5'3" mom used to use. It's still in good condidtion. I could get it to you for the cost of shipping. If you're interested e-mail me at onehunoz@hotmail.com”

“Maybe everyone going to the great Montanapaloosa can bring their extra gear and we can have a big old gear swap. Of course we would all coming home with as much stuff as we came with.”

“lol pepperDog, probably more. There are gear stores in the area.”

“Oh yeah, we didn't mention the latest advancement: thong backpacking shorts! Uh, yeah, right, these are the latest in backpacking technology (help me out here guys) made of state of the art materials; lycra/spandex. They're specially built for freedom of movement. I think they're crucial!.”

“Don't we have an hiking with 'roids thread already?”

“Check out Campmor and sierra trading post for cloths. I got duofold wicking tees for $7 at STP. REI was selling the same ones for $16! Shipping isn't too high either and their service is great!”

“BTW, I really love my Lowe Netherworld ND (narrow dimensions- for chicks) 70. I've seen the now model selling for $139. Not a bad price for a great pack. REI and Campmor both had it.”

“That should say "new model".”

“geartrade has new and used gear for sale. great prices on both. this link goes to the hiking/camping gear (backpacking gear also). they have sections for other outdoor sports also. i have dealt with people through them a couple of times and had no problems. i see they have 5 degree bags for $55 right now. ALPS Mountaineering, synthetic fill (hallofill II?).”

“Another thing that needs to be asked is...What seasons will this weather going to be used in? 3-season gear is a little cheaper and lighter.”

“Try local pawn shops and/or second-hand stores. I got an ice axe and crampons at second-hand stores in Missoula a couple years ago. Great prices.

My friends that were temporarily there last summer got some great deals on used hiking/climbing gear, too.

I ordered a pack and bag from Campmor last month. The Camp Trails pack (which I LOVE),and the Slumberjack 20 degree bag cost me $117.00, including shipping.

Belle and I can swing through yer area before the TT hike for a practice run, if you like.”

“For stoves, I'd go with the MSR Pocket Rocket. I've got one and it's the easiest stove I've ever had. It's relatively cheap, too, at about $35. The cannisters are $4.95 and last for a week. Just screw it to the cannister and light it off!

Also, I agree w/ gojo; there are some great deals at second hand and Army-Navy surplus stores. I got a pair of summer wool-poly blend army pants that are light, dry quick and aren't itchy. They're great for up in the Beartooths where you can get doused with an afternoon shower.

One of my favorite items is the Big Sky Coffee Bistro, a French press-style coffee maker. It's about 15 bucks. It's a 16oz insulated mug with a plunger. Just dump the coffee in, add water, wait 10 min. and push down. The mug can be used for re-hydrating stuff, too.”

“VauDe has packs for women.
Their stuff is fairly light and reasonably priced.

"www.backcountry-equipment.com" has some unusual brands of packs including Macpac from New Zealand and Ferrino from Italy.......ya might think its cool to have something that's not made in either Korea, China, or Mexico.”

“Wow! Again, you guys are so helpful. I don't even know where to start. There is alot of good info. here. I do have one good source right here at home. My boyfriend. He spent 2 months hiking in the winter, in the mtns. around Helena, MT. I'm introducing him to you guys today. I'll start the new thread now. Thanks for all the info. Lee, I checked out Vic's Secret. They aren't much interested in BPing.”

“aero,
You are right on about the Big Sky Bistro Coffee Maker. It is the only cup I carry.”

“um, it looks like she got her "gear"!”

“Haha, very funny, Rad. BTW, are you counting down the days until LOTR?”

“of course!

(how many are we down to? d'oh!)”

“Baume66 had to go and post the link to killer deals last night. I almost fell asleep there last night looking through all the stuff. I fortunately fell asleep before I spent any money”

“does newergirl have newergear?”