Give me your opinion!

“I just bought a Sierra Designs, Paul Bunyan Sleeping bag. Anyone used one of these before?, if so what do you think of it? I have read positive reviews of it in Backpacker Magazine, that's why I bought it. Also, I need some advice on a tent and stove. I am going to be solo most of the time, but my pack (Dana Designs K2 Longbed) will carry just about any weight I choose to. I want a 3-4 seasons tent, and a multi-fuel stove. Please give me any advice from experience you may have. Thanks, Kirk.”

“There's a whole crapload of nice 1 1/2-2 person tents out there for not a lot of cash. Just get one the fits your needs and is as close to 4 lbs as possible. One that I had seriousely consdered was the Peak 1 Enyo(?) also called the Cobra. It's a nice tent for under $100 and I've heard nothing but good things about them. There's a review or two on this site about them. I've seen them as cheap as $80.

Can't help ya on the stove. I don't do multis.”

“Advice from experience--keep it light.”

“MaryPhyl is right on target. That Longbed may carry lots of weight, but if you still want to be able to backpack 20 years from now, Go Light! Your knees will thank you later, <grin>

(speaking from experience... I never thought I'd prefer up-hills to down-hills)

I just read a couple of reviews of that SD bag, and people seem to like it. You might want to keep an eye out for something lighter in the future.

I used a MSR Whisperlite Internationale for years, but never had the occasion to burn anything in it but white gas (coleman fuel). I think the multifuel option makes more sense if you're thinking about overseas trips. Anyway, I finally got tired of priming it and having to pump it while it was burning, etc, so... I got a Coleman Xtreme canister stove about 4 years ago. No problems with that so far; I just wish it was lighter. Now, I'm thinking about making a pop-can alcohol stove (I think it'd look pretty snazzy made from Beamish Stout cans).

If I were shopping for a solo tent... have you seen the SD LightYear? I've got an SD Divine Lightning from a few years ago. It's a similar design, only single-wall. It's not free-standing, and it's really just for 3-season use, tho'. True 4-season tents will either hit you in the knees or the wallet, maybe both <G>.

What else?

Check the Gear Section here at The Backpacker.
This link might come in handy.
Or this.

Hope this helps. All standard disclaimers apply....”

“STFU TILT!

i have the eureka mountainpass 1, cool tent, easy on the wallet. i also use a MSR pocket rocket, but it only uses the screwon canisters”

“Thanks All! I know lightweight is probably the way to go, but it also cost more up front. Heck, I have a Nebo sleeping bag I was going to use, but it weighs 10lbs!!!-lol. I also just bought a First Need Water Purifier. It was the best I could find, and at $74 new, was priced right too. I am thinking of an REI tent, or perhaps something from Kelty. I can't go too high on the price right now, so that's my first priority-PRICE!!-LOL. Anyway, I am having back surgery this Wed., so I am hoping to be up and going in a couple of weeks. P.S. I own a small pre-owned home audio business (www.AffordableAudiophile.com) and would be interested in perhaps trading audio equipment for a nice tent or other camping equipment?? Kirk.”

“Hmmm... when my knees finally crap out, I might take you up on that, LOL

Strat, on the other hand, may have the opposite problem. His ears will probably crap out before his knees BECAUSE HE PLAYS HIS GUITAR TOO LOUD.

LOL”

“It just takes some imagination.


http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackpackingLight/files/Cheap%20Stuff/”