This is just a summary and opinion of the gear I use.  It’s not meant to be list telling you what to do, just the items that I carry that make backpacking a bit easier on my style of doing what I love.

• Pack: Kelty Slider 65

The Kelty Slider 65 is my third backpack, and easily the most advanced that I’ve ever purchased.  It’s capacity is 4000 cubic inches, which is a bit smaller than my last pack.  It has enough pockets to fool even the most clever of professional thieves, and is built from alien technology that feel to earth from space.  (Well, not really…)  It’s frame is lightweight, and holds it’s weight load up and forward when fully loaded (and properly packed).  It has 2 hoods, one industrial and one low profile, as well as a detachable waist pack for easy out-hiking.  Although it has a sleeping bag compartment, it lacks the external sleeping mat straps.  That is easily remedied by bungee cords and ice-axe loops.  I would strongly suggest reading the manual on how to adjust the torso length.  It’s rather complicated.  The entire pack is functional as it is practical, and even better… it’s orange!

Breakdown:
Torso Fit Range: 16 – 21″ / 41 – 53 cm
Volume: 4000 in3 / 65 l
Weight: 6 lb. / 2.7 kg
Length: 40″ / 102 cm
Width: 14″ / 36 cm
Depth: 13.5″ / 34 cm

Features:
• Hydration compatible
• Top loading
• Sleeping bag compartment
• Hold-open bar
• Large stretch front pocket
• Reservoir sleeve
• Mesh water bottle pockets
• Stretch, waterproof side pockets
• Security pocket
• Side compression straps
• Load compression strap
• Spindrift collar
• Secondary low profile hood
• Ice-axe loops
• Lash tabs
• Key fob

MSRP: $229.95

Rating:

• Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket

The MSR Pocket Rocket is my essential for outdoor cooking.  It uses a blend of IsoButane fuel, and each canister has about an hour of burn time (or so it says).  Although this doesn’t seem like a lot, it is a lifetime when you figure this little guy can boil a liter of water in under a 3 minutes flat!  The noise of operation is said in the name, “Rocket”.  It sounds like the space shuttle discovery taking off while it’s running, but you only have to deal with the noise for a few minutes or so and then you’re done!  The swing-out arms are strong, as well as covered in teeth, however not especially wide.  My only complaints about this stove is that the burner surface is not designed to handle a large pan or pot, and the fuel canister weights roughly a pound in itself.  I would recommend this to you as a good beginning stove that will last for years to come.

Features and Breakdown:
Weight: 3 oz.
Size: 4 x 4 x 2 inches

• Adjustable flame and heat control
• Windproof
• No priming required

MSRP: $39.95

Rating:

• Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite

The Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite sleeping mat is awesome.  Mostly because it’s orange.  I suppose that you could go into all of the other good reasons why it’s awesome too.  It weighs only 14 oz. and there is no need to roll it up, as it has a unique accordion design.  It straps easily to most packs, and folds out and is ready for sleeping in a matter of seconds.  No need to try to roll it out and set heavy objects on either end.  That will only result in a bad 3 Stooges skit.  This pad is heavenly.  I warn you, it’s a 3 season, so winter I would recommend something else.  I have had friends tell me that they use this as an ground insulator for their inflatable mats, but there is no way I am hiking 2 pads out on the trails.  For the price, this pad is the best “bang for your buck!”

Features and Breakdown:

Weight: 14 oz.
Folded size: 20 x 5 x 5 in.
Thickness: .75 in.

MSRP: $39.95

Rating:

• Water Filter: Katadyn Vario

Buying a water filter is like buying a car.  First, you need to do your research.  Secondly, you have to get over that feeling of paying way too much for way too little.  So after an entire season of research, we landed on the Katadyn Vario.  Quite the elegant machine, it is one of the top of the line designs from Katadyn water systems.  It has a side pump handle for easier pumping and less handle breakage.  We have yet to use this in a hazardous environment, but from every review that I’ve read, and videos of it in use, I feel I will not be disappointed.  The Vario has a twin filtration system, with activated charcoal as well as a ceramic disc filter, and the best part is, it’s selectable!  So whether you are filtering a clean stream, or the neighbors goat’s water trough, you’ll be prepared.  It also has 2 methods of attachment for both standard water bottles, as well as hydration packs.  Do your research and you’ll find that the Vario will not disappoint.

Features and Breakdown:

• 1,0 micron ceramic prefilter (cleanable)
• Activated carbon granulate
• AntiClog Technology with 0,3 micron glassfiber (no cleaning needed)
• Up to 2 quart/min output
• Weight: 15 oz

MSRP: $89.95

Rating:

• LEKI Summit Anti-Shock Trekking Poles

So I finally broke down and purchased a set of trekking poles.  Thus far, I am very impressed with the craftsmanship and quality of the Leki brand.  They are very lightweight making for a very easy carrying load, as well as they have a snap-hanger for the off season when you’re not using them.  The handles are made of a synthetic material that prevents wear and tear on your hands, as well as allows sweat to pass through and not remain under your grip.   This particular set comes with a nice little micro-DVD to give examples of use and proper height adjustment.

Features and Breakdown:

• Positive Angle COR-TEC Grip
• Auto Strap
• Classic Expander Lock System
• Triple Spring Antishock System
• Carbide Flextip
• Ultra Sonic Finish
• Interchangeable Basket System
• Weight: 20.6 oz
• Length: 72-140 cm

MSRP:  $99.95

Rating:

Share on Facebook