Going backpacking for the first time in April, need input

[bac0nfat View Profile Find User's Posts Find User's Threads PM User E-Mail User View My Photos]

^^^NICE!

Thanks for the link on that folding stove. I wasn't real excited about spending $60 on the titanium one.

[MostlyHarmless View Profile Find User's Posts Find User's Threads PM User E-Mail User View My Photos]

(03-08-2013 02:39 PM)bac0nfat Wrote:  ^^^NICE!

Thanks for the link on that folding stove. I wasn't real excited about spending $60 on the titanium one.

It is a little heavier (2-3x actually). But what pushed me towards this Emberlit model was the design over the Virago titanium stove.

The Virago has the air intake at the bottom. Some review stated that it completely fails if you can't set it up on a flat, hard surface, which is logical. Once the bottom makes ground contact, there is no more air flow. As simple as it may be on a sunny afternoon, it isn't that easy to find that kind of surface in inclement weather. You want to trust that stove setup with your dinner and you want to have some shelter right there as well, since you are going to spend some time tending the fire and cooking.

The Emberlit draws air in from all sides, not from the bottom. The bottom is a solid sheet of steel (no holes) that collects embers, which heat up the fuel (sticks) above. The sticks you stick in through the port. The sticks that are burning are actually suspended in mid air, which causes a really efficient burn and plenty of heat.

I think it has a much better design. They seem to have a titanium version of that same stove too.

[gascolator View Profile Find User's Posts Find User's Threads PM User E-Mail User View My Photos]

(03-08-2013 02:36 PM)MostlyHarmless Wrote:  I don't have a bad back to worry about, so this is good enough for me.

Speaking of which, I think we haven't talked about packs.

To carry the 30-40 pounds you may be lugging, it is important that the weight is carried on your hips, not your shoulders.

Whether you choose an external or internal frame pack, a frame is essential to this.

All the shoulder straps really do is to keep the pack in an upright position and close to your body; the weight is on your hips.

[bac0nfat View Profile Find User's Posts Find User's Threads PM User E-Mail User View My Photos]

(03-08-2013 08:46 PM)gascolator Wrote:  

(03-08-2013 02:36 PM)MostlyHarmless Wrote:  I don't have a bad back to worry about, so this is good enough for me.

Speaking of which, I think we haven't talked about packs.

To carry the 30-40 pounds you may be lugging, it is important that the weight is carried on your hips, not your shoulders.

Whether you choose an external or internal frame pack, a frame is essential to this.

All the shoulder straps really do is to keep the pack in an upright position and close to your body; the weight is on your hips.

I don't have hips though, I'm 6'3" and 170 pounds soaking wet. I guess I'm screwed.

[gascolator View Profile Find User's Posts Find User's Threads PM User E-Mail User View My Photos]

(03-08-2013 11:17 PM)bac0nfat Wrote:  I don't have hips though, I'm 6'3" and 170 pounds soaking wet. I guess I'm screwed.

I'm 5'2" and 128 soaking wet, so we have a similar build.

Yes, we do have hips. Get thee down to EMS and try on some proper packs. You want them riding on your pelvic bones. The waist straps of a good pack are very wide and hug your pelvis. The idea is that it's your legs--- not your back--- that are carrying the load.

At your weight, your pack needs to be 40 pounds, max. 35 would be better. My limit was always 33.

\Within that limit, I could do a two-person dome tent, down bag, closed-cell foam sleeping pad, stove, eating utensils, emergency gear, daily changes of socks and underwear, clothes, and food for 5 days. And a day or two's water.

[gascolator View Profile Find User's Posts Find User's Threads PM User E-Mail User View My Photos]

And another hint: If you're going to sleep on the ground, you need a closed-cell foam (not regular foam rubber) sleeping pad. Even the best sleeping bag will fail you if you're directly on the ground or just on a tarp or tent-floor. 1/2" of closed-cell foam over the full length of your body will prevent you from sending all of your body heat directly into the ground and freezing your arse off. "Ensolite" is the brand name for the foam you need, but the closed-cell foam pad is a staple at outfitters. You don't need to pay for anything fancy--- the most basic of 1/2" pads will be adequate.