My dad got rid of our old Dutch oven. We've got to get a new one as we wish we have had every time we go

10/8/2014 5:51:59 PM

i want a dutch oven, but i don't want to have to deal with bringing charcoal. is just burnt down natural coals consistent enough to use, or do you need charcoal?

[Edited on October 8, 2014 at 6:07 PM. Reason : .]

10/8/2014 6:06:52 PM

You definitely weren't a boyscout. You do know that charcoal is just burnt wood, right?

Make a campfire, toss the embers on top of the dutch oven, set it on the other coals. Cook your peach cobbler.

10/8/2014 7:19:36 PM

Read my post, I asked if that was consistent enough. Every recipe I read talks about charcoal briquettes and how many to use, I don't want to carry charcoal. (Also, cheap pine firewood makes poor coals)

10/8/2014 8:23:20 PM

Just picked up a Hennessy Hex 30d rain fly. Upgrade for the stock diamond one on my hammock. Much larger and still barely over a pound.

http://hennessyhammock.com/catalog/products/hex_rainfly_30d_sylnylon/

Much easier to use it as a tent as well when there's no trees around:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw87xQWBv-4

My first attempt (was raining outside):



It's quite sturdy and lots of space underneath. The only downside to using it as a tent is I'll have to haul a thermarest with me instead of just bringing the under quilt.

10/9/2014 5:18:04 PM

Quote :

"Every recipe I read talks about charcoal briquettes and how many to use, I don't want to carry charcoal."

i sometimes use charcoal and sometimes i don't...the advantage is you can "calculate" the heat more accurately, and more evenly distribute it (putting charcoal on top of the oven is frequently easier than finding large enough log/stick pieces)

all that said, you don't have to use briquettes and it's not an exact science...just spread out the embers, place the oven on top, and place some of the larger pieces on top if you want/need to

10/10/2014 9:41:45 AM

This is my other favorite tool for car camping:



Pie Iron recipes:

http://pocketchangegourmet.com/breakfast-hobo-pies-camping-food/

http://www.pieiron.com/recipes.htm

10/10/2014 11:00:17 AM

i have one of those too, love it

i want to get a lightweight fly like this to replace the cheap blue tarp that I use to cover the tent/table when rain is expected. The blue tarp works fine but its crinkly and loud in the wind, I bet something tent material will be quieter. (I just wish they weren't all $100+)

10/10/2014 11:10:01 AM

The 30D material I got was $140 and it's fairly large. It's 18.6oz. The 70D version is only $80 and 23oz. If you're not backpacking the additional 4.4oz isn't a huge deal.

I'm sure there's other non-hammock tarps out there for similar prices.

10/10/2014 11:28:46 AM

^^http://www.amazon.com/Texsport-Silver-Dining-10-Feet-84-Inch/dp/B003K6YFK2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1412962938&sr=8-3&keywords=lightweight+canopy

[Edited on October 10, 2014 at 1:43 PM. Reason : ]

10/10/2014 1:40:10 PM

lol at the 1 star reviews for it being flimsy, did those people not see the picture? I'm probably going to buy that for the cover but string it up like a tarp, it's the lowest price option I've seen even if those poles aren't worth anything.

10/10/2014 3:30:16 PM

Does anyone make a small backpack that has MOLLE straps? There are a million retarded tacti-cool backpacks that use the MOLLE system, but they all look retarded. Someone needs to make a regular backpack with a MOLLE panel so you can have some expandability to carry a few more items when you need it.

10/25/2014 2:25:52 PM

Lake we hiked up to today around 12k feet:

10/25/2014 6:16:55 PM

Quote :

"Does anyone make a small backpack that has MOLLE straps? There are a million retarded tacti-cool backpacks that use the MOLLE system, but they all look retarded. Someone needs to make a regular backpack with a MOLLE panel so you can have some expandability to carry a few more items when you need it. "

Are these too 'tacti-cool' for you? They're made for and used by the Special Operations Command

http://www.mysteryranch.com/military/internal-frame-packs

10/26/2014 6:45:50 PM

a lot better than some, but still pretty military looking (and very expensive). their backpacking and hiking packs seem to be the same general design but less military and no MOLLE

10/26/2014 10:29:58 PM

What type of things would you put on a MOLLE system? I can see the benefit for climbing gear but typically if I'm backpacking I may be going through trees, rocks, etc and I try to avoid having anything on the exterior of my pack as things can easily get caught. I usually fit everything (including my pad, tent, etc) inside my pack.

10/26/2014 11:39:08 PM

extra water bottle holders if I need it, a water bladder if i want, any of the various size expansion pouches if I needed more storage for something, a pouch for quick access items, etc...

10/27/2014 8:25:36 AM

If I had to guess, the biggest difference between a military backpack and one meant for backpacking is fabric weight. Lots of backpacks are made of 300-500 deneir materials while military packs are like 800-1000 deneir. They are using a cheaper material, that's prob durable enough for most recreation, and also saving a ton of weight. The problem is if you sew in a MOLLE system and hang a ton of weight from it on the lighter fabric it may have a tendency to tear the fabric, if you look at "daisy chains" attached to most recreational backpacks you'll see they reinforced the stitching on the inside of the pack to keep it from tearing. For these reasons, cost, and the reasons mentioned above (lots of backpackers prefer a "clean" profile) I don't think MOLLE type ideas ever caught on.

All that being said check out Kelty military packs. Yes, still overpriced considering what you get
http://www.kelty.com/c-65-militarytactical.aspx

10/27/2014 11:34:52 AM

Yeah if I'm running or climbing with a pack on the last thing I want is things dangling off the back. It's easy to fit everything inside the pack if you plan for it.

10/27/2014 12:06:08 PM

car camping is different

I want a small backpack with enough room to throw a couple things for a 1-3 hour hike, that is expandable by adding extra water capacity or a bladder if I'm going to be gone all day.

i hadn't thought about the fabric, that makes sense.

10/27/2014 12:31:46 PM

i think i must not understand what you're looking for, since it seems like there are a bunch of day pack options that you could fit "a couple of things" inside, as well as a bladder: http://www.rei.com/c/day-packs

the REI traverse 30 is on clearance for $49, has lots of compartments and plenty of space without feeling like an overnight pack: http://www.rei.com/product/854043/rei-traverse-30-pack

if you want something simpler (with daisy chains, but not molle...it lacks water bottle pockets on the side), the kelty kite 25 is only $40: http://www.rei.com/product/878542/kelty-kite-25-daypack-mens-2014-closeout

10/27/2014 1:23:35 PM

none of those offer the modular expandability I am talking about, and none of them work with MOLLE gear I already own

I don't need it, I do just fine with out it, I just find MOLLE expansion helpful on other things I've owned and wished someone made a regular looking backpack with a panel

[Edited on October 27, 2014 at 1:35 PM. Reason : .]

10/27/2014 1:35:12 PM

I have this: http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Hydration-Bladder-Lightweight-Backpack/dp/B00JDXN0LG

And this for longer hikes: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-38-Liter-Daypack-Backpack/16539557

10/27/2014 3:04:18 PM

Hmm, turns out it's spelled "denier" (but pronounced all French like?)

10/27/2014 5:15:00 PM

Quote :

"none of those offer the modular expandability I am talking about, and none of them work with MOLLE gear I already own"

i know none of them offer "modular expandability", i'm just trying to figure out what you're carrying for a 1-3 hour hike that requires more than 30L of space

i didn't realize you already had molle gear...what happened to your molle pack (which i assume you had before you purchased the gear)?

10/28/2014 8:18:11 AM

Yeah I can fit enough gear for 4-5 days in my 36L pack with nothing on the outside (except for a couple water bottles). Even climbers usually put most of their gear inside their bag. Too easy for stuff to get caught on branches, etc.

10/28/2014 8:38:25 AM

I don't want to carry a 36L pack on a quick 1hr hike

10/28/2014 9:40:59 AM

Not saying you should. Just get a smaller pack. I've got an Osprey 24L with 100oz bladder that's great for day hikes. It's easy to run in as well for longer trail runs.

10/28/2014 9:52:55 AM

a 30L pack is not that big and it's likely of lighter weight than a tactical pack (which would also likely be pretty big)

i realize you're saying you have molle gear already, i'm simply suggesting that you save money, space, weight, and time by getting a day pack that will carry what you want for your 1-hour hikes

10/28/2014 11:28:09 AM

Yeah Osprey day packs are incredibly comfortable and light. My 36L has a full suspension design that keeps the entire backpack off the majority of my back so at the end of the day my back is completely dry instead of all sweaty. I've worn rucksacks, military style backpacks, and the like before and a good Osprey lightweight pack is far more comfortable. Just because they're lighter material doesn't mean they're not tough. I've taken my 36L through blizzards, bush wacking, climbing, and it's gotten a far amount of general abuse and there's not a rip in it. There's a reason the military uses heavier material. Mainly because it's cheaper. Ripstop nylon is arguably a much better material for packs.

10/28/2014 11:33:25 AM

If you want a versitile, lightweight pack, i have one of these and love it:
http://www.ula-equipment.com/product_p/ohm-2.0.htm

Light weight, has nice roomy side pockets, hip belt pockets, and the compression straps can turn into a day pack thats lighter than most day packs. I also love the big mesh pocket on the back. Mine weighs 29oz in size Large.

For example, an Osprey Aether has less volume and in size large is 85oz. Heck, a Stratus 36 weighs more than the ULA and it has half the volume.

Handmade by a mom and pop in the USA too.

[Edited on October 30, 2014 at 7:34 PM. Reason : .]

10/30/2014 7:32:19 PM

what do yall use to piss into when you dont want to get out of your bag/tent?

10/30/2014 8:53:20 PM

when I don't want to get out of my bag/tent and I have to piss.... I get out anyway and go piss on a tree rather than dirty up one of my containers.

10/30/2014 9:19:51 PM

a small nozzle is risky when youre only pressing the head up to it. capacity is also an issue.

10/30/2014 9:34:34 PM

I stick it out the side of my hammock and hope it doesn't land in my shoes.

Quote :

"Heck, a Stratus 36 weighs more than the ULA and it has half the volume."

63 is a lot of volume. I wouldn't need that unless it was winter and if it were winter i'd be bringing more supplies, maybe ice picks, etc. I'd rather have an Osprey that weighs slightly more with much tougher material than something I'd be scared to run through bushes with.

Not saying it isn't cool but most lighter material packs like this I've seen haven't been very durable. I don't mind adding an extra pound or two for durability and a solid frame behind my pack that keeps my back dry and air flowing over my back.

Plus the max load on that thing is 30 pounds. 30 pounds in a 62L pack? Doesn't that seem kind of light? In my 36L pack fully loaded with 4-5 liters of water and food i'm at 30 pounds sometimes.

I see the value in lighter weight set ups but my pack is already quite light (I think my entire sleeping system is under 4-4.5 lbs) but there's a point where I don't want to sacrifice durability. I want to be able to run or climb with a pack and know it's not going to rip or flop around on my back.

[Edited on October 30, 2014 at 9:43 PM. Reason : s]

10/30/2014 9:39:30 PM

Quote :

"what do yall use to piss into when you dont want to get out of your bag/tent?"

neon yellow wide mouth nalgene bottle

10/31/2014 8:18:07 AM

^^durability is a fair argument, but i haven't had any problems so far. It is a well designed and very comfy pack though as long as you don't over load it.

I do two nighters (not winter) with a 20lb pack including food and water. About 11lbs without consumables.

I'm doing a pretty-close-to-winter overnight on Mt. Washington next weekend and i should be at around 14lbs for the pack w/o consumables. I've course i'll be wearing more too.

As far as what to do about the need to pee at night? I just pee out of the tent door. it's dried up and gone by the morning :-D

11/1/2014 3:55:16 PM

Yeah I think I'm just spoiled by Osprey's suspension system that keeps the pack entirely off the majority of your back. It's such a pleasure backpacking without a sweaty back. Yeah I'm usually under 10lbs excluding consumables. 36L seems to be the perfect size 3 season pack.

11/1/2014 9:06:44 PM

neodata686 where is that picture you posted above from?

11/3/2014 4:12:30 PM

Silver Dollar Lake at ~12k feet. It's on the way up guanella pass off 70 in Colorado about 3 miles before the pass where you'd start hiking Mt. Bierstadt (14er). We have a couple friends from Florida in town and they didn't feel up to hiking a 14er so we did a shorter hike. Still had awesome views.

11/3/2014 5:17:43 PM

let's talk about cold weather camping

I've never done any cold weather or winter camping. Anything special I need to know? One of my tents is very small, so I was thinking just use the small tent and get a new sleeping bag and insulation pad. Anything else I need?

11/10/2014 12:24:07 PM

If it snows most 3 season tents don't hold up that great. Also staking a tent in the snow can sometimes be troublesome.

Also where you are determines what extra gear you'll need.

If it's simply colder with no ice or snow then yeah you just need colder gear. Once you bring snow into the equation the gear list goes up fast.

11/10/2014 12:32:37 PM

doing linville gorge this weekend...highs around freezing

11/10/2014 2:41:04 PM

^I did Shortoff Mtn this past weekend. Chilly, but methinks this weekend will be much colder, good luck!!!

I was actually totally surprised by the number of folks both day hiking and backpacking, prob 15 cars or vans at the trailhead when we left early on Sunday. I figured the cold would be a little more of a deterrent.


^^^ for cold weather stuff I always recommend people bringing dedicated clothes to sleep in, usually long johns and socks and a toboggan. Put them on right before bed and change out of them shortly after waking up so that you don't sweat in them at all (also take them off if you start sweating while sleeping). That's prob common sense though.

[Edited on November 10, 2014 at 3:05 PM. Reason : You may not need a new bag if you wear enough clothes to sleep in, always a tough choice though]

11/10/2014 3:03:05 PM

Quote :

"methinks this weekend will be much colder, good luck!!!"

thanks...we might need it

actually lows in the upper 20s / low 30s isn't that bad...i've certainly slept in colder, and that was before i had a decent down bag...i was going to hammock, but i haven't had a chance to make an underquilt and figured i'd bring my dog, so a tent it is

i think we're planning on babel > LGT > conley > pinchin...never done the pinchin climb before, should be "fun"

11/11/2014 7:15:59 PM

Tried sleeping with out Aussie in my hammock. Got bopped in the head quite a few times.

11/11/2014 7:51:32 PM

i haven't been camping in weather this cold in a while and i need to pick up a new baselayer set...assuming the price is the same, will either of these be noticeably better than the other?

100% poly
92% poly / 8% spandex
88% poly / 12% wool

i'm leaning toward the wool, just because, but i don't know that 12% will make that much of a difference

11/13/2014 7:36:37 AM

Wool is supposed to help keep the funk to a minimum if you wear them multiple days. I'm not sure if 12% is enough to make a difference or not though.

11/13/2014 8:04:40 AM

yeah, i suspect that any difference between them will be minimal...one that i'm looking at is denoted as "lightweight" while the other two are "midweight"

given that it's a baselayer (followed by a layer of midweight fleece and then some wind pants), lighter is probably better

11/13/2014 9:26:05 AM

I use to be all about Smartwool then I found Ice Breaker. REI carries it. Stuff is fantastic and doesn't bead like Smartwool.

http://us.icebreaker.com/

11/13/2014 11:16:49 AM