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Recommend me some backpacking gear

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cydwhit
Posts: 5077 - Karma: 43,055
So, last weekend I realized I want nicer backpacking gear, thrift store stuff is great till you have to carry it up a mountain. Hopefully NS has some advice on what to get.

I'm looking for a new pack, preferably pretty cheap, I am thinking of mainly doing 2-3 day trips so I was thinking somewhere in the 50-60L range. Is that right? I usually pack more than I need and I want to force myself to go lighter. I have been looking at some bags from Osprey and Black Diamond, Anybody have affordable recommendations?


Also looking for a new sleeping bag. I have been using an old one I got from Cosco 11 years ago that is probably rated for 50degrees. I was thinking of maybe a 30 degree bag so that I can do some winter camping as well, Looking for something packable and affordable, I really have no idea what a good bag for this would be. Definitly needs to pack smaller than the one I have now.

Any other advice or gear recommendations would be much appreciated.

Thanks!
Sep 15 2014 3:12PM
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DirtYStylE
Posts: 3652 - Karma: 8,891
bump to see if anyone has new tech that they would recommend
Apr 10 2018 2:06PM
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RousedWits
Posts: 387 - Karma: 894
If you are looking for good deals, keep an eye out for when REI sells their old rental gear. Its usually really nice and lightly used, for cheap. Make sure you go to the physical store so you can check that its good quality. A few years back I got a really nice REI brand backpacking internal frame pack for 85 bucks. It looked like it had been used maybe twice... The bag has a few sharpie markings on the side, but thats about it. I've taken it on multiple weeklong trips, general camping etc...
Apr 10 2018 8:14PM
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Phillydog1
Posts: 195 - Karma: 306
A hammock setup may be lighter than a tent, so that might be an effective idea.
Apr 10 2018 11:00PM
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Emma_Watson
Posts: 4491 - Karma: 6,792
yo yo

i highly recommend the Osprey Variant 52... especially if you're interested in doing some backcountry stuff with it too. It's originally designed to be a mountaineering bag (with ice axe slots and shield to hold sharp tools), but essentially that means its a bit more durable. This thing can really pack down, almost into a day pack (the brain is removable and there are loads of strap options). I've managed a 5 day backcountry trip with this thing.

https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/variant-52-VARIANT52.html


Apr 12 2018 5:11AM
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corndogGoon
Posts: 84 - Karma: 306
yeah I'd recommend literally say osprey pack. I just recently got one and it has like a special fit for your back that take some weight off you and it's comfy so ++
Apr 12 2018 6:39PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7901 - Karma: 22,524
I have a 70 L MEC bag and I'd recommend the brand. Durable, affordable and comfortable. It's probably not the lightest or most form fitting but very functional. It's been my main piece of checked baggage for 10 years and has seen me through several multi-day backcountry trips.
Apr 14 2018 9:45PM
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gorbdawggybrent
Posts: 970 - Karma: 8,769
I would keep in mind that the degrees on the bag is what it will keep you alive in not what you will be comfortable in
Oct 26 2020 12:28AM
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