Hiking Equipment

Not sure if anyone around here likes to explore with boots, but I'd be surprised if there weren't.

Used to be a big hiker myself, went to college, lost touch with my hiker friends...blah blah blah. Last few years I've been trying to get out more even just for day hikes. Another thing I've been working on is lightening my load as I used to carry huge 40+ lbs packs for really no reason then I didn't know better. I started logging every piece of equipment I carried and put a tally mark next to it when I used it. Whatever didn't get used enough I ditched, I've definitely become the kind of person who likes lighter loads as to creature comforts.

While here in the stan I got bored and started researching ultra-light gear, and though I definitely haven't gotten to the point where I sleep in a bivy and east nothing but cold meals I did get some cool ideas. One of which is the soda can alcohol stove. I watched a few youtube videos and built one. Came ok pretty good, little more patience and I should have aperfect one.

My stove. Photobucket is pissing me off so hopefully it links from my facebook alright.




My other gear

LL Bean Men's AT 55 pack (older design)


LL Bean Micro Lite 2


Use a closed cell zlite thermorest, and have various different rated sleeping bags down to a -20 synthetic (used to have a down that went MIA)

Same here Nick, I used to hike alot but found a set of wheels can get me there too...kinda.
Tumbledown is a yearly hike as well as a few more in that area. Most All of my hikes are day-trippers. Even the ones along Rt 26. I have a small pack that has the intergrated hydration system. I usually pack for the weather, and a potential overnighter. Maliki is spoiled so I carry his stuff too. However my friend Scott (who has yet to join) gave me a dual side bag set-up for dogs. Hopefully I can convince Maliki to wear it with some training. But as they say, you can't teach an old dog new tricks...
No picks of my pack, but it's a Kelty. And a few camelbacks (3), some for all seasons...

I love to head out on day hikes, or light overnight. I have never been on a multi-day backpack adventure though so I might enjoy that also.

Also something Id like to get into. I do like my creature comforts but this fun stuff, especially for day trip kinda stuff. My last is a hike out in AZ last Feb.




Squaw Peak overlooking Phoenix

03Rubicon wrote:Also something Id like to get into. I do like my creature comforts but this fun stuff, especially for day trip kinda stuff. My last is a hike out in AZ last Feb.




Squaw Peak overlooking Phoenix

Wow anymore pics from that hike, cool to see different landscapes from the Maine one I'm so used too. JeepnMP that soda can stove is neat! How long did it take you to form that up? Also kind of a newbie but won't putting that mini stove over the fire melt the can?

I've used it a few times here to test it out. Hasn't even discolored the can at all. The denatured alcohol doesn't seem to burn hot enough to cause any damage. The inside of the can is double lined which might help. My next project is another stove made out of an axe body spray can and a cooking pot made out of a BFC of monster.

Look forward to seeing those!

We used to hike quite a bit before the kids arrived. The 3 year old is just starting to hold her own on the trail and the infant is still small enough to carry in the kelty. I've never done an overnight hike, and frankly with my love of creature comforts I'm not sure that really appeals to me. Day hikes however are fantastic and I'll be down for nearly anything. We've done Katahdin a number of times, Peaks Kenny, Angel Falls, lots of Acadia stuff, etc etc. Since the kids we've found a lot of local hikes in the 2-4 miles range which allow us to still be responsible parents while at the same time not turning our back to the amazing sights, sounds, and smells this state has to offer.

I alternate depending upon conditions & weather, whether to bring the MSR whisperlite international of the MS pocketrocket with TI kettle

for a pack I use a molle 10th mountain ruck


& always the thermarest


usually a fishing stick in there for good measure


if its snowy or icy you gotta have these


or these too


& this in snowy conditions & saves a lot of effort (that orange strap was temp)


& of course since you know me a hammock