I think the Cabela's Alaskan Guide tent with aluminum poles is great. The dome shape stands up to people blasting your tent while taxiing out of a parking spot and the fly has openings at all windows so some ventilation is available without removing the fly and can be closed for rain. It made it through 4 inches of wet snow once, although the center sagged down about half the height, but as the snow melted, it just returned to normal. (I wasn't in it - weathered out but the Johnson Creek caretaker told me about it) My vestibule had a fiberglass pole, and one broke. Replaced with Al and all was well. the newer ones have a built in vestibule. The 6 man is just right for us - 2 with cots, and about 6" tall in the center. I've set it up myself, but a snap with 2, for parts of the set-up. One disadvantage is that the door height is low.

For my aging body, a cot is essential, and the Byerly ones gradually sag with use. The x-legs are heavy but good. Luxurylite is small and light and works in a small tent but pricey and older bodies can't get out of them easily because they're only about4 inches off the ground. Getting old is the pits.

Jack

Does anybody know a source to get replacement aluminum tent poles?

Bonanza Man wrote:Does anybody know a source to get replacement aluminum tent poles?

We've used these guys to get parts to repair poles. You can make up your own.

I've heard a place called 'tent poles for you' will make one up ready to go. Never used them though. Google 'em.

kevbert wrote:They would make a great super-light bag if you're sleeping in warm weather (50 degrees or greater)...

50 degrees and warm do not fit in this desert rats vocab. I'm i a parka in 50 degree weather over 85 thats warm.

I get light backpacking type supplies from REI becz weight matters and you can beat their life time guarantee.

As for sleeping bags: I use a light bag with a removable cotton liner, and depending on the time of year an additional heavier weight bag (that I already had, and most of the time it was too warm, and always too heavy. But, if I carry all three, I'm set for hot (using just the cotton liner as a bag, not so hot (using the liner and light bag) cold using the liner and heavy bag, and REAL cold, the light bag inside of the heavy bag and the liner, ain't never been cold with all that. The heavy bag also doubles as a engine blanket! The extra larger bag is also dandy for lounging on when its rolled up.
I think I may have posted on this before, but years ago I did not use credit cards, we're talking maybe 30 years, I was a cash kinda guy...anyway, after one too many times flying small aircraft in big mountains and having to hole up waiting for better weather, and running out of cash, the light went on; and I got my first credit card, what a lifesaver (literally) they can be!! Good books are right there too, I'll wait for days if I'm entertained and comfortable, beer is in there somewhere also.

Fire powered cellphone charge station, tea maker, and mini-fireplace.

AlphaSheepdog

"I own one, and it does work great. It is based on a thermocouple, where the temperature differential creates the charge. Only thing is, you need to keep the fire going quite awhile to fully charge a cell phone. Not a problem if you are camping, but it does take time. the stove itself is more a car-camping stove than it is a backpacking stove just due to the extra weight of the battery pack, blower and thermocouple. Adds a lot of weight"

I think solar is better. OM

Just in case the zombie apocalypse happens while your at JC

Wrong thread!

I used to use a lot of backpacking gear and still do, but I also use a lot river rafting gear, too.







NRS and Cascade Outfitters carry rafting gear:

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product_list.asp?deptid=998
https://www.cascadeoutfitters.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=59&framein=

These propane tanks are a great addition:

Jet Boil stoves are awesome. We've gone through a lot of stoves and never found anything that matches them. REI sells them. Sierra Outdoors is a good on line place for gear too.

flyingzebra wrote:Jet Boil stoves are awesome. We've gone through a lot of stoves and never found anything that matches them. REI sells them. Sierra Outdoors is a good on line place for gear too.

I second this. I've used my jet boil on deployments, field exercises, jumps, ranges, you name it. Its light weight, small, easy to use, and it will boil water pretty quick. Id recommend the mountain house meals as well. A little expensive, but cheaper than MREs, lighter, & way better tasting. And less trash to pack out.

I've used mine at 11,000ft elevation with no problems. I've humped it up pikes peak, taken it rock climbing, and even hunting with me. I won't go anywhere without my jet boil.

A few people have mentioned this already, but I really like REI brand stuff, and this goes for tents and sleeping bags. (I have to draw the line at backpacks though... Gregory and Gregory only for me.) I don't really like Cabelas for anything other than elk burgers. The REI stuff is really high quality, but not nearly as expensive as the the "name brand" stuff. I have an REI tent and it has served me incredibly well.

And no offense to the military surplus crowd, but that stuff weighs a ton and the olive drap sorta puts a crimp in my style. No thanks. I'd rather take something along that I know will work rather than trying to go the 'el cheapo' route and suffering. (Utah people ALWAYS do this and it drives me crazy. I'm a Utah native so I can talk about it. If this makes me a gear snob, then guilty as charged.) At the very least it's a comfort issue, and if the weather goes to heck then it could be a safety issue too. This is critical gear, people. I certainly wouldn't climb with a military surplus climbing gear. This isn't any different to me. I hate crappy gear.

I've been very happy with Mountain Hardwear equipment. Their trango tents especially are bombproof.

jcadwell wrote:I've been very happy with Mountain Hardwear equipment. Their trango tents especially are bombproof.

X2