My favorite piece of backpacking gear

[Papasequoia]

The "backpacking angler" thread got me to thinking about what people's favorite piece of backpacking gear might be. You know, the thing you wouldn't do without no matter what the weight. I don't mean (necessarily) an essential, like matches, but then again, it doesn't have to be a luxury either. What is it that you drag along with you, all the time, and why? It could be something small (a lucky charm of some sort?), maybe a favorite old flask, you get the idea.

Mine is actually two (wow, cheating already, a new record!) But they have to go together. It's a thermarest-style pad with the chair assembly to turn it into a camp chair. I've been backpacking for almost forty years now (old fart) and I can tell you that the only thing that beats a supremely comfortable pad for sleeping is a comfy camp chair with a backrest. In the "olden days" I went with the all kinds of things to save weight, from nothing (back in the days when it was ok to use pine boughs) to closed cell foam pads that were trimmed to the minimum. But the first time I slept on a thermarest pad it was so good I had a smoke and had to change my underwear. Lounging by a fire, stretched out in my comfy reclining chair = luxury x 10. Compared to sitting on cold rocks, damp logs, the ground, etc., nothing beats it. When I have forgotten it, life is not the same. Heavy? Yes. Leave it behind on purpose? Never.

So what's your favorite or can't do without it piece of backpacking gear?

[anacrime]

Golite Ether Wind Shirt @ 3.55oz

Goes with me everywhere!

Seen here

[Papasequoia]

That last picture needs cropping.
Why is the wind shirt your favorite piece of gear though? Because it is so lightweight? Versatile? Breathable? Brings good luck when fishing?

[rkfiske]

I can't comment yet really about my favorite piece of gear but I have to say, I've been thinking about getting one of those sleeping pad chair adapters. A good place to sit around would be worth the extra weight in tow I think for me.

[fly addict]

My favorite backpacking gear? That’s an easy choice, a Serpa!

[Benny]

I really had to think about this one, but came to the conclusion that my Nalgene bottle is an item that I must take even though it's on the heavier side. It serves as a mixer for hot chocolate, gatorade, tea, coffee, crystal light lemonade and the last trek I was on it also served as a wine jug. The bottles are also really tough and last a long time, and yes I am aware of the Nalgene bottles with BPA

[RubiKinda]

My favorite would most definately be my Sig Pro in .40 cal. At a mid- range price for a pistol, I am comfortable letting it take the beating of trampling through the woods and not only does it serve as security, I have had many of fresh Blue Grouse and Ptarmigan dinners at the blessing of that piece. That beats a meal in a bag any day.

[Benny]

RubiKinda, correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that any upland game could only be taken legally with a shotgun

[RubiKinda]

RubiKinda, correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that any upland game could only be taken legally with a shotgun

Ruffed and Blue Grouse may be taken with a pistol or revolver. I've had this same conversation with a warden as well....he started by just giving me a warning but I pulled the regs on him anyway. There's nothing more annoying than a warden who doesn't know the laws he is enforcing.

[Benny]

That's good to know, thanks for correcting me. I need to read up on the regulations, I have not bought my hunting licence since 2005 and need to get out there once again.

[rayfound]

well, not counting fishing gear.....Thermarest EZ Rest chair is up there for me. Its awesome, especially on longer trips. However, last year, it rained every afternoon, and I found myself not using it as much. I will say though, I don't think its heavy at all - just a couple ounces for the chair parts when you're already bringing the sleeping pad.

The other thing, which I am about to use for the first time, is the Jetboil. One of the guys in our group last year had one, and I was amazed at just how much it simplified meals/stove. Fast, Easy, Efficient, and it packs so well inside its cup with the fuel and everything. Less time making dinner, cleaning up, means more time fishing.

[briansII]

The "backpacking angler" thread got me to thinking about what people's favorite piece of backpacking gear might be. You know, the thing you wouldn't do without no matter what the weight. I don't mean (necessarily) an essential, like matches, but then again, it doesn't have to be a luxury either. What is it that you drag along with you, all the time, and why? It could be something small (a lucky charm of some sort?), maybe a favorite old flask, you get the idea.

Mine is actually two (wow, cheating already, a new record!) But they have to go together. It's a thermarest-style pad with the chair assembly to turn it into a camp chair. I've been backpacking for almost forty years now (old fart) and I can tell you that the only thing that beats a supremely comfortable pad for sleeping is a comfy camp chair with a backrest. In the "olden days" I went with the all kinds of things to save weight, from nothing (back in the days when it was ok to use pine boughs) to closed cell foam pads that were trimmed to the minimum. But the first time I slept on a thermarest pad it was so good I had a smoke and had to change my underwear. Lounging by a fire, stretched out in my comfy reclining chair = luxury x 10. Compared to sitting on cold rocks, damp logs, the ground, etc., nothing beats it. When I have forgotten it, life is not the same. Heavy? Yes. Leave it behind on purpose? Never.

So what's your favorite or can't do without it piece of backpacking gear?

I'd have to agree with a comfortable sleeping pad. At my age, i'm not willing to sleep on a 1/2" foam pad. I just used a Thermarest Pro4 for the first time a couple weeks ago. It was OK(I shoulda cleared more rocks out from under the tent), but I was wishing for more cushion. I have a Big Agnes air pad that is very compact and light. It's cushy, but it's like sleeping on a balloon. Still looking for that perfect backpacking pad. Second on the list is Advil.

briansII

[RubiKinda]

That's good to know, thanks for correcting me. I need to read up on the regulations, I have not bought my hunting licence since 2005 and need to get out there once again.

There's nothing better than a solid day of cast & blast. East side is one of my favorites in October, drop me a pm anytime you want to get out.

[Benny]

There's nothing better than a solid day of cast & blast. East side is one of my favorites in October, drop me a pm anytime you want to get out.

Sounds like a blast (pun intended) Yeah I'll definitely let you know as time nears.


















SORRY for the semi-thread jacking papa

[Gary C.]

I would have to say my sleeping pad also. I just love my Big Agnes Insulated Iar Core pad I must be getting old because I sure like my comfort these days. I didn't like the idea of haveing to set-up and break-down a chair/pad conversion whenever I wanted a seat so I bought one of these Crazy Creek chairs, works very ell for me.
Gary C.

http://www.crazycreek.com/product/specials/93/