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Post by cheaptentguy on Apr 12, 2021 18:33:14 GMT -8
So outside of the big pieces of gear most people use (shelter, sleep system, pack, poles, etc.) what is one or two of the smaller or minor* pieces of gear that you really appreciate in your kit? I'm not really thinking about luxury items but more like ditty bags, cooking components, headlamps etc.
Something where you really feel like you made the right choice and it's working really well for you.
* I use that term loosely. Obviously something like a headlamp or a stove is pretty important.
EDIT: I'm really interested in other people's stuff, but I guess i'll start with an example. I really like my Thermarest Z Seat. It's with me in just about every hiking scenario, as it's so useful for throwing on the ground or a stump to take a rest, particularly in the often wet conditions we are finding ourselves in the Southeast. I've used it for extra warmth in a hammock and while sleeping in a tent also. I've used it as wind shield at times too.
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Post by bobcat on Apr 12, 2021 19:03:52 GMT -8
My folding spork. It’s curved so it fits inside my cook pots alongside my mug. I’m done with little sawed-off handles!
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Post by tallgrass on Apr 12, 2021 19:39:46 GMT -8
My cheap Trekology inflatable pillow from Amazon. $15, find it far more comfortable than my former Ex-ped pillow. And for $15, it pops, it pops.
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Post by hikinggods on Apr 12, 2021 19:48:42 GMT -8
My Montbell titanium trowel--just perfect for what I need it for, hangs by it's little loop from my pack.
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ErnieW
Trail Wise!
I want to backpack
Posts: 9,850 
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Post by ErnieW on Apr 12, 2021 20:05:12 GMT -8
My Toaks Ti long handled polished bowl spoon. Great for eating out of food bags. Easy to clean and strong.  |
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Post by JRinGeorgia on Apr 13, 2021 5:16:47 GMT -8
Something where you really feel like you made the right choice and it's working really well for you. That's everything in my pack. |
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Post by cweston on Apr 13, 2021 5:20:11 GMT -8
Fun question.
Not sure if it qualifies as "minor gear," but I love my Platypus Gravity Works filter rig. Not so much because it is perfect, but because it is just such a pleasure not to use a pump filter.
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Post by bradmacmt on Apr 13, 2021 5:37:20 GMT -8
That's everything in my pack. Yeah. That's pretty well how I feel. |
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ErnieW
Trail Wise!
I want to backpack
Posts: 9,850
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Post by ErnieW on Apr 13, 2021 6:02:58 GMT -8
That's everything in my pack. Yeah. That's pretty well how I feel. That everything in your pack is minor equipment? |
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,961
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Post by driftwoody on Apr 13, 2021 6:39:01 GMT -8
Maybe I'm just lucky, but my original Ursack has never been molested in the dozen or more years I've used it in the Southeast and Michigan UP.
That makes it one of my favorite pieces of gear. I have a BV 500 where canisters are required.
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jazzmom
Trail Wise!
a.k.a. TigerFan
Posts: 3,059 
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Post by jazzmom on Apr 13, 2021 6:54:52 GMT -8
Two things that have been on almost every hike for the last 10+ years.
My Fizan trekking poles. They're super light but still aluminum. They're a 3-part twist type but have never slipped and no vibrations. Hand grip fits my hand just right. Compact size makes it easy for travel (I fly with gear often) and stowing when not in use. They're really cheap as trekking poles go. Love them.
My neon green Croc knock-off camp shoes. The "knock-off" part makes them lighter and cheaper than Crocs, 7oz for the pair (my real ones are 11oz.) I think I feel about camp shoes the way others feel about a camp chair; have to have mine. Crocs are perfect, IMO. Easy to slip on/off but still protects the toes, comfy, and waterproof.
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Post by cweston on Apr 13, 2021 7:00:48 GMT -8
My neon green Croc knock-off camp shoes. The "knock-off" part makes them lighter and cheaper than Crocs, 7oz for the pair (my real ones are 11oz.) I think I feel about camp shoes the way others feel about a camp chair; have to have mine. Crocs are perfect, IMO. Easy to slip on/off but still protects the toes, comfy, and waterproof. I have a pair of Croc-like rubber fisherman's sandals that make for just about perfect camp shoes. They stay on a little better than the croc style, and drain really well, both of which are great for crossings. I've had them for years, but I'm pretty sure I bought them from Walmart for no more than $10. So maybe that should have been my answer, too. I agree aboiut camp shoes being essential--I almost never wear my actual boots around camp except when it is snowy. |
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markskor
Trail Wise!
Mammoth Lakes & Tuolumne Meadows...living the dream
Posts: 651
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Post by markskor on Apr 13, 2021 10:48:52 GMT -8
About 20 years ago, stopped off/visited a Hong Kong street bazaar thing...snagged a 10 1/2 inch Titanium frypan...expensive even then.
Weighs less than 6 0z...has cooked thousands of trout (in foil packages), finishes pastas, scoops snow...can't scratch it.
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Post by bradmacmt on Apr 13, 2021 12:10:37 GMT -8
That everything in your pack is minor equipment? Since you obviously haven't taken the time to read the responses in context, perhaps next time hold the cheap seat comments? Something where you really feel like you made the right choice and it's working really well for you |
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Post by johntpenca on Apr 13, 2021 12:25:15 GMT -8
My old Leki Extreme poles. Not light and are twist lock, but have been with me on every BC ski trip and most hikes since the way early 80s. The things are bomber.
Most everything else has been an ongoing evolution as gear improves.
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