https://www.geargrams.com/list?id=34875
Going to Pictured Rocks next weekend for a group trip (10-12 people)
This is my base pack. I might add a paperback book, some whiskey, and a few edibles because that's why I carry a light load. I like my gear, so I don't need any input. Just thought people would wanna see.
Posted Aug 8, 2016, 3:21 PM UTC
Nobody wants to have nightmares knowing another misguided soul is venturing into the backcountry with a foldable spork.
(j/k)
no really, foldable camping utensils have a proclivity to sucktitude.
hahaha! Yep. The Toaks folding spork functionally sucks. I got it for free (massdrop gift box) though and I like that it folds and fits into my pot though. I saw that at OR Primus came out with an angled long spoon that is supposed to work well with the deep freeze dried food bags, so I might have to check that out.
One wonders why Toaks doesn't just make it so the folding spork folds forward instead of backward. This would remedy most of my headaches with it folding while trying to eat.
the long handled spoons are teh shiz.
How do you find the Rainbow stands up to high winds?
I'm a bit torn between a rainbow, or going for a pyramid style tarp such as the SMD Lunar Solo, as it would stand up to winter windy conditions better
I've had it out in wintery conditions twice so far. Received about 2 inches of snow each time.. It sagged in at the bottoms where the snow slides down and builds up, but a couple punches to the side of the tent clears that out.
As for wind - I haven't experienced high winds in it, but other people have and I believe there are some youtube videos about it. The verdict is that it doesnt do well in high winds. Right now I solo camp in the upper mid west though, so I have trees for coverage and don't deal with insane alpine winds.
You got a new pack. You used to use the Exos didn't you? Why the switch?
I got the SWD pack in the spring. It is a cottage UL pack that I'm still trying to figure out if I like. I still have and love the Exos 58. It is my absolute favorite pack. I took it to Rainier and Olympic Nat. Park.
This will be the longest trip I've done with the SWD (3 nights, 4 days, 42ish miles?) because I've been so reluctant to not use the Exos, which for me has been a perfect fit.
I'd love to hear your opinions on the Superior Wilderness Designs Superior 50 when you return. You're getting out there a lot this year, good for you.
I think I'll finally be in a position to give a good review on it after this trip :)
The goal for this year was 30 nights on the trail. This trip will make it 18, but I am in the process of buying a house so new house stuff could slow things down in the fall.
I look forward to a trip report. The one time that I've been to Michigan, I was blown away by Pictured Rocks, I did not know there was such scenery in Michigan. I only had about an hour so all I did was go to the two main walk-up viewpoints, so I wonder what it's like to backpack there.
From what I hear it is super flat, which will be a welcome change after Linville and Rainier :)
Why would you post if you don't want any critiques? Critiques aren't a bad thing, they help us improve our setups. Are you so set with your setup that you would never change if someone made a useful suggestion?
Beyond those points... it looks like a great setup. Are you only bringing 1 Smart water bottle and what toothbrush do you have that only weighs .1 oz?
Well, I'm not looking to lighten my load any more and I am currently happy with my set up. I've been an active member of this community long enough to know most of the options available if I did want to lighten things up.
Yes to 1 smart water bottle - Pictured Rocks has ample access to fresh water, so there is no reason to have more capacity. The platy bottle is used to have extra water at camp to cook with, clean with, etc. without having to go to the water source more often. It is a convenience item.
My tooth brush is 2-3 inches long. Snapped the handle off a normal length one. I use a kitchen scale to weigh and that's what it told me.
Thanks for not taking my previous message the wrong way (I was more curious than anything else). Makes sense, was just checking in.
Hope you have a great trip!