that's not to say I would enjoy a weekend in the woods getting high and drinking whiskey. was just referring to a good hiking trip
https://www.theclymb.com/preview http://www.backcountry.com/Store/co...contentId=640012&CMP_ID=odat_sac_hptxt1000163
campmor.com steepandcheap.com two I would add. campmor gets "hot deals" and steep and cheap just requires patience, timing, and luck.
Also anyone that goes to gander mountain or an active endeavors type place instead of shopping online or used deserves to get lost
Meh, if the price points are close I'll support a local business (Pack Rat in Fayetteville or the Backpacker in Columbia). But yeah, generally if I go in there I tell them straight up that I found something for cheaper online; too cheap to pass up. Example: was shopping for an Osprey Aether 70. Found it for 300 hundred at Pack Rat. They do the fitting and all that jazz, not that you really need help with it. Found it online for under 200 shipped. I told the girl that I had some local loyalty and that if it were only twenty bucks more, I'd do it. I'd be torn if it were forty. But 100+?
I'm an Osprey fag. Primary pack is an Atmos 50. The Aether 70 is a hoss. It creaks like Ospreys, but it's intelligently designed and can hold more shit than I can find to put in it. I really just got it for week-long trips since the Atmos covers my weekend bases.
I narrowed it down to the Aether 70, the Gregory Baltoro 75, and the REI Crestrail 70. Didn't like the Gregory fit personally. I was pretty impressed with the Crestrail though. Gonna do a final weighted test to see, but leaning to the Osprey cuz everyone seems to love it
I heard rave reviews of the Gregory. Hated it. That carbon plastic shit in the hip belt is for the fucking birds, man. It just wasn't comfortable, even walking around the store. Fuck putting in 100 miles with it. Didn't see the Crestrail so can't speak to that, but would give the Osprey *****
I have a Gregory Wind River and like it. I like big packs so my next one will be a Mystery Ranch Hunting pack. It's a monster and rides like a Cadillac. Just have to make sure you order it with Niceframe. Having kids I don't get backwoods much so I usually like a long trip when I go. The big pack works nicely for a long trek.
I've never met a Gregory owner that didn't like it but I've never liked the feel of any of the ones I've tried on.
Like VTA said, you should consider trail runners. A lot of people are making the switch from boots to shoes because the shoes have advanced so far that the weight of boots doesn't justify the shrinking number of advantages of boots. The weight advantage and comfort of trail runners is a huge plus. I have a bad ankle (serial sprains) and was nervous about switching, but haven't had any problems. Your brand choice should be based largely on fit. Brands of trail runners/approach shoes you might want to try on include Scarpa, Patagucci, LaSportiva, Salomon, 5.10, Brooks, and Saucony. Can't really help you with boots - I have a old, beater pair of Merrells for when trail runners just don't work (basically, snow and extreme cold). Used to wear them all the time, hard to go back once I switched to trail runners.
www.steepandcheap.com has the patagonia capilene 3 base layer bottoms in size large for 50% off right now. That is a great price and I think I remember someone asking about base layers the other day.
bought asolo fsn 95's for the first time in '99 and its the only boot ive worn since. they arent the lightest boots out there, but i love them.
anybody that has done Big Bend have route recommendations? I kopped a map but am open to suggestions.
I would post this in the Texas thread, but since you queers chill with your steers on the private board, I had to make a thread. Planning a trip to Big Bend for spring break. I know several Texas posters have been out there before. Speak to me of routes and places to enjoy slash avoid. Going with three dudes, all experienced hikers. TIA and private boards are gay.