Camping Tents, Camping and Backpacking Equipment » MSR

Backpack Shopping with Nutnfancy

admin — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 02:06:37 +0000

Nutnfancy searching for current online backpack deals on 10/2008. Please note this information is perishable and won’t last that long. There are several packs I did not cover at the websites shown; browse around and you’ll see lots more options (like at reioutlet.com). Always shop for the deals to maximize your gear dollars!

Duration : 0:17:9

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Bicycle camping trip with gear overview

admin — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 22:51:56 +0000

I stuffed some camping gear into some bike panniers and headed out for a weekend outing. Pedaled about 85 miles. It was kinda fun carrying everything you need for a few nights out under the stars and getting there literally on your own power.

I brought too many gadgets. I opted to bring my 2 person tent so that I could bring my gear inside the tent with me to protect it from the elements. Good thing since it rained the next morning. The drizzle on the tent fly is very soothing.

I can’t say enough good things about the MSR. Although one complaint I have is that the zipper on the open doors drag on the ground and can let dirt get caught in the zippers and tracked into your tent if not careful.

I’m going to bring a little less gear and try out the Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 next time.

Basic main gear list:

Bike – Trek Valencia
Pannier rack bags – Trek Interchange II
Handlebar bag – Topeak
Tent – MSR Hubba Hubba 2 person tent with footprint
Sleeping bag – Kelty Lightyear 45 with Coolmax liner
Sleeping pad – Therm-A-Rest Trail Comfort
Stove – JetBoil PCS
Food – Freeze dried camping food for convenience and weight savings
Flashlight – Surefire E1E with F04 diffuser
Knife – Emerson CQC10
GPS – Garmin eTrex Vista and 60CSx

Video shot with Canon PowerShot S3IS.

Duration : 0:6:29

[youtube CDdXecum77o]

Hiking/Camping Gear Review Part 1

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:10:48 +0000

Gear Review: 5900 Kelty Redcloud Backpack, Mountain Hardware Superlight 60 Sleeping Pad, Sierra Design 3D Sleeping Bag, MSR Water Purifier, MSR Cooking Pot, REI Down Pillow, Northface Rock 22 Tent, MSR Stove

Duration : 0:9:55

[youtube 0VBFNUUVTPo]

“Backpacking Tents” by Nutnfancy, Part 1

admin — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:00:09 +0000

PART 1 of 3 //////////////
Sleeping under the stars is a bit overrated for me. Seems the bugs attack, the critters find you, the wind blows away your body heat, frost and condensation soak your bag, then the rain falls, and no matter what your gear gets filthy. A minimalist tent tarp, bivy, or floor-less tent are some ways to avoid to some of those hassles. But my favorite option is a quality designed and constructed lightweight backpacking tent like the ones profiled in this Nutnfancy series of videos. Here I cover most of the design aspects and experience-based opinions on just such a tent. POUs, Firepower vs Mobility, Impact, Livability concerns, Longevity, Ventialtion, Maintenance, Sleeve and Pole Construction, Fabric Choices, Convenience Features, and buying sources are all covered in the series. It would be unrealistic and probably of limited use for me to review certain models since most are so shortlived in the marketplace. Instead I use category representatives and teach the features, construction, sizing, and the many considerations to arm the buyer with the knowledge to make the best purchase choice. Always buy out-of-season whenever possible to save big money; it’s very possible to get a ultra-quality BP tent this way for well under $200. Take care of it and it will serve you and your family forever too. Location was the scenic and beautiful Rocky Mountains with Allie the Mountain Dog in tow. This series was lots of work to put together, make happen, and produce but I hope it sheds some light on for some a confusing subject. Get a tent and get out there!
//// Music used by license from Kevin MacLeod, original composition entitled “Long Road Ahead.” Great job Kevin. See his other works at Incompetech.com.

Duration : 0:32:50

[youtube Jbm4cAyjibE]

Hiking and Camping Gear Closet #2 – (L.L. Bean)

admin — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:45:04 +0000

My Hiking Gear Closet, Rhon Bell, Outdoor Camping Gear, L.L. Bean

Duration : 0:10:59

[youtube _TlBt5_N6ZE]

Hiking and Camping Gear Closet #1 – (L.L. Bean)

admin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 04:26:19 +0000

My Hiking Gear Closet, Rhon Bell, Outdoor Camping Gear, L.L. Bean

Duration : 0:8:51

[youtube KX7wYDh6WtQ]

Backpacking & family car camping tents – MSR Hubba Hubba and Big Agnes Pine Island 4

admin — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 01:36:10 +0000

Just a quick look at two tents for different types of camping. When backpacking, equipment weight is your main concern. Backpacking tents are made of lighter materials and usually pack down smaller than tents used for car camping, meaning you pull up to your campsite and pitch your tent few feet from it.

Car camping tents are sometimes referred to as family camping tents. These can be larger and weight and bulk isn’t much of an issue since you are not hauling it on your back along with the rest of your gear.

Quality tents last longer and are usually more weatherproof than your average store brand tent purchased from your local department store that also sells diapers and lawn equipment.

Look for tents that are seam sealed and that have a ranfly that goes all the way down to the ground for better rain protection. A footprint or groundcloth is also recommended to prolong the life of the tent and also adds an extra layer between you and the ground for added insulation.

A sleeping mat or air mattress is recommend both for comfort and also keeps you insulated from the ground. A sleeping bag rounds off your basic overnight sleeping accommodations. Synthetic is heavier, but performs better in humid or wet conditions, and down is lighter and compresses down smaller for transport. Mummy style bags are warmer than the standard rectangular configuration.

Practice setting up your tent at home before heading out. Setting up in the dark or rain for practice may not be a bad idea either since you may not arrive at camp under ideal conditions. Also remember to re set up your tent and let it air out if rained on during your trip. Mildew can ruin the tent over time.

If you don’t have a seam sealed tent, i highly recommend buying some seam sealer and seal the seams both from the inside and outside of the tent.

Video shot with Canon S3IS.

Duration : 0:6:56

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