Summer Backpacking Gear/REI Dividends and Sale

[mattaylor81]

For your shelter I would suggest an 8x10 Silnylon tarp.  It can be rigged many ways and is more than enough coverage for weather when rigged correctly.  If you don't like that approach check out Henry Shire's Tarptents at Tarptent.com.  They offer the security of a tent at the weight of a tarp.

[halflife65]

Thanks for suggestions - I've looked at some of the lightweight tents in the past (Henry Shires, Six Moon Designs, Golite, etc.) and there are some good options out there.  I might just go with a tarp, though, for now.  I also looked at the Quarter Dome T1 and the problem that I have is that I think that I might be touching the ends/sides because the interior space is pretty small on that one.  I thought about some other one-man options, though.

I'm thinking that the dividend might go to a sleeping bag (limited to what REI sells for this particular purchase) and then start working on upgrading some of the other people suggested gear (tarp/tent, etc.).

[Skyvalhunter]

Look at the Big Agnes sleeping system. With the sleeping pad able to slip into a pocket incoporated in the sleeping bag it is great for not having the pad slide out from beneath you. You could always slide your therma rest inside your sleeping bag. Having a sleeping pad inside your bag is ideal if you used a Henesey Hammock.

[GregE]

If you read the REI flier fine print, most GPSs are Not eligable for the 20% coupon.   

[JackOfAllTrades]

If you're not all that impressed by REI's sleeping bag assortment, then you might look at what they have to offer in a Bivy bag, hammock and tarp.

-Steve

[MikeWalking]

mine is only $29 and that's 2008/09 together. Haven't needed any big ticket items for a long time. Still happy with the UL Quarter dome. Scored a great bag years ago. BIG BLUE  a Long (room for boots etc at the foot)  minus5 degree 650fill down bag with a Dryloft shell Retail 380$ got it for 205$.

I do need new stocking foot waders, a new backpacking stove...