Post by: Jeremiah P on April 09, 2009, 06:53:32 PM
I want one that is good to 0, but light enough to pack into some knarly country. Also looking into a good little stove like a jetboil,msr, or optimus any recomendations. Also let me know of any other must haves for this type of hunt, it will probably only be a few days at a time.
Thanks
Post by: clindsayrun on April 09, 2009, 07:08:35 PM
What ever brand you purchase, get one with the weather resistant fabric. It's lightweight and will save your down from bunching up.
Stoves - I own both an MSR Pocket Rocket and an Snow Peak Giga power. Your talking just a few ounces here. The snow peak was the first real ultra light isopro stove on the market ten years ago. Both the pocket rocket and giga put out like 10,000 btu, plenty to boil water. My auto igniter on the giga died years ago. The Pocket Rocket is a whole lot cheaper. Buy it, and get a heavy foil or other collapseable wind shield for the stove. You'll thank me later.
Isopro is totally the way to go. Far superior to white gas or alcohol stoves, as far as backpacking in concerned. With advances in blended fuel you won't have to worry about low temps affecting the fuel.
Any other questions on gear I'd be happy to help.
Post by: scoyoc5 on April 09, 2009, 07:24:18 PM
Post by: Branden on April 09, 2009, 08:17:30 PM
As for a stove if its only for a weekend get a pocket rocket, if longer trips its better to go with a white gas stove.
And I am going to disagree with scoyoc5 about the water filtration, its a waste of time, energy, money, and space in the pack.
Post by: tonymoe on April 09, 2009, 08:50:07 PM
don't hesitate to ask for any info, I like to share my opinions just as much as I like reading other folks gear on this topic
Post by: ICEMAN on April 10, 2009, 06:27:30 AM
And I am going to disagree with scoyoc5 about the water filtration, its a waste of time, energy, money, and space in the pack.
Umm... I would not risk losing a week+ of work over a few extra ounces of weight while in the back country. Crypto and other issues in water are truly a risk. Sad state of affairs, but I would not recommend to anyone to diregard quality water filtration or boiling while in the backcountry.
Post by: BrushChimp on April 10, 2009, 07:04:00 AM
Marmot also has the Lithium 0+ (36 oz.) which is going to cost you in weight. You likely don't need a 0 degree bag for Washington in any season. A guy can also wear his base layer while sleeping for increased warmth on cold nights.
After talking to some hikers last summer my view on treating water is mixed. I was always told it was very important and to take no chances. I think that is good advice if you don't know where the water is orignating from. I talked to a thru-hiker (someone who hikes from Mexico to Canada on the PCT) and she said she hadn't treated any water 'cept when she came through the desert-y portions (So. Cal.) because it was standing water. Anything from from high she just drank straight. Me and my buddy decided to do the same due to a faulty water filter and saw no ill effects after 4 days of drinking the water. :dunno: I wouldn't recommend it if you are not comfortable with it.
One more vote for the JetBoil. We used one last year and it worked great. You can by pre-packaged dehydrated (Mountain House) meals or dehydrate you own. Boil two cups of water in 3-5 minutes and it's ready to eat in 8-10 min.
Post by: Heavily Armed Hiker on April 10, 2009, 07:48:55 AM
www.wiggys.com (http://www.wiggys.com)
They are made in Alaska and are pretty popular w/ hunters up there.
Post by: Antlershed on April 10, 2009, 09:50:53 AM
Post by: clindsayrun on April 10, 2009, 11:23:01 AM
I thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2001, from Campo, CA to Manning Park, BC...all 2653 miles of it. We also only filtered our water in Southern CA. Once we started making in North we ditched the filters and drank the water straight. Never got sick. In fact I've never been sick from water. Not to say it can't happen, just be careful about your water sources.
I now carry a steri pen. Light weight and takes care of the crypto and other nasties.
Post by: swanny on April 10, 2009, 12:03:25 PM
Like other's said, if you can afford a Marmot Down bag, get it. They are EN rated, warm, packable, and made with great craftsmanship.
If you aren't able to fork over the money for the Marmot, take a look at REI's new Halo line of bags which are also EN rated. The 10F bag is going to keep you warm in Washington at nearly any elevation you will be hunting at. It is just over 2.5lbs, which isn't bad for a colder weather bag especially for the price.
http://www.rei.com/product/778160 (http://www.rei.com/product/778160)
For stoves, the MSR Pocket Rocket is great if you plan to boil water and not cook any meals. Depending on how high you will be and what conditions you plan to encounter you may want to look at white gas also. They will burn better when the temp drops and your fuel wont freeze. The MSR Simmerlite is what I use for colder temps and for when I want to have a real meal on the trail.
I might also suggest looking at the GSI Soloist cook system. It is a great pot that comes with a spork, insulated mug, 1.1 liter pot, carry bag that doubles as a sink, and it all nests together. You can fit canister fuel inside as well.
As far as dehydrated food, I like to stay away from any of the ones with chicken, they just taste like cardboard. The beef stroganoff or chili mac is pretty good from Mt House.
Post by: PacificNWhunter on April 10, 2009, 12:54:54 PM
I use a GSI soloist kit, dehydrated food usually Mountain House and a stove from snow peak.
Post by: BLKBEARKLR on April 10, 2009, 01:31:15 PM
Post by: Cascade_Sherpa on April 10, 2009, 01:47:25 PM
I got a skookum gore-tex USMC bivy bag from a military buddy. And depending on what season it was my light summer bag would go inside the bivy on top of my thermarest. Then all of my dry hunting clothes would get stuffed around me as insulation. I've spent some comfy nights sleeping in that bivy well below freezing. It works even in a backpacking tent. when you get up in the AM all of your hunting clothes are already warm and ready to go.
There are lots of backpacking manufacturers that make waterproof bivy's a lot lighter than that one I've got, but it was free! Now that I've got tons of gear I gave that same bivy bag to my little brother, who used it last fall when we climbed Mt. Adams, same way and he was warm in the howling wind at 9400 ft elavation!