Isle Royale Forums

I don't want to break the bank buying lightweight camping gear. It appears Kelty has some light weight tents and sleeping bags. You guys have any input?? How's the quality??

Thanks

I'm a gear nerd, so I might be kind of overly-critical in this short review:

Kelty is good for the price, but you get what you pay for. I particularly find the backpacks very uncomfortable and unwieldy. For a few dollars more, I'd much rather get an REI backpack.

I've had one Kelty tent (a single person), and it was OK, but it's only a mere shelter, nothing more (no real luxuries). It will keep you dry, however, which is the main point. Again, for a few more dollars more, you can get a nice reliable REI tent.

There's also the Craigslist option, or even a second-hand gear store if price is a concern. But the bottom line for me is for two piece of "core" equipment, I want it comfortable and worry-free, so I'd skip Kelty and get something else.

I have an extreme dislike for paying full price for anything.

www.sierratradingpost.com

http://www.rei.com/outlet


Bob

I use Steep and Cheap, REI (including outlet) and Backcountry to find most of my gear.

http://www.steepandcheap.com/

http://www.backcountry.com/

Steep and Cheap runs one deal at at time until it sells out or the timer runs out--and then it posts another gear deal. I picked up a 2-person tent under 5lbs for under $100 from them.

REI can be nice too with their gear return policy. Its nice to be able to return a $200 item if you try it out and don't like it.

Try to keep an open mind about gear. You don't always need titanium cookware and expensive stoves--old household items and DIY stoves often can be lighter and virtually free.

Well, if you make your own gear, try reading Ray Jardines' "Beyond Backpacking". In the last section of the book is a do-it yourself chapter. Make your own tarp, pack, quilt, stuff sacks, gravity filter, etc. All of his gear has the "keep it light and cheap" mentality. His ideas/consultations about gear turned into "Go-lite" the manufacturer of lightweight gear.

I have many Kelty products, I don't call them inexpensive, but not exorbitant either. Most, however, are heavier than a lot of other options available. You do get what you pay for; for sleeping bags, I believe you can't go wrong with Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends sleeping gear - light weight and true to their comfort ratings(maybe more expensive, but they will give you a lifetime of reliable service). Campmor sells a relatively inexpensive down bag rated at 20 degrees(most that I have seen comment on them relate more like a 30 degree bag, however). MSR Hubba is a good choice for one man tent, the Hubba Hubba for two. I take the MSR Missing Link when I solo; at a little over 3 lbs.(I'd have to re-weight it to be exact) it may be heavy for a one man set-up, but I like the room, and it uses my hiking poles(so they have multi-use).

Here's a link for a site that has a "selling used gear" section:

http://www.whiteblaze.net/

Check it out; neat place also, for hiking tips, etc. It's mainly a forum board of Appalachian Trail enthusiasts, but has good threads about general hiking knowledge and other hiking places/trails. There's always something good for sale there. E-bay is also good for gear, along with the mentioned Steep and Cheap.

Do your homework, one can find good and inexpensive. Good luck with your search.

You can also either make your own backpacking hammock and pick up a tarp and bug next for it or you could buy the Speers kit with everything you need for a little over $100.

http://www.hammockforums.net/ is a good place to learn about DIY projects.