Inexpensive and Good Gear??

[greener]

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

[fonixmunkee]

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.

[Keweenaw]

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

www.sierratradingpost.com

http://www.rei.com/outlet


Bob

[danha1en]

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.

[jrwiesz]

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.

[PatrickBDunlap]

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.