Did a two day, one night trip to French Creek State Park in PA this weekend.
I have some backpacking gear I wanted to try out, but wanted to be in an established campground in case anything went wrong. It was 33 degrees with winds about 10-15 mph winds ...
1. My CAT stove works great. I used denatured alcohol and was able to boil water in about 3 minutes. I just have to practice with different amounts of alcohol in order to know how much to use to cook different things.
2. My Sierra Designs lightning tent is super easy to set up. Haven't tried it in the rain but worked well in 10-15 mph winds
3. Layers work I didn't bring my heater since the tent was so small and it wouldn't fit in my backpack. I have a campmor self inflating pad, that I put under one of those wally world blue pads and it worked great. Did not feel the ground cold at all so I was able to keep warm with my coleman 15 degree bag (brought an extra one just in case).
4. Last but not least ... I was HUNGRY! I have to pick up some MRE's and try them. I am an eater and the stuff I brought (except for the oatmeal) was not enough. I brought a package of Ramen noodles, a package of tuna helper (minus the tuna), instant mashed potatoes, 3 pieces of bread, some peanut butter & coffee. All the food was in zip loc bags to reduce weight. Oh ... cowboy coffee stinks! The caffeine rush was good, but the grounds did not all sink to the bottom and were gross. Maybe I'll have to try the coffee bags.
5. I brought the dog with me, and she was not happy. It was too cold for her at night. She is used to snuggling in her bed. I won't bring her again until it's a little warmer. She had a 15 degree bag.
I would say all in all it was a success. Next I try two nights out on the trail in the Kittatinny Mtns. That's next month. That will be a "real" backpacking trip. Any tips from backpackers on here are always appreciated
I have some backpacking gear I wanted to try out, but wanted to be in an established campground in case anything went wrong. It was 33 degrees with winds about 10-15 mph winds ...
1. My CAT stove works great. I used denatured alcohol and was able to boil water in about 3 minutes. I just have to practice with different amounts of alcohol in order to know how much to use to cook different things.
2. My Sierra Designs lightning tent is super easy to set up. Haven't tried it in the rain but worked well in 10-15 mph winds
3. Layers work I didn't bring my heater since the tent was so small and it wouldn't fit in my backpack. I have a campmor self inflating pad, that I put under one of those wally world blue pads and it worked great. Did not feel the ground cold at all so I was able to keep warm with my coleman 15 degree bag (brought an extra one just in case).
4. Last but not least ... I was HUNGRY! I have to pick up some MRE's and try them. I am an eater and the stuff I brought (except for the oatmeal) was not enough. I brought a package of Ramen noodles, a package of tuna helper (minus the tuna), instant mashed potatoes, 3 pieces of bread, some peanut butter & coffee. All the food was in zip loc bags to reduce weight. Oh ... cowboy coffee stinks! The caffeine rush was good, but the grounds did not all sink to the bottom and were gross. Maybe I'll have to try the coffee bags.
5. I brought the dog with me, and she was not happy. It was too cold for her at night. She is used to snuggling in her bed. I won't bring her again until it's a little warmer. She had a 15 degree bag.
I would say all in all it was a success. Next I try two nights out on the trail in the Kittatinny Mtns. That's next month. That will be a "real" backpacking trip. Any tips from backpackers on here are always appreciated
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