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Hello everyone. Just signed up, names Mark. Looking to get a few opinions on where to hike into and camp.
Im looking to hike into somewhere in CT and camp for a few nights. Dont like the normal park and camp sites. Would prefer an area not so close to crowded residential areas.
Any opinions on where would be great.
Also, Ive already got some gear, over the years things have worn out and its been awhile since Ive been able to go camping so some stuff needs to be replaced. Trying to keep it inexpensive, like no more then $200. Ive got a list of stuff I need, some recommendations on brand/model and where to buy would be great.
Things I need:
New hatchet
Sleeping pad
New Sleeping bag
New compact first aid kit, or just a smaller waterproof case(one I have is way to bulky due to the case)
Food storage-animal/bear bag
Thanks in advance for your opinions.
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Opinions On Place To Hike/Camp, Gear
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#2
The Rambler 
- Newbie
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- Group: Members
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 31-May 10
- Gender:Male
- Location:Bristol, CT
Posted 15 Jun 2010 - 07:09 AM
Sorry it has been over a week since anyone replied, I only check this forum every once in a while. What part of CT are you thinking about going? I can probally give you a hundred recommendations, but a general area would be a good place to start. As far as your gear goes. If we are talking about actual backpacking to a backcountry location far away from actual campgrounds then your gear is very important. I will assume for now that you have all of the other gear that would be needed.
Things I need:
New hatchet-------- A hatchet is useless weight, and is really not needed. We arn't chopping down trees or building a log cabin anyways. I have yet to have trouble gathering abundant wood for a fire from my surrounding area. It is not hard to find wood when you are not at campground. Carry a good knife in stead.
Sleeping pad---------- A sleeping pad is one of the most important pieces of gear, especially depending on the season you will be camping in. Winter being the most important. There are basically two choices, self inflatable, or foam. I like the inflatables personally, a little heavier but so worth it. Foam pads are extremely light but lack a little on the comfort when compared to a inflatable. I like Thermarest brand, but I am sure there are others. I use a thermarest prolite 2 self inflatablpe pad year round. If you use an inflatable, carry a small repair kit in case you get a puncture. Probally looking between 50-150 for a good pad, depending on the style you get. Foam is cheaper. A helpful guide to sleeping pads in the R? rating system.
New Sleeping bag------ The most important piece of gear, and the most bang for the buck. It is very important to look closely at the subtle differences between bags. For example, I have a north face nebula 15F bag that weighs 2.5 lbs, and my wife has a kelty 15F bag and hers weighs like 5.5 lbs and both are 800fill down? maybe 600 i forget. Western Mountaineering is probally hands down the best bag you can ever get, are typically about 10F warmer than their rating and cost about 2-3x more than other similar bags. I like the north face, for the price vs quality you can't go wrong. A helpful guide to sleepings bags is the EN rating system. Remember bags can be one of the heaviest pieces of gear besides your tent. Pay attention to weight, a 5lbs bag can be a back breaker on a long hike.
New compact first aid kit, or just a smaller waterproof case(one I have is way to bulky due to the case)----- I use a silnylon sack from S2S(sea to summit)
Food storage-animal/bear bag----In CT this isn't really needed, some would argue, but in actuality it really isn't needed. Yes there are bears in CT, all be it very few. The only areas where i would even consider taking one is in the far NW areas like near sage's ravine etc. But I prefer a bear canister to a bear bag, because it will double as a stool. If you do use a sack, ursack is a popular one, but make sure you hang them correctly. Many people lose their food to a ill hung sack. Most bears in CT wont ever approach you, but if you do cross paths, they will usually tuck tail and run in my experience. Even the rangers in CT will tell you that caniseters and bags arn't required in CT. However, I do carry a small canister of bear spray. Works great if you do happen to run into a p-offed bear, wack job in the woods, or some other animal that wants to taste your sweet and succulent flesh =P
Good luck in your adventures, and feel free to give me some more specifics on an area and I will be happy to assist. I am always looking for someone to go out backpacking with, I am in Bristol and usually hit the trails every other weekend or so.
Things I need:
New hatchet-------- A hatchet is useless weight, and is really not needed. We arn't chopping down trees or building a log cabin anyways. I have yet to have trouble gathering abundant wood for a fire from my surrounding area. It is not hard to find wood when you are not at campground. Carry a good knife in stead.
Sleeping pad---------- A sleeping pad is one of the most important pieces of gear, especially depending on the season you will be camping in. Winter being the most important. There are basically two choices, self inflatable, or foam. I like the inflatables personally, a little heavier but so worth it. Foam pads are extremely light but lack a little on the comfort when compared to a inflatable. I like Thermarest brand, but I am sure there are others. I use a thermarest prolite 2 self inflatablpe pad year round. If you use an inflatable, carry a small repair kit in case you get a puncture. Probally looking between 50-150 for a good pad, depending on the style you get. Foam is cheaper. A helpful guide to sleeping pads in the R? rating system.
New Sleeping bag------ The most important piece of gear, and the most bang for the buck. It is very important to look closely at the subtle differences between bags. For example, I have a north face nebula 15F bag that weighs 2.5 lbs, and my wife has a kelty 15F bag and hers weighs like 5.5 lbs and both are 800fill down? maybe 600 i forget. Western Mountaineering is probally hands down the best bag you can ever get, are typically about 10F warmer than their rating and cost about 2-3x more than other similar bags. I like the north face, for the price vs quality you can't go wrong. A helpful guide to sleepings bags is the EN rating system. Remember bags can be one of the heaviest pieces of gear besides your tent. Pay attention to weight, a 5lbs bag can be a back breaker on a long hike.
New compact first aid kit, or just a smaller waterproof case(one I have is way to bulky due to the case)----- I use a silnylon sack from S2S(sea to summit)
Food storage-animal/bear bag----In CT this isn't really needed, some would argue, but in actuality it really isn't needed. Yes there are bears in CT, all be it very few. The only areas where i would even consider taking one is in the far NW areas like near sage's ravine etc. But I prefer a bear canister to a bear bag, because it will double as a stool. If you do use a sack, ursack is a popular one, but make sure you hang them correctly. Many people lose their food to a ill hung sack. Most bears in CT wont ever approach you, but if you do cross paths, they will usually tuck tail and run in my experience. Even the rangers in CT will tell you that caniseters and bags arn't required in CT. However, I do carry a small canister of bear spray. Works great if you do happen to run into a p-offed bear, wack job in the woods, or some other animal that wants to taste your sweet and succulent flesh =P
Good luck in your adventures, and feel free to give me some more specifics on an area and I will be happy to assist. I am always looking for someone to go out backpacking with, I am in Bristol and usually hit the trails every other weekend or so.
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