Who here likes Backpacking?

[r3cc0s]

the last couple years... I've gone from "park" camping to becoming a minimalist backpacker

Just something about having to work to filter your water and cooking your dehydrated meal on a small stove that makes everything seem so much better

I'm a huge fan of the Peter Lougheed park area and Spray Lakes
I usually make it up to Turbine and 3 isle lakes 4-5 times a year, and other random spots in the Kootneys


How about you guys?

West coast trail is booked for July (perfect timing!) and I am so looking forward to that.

What kind of Gear do you guys use?
I use an Lowe Alpine 75 +15 bag
MEC -8 Synth Bag
Asolo Hawk 3 - 3man 3 seasoner
Vasque hikers (titanium shims as I have horrible ankles)
MSR stove
Most of my clothes are of the MEC variety, with the exception of my Outdoor Research softshells
Oh and the best purchase of all:
Exped Downmat full length 2.8" of Down comfort, oh baby is it a step up from those painful blue mat days

[rinny]

I havent done much backpacking other than a WCT trip last August with some friends, but i'll be getting back into it now that summer has come.

I also have a Lowe Alpine bag, same size as yours. As well as an exped downmat 7 that I havent had the chance to use. Have an OR softshell and a PocketRocket Stove.


If you need some info on the WCT shoot me a PM. Have tons of pics and useful info for you.

[rc2002]

July is still a pretty wet month for the WCT IIRC. Both times I've done it have been in August to avoid rain.

75L is overkill. I've gone 3 weeks in a 50L pack before. It's a lot more fun when you pack light. Try forgoing the tent next time and try bivy sacs or building snow shelters/lean to's - it's a whole different kind of camping.

[ExtraSlow]

Did 80% of the Juan de Fuca trail last year and had a pretty good time. me and my crew aren't really very fast, so the full wct would be a hell of a long trip.
I'm running a lot of MEC gear as well, it's good value.
Key supplies, Good hat, Wicking inner layers and comfy footwear.
I had a relatively simple three day hike near banff blow up on me due to some terrible boots. Ended up hiking the second two days in flip flops because that's all I had. Brutal, and dangrous. Not reccomended.

[forced14]

MEC gear for me has been a pretty good deal. I went from using a "cheap" rain jacket to now using a GoreTex jacket (Somewhat pricey though) which I have been able to use year round (Except during winter when it is -20's) with a polar fleece underneath.

I have a 65L MEC Backpack, 3/4 length termarest.

This year I have to look into a decent year round tent / sleeping bag. I have not actually done a lot of backpacking lately, but want to get back into it. Usually it has just been day trips every couple of weekends.

Any suggestions on a decent year round tent / sleeping bag?