Need Some Recommendations Please

[jwolfuo]

Hello,

I know my post count is pretty low. I have been lurking for a long time while gathering up my gear (based in large part on what I've read on these forums). I've got everything I need for car camping, including some fun gadgets I'm sure I don't actually need, and am now interested in expanding my gear in hopes of a partial backpacking trip next year.

I would like to backpack for about a week, next year, in Norway and would like some recommendations on a few pieces of gear.

1. Sleeping Bag - I know this has to be a down sleeping bag. Mummy or regular style does not matter to me as long as it is very compressible and lightweight. 35F should be plenty as I'm a pretty warm sleeper. Also, I am 6'3" 210lbs. Preferably this would be able to zip onto another sleeping bag, so the zipper must be full length. Budget: $150-$200
2. Sleeping Pad - I'm thinking somewhere along the lines of the newish Thermarest NeoAir XLite series. Any other recommendations would be very helpful! Budget: $125 - $180
3. 3 Person Tent - I would like: aluminum poles, lightweight, full rainfly, and at least 1 vestibule for gear storage. Budget $200 - $350

The backpack I will be using is the Osprey 70L Aether (Size L).

Also, I'm not very familiar with how and where to buy cooking fuel overseas. I've never camped in a foreign country. My cooking setup will be simple: MSR Pocket Rocket, (2) Sea to Summit bowls, MSR stowaway pot, silverware. I will likely just bring plenty of water (plus 2 filtration methods i.e. tablets & something else), freeze-dried meals, and snack stuff. My question is, is the MSR Pocket Rocket going to work for me with the fuel options there or will I need some type of adapter for the thread variations? Clearly, I have a lot more research to do!

I appreciate any and all help. Thank you!

 

[perkj]

A 4 person tent for backpacking? 4p is an awfully big (think heavy) for backpacking. To make it work you'd want to split up the main tent, the fly, and the poles/stakes between 3 people but even this I think wouldn't be a great idea for backpacking. You may be better off going with two 2P tents as there is more to select from. I'm not aware of any company that makes a 4P tent meant for backpacking. As an example, my Nemo Asashi 4P tent(now sold at the Bungalow) weighs in just under 10 lbs...and Nemo is a company that focuses on backpacking tents. You can find 2P tents under 3 lbs.

 

[jwolfuo]

A 4 person tent for backpacking? 4p is an awfully big (think heavy) for backpacking. To make it work you'd want to split up the main tent, the fly, and the poles/stakes between 3 people. You may be better off going with two 2P tents as there is more to select from. I'm not aware of any company that makes a 4P tent meant for backpacking.

A 3p tent would probably also work if that's an option. It would be my gf and I backpacking and a little extra room would be nice. Splitting up the tent, stakes, main, and fly would not be an issue.

Edit: I think you're right though. Now that I think about it, I have not seen too many true 4P backpacking tents. I was looking at a couple from Mountain Hardware the other day, but I'm not sure it was technically for backpacking.

 

[perkj]

I'm a Nemo guy so for your budget I would recommend the Galaxy 3P. Its still pretty hefty at 7 lbs but if you split it between the 2 packs you should be good.

http://www.nemoequipment.com/product/?p=Galaxi 3P (Birch Leaf Green) & Footprint


Losi and Dagger are lighter (though not as roomy) but appear to be out of your price range:
http://www.nemoequipment.com/shop/tents/?capacity=3P

 

[jwolfuo]

I'm a Nemo guy so for your budget I would recommend the Galaxy 3P. Its still pretty hefty at 7 lbs but if you split it between the 2 packs you should be good.

http://www.nemoequipment.com/product/?p=Galaxi 3P (Birch Leaf Green) & Footprint


Losi and Dagger are lighter (though not as roomy) but appear to be out of your price range:
http://www.nemoequipment.com/shop/tents/?capacity=3P

Wow that Dagger tent is amazing. I'm not sure I fully understand the 'center hub' that the Galaxy uses, but it appears to be a great option. Thank you for the suggestion!

 

[jwolfuo]

I've been looking at this tent as well: http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/tents/backpacking-tents/elixir-3/product

 

[perkj]

I've been looking at this tent as well: http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/tents/backpacking-tents/elixir-3/product

As with Nemo, can't go wrong with MSR either.

 

[perterra]

https://www.tarptent.com/rainshadow2.html

 

[Kerensky97]

1. Sleeping Bag - I know this has to be a down sleeping bag. Mummy or regular style does not matter to me as long as it is very compressible and lightweight. 35F should be plenty as I'm a pretty warm sleeper. Also, I am 6'3" 210lbs. Preferably this would be able to zip onto another sleeping bag, so the zipper must be full length. Budget: $150-$200
2. Sleeping Pad - I'm thinking somewhere along the lines of the newish Thermarest NeoAir XLite series. Any other recommendations would be very helpful! Budget: $125 - $180
3. 4 Person Tent - I would like: aluminum poles, lightweight, full rainfly, and at least 1 vestibule for gear storage. Budget $200 - $350

Good call on all 3, except I'd downsize the tent to a "3 man" which I think is manufacturer speak for a 2 man with elbow room.

Nothing beats down sleeping bags. Size, weight, warmth, durability... The biggest drawback is staying too warm. I think mine is a Sierra Trading Post Marmot down bag but I can't remember off the top of my head.

Similar to your pad choice I've been looking to upgrade my air mattress to the Exped SynMat. I like how you can pump it up with your hands and not have to blow into it. Whatever you get make sure it's full length, the discomfort of cold legs isn't worth the weight savings on a half length mat. Having it wide enough so your elbows rest on it would be nice too but is a bit too luxury for backpacking IMHO.
http://amzn.to/2bdKcH9

My current tent is the The North Face Salamander 23 which is no longer in production but it sounds like exactly what you're looking for. Fits two people with just enough room for some cloth bags and so you're not squished, very stable in high wind. And the vestibule is still big enough for 2 packs, or a cooking stove if you're in a downpour. The only one I've seen that I like for potentially replacing it was the MSR Hubba Hubba, very similar and a little lighter. I like the vestibule extension they sell too, it makes it big enough you can put a folding chair in there like a mini awning.
http://amzn.to/2bdM2I5

 

[jwolfuo]

Good call on all 3, except I'd downsize the tent to a "3 man" which I think is manufacturer speak for a 2 man with elbow room.

Nothing beats down sleeping bags. Size, weight, warmth, durability... The biggest drawback is staying too warm. I think mine is a Sierra Trading Post Marmot down bag but I can't remember off the top of my head.

Similar to your pad choice I've been looking to upgrade my air mattress to the Exped SynMat. I like how you can pump it up with your hands and not have to blow into it. Whatever you get make sure it's full length, the discomfort of cold legs isn't worth the weight savings on a half length mat. Having it wide enough so your elbows rest on it would be nice too but is a bit too luxury for backpacking IMHO.
http://amzn.to/2bdKcH9

My current tent is the The North Face Salamander 23 which is no longer in production but it sounds like exactly what you're looking for. Fits two people with just enough room for some cloth bags and so you're not squished, very stable in high wind. And the vestibule is still big enough for 2 packs, or a cooking stove if you're in a downpour. The only one I've seen that I like for potentially replacing it was the MSR Hubba Hubba, very similar and a little lighter. I like the vestibule extension they sell too, it makes it big enough you can put a folding chair in there like a mini awning.
http://amzn.to/2bdM2I5

Thank you for your reply! I am also a little worried about getting the down sleeping bag wet. I heard they dry much slower than their synthetic counterparts - so I will be investing in a rain cover for the Osprey pack as a 'just in case'. I will definitely take a look at the Marmot bags.

I did a bit more research on the pads and think I may be able to get away with using a Big Agnes Double Z Sleeping Pad - Wide/Long. It seems like an inexpensive, effective method to keep me comfortable and it packs down very small. My only worry is staying warm, as I know that air pads tend to not provide the user with much insulation from the ground. If I could get away with using something like this, I could put the funds towards a nicer down sleeping bag or just have additional funds for my trip.

I'm really leaning towards that MSR Elixir 3 Backpacking Tent. I'm a big fan of the MSR brand - everything I own from them has performed outstandingly well. The large vestibules are amazing, bathtub style floor, and easy setup are all pluses. In addition, it seems like a turn-key solution with it's included footprint, rainfly, guy lines, and stakes. I think my dream tent is that Hubba Hubba one that you mentioned though..or the Papa Hubba one (whatever they call it). I agree, that vestibule extension is incredible!

 

[Christophe Noel]

Tons of choices in this category, and there are 4p tents that are backpack weight. The MSR Papa Hubba is one, but it's not terribly necessary for two people. The MSR Mutha Hubba NX is my favorite "luxury" backpack tent. The Elixer 3 would do the trick, though. For pads, take a look at what Sea to Summit has to offer. I'm a huge fan of the StS Comfort Lite Insulated pad, but the Nemo Tensor is a darn good value. Super comfy to boot.

For bags, I'm a big fan of the Thermarest Antares as a super comfy bag.

By the way, in the last 7 months I have been testing 9 different pads and 7 different bags. There are not many bad choices if you stick within the top brands.

http://www.seatosummit.com/product/?item=Comfort+Light+Insulated+Mat

 

[Christophe Noel]

By the way, you could very easily just buy tent, bag and pad from MSR/T-rest, Nemo, or Big Agnes and be set. No need to mix and match unless you want to. These brands have totally dialed in their backpacking offerings.

 

[jwolfuo]

By the way, you could very easily just buy tent, bag and pad from MSR/T-rest, Nemo, or Big Agnes and be set. No need to mix and match unless you want to. These brands have totally dialed in their backpacking offerings.

I agree. I am still interested in hearing from people on their favorites though. Plus, I own nothing from Big Agnes or Nemo and purchasing one of their products would be a nice opportunity for me to try out their stuff. I don't mind mix and matching

Tons of choices in this category, and there are 4p tents that are backpack weight. The MSR Papa Hubba is one, but it's not terribly necessary for two people. The MSR Mutha Hubba NX is my favorite "luxury" backpack tent. The Elixer 3 would do the trick, though. For pads, take a look at what Sea to Summit has to offer. I'm a huge fan of the StS Comfort Lite Insulated pad, but the Nemo Tensor is a darn good value. Super comfy to boot.

For bags, I'm a big fan of the Thermarest Antares as a super comfy bag.

By the way, in the last 7 months I have been testing 9 different pads and 7 different bags. There are not many bad choices if you stick within the top brands.

http://www.seatosummit.com/product/?item=Comfort+Light+Insulated+Mat

Did you write up any reviews on them? I would love to read em! I think I will stick with the MSR Elixir 3 - it's in my price range/budget and I'm a huge fan of the different setup options. I'll take a look at Sea To Summit pads. I'm a huge fan of their stuff as well (I own some smaller items by them including: fold-flat bowls, pocket towel, kitchen sink, and a dry bag).

 

[jwolfuo]

Tons of choices in this category, and there are 4p tents that are backpack weight. The MSR Papa Hubba is one, but it's not terribly necessary for two people. The MSR Mutha Hubba NX is my favorite "luxury" backpack tent. The Elixer 3 would do the trick, though. For pads, take a look at what Sea to Summit has to offer. I'm a huge fan of the StS Comfort Lite Insulated pad, but the Nemo Tensor is a darn good value. Super comfy to boot.

For bags, I'm a big fan of the Thermarest Antares as a super comfy bag.

By the way, in the last 7 months I have been testing 9 different pads and 7 different bags. There are not many bad choices if you stick within the top brands.

http://www.seatosummit.com/product/?item=Comfort+Light+Insulated+Mat

I really like the Nemo Tensor Pad (Tensor Insulated 25L Mummy). With the Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated Mat, do you need to use the pump thingy to inflate it?

In terms of bags, I'm leaning towards this one Sea to Summit Trek TK I (Long).

 

[Christophe Noel]

I'm in the process of completing reviews of several products that fit your trip. I do think the Sea to Summit sleeping bags and pads are some of my favorites in the last two years. I used a Talus Ts II in Nepal and consider it one of my favorite bags. Spendy outlay of cash, but it will last forever. The Trek TK 1 is another great bag. And inflating the Comfort Light Insulated manually is super fast. Not a big deal to blow it up. I breath all day long so a few puffs into a pad isn't a problem. Great comfort or a modest thickness. There's a misconception that greater thickness equals greater comfort.

Another bag I really enjoy, and it does come with some extra weight and bulk, is the Nemo Fusion 30. I attended a media trip with Nemo in New England and used that bag during our climb of Mt Washington. I've never understood the weirdness of their bag designs. Then I slept in one. Now I get it. Insanely comfortable and the seemingly goofy blanket fold and funky shape...work. Go figure. I'm not a big guy, but loved the wiggle room.

http://www.nemoequipment.com/product/?p=Fusion 30 Long