Big 4, first steps: New Boots! Questions about Big3...

[Beacon Hill Ben]

Hi all, thought I'd finally post something after reading up for months here. After 26 years(!) I am returning to backpacking! I did a few hikes and hitch-hikes through Europe when I was 18, now I just want to get out of my car and get walking again, can't wait!

So I need all new gear, both for myself and my GF. (See some QUESTIONS below please.)

Yesterday the first of my main pieces of Big 4 kit arrived: new boots! I went for the Garmont T8 military style boots, from http://www.kitbag.com.au in Perth. Size 10AUS/11USA is 1425g/pair. not bad for a full-height boot.


I have strong ankles and feet, so I don't like or need heavily padded boots. I just wanted a light weight boot, that protects against rocks and shrub and gives good support without being bulky. These boots deliver exactly what I wanted and they feel great so far. I will post an update after the first walks soon.

Question please: I need to buy some SOCKS Medium length, medium thickness, good at moist dispersion. Any tips? Thanks!

Next on the list of Big 4:
1. Boots. Done.
2. Back pack, light weight, about 55l, waterproof. I have one on order, bit left of field I will post once I have received it...
3. Sleeping bag. HELP please: I am 182cm tall, need a 1000g-or-less bag that will do 3 seasons, synthetic?
4. Tent.... where to start? 2-Person, 2Kg, $200, spacious please...

Thanks! Ben

[ninjapuppet]

hey loook, your boots even have the 2 vent holes like my army boots

My issued boots are actually my most comfy boots, but i rarely take it out anymore because of those 2 holes. I only use them for fully dry tracks on hot days to vent, or very wet tracks with lots of creek crossings so the water drains out.

Otherwise for moderate puddles, as soon as you step in, your socks get soaked.

[bushwalker zane]

Hey Ben,

For the pack I'd look at something from One Planet, they make some nice little light weight packs around the 55lt mark. And they're Australian made!

[Beacon Hill Ben]

Tent arrived: 2-person, weighed by me at 1,983g without all the pouches (adds 120g), only $150 delivered home! Its is an Oztrail Apollo, brand new for 2011. In modest green. I will set up and sleep in it tonight, post some first impressions after that. http://www.oztrail.com.au/WebPage.gtl?p ... oup=OLTENT

Zane, I like the One Planets, thanks. I am also looking at the ULA Epic, from Utah, which uses a 65L dry-bag from Sea2Summit (made in AUS!), total weight 1,220g, for a multi-functional, waterproof bag: I like! http://www.ula-equipment.com/epic.asp I am planning on using a Ridgerest mat, which should work a treat as an internal support for the dry-bag. Goes well with the kayaking I do as well.

As I will be in the USA next month, I may pick up some gear there!

[wayno]

three season syunthetic for 1000gm is a hard ask
mont bell make a revolutionary design sleeping bag, compartments are stitched in spiral fashion the bag is stretchy, hugs the body for better warmth. also make a long design
http://www.montbell.us/products/list.php?cat_id=798

their down bags will give you something warmer for a kilo.

a good three season down bag under 1000gm I bought is an exped lite 500 http://www.exped.com/exped/web/exped_homepage_int.nsf

[bushwalker zane]

That mont one is very interesting... I'm surprised no one thought of this before.

[wayno]

mont bell specialise in lightweight gear, they use "high tensile" nylon to improve it's strength for weight

[Franco]

BTW...
Mont is an Australian company (Mont Adventure Equipment http://www.mont.com.au/index/aboutmont)
MontBell is a Japanese company not connected to Mont. (MontBell http://en.montbell.jp/information/)
Franco

[bushwalker zane]

Ah, thanks for clearing that up!