Gear Review
Hi All,
I had a conversation with a family about the packing list and getting more specific on recommendations. For example the list says wool socks, but there literally thousands of those, so which ones?!? As we talked about things I thought there are probably other families who have the same questions, so I put the below together to help out. Hope this is helpful to you all!
Brands vs Amazon
If you buy something from Amazon from a brand/company you don’t recognize and isn’t sold in stores, it is buyer beware. I have had some great results and total failure, so be careful. If you buy from a known US brand or retailer, you can be reasonable assured it will work.
Examples
I pulled examples that represent the item on the list. I specifically tried to keep it inexpensive as possible and still be in my comfort zone of “would Keith use this” a lot of it I have used. Going with name brands is great! They do a tremendous job but also cost a fortune! Shop around and look for deals they are out there for sure. Always remember to look at materials - NO COTTON or cotton blends. It’s the materials used and fit, that matter not the name on the label.
Where to go get stuff?
Boulder Sports Recycler - all things outdoor and camping. Used stuff on consignment. They have the best deals on clothes and gear!
www.sierratradingpost.com - all 1st quality items just closeouts/outlet pricing
JAX Outdoor
Eddie Bauer
Sportsman’s Warehouse
Army-Navy Surplus stores - specifically the one in Arvada
REI
Neptune’s (most expensive but really good stuff)
Also, ask around to borrow stuff you don’t have before you commit to buying. Families in the Troop have stuff that they may be willing to loan.
Packing List - I attached the personal gear list from the Troop and will go through most of it below:
Sleeping bag - Zero degree bag, down or synthetic doesn’t matter, sleeping bag must have a hood and be mummy style - also bring blankets to put on top - wool, fleece, down whatever
Sleeping pad - not air mattress - full length, foam pad. We recommend having 2 of these
Winter coat - a puffy coat or down coat like these, these should be sized to fit over everything else - it is what you wear either at night, mornings or when you stop hiking and a chill sets in.-
https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/10112590/men's-glacier-peak-hooded-down-jacket?sp=1&color=Storm
Long Underwear - next to skin. Top and bottom snug/tight fit- Merino wool or polyester - https://www.sierra.com/carhartt-mbl105-base-force-midweight-tech-base-layer-top-zip-neck-long-sleeve~p~2frkd/?filterString=s~baselayer%2F
Fleece or Mid-layer worn on top of your baselayer - this depends on how cold it can be or may be. You may want lighter (150/200 wt) or heavy like a (300wt) fleece or micro down layer, top and bottom.
Examples: https://www.sierra.com/spyder-outbound-fleece-sweater-zip-neck~p~2ummk/?filterString=s~fleece%2F
https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/D5151732/men's-emberlite-hybrid-jacket?sp=1&color=Black
Shell coat - this is what you wear over your fleece or light down, during the day and to cut the wind. It is fairly light, wind proof and water proof. think typical non-insulated or lightly insulated ski jacket Examples:
https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/38888661/men's-chair-six-shell-jacket?sp=1&color=Storm
Shell Pants/bibs - bibs are warmer, but a pain in the bottom to get in and out of for using the bathroom. Think ski pants here, like the jacket.
Wool Socks - Merino wool socks, look for terms like winter/heavy. Avoid light/mid weight, heavy weight like these:
https://www.wigwam.com/products/merino-woodland-f2432
Inner or liner socks - these are not 100% necessary with modern merino wool socks, but they can be helpful. Here is an example:
https://www.wigwam.com/products/coolmax-liner-f2161?_pos=1&_sid=3f315e738&_ss=r
Never, ever, ever use cotton or any cotton blend sock. You are inviting frostbite.
Underwear - I just wear my baselayer, but if they must wear underwear don’t wear cotton - polyester or merino wool only.
Booties - these can be nice in the right conditions - https://www.google.com/search?q=down+booties&oq=Down+boo&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCggAEAAYsQMYgAQyCggAEAAYsQMYgAQyBwgBEAAYgAQyDAgCEAAYFBiHAhiABDIHCAMQABiABDIMCAQQABgUGIcCGIAEMgcIBRAAGIAEMgcIBhAAGIAEMgcIBxAAGIAEMgcICBAAGIAEMgcICRAAGIAEqAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Winter boots - I like the styles with the removable felt liners like Sorels. You pull the liners out at night and put them in your sleeping bag to keep them warm. There are great winter boots that don’t do this, just read about them and make sure they are insulated. Examples:
https://www.sorel.com/p/womens-caribou--boot-NL1005.html?dwvar_NL1005_color=280
https://us.kamik.com/products/canuck
https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/92000097/women's-hunt-pac-deluxe-boot?sp=1&color=Capers
Hand/Foot warmers - bring these. I put them in my boots for all day and my gloves. At night I put new ones in my boots overnight, this helps prevent the boots from freezing, always bring your boots inside your tent at night and put them between tent partners. Example:
Gloves/Mittens - Just make sure they are winter gloves not light weight gloves. I bring 2-3 pairs - one heavy and one lighter. And I use hand warmers both day and night for the cold days. Don’t overlook the work gloves at hardware stores - insulated winter work gloves from Kinco, Wells Lamont and others are a great value and last years! Examples:
Hat and balaclava - yep bring both. Heavier knit hat and lightweight balaclava.
Sunglasses or Goggles - a good idea if it is windy/sunny
The rest of the list is pretty typical camping stuff.
Let us know if you have any questions!
Keith Reis
Keith Reis
Sanitas Sales Group
CL: 303-204-3100
keith@sanitassalesgroup.com