Where should I buy backpacking supplies?

Question

This August I went on a 1 week backpacking trip on the Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota. I loved it, and have started "vague" plans for two more trips. The thing is that most of my supplies were rented.
I need a place to buy a pack, water filter, a lightweight tent(we had some that couldn't have been more than 4lbs).
I was planning on going to Cabela's, but after reading some of their frame pack reviews, I'm not sure if it's the best place to go. I just want to see if there are other good places or websites.

Also if there is anything that it seems I'm missing, that would be great to know.
I've got a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, mess kit, and good hiking boots(now broken in...)

Answer 1

Great question! If budget is not a consideration then REI or a local back country outfitter is a good choice. If budget is an issue there are some items that you can save a lot of money by shopping around. For example, long underwear (polypro - synthetic - no cotton) is usually 50 percent less at a military supply store. Stay away from cotton.



To save money and weight I recommend using a chemical water treatment system rather than a pump. I hiked 3,000 miles one season (CDT) and used bleach only. Never got sick. However I recommend Aqua Mira. Google the name and you'll find it. I now use it and it doesn't make the water taste like a swimming pool. NOLS also often uses it on mountain expeditions - great stuff!



I bought my pack from ULA Gear. They are a small shop located in Utah. You can often reach the owner. The packs are light and very durable. They are also reasonably priced and you'll get special attention you may not get at the larger stores. They sent me a pack to try out for fit that I used on a week long trip before purchasing one for my 5 month hike.



4lbs isn't bad for tent weight. If you want to go lighter consider a tarp or "tarp-tent". Google Henry Shires and tarp tents to learn more. These are about half the weight. Depending on the weather conditions, your preferences and how big it needs to be a tarp or tarp tent might be a good fit for you. Currently I use a 3 season MSR hubba - it's a one person tent and weighs less than 3lbs with the fly.



For the mess kit - I learned a lot on my long hike. I actually stopped carrying everything but the stove, fuel, one pot with a lid (titanium) and a spoon. I found no need for more gear. I've found downsizing my gear makes for a much more pleasant experience. I'm not an "ultra light" hiker but I would consider myself light.



Finally, "thru hiking" sites and forums are great places for advice. These are communities of people that hike the big national scenic trails. CDT, PCT and AT --- there are often discussions about gear. Below are some resources.



Happy trails!

Answer 2

Cabela`s is more of a hunting store than a backing store. The best place online to get gear is backcountry.com. They have the best prices and a no limit no questions asked return policy so if something doesnt fit or is the color you wanted or doesnt last. http://www.backcountry.com/



You`re forgetting a knife, head lamp (much better than a flashlight keeps your hands free to do other things in camp), a camelback or platypus to keep hydrated while hiking. I dont use a tent I use a hennessy hammock since it is much lighter and more comfortable than a tent. Its also cheaper than a 1 or 2 man tent. No need to worry about roots, rocks, uneven ground and there are always trees in the forest so you`ll always have a place to pitch it. Plus its a better Leave No Trace shelter.

http://hennessyhammock.com/

Answer 3

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Answer 4

If you're going to the developing world some time soon, buy them over there as it's way cheaper. I bought my large backpack and travel pack in China years ago for $30 and $7 and they're still in perfect condition.