Tuesday actual

[helwen]

As usual, plans rarely go as planned.

We did go shopping, but it tool a little over 3 hours, so other things are behind. Am printing out some things to look over, so that I can write the recommendation tonight. NS/BB will have to wait, but will be done this week.

We did quite a bit of walking at the mall, so more exercise, yay!

Went to Petco, got nutrical, catfood, etc. I went to the post office at Ingleside Mall and sent of the books, while fitzw found a DVD disk cleaner. Then we stopped in at Christmas Tree Shops because they were having a storewide clearance sale, and found a cute little telescope that comes with small pair of binoculars. The binocs have a working compass on them, and the telescope can be handheld or attached to a stand (stand included). They also had larger pairs of binoculars, 10x50, for only 24.99, so we got those as well. The 'scope's not a serious tool, but it'll do for some amateur stargazing. Picked up a nice peeler and some measuring cups as well.

Then off to EMS. They were closing this store as it turns out, so everything was 50% (close date is Jan. 21). Got a couple of really sweet backpacks there, with detachable daypacks. No sleeping bags there and nothing suitable at Target, so went back online when we got home and found a couple of Slumberjacks at Campmor.com. Both good to -20F, but my being short turns out to be an advantage. They had a short (5'4" and under) for $20 less than for other folks.

I did get a set of Swiss Army knives at Target, too - a Spartan and a smaller pen knife -- so now fitzw and I can match :D Oh, and we found a tea kettle there also. Our old pot died, and rather than get something that we'll be tempted to leave heating all day, we got something we'll have to pay attention to (whistle type), and have to turn off the heat when it's done its job.

Made the door draft stopper, which is working just fine. Good thing too, with all the wind we're getting. Didn't get to hanging fabric on the shady wall, but hopefully tomorrow morning. It's pretty chilly out!

Comments

[lady-jade-01.livejournal.com]

dang. I'd found a nice pair of hikers there once...and wished I could have bought them.

[helwen.livejournal.com]

They had a few pairs of boots left at this store, some small some large. If they had the right pair for you, I realize the budget's tight but half price is pretty good. There is still a store in Hadley. I think it's in the Hampshire Mall...

Also, have you been to Deals and Steals on Pleasant St. in Northampton? They have a big shoe section, and there were some nice looking hiking boots there for $60-80. There was a pair there I had my eye on, but didn't have the time or money last week. Where you enter the store it's all food and stuff, but go further into the store and turn right and you go into the clothing and shoe section.

Also, on the food and stuff side of the store, on/near floor level on the longest straight wall, they had small lingerie mesh bags 3 for $1.

Stuff at Deals and Steals is constantly changing, but I'll be stopping in there today to see if they still have Toms of Maine toothpaste for $2.25.

EMS

[bytchearse.livejournal.com]

Hit the one in Meriden CT on Sunday and got some Backpacker's Pantry Salsa to add to the kit as well as two new mantles for an obscure lantern I own (for no sh*t a penny each) and little packets of honest to God olive oil. Not bad for ten bucks spending!

Re: EMS

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Wow! Hmm, I'll have to check the one in Hadley next time I'm over that way. Those packets of olive oil would be a great addition.

[etainmbw.livejournal.com]

What was the price range for the backpacks at the EMS store? And for the Swiss Army knives at Target? I need to get myself some of both.

[helwen.livejournal.com]

There weren't many backpacks left. The one I almost got was dark grey, and $167 regular, so half that. But you may want to consider looking at Campmor.com and see what they have. Make sure to get one that's the right size for you -- check for back length. The back length on the dark grey one was 18"-21", which was a hair long for me, and since the other one was a better fit, I went with it. It was $198.45 for both fitzw's pack and mine. Of course, these also aren't just backpacks, they also have daypacks attached to them. There's a lot of variety out there.

Also, another thing to consider is weight vs. durability. The heavier the pack is, the more endurance you need to have. The lighter it is, the faster and further you can travel, per amount of energy expended. The difference in these packs is usually found in the type of fabric used. We wanted the more durable fabric, but if you aren't planning on camping out a lot then the lighter weight (and still pretty tough stuff) would be fine. Backpacks can weigh between 3+ to 12 lbs. from what I've seen. Mine's over 6 lbs, including the daypack. That's why it's important to make sure it fits you properly, because the suspension system should put the weight more on your hips than on your shoulders, so you can last longer, without it impeding your leg movement (which it will do if it's too long).

I mentioned eBay because there are a number of eStores that sell backpacks. You could go to EMS in Hadley, and other stores like Don Gleason's Camping in Northampton (9 Pearl Street) and try out different models, then look for a pack on eBay that is or is similar to what works for you. At www.Campmor.com, there are lots of backpacks. Some are hundreds of dollars, some are on sale for $30-80. Some will be tempting because they have so many cool things, but remember that this company sells to the weekender and the professional mountaineer.

On the Swiss Army knives, they were in the camping/sporting goods section of Target. My two-fer was $19.99 Spartan with small 'classic').

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Sorry, meant to add, as I don't know how much you know about backpacks, that you DON'T want one that is a daypack only. You're looking for one with a frame, either internal or external. These are the ones that can carry more stuff and give you support at the same time.

Backpacks, etc. My 2 cents

[bytchearse.livejournal.com]

I tend to lean towards military-patterned gear simply because I have found it to have the features I like (the new MOLLE system has infinite possibilities to attach pouches and pockets) and THANKFULLY someone decided that commercial copies of such gear does not have to be cheap knockoffs (MIL-SPEC brand in particular). Details if requested.
Swiss army knife: gave up on the knife, but not the brand name. As paymet for armor-making assistanc eyears ago, I was given a Victorinox multi-tool. Not a Gerber or Leatherman, but a real tool made by the Real Swiss Army knife people. It's a little more expensive and hard to find, but worth the price (about $55) and the hunt.
BTW, I am REALLY rough on my gear! :-)

Re: Backpacks, etc. My 2 cents

[helwen.livejournal.com]

I'm all set, but for other folks, where would you get Mil-Spec gear? Would the local army/navy surplus stores be likely to have backpacks you think? I haven't been in one for a while, but I know we have a couple of them around.

Target had a selection of Swiss Army choices, one of which included a multi-tool. I'll take a look next time I'm there. I still don't have a saw tool, but I didn't want one on my knife as I don't need a saw for everyday use.

No time to hike this month, at least not a group hike, with Birka coming, but hopefully I'll have everything I'm supposed to have soon for my kit. Meantime, improving fitness is key, so I can go for more than a couple of miles fully loaded. I may not be an experienced overnight hiker, but at least I know I'm not, so I'm doing my best to build strength and endurance. Thanks for the additional info!

[etainmbw.livejournal.com]

While I like the prices of online buying and the convenience of having it shipped to my home, nothing beats having the ability to look at it in person and try it on to make sure it fits you. I hope to be able to talk to a salesperson and see if it has what I need/want. I'm just looking for a grab and go backpack. With the possibility that at somepoint I might to some weekend hiking/camping in the local hills. UPDATE: Siani says that the store is pretty much cleaned out as of last night according to Jeni.

So I'm hoping to get one with internal/sheltered space for a sleeping bag. Either that or some sort of strapping arrangement that will allow me to attach said bag in a comfortable manner while also keeping it dry. I may have to invest in a compression/dry stow bag for the sleeping bag. I realize they are not the same thing. (probably) But one may fit inside the other. A compression bag with a tarp wrapped around it might be cheapier and work just as well.

I have lots of little things that I might want to stick in a grab-n-go bag but unfortunately I have to be able to carry everything on my back and still be able to walk a fair distance without exhausting myself. One reason why I want to look into backpack camping at some point this next summer. Just to have the experience. That way I know what I can carry and what I 'really' need to last through a weekend out in the woods. -- As long as it includes a nature guide/bird watching kit... I'll be happy. *grin*