Outdoor Gear
John Poppy’s Favorite Gear: I’m more old school in many ways. I look more toward durability and less toward light weight. That doesn’t mean that I pack in cast iron stoves, but it does mean that I try finding the best gear for the money, durability, and efficiency. In some cases, my gear tends toward the expensive side in others toward the inexpensive. So here you go.
Tents I like the North Face Storm Break 1 for lightweight long distance travel and I like the North Face Storm Break 2 for base camping 10+ miles in on week long trail projects
Backpacks: I am a fan of both Osprey and Gregory Packs. On the multi trip expeditions I use one of my big packs for everything, day hikes and long-distance overnight adventures. I am partial to the Osprey Aether 65, and the Gregory Baltoro 75. As for the small day packs I tend to only use them for hikes around home and like the smaller Osprey Day packs for this purpose.
Sleeping Bags: I have several. Go for a minimum of a 20 degree bag. The North Face Cat’s Meow is a no-nonsense, durable synthetic bag. that can take care of you when a down bag can’t.
Sleeping mats: When I got my first Exped Pad in 2011 it was a game changer in the quality of my sleep. Thermarest also does a good job.
Boots: This is where I will not yield. Lowa is my boot of choice from light weight hikers to rugged trail boots like the Lowa Tibet or the Lowa Baffin. Another thought about boots in my estimation Gore-Tex is not worth the bother. I have never owned a pair of Gore-Tex line boots that didn’t leak and have had several pair of old school leather lined boots (LL) that perform better.
Kitchen: My favorite, lightest, and most versatile stove is MSR Pocket Rocket, though I also have the MSR Whisperlite, and the Jetboil which is particularly handy for the first cup of morning coffee and cooking up those lightweight backpacker meals. What to cook in? I like the lightweight titanium cookware like Snow Peak though it is top of the line and you pay for it. There are other less expensive and probably just as serviceable ones.
Michael’s Favorites
1. Zip Off Convertible pants: Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants
2. Kelty Gunnison 2.3 Tent - DAC poles: Kelty Gunnison 2.3 Tent with Footprint
3. Columbia Omni-shield Long Sleeve shirt: Columbia Men's Standard Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt, City Grey, Large
4. Petzl Headlamp: PETZL, ACTIK Outdoor Headlamp with 350 Lumens for Running and Hiking, Black
5. Keen Hiking boots: Targhee III Mid Height: Men's Targhee III Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot | Hiking Boots
6. Darn Tough Merino wool socks: Men's Hiker Boot Midweight Hiking Socks – Darn Tough
7. Sleeping Bag Liner – Add 14 degrees to summer bag plug protect the inside of your bag from dirt. Or if it is too hot. Just sleep in it. Reactor Thermolite Sleeping Bag Liner (Adds 14°F) | Sea to Summit (seatosummitusa.com)
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