Backpacking Archives - Arizona Wanderings https://azwanderings.com/category/backpacking/ ...fishing, hunting, and roaming the Southwest Wed, 03 Oct 2018 21:55:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://azwanderings.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-Rustic-Trout-Logo-Design-32x32.png Backpacking Archives - Arizona Wanderings https://azwanderings.com/category/backpacking/ 32 32 Rambling Review: Kelty Pathfinder 3.0 https://azwanderings.com/rambling-review-kelty-pathfinder-3-0/ https://azwanderings.com/rambling-review-kelty-pathfinder-3-0/#comments Mon, 09 Feb 2015 12:15:56 +0000 http://azwanderings.com/?p=12954 Rambling Review – Kelty Pathfinder 3.0 Why: If you have been following along at all, you know that my little girl has been growing fast. My wife and I are avid hikers and really like to get outside and enjoy all that Arizona has to offer. Trying to fit a one year old baby girl...

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Rambling Review – Kelty Pathfinder 3.0

Kelty Pathfinder 3.0
Kelty Pathfinder 3.0

Why:

If you have been following along at all, you know that my little girl has been growing fast. My wife and I are avid hikers and really like to get outside and enjoy all that Arizona has to offer. Trying to fit a one year old baby girl into that lifestyle is tough, but very doable. All of our outdoor activities became a whole lot easier when we picked up the Kelty Pathfinder 3.0.

First impressions:

The specs –

  • Maximum weight load (Child + Gear + Pack): 50 lbs / 22.6 kg
  • Child weight: Minimum 16 lbs / 7.3 kg; Maximum: 40 lbs /  18.1 kg
  • Length: 19 in / 48.5 cm
  • Width: 15 in / 38 cm
  • Height: 30 in / 76 cm
  • Volume: 1300 in3 / 21 L
  • Weight: 7 lb 10 oz / 3.5 kg
  • Suspension: Adjustable

The fit – The Kelty Pathfinder is a fully adjustable aluminum frame pack. It’s just as comfortable as any other pack that I’ve worn and carries weight right on the beefy hipbelt very well.

Kelty Pathfinder 3.0
Kelty Pathfinder 3.0 in sunshade mode

 

The small things – Kelty has done an outstanding job of marrying the fit and feel of a rugged quality pack to the tiny nuances of baby life. Some of the things that really stood out to me are the:

  • sun hood (It’s Arizona. The sun is always out.)
  • toy loops (Favorite 1-year old game – throw things on the floor and see how many times Daddy picks it up for you)
  • changing pad (Poop happens)

Storage – The zip-off day and bottom storage compartment pack provide ample storage for baby and parents.

Kelty Pathfinder 3.0
Kelty Pathfinder 3.0

Field Use:

Imagine my surprise when my wife pipes up one Saturday morning, “Let’s go fishing.” In situations like this, I don’t ask questions. I just start packing. We picked a spot in town where there are plenty of ponds to walk around and look for cruising fish. We loaded up the Kelty Pathfinder 3.0 with a fly box, tippet, diapers, wipes, snacks, toys, sunscreen, water, and a binki, and we were ready to go. The one thing that is probably the most important thing I learned about the Pathfinder 3.0 this day was that my daughter loved being in it. A kid-carrying pack doesn’t do any good if your kiddo doesn’t like being in it. Our little girl gets the biggest smile on her face when we get the backpack out of her closet and she tries to climb into it all on her own. Kelty passed the first test – Baby approved.

Kelty Pathfinder 3.0
Kelty Pathfinder 3.0 – Kid approved

 

The second aspect of this pack that makes it so attractive to a parent is how comfortable it is for me. I spend a good deal of time with different packs on my back and the Kelty Pathfinder 3.0 is about as good as it gets. The big beefy hipbelt puts the weight right on your hips and takes the pressure off your shoulders and upper back. There are upper load lifters, lumbar compression pulls, and a sternum strap all help to keep the weight of the pack secure and close to your back. Between our little girl, water, and all the odds and ends in the pack, the Pathfinder 3.0 was right about 30 pounds and felt very comfortable and stable to carry.

There are so many small things that went into designing this pack that there are almost too many to describe in a post. I’ve mentioned several of them above. Here are some other key additions to the pack that I think are worth noting:

  • There are several waterbottle holders along with a H2O pocket all set up and ready for a bladder and hose.
  • Auto deploy kickstand for when the pack is on the ground. The kickstand allows you to easily get your child in our out while the pack is stable.
  • The high aluminum frame of the baby carrier provide some added protection for the back of the child’s head and acts like a bit like a roll cage, should you take a spill.
  • The Pathfinder 3.0 really takes the safety of the child seriously 5-point harness and color coded leg straps make sure that your child is in nice and snug.
Kelty Pathfinder 3.0
Kelty Pathfinder 3.0 – H20 pocket

 

Pros:

Very comfortable pack

Ease of use

Tons of storage space

Strong aluminum frame

Baby friendly

Cons:

Cost (top of the price range for child carriers, but so worth it for the extras)

Weight (a 7lb starting weight for a pack is a bit heavy, but again worth it when you’re talking about keeping a baby happy)

Kelty Pathfinder 3.0
Kelty Pathfinder 3.0

 

 

Prognosis:  If your looking to keep after your outdoor hobbies with a baby in tow, do yourself a favor and look at the Kelty Pathfinder 3.0. This pack is worth it.

 

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

 

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The Grand Canyon: Hiking the Bright Angel Trail https://azwanderings.com/the-grand-canyon-hiking-the-bright-angel-trail/ https://azwanderings.com/the-grand-canyon-hiking-the-bright-angel-trail/#comments Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:47:13 +0000 http://azwanderings.com/?p=10786 As I had written before, my wife and I had hiked down the South Kaibab trail and stayed two nights at Bright Angel Campground. After a wonderful day fly fishing Bright Angel Creek, we woke early to prepare for our hike out of the Grand Canyon. After a hearty breakfast, we broke camp and started...

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36 - Getting ready to hike out
Silver Bridge

As I had written before, my wife and I had hiked down the South Kaibab trail and stayed two nights at Bright Angel Campground. After a wonderful day fly fishing Bright Angel Creek, we woke early to prepare for our hike out of the Grand Canyon. After a hearty breakfast, we broke camp and started to ascend the Bright Angel Trail. Although the Bright Angel Trail is longer than the South Kaibab Trail, there is water at the Indian Garden Campground which is roughly the halfway mark. We started early and hiked most of the day in the shade of the surrounding canyon walls. We burned through the first 6 miles of the trail rather quickly, but the last three miles of Bright Angel Trail is mostly switchbacks. We were forced to slow and take our time, pausing often to rest and drink plenty of water. Below is a photo journey of the sites along the trail. Bright Angel Trail is very beautiful and I was happy that we were able to see both South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails on our trip.

As I did with the South Kaibab Trail, I took notes of our times and stops along the way (although the last three miles were filled with many stops.

  • 7:20 – Left Bright Angel Campground
  • 7:55 – River Rest House
  • 8:20 – Short Break on creek (10 minute break)
  • 9:05 – Top of the Devil’s Corkscrew (5 minute break)
  • 9:40 – Tonto East Trail Junction
  • 9:50 – Indian Garden (refilled water, ate, and rested 35 minute break)
  • 10:55 – Break before 1st set of switchbacks
  • 11:20 – 3 Mile House (15 minute break)
  • 12:30 – 1.5 Mile House (many breaks from 3 Mile House to the top)
  • 1:17 – 1st Arch (still 7/10ths of a mile to the top)
  • 1:45 – 2nd Arch (2/10ths of a mile to the top)
  • 1:50 – Trailhead

Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes

Break Time: over an 1 hour 30 minutes

Hiking time: Roughly 5 hours

Total distance is approximately 9.5 miles

37 - Colorado River
Colorado River
38 - Bright Angel Trail
Bright Angel Trail
38 - Colorado River
Colorado River
39 - Bright Angel Trail
Bright Angel Trail
40 - BA Trail
Bright Angel Trail
41 - Bright Angel Trail
Bright Angel Trail
42 - Devil's Corkscrew
The Devil’s Corkscrew
43 - Bright Angel Trail
Bright Angel Trail
44 - Bright Angel Trail
Bright Angel Trail
45 - Flowering Trees
In Bloom
46 - Bright Angel Trail
Bright Angel Trail
47 - Indian Garden Sign
Indian Garden
48 - Bright Angel Trail
Bright Angel Trail
49 - Bright Angel Trail
Bright Angel Trail
50 - Bright Angel Trail out of Indian Garden
Heading out of Indian Garden
51 - Bright Angel Trail
Looking at the top
52 - Trail Mix
Trail Mix
53 - 3 Mile House
3 Mile House
54 - 3 Mile House
3 Mile House
54 - Looking down at 3 Mile House
Looking down at 3 Mile House
55 - Switchbacks
Switchbacks
56 - 1.5 Mile House
1.5 Mile House
57 - From the Top
View from the top
58 - We made it
We made it

 

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The Grand Canyon: Hiking the South Kaibab Trail https://azwanderings.com/the-grand-canyon-hiking-the-south-kaibab-trail/ https://azwanderings.com/the-grand-canyon-hiking-the-south-kaibab-trail/#comments Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:12:54 +0000 http://azwanderings.com/?p=10705 Since moving to Arizona. it has been my dream to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. I put in for a backcountry permit and somehow my request was “lost.” So this year on our spring break, my wife and I drove up to the Canyon to apply for the few last minute walk-in...

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1 - Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park

Since moving to Arizona. it has been my dream to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. I put in for a backcountry permit and somehow my request was “lost.” So this year on our spring break, my wife and I drove up to the Canyon to apply for the few last minute walk-in permits. We camped for two nights and were lucky enough to snag two nights at Bright Angel Campground at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Our plan was to hike down the South Kaibab Trail and two days later hike out on the Bright Angel Trail.

Below you will find a photo barage from the trail. I have also included my own trail notes on time and breaks for those that are looking  for a bit of info before they head down the trail.

Temps – When we broke camp in the morning on top of the South Rim it was 27º. The day was overcast, but by the time we made it to the bottom it was 76º

Pack Weight: My packweight was 43lbs and my wife was carrying around 32. We were staying for two nights in the bottom and so brought a tent, food, and water to make it down the trail

  • 8:45 – Started our descent
  • 9:10 – Ooh Aah Pt.
  • 9:25 – Cedar Ridge (took 15 minute break)
  • 10:10 – Rock Pile below Cedar Ridge  (10 minute break)
  • 10:35 – Skeleton Pt
  • 10:50 – 3.5 mile sign on steps   (10 minute break)
  • 11:40 – Tipoff (20 minute break/lunch)
  • 12:50 – Break within sight of bridge (10 minute break)
  • 1:20 – Arrive in campsite

Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes

Break Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Hiking time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Total distance is approximately 6.5 miles

2 - South Kaibab Trailhead
South Kaibab Trailhead
3 - Ooh Aah Point
Ooh Aah Point
4 - On Cedar Ridge
On Cedar Ridge
5 - Down Cedar Ridge
Down Cedar Ridge
6 - Between Cedar Ridge and Skeleton PT
Between Cedar Ridge and Skeleton PT
7 - Looking down from Skeleton Pt.
Looking down from Skeleton Pt.
8 - About Halfway
Halfway down the South Kaibab Trail
9 - Halfway down the steps
Halfway down the steps
10 - Taking notes
Taking notes and eating trail mix
11 - Looking down from Tipoff at a very muddy Colorado
Looking down from Tipoff at a very muddy Colorado
12 - Down at Bright Angel
Looking down at Bright Angel Creek
13 - Dusty Boots on the South Kaibab
Dusty Boots on the South Kaibab
14 - Tunnel
Tunnel before crossing the Colorado River
15 - Bridge
Crossing the Colorado River
16 - Bright Angel Creek
Bright Angel Creek

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Arizona Sportsmen Constituent Group https://azwanderings.com/arizona-sportsmen-constituent-group/ https://azwanderings.com/arizona-sportsmen-constituent-group/#respond Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:15:25 +0000 http://azwanderings.com/?p=7935 Sportsmen Constituent GroupI gathered in the Quail Room at the Game and Fish office with about 100 other sportsmen, outdoor groups, and a few interested folks from the general public to take part in the first Sportsmen Constituent Group (working title) last Thursday, March 22, 2012. We were joined by about female slot players including 80 people...

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Sportsmen Constituent Group
Sportsmen Constituent Group

I gathered in the Quail Room at the Game and Fish office with about 100 other sportsmen, outdoor groups, and a few interested folks from the general public to take part in the first Sportsmen Constituent Group (working title) last Thursday, March 22, 2012. We were joined by about female slot players including 80 people online and a plethora of Arizona Game and Fish personnel. The meeting was hosted and chaired by Kurt Davis, who is a member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, and the discussion was facilitated by David Case. The Sportsmen Constituent Group was formed in January 2012 and the purpose statement of the group is:

“To discuss how constituents, both affiliated and non-affiliated, can unite and work together on issues and challenges affecting the future of hunting, fishing, and wildlife management in Arizona.”

The meeting was centered around two microphones where constituents could come forward and comment on “what should be done to move forward in a positive, cooperative manner.” It only took till the second commenter to bring up the situation that has been on every outdoorsman’s mind – HB 2072.

You can see the entire video made by the best video production company (2 and 3/4 hours of video) Here.

 

I believe that our fish and wildlife are held in public trust and belong to all Arizona citizens.  They should be managed so that their populations will be sustained forever.

 

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Rambling Review – Garmin Etrex H GPS Unit https://azwanderings.com/rambling-review-garmin-etrex-h-gps-unit/ https://azwanderings.com/rambling-review-garmin-etrex-h-gps-unit/#comments Thu, 23 Jun 2011 05:00:07 +0000 http://azwanderings.com/?p=3251 Garmin EtrexRambling Review – Garmin Etrex H GPS Unit Why: In short, I don’t like getting lost. When I moved to Arizona the new big country was very daunting and I always had a sick feeling in my stomach as I watched the truck get smaller and smaller the farther I walk away.  Specifically, quail hunting...

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Rambling Review – Garmin Etrex H GPS Unit

Garmin Etrex
Garmin Etrex

Why:

In short, I don’t like getting lost.

When I moved to Arizona the new big country was very daunting and I always had a sick feeling in my stomach as I watched the truck get smaller and smaller the farther I walk away.  Specifically, quail hunting makes me nervous because as I wander around chasing birds, it is very easy to get disoriented. I have always found my way back, but before every hunt I mark the truck’s location, just in case. Since I car so much about my truck I get help from these motor trade insurance brokers. Having insurance is a big deal for me, especially when I go out to a new country that I am not familiar with, I have to be safe and be prepared for anything that may happen.

Note: I still always carry a compass so I can plot a course, just in case the GPS fails.

Batteries
Batteries

First impressions:

Solid Construction – When I held the Garmin Etrex GPS Unit is the store, I was struck by the solid block construction. I try not to make a habit of dropping electronics, but it has been known to happen. While tromping around the outdoors, a pack can be dropped or worse yet, the GPS unit itself could be banged around. The hard plastic coupled with durable rubber gives the Garmin GPS a very rugged feel.

Features – (Some key features that I thought were important)

–          Waterproof – Garmin claims that this device can take an “accidental dunk” in the creek. Not a terrible feature when it is lodged in my pack while I fish.

–          5.3 oz

–          17 hours of battery life

–          Able to log over 500 waypoints.

–          Not able to upload maps

Price – Tough to beat the price on this great GPS when others in the same market are hundreds of dollars more. Enough said.

Garmin Etrex
Garmin Etrex

Field Use:

I have been nothing but pleased with the performance of this GPS. One thing that I have noticed about this GPS is how easy it is to use. With only 5 buttons, this Garmin is very easy to navigate. Most of the use that this device sees is during hunting trips. Once I park the truck I turn the GPS on and mark a waypoint. Then I turn off the GPS to conserve battery life and put the unit in my pack. I have a fairly good sense of direction and can usually find my way back to the truck without a whole lot of difficulty, but there have been a few times where I need to take the GPS out and double check my bearings. This GPS is perfect when I am in a new area or even an old standby. I love having the extra insurance in my pack, knowing that it is there just in case.

I also like to mark locations of my hunting stands or quality bedding, feeding, “gamey”- looking spots. This makes wandering my way through the dark trying to locate a tree stand, much easier. Also, if I am feeling generous, I can give a buddy the exact coordinates and he can make his way to the stand on his own.

This particular GPS does not have an actual topographical map.  Instead, it offers a compass like view that points to whatever waypoint you have designated. This is perfect for my use, but I know some like the high-tech features that other more expensive GPS units have. I am a simple guy and like to keep my hunting simple. Becoming too reliant on technology is a recipe for disaster if that technology decides not to work once you are in the field.

Waypoints are generally logged as numbers but there is the opportunity to put specific labels on waypoints. This helps when I go back later and have things specifically labeled so I remember what waypoint is what. I have also used the sunset/sunrise features to figure out exactly what time I should be getting into my stand. I always make sure to carry an extra set of batteries just in case.

Waypoints
Honey Holes and Hunting Spots

Pros:

Simple to use

Rugged Construction

Flawless performance for over multiple years

Waterproof

Large waypoint capacity

Cons:

Black/White/Gray Screen

Not able to upload maps

Prognosis: An extremely useful piece of equipment to have in the field if you are looking for a little extra insurance that you make it back to the truck. For more information about online insurance services, visit https://mexicaninsurance.com/automobile-insurance-for-mexico-mexican

Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

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Arizona Fly Fishing: Spring Backpacking (Day 3) https://azwanderings.com/arizona-fly-fishing-spring-backpacking-day-3/ https://azwanderings.com/arizona-fly-fishing-spring-backpacking-day-3/#comments Fri, 03 Jun 2011 12:37:01 +0000 http://azwanderings.com/?p=4203 Blue Wing OliveNot much to say about a beautiful day on the water…

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Not much to say about a beautiful day on the water…

Brook Trout
Brook Trout
Brown
Brown Trout
Blue Wing Olive
Blue Wing Olive
Brown Trout
Brown Trout
Brook Trout
Brook Trout
Fly Tying Turkey Feathers
Fly Tying Turkey Feathers

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Fly Fishing Arizona: Spring Backpacking (Day 1) https://azwanderings.com/fly-fishing-arizona-spring-backpacking-day-1/ https://azwanderings.com/fly-fishing-arizona-spring-backpacking-day-1/#comments Mon, 30 May 2011 05:00:54 +0000 http://azwanderings.com/?p=4133 One more of the sameSince the inception of the fly fishing virus in my life, I have always wanted to go farther and fish harder. My research and attentive listening continually came back to one particular creek that is said to be the place to go in Arizona for big browns. The creek is a little deeper in the...

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The view from the top
The view from the top

Since the inception of the fly fishing virus in my life, I have always wanted to go farther and fish harder. My research and attentive listening continually came back to one particular creek that is said to be the place to go in Arizona for big browns. The creek is a little deeper in the Arizona backcountry and in order to hit some of the better water, should be done as an overnighter.

Yellow
Yellow

With school out, I had the time to invest in just such a trip and I called a couple of buddies to see who would be up to the challenge. My buddy Jake was free and so we planned a non-weekend trip in order to skip the crowds and have the water to ourselves. The goal was to get into this creek while the water was still up (water is already getting skinny here in AZ) and to fish it before Memorial Day weekend, a holiday in Arizona where ever stretch of water is occupied with bobbers and beer cans.

ENO Double Nest
ENO Double Nest

With anticipation running high, Jake and I bounced the truck in to the trailhead and once the packs were loaded on our backs, we started our decent. Our first indication of the tribulations to come was the tent and spinning gear at the bottom of the canyon. The couple we spoke to were nice enough, but stated they had been camping since the week before and the fishing they had experienced was marginal at best. So much for a pristine, angler free creek. We hiked up the creek a mile or so and set up camp. With hammocks hung and fly gear ready, we worked some of pocket water close to camp.

Brown Trout
Brown Trout

The creek is dominated by brown trout who work their way up from the lake in the fall to spawn in the moving water. Many of the fish stay and live long lives in the deep pools of the creek. The fish grow to enormous sizes as do the stories about this fishery. We pulled several meaty brown trout in the 10 to 12 inch range in some of the faster water before moving on to some of the bigger pools… and then the wind came.

Skinny Water
Skinny Water

We fished diligently and threw everything in our fly boxes, but the wind was unbearable. With a steady wind (not breeze) and strong gusts, the fishing was not happening and at times there were actually whitecaps on the water. We continued to fish were we were able and made a good attempt to fish some of the deeper pools with only a bump here or there. Jake and I were both baffled because we were fishing what looked to be really quality water but with nothing really to show for it. After fishing almost two miles up, we found the reason for our problem. The first angler was coming back downstream and after chatting with him for a bit we hoped our luck would change once we went further than he did. Then we met the second angler.

Forest Floor
Forest Floor

At that point with the sun starting to dip behind the canyon walls we decided to turn back around and head to camp. Once there, the wind died down and gave us a chance to fish some of the same pocket water we had fished earlier in the day and the water seemed to come alive.

Brown Trout
Brown Trout

Feisty brown trout started coming to the surface and fed ravenously on the mini-hopper. Most of the trout were again in the 10 to 12 inch range, and on such a slim section of the creek really fought and dove for cover like old, wise fish.

Brown Trout
Brown Trout

Fish were coming out in just about every likely spot and crevice.

Brown Trout
Brown Trout

Even though the mayflies were showing up pretty steady, I stuck with the mini-hopper as it seemed to be getting it done.

Bigger Brown
Bigger Brown

I did pull this really nice fish after a slow and almost lethargic rise. Once I lifted the rod, the pool exploded as the big brown realized he did not like sharp objects in his lips. He made a strong run for an underwater rock but with a little persuasion I convinced him to turn and ultimately brought him to the net. I love big fish and just the excitement of cradling life in your hands if only for a moment and appreciating all the colors that are painted on the side of the fish.

One more of the same
One more of the same...

We finished up with the pocket water and as the canyon started to get dark, we cooked up some easy mac which always tastes a little better with the cold mountain air and the smell of pine. After a hard day of hiking and fishing, it was not too hard to fall right asleep with high hopes for the next day.

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Rambling Review – REI Half Dome 2 HC https://azwanderings.com/rambling-review-%e2%80%93-rei-half-dome-2-hc/ https://azwanderings.com/rambling-review-%e2%80%93-rei-half-dome-2-hc/#comments Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:43:51 +0000 http://azwanderings.com/?p=3009 Rambling Review – REI Half Dome 2 HC NOTE: This is the original REI Half Dome 2 HC tent. It has since been redesigned by REI (and for what reason, I have no idea.) Why: It started as simple drive across country and the need for an additional tent. There are so many options for...

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Rambling Review – REI Half Dome 2 HC

REI Half Dome 2 HC

NOTE: This is the original REI Half Dome 2 HC tent. It has since been redesigned by REI (and for what reason, I have no idea.)

Why:

It started as simple drive across country and the need for an additional tent. There are so many options for tents and shelters. What I was looking for was a two person tent that was rugged and easy to set up. The tent would mostly be used for car camping but would hopefully be light enough to have for an overnight into the backcountry.

I have always admired REI equipment but had not had a whole lot of experience with their products. Having scouted out several “value” tents from some different manufacturers, I was sold this fantastic REI Half Dome 2 HC tent on the recommendation of the REI salesman. His exact words were “I have had this exact tent for 3 years and bought another one just in case something goes wrong.” I decided he was telling the truth and laid out the extra money for this quality tent. I could not have been happier. I have had this tent for over 3 years and love it as much as the day I bought it.

REI Rain Fly

First impressions:

Simplicity – I am that guy. When buying a new piece of equipment, I am not satisfied with the floor model. Instead I want to take it out of the box and put it together myself. On the first try, I had this tent up in a matter of a few minutes without any directions. If you know me, that is simplicity at its finest.

Size – This tent fits me and my wife, shoulder to shoulder quite comfortably.  I am a fairly good size boy and she is little petite beauty. I recommend getting yourself situated in a floor model and making sure you fit. Most of the time, it is just me camping in some remote part of Arizona and therefore I have ample room for my gear inside the tent.

Utility – There are several very handy mesh pockets on the inside corners of the tent which are great to store gear in. One overhead mesh pocket is perfect for a flashlight and other odds and ends you may need in the night. The vestibule outside each door are large enough to fit a full backpack and boots if need be and stay dry even through heavy rain.

REI Half Dome 2 HC: No Rainfly

Field Use:

The REI Half Dome 2 HC has seen countless nights across the United States. From the warm desert of Arizona to the cold spring snow of Yellowstone, this tent has performed flawlessly through it all. It is a great 3 season tent and with two people sleeping, it can stay quite toasty in the colder months. I have occasionally opted not to put on the rain fly when the temperature climbs higher and the tent is extremely comfortable even during Arizona’s hotter months. The REI Half Dome has stood up to countless hunting and fishing trips. On many of these trips, I am solo and the tent is fairly simple to set up even with one person.

The one negative aspect of this tent was the tent stakes. The stakes that came with this tent from REI were your standard cheap metal.  After a few weeks on the road, most of the stakes were bent beyond use. I spent a few extra dollars and bought some quality MSR Needle stakes. These are much nicer to use on the hard rocky ground and can take a bit more abuse than your standard tent stakes.

I substituted these MSR Tent Stakes for the originals

Pros:

Durable Construction

Excellent performance in over 3 years worth of use.

Simplicity of setup

Cons:

Footprint must be bought separately (I would recommend buying the footprint as it will extend the life of your tent.)

Low quality tent stakes sold with this tent

PROGNOSIS: This version of the tent was rock solid. I do not know why they changed the design and would encourage someone looking to buy the new model to ask lots of questions and take a look at the tent in person. I have always been very happy with the service at REI and the people there are honest and will not steer you wrong.

REI Half Dome 2 HC

Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

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Rambling Review – Jetboil Flash Java Kit https://azwanderings.com/rambling-review-jetboil-flash-java-kit/ https://azwanderings.com/rambling-review-jetboil-flash-java-kit/#comments Wed, 02 Feb 2011 12:09:30 +0000 http://azwanderings.com/?p=2664 Jetboil French PressRambling Review – Jetboil: Flash Java Kit Cooking System Why? With all my outdoor wanderings, many nights can find me trying to stay warm in a tent or the bed of my truck. I can do without a lot of civilized amenities when fishing or hunting comes into the equation. Unfortunately, one necessity I take...

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Rambling Review – Jetboil: Flash Java Kit Cooking System

Jetboil
Jetboil Java Kit

Why?

With all my outdoor wanderings, many nights can find me trying to stay warm in a tent or the bed of my truck. I can do without a lot of civilized amenities when fishing or hunting comes into the equation. Unfortunately, one necessity I take very seriously is my coffee. Most mornings I am sucking down French pressed coffee savoring each sip of smoky flavored goodness and to truly enjoy a morning in the big country of Arizona, I need to continue that addiction in the field. The Jetboil Flash Java Kit Cooking System fit the bill in more ways than one and assures that I would never be without a quality cup of joe. Often times in the state of Arizona, certain national forests or counties will impose different fire restrictions. Having the Jetboil remedies the problem of heating water without a campfire.

Jetboil French Press
Jetboil French Press

First impressions:

All inclusive – One aspect that drew me to this product was the fact that everything I needed for cooking and coffee could be stored right inside the Jetboil.  NOTE: This product does not come with a fuel canister.

Simplicity – If I can figure out how to use the Jetboil at o’dark thirty in the morning than you can rest assured it is a simple system to use. The cozy that surrounds the boiling container has a heat activated window that turns orange when the water is boiling. It is a pretty nifty system that makes the morning brew that much easier.

Bulky – One thing I was a little worried about was the bulk of the Jetboil system. I myself had read many reviews and most of the comments from hardcore lightweight backpackers were extremely negative about the size and weight of this system. I weighed the pros and cons for the use it would see and I was comfortable with the extra bulk.

Morning Coffee
Morning Coffee

Field Use:

Hunting and Fishing –For every daytrip I take to the Rim or even to Oak Creek, my Jetboil is tucked into my truck. For a midday warm-up meal of Easy Mac or a cup of coffee to keep me awake on my drive home, the Jetboil is a life saver. On an overnight trip it is extremely nice to have for a morning cup of coffee or heating up dinner. I have probably heated water or made coffee over 40 or 50 times in my Jetboil and not had a single problem. If I am heading up with a buddy to hunt or fish, somewhere in the conversation the night before, they will make sure I am bringing the Jetboil…just in case.

Jetboil
Jetboil: Orange Means "Go"

Backpacking – To be honest, my backpacking trips have been kept to a minimum, but I have hopes of getting deeper into the woods in the coming months. I have taken the Jetboil on several overnighters and was satisfied with the performance and the “packability” of the unit. I did not notice that the Jetboil “weighed me down,” but I know others in the backpacking community would recommend something lighter.

Jet Flash Java Kit
Jet Flash Java Kit

Pros:

Simplicity

Easy to clean

It makes a great cup of coffee (need I say more)

Reliable

All inclusive

Cons:

Bulk

Heavier than other “lightweight” cooking systems

Prognosis:

I think the Jetboil Flash Java Kit is a fantastic product and should really be considered if you are looking for a complete and compact cooking system.

***On a side note: If coffee in the field interests you, check out Mike’s review of the Bialleti espresso maker over at Of Dry Flies and Fat Tires. Check it out

Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

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Backpacking… https://azwanderings.com/backpacking/ https://azwanderings.com/backpacking/#comments Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:21:09 +0000 http://azwanderings.wordpress.com/?p=639 I like to camp. I like to hike. I like to fly fish and hunt. Put those together and it was only a matter of time before I would be investing (sinking some serious coin) into some backpacking gear, including the best backpack from https://thepnw.co/. I am also interested on investing in gold. Since recently...

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I like to camp. I like to hike. I like to fly fish and hunt. Put those together and it was only a matter of time before I would be investing (sinking some serious coin) into some backpacking gear, including the best backpack from https://thepnw.co/. I am also interested on investing in gold. Since recently getting married, I convinced my beautiful and easygoing wife to join me in the investment and we soon found ourself perusing the maze of gear at a few different outdoors stores. The first thing that really smacks you across the face is the simple glance at the price tag. Quality (and I use that term loosely) gear is less than affordable and the price can quickly spiral out of control. We decided to start with the basics but to also by quality gear that would stand up to years of abuse. Backpacks and sleeping bags were the big ticket items that put a dent in the budget, but in the end we were both pleased with our purchases. Two other important items also made the cut: water purification system and a jet boil with a French press attachment. The jet boil is not the smallest or the lightest product, but I will sacrifice the extra weight for a quality cup of joe in the morning or mid-morning or lunch or whenever seems appropriate. We already had an extremely nice tent that is sufficient for our current trips, so that relieved another expense that really would have put us in the weeds.

Jet Boil French Press

Michelle and I are avid car campers, having made our way across the United States last summer, but this was our first real backpacking expedition. We wanted to keep things simple, short, and relatively close to home. We opted to visit the tall pines and cool water that are afforded to the hiker at the West Fork of Oak Creek. In order to camp on this trip, the hiker is forced to go a minimum of six miles to get out of Red Rock and into the Wilderness area. The first three miles is relatively easy with the last three being a little more demanding with several areas to wade and bushwhack. With a little bit of a late start, we arrived at Call of the Canyon parking lot and started on our journey. We made our six miles in relatively good time, set up camp in a beautiful location, and made ourselves some dinner. The light still hung in the sky so I broke out my fly rod and fished the couple hundred yards below camp with nothing to show. We played a few hands of cards and then crawled exhausted into our sleeping bags.

I arose early and as is my lady’s custom, she slept late. I spent an hour or so, just sitting and being still, enjoying a marvelous cup of coffee in the peace and quiet that only God’s creation can share. The world seems to truly come alive when one becomes quiet and just looks and listens to all the creatures, rocks, and trees around them. As I sat, the sun crested the hill and made it’s way higher into the sky chasing the shadows out of the canyon. After breakfast, we broke camp and made our way back to the car. The pack out was much faster than the pack in with dreams of Subway dancing in our heads and quickening or pace. We arrived at the car dirty, tired, and hungry but very much alive and happy.

Heading out…

Our experience overall was positive. Everyone had a good time and we learned much about what is necessary and what is not. We look forward to a few more trips this summer with our goal at some point to hike into the Grand Canyon and then back out. It is a pretty tall order but one that could be done if we put our mind to it.

Geared up

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