Looking for Advice

[ChuckDizzle]

Decided to take up backpacking as it was a most enjoyable activity for me in my teen years. Obviously it has been a while since I did (therma-rest was the new cool thing at the time) and need some advice on decent equipment that won't kill my pocketbook.

I'm in need of a pack, water filtration, stove, and sleep gear.

I was leaning towards a surplus Army sleep system because I used it while in the Army and the shell did a decent job of keeping morning dew off and I liked the option of different levels of insulation.

Most likely will be taking our first trip as a one nighter up to Cleo's Bath behind Pinecrest lake, maybe make it to Waterhouse Lake depending on how we feel.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[ElvenSoul]

a simple flat tarp and a bivy like this

http://youtu.be/SBCXVLbBysM

get what is called a enhanced poncho tarp like this

http://www.campmor.com/sea-summit-nylon-tarp-poncho.shtml?source=CI&ci_sku=83075GRE&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw=

use google lots of trails and clubs in CA.

don't use a sleeping bag cut the weight get a quilt. lots of diy plans and options on the internet

you don't need a big back pack and it is easy these days to get your weight down to 18lbs total gear with food and water for 3 days.
the REI 18 with a sternum pack like this would work if packed properly

http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/backpack_lid.shtml

the Walmart Walking Sticks will work for starting out...but Black Diamond is really not that much more expensive and the lighter weight and better quality

[ElvenSoul]

amazon has a super stove deal

Toaks Ultralight Titanium Cook System for $58

[ElvenSoul]

water filtration

http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401837089&sr=8-1&keywords=sawyer+mini

you might still want some purification tabs/drops or boil the water.

[ElvenSoul]

for sleeping pad

http://gossamergear.com/sleeping.html

and you can cut in sections to the back of your pack for padding.
just tape it all together and fold it up

I just use a 3/4 length pad

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=24415

[ElvenSoul]

Here is a packing list

http://youtu.be/DzwHcVjdSAM

[madscientist]

As far as stoves go, I like the Trangia alcohol burning stove.

http://www.amazon.com/Trangia-327508-28-T-Mini/dp/B000LN7HUC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1401840260&sr=8-3&keywords=trangia+stove

[golfish]

I'd love to take my son on a one night backpack trip but I need a good\comfortable air mattress\pad to sleep on. What would you guys suggest?

Sorry to step on your thread OP

[ElvenSoul]

I'd love to take my son on a one night backpack trip but I need a good\comfortable air mattress\pad to sleep on. What would you guys suggest?

Sorry to step on your thread OP

Hope this helps

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Sleeping-Pad-Reviews

[ChuckDizzle]

Thanks for the advice guys, I've got debit card in hand!

[golfish]

Hope this helps
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Sleeping-Pad-Reviews

Thank you very much. I guess I better get to working some OT

[p7m8jg]

Cleo's bath is beautiful.
Let us know how Waterhouse Lake looks...

[ElvenSoul]

Thank you very much. I guess I better get to working some OT

Well that is one way.

Or you could spend a little time and gather up some pine needles in a 50 gallon trash bag and then put down a walmart mat over that to sleep on.

[echo1]

All you guys starting up backpacking, Craigslist is your friend. Anyone near me, Ripon, I got grear I'd loan/rent/sell. Packs, tents, pads. REI stockton is having their garage sale this weekend. PM me if close by. PAX

[Lugiahua]

I have been using Marine Three Seasons sleeping system recently.
They are light weight and water resistant, rated to -20F when wearing proper clothing. Sufficient for most California.

Cost about $250 for a completed set on Ebay.