TRAIL GEAR

I've logged a lot of miles on the trail through the years and this gear has risen to the top in reliability, durability, and overall usefulness.  Here's some of my favorite equipment (all which is available by clicking the FogDog banner at the top.)

Internal Frame Backpack (Dana Design) 

Another one of the monster load haulers, the Terraplane LTW is only slightly smaller than the Astralplane. Double vertical back pockets provide easy access to your on-trail items. The wand/bottle pockets are removable for added flexibility. The Terraplane LTW also incorporates our ArcFlex framing to provide that weight-less feeling. This pack started the load carrying comfort revolution in 1975, and is still a core pack in our line.
 

Birdshooter's Take:  I finally broke down in New Hampshire and bought my first Terraplane by Dana Design during my 1994 thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail.  I liked it so much, I bought another one two years later (since I beefed up nicely and needed a better fit).  10+ years later, both packs are still in service (needing only minor repairs).  With up to nearly 6000 cubic inches of total capacity, the Terraplane can carry large loads or be compacted down to carry smaller ones if you are only out for a weekend hike.  Yes, it's heavy at over 7lbs, but the manufacturer now has a lightweight version that drops the weight a bit.  The Terraplane is expensive, listing at around $350, but there's something to be said for durability and reliability in the backcountry.  Unfortunately, Dana Designs was bought and sold at least two times since then.  This forum posting has links to more information. 

Thermarest Sleeping Pad (Cascade Designs) 

This terrific, all-purpose, self-inflating camp mattress provides excellent comfort--now at an even better price! This series is created for campers whose greatest interest is sleeping comfort; perfect for car campers, family campers and base campers Thick and warm 1.75-inch solid-foam core offers cozy comfort.  Provides dependable insulation and cushioning from the cold, hard ground
From the Therm-a-Rest® Camp and Comfort Series. Made in USA.

Birdshooter's Take:  Cascade Designs has significantly increased it's offering of sleeping pads over the years and now has a full length, 3/4, and extra wide version.  After a long day on the trail, there is nothing better than laying down on a fat comfy Thermarest for the night.  Cascade Designs also makes a slip on converter chair which adds some weight but is well worth the investment.  Make sure you get the one that stays on permanently.  It makes things much easier and protects the Thermarest in the process.  

Tadpole Freestanding Tent (North Face) 

The Tadpole 23 is concerned about weight yet comfortably sleeps two with plenty of room in the vestibule for gear storage. It's low profile stands up well to strong winds. DAC Featherlite aluminum poles for least weight; 3 poles and semicontinuous pole sleeves for additional venting.  Efficient shape and excellent weight-to-space ratio; easy to set up.  Freestanding design with front vestibule.  High and low air circulation through mesh canopy and door.  Compression stuffsack included; internal pockets to stay organized.
 

Birdshooter's Take:  North Face has had this 5 lb two-man tent on the market for at least ten years.  I got mine in 1995 and it's still pulling duty in the backcountry.  The tadpole holds up well in heavy winds and rain and the Nylon ripstop canopy is lightweight, breathable and provides a small area to store gear or cook during inclement weather.   

Two-Way Radio, GPS (Garmin) 

Travel without losing track of your partner--take a RINO (Radios Integrated with Navigation for the Outdoors) for worry-free travel.
Fully functional GPS and integral radio provide two-way communications up to 2-miles using FRS channels and up to 5-miles using GMRS channels.  Powerful GPS unit comes loaded with North America and South America base maps; 8MB of memory stores map data from MapSource™ CD (sold separately).  Peer-to-peer position reporting allows one RINO user to send their current GPS position to another RINO user within a 2-mile area.  FRS channels 1-14 give two-mile range; GMRS channels 15-22 provide five-mile range (GMRS requires FCC Lic.)  Each channel has 38 sub-audible squelch codes for semi-private conversations.  Voice scrambler for secure communications; vibration mode for silent ring option.  With RINO's standard FRS (Family Radio Service) capabilities, you can talk to friends who use conventional FRS radios.  Unique Click Stick™ for channel and volume adjustment in FRS mode; quick map panning, enter and function selection in GPS mode.  Quad-helix antenna with WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) enabled receiver can deliver amazing sub-3-meter accuracy.  Follow your route, store up to 500 waypoints with graphic icons and 20 reversible routes; find your way back with TracBack™ feature
Trip computer calculates current and average speed, sunset and sunrise, trip time and distance.  Weatherproof case keeps unit functioning in wet conditions, (waterproof to IEC 529 lPX7 standards).  Crisp, high-resolution display features four-level gray scale and more pixels for improved viewing; backlit display
PC interface cable, belt clip and lanyard included.

Birdshooter's Take:  The Garmin® Rino™ 120 combines a powerful 2-way radio and a WAAS-enabled GPS receiver into a rugged and compact unit. I occasionally use a GPS and often use a two-way radio in the backcountry and this unit combines the technologies of the two.  Although pricey, I finally broke down and bought one.  The maps are not particularly easy to upload, but both the GPS and walkie-talkie features work well.  I look forward to having it in the backcountry when someone else has another unit.  According to the guidebook, an icon on the Rino shows the location of both individuals on the Rino.

Whisperlite Camp Stove (MSR) 

The WhisperLite Internationale stove combines reliability and durability with multi-fuel-burning capabilities. It is the ideal stove for globe-trotting backpackers. Burns white gas, kerosene, and unleaded auto fuel.  Made with extra-durable fuel line, including Shaker Jet technology.  Folds and packs into MSR cookset.  Includes stuff sack, windscreen, and heat reflector.  Fiberglass priming wick for easy kerosene ignition plus fuel pump.

Birdshooter's Take:  The Whisperlite doesn't simmer as well as other stoves I've used and it can be messy to deal with at times, but MSR has built a camp stove that is easily repaired in the backcountry and is basically indestructible.  It also runs on white gas which is easy to find and very inexpensive. 

Wave Multi-Tool  (Leatherman) 

The biggest, strongest SuperTool® has been enhanced with comfortable rounded handles, easy-to-unlock blades and heavy-duty strength.  All ten blades lock and unlock quickly by rotating the lock-release on the outside of the handles.  Made from 100% stainless steel to provide years of dependable service; each implement is heat-treated to optimal hardness for its function.  Includes both needlenose and regular pliers, plus wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, an electrical crimper, wire strippers and an awl/punch.  Clip-point knife, sheep's foot serrated knife and a wood saw handle cutting tasks.  Large, medium and extra-small standard screwdrivers plus a Phillips screwdriver tackle any loose screws.  File designed to work effectively on wood or metal; ruler measures up to 9 inches.  Can/bottle opener helps keep you nourished.  Comes with carrying sheath.  Compatible with the Leatherman Tool Adapter™

Birdshooter's Take:  For years I used a Swiss army knife in the backcountry but when the Leatherman hit the market in the early 1990's, I never turned back.  The pliers are particularly useful and I've found myself using them almost as much as the main blade.  There's a number of imitation tools on the market but none have ever held up like the original Leatherman.