Gear Sale #1 - Early June, Encinitas, CA
I was searching for some new outdoor wear during this hunting session. I wanted some sort of insulation layer to go under the hard shell that I also hoped to find. I also needed a headlamp and some other stuff, but you never know what you will find! I was around 10th in line, so I got a good look at some stuff, but the clothes were my real focus.
I found a Black Diamond Headlamp and also a Petzel Headlamp for Marco. Both in good shape! Also a thin Micro Fleece Mountain Hardware Beanie, perfect for three season wear! I have used the headlamp and it works fine, and have also used the beanie many times, on the Lost Coast, Yosemite, and San Gregornio Wilderness. It has been a nice light weight addition to my clothing arsenal!
I had one just like this REI Flash 19 day pack, but thought it would be nice to have two, just in case I ever had a friend along. I ended giving it to my dad! Hope he is using it! They are great little packs, and also double as a stuff sack if you turn it inside out.
This is the light weight hard shell layer that I got for three season wear. The REI Ultralight Jacket. It is a little short, but gets the job done. I have only had it in the rain once, but it was super light weight and also very waterproof, so it worked well!I like that it has pit zips so you can air out while in the rain when hiking. A lot of other more expensive hard shells don't have them.
These North Face Convertible pants are great. A little bit more heavy duty than your usual light weight hiking convertible pants, but they hold up to abuse well, I have used them in Yosemite, the Lost Coast, and San Gorgornio. They are really tough and Bug proof! (the mosquitos cannot bite you through them!)
This REI 85% Down Fill Vest was great while I had it. I only used it in San Gregornio, and then gave it to my brother, but it was toasty warm and durable.
This was the best thing I found. A North Face synthetic insulated jacket (model unknown) that most likely came out of a three in one shell or something. It is super warm and mostly windproof unlike most of its couterparts. I used it on the Lost Coast and it kept me very warm! It also fit nicely under my REI Untralight shell layer.
A Shirt I bought for Mike
A Jacket I bought for Mike
A sleeping pad for my dad. The Big Agnes Insulated Air Core. It ended up having a slow leak. Bummer! Good thing it comes with a repair kit!
Gear Sale #2 - Tualatin, Oregon - Beginning of August
I went to camp out at this sale while I was in Oregon visiting my family. I was looking for Clothes as always and also wanted to find the pack I wanted, the REI Flash 65 Pack!
This pack has been Great. The REI 65 Flash Pack. I got it for winter season packing since I have the REI Venturi for three season packing. I have used it on one trip so far to Yosemite since I had to accommodate for a bear can and needed the extra room. It took me a little while to get it adjusted, but it worked well!
Gear Sale #3 - Rancho Cucamonga - Mid September
I went to this sale with my buddy mike and we camped out. We had a blast talking shop with all the gear Junkies and also havin some beers and playing on Mikes Jumping Stilts! I was basically looking for a hammock, moutaineering boots/or some crossovers, a bear canister, vibram fivefingers, and any clothes i could find.
The Haul!
I wanted the newer version of the Flash Pack, cause it has a double daisy chain instead of the single that the old one had. Can't beat black either! better color than the green I had!
Mosquito Net to use with my Hammock!
MSR Pack Towel. My buddy Marco had one when we went to Yosemite, and it was really nice when we went for a swim! So I got one!
My Crossover Asolo Hiking/Moutaineering Boots
Brand New, Saved 200 Bucks!
Hammock that I got, Haven't tried it out yet.
The best stove I have ever owned. Even though I have never had a real backpacking stove, I have used a bunch of them. Never White Gas or liquid fuel though. The MSR Dragonfly International is Great! I can simmer if I want to, or boil super quick! Great Stove. If there is ever a zombie apocalypse, I will have a stove I can use with almost any fuel!
Great Bear Canister for the money. I have used these in Yosemite and the Lost Coast, and they are super durable. Make a great bucket too! Now I don't have to rent or return them anymore!
Fuel Bottle for the Dragonfly Stove
These are the Black Diamond Ultralight trekking poles. They are so unique! They are not screw tightening or clip tightening. They come apart like a tent pole, and lock by pulling the handle all the way up, which in turn tightens the rope inside the pole that connects the three pieces together, locking them in place with a button. Very strong, I can put my whole weight on them and they stand up well! And I am not a very small guy! I used them in San Gorgonio once.
Gear I bought on REI.com - I bought a few items and now that i have been to a few more gear sales, I know that I probably shouldn't have ;-) I always seem to find the stuff I want at the gear sales after I buy it new!!!!! Lame. Oh Well.
I had been wanting one of these for years, but couldn't bring myself to spend 35$ on it! Finally got it on sale! Worked well and insulated nicely in the San Gregornio Wilderness! The perfect size for a mug, and mostly indestructible! Its double walled to add insulation. The lid works well too, and didn't leak, which is always a plus!
I try to buy most my electronic items new, so they work hehe. This Black Diamond Storm headlamp is the best I have ever used. The spotlight is blindingly bright, and the flood light is great for around camp. It is waterproof, and the best part about it is the battery life! 150+ hours on low! Thats 50+ more than most headlamps out there. I also like that it has a locking option, so it doesn't turn on in your pack accidentally. Used it in San G. Awesome!
A Beanie that I got, random brand, polar fleece, haven't used it yet, waiting for winter season!
I used this hammock twice so far. Once as a lounge on a day hike for a little nap. It worked great! Very comfy and light weight. Then As a night time sleeping system, coupled with my Big Agnes Encampment bag and Insulated Air core pad. It worked ok, but I messed up the pitch of the hammock so I kept sliding down to the bottom. Once I fixed it and leveled it out it was great! Very Comfortable! And strong for how much I paid for it.
Gear Sale #4 - Encinitas, CA - October 1st
This is the most recent gear sale that I have been to. I went with the sole purpose of having a place to sleep at night! HAHA. I didn't need any gear, but I was going to go fishing with my cousin down in Carlsbad, and Encinitas is right there. I ended up being the first person in line! I guess they don't take their gear sales as seriously at the coast hehe (jk). Anyway, I found some great stuff regardless!
The Haul!
The MSR Quick 2 Cook System
I would probably never cary all this anywhere hehe! But I wanted it for the 2.5 liter pot. The larger of the two. Coupled with my Ti-ware Mug and DragonFly Stove, this is a pretty light weight setup, but gives me the option of cooking for two or I can use the bigger pot for actual cooking, like eggs, hashbrowns, and the like! I also like that my spork and all my cooking stuff (salt,pepper, olive oil) will fit in the one pot along with my stove! ( - fuel bottle of course)
My hose froze up on my a ton last winter, so I got a insulating sleeve for the hose and nozzle.
REI Venturi Quarter Zip long sleeve Shirt. I wanted a long sleeve quick dry shirt for trekking. Should be good!
This Mountain Hardwear Vest will be great for the winter season to come! 650 down fill will help keep me toasty under my hard shell.
REI Convertible Pants - Brand New Sahara's! Great Find. SPF 50, light weight, my size! Nice!
To go with my REI Ultralight Jacket, some REI Ultralight Pants! Quarter Zip, breathable. Great lightweight hard shell. Should work well!
Another Ti-ware cup! Super Cheap!
Black Diamond mini Lantern! Just cool.
I know......I kinda went gear crazy this year, but I am now getting my pack down to under 25lbs (before food or water), and doing it on a budget! I recently took a trip to San Gregornio (post to come) and was less than 26 lbs total! I love finally having the gear that I wanted, but at a price I can afford! I pretty much only need a new shell layer for winter, most likely gortex, and also some Crampons! Other than that I seem to have everything I want and more! (Maybe a 4 season tent as well hehe!) I can always improve, but I am getting better and will most likely never get it just the way I like it, but I am getting closer! I had a great summer of gear shopping and hope to continue improving my kit! Thank you REI! Gear Sales are the best thing Ever!!!!!!
Until Next time!
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