u/capn_chili_p

For those of us who wear glasses or contacts: do you wear contacts while backpacking? My thoughts are that it would be difficult to wash my hands thoroughly enough to be comfortable touching my eye and that the hassle of carrying enough solution would not be worth it. Do you ditch the contacts and wear glasses on your trips? I know there are daily contacts but still concerned about the cleanliness. My eyes and skin are very sensitive so we only use unscented soaps at home and even when I wash my hands at home I have to make sure I rinse very well so that there is no soap residue or my eyes will be irritated after putting my contacts in. I feel like glasses is the answer but I want to hear your opinions.

Realistically I’m looking to buy the Mini 2 in good condition unless someone is willing to let go of a mini 3 or 3+ for $300 or less. Must be in good working condition as far as functionality goes. I don’t mind scuffs and signs of wear.

Realistically I’m looking to buy the Mini 2 in good condition unless someone is willing to let go of a mini 3 or 3+ for $300 or less. Must be in good working condition as far as functionality goes. I don’t mind scuffs and signs of wear.

I will preface by saying I have been camping but not backpacking yet. I’m in the planning and buying stages. I currently have a sawyer filter with a cnoc bag that I figure I will filter into smart water bottles for now. If I keep this system I want to upgrade the bottles because I don’t like the idea of reusing smart water bottles. I would use a hydration hose adapter ran along my pack strap. I’ve seen people swear by katadyn be free and using that to filter into another soft flask and keeping both in shoulder strap holsters. I’ve seen a similar system recommended using hydrapak sport bottles. What is actually the most practical and user friendly in real world use? My main concern is it being extremely practical and easy to access because I know the more accessible the water is the more likely I am to stay hydrated. I’m not going on any crazy thru hikes or anything. 2-3 day trips to start. Longer trips to follow eventually. I just want to buy everything the smartest way I can up front to avoid redundant purchases later.

Update: Thank you everyone for the amazing responses! I will stick with what I have for a few trips at least. I am going to add a drinking tube ran along my pack strap and some aquatabs as backup.

First Lite stuff is on insane discount right now. Is it worth it? I have no down gear for sitting in really cold weather.

I’m about to buy the granite gear crown3 60 undyed (planning on rit dying it) for $130 but wanted to check first to see if anyone knew of good packs around $150-250 that I should check out before I actually buy the crown3. I have pretty lightweight stuff and I’m confident that 60L will hold everything I have for a multi-day trip. I will be using a bear canister. I may be able to make 50L work but it would be very tight. There are a lot of packs I like but I don’t want to spend $300+ on a pack yet. Does anyone have any recommendations?

I’m new to backpacking. I just bought a Durston X-Mid 2 for $250 secondhand and some new trekking poles. I haven’t had a chance to pitch the Durston yet. I just stopped by REI and they happened to have both a Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 for $330 and the matching footprint separately for $50 on the re-supply shelf. I originally wanted the Copper Spur but didn’t want to pay $600+ as a beginner. Should I grab it while I can and sell the Durston?? Or keep the Durston? Idk what to do because I know if I wait and think about it, the UL2 will be gone by tomorrow.

Looking for a 2 person tent under 3 pounds, 20° down quilt with fill power above 600, pack between 50-60L (I’m 5’10” with a 30” waist. 19” back measurement), cook kit items, any other items you might have. Getting started and want to buy used as much as I can. I won’t be ultralight to start but I want to get as light as I can so no cast iron. lol

Looking for a 2 person tent under 3 pounds, 20° down quilt with fill power above 600, pack between 50-60L (I’m 5’10” with a 30” waist. 19” back measurement), cook kit items, any other items you might have. Getting started and want to buy used as much as I can. Thanks.