Comments on: Jack of All Trades gear

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 21:03:47 +0000

In reply to Randy.

Wow…great price. Very similar to the Circuit. And currently $160. Good deal overall! https://sierradesigns.com/flex-capacitor/

By: Randy

Randy — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:58:22 +0000

While I have a little more flexibility in getting out and selecting gear, the jack-of-all-trades philosophy was behind my selection of the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor backpack. The adjustability from 40-60L is perfect for any trip I do, the weight is perfectly reasonable and I scooped mine up on sale for $150. I’m thoroughly satisfied with that pack.

By: Another Kevin

Another Kevin — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 13:40:37 +0000

Great article as usual, Mags, and you’ve described the kit I had a few years ago, almost to a T! (I made out like a bandit with a REI tent sale when I was getting back into hiking.) And it’s just fine for the clueless weekenders among us. 😉

Most of the differences between your list and mine can be accounted for by the difference in our heights. I’m just barely tall enough to need a Long everything. (Which meant that the GG Crown fit me better than the ULA, the REI Radiant was better than the Lumen, and so on.)

By: todd

todd — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 18:50:50 +0000

In reply to Paul Mags. I'll give the rough up a shot. Seems like the anodizing made it super slick.. I have what I think is the older model without the bail, I need a pot grabber. Thanks.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 18:28:33 +0000

In reply to todd. Can't say I've had the same problems with my 4 qt pot. Maybe that particular batch of manufacturing? Having said that, perhaps intentionally roughing up the pot bottom or using a SOLITARY rock to hold it in place (too many rocks will cause a lot of heat around the canister. Not good!!!!!)

By: todd

todd — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 17:55:18 +0000

I have the $6 stove and the open country pot. I find the pot is extremely slick on the stove and if I don’t keep a hand on, it falls off.

Do you know of any tricks to get the pot to stay put?

By: doug k

doug k — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 14:47:05 +0000

17lbs is actually pretty good, my base is more like 25lbs (of old-fashioned heavy gear 😉
Thank you – made me think, need to go through and check weights. I was able to get 8lbs off my wife’s back just with a new backpack and ultralight down jacket (Ghost Whisperer on sale with coupon at STP).

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 15:22:39 +0000

In reply to Joan Jarvis. Yeah, it is (I think) a good, multi-purpose, starter kit.

By: Joan Jarvis

Joan Jarvis — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 14:48:46 +0000

Mags, so glad you posted this. My son is now backpacking and starting to assemble some gear. I will use the above to make a couple of purchases for his upcoming June birthday.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 13:59:16 +0000

In reply to Bill. Remember, this article is about maximizing gear for multiple activities not just the narrow range of lightweight three season backpacking. The gear your listed works great for lightweight backpacking. But not car camping, or cooking or taking another person, etc. Some good choices otherwise for sure...