What gear do I use and when do I use it?
Knowing what gear to use and when to use it in an art. There are endless options of gear out there and knowing when to use the appropriate gear can make or break an outdoor experience! Below we have created some backcountry "kit lists" that we hope can help you get your footing for what you might expect to need for an adventure. The idea is that we first have built basic systems for sleeping and kitchen and then can apply them to activities such as car camping, backpacking, climbing, skiing, and so much more! We give you packing tips along the way! Please reach out to wolicsu@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like to add anything!
Sleep systems
A sleep system includes a sleeping pad and sleeping bag and the name of the game for a good sleep system is insulation and comfort. The insulating properties of these two pieces of gear can make or break an adventure as being too cold or too hot can simply ruin a nights sleep. Comfort is important, because well why would you want to be uncomfortable? Understanding these two characteristics about your sleep system before you go out in the backcountry can be incredibly beneficial. In the image to the
left, a sleep system is demonstrated with a tarp footprint (we'll talk about this later), a sleeping pad, and a sleeping bag.
Now, let's get technical about the different considerations for a sleep pad.
Sleeping pads are characterized by their R-value which is a measure of the pads ability to resist heat flow through it; the higher the R-value, the better insulated. This is important to consider as a low R-value pad will not be a good gear choice in cold temperatures. The scale is straightforward: a pad with a 2.0 R-value is twice as warm a s a 1.0 R-value pad. Pads can be stacked to increase the total R-value, to calculate the total R-value, add together the R-values.
There are three different general types of sleeping pads. These different types have different insulating properties but also are important when considering comfort.
Closed-Cell Foam Pads
These are the stereotypical sleeping pads that are made of dense foam that is filled with tiny closed air cells. These pads are typically folded up in a z formation and have the common names of egg crates or accordion pads. These pads are lightweight, relatively inexpensive, durable, and are consistant in insulation and comfort as there is no worry of punctures and leaks. Because of their durability, they are the only pad that can be worn on the outside of a pack without fear of damage. They are a great option to stack under other pads to increase comfort, insulation, and prevent damage to the other pad. The cons of these pads is that they are relatively much less comfortable and are bulkier then other options.
Air Pads
There is a wide variety of styles of air pads, so they can be widely applied across recreation activities. Air pads are incredibly light weight for their size. These pads do tend to be more expensive and require a higher level of care as they can easily tare or puncture. The firmness of air pads can fluctuate throughout the night with changing temperatures. Another consideration with these pads is that moisture from blowing them up can get trapped inside, which can eventually lead to bacterial or mold issues. Some air pads make a loud crinkling sound when you move around on them. Overall, this is a great option for a multitude of activities, if the proper care is given to the gear.
Self-Inflating Pads
Self-inflating pads are a combination between air and foam pads. By opening the valves, the foam is able to expand which automatically brings in air; top off inflation is required for a firm pad. These pads have a wide range of warmth, cost, size, and intended use. These pads are incredibly comfortable and reasonally compact with good insulating properties and are generally more durable then air pads. These pads do tend to be heavier and less compact then other pads on the market. Puncturing or ripping is still possible with these pads. These pads are great for all different types of adventures and provide an extra level of comfort along the way.