Gear Fun!

I did a review for Amazon on my Coleman Peak 1 stove.  First time using it to cook with.  I made some chicken soup.  I was quite impressed with how quickly it heated the soup.  My only complaint about it is that canisters, in general, are not  stable apparatus.  I will be getting an inexpensive canister stand to add to my cooking gear.




I still have a fair way to go before I am all set up for adventuring on my own.  I do have a tent incoming - the Coleman 2 man Hooligan.  I hope it lives up to it's reviews.  I'll get some seam sealer and probably do a backyard camp sometime next week in it.

The next couple of big ticket items will be a sleeping bag and pad.  I am torn between cheap vs. higher quality.  I like cheap because I'm not rich... but then I like higher quality because cheap usually ends up meaning spending more money.  I am also torn about getting a strict Summer bag (which would be an ok 2 season bag for West Virginia, as it does not get horridly cold before November or after April, in general.  I can also get an inexpensive liner to increase the comfort rating of the bag, some performance underwear and a hat and socks to sleep in - which takes down the comfort rating further.  I usually sleep hot.  A 40 degree bag is cheaper than a 20 degree bag, and I have to ask myself which I would use more.  It's not like I'm through hiking from north to south on the Appalachian Train in the dead of  winter.  Weight is also a factor, as I don't want to haul a 4 poster on my back.  I'm thinking I will probably get the Suisse Everest 20 degree bag.  Not sure what camp pad I will get.

So - sleeping bag and pad are my last two things to get for solo trips.  Of course, I want to get dear daughter geared up with me, so that's more to consider.  But all of this is a start.