I accidentally bought the men’s size (f here) and exchanging to is complicated.

Are there any major differences or is it just gonna be loose? If it’s just loose I think I can deal with it

I was at a thrift store, and I found this Mont-Bell puffer jacket for $40. I wear a size medium, and the jacket (size large) kind of fits me. The jacket is very flat, and doesn't seem like it has much air in it.

Did I just buy a performative puffer, or is the insulation still good? And does anyone know which jacket I bought?

I had an idea for a disposable phone sleeve that you slide your phone into, then use a regular hair dryer for around 15 seconds. The heat shrinks the plastic drum-tight around the phone, creating a seamless 360° waterproof seal with no loose slack or trapped air bubbles.

You could still use the touchscreen and camera normally. When you're done, you just pull the tear strip, remove the sleeve, and toss it.

Would this actually be useful for beach trips, swimming, travel, or messy DIY work? Or would having to use a hair dryer make it too inconvenient?

I'm fairly large, side-sleeper. I'd like a car camping pad to take on climbing trips.

I'm looking at Mega mat, mondo king, and roamer.

If comfort is all similar, what are the best inflation/deflation systems? After that I guess it comes down to cost and available dimensions.

Thanks!

I have both the hinged Plano "Storage Locker" and the "Sportsman’s Trunk." The wheels on both are basically snap-in wheels, and I lost one from the "locker" version with the hinged lid where the axle is part of the wheel and it's all plastic.

Rather than replace it with the same thing, I’m thinking about upgrading them and running a bolt/axle through the body.

Has anyone replaced or upgraded the wheels on one of these?

The stock wheels are about 2.5" diameter, and that part is easy to match, but finding something to fit the wheel recess has been the problem. Most 2.5" utility wheels I’m finding are either too wide or way too skinny like a rollerblade wheel which I don't really want.

Curious what wheels/hardware people have used, especially if you converted them to a through-bolt setup.

I’m looking at the Outdoor Research Echo hoodie/shirt for hiking and backpacking in Utah. I really like how lightweight and breathable it is, but it’s only rated UPF 15, which seems pretty low compared to a lot of sun hoodies that are UPF 50.

For anyone who uses the Echo in Utah or other high-elevation/high-UV areas, do you feel like UPF 15 is enough for long days outside? Have you ever gotten burned through it?

Would you stick with the Echo for the breathability, or would it be smarter to go with a UPF 50 sun hoodie for Utah?

Currently looking for a new baselayer top and bottom, curious to see if people have owned both and wondering which they liked more and why! Also for a legging baselayer I’m looking for one that has a no so tight crotch as the one I currently own kinda crushed that area.

Looking for a budget-friendly sleeping bag that could be used in temps around 40°-50°. I prefer flannel material. I’m 6’3 so I would need it to be long. I was looking at the Naturehike XXL Flannel Sleeping Bag, but it’s rated for around 32° and I’m already pretty warm-natured, so idk if that would be too warm for me. I also saw one from KingCamp, but wasn’t sure if it was also a decent brand. Open to suggestions and would love recommendations. Hoping to be less than $100

I'm back into camping after a 25-year detour through parenthood. I like rechargeable, but hate LEDs, even the "calmer" amber ones hurt my eyes. I've seen the telescopic lanterns like from Bouge RV where you can point each arm upward and am thinking that direction. I've read through suggestions on this sub and they all still have your eyeballs making contact with the light source. Is there a way to create ambient non-direct light with a rechargeable?

Our small travel trailer is a pop-up with a tentside. This one spot always gets wet when the trailer is closed. We can't figure out why it's just this same spot and no others. Regardless, I've been trying unsuccessfully to clean it up and remove the staining. I got some Nikwax solar wash and used it the other day and just now hit it up with some Nikwax solar proofing. Any other recommendations on cleaning it up and keeping the tentside from breaking down?

New to camping, but I'd like to pick up some skills and learn.

This would be casual 2 and 3 day weekend camping in the Northeast (NY, NJ, CT, PA) at campgrounds. Family of 5. Goal would be to build a campfire (of course) but eventually I'd like to learn how to cook with a dutch oven. Starting with car camping. I fully expect to purchase new equipment when I start backpacking hiking.

I've been trying to research what hatchet I should get (an axe seems overkill for casual camping, even cooking over an open firepit) and gloves to protect against splinters. Maybe eye protection. But there's a lot of very different opinions. Seems like a 3 people with 4 opinions kind of situation.

Can I get some advice on what kind of hatchet I should get along with hand and eye protection (if any)

Hey!

I just got the new butane stove/grill from Naturehike. I assumed it was for indoor use I notice the Amazon listing says it’s for outdoor use but also says to keep away from furniture, walls, and curtains.

Also, it’s literally the same exact design and has the same specs as my friends the Iwatani indoor grill pictured next to it.

There’s 0 information on this grill on the manufacturer’s site (U.S. or China website) besides for what Amazon and EZcamp has which is a complete mirror.

Should this be safe for indoor use?

Edit: want to use it for Korean BBQ inside

UPDATE: We just had Korean BBQ for dinner and it was amazing! Thank you all!

This was on sale for $129. Amazing deal. However I’m looking to get PFAS free gear from now on. Any way to confirm this? I emailed Marmot today and also thought I’d check here.

Style: M12304
Color: 19630 – Foliage/Dark Azure
UPC: 195115053222

Thanks.

Osprey Kestrel 32.

This backpack has 7 dangling straps that cinch up the shoulders, chest and pack itself.

Does anyone have a method for keeping the extra length of the straps tidy after they’re cinched up?

I’ve found web belt bands but they’re too big. Rolling them up and putting rubber bands around them seems silly.

Any ideas or gadget recommendations are appreciated.

Back when I got really into trail running in 2021 I did research on headlamps and added a bio lite to my cheap Amazon lite. The Amazon one is battery and lightbulb front where the bio light is battery in back with wired connection. I like them both and the bio lite is my running go to since it’s more powerful. That said it seems like you don’t see these types of lights as much in general gear talk arenas. Is this just my ignorance or is it a thing?

It’s my wife, toddler and I, but I am looking for something roomy. Something that will last

Edit: I should have worded it better, I mean a roomy tent for 3 people.

Hey folks, I'm looking for a single burner propane stove using 1lb. bottles, for base/car camping. Ideally I'd like something in a very compact form factor but a decently wide flame pattern for cooking eggs etc, and definitely needs to be freestanding, not set on top top of the canister. I don't mind spending a bit to get something reliable and higher quality. Let me know what you suggest.

Edit: I've read threads with a similar ask and I should mention that I appreciate alternative recommendations, but a propane single burner that does not sit on top of the canister is what I'm looking for. At last count, I own 14 camp stoves in various sizes and fuels, I'm aware of the characteristics of each.

Hi everyone,

I’d like to get some support finding the right tent.

Motorcycle tour from Europe to SEA during summer. While I’ll be sleeping mostly in hot conditions, there will be a good month in the Pamir Mountains.

I’m 6’7” (2.02 meters) and broad-built. Traveling by motorcycle, so space is very limited.

It has to be a 2-person tent since I will need to fit my gear inside as well.

At first, I thought a 3-season tent would be enough, but the strong winds and a chance of snow made me consider a 4-season tent to be on the safe side. It should definitely be freestanding and pack down small.

I narrowed it down to:

• MSR Access 2
• Hilleberg Allak 2 (packs quite big)

Before that, I had been looking into the Copper Spur 2, Hubba Hubba and Durston X-Dome, but they’re all 3-season or 3-season+ and I’m worried I could get into trouble with strong winds and bad weather.

On the other hand, some of them pack down very small and would fit perfectly in my luggage.

Am I overthinking this, or should I just go with a 4-season tent and deal with the extra luggage? Will a 3-season tent be enough?

For any additional information about camping equipment that fits my size, I’d be glad to hear it, even though I’ve already picked most of my equipment.

I know it’s a long shot, but I recently got a great deal on a Big Agnes Shield 2. The only catch is that it’s missing the cross pole that goes over the door.

I tried getting one through Big Agnes, but they did not have any extras available.

If anybody happens to have an extra cross pole, or even a whole set of poles, I would love to buy it. I’m located in the midwest US.

Otherwise if anybody happens to own one and could do me the huge favor of measuring the cross poles’ dimensions (# of sections, length of each section, angles if possible), that would be equally amazing!

Thanks!