Dugaru
Well Known Member
Just back from OSH and already thinking about gear that works, that didn't, and improvements for next year. My observations, open to debate of course:
1. Tents: We're going to move to smaller tents, probably one tent per person. This was our second OSH where our larger car-camping type tents were at serious risk from winds out in the open, and we figure smaller/lower profile tents will be an improvement. We're also in search of better tent stakes, as our budget aluminum ones got badly bent by the wind.
2. Lighting: We loved these -- super lightweight, easy to pack, solar charged, very versatile -- can hang them or put them anywhere: https://www.rei.com/product/137939/goal-zero-crush-light-lantern.
3. Feet: in past years I've gone with running shoes, but after some time on the AT last summer I tried hiking mode - in my case, waterproof Merrell MOABs and merino wool socks. Not exactly a fashion statement but otherwise a huge improvement, especially when walking through wet grass or post-deluge puddles (which we have done a lot of). Meanwhile I'm prone to blisters and "hiker's wool" was the solution. Wrap some around your toes - outstanding. And while we're talking about wool, I boldly declare that summer weight merino wool underwear is worth the outrageous expense.
4. Hats: Lots of good options, but Henschels are made in the USA, are great in hot weather, and I love mine: https://www.hathabit.com/collections/outdoor-collection/products/henschel-original-aussie-breezer
5. Water: Saw numerous collapsible water bladders this year and couldn't believe we hadn't thought of that. Would have saved lots of trips to the wheeled water tanks. Would love thoughts on the best one.
6. Coolers: our cheapo styrofoam cooler was super light and surprisingly effective at keeping the Tito's cold, but just wasn't sufficiently durable. I'd love a recommendation for a (flexible?) cooler that packs small and light and performs reasonably well. Recognizing that this may be a unicorn.
7. Gadget charging: I'm late to this party, but discovered that those fabric-backed folding solar cell chargers are surprisingly good.
8. Bugs: we're thinking hard about bringing some sort of portable bug shelter next year. Evening temps were great for hanging out at the end of the day, but the noseeums in our corner of the South 40 were impressively fierce. You'd think they'd show some sympathy toward fellow aviators. A bug shelter could also make up somewhat for having cramped one-person tents.
Contrary views? Suggestions?
1. Tents: We're going to move to smaller tents, probably one tent per person. This was our second OSH where our larger car-camping type tents were at serious risk from winds out in the open, and we figure smaller/lower profile tents will be an improvement. We're also in search of better tent stakes, as our budget aluminum ones got badly bent by the wind.
2. Lighting: We loved these -- super lightweight, easy to pack, solar charged, very versatile -- can hang them or put them anywhere: https://www.rei.com/product/137939/goal-zero-crush-light-lantern.
3. Feet: in past years I've gone with running shoes, but after some time on the AT last summer I tried hiking mode - in my case, waterproof Merrell MOABs and merino wool socks. Not exactly a fashion statement but otherwise a huge improvement, especially when walking through wet grass or post-deluge puddles (which we have done a lot of). Meanwhile I'm prone to blisters and "hiker's wool" was the solution. Wrap some around your toes - outstanding. And while we're talking about wool, I boldly declare that summer weight merino wool underwear is worth the outrageous expense.
4. Hats: Lots of good options, but Henschels are made in the USA, are great in hot weather, and I love mine: https://www.hathabit.com/collections/outdoor-collection/products/henschel-original-aussie-breezer
5. Water: Saw numerous collapsible water bladders this year and couldn't believe we hadn't thought of that. Would have saved lots of trips to the wheeled water tanks. Would love thoughts on the best one.
6. Coolers: our cheapo styrofoam cooler was super light and surprisingly effective at keeping the Tito's cold, but just wasn't sufficiently durable. I'd love a recommendation for a (flexible?) cooler that packs small and light and performs reasonably well. Recognizing that this may be a unicorn.
7. Gadget charging: I'm late to this party, but discovered that those fabric-backed folding solar cell chargers are surprisingly good.
8. Bugs: we're thinking hard about bringing some sort of portable bug shelter next year. Evening temps were great for hanging out at the end of the day, but the noseeums in our corner of the South 40 were impressively fierce. You'd think they'd show some sympathy toward fellow aviators. A bug shelter could also make up somewhat for having cramped one-person tents.
Contrary views? Suggestions?