Originally Posted by
sprocketss
I am looking to do some weekend or 5 day touring this Fall and a longer tour next summer, can I get feedback on my equipment list.
I am looking at a reasonably priced back panniers at this point, thinking of buying front panniers in the future, will these do for someone on a budget or is there a better suggestion: Axiom Seymour DLX 45 Pannier Set.
Could someone suggest a good pannier rain fly.
For a tent, I'm considering either the Eureka Spitfire 1 tent or the Eureka Spitfire 2 tent, I would like feedback on this choice or other makes. Especially whether the Eureka Spitfire 1 tent will fit my considerations that includes comfort.
If I am going to buy the Eureka Spitfire should I also consider the Eureka Spitfire Footprint?
Could someone suggest a good light weight 3 to 4 season sleeping bag.
For a sleeping pad I am looking at: ALPS Mountaineering Comfort Series Air Pad, is there any other option I should look at?
For a camping stove I am looking at: Etekcity E-gear Portable Collapsible Outdoor Windproof Camping Stove Butane Propane Burner, same question, is there any other option I should look at?
Should I get a dedicated GPS, if so, which make / model. I have an android phone, should I get a water proof case and the GPS app for it, if so which case and which app?
Thanks
Panniers: It usually doesn't matter which brand. They all have their pluses and minuses. The Axiom looks like a good pannier although there are others that have better mounting systems. I would steer you away from buying a rain cover because it's just an added cost that you don't really need to pay. Organize all of your stuff inside the bags in ziplock bags and the contents of the bag will be dry enough. It also helps with daily packing...so much so that I still use ziplocks with water-proof Ortliebs.
I would suggest, however, that you steer towards smaller panniers and towards front ones first. Heavy overloaded rear panniers make riding challenging. They can have a pretty severe effect on steering, especially on downhills. Front bags with about 60% of your touring load dampen the steering and make the bike much more manageable. If you are on a budget, you could buy front and rear panniers from
Nashbar for slightly more than the rear Axiom. Or buy the 30 L rear Axiom and the Nashbar fronts. I hate the color, however.
Tents: I have used Eurekas in the past for many years. They make good tents but weighty for what you get. You can save a pound by going to, for example, the Big Agnes Fly Creek but you'd have to pay more then twice as much. The biggest difference is that the Big Agnes Tents use a freestanding frame that is much easier to set up. The two hoop frame of the Eurekas could be difficult to handle on your own. You get what you pay for.
And, yes, get the foot print, no matter what tent you get. It saves the bottom of your tent.
Sleeping bags/pads: I agree with gregjones. Big Agnes is the way to go. They are make an excellent product. I have a 0°F bag and a 45°F bag both are great for their respective temperature ranges. The 0°F bag is, however, too warm for summer trips outside of Colorado and the 45°F bag can be cold for trips in May. I'm not sure I could use the 45°F bag at any time in Colorado...our nights are just too cold. I would also suggest looking for the Big Agnes pad over just about any other. They are less bulky...they roll up into something the size of a 1 L waterbottle and work very well with the Big Agnes bag. They don't weigh much either. You do have to blow them up but I find the pack size outweighs that inconvenience. And they are a thick pad...up to 4" depending the the model.
Stove: Go with an MSR or a Snow Peak or a Soto or Primius over the Fleabay stove. The Primus Yellowstone isn't the lightest but it is a tough stove that works well from a known company. You can find them from $12 to $20.
Phone: I'll second gregjones again on the phone. I used Ride with GPS to track my tours and it works very well. I never felt the need for any other electronic device.