Giving my new gear a whirl!!!

Shout out to Lauren and Tiffanie at the Rancho Cucamonga REI

These young ladies went above and beyond in helping me select my camping gear. Without hesitation, these knowledgeable women came to my rescue and set me up with some awesome light weight gear. When I was younger, back in the 90’s I used to work for the Girl Scouts. We would backpack up to Mt San Gorgonio aka Old Greyback. At the time I didn’t realize what an amazing feat that was and I took the experience for granted. When I look back I can’t believe how much weight we would carry.  The weight was probably in the mid 30’s if not more. Appreciatively, with the help of these REI angels the weight is closer to 20.

Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2 Solution-Dyed Tent

I was looking for a lightweight tent. My first thought was to get a one person tent. I do have a dog, but I thought a one person tent would be fine. The REI experts said it would work, but that I would appreciate having the extra space in the 2 person Big Agnes. It would not be that much of a weight difference. I took their advice and could not be happier. Last night I took my dog camping and to my welcome surprise the extra space made all the difference in the world.

First time tent set up…oops it was so easy at REI

While at REI it was a snap to set this tent up. But you know how it goes, you’re trying to be cool setting up your tent for the time and then you forget how it works…. It was also windy. This tent is so light the wind made it pretty tricky to get set up. After a few missteps, I remembered how to set it up. It’s  actually really easy to set up. Thank God I had the stakes. That kept the tent strapped in through the wind. You can see below how my dog is truly loving this tent.

Magma 30 Sleeping bag

I have the Magma 30 sleeping bag which is very comfy and spacious. At one point I put my dog inside to see how she would fit. That was a tight squeeze and I had to keep it unzipped. I decided this would probably not work, so I just ordered my dog a sleeping bag. Honestly, she is a bed hog and she has to lay in the most awkward spots. I had to scrunch my legs up so she could fit. It will be so much better if she has her own bag. I also got some good advice to save me money and buy the Tyvek for under the tent.

REI Traverse 60 Backpack and other items.

The Traverse 60 back pack seems to fit me well. For under my bag I have the Expeo Synmat. The really cool thing about this mat is the way you fill it with air. It has the Eped yellow something or other. You wave it in the air and it catches the air so you can fill the mat without using your breath. Super cool. I’m old, so bear with me youngsters on this site. This technology is probably not new to you, but to me this is a down right miracle.

 

 

Last but not least….. The Big Gigantic Bear Can

Ok, Yes, it is big!!! I ordered it online. OOOPPSS!!!  Look at it compared to my dogs head. It’s huge!!! Hahaha!!! Near the beginning of the CCT. (California Coastal Trail) There is, from what I have read, the most Awesome Trail in all of California, “The LOST TRAIL.” This trail is said to be one of the most beautiful, natural and untouched trails that hug the coastline of California, and guess what? I snagged a permit last night. King Range only allows 60 people a day to start the trek. The permits were all gone. I have been checking daily to see if anyone had returned a ticket, and to my surprise someone did. Yahoo!!! My trek on the LOST will be for 4 days, so in actuality I will need this big ole can.(food for me and my dog) A bear can is required on the LOST Trail. This is going to be one fun hike!!! Let’s go!!!