Craig Miller
Posts:11803
 | | 30 Apr 2007 05:51 PM |
| Anyone have any gear that they find to be absolutely perfect? Wouldn't change a thing? The kind of gear that you bring with you on every single trip no matter what time of year it is and it works. You trust it, and know that you can count on it. Perfect Gear: Nalgene bottle: I bought it in 1992 and it still works perfectly. It has zero mold, zero "other" flavors, still opens/closes w/ ease. It has measuring units on the side, so you always know how much you are pouring. Many manufacturers make Nalgene compatible accessories, so I never have any trouble with it. It just works and I've never found a reason to even consider getting rid of it. |
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Michael Kronmal
Basic Member
Posts:421
| | 30 Apr 2007 06:03 PM |
| The plastic sipping cap that goes in a nalgene bottle to keep you from covering yourself in water while drinking. Especially useful while offroading and walking. |
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Isaac Fain
Veteran Member
Posts:1013
| | 30 Apr 2007 06:26 PM |
| neoprene budweiser beer cozy, the form fitted kind with the ziper  |
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Britt Pinson
Advanced Member
Posts:601
| | 30 Apr 2007 06:39 PM |
| My outback duster. I've had it fifteen years and It is still going strong.
BP ps X2 on the cozy. |
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Scott Starkey
Basic Member
Posts:184
| | 30 Apr 2007 07:28 PM |
| My cast iron skillet. Belonged to my parents while I was growing up, somehow I inherited it when they divorced in 94... Whether making pancakes, omelets, or searing steak - you can't beat cast iron.. Plus, it can serve as self-defense against forest critters.
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Peter Carey
Veteran Member
Posts:2829
| | 30 Apr 2007 07:35 PM |
| Original Swiss Army knife my brother brought back fro mSwitzerland 18 years ago, or so. Works great and opens wine. |
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Ben Bailey
Veteran Member
Posts:2562
| | 30 Apr 2007 07:42 PM |
| Swiss Army multi-tool. Very ugly, but all the tools open from the outside -- years earlier than Leatherman started putting their's on the outside. |
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Mike Rupp
Veteran Member
Posts:1355
| | 30 Apr 2007 08:34 PM |
| Laguiole wine opener. I've spent so much money on all of the gimmicky wine openers, but finally ponied up the money for the Laguiole. It opens beer bottles too. |
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Craig Miller
Posts:11803
| | 30 Apr 2007 08:48 PM |
| x2 on the Laguiole. |
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Isaac Fain
Veteran Member
Posts:1013
| | 03 May 2007 09:11 PM |
| now, what is it about the $200 spent on this imported corkscrew opener that works better than my chinese version I got @ Freddies for $2.95?
... snobs :o) |
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Isaac Fain
Veteran Member
Posts:1013
| | 03 May 2007 09:15 PM |
| i meant to add - everyone should themselves to a nice down vest. I've had 3 now, 2 from Eddie Bauer and my most recent from Patagonia. Each have their merits between function and price - underneath a light parka I'm snug and ready for low 20's with not much else on. Of course, this is coming from the guy that wears shorts while snowshoeing. The patagonia stuff is real nice and packs down small, so you can keep it stashed as emergency gear. For an extra layer of warmth to have around in the truck, it's pretty handy.
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Craig Miller
Posts:11803
| | 03 May 2007 11:00 PM |
| Posted By Isaac Fain on 05/03/2007 9:11 PM
now, what is it about the $200 spent on this imported corkscrew opener that works better than my chinese version I got @ Freddies for $2.95?
... snobs :o)
What isn't better about it?
The wood on the handle even matches my woodgrain dash. |
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Nevak Risew
Veteran Member
Posts:1200
| | 03 May 2007 11:06 PM |
| I love the hi-tech stuff as much as anyone, but the one thing, actually there are three. But the first* that comes to mind is the Colman propane stove I grew up with. My dad and I used to take it on all our camping/fishing trips. I put that sticker to the left of the logo on it on a trip to Kamploops when I was about 8yo--so 35 years ago? It is completely original including the o-rings and hose. I never doubt it will work as expected. It gets no special treatment. I finally degreased it a couple years ago.
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 Attachment: Colman.jpg
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Nevak Risew
Veteran Member
Posts:1200
| | 03 May 2007 11:09 PM |
| err....that's the right side of the logo, huh?  |
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Andy Berglund
Tacoma, WA
Veteran Member
Posts:3453
| | 03 May 2007 11:19 PM |
| maybe there is a slow propane leak.  |
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Mike Rupp
Veteran Member
Posts:1355
| | 04 May 2007 08:27 AM |
| Isaac, Craig asked about the "perfect gear". While the $2.99 Chinese corkscrew will work fine now, will it be in working order in 10 years? I've had a few of the cheapos and they will do the job, but they loosen up over time and just feel like junk. If the inexpensive variety suits your purpose, its a good corkscrew for you. For me, its a treat to open the bottle of wine with a really nice opener and drink out of a good glass.
By the way, I spent less than $100 for mine. I got mine here: http://www.cutlery.com/. It doesn't appear that they have the kind that I bought, but they have good deals on foodie stuff. |
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Craig Miller
Posts:11803
| | 04 May 2007 08:36 AM |
| Here are a few other products I never complain about and that always work:
- Snow peak spork: Lightweight, strong, multi-function.
- Mountain Hardware Trango 3.1 tent: Bombproof 4 season tent. Goes up easy, vents well even in August with the rainfly on.
- Big Agnes 0 degree sleeping bag: Much roomier than most bags. Has a pouch for the sleeping pad so you stay on top of it at night and can roll over in your sleep w/o getting the bag all knotted up.
- Big Agnes 0 degree sleeping pad (review coming soon): Very similar to Peters Exped Downmat, only it is a perfect fit for the Big Agnes sleeping bag.
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Nevak Risew
Veteran Member
Posts:1200
| | 04 May 2007 09:55 AM |
| I wanna camp with you, Mike. I almost always forget the opener, but do remember the wine Can't tell you how many times I've had to shove the cork down into the bottle to get the nectar...!
On sleeping bags, I have a couple of newish REI Nooksacks (synthetic fill), but what I really prefer are the old down Gerry bags my dad bought about the same time as the stove above. They are roomier, warmer, have better zippers, and the nylon is not slick like the Nooksacks. Those Gerry bags have never let me down in 35 years! After having them cleaned last fall I have a small seam tear that needs repairing. Not bad for the age and abuse given though.
Also, I never leave without my 48oz Nalgene bottle--aka 'rita shaker. It only leaks when left unattended in camp  |
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Isaac Fain
Veteran Member
Posts:1013
| | 04 May 2007 11:38 AM |
| i'm just giving you a hard time, Mike Dan's been working on customizing a set of stainless steel martini glasses to go into my portable bar.  |
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Craig Miller
Posts:11803
| | 04 May 2007 01:53 PM |
| Isaac,
Why don't you just buy some (so Dan can work on the stuff I want him to do instead)?
Craig |
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