What gear are you looking to improve in 2014 ?

[Lefty]

Maybe a stove for winter camping

[alann]

Pack and shelter. Have an ilbe pack currently and don't have a decent tent for backpacking.

[Nathan C]

I'm set for packs and shelters and stoves. My only upgrades may be a new rain jacket, a new pair of gaiters, and I really "need" a fishing kayak.


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[Larry Skiles]

I'm a gear whore. (Stole that phrase from Kotman on another forum) But I am one.
This year I bought a Solo Stove to go with my MSR Whisper Lite. I plan on updating my tent. I want a BCS2 with a stove. I have already bought the stove. I've never had a tent with a stove except a wall tent with stove for rifle season. But I don't rifle hunt so much anymore, just bow hunt my self silly, pack in and chase elk.
I'm going to build a pluk, this fall. Other then that I'm set.

[Marlon]

I'm downsizing everything. I have too many large "Canvas Tents" that as I have gotten older have become more of a
burden to use. I began the process of lighter weight gear last year and would never go back. Now if I could win the tent contest I would be set for the Fall Elk hunt?

[kevhans]

Lighter pack. I currently have a 7.5 lb. behemouth. Also revamping my whole shelter/sleep system.

[kevin_t]

Yes a 7.5 lb pack, IMO is just not needed anymore. There are several excellent options that carry well that are sub 5 lbs. Myself, I prefer to keep it under 3.5 lbs. The pack is the most logical place to cut weight, as it is always on you.

With sleep systems, it's hard to beat the ease of use and durability of a Ridgrest, but the size and comfort is lacking. The inflatables like the downmat / neo air are nice , but are not near as quick to pack and unpack, and more subject to failure. I have found a preference most of the time for a Thermarest prolite small (11 ounces and takes 4 breathes) coupled with a EVA foam pad. EVA foams work well, because they can be folded and roll up smaller than a CCF. I find the combination comfortable enough as long as I watch where I setup. On the CDT this year, I had one night I set up on a bunch of big clumps of grass, and that was my only night of poor sleep. If I had set up a few feet away I'd have been fine. With sleeping bags , lots of options out there.

[Wilderness]

Improving my spike camp situation in general...

[Larry Skiles]

Nathan C
What gaiters are you going to purchase? I ask because I've never had a pair. I always thought it frivolous because I would wear my wool pants long, tie a string around my boot top. I've been doing this for over 40 years, starting to get funny looks from the younger fellas.
I have heard mention on "some" other forum reference to short gaiters. Why would a guy wear short ones?
I ask this because you mentioned replacing your gaiters and must have experience.

[kevin_t]

I often use a short gaiter called a dirty girl ... Yes that is the name. A lot of trail runners use them. I use them primarily for keeping rocks out of shoes or stuff of socks. They are not for snow etc or really for large boots either. For boots and snow I use a standard full size gaiter or else go without