I am thinking of purchasing this set of items from REI.
I am looking for input, into any knowledge or experience with this tent or gear.


Thanks for all of your help/ advice in advance!

This seems to me to be above average gear and would probably serve you very well on a BWCAW trip, likely as well or better than gear you might get from an outfitter. If you continue to trip, you are likely to upgrade but in 20 years I'm on my third of each of those, so fine.

Very good price on entry level gear. as Bill put it a base for BWCA and other styles of 3 season camps. Decent simple tent, 30 degree bag and an inflatable insulated mattress, all for a decent discounted price. I certainly started with much less, but not at that good a price point!

butthead

Thank you Bill, and butthead.
I was hoping they would last for several yrs, until i needed to upgrade for wear and tear.
I am also looking for a camp stove.
Any recommendations? Something preferable less than $50, or at most $ 100.00.

Read the reviews and save some money on a camp stove - put it towards another piece of gear?

Reliable durable bulletproof stove, and cheap:)


Primus Classic

I don't think you could beat that for the price. I'd snap it up while it's still available. Will be perfectly adequate for moderate 3-season use.

A simple canister stove will be fine, especially for boiling water/heating up simple meals. I used an inexpensive Coleman canister stove for several years. I also experimented with a simple alcohol stove.

nazgirl1: "Thank you Bill, and butthead.
I was hoping they would last for several yrs, until i needed to upgrade for wear and tear.
I am also looking for a camp stove.
Any recommendations? Something preferable less than $50, or at most $ 100.00.
"

The gear combo you selected should last well, if any fail it will be the inflatable mattress, split seams and end leaks can develop after several years of use. Newer mats seem to last longer now, better construction???
I'll ask you to be specific and describe how you plan to cook. Stove choice depends on style of meal preparation, seasons of the year used, and pot/pans used with it.

butthead

No direct experience with the items posted, but REI gear is above average and that price a real bargain. Many of us can attest to REI's customer service if you do have issues.

Looks like a nice package and good price, especially if the tent has aluminum poles.

As Butthead said (and being the stove junkie he is, you should listen), stove choice for you will depend on how you plan to use one. Some people just boil water. Some people cook more elaborate meals. Some people cook for just themselves. Some cook for groups. Some camp primarily in warm weather while others spend a lot of time in winter temperatures.

While they may or may not be for you, I've personally found my stove satisfaction with my Kovea Spider. I also still greatly appreciate a Primus Trail Classic or two in the case of a Voyageurs stove setup as well--I don't have one, but it's something that routinely tempts me.

Thanks for the info on the rain coming in through the vents.
I didn't consider that.
I will keep that in mind!

Butthead,
I plan to cook mainly boiling water, and adding to bags of food, or oatmeal.
I am only coming for 2 to 4 peple, at most. Mostly
For 2.
It will be a primarily used in the BWCA stove, or while car camping in a campground.
Although, I have considered purchasing a separate one, for that.
What do you recommend for 2 to 4 people for basic cooking, not elaborate meals?
Rice, oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, pancakes, easy camp food like those items, etc...
I appreciate the info on the tent also.
Nazgirl

Hey Steve,
Thanks for the input. I appreciate you following along with my purchasing adventure equipment.
I did get a women's backpack for day hiking, and am excited for its arrival, and to go out and try it soon.
I am going to go ahead with this purchase then, of the tent package and bag, and sleep pad!
I'm excited to get more involved with BWCA and trail clear, also.
I have investigated the " Rovers" and am going to day hike and backpack with them on a few occasions.
They do a few BWCA trips also. So, i might join, for some experienced company while learning the ropes, myself!

Thank you bhouse,
I am definitely getting involved with their customer service dept, as well. I have them on speed dial, i feel like, at this point. Lol.

Mschi772,
Thanks. I am mainly going to be doing spring, summer, and maybe fall camping.
I will keep in mind the qualifications for the different types of stove fuel as well.
Thanks very much. I am going to research buttheads and your stoves, and make an educated purchase.

Thank you Lindy. I will look into that stove as a backup.

My 10 trips to BWCA included 9 with wet weather during the week. My 1st trip incl. one severe rainstorm with sideways driving rain, and one was 1999 'Storm of the Century' with several inches of rain over two days. I've learned a thing or two! That said, your tent choice looks fine (a 2 person is fine for 1 P and gear, 4 would be roomier and not much extra in weight for 2 w/gear ); I suggest taking a lightweight tarp for rainy days to have a place to lounge/cook/eat out of the rain and put it over the tent as well. Synthetic bag is preferred due to rain or dew, and 30-35 degree rating as nights can be cool; I would stay away from air mattresses due to punctures and no insulating value (I use a Therm-a-Rest and RidgeRest, both light and, used together, comfy). For boiling water, a butane cannister stove w/screw-on burner w/piezo lighter is smallest, lightest, simplest. I usually take a second- depends on weather, either a Sierra wood stove (lots of small sticks around campsites and can easily cook a fish meal, pancakes, etc) or coleman peak 1 w. extra fuel bottle. Cooking over a wood fire is hard, given wet conditions and takes a lot of time. You didn't mention clothes. I learned that nylon blend long pants and shirt are great, dry fast, stops mosquitos AND those nasty biting flies. Gore-Tex hat, headnet and rain gear for fishing in the rain in my kayak helps me stay warm, dry and still having fun in spite of the rain. I have neoprene mocs for wet days and keep my dry shoes for under the rain fly time. Experience is a great teacher. Even better is learning from someone else's bad experience so you can avoid the lesson.

nazgirl1: "Butthead,
I plan to cook mainly boiling water, and adding to bags of food, or oatmeal.
I am only coming for 2 to 4 peple, at most. Mostly
For 2.

Nazgirl"

A simple canister isobutane stove, like Glacier Camp Stove on top of the canister. It needs care to keep from tipping pots or pans but offers a wide burner for frying.
A off canister offers more stability and it's hard to beat a MSR Windpro II more expensive but very rugged.
Starter cooking gear is a material and care choice. I prefer sturdy scrub-able stainless steel, MSR 2 Pot Set and an Alpine Fry Pan.
Material and care choice offers a pile of options. But 5 to 7 inch diameter pots and pan will work better than taller narrower stuff, a 1 quart pot is very versatile.. Fill out with a few bowls of choice and cups/utensils found at home or purchased.
Over the decades I have accumulated lots of cook gear yet still rely on the basic Alpine stuff a lot, it's over 20 years old now, even though I have aluminum, titanium and other SS cook gear.

butthead

PS: I am a fan of MSR and collect the various burners, so somewhat biased. bh

My last post went kinda long, sorry about that. I should mention the rain tarp I recommend is the 'Kelty Noah's tarp 12'- inexpensive compared to most, yet lightweight and durable, lots of reinforced guy points. My 9 foot version survived the Storm of the Century! The wood fire I referred to was using the camp site grates, which is fine when large wood is dry but frustrating when wet, which is often in the BWCA. Campmor.com for relatively inexpensive camping gear. I pick up a lot of my gear from resale shops for a fraction of the price of new. One other bit of advice, since even the best tents get wet from rain or wet people, I now use a waterproof, Gore-Tex army surplus bivy sack to keep my sleeping bag absolutely dry- light, not bulky, about $35 on ebay. Because at my age, a great night's sleep is THAT important.

You can often buy used gear from outfitters. Piragis has a used MSR Windpro that butthead mentioned.

Cyotekid,
Wow! That's a LOT of rain!
Thanks for all of that info. I am going to research all those stove choices, and get a tarp.
That's one thing I did forget about. I am looking for a hammock too.
What would you recommend for a nice cozy one?
Thanks again for all of your info!

Butthead
Thanks for the stove options. I am going to research them.
I like that you are giving me different pots and pans info, because i was just thinking about my kitchen set of things i will need as well.
I like the ideas of smaller smaller pots, not tall ones too.
Packing will be better, and stackability, would be better!
You are a wealth of info.
Would you email me some ideas for hammocks, or other layers of clothing for fall/ winter camping?
salsagirl2018@gmail.com,
Thanks,
Nazgirl
( Andrea)

Thanks Cyotekid,
No worried on the length of post..
I appreciate all of the input.
If you wouldn't mind, would you email me some of your choices for clothing, or options for hammocks or other things that you can think of, that i might need, use in fall/ winter camping?
salsagirl2018@gmail.com
Thanks,
Nazgirl
( Andrea)

nazgirl1: "Cyotekid,
Wow! That's a LOT of rain!
Thanks for all of that info. I am going to research all those stove choices, and get a tarp.
That's one thing I did forget about. I am looking for a hammock too.
What would you recommend for a nice cozy one?
Thanks again for all of your info!


"

Cozy- For me that means wrapped in fluffy down. I prefer a simple, gathered-end hammock and tarp pitched high to take is scenic vista as soon as I awaken.

Cozy for my sons, when they were transitioning from the security of a tent and sleeping next to mom and dad to sleeping independently under their own tarp, involved a feeling of being enclosed and somewhat isolated from the darkness. Their preferece was always the Warbonnet Blackbird. With the integrated bugnet held high above te face with the structural ridgeline, the Blackbird feels both cozy (self-contained) and spacious. Additionally, with intergrated foot-box the Blackbird allows a flatter lie/lay? than all but, bridge hammocks.

Pair the Blackbird with the Superfly tarp with doors, and you have a cozy shelter for year-round hanging. (Appropriate "Cozy" insulation required)


Warbonnet Superfly

Warbonnet Blackbird

Good Luck

Thanks for the hammock info coyotekid.
I appreciate the knowledge on different "cozy" materials.
That's helpful. I will look into both options.
I like the idea of a higher view, but want the bug net.
So, it will be interesting to check them both out.

I am late to the thread but hopefully it gets read.

I think the gear bundle is a good choice. (You've probably already purchased it anyway!) Stoves are more to individual preference. I've always used white gas, but I was using camp stoves when the only choices were white gas, propane, or alcohol.

Consider purchasing a poncho liner to supplement a sleeping bag. They are thin nylon sheets with some batting in the middle.... very warm. In the summer, I used one in the army in lieu of a sleeping bag. In the BWCA, I use it by itself if it's warm, or over the top of me and my bag if it's cold.

As for cookware, here is my suggestion: don't spend a lot on a cook kit until you know what you'll need. You may need a trip or two to know what your cooking regimen requires. I bought a cook kit eons ago, but I leave much of it at home. It is aluminum, so it's light, but I mostly just boil water. What I've found works well as cookware is stuff that isn't necessarily designed for camping. I've found a small frying pan with a folding handle.... not made for camping, but it works well. I use an old pizza pan I stole when I worked at Pizza Hut in high school.... also perfect for a flat fry pan. Regular spoon and fork work as well as a titanium spork. I think it is easy to get taken in by the ooh-ahh factor of some cook kits.

Mike

what ever tent you end up with, invest the under $20.00 per tent for a battery operated bug whacker. You will not miss many of the friendly mosquitoes who happen to get into your tent, but the mess associated with smashing the bugs on the wall of the tent does not happen. come up from under the mosquitoes for best results as they do not seem to have eyes in their underside.

Thanks Mike from mpls.
I appreciate the info. I will look into some inexpensive ways of compromising.
I have an old pizza pan. That's a great idea!
You may email me with any kitchen cook set recommendations too.
salsagirl2018@gmail.com
Thanks.
Andrea

Thanks bwcadan,
That's an interesting idea. I didn't consider bugs. Lol. I didn't encounter many bugs in June when i was there.

nazgirl1: "Thanks Mike from mpls.

I have an old pizza pan. That's a great idea!
Andrea"

Mike did say it was from a pizzeria not a consumer kitchen pan and that makes a difference. Mine are from a pizzeria and are aluminum but heavier gauge.
Here is a good source I got mine from a friend who closed a pizzeria.

butthead

I second what Mike said about a poncho liner. (In fact I’m sure we discussed this on the CCBB 10-15 years ago, Mr Sensitive! :) ) Sure, it’s an extra thing for the pack, but I like its versatility. I’ll use it as a liner if I’m cold, I’ll open up my bag and just use it as my light blanket on a hot night, or I’ll keep it in its stuff sack as a supplementary pillow.
Probably not an expensive acquisition via a military surplus store/website, SportsmansGuide, etc..
Mine belonged to my dad when he was in Vietnam. When he returned, I’d often use it to make my blanket “forts” in the house. The green camo gave it a cool look and light underneath : ) . Hopefully it had no residual Agent Orange at the time.

HowardSprague: "I second what Mike said about a poncho liner. (In fact I’m sure we discussed this on the CCBB 10-15 years ago, Mr Sensitive! :) ) Sure, it’s an extra thing for the pack, but I like its versatility. I’ll use it as a liner if I’m cold, I’ll open up my bag and just use it as my light blanket on a hot night, or I’ll keep it in its stuff sack as a supplementary pillow.
Probably not an expensive acquisition via a military surplus store/website, SportsmansGuide, etc..
Mine belonged to my dad when he was in Vietnam. When he returned, I’d often use it to make my blanket “forts” in the house. The green camo gave it a cool look and light underneath : ) . Hopefully it had no residual Agent Orange at the time."

I'm sure we did. I'm sold on poncho liners bigly. Interestingly, they also work great to bundle around the sleeping bag if it gets really cold. My wife sleeps cold and occasionally she'll make a cocoon around her bag (with my liner!) and she gains probably another 10 degrees out of the bag rating.

I'm much less sensitive now!

Mike

Buy a couple of these $8 stoves and use all the money you saved to buy a Frybake fry pan. These stoves work great, one of mine has made 11 trips up north and still going perfectly. Bring 2 medium or large cans of fuel and you have redundancy and will never run out of fuel.

That looks like a modern coloration of the Passage 2 tent? I've had that exact tent since 2015 and it's my go-to solo tent for Scout monthly campouts. I've even carried it backpacking on the Ice Age Trail. I added a couple pieces of cord to the head and foot ends of the fly to help pull it away from the tent, especially helpful if you're expecting rain. Occasionally I've wished that my tent had the 3rd pole of the Half Dome to help pull the sides out, because the Passage is sort of pyramidal in design. The only place in the tent where the full height is available to you is in the center, and then the gear loft tends to hang down 6" or so from the peak.

Never had any issues with rain coming in via the vent but I suppose anything's possible when you have wind driven rain.