Looking to put together an affordable Big 3. Goals/criteria: 3 season (South...lows in the 30's), keep tent, backpack, and sleep system in the 2.0 - 3.0 lb range, and less than $200/piece. Also, I'm hoping to get out with my four kids (boys 11, 9, and 7) and girl (age 3), so will need to carry some of their stuff as well, so good pack volume is needed.

Here is what I'm currently looking at. Please provide other options.

One additional note: I'm 6'3", 225 lbs, and torso around 22-23", so need tall stuff.

Sleeping pad: Rei stratus, Large, 25 oz, $90. Was leaning toward large/wide Exped UL 7, but 4 oz savings was not worth an additional $85.

Tent: Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout, 34 oz, $125. Know I could save 10 oz by going up to the $225 Trekker, but budget is an issue. My height is a small concern here...

Pack: Gossamer Gear Mariposa, 30 oz for XL, $200. Really like the outside pockets for stuffing tent, clothing, etc.

Bag: GoLite Adventure 3 season Vario Semi Rectangular - Long, 38 oz, $150 (has been out of stock for a while). Would be nice to get a 3 season large/long quilt for less than $150 if there are any options for that (side sleeper and I toss and turn a lot, so mummy is not an option). Currently using a military poncho liner for warmer weather(don't know weight off hand) or a military x-long patrol bag @ 2.5 lbs

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Terry

Edited by thoover1968 on 12/19/2012 12:55:30 MST.

For a shelter, it would be hard to beat the Trekker for the money.

I haven't tried the new GG packs but used an older Mariposia Plus and it worked well. I have a 21" torso and GG and SMD packs have worked out well for me. I am borderline with a large ULA so they might not work for you. MLD packs just didn't seem to fit my long torso well. If you are going to be carrying heavy loads with your kids, the GG might not work out well. I would say that most any UL packs limit is 30 lbs even with a frame.

For a sleeping bag, see if u can find a Golite Quilt, either a Ultra 20 or 3 season. They have been fairly affordable and are great for side sleepers. You might look at Tim Marshals quilts as well.

Keep your eye on gear swap as deals come along if you are patient and lucky.

I forgot to mention sleeping pads, if u can get a Zlite or Ridge Rest. They are light, cheap, tough, and pretty warm.

All of those shelters are very very heavy, you will not regret the SMD wild oasis, at 14 oz.

The ULA Circuit is an excellent pack that can reportedly can carry heavy weights and has plenty of space.

It's $225 new, but you could conceivably find one on Gear Swap for less than the $200 limit. As a bonus, they also come in tall sizes.

If you can buy new, ULA's customer service is first rate.

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I may have to reconsider the Trekker vs. the Scout, and will keep my eyes open for a quilt.

Do any of you taller guys (or gals) have experience with the SMD Scout/Trekker? Just want to make sure 6'3" isn't pushing it.

Foam pads don't provide enough cushioning for my large body...has anyone used the REI Stratus as a lower cost alternative to the Exped UL 7?

May also take another look at the ULA Circuit before I go with the GG Mariposa.

Additional feedback appreciated.

Terry

If you are looking for entry level gear, I would buy used from this site, Craigslist and others. This way, you will have better gear for the same (or better) price and later on, if you feel a need to upgrade, you can sell it for close to what you bought it for. After using gear for awhile, you will know the deficienties and strengths of the gear you have, and that will help you in purchasing better stuff later on.