We’re at the point in our planning where we are conquering the acquisition of “The Big Three”. The most important items for a long distance backpacking trip.
The backpackers Big Three consists of their:
1. Shelter
2. Backpack
3. Sleep system (sleeping bag & pad)
Those who are ‘in the know’ tell us that The Big Three is the place to invest funds and not to cut corners. So I have been researching and reading and comparing. There is a lot to consider before dropping $1,000 on 2 tents and $500+ on two sleeping bags.
Those who are ‘in the know’ also tell us that there are 3 factors to buying backpacking gear: weight, price, and comfort…and you can choose 2 of them. Want comfort? It probably won’t be ultralight. Want ultralight? You’ll pay a lot to cut those ounces. Want to save a fistful of dollars? You’ll probably be carrying a fistful of pounds.
Matthew and I have decided to prioritize comfort and weight – but not ultra lightweight. Five months on the trail is a lot of nights (150ish to be more specific) and UL tends to sacrifice comfort for weight. I want to bring a camp chair of some kind. And a pillow…or two. Which, I know, is insane.
In big news, we have purchased our tents!
So…(drum roll please)…
We decided on the Big Agnes Copper Spur tents! (insert applause here)
We will bring one two-person tent (for the girls) & one three-person tent (for Matthew & I…& some gear)
I practiced setting up the 3-person tent in the living room. Suuuuper easy – suuuuuper big! It’s like a hotel room in there!
Ahhhh…home away from home. Sleeping on the ground in the woods. Just like God intended.
We still have a LOT to buy, but every purchase is 1 purchase closer to beautifully laying out all of our gear on our Copper Spur footprint to take a picture. Stay tuned.