Choosing any gear comes down to a balance between the ideal choice and what you can spend. I have spent a number of decades collecting gear, so I am now in a place where most of my gear is able to be the ideal choices, but that wasn't always the case. Even if you can't afford it, however, it helps to figure out the ideal choice because that will allow you to be clear on what you are looking for in your secondary-but-much-more-affordable options. (See the bottom of this page for ideas on getting reduced price gear.)

backpacking gear - water purifier

I have tried three methods of these. Iodine pills I carry all the time in my first aid pack, but have decided that I spend too much time drinking camp water to rely on them long-term. I am just not sure how healthy it is to ingest that much iodine. Plus, the taste is bad, though the taste remover tablets you can get work pretty well. Still, I prefer a mechanical water purifier and have tried two of those.
I have one that is a hand pump. It is effective and good quality but takes a long time and a bit of energy to pump enough water. I used this for years but it was not ideal for my energy. Recently I discovered a purifier which is a bag which hangs from something. You scoop water into the bag and then hang it high. The water syphons through a hose by gravity and out into whatever container you up the hose into. This allows me to process a large amount of water without any real work from me. This is my favorite purifier at this point and I use it now.

Only other thing I have is a lifeststraw. This is for emergencies only and mostly to be used when you don't have access to anything more efficient. You stick this in a watercourse (its the size of a large straw, so you can get water even from a small puddle) and you suck up the water and drink it right there. I like to have one of the in my emergency bad but don't use it much in the course of a normal trip.

How other chairs i've used Stack Up

Therm-a-rest Trekker Chair Kit
​I had one of these for years and used my sleeping pad as my camping chair. The downsides of using it were...
  • Had to switch backhand forth between a sleeping pad and a chair every time I wanted to switch positions. Not easy to use in this regard.
  • The old-style self-inflating Thermarest mattress I used didn't roll up easily or very small so this was very bulky.
  • It wasn't as well padded when I was sitting for a long time.
  • It wasn't as comfortable as the Crazy Creek Choice.
Tips on Purchasing Gear:
Gear doesn't have to be purchased new. There are lots of ways to reduce the cost of your gear and still get something close to the ideal. 
  1. ​Look on Craig's List for specific brands and models. Keep looking, as these things vary greatly over time. Look in other cities, especially cities known for their outdoor enthusiasts. Visiting Denver for Thanksgiving? Check there. Have a friend who lives in Portland? Check there and see if they would do the purchase for you.
  2. Look at REI's used gear page or their outlets. 
  3. Look at Cabella's Bargin Cave. 
  4. Look for older models of the gear you want. They may not have the traits you are after, but they might be close enough!

Got any other recommendations for people on where to find deals on gear? Tell us and we will add them to this page!
Click here to see my YouTube page of videos on how this trip is going every step of the way, including my preparations at home and my days on the trail.
Want to know more about who is on this trip? Me, my dog, my horses and any friends who happen to join me along the way...
Click here to see my YouTube page of videos on how this trip is going every step of the way, including my preparations at home and my days on the trail.