Headlamp & Backpacking Mess Kit Recommendation

deepforks · Jul 15, 2012

looking at getting one of each and curious what everyone is using and/or recommends. my current headlamp is a noname pos. i was looking at the optimus terra lite he cookset. seems like a decent, basic kit (pot w/a frying pan or lid). any input or recommendations would be appreciated. not a hardcore packpack hunter. it would be for roughly 3 day trips and also fly in backcountry hunts - nice having buddies with a plane

thanks guys!

Bruinbrewin · Jul 15, 2012

I like the Petzl Zipka, it is light, bright and I don't care for those big head straps on the other types. I usually carry 2 of them in my pack. I don't' carry any cook set, I carry the Jet boil and mountain house meals and a titanium spoon. All you need to do is boil water for the MH meals, coffee, hot cider or chocolate... no need for pans. I'd carry a couple extra pairs of socks instead of a cook set. It's amazing how much more energy you have when you have fresh socks on your feet!
BB

Tank · Jul 15, 2012

I have do a fair amount of backpack hunting over the past 15 yrs and last year I picked up an Optimus Crux stove. It came with a pot and cup that hold everything. It is a fine unit. My buddy bought the Optimus Lite because it was smaller, but the Crux will boil water much faster. I spent 7 days at 9900' and only used 1 large fuel canister. I thought the weight to burn time was pretty effective, so I think I will be taking it up again this year on a 6 day solo hunt. For a headlamp I use a Zebra 51, it has 6 settings and can put out a lot of light if needed, for such a small unit. Hope this is useful information. Good luck on your hunt.

deepforks · Jul 15, 2012

i was just looking at that same kit with the crux stove. looks nice. thanks for input guys.

tvbrewster · Jul 16, 2012

Fenix HP11 XP-G Headlamp brightest lamp I've owned. Runs on AA batteries. When you close it up and put it in your pack it has covers on the switches so it won't turn on accidently. Kick ass lamp, pricy but well worth it.

EVILNR · Jul 17, 2012

Petzel Tikka+, Homemade Pepsi can stove with coffee can wind break/stand, or an old Coleman Apex2 still putting out the BTU's.

Crunchy · Aug 1, 2012

Black Diamond Icon. Picked it looking for bright, somewhat light weight, and bright. Tired of walking around in the semi dark with my other light weight model that doesnt give me enough light. If you stay on the trail then smaller and lighter is your better bet. If you get into dark timber you need extra light.

deepforks · Aug 12, 2012

ended up getting the optimus weekend he kit w/the crux stove. looks like a nice unit and that little stove puts out some serious btu's!! just placed an order for a petzl tikka xp 2 headlamp. thanks for all the input.

SLIVER · Aug 13, 2012

I also purchased the Optimus Crux stove with the weekend kit. I have been very impressed with this stove. It boils water quick. If you heat something that is high in sodium i.e. canned beef stew, it boils that real quick. This is my first backpacking stove, and I purchased it for my Book Cliffs roadless elk tag. It seems like it should fit the bill nicely.

}}-SLIVER-->

deepforks · Aug 18, 2012

the petzl tikka xp2 is a badass headlamp. super lightweight and comfortable. bright as hell too. i'd recommend it.

LoveBigRacks · Aug 20, 2012

Can't go wrong with Petzl headlamps IMO, good product but I always carry two as someone above said.

I use a military surplus mess kit, it's not ideal or light but it does the trick and can store items inside for pack efficiency when backpacking. I also do the Jetboil + Mtn House so for shorter trips I don't bring the mess kit.

LBR

DoeNob · Aug 21, 2012

LAST EDITED ON Aug-21-12 AT 01:28PM (MST)[p]>the petzl tikka xp2 is a
>badass headlamp. super lightweight and
>comfortable. bright as hell too.
>i'd recommend it.

+2 for this one. It's blinding, just remember to look at your buddies feet if you are talking at dark thirty on the trail. Also, red light setting is good as well.

Stove and mess kit I went with the Snowpeak solo titanium and snopeak gigapower stove. Everything except the spoon (extra long sea to summit titanium) fits in the mess kit, you have a water boiling cup and a coffee/measuring cup.

I don't eat out of any of the metal cooking gear, I don't want to clean anything up. I will eat mountain house/backpackers pantry/mary janes for dinner and if its oatmeal I bring a quart size freezer ziploc bag and use that as my disposable cereal bowl.

goatroper · Aug 21, 2012

JET BOIL...Titanium
coffee's,teas,soups,hot coco,boiling water!its does at all..

head lamps..I hve many!!they all work well..you get what you pay for..