Derek’s birthday is this coming week and he has treated himself to some new gear. First up was the tent of his dreams; he’s basically been stalking this company and every update on this style tent for a long time now. Secondly was a purchase to compliment one of my pieces of gear: a saw. Let’s get into it!

First up, the tent is a Big Agnes Salt Creek SL3. This tent is roughly 5 pounds, free-standing, has 3 doors, tons of pockets, and an optional awning that is assisted by your two trekking poles. We’ve wanted to test out this tent for a few reasons, mainly the fact that when we do family backpacking trips down the line, we need to have at least 2 tents (for weight management and footprint space). This is an affordable option. We haven’t taken it out yet, we’re still recovering from our collective family bonding sickness, but we have set it up in the yard and sat in it. So, this review will change in time. Thus far though, we are very impressed with the height of the tent (Derek is about five foot ten and would prefer to be able to sit up comfortably while getting changed). We also like the door system. You have two side doors, perfect for when you need to wake up in the middle of the night to pee 2 to 3 times because you’ve given birth 4 times, ya know, hypothetically, and there is also another door out the awning. This will give us plenty of cross breeze and solid ventilation. On the other hand, I’m not in love with the set up. I feel like I would be able to do it solo, but it would take me so much longer. Obviously, this is not a solo tent, this is for 3 people, maybe even 4 if you have young kids with you. But when we do test it, it will be Derek and I. There’s a good chance one of us will start setting up camp while the other gets firewood. I also personally like having two zippers per door. I don’t know why, it just makes it seem easier to me. Is this a silly complaint? Yes. I’m aware of my delusions. Either way, this is a light and attractive 3 person tent for under $400. It’s hard to argue with that.

Derek’s second purchase was a Silky Professional BIGBOY Folding Saw 360mm Large Teeth. I have an axe. He needed a saw. This is science. The Silky saw that he picked up is literally right under a pound. It folds up to be roughly a foot long and honestly works like a much larger tool. I’m not the biggest or strongest person but I do not have to add any real pressure or weight while cutting up limbs. I’m excited to have this out on the trail. With the amount of severe weather Tennessee has encountered in recent times, it will be comforting to know we can at least clean up some of the smaller blowdowns along the way. I have no complaints so far, but we haven’t taken it out yet in the field. It’s just been really handy dealing with our Bradford Pears and lowly Maple branches. But for $80, it seems like a decent purchase. Again, this is something we will update down the line.

So, what are you all buying these days? We have other gear coming in soon and will update you all later. Hopefully, we finally kick this bug and can get back out there. Until then, happy hiking!

Tent and Saw Updates!

Baby’s New Pack

Another hike, Another 100 Miles