I'm ready to start buying stuff and need your expert help to make sure I don't order something that will fall apart when I put it on.

I'm trying to buy everything from the same site Gear-zone.co.uk

For the backpack I was going to go with the recomended Ultimate Explorer But that's not on gear zone, so I picked this one out (it's the first one on the page) Karrimor Global It's cheeper and has a day pack.

For the tent I was looking at ether the Vango-Tempest or the Aztec-Rapido

Then a pare of Sandels

I'll buy a money belt and one of them fancy towels too.

Oh and a sleeping bagI don't think I need a really good one I tend to sleep with the window open here I'm not to bothered by cold.

Your help as always is much apreciated. :worship:

Are you leaving in 16 days and only now buying gear? If that's the case I hope your deliveries will be on time!

Both the backpacs look good, but I'm a firm believer that when buying a pack you should try it on. I was going to buy one over the net too, but luckily I opted to go and check it out at a local retailer before purchasing... Let's just say that I'm glad I didn't buy it (otherwise the straps would cut into my shoulders). I ended up buying a different pack, but it felt like it was custom designed for my back.

Looking at the tents I like the Aztec better - if you're using it for backpacking you want to have as little to carry as possible.

As for sandals - I love my Teva's, so I guess I'm biased, but they are great!

A few years ago I bought one of those super absorbant, pack light towels for camping, but I rarely use it anymore. It's good for my hair, but attempting to dry yourself with it in a tiny steamed-up bathroom is a pain... It feels like you can never get 100% dry and I hate that. I'm opting for a washed down (ie: less fluffy, so it will pack better and dry quickly) towel from home.

Sleeping bag - like I said, I'm big into camping, so I have a wicked sleeping bag. My motto is - research it well, buy once and invest a lot - it's money in the bank. Plus this way you won't worry about it in the future. To me buying a 'cheap' sleeping bag means that you'll either be cold or you'll be replacing it within a year. Either way that's a waste of time and money. Buy a good one that is rated for a slightly lower temp then you think you'll need - you can always unzip a bit when it's warm, but it will come in handy for those chilly nights that seem to sneak up on you in the middle of a hot summer.

Hope that helps and best of luck! :thumbup:

Aztec it is! :thumbup:

Me too. :huh:

I'm going to try and order it all today, I've probably left it too fucking late. Shit! Balls on it anyway I'm usually lucky with these kind of things my passport arrived two days before I went to America last time.

I'm leaning towards the Ultimate bag cause it's obviously better than the other one, or is it? Damnit anyway why did I leave it till the last minute.

As long as it holds up for a few months I won't be to disapointed.

I think the Tempest looks like a better buy, for 2 reasons - 1 you'll be able to fit your pack inside the tent with you without having to sleep on it and, 2 bathtub bottom - which means - no water coming through the floor! The Aztec says its 4 season, but doesn't really support the specs.

And alternative for a sleeping bag is just get a sleeping bag liner - you mentioned that you sleep warm anyway.

:cheers:

hum....

I went for the Ultimate backpack anyway I panicked over the time and made an impluse buy, the sales lady told me that it would take a week to get here. I'll have to leave the rest till tomorrow, I only have internet access at work so I'm restricted to nine to five buying.

Dang it, why don't the packs come with instructions there's different compartments and bits and bobs hanging out all over the place.. It's cool though.

haha, that's awesome. Glad you got your pack at least! I'm keeping those fingers crossed that everything else makes it to you in time.

Speaking of sandals, I need a new pair myself. Hmmm.... :thumbup:

I'm sorted now everythings arived.

I only messed up on the sleeping bag it's very bulky. I've left the sandels, I can buy a pair in Portugal and try them on, make sure they fit. There where no 11 and a half ones on the website I went too.

All set for the going away party this weekend, then clean out the flat and I'm set. :stoked: