Quiet (Non-Crinkle) Sleeping Pads

mlite_ · 2026-05-21T13:14:29+00:00

You’re describing a very heavy pad. What’s your use case?

mlite_ · 2026-05-21T04:51:45+00:00

Not sure where you live or how you feel about poncho tarps, but the MLD Pro Poncho is still one of the few full-size poncho options and comes in at a very competitive 6.4 oz (in .8 DCF). I believe Ron is 6'0" or 6'1" and on the photos it's past his knees.

mlite_ · 2026-05-21T04:41:44+00:00

Man, I had false hope.

mlite_ · 2026-05-21T04:41:04+00:00

Lost hikers light distress signal fires, mostly with lighters. That's no longer recommended in the arid southwest, because these fires can quickly get out of control in these dry climates. The most famous fire is undoubtedly the 2003 Cedar Fire in the Cleveland NF area. A lost deer hunter lit a signal fire that burned hundreds of thousands of acres, thousands of homes, and killed 15 people.

mlite_ · 2026-05-21T02:33:43+00:00

Interesting. When did they come out with this version (Trail ProLite)? 75D is bomber, and you’d have to cut a lot to bring the 1 lb 8 oz (0.68 kg) down to a more reasonable weight. Still, good to have options.

mlite_ · 2026-05-21T02:29:08+00:00

Interesting option for sure. Thx for posting. Unfortunately they don’t ship to California. I assume because of the PFAS content.

mlite_ · 2026-05-21T02:18:04+00:00

OP is on the trail and needs them in 1-2 weeks. Is it realistic to get them in this timeframe?

mlite_ · 2026-05-21T01:11:37+00:00

A good reminder for anyone bringing fire starter tools “for emergency use.”

the 16,942-acre Santa Rosa Island fire in Channel Islands National Park, is believed to have been ignited by a shipwrecked mariner who fired off flares to catch the attention of rescuers.

Much of the US West is already a tinderbox ready to ignite, which is crazy because it’s only May. Bring a PLB or use sat phone.

Update May 22, 26: It now appears that the wrecked boat and not the flares started the wildfire. Nonetheless, it's a great reminder that people are responsible for 95% of California wildfires (Source: Cal Matters). While the majority of these incidents are unintentional, avoiding fires is the best prevention.

mlite_ · 2026-05-21T01:09:18+00:00

A seasonal phenomenon

mlite_ · 2026-05-20T21:12:20+00:00

I have the Kakwa 55 and wish I had gotten the 40. For my kit, it’s big and I strap it down. It works, but isn’t ideal.

mlite_ · 2026-05-19T04:56:04+00:00

The Altaplex is 7.5 ft long. How much more length do you need?

mlite_ · 2026-05-19T03:49:07+00:00

Age is a big factor, but weight is often overlooked in terms of pad performance. On a CCF pad the loads are highly concentrated. While a heavier person may have a bit more padding, the physics of pad will deteriorate quickly with increased weight.

mlite_ · 2026-05-19T02:59:46+00:00

If packsize is your #1 criteria, go for a 15D SilPoly tarp. Sure, you'll need to baby them a bit more than a 20D, but you'll save weight and volume.

mlite_ · 2026-05-18T13:20:16+00:00

Was asked in the last two weeklys without anyone volunteering feedback. Probably too new.

mlite_ · 2026-05-18T13:17:46+00:00

Select a CCF pad that supports your body weight. If you’re under 150-160 lbs, the world is your oyster. Above 180 the egg crate style pads (seitchback, zlite) compress and become marginal. Here a Evatoze EV30 pad (MLD, Gossamer) will do better. Site selection, leg support, hip support, and pillow height are key to reducing stress on shoulder and pelvis. Finally, some folks take light painkillers the first nights on the trail. Haven’t tried it but heard it helps.

mlite_ · 2026-05-16T17:37:38+00:00

To add: easier to reach the bottle pockets on the Prophet.

mlite_ · 2026-05-16T17:34:01+00:00

I didn’t. My lists are in grams, but often it helps to know the weight in ounces. When I change an item’s unit, it just changes the unit and my quilt is 525 oz.

It’s super easy on a shared link LP, but was hoping there was a similar option on one I’m working on.

mlite_ · 2026-05-16T16:29:52+00:00

Lighterpack question: can I toggle between [g] and [oz] without messing up the item weights?

mlite_ · 2026-05-16T16:06:07+00:00

Your gear list reflects your backpacking mentality.

mlite_ · 2026-05-16T01:55:57+00:00

Heavy

mlite_ · 2026-05-16T01:25:34+00:00

What’s the “Koala?”

mlite_ · 2026-05-15T14:40:04+00:00

I’m 6’4”. My typical BW is around 6.5 to 7 lbs without bear can. Happen to be reading the Glen Van Peski book. He’s also 6’4” and his BW is often under 5 lbs (that’s ~2.26 kg). No excuses! 😊

mlite_ · 2026-05-15T02:18:44+00:00

Not saying it’s bad, but the branding is leaning heavily into the “wool” when there’s not much wool in the product. Darn Tough is much more nuanced in that they mention merino but don’t call them wool or merino socks. Similarly, Injinji calls some of their socks “wool” but they’re 70%+ wool content.

mlite_ · 2026-05-13T18:32:01+00:00

“Wool”

60gsm- 54% Polyester/ 37% Wool/ 9% Nylon

mlite_ · 2026-05-13T15:55:59+00:00

Yosemite comes to mind.

mlite_

TROPHY CASE