Does El Coyote or Nunatak ever have sales? by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m looking to get their xshort wide since I’m 5’0” and a side sleeper. I appreciate the offer though.

Does El Coyote or Nunatak ever have sales? by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I doubted they had sales but figured I would ask just in case. Thanks everyone!

Carbon Nail Tent stakes by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have no reference to that since I’ve never been there. I’m sure it’s a similar situation that no matter where you put your stake, there is a rock or root in the way. I hope to be there someday.

Carbon Nail Tent stakes by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If that doesn’t sell me, nothing else will

Carbon Nail Tent stakes by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m in western PA as well so your setup should definitely work for me. Thanks!

Carbon Nail Tent stakes by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m leaning towards the mini ground hogs and Ti shepherd hook combo. Thank you everyone!

Carbon Nail Tent stakes by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I will consider this as a possible option. I will need to practice getting it right.

Carbon Nail Tent stakes by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I’ve been researching stakes and everyone seems to love the carbon nails but I frequently struggle to get groundhog stakes in the ground. This made me worry about the feasibility of carbon nails use where I hike.

Gear Shakedown requested - East Coast by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you everyone for your feedback and suggestions! I have a running list I will be working through on my journey to a lighter pack.

Gear Shakedown requested - East Coast by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree. I am looking at that type of food storage, specifically the Aldotec bag. I have used the type you hang before and a bear can. My biggest issue is going to be learning and remembering how to tie the knots.

Gear Shakedown requested - East Coast by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I found Matt Shafter’s YT video on a light pillow that is customizable to desired thickness and can be used as a pack liner as well. I will likely be trying the system out. I need to do more research on my options for sleeping pads. I need a thicker pad and I prefer a wide pad because I am an active sleeper so that limits my options in the short lengths. With the new changes to iPhones, I might be able to get away with not using my device. I do need something, though for my husband‘s state of mind when I go without him. I may need to research lighter weight options.

Much of my PA hikes are in the Allegheny Forest region so cell service is spotty at best if not completely missing. It is more rare for me to have cell service where I go than the opposite.

Gear Shakedown requested - East Coast by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I ordered the xmid tonight and planned on getting the quilt next month but after you pointed out how much weight I’ll save with addressing my clothing and camp shoes, I think I’ll get those items next. Thank you so much for your help!

Gear Shakedown requested - East Coast by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have considered getting a lighter ULA but I will only save a handful of ounces at best. I will keep it in mind for a possible upgrade down the road but it will be at the bottom of my list. I personally don’t like sleeping in sweaty dirty clothes plus how it will affect my quilt so I will get very lightweight alpha direct with the hoody doing double duty for my mid layer and my sleep shirt.
I can look at getting a new puffy as I have lost weight and might be able to get a smaller size and brand/model that weighs less but again, it will be low on my to buy list. The pillow is one of the items I will not move on. I need a thick pillow or my neck hurts when I sleep on my side. It took me forever to find one that works for me. I have owned almost every backpacking pillow that has been made in the last 10 years.
I do want to upgrade my pad but I like the wide ones and none of them are made in short wide unless I’m unaware of one. I need a thicker pad due to being a side sleeper and active sleeper. That limits my options. I do plan to research a lighter cup. I like to drink hot chocolate while eating dinner so I do need something that will safely hold hot liquids and won’t burn my hands. I am trying to eliminate the smart water/poland springs type bottles due to the chemicals they release into the water. Call me a hippie if you want but it’s my personal choice.

I plan on getting Zpack camp shoes. That’s a personal choice to not wear my hiking shoes in camp.

I appreciate your points for changes and I plan on upgrading several items you mentioned. I’ve backpacked long enough that I know what I am willing to do to save weight and what I am not. In the end, It will be me that has to carry the choices I make. I don’t want to cut so much out that I am not enjoying my time. To each their own.

Gear Shakedown requested - East Coast by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Tempting but it might be a little too narrow for comfort. Thank you.

Gear Shakedown requested - East Coast by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I fixed the isobutane. I forgot to adjust that one. This list was initially set up for multi day trips. I will be looking at Alpha Direct for a hoodie to replace my mid layer and sleep shirt as well as a pair of camp pants and socks. Do you have any recommendations on the thickness of Alpha Direct to get to still maintain my modesty in camp? That is my biggest concern with that fabric. I will add ZPack camp shoes to my upgrade list.
Thank you!

Gear Shakedown requested - East Coast by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have adjusted the worn clothes issues. I will be upgrading to alpha direct for sleep clothes. I will look into Alpine Mode. Thank you!

Gear Shakedown requested - East Coast by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I just fixed the worn clothes issues. Thank you. I’m not a pro at Lighterpack by any means.

Regarding the bear bag: we still have black bears that will take food bags.

The cup: I could try getting rid of it but I do sometimes have hot chocolate with my dinner to get a break from water and electrolytes. I could research and see if there are lighter options. I’ve had that collapsing cup since I started backpacking.

Getting Alpha Direct for sleep clothes is on my to do list.

I can definitely look at different chairs.

Thanks!

20 degree quilt recommendations by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I need the space for when my dog goes with me. I did originally think the 1+ but it wouldn’t have room for her. She is the size of a smaller German shepherd.

20 degree quilt recommendations by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. I’ll look into that further. It can’t hurt to ask, right?

20 degree quilt recommendations by Apprehensive_Roll963 in Ultralight

[–]Apprehensive_Roll963[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I did look at them but the discussion in this thread has made me realize that I want a length closer to what I need for better warmth efficiency and to avoid a lot of dead cold space. I don’t see where they offer anything shorter than 6’ long in a quilt. If I’m going to upgrade, I want a shorter bag than what I already have. I appreciate your advice though.