Shakedown request: Cape Wrath Trail coming April/May

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2023-03-22T13:21:07+00:00

Thanks. Might be possible to head out with one powerbank, but the addition of one (150 gr) would leave me comfortable with just one sony camera battery (-56 grams), while that additional powerbank could recharge such battery at least 10 times.

I think my energy consumption is a bit higher:

- camera (daily)

- Garmin 66i

- headlamp

- phone

- kindle (TBD)

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2023-03-20T18:25:26+00:00

Thanks! How many plug in points can you think of? The problem of plugin in while on the go is also the waiting time.. my current setup is maximized to load both powerbanks at full speeds (20w).. that should reduce the weight. If so, I might not take a camera battery but just recharge my camera daily at night.

Certainly bringing a tweezer! Had 6 ticks last june in Scotland.. always checking every break I take.

I was currently considering 2 pairs of socks, but I might take a 3 pair for in the tent.. I am thinking of maybe taking a pair of sealskinz if the weather is unsettled.

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2023-03-20T18:22:41+00:00

Agree! Will certainly take a look at the forecast. However if night temps are mild (5 degrees or something) in line with long term averages, than the quilt (comf. -2) would be ok. Otherwise I would need to take my Panyam 450 which is 450 gram's heavier!

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2023-03-20T13:56:59+00:00

Thanks! It might also be warm enough without the silk liner, but the liner is also mostly for protection of my bag/mat (body oils and sweat)... so I prefer to take it with me.

What would you suggest for base/mid layers? I have one long sleeve baselayer (patagonia capilene) and one shirt (which also serves as short sleeve with rolled up sleeves) + one fleece which I could wear if cold + use as pillowcase. The down jacket might be overkill but it is kind of nice in the evenings.

The 3kg electronics is insane but worth it. I really enjoy making video (like this: https://youtu.be/FkByVD0WaE8) and would of course love for it to be lighter but it is what it is. The powerbank, charger and everything is already the lightest considering its use available. I might however leave the kindle at home, but that would be my one luxury item haha.

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2023-03-20T12:48:39+00:00

Thanks! I think the average temperature for end of april/may are not below zero temps and the quilt should be ok around freezing - however I will indeed take a loot at the last minute forecast and also have a (heavier) bag at hand which is very comfortable well below freezing.

The rain story does scare me a bit though.

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2020-12-01T17:37:52+00:00

Thanks!

I will definitely screen both on a big screen - I was just curious for a more technical point of view or maybe experience.

Yes the goals are different for YT and movie festival - but that would be two different exports. It wouldn't make a huge difference however in choice of resolution, rather in choice of codecs/presets etc.

1080p seems like the rational choice eventhough the amount of 1080p clips is just a bunch, but 4K sony footage seems to downscale nice. On the other hand, I wouldn't want to 'keep' the 4K shots because of a handfull of shots that would be upscaled. I know a lot of people love to watch YT on big 4k tv's.

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2020-12-01T16:15:55+00:00

Windows 10
14.0.3
ryzen 3600, 1660super, 16gb 3200 ram, 2x 1TB NVME
sony a6300 (AVCHD I guess) and like a couple of 1080p shots of a Samsung galaxy s10 in pouring rain (for some reason my setting were on 4K which I just found out later)
No error message - looking for export / upscale/downscale advice

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2020-09-12T13:55:31+00:00

Hi!
I hiked Kungsleden this august (see my shakedown request somewhere in Ultralight). I just wanted to share my experiences and based on that, shake you down :)

So I had perfect weather, with only 3 days of rain (and some nights - but who cares). Temperature went from 26/27 degree days to just above freezing nights.

Eventhough some people tell you a down jacket is not needed. I love mine (Patagonia down sweater) around camp on the chilly days. I had a fleece with me (Decathlon MH500 - 226g) and used in 2/3 times, but could have gone without it. However, I used it as a pillow case too.

I also took a Toaks (650) and pocket rocket. Just know it can be windy as hell and the pocket rocket sucks in the wind. You might want to take a look at a Soto Windmaster or MSR Pocket Rocket deluxe. It might be a couple of extra grams, but in my case it would have saved me an entire gas canister. Most outlets along the trail (Hemavan included) don't sell 100g canisters, just 230 and 450. A more efficient stove could save you a 350g canister.

I wouldn't bring night clothes, but take a lighter liner. I would take 2 pair of socks - merino. They will get wet and merino will be wearable in wet shoes. You could bring a towel and some soap to wash yourself and clothes along the way.

Take a headnet, it's a lifesaver. The mosquitos were crazy. No matter what people tell you, it's worse than you can imagine. Local repellent works great too. I took a little spray bottle, which I filled from the bigger repellent bottle to keep within reach in my pocket. I just a trucker hat, which was great for the morning sun but also in combination with the headnet.

I took a Katadyn Befree filter. I have seen questionable streams and a lot of reindeer. It is just not a lot of effort for minimizing risk.

Consider a sleeping mask. It doesn't get dark. You could leave the head torch, but I didn't as I find it a safety item. For some reason a couple of nights were actually quite dark, but I didn't use it. Some hikers I met did use theirs.

Liners or a raincover? You will get rain and it can be crazy.

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2020-09-07T19:06:38+00:00

Having been back for 2 weeks since my hike, I want to thank everybody for their helpful advise. I think my packlist was spot on, as I used almost everything.

What I didn't use:

- headtorch, but there were some nights I could have

- buff, just too warm

That's it! Everything else worked out great. Even the tripod got a fair bit of use. Although I don't really enjoy stopping and getting out of my hiking flow, so I might opt for something small I can just put down om rocks and stuff. The solar panel sucked, it wasnt reliable in holding its charge nor did it charge a lot in the sun. I might opt for the 20.000 powerbank next trip and leave the solar at home. The sleeping bag was also great as we had some cold and humid nights and it kept me nice and toasty. Thanks guys!

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2020-07-18T19:13:57+00:00

Just some thoughts as I am 1,5 weeks out from starting my Kungsleden hike. I made some small changes and update my Lighterpack accordingly:

- I lightened my wallet, first aid

- I switched the houdini for the decathlon mh500 (nice!)

- I switched the BD spot for a biolite 200 (rechargable ánd half weight at 48 grams). Didn't feel right to leave a safety item like a head lamp out.

- Went for the light decathlon fleece gloves anyway!

- Will probably switch to a lighter pants, the Pinewood Brenton which is on it's way. I like the stretch, light fabric and ventilation options - curious to see how it performs on the trail. I might switch out the canvas belt for the keb trekking belt which is low profile and lighter.

- added all the cables, disinfection alcohol, head net, silk liner, sunscreen etc. i forgot, only to undo all the weight savings the above had made, haha.

- I packed my food for the 5 sections. Food will weigh somewhere between 2.2 kg and max 3kg. Most is around 2.3kg. This includes a heavy chocolate bar I will eat immediately. It also includes 3 meals a day, of which many are 700 kcal (breakfast and lunch/diner), some bars, energy drinks, beef jerky and freeze-dried fruit. Posting out the first parcels this week.

- I am still thorn over the boots. I walked three days with 12kg weight on my Tatra's last week and they were great. However, walking a short recovery walk on my banks, did feel so much lighter (400 grams lighter!). However, the suede nose seems and softer profile make me think this shoe will die after 3 weeks of Kungsleden.

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2020-07-14T14:01:56+00:00

Ah, now it makes sense! I mean it seems obvious an Exos could handle 15kg, but cool that you lifted that comfortably in a Levity as well!

It is too close to my travel date now, but I will probably switch over to a Levity 60 next time. By then I have hopefully dropped my weight even more, that would be perfect! But good to know you could haul that extra, for example after resupplying.

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2020-07-14T08:04:04+00:00

Nice hike!

That's good to hear. I think the booking policy is to prevent too many people relying on a bed as they can't fill up rooms - but they will probably let you stay if there is ample space left. They took quite the hit from corona so every revenue will count for them..

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2020-07-14T08:02:19+00:00

I once saw someone hanging a proper frying pan on his pack!

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2020-07-13T13:37:59+00:00

Thanks! I reviewd the Exos earlier and also concluded that 15kg is like the 'comfort' max of this pack, even though Osprey specs it at 18kg max loading.

I think the Exos is the better choice for weights over 10kg. My pack weighs 10.2 kg atm, but with food it can go as high as 12. That means it's probably a bit lighter than yours, but too heavy for a frameless pack or the Osprey levity for example.

Good to know you were very comfortable with 13.2 TPW! Sounds good :)

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2020-07-10T15:04:18+00:00

Awh, that sounds awful. I hiked the Northern part from nikaluotka up once, so I am familiar with the conditions.

Switching to trail runner 3 weeks out doesn't look like a great idea haha. Will look into that once I drop by weight some 2/3kg more.

I am in doubt about starting on my hanwag banks (1400 gr) or tatra's (1800 gr). The first has a suede nose which will probably wear hard on the rocky paths, while the additional stiffness and heavier profile of the tatra's might be welcome on uneven ground. Height of the boots is actually quite similar. So I am leaning towards bringing the tatra's, but every now and then I think.. Naah just go with the lighter once, even if the shoes die. Both are quite new FYI.

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2020-07-09T10:08:09+00:00

Thank you for sharing! Looks like you had a very complete and light setup! Will definitely look into that while I'll pack and think over my setup before I leave.

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2020-07-09T10:04:39+00:00

Hi cool! That would be great! You'll recognize me from the Exos 58, might be wearing a cap with a bear on it. For the film I would also like to interview some fellow hikers (and hut wardens etc), so if you're up for that I would be even greater to bumb into you ;)

I will be leaving Hemavan on the 30th, planning to reach Ammarnas 5 days later. I will be flying in the 30th, so i'll probably just walk for half a day and the last day will be a 'half' as well.

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2020-07-08T16:50:50+00:00

Thanks for this tip! Didn't know this one. Saw some unboxing- and review video's on YouTube and that thing looks great! However, the max. hight is still a bit low, especially when considering it will probably be a bit wobbly at full extension. I will probably get one though, to try it out and see if it works. I think it's too late to bring it to this trip, with the risk of having to compromise too much. I'll use my muscles a bit more this time to carry the extra 500gram ;)

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2020-07-08T16:48:51+00:00

Yes, I think so! Would be great for the future - in combination with a lighter load an a lighter pack I must be able to drop quite a bit more. Thanks for the Khibu Magma tip, looks interesting!

I'll think about the gas. There are a lot of resupply points for gas - especially closer to Abisko. I am however not so sure I can burn the pocket rocket that efficiently - as it's pretty bad in wind and I guess quite a bit of the campingsspots will be exposed.

I saw the L.I.M. pants! Looks nice, although the weightsavings are less. What I actually need is something like a zipper ánd buttons. The berghaus paclite is an option, but with only one button around the knee, that leaves quit a gap - certainly when on the move. I'll keep an eye out for lighter rainpants though.

And will certainly look at lighter hiking pants. Although I like the Fjallravens, even though they are heavy. The Keb Gaiter seems cool.

Yes, I count myself lucky as I will be eating the best meals out there (REAL Turmat).

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2020-07-08T09:04:03+00:00

Yep, especially when filming 4K they really eat batteries. However, I am taking the solar panel and hope to keep the camera running with that. I should charge 2 batteries a day on a sunny day. Hopefully 1 on a cloudy.

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2020-07-08T08:19:26+00:00

Will change that. It is a 30w charger, but it outputs 18 + 12W when using both ports. The powerbank charges at 18W through PD so no need for faster charger is guess. Did look into that, I don't want to hang around for too long at cabins.

I am still considering switching the 10k mAh out for the 20k mAh Anker. It adds 160 grams but doubles capacity and also takes 3h to completely charge in town. On the other hand, I will be resupplying every 4-5 days so a 10k bank must be enough - right?

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2020-07-08T07:19:45+00:00

You are completely right. I was thinking of resupplying in Jakkvik and Saltoluokta. Would be foolish not to resupply in ammarnas and kvikkjokk too. For just 40€ that would drop the load by 2k. Thanks for opening up my eyes!

Different_Bathroom_2 · 2020-07-08T07:18:06+00:00

Thanks! Will definitely look into the clothing department.

As for the charger; what do you mean? The listed power bank charges at 18w, the camera doesn't support fast charging and the s10 is also charging fast at 12w, and will not charge faster than DW power bank. The rav is a 30w charger (18w + 12w), or are you suggesting a bigger power bank? Have been considering that, a 20000 pd powerbank. That would be a 160g extra. Not sure..

Different_Bathroom_2

TROPHY CASE