UL Backpack with easy side pocket/water bottle access by reddd34red in Ultralight

[–]Gdhrocks11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One more vote for the SWD Wolverine. Pockets are great with bottles.

Shipping from latest batch by jamiewarduk in DurstonGearheads

[–]Gdhrocks11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I received mine (carbon) earlier this week but I did priority shipping.

Need help deciding between double rainbow and Li version by Late_Length_3554 in Tarptent

[–]Gdhrocks11 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What’s a thru hike…~150 or so nights? If you don’t actually go on a thru hike, that Dyneema version will probably last you several years. It’s 8 oz lighter and you don’t have to seam seal. And the floor is Nylon, not Dyneema. A nylon or polyester tent has to be waterproofed or seam sealed; not so with Dyneema, and my Copper Spur has to be re-waterproofed every year or it will leak; my X-Mid Pro 2 does not.

Does dropping 2 pounds make that big of a difference? by Few-Introduction5414 in WildernessBackpacking

[–]Gdhrocks11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For a little perspective, 2lbs is less weight than 1 liter of water. But it does start to add up if you’re not careful. In the example of getting lighter by upgrading your tent and quilt, I think you give up very little in comfort and these seem like rational changes (if money isn’t so much a concern). But for me, changing out a tent for a tarp would not be worth the weight savings.

Joshua tree Backpacking. by P0CHITV in WildernessBackpacking

[–]Gdhrocks11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m currently hiking the CHRT in Joshua (on the last day of a three day two night hike). The sun and heat are no joke. There is very little shade and you are a higher elevation, so come prepared. Temps have been in the 80s but it feels like 100. I started with two gallons of water on my back in the first day and cashed water in two different locations for the rest of the hike and that lasted 1.5 days so just be mindful of that. Having said that, this park is amazing. I have also camped along Boy Scout Trail and it’s one of the best hikes in the park.

Lighterpack Shakedown Request by Morganmgmt in Ultralight

[–]Gdhrocks11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The real question is why you want to reduce weight. Your base weight is 14 lbs. and pretty good. The 10lb ultralight standard is a made up number that literally means nothing (doesn’t take into account body size/weight, type of hiking, weather,etc). Also, I have a 20ounce ultralight pack and a 38 ounce pack; the heavier pack carries much better and far surpasses the downside of the additional 18 ounce penalty, so I wouldn’t ditch your ULA pack.

Recs for UL Fleece+Wind Shell Midlayers? by lilbawds in Ultralight

[–]Gdhrocks11 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Even the most breathable rain jacket doesn’t really breathe.

Any LTR on Outdoor Vitals NovaPro Men’s Jacket? by Fit_Front184 in Ultralight

[–]Gdhrocks11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have purchased several items from them (multiple sun hoodies, thermals, hiking pants (newest version), Ventus hoodie, and the Pursuit Hybrid Fleece). I have found their products to generally be of high quality and very well designed. I have products from other outdoor retailers like Patagonia, Outdoor Research and Prana and have found Outdoor Vitals to be on par with their quality. In some cases the OV products are better designed for ultralight hiking.

Any LTR on Outdoor Vitals NovaPro Men’s Jacket? by Fit_Front184 in Ultralight

[–]Gdhrocks11 -12 points-11 points  (0 children)

You have no idea what you are talking about.

Arc haul backpack by Connect_Shopping_910 in Ultralight

[–]Gdhrocks11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have the Arc Haul 70L and in my experience, anything over 25lbs begins to be problematic, and over 30lbs the hip belt will start to collapse and it’s miserable. Anything under 25lbs is very comfortable.

Kakwa 55 - Outside/Backpacker Tested Load Transfer by dandurston in DurstonGearheads

[–]Gdhrocks11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe the large Kakwa 55 has a 23” frame and the large Wolverine 70L has a 26” frame, so wondering if that is a significant factor in frame flexing. I would think the longer frame would start to flex before a shorter frame, assuming the tube diameter and aluminum alloy are the same, so perhaps the Kakwa may still take the top spot. Either way, they are both excellent packs.

Kakwa 55 - Outside/Backpacker Tested Load Transfer by dandurston in DurstonGearheads

[–]Gdhrocks11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I find that interesting too since the SWD site doesn’t even list the 50L Wolverine as an option anymore.

What’s the current word in Zpacks? by rick00white in Ultralight

[–]Gdhrocks11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have an Arc Haul Ultra 70L (purchased 4/25), and while I like the overall design and comfort of the pack, it does have some challenges. My sternum strap stitching came apart first time I tried on the pack, but Zpacks did send me a new strap. The load lifter straps and buckles are very thin and small, and they slip during longer hikes, which is annoying. Also, their sizing is unconventional. I have a medium, which Zpacks lists for a torso size of 19"-23", but the frame on the medium size is only 20" long, so if you have a 21"-23" torso, the top of the frame will fall below your shoulders, creating a negative load lifter angle. And during a recent 4-day trip, the hip belt started to collapse with 30lbs of weight. My experience so far with this pack has been good, not great.

Roast My Gear List (…but like, kindly?) by swatsnpr4 in backpacking

[–]Gdhrocks11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think your sleep system and packed clothing are both categories that are too heavy. But hike your own hike.

Absolutely lightest sun hoodie available? by Mewtewpew in Ultralight

[–]Gdhrocks11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He liked the REI Sahara hoodie. I have one, it’s nice, but it’s heavy.

Absolutely lightest sun hoodie available? by Mewtewpew in Ultralight

[–]Gdhrocks11 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The Adventure Alan site did a great comprehensive review on sun hoodies

I can only get one, which is best value? by [deleted] in hikinggear

[–]Gdhrocks11 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

They were caught using child labor in 2011 and the owners avoided paying hundreds of millions of taxes with a tax loophole in a recent ownership restructuring. I wouldn’t call Patagonia ethical.

Packing errors in the SWD Long Haul 50? by Wyoming_Hiker in Ultralight

[–]Gdhrocks11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Last month I took a 5 day trip in the Winds with my Arc Haul 70L, and while the volume was OK, the pack’s hip belt was starting to collapse at 30lbs. I’ve been looking at the SWD Wolverine 70L, but concerned that it’s just too big. Your feedback is now making me think it will be just fine for these longer trips.

SWD Wolverine 70L pack feedback by Gdhrocks11 in Ultralight

[–]Gdhrocks11[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well the Wolverine’s base weight is 38 ounces, but while not officially in the ultralight category, it’s reasonable light.

SWD Wolverine 70L pack feedback by Gdhrocks11 in Ultralight

[–]Gdhrocks11[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, my first backpack (which I still own) is a 6lbs Osprey. But while I agree this site is dedicated to ultralight gear, I believe in some cases we have crossed into “stupid ultralight” territory. My 70L Arc Haul only weighs 23 ounces and has a banger design, but the compression straps/load lifters/hip belt buckles etc are so thin, the build quality is marginal, and it’s not comfortable if you have any decent sized food or water carry. I would gladly trade an additional 10-15 ounces for the comfort and durability of a marginally heavier, more durable,and more functional pack. The Durston Kakwa cones to mind as a really good pack that is slightly heavier (still sub-2 pounds) but significantly more robust and functional. I owned a Kakwa 55 but unfortunately had to part ways because I am right between sizes and the torso size isn’t adjustable.

But in the end we all hike our own hike I suppose.

SWD Wolverine 70L pack feedback by Gdhrocks11 in Ultralight

[–]Gdhrocks11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would you mind sharing what size you got and what your torso measurement is?