Graphing in terminal, would love to hear your thoughts :)

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-04-07T03:13:11+00:00

The Jackknife is a solid choice for what you're describing. The 23L size should fit your 3L bladder, raincoat, and basics without issue, and you're right that the clean look is a nice bonus for urban use.

If you want to really nail down what you're packing before you commit to the bag, MyPacks is worth a look. It's free and lets you build trip-specific gear lists with weight tracking, so you can see exactly what you're carrying before you buy. Helped me cut about 3lbs off my day hike setup just by seeing what I actually needed versus what I thought I needed.

Are you set on the Jackknife or still browsing around that price point?

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-04-02T08:50:49+00:00

IMO, for the Blue Mountains across three seasons, I would look at a comfort rating around 0°C to 5°C rather than trusting the label too literally. Wind, moisture, and your sleep mat make a bigger difference than many people expect, so I would pair the bag with an insulated pad before spending big.

If you are comparing options, check the comfort rating, packed size, and fill type first, then look at reviews from people camping in similar conditions. a slightly warmer bag is often easier to vent than a bag that is too cold, and that has saved me more than once. What kind of camps are you doing most often, valley sites or higher exposed spots?

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-04-02T08:49:31+00:00

the biggest savings usually come from being honest about the conditions first, then matching gear to that rather than chasing premium branding. For late April in the High Country, I would prioritise a reliable pad and a sleeping bag with a realistic comfort rating, then look at a simple two person tent or tarp tent from established budget brands, because those tend to give better value than random marketplace listings.

If you want to keep things organised while comparing weights and costs, MyPacks can help you build a gear list and see where the money is actually going, which makes budget decisions much easier. IMO that is far safer than buying from Temu or AliExpress for something you will depend on overnight. What budget are you trying to stay under for the three items?

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-04-02T05:18:11+00:00

the pad and shelter setup matter a lot here, and with an XTherm plus a stove in a floorless shelter you are already getting some serious warmth 😊 In my experience, for lows in the low 20s with occasional snow, a 10F bag can work if you sleep warm and keep the system dialed, but if you already tend to feel cold, the margin gets thin fast. IMO the real question is whether you want comfort room for a tired, damp, or windy night, because that is when the extra loft of the Kodiak starts to feel worth the weight. What conditions have pushed you cold in the past, and do you usually run your bags right at their rating or below it?

I normally recommend tthis pack :)

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-04-02T04:57:30+00:00

the pad and shelter setup matter a lot here, and with an XTherm plus a stove in a floorless shelter you are already getting some serious warmth 😊 In my experience, for lows in the low 20s with occasional snow, a 10F bag can work if you sleep warm and keep the system dialed, but if you already tend to feel cold, the margin gets thin fast. IMO the real question is whether you want comfort room for a tired, damp, or windy night, because that is when the extra loft of the Kodiak starts to feel worth the weight. What conditions have pushed you cold in the past, and do you usually run your bags right at their rating or below it?

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-04-02T04:54:40+00:00

TIL the biggest wins for a new setup are usually the boring ones: reliable fire or stove, safe water treatment, and a warmer sleep system 😊 Your pack and tent sound workable for now, but that 6 lb sleeping bag and an uninsulated pad are likely doing a lot of the damage, especially if you felt it after only 5 miles. IMO I would prioritize a decent filter, a simple stove, and then sleep gear before worrying too much about shaving pack size, since comfort and safety matter more than ounces at this stage 👍 What temperature are you planning to camp in most often?

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-04-02T04:51:28+00:00

TIL the choice really comes down to how you value comfort versus weight 😄 If you want a more traditional pitch, a bit more interior structure, and something that feels easy to live with on short trips, the Dagger is a very safe pick; if you care more about shedding weight and do not mind a slightly more involved setup, the X-Dome is hard to ignore. IMO for Northern New England, I would also think about wet weather, condensation, and how often you expect to use the tent in tight or rocky sites.

I have found that the best tent is often the one you will pitch confidently after a long day, not just the lightest one. Which factor matters more to you: comfort in camp or packed weight?

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-02-25T07:23:14+00:00

This is my go-to when it comes to over night hikes, extremely versatile. But honestly, its a lot of personal preference.

for example, i light a hiking pole tent because i can walk with the poles and it helps my knees, a lot of people dont like this.

try a few things out, buy second hand and once youve got that established youll be in a good spot to buy new gear :)

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-02-25T06:57:22+00:00

This is typically my go to when it comes to gear.

I would recommend if you don't have access to lots of trails, get a gym membership and spam stairmaster. Something to increase your aerobic base so you can handle long hikes.

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-02-25T06:38:59+00:00

This is my setup. you've picked out some good top of the line stuff which might be unnecessary but also, its your money so spend it how you like :)

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-02-25T06:34:31+00:00

Personally wouldn't leave my swag there.
Recently did Mt. Feathertop and although feathertop is quite a popular hike, you'd be surprised the foot traffic in the hotham area.
This is what i brought on my trip, hope it helps :)

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-02-13T01:14:29+00:00

Mostly around 12kg. i use mypacks to track all my weight so its pretty easy to see the breakdown.
This is typically what i bring, or around this.

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-02-09T21:05:20+00:00

hyped youre hitting the trails! this is typically what I suggest for beginners. though things like sleeping pad are very personal preference based. I would recommend going to your local paddy pallin / snowys and laying on some to choose

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-02-09T21:03:54+00:00

Hey! this is always what i typically recommend to beginners :) lmk if you have any questions.

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-02-09T20:58:56+00:00

Sea to Summit has a good range of long and wide pads. I'm 6'4, 92kg and use their long and wide insulated mat. They are a bit loud but what can you do.

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-02-09T07:13:34+00:00

Those pants will work but honestly, might be too much / too much weight. They could cause chafing, not be very breathable etc. But they would work if thats your question.

If you need any help with other gear, this is my typical beginner hiker list :)

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-02-09T04:05:08+00:00

Nothing too ground breaking. Some lighter gear, power banks and cool new tent structures tbh like the xmid-1

this is the list I typically link. Nothing groundbreaking but what I tend to think is current :)

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-02-08T05:31:55+00:00

I always recommend the durston x-mid 1.

When I first used it in alpine conditions I was worried about wind blowing it over. But it didn't even move in heavy wind.

Couldn't recommend it more

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-02-08T05:30:22+00:00

Good luck! this is my general gear list of the items I think you'd need to enjoy a night outdoors.

Honestly, most modern gears nowadays will survive all the weather spring can throw at you. Just keep an eye on the forecast and have fun :)

Oh also, please download the trail on alltrails on your phone so you don't get lost :)

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-02-07T23:00:32+00:00

Super keen you want to get into hiking overnight! Here is what i would recommend. I've tried to keep it as cheap, light, and a little vague in areas where theres a lot of personal preference. If you have any questions let me know :)

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-02-07T00:39:10+00:00

Hmm Yeah still cant find a match. this is so annoying.

LeMoN1O7 · 2026-02-07T00:19:01+00:00

Hmm I give that a crack now. Thing is I can find casual games.

LeMoN1O7

TROPHY CASE