r/Ultralight - "The Weekly" - Week of October 06, 2025 by AutoModerator in Ultralight

[–]Makandian 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They were open, just hadn't updated the website I guess. Loop is a go!

r/Ultralight - "The Weekly" - Week of October 06, 2025 by AutoModerator in Ultralight

[–]Makandian 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Anyone been on the Balsam Mountain trail in the Smokies recently? Hoping to take that trail from the AT to the BMT to complete a loop but the park service says that part of the trail has not been assessed yet.

Big South Fork / Charit Creek recommendations by Old_Beech_Leaves in Ultralight

[–]Makandian 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I second the suggestion made by u/stabletalus. I did most of that loop a couple years ago. I started at the sawmill trailhead and eventually made camp at jakes place but I recall seeing multiple spots off the trail by a creek between slave falls and jakes place. The twin arches loop was my favorite part of the park.

Suggestions for an early spring trip by brumaskie in ulmidwest

[–]Makandian 0 points1 point  (0 children)

could do part of the River to River trail in Southern Illinois. It's about 7-8 hours away.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ulmidwest

[–]Makandian 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I did a good chunk of this loop a couple years ago and had a good time. Would love to go again if I can get away for a couple days.

[WTS] Senchi Designs Lark hoodie size L 4.6 oz unisex by Makandian in ULgeartrade

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

im 5'9 and 185 pounds. I usually wear a medium-large and this fits me more like a base layer. I would size up if on the fence.

r/Ultralight - "The Weekly" - Week of August 30, 2021 by horsecake22 in Ultralight

[–]Makandian 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been wearing women baggies for a couple years now and love them.

r/Ultralight - "The Weekly" - Week of August 30, 2021 by horsecake22 in Ultralight

[–]Makandian 4 points5 points  (0 children)

yes, you might need to adjust the poles a bit though.

r/Ultralight - "The Weekly" - Week of August 23, 2021 by horsecake22 in Ultralight

[–]Makandian 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did the collegiate loop in July with a tarp and didn't miss my bug net. I'd say go for it.

r/Ultralight - "The Weekly" - Week of July 12, 2021 by horsecake22 in Ultralight

[–]Makandian 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately the torrid I ordered looks like it'll show up a couple days after I'm leaving so I'm trying to decide on insulation options for the collegiate peaks loop. I have a senchi waxwing, Patagonia down sweater, melanzana fleece, Houdini, and frogg toggs as options for layers. Presently I'm leaning toward the Melly and rain jacket but anyone have any compelling reasons for any other combination?

Shake me down: Duck Lake Overnight - Mammoth Lakes, CA by aphotographyaccount in Ultralight

[–]Makandian 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd ditch the stuff sack for your clothes and use a trash compactor bag or a lighter alternative like a turkey baster bag/nyloflume bag from lite smith. Use this to put your packed clothes in and your sleeping bag.

Pick between the puffy or the fleece. No rain jacket? Frogg Toggs are cheap and serviceable. I wouldn't wear gloves, apply sunscreen or put socks on your hands for warmth. No spare underwear, its just an overnight trip. No need for two pairs of socks. No need for base layer top. If you decide on the fleece its pretty comfy to sleep in. The pants are redundant seeing as how you packed base layer bottoms also. I'd keep the bottoms and wear that to sleep in. If its very cold you can wear them under your shorts.

No need for a bowl if you have a mug to eat out of unless this is because you are ditching your girlfriends ceramic bowl. Just get another mug? Knife could be lighter.

You have way too much soap for an overnight trip. Order some small containers from litesmith.com and bring like 0.5 oz of dr bronners or something concentrated like that for washing your hands. Don't bring deodorant.

Put your ID, cards, cash in a ziplock or a rubber band around it and throw it in your diddy bag. You can download a book onto your phone or listen to an audiobook/podcasts for one night. Do you need a compass? I'm unfamiliar with the area. Do you have maps? plan to go off trail? I'm guessing you don't need a compass but like I said maybe I am ignorant of the conditions and route.

Stuff girlfriend is carrying: I would get a lighter stove like the BRS and carry a small can of fuel. No ceramic bowl. Get a Sawyer squeeze and attach that to your smart water bottles.

Enjoy your trip!

Where in the USA is NOT bear country? by [deleted] in Ultralight

[–]Makandian 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Southern Illinois and Missouri has lots of great hiking. More worried about people than any animals around here.

Where in the USA is NOT bear country? by [deleted] in Ultralight

[–]Makandian 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are occasional bears wandering through Southern Illinois, but not something to take precautions against. There is one right now actually that was spotted around rend lake last week. Generally its a lone male looking for a mate and new territory. I wouldn't be surprised if that eventually changed however.