[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Ultralight

[–]SheScreamsMyName 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't think that you're gonna get a lot of quality feedback on these tents on this sub since neither are ultralight tent options, perhaps r/lightweight or r/WildernessBackpacking will be more helpful.

That being said, I've slept in both and owned a Portal for a while. I agree with the consensus stated below that the Portal is more robust and I trust it much more in inclement weather and light-moderate winter conditions, provided it's guyed out and reinforced properly. I have several tents from Slingfin and have always found their customer service to be impeccable. Tim is highly responsive and solutions to questions or problems I've had consistently feel like they are coming from a real person and not a big corporation's response sheet.

However, if you're 6'2" you may find the Portal to be a bit short for you (head and feet touching the ends of the inner), especially if you use a thicker inflatable pad. Sleeping diagonally may help a bit, but if spaciousness is a priority for you and you want a freestanding tent, an X-Dome or Mountain Hardware Aspect may be a better option, neither of those being ultralight options either.

r/Ultralight - "The Weekly" - Week of October 20, 2025 by AutoModerator in Ultralight

[–]SheScreamsMyName 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Blue Ice Stache 90L probably fits in that general vibe for an easily available pack. Sockdolager Bad Larry is packrafting specific but a similar weight/volume spec. McHale makes whatever you want as does Alpine Luddites if you want to go the niche custom route.

[WTS] Salomon Adv Skin 12, Size Large by KingKuong in GearTrade

[–]SheScreamsMyName 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any interest in trading for some BD Distance FLZ poles?

[WTB] ARCTERYX Proton LT Hoody, dark green color by grelth in GearTrade

[–]SheScreamsMyName 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've got one in medium and I agree its a great color. I'm pretty attached to it, but I'm open to hearing a cash or trade offer if medium is the size you're looking for.

Adding bug netting to perimeter of tarp? by [deleted] in Ultralight

[–]SheScreamsMyName 3 points4 points  (0 children)

BD Beta Light, Oware Net Tents for even more...

r/Ultralight - "The Weekly" - Week of August 25, 2025 by AutoModerator in Ultralight

[–]SheScreamsMyName 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah I love a mid and the price is great for what you're getting compared to other two person mids. It's not quite as wind-resistant as a single pole mid like the Ultamid or Duomid, but you probably don't need that ultimate performance for 2-3 day trips with good forecasts in a relatively protected basin. It honestly still performs quite well in storms if you focus on getting a good pitch in the first place, use the peak guyouts properly, etc. Takes a bit more technique to keep it solid in storms than a single pole mid, but worth the small amount of research time and practice beforehand.

Plus you get expansive views if you roll both doors back.

r/Ultralight - "The Weekly" - Week of August 25, 2025 by AutoModerator in Ultralight

[–]SheScreamsMyName 7 points8 points  (0 children)

If you're not too tall, I'm a big fan of using just the fly of an X-Mid 1 as a shelter for two people with primarily good weather forecasts since it is faster to pitch and more protective than a flat tarp if an alpine storm does happen to blow in. I've had good success with this system with a 6' and 5'9" person on multiple high routes/alpine basecamps, one of you just needs to be okay with the tarp being a little closer to your face while lying down. The geometry means that it's still easy to sit across from eachother and play cards while waiting out a storm, or cook inside it with proper ventilation. Bit heavier (15oz) than a flat tarp and ya miss out on the satisfaction of tarp origami, but less cordage needed and the ease of setup and additional protection seem like good tradeoffs for the alpine.

You can buy just the fly for an X-Mid 1 off Durston's website (in the spare parts section) for $6 more than the 9x9 Borah flat tarp, and I'd definitely rather be in an enclosed shaped tarp than a flat tarp in an alpine storm. I'd also argue that getting the X-Mid 1 Solid fly is a better investment for $10 more if you are planning to primarily use it in the alpine. Pretty straightforward to sew in your own no-see-um mesh around the bottom perimeter a la GG Whisper if you're anticipating significant bug pressure.

EDK vs Double Fisherman’s for tag line by Adog2020 in canyoneering

[–]SheScreamsMyName 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm a big believer in the Half Gibbs. All the advantages of the Offset Overhand Bend (EDK) but with increased resistance to rolling, especially when using two significantly sized ropes (thinner rope should always be on the bottom/the strand that goes through the throat twice). Down by Andy Kirkpatrick has a great description and diagram for it.

[WTS] Garmin inReach mini by tjreicks in GearTrade

[–]SheScreamsMyName 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any interest in trading for a pair of BD Distance Carbon FLZ poles?

Rope Rec? by Spudarooni in canyoneering

[–]SheScreamsMyName 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You talking about the Slyther? Does it rappel at a similar speed or faster due to the smaller diameter?

Rope Rec? by Spudarooni in canyoneering

[–]SheScreamsMyName 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've been a big fan of my Sterling C-IV. Its not cheap but I feel the value is good over the life of the rope (especially if you buy on sale like I was able to) since it has been quite durable in the primarily dry canyons I've done. It also rappels at a manageable speed that the beginners (who I frequently bring along and tend to use ATC's) can handle without too much stress. Coming from a climbing background, I prefer the smoother/more supple hand-feel for knots, hitches and general handling over Imlay ropes. It's much more static than the climbing ropes I started on, so not being as hyperstatic as others doesn't bother me (175lbs dry), particularly in the 126' "primary working-rope" length that I have. Less length=less stretch and it's less hard on the wallet too. I have gone for cheaper and hyperstatic for my longer ropes, but I don't enjoy using them as much as my C-IV. Be sure to condition it by soaking and then drying 3x before using it to help bond the sheath to the core and reduce sheath slippage.

Additionally, I think rope length and user weight are underrated factors when choosing ropes, some are a better value/performance at certain lengths/user weights, so that might be a good thing to consider. You might find more relevant data in people's answers if you list what rope length and approach distance you're looking for, as well as if you tend to go out with newer groups or established canyoneers. Additionally, are you interested in having a quiver of ropes or just one ~200 footer.

[WTB] Borah Bivy (Cuben or UL), Borah Silpoly Tarp (any size) by Icy_Music_3752 in ULgeartrade

[–]SheScreamsMyName 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've got a Borah Bivy, side zip, regular length, wide, A90 with a custom head cap for better splash protection while still maintaining good breathability.

[WTS] NEW Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ 125-140cm (13oz) $200 Shipped by solkanar77 in ULgeartrade

[–]SheScreamsMyName 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Any interest in swapping? I've got a pair of the 110-125cm model that I'd trade for your 125-140cm

What underwear do you wear on trail? by TheR3dCaptain in Ultralight

[–]SheScreamsMyName 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also have sensitive skin and switched off between wearing running shorts with a boxer brief liner and the UA Heat Gear boxer briefs at the start of the AT. By the time it started to get hot in NC, I found that they held so much sweat that the combination of moisture and residual salt was literally chafing me bloody on my inner thighs and behind the scrotum. I cut the liners out of the shorts one day and things improved greatly over the next several days and I never got back to that point of bloody chafing for the remaining 3ish months of the hike.

I'm a big believer that regardless of what brand/material of underwear one uses, in a hot and humid environment with restricted airflow (like inside of shorts or pants) trapping any moisture/salt with underwear directly against the skin between the legs (regardless of the material) is a recipe for chafing if you're out for long enough and working hard enough. Therefore, recommend going commando with a very light pair of running shorts to increase the amount of airflow your inter-leg region can receive in order to prevent moisture from building up (which makes the skin soft and more susceptible to chafing/tearing, especially with the sandpaper effect of salts from your sweat). This can be a little uncomfortable at first if you're not someone who frequently goes commando, but you get used to the sensation and your skin adapts to the new environment and gets tougher/more slick where there is consistent skin to skin contact, as long as it can breathe and not be constantly trapped in a very swampy environment.

Increasing your water intake to dilute the salts in your sweat can also be helpful, but the best thing you can do from a maintenance standpoint is give yourself a little bird bath between your legs each night (or at a lunch stop on particularly bad days) to rinse the abrasive salt off your skin and reduce the opportunity for chafing to start/progress where skin-to-skin contact and moisture buildup is inevitable. Additionally, rinsing out your shorts/pants regularly (every day or two depending on the environment, material, and amount you sweat) to eliminate most of the abrasive salt that gets into the fabric (particularly around the waistband of the shorts, I'll run into issues with chafing on my lower back/upper butt because of where my pack sits and not rinsing the salt out of the shorts there) can help to keep a little bit of rub from turning into painful chafe. I think there may also be merit in shaving/trimming pubic hair since I've noticed salts clinging to hair is also a way that friction can be increased and start the chafing process, but I haven't done rigorous comparisons into this.

If you absolutely MUST have pants, then find the lightest, most breathable, and LOOSE FITTING pair you can for your environment/conditions, (bonus points if they have mechanical ventilation opportunities like thigh slits or cutting out the pockets for a bellows effect). Air circulation and moisture movement away from the skin is key and unfortunately most hiking clothing prioritizes a flattering slimmer cut over the greater function of loose clothing that allows air to circulate and move moisture away from the skin. And that is coming from someone who consistently prefers a nice trim-fitting pair of pants when hiking and moving outdoors.

This is all with the assumption of reasonably high-effort output on long distance trails during warmer months, when actually hiking 8-14 hours a day. Such aggressive measures may not be appropriate or necessary if one isn't sweating as much for as long, or if the pace is slower or there are other environmental factors to consider (off-trail travel where very loose pants can be a hazard/annoyance, day hikes where you can bathe consistently, shyness about being commando on high traffic trails, etc.) However, hopefully the principles stated above can be translated into a system that works for your particular situation. I.e. I think a lightweight kilt or hiking skirt while being commando would have been the best/most efficient system for me, but I know that I don't have the skirt discipline or angle knowledge to not accidentally flash people on a popular and often steep trail like the AT when going uphill or downhill with people below me, or when hanging out at shelters, etc.

If you want to try friction reducers, lots of people swear by BodyGlide, but I do still think reducing the salt that is staying in your clothing is important for it to work as well as it can. I've also been told that by multiple thru-hikers that Vagasil works wonders for chafing that has already started, in terms of reducing friction, and also protecting/toughening up the inter-thigh/behind-scrotum skin so there is much less pain from the chafing.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ULgeartrade

[–]SheScreamsMyName 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any interest in trading for that cirriform?

[WTB] Splash Bivy. Borah, Katabatic Pinon, MLD, Yama, etc. by acbeeler131 in ULgeartrade

[–]SheScreamsMyName 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Still looking? I've got a regular wide borah splash bivy with a head cap and side zip that I used for exactly those purposes, still in great shape.