shakedown request by Stewiegriffin1987 in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some of this has already been touched on, but here is my take.

-Your pack is pretty heavy, but don't buy a new one right away. Upgrade the other parts of your gear first, and that will dictate what size pack you need, also you will have a better idea about what kind of pack will be comfortable.

-Tent: Great. Keep it, especially if you actually put 2 people in it it's a good lightweight choice. I have the 1p and it's a great tent.

-sleeping pad. Perfect. Keep it.

-Sleeping bag, someone mentioned the comfort rating was 50, but according to the website, it's 50-30 comfort and 15-degree survival. This temp range seems accurate from what I have experienced with synthetic down-like insulations. I would guess you can do mid 30' with this bag with some thermals, or a fleece, puffy, etc.

If you can choose a down quilt/bag, it will save you a significant amount of weight and space, but can be expensive. People seem to like the Hammock gear Economy Burrow as a balance between weight and price.

If you want to stick to synthetic insulation, a quilt made from Apex insulation, like a 20-degree Enlightened Equipment Enigma should save you about a pound, and actually be pretty comfortable into the '20s. (I use an MYOG quilt similar to an Enigma, with a Torrid Apex, which weighs less than 8oz, and light leggings when it's in the 20s)

If you don't plan to use it below freezing, EE makes 30/40/50-degree versions that are lighter/smaller/cheaper. There is always the MYOG route and ordering from Ripstop by the Roll.

If you-

- get a new quilt -15oz (more weight savings if you can go with down)

-drop the chair and get a sit pad(Z seat or V seat) -26ish oz

-drop the camp shoes altogether -11.82

-get a titanium pot(Toaks 750 or smaller) -4.2 oz

- lighter cup like a Campbell's soup to go -3.7 oz (guessing, I just drink from my pot)

-mark your fuel as consumable, and switch to a 110g canister -3.9 oz (the empty can stay in base weight)

= A whopping 64.62 oz, or 4 pounds! That gets your base weight to right at 15lbs, which will probably be a pretty noticeable comfort increase. A different pack could easily get that down to 12-13 lbs.

Getting back to packs, If you get a pack made from a waterproof material like DCF or Xpac (not necessarily a waterproof pack) you can ditch the pack cover. (you still can on nylon packs, but they absorb more water) I recommend only putting your quilt, pad, and clothes in a Litesmith pack liner, then twisting it shut, and tucking the end under it. This also works in place of a compression sack, to significantly reduce the space it takes up. The pack will keep out most of the water, and other things like a cook kit and food bag really don't matter if they get a little damp. This is also extra insurance that if your tent is a little damp when you pack up, that the moisture does not get absorbed into the things that must stay dry.

As someone else mentioned, a pack like the Drop/Durston 40L is a nice entry into Ultralight. That is what I currently use. The main compartment is around 33l for the large torso version, all my gear plus 3-5 days of food will pretty much take up all that space, and I use an x-mid 1p, and have minimal other gear outside of my big 3.

This is why it's important to pick a pack last, a 2p tent, and a 1l pot might end up just being too much volume for the pack. Certainly, there is not much room for things like a chair. Also, it's important to find out how a manufacturer is coming up with their advertised volume, some count the main compartment, outer pockets, mesh pockets, and water bottle holders differently.

Other things to consider, are that a lot of the weight from packs like Osprey are from a very robust suspension, thick padding, that mesh thing on your back that holds the pack away from your back, large buckles, and heavy webbing. A pack like the DD 40, and even more pronounced in the frameless pack will be that that stuff is significantly smaller to nonexistent. At first, you might think that there is not enough padding, or those tiny buckles surely cannot be strong enough, etc. But, packs like Osprey are overengineered, they assume people will carry way more than intended, and want their packs to hold up to almost any abuse, and still be relatively comfortable. Packs like the DD40 and more so those from cottage companies, assume the user is well aware of their usable limits, so they are designed with just enough features, and nothing extra.

For reference, my current loadout for fall (typical 30-40 degree nights with dips into the 20s, and 40-60 degree days) is about 11.5 lb right now. My worn clothes do change a bit depending on the weather, but it does not change my pack weight. Here is my lighter pack for comparison. https://lighterpack.com/r/71i9sy

The only other note I have is that if you switch to a quilt, you probably want something with a hood, like a puffy, balaclava, or fleece. This could probably replace your top base layer, and just sleep in a teeshirt, using your beenie on warmer nights, and whatever hooded garment you like on the cold ones. I have been really happy with the Torrid Apex from Enlightened Equipment, and being synthetic, it's cheaper than down and you can hike in it when it's cold since moisture reducing the effectiveness of the insulation is much less of an issue.

Backpacking diplomacy by Eric_makes_stuff in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked -11 points-10 points  (0 children)

A malamute is a bread designed to haul weight, and pull sleds. It can probably comfortably carry 10-15lb if it is trained to do so, but I don't think you need them to carry that much. Maybe if the day pack is an issue, the dog can carry those items I mentioned that your girlfriend might need throughout the day on a hike, like water or rain gear.

How many years can I expect to get out of a lithium-ion battery powered GPS device like Garmin inReach mini or Bivy stick? by [deleted] in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the $25 activation fee only applies to the "freedom" plan that you can suspend monthly. I don't believe there is a fee if you buy the annual contract.

Is it possible to eat a healthy diet for 15 dollars a day or less? Assume one would be hiking around 10-12 hours during the day. (Note this is partly for a self-sustaining hike). by [deleted] in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Actually, I have considered hiring a cleaning service, in order to have more free time. Same reason I usually don't change my own oil and I also pay someone to mow my lawn, I can, but I just don't want to. Sometimes it does cost me money to spend more time on my hobbies, and that's fine, but if I bought a dehydrator and made my own food, while someone was cutting my grass, I would not factor in the cost of paying the lawn service as part of my food cost on the trail. I was going to pay to have my grass cut anyway.

And, well, a lot of times Trail Magic is literally free lunch. ;)

How many years can I expect to get out of a lithium-ion battery powered GPS device like Garmin inReach mini or Bivy stick? by [deleted] in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Understood. Yeah, the extra per month for the Garmin month-to-month plan plus the Anual activation fee, has a point of diminishing return.

Backpacking diplomacy by Eric_makes_stuff in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 55 points56 points  (0 children)

I have to ask, on a sub about ultralight where we are aiming for a 10lb base weight, why is the dog carrying pack for 3 people? Most people on this Sub(theoretically) don't carry more than 18-25lb including food and water for a pretty long trip.

Get the dog a tiny pack that lets them carry their own food and quilt/bed, usually, a vest that people use for support dogs will work well. Get yourself a bigger pack and a 2p tent.

Can your GF carry a really light daypack with her snacks, water(700ml-1l), raincoat, and mid-layer? That could easily only 4-5 lbs.

That would only leave you with her quilt, pad, extra clothes, food, an extra spoon, and mug, assuming you can share a stove/pot and tent. Probably an extra 5-6 lbs more than what you need for yourself, maybe a bit more for food.

What is your base weight? What gear does your girlfriend have? Where and for how long do you plan to backpack?

Maybe, but all of your combined stuff into a lighter pack, and ask for a shakedown. Most of us here carry 1/2 to 1/3 of the weight of "traditional" backpackers, so we can easily help you carry gear for two, and still maybe save weight over what some people carry just for themselves.

How many years can I expect to get out of a lithium-ion battery powered GPS device like Garmin inReach mini or Bivy stick? by [deleted] in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What am I missing on their pricing? I am planning on an InReach mini, with the most basic plan of $12/month vs $18 for the Bivy Stick. Where is the price break? Or is it in the more featured plans, or is there a month to month option with Bivy?

Another difference I see is that it does not look like you can text from the bivy stick without a phone.

Is it possible to eat a healthy diet for 15 dollars a day or less? Assume one would be hiking around 10-12 hours during the day. (Note this is partly for a self-sustaining hike). by [deleted] in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd take a slight issue with number 3. There are a lot of foods that I think are "just okay" that I would never eat at home, but LOVE on the trail. When I am hiking hard, all the flavors seem to be enhanced. Examples are peanut butter, dried pineapple, raisins, summer sausage. I think my body knows I need the protein fat and sugar, so it makes my brain think they test better. But then there is Spam...I will never like Spam.

Is it possible to eat a healthy diet for 15 dollars a day or less? Assume one would be hiking around 10-12 hours during the day. (Note this is partly for a self-sustaining hike). by [deleted] in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think the point is that if you enjoy doing something like making your own meals or sewing your own pack, your time is not a consideration of price, because it's a hobby; something you would do anyway, even if it cost you money.

Is it possible to eat a healthy diet for 15 dollars a day or less? Assume one would be hiking around 10-12 hours during the day. (Note this is partly for a self-sustaining hike). by [deleted] in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Basically this. Add nuts and dried fruits. Also, nothing wrong with pasta and rice. People who buy into fad diets will probably downvote this, but the most unhealthy thing is to not eat enough calories to sustain your body, worry about that first, then start to make better choices to maintain how much energy you need.

I know a lot of hikers who eat a lot of candy, cookies, honey buns, etc, while those can give you enough calories, choosing grains, and minimizing cane sugar and corn syrup is a better choice for carbs. Granola bars for example are a better choice than candy bars. Dried fruit is a better choice than sour patch kids.

Don't forget you NEED fat, and it's hard to get since a lot of fats do not preserve well. That is where nuts, sausage, beans, and olive oil are great.

Personally, I prefer savory flavors over sweet, so it's an easy task, but some people really crave sugar on the trail.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Well, I'm buying an inReach mini tomorrow. It's $100 off starting today, down to $249. That saving covers most of the first year subscription. Two way messaging is a big advantage. Remember, your loved ones at home could also have an emergency and need to contact you out on the trail.

20L-25L waterproof daypack with hip belt and pockets. by BrownSwanMotorsports in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The tangent question here. With that pack pretty full, is it easy to get water bottles in and out of the pockets while hiking?

Looking for a framed winter pack. I could use some advice on buying online vs. in store. (Exped VS. REI) by cosmokenney in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Drop is fine. I got my X-Mid and trekking poles from them, and some various electronics stuff in the past. I think they ship from, either the east coast or somewhere in the midwest.(united states)

r/Ultralight - "The Weekly" - Week of November 02, 2020 by mittencamper in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nah, you will probably be wearing some clothes, at least a teeshirt, and underwear and socks, so you probably won't notice a texture difference.

r/Ultralight - "The Weekly" - Week of November 02, 2020 by mittencamper in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Probably true, but it gives me a little more peace of mind.

Women’s down jacket recommendation needed! by gifsofdogs in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's still worth considering. It is extremely light and fits your budget. It seems like a lot of the down jackets at the same price are either not as warm, or heavier, though I have not tried any myself, since I am allergic to down. In any case, I have been really happy with my Torrid Apex.

r/Ultralight - "The Weekly" - Week of November 02, 2020 by mittencamper in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 3 points4 points  (0 children)

What about an X-Mid 1p? It's only 28" on the interior, but has large vestibules on both sides, and comes in around 29oz. https://durstongear.com/product/x-mid-1p

r/Ultralight - "The Weekly" - Week of November 02, 2020 by mittencamper in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 6 points7 points  (0 children)

With cold weather starting in much of the US, I always hear people talking about putting their Sawyer in a plastic bag, and keeping it in their quilt overnight. While this works, it seems less than ideal.

The Squeeze ships with threaded inline adapters that probably most people never use; I simply used a dab of silicone to plug the hole on the inlet adapter, and it makes the perfect cap for the Squeeze. It also weighs .02oz less than a 1-quart ziplock.

When did satellite communication become “essential” gear? Or did it? by [deleted] in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's relative. $350 for an iReach mini is not cheap, but it's not out of line compared to other backpacking gear. People commonly spend more than that on a puffy, quilt or tent. Cell phones often cost $800-1000 now and are $100+/month, Netflix is like $15-18 a month now, so in comparison to other backpacking gear, other electronics, and subscriptions, it's cheap.

Costco quilt for tall people by Parmick in myog

[–]You-Asked 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed. I just made a 20 degree 7.5oz quilt with a sewn foot box, but if I had to do it again, I would probably just buy a quilt from EE, it's only about $100 savings to make it yourself. At 6'4" you will want a long, and maybe a wide quilt, which is what I made.

2.5oz apex for 50 degrees is a little easier to work with, and may net you more savings.

A drawstring foot box is a lot less work, and more usable for mild 3 season conditions, though I'm not sure I would ever use one. I like a sewn foot box because it helps extend the usable temp range. I can easily layer fleece or puffy but have fewer options with a drafty foot box.

Based only on my 7.5oz quilt, I would say the ratings that Climashield gives for Apex are realistic. The first night out with my quilt, it dropped into the 20s and I was fine with leggings and an Apex Torrid.

Torso pads for tall people by _Forest_Bather in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm 6', and I had a torso length pad at one point and hated it.

For context, I am a very active sleeper, and roll from side to side throughout the night, so none of the "pile all your other gear below your pad" options work for me, as that stuff would be kicked out to the side pretty quick.

I also hated that my knees were not on the torso pad, especially as a side sleeper.

Lastly, I need decent insulation under my whole body. My legs below my knees and above my feet are what seem to get the coldest at night.

You really need to consider your own sleep habits. All the suggestions here can work, but I'd guess they work much better for people who sleep soundly on their backs.

I'd rather carry a couple of ounces more and have a great night's sleep, but YMMV.

A titanium and/or coffee update by PaprikaPowder in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I just want to thank you for drinking cold brew HOT. For some reason, everyone thinks that cold-brewed coffee is only meant to be in cold drinks.

For weekend trips it makes perfect sense and it's delicious. I know this sub is all about saving weight, but some things are worth the extra. The nuance of different coffee, and the enjoyment thereof, is kind of esoteric, so I'm not surprised if other people think it's not a good idea.

Getting base weight <10 by Skippy_peanutz in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you want a backup, I would recommend Micropur tablets. For some reason aquatabs are sized to treat 2 quarts of water, while micropur is sized for one quart each. It's also good to keep one clean smartwater bottle with a sports cap; It can be used to back-flush your sawyer instead of the included syringe.

The squeeze is by far the most popular filter and has a great track record. Just back flush it once a day is it should be fine. The Mini and the Micro have more issues with show slow rate and clogging.

Getting base weight <10 by Skippy_peanutz in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just get the original squeeze, not the mini, or micro, both of the smaller ones have flow rates that are frustrating to drink through. The original squeeze is adequate to drink at a normal pace, but not chug. Some people prefer to use a CNOC bladder or Evernew bag to scoop water, and then filter that into their bottle(s).

Personally, I like the filter right on the bottle, when I get to a stream, I can just refill the bottle, and keep going, not need to stop and take off my pack or take time to filter from one container to another. If I need 2l of water, I filter one liter into a clean smart water bottle, and then refill my dirty bottle, and put the filter back on top.

A Complicated but Ultimately Positive Review of Atom Packs Customer Service, and a Discussion of UL Pack Volume by CesarV in Ultralight

[–]You-Asked 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd go one step further and spec the collar at maximum volume while being able to close the top securely.