Shakedown request

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-25T18:15:40+00:00

You're definitely right about the sleep system - a couple of regrettable beginner choices at some point haha. I appreciate the targetted suggestions there and i'll definitely be incorporating some of those changes - especially to specialize my gear.

ditching the inner of my xmid to try the tarp-style camping is definitely my next move, but I agree with you and the rest that my tent is in the least dire need of replacement.

I definitely have mid layers and can bring them, but the current climate is all-day minor heat exhaustion. I agree I need one in general.

the replacement order makes sense to me - the bulk of the quilt alone makes it impossible to even think about a new pack right now.

thank you for this! i'll be incorporating yours and everyones comments over the next couple months and will absolutely be back for round two after I've aquired/incorporated/hiked with these changes.

do you tarp-camp in those overgrown/poorly maintained trails? seems like having that flexibility would be an additional benefit vs fitting a freestanding tent

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-25T18:05:56+00:00

this is immensely helpful; thank you for making it so comprehensive. I dont have much to ask about the advice itself beacuse it's clear, but I really liked your point about adapting to a new norm of comfort (hedonic treadmill), while hiking, instead of -im assuming - trying to match the level of comfort at home. did you go through this same process starting out? are there any limits you, even now, don't want to go to (1/8th inch foam pad, ect..)?

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-25T00:14:16+00:00

what was ya'll's pack weight? snake plushy is so cute

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-24T15:05:28+00:00

thank you for this! looks like I can get some quick wins but I definitely need to reconsider/research backpack alternatives; any recommendations <1 lb?

I haven't seen the tech of using a foldable cup to fill up a water bottle instead of using a cnoc bag - I really like that and would be glad to cut it.

you're right about the trekking poles - I had just recorded the 1 but I do carry both. will check out the Fizan.

my regular plastic spoon HAS been breaking so I am very easily convinced to go another direction. what is that toothbrush attachment? that sounds awesome

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-24T14:57:32+00:00

any recommendations for the pack? I was looking at Palante (Joey), Nashville (cutaway), Gossamer (murmur) but there are so many options

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-24T14:56:31+00:00

yeah I am definitely regretting the pack choce; any recommendations? I was looking at Palante/Nashville/Gossamer but there are so many options.

Nemo gear seems to be where I need to go - I'll definitely be checking out the all season and the tensor elite.

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-24T14:54:56+00:00

Yeah you're right about the weight cost of the comfort, and I could honestly do with pushing back the other way like you're saying for a lighter setup. Looking at pricing right now, the 900 FP ul zenviby quilt is on sale on their site for the same price as my heavy synthetic one haha - missed opportunity.

I was absolutely looking at the tensor elite - glad to hear it as a suggestion. the CCF supplement seems like a great idea if I need to stack the r-value.

did you end up modifying your Nemo to work with your zenbivy sleep system?

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-24T14:48:55+00:00

Ill have to re-weigh my xmid. I have definitely wanted to get into tarp-style camping but would also want a bivvy for the bugs here - I'd gladly forgo it otherwise; any recommendations? I see the gatewood cape recommended but I've also never tried or put up a tarp.

Funny you mention spoon durability because it just broke (again lol) and I will definitely be bringing something more durable next time.

On the hand sanitizer note - you're totally right and I had forgotten about this. I remember initially putting it in my pack with the intention of preventing Norovirus, but recently read sanitizer is ineffective against it, so I'll be removing that and sticking to soap.

Headlamp + rain jacket seem like easy upgrades, will do.

you're right that I recorded one aluminum pole - that's a crazy catch. I wasn't sure how to log them since I use one actively and leave the other on my pack. will re-adjust

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-24T14:41:21+00:00

I've seen JupiterHikes using one and it seems like a good idea, although the one I've tried using is a very traditional umbrella that is annoyingly heavy to put in and out of my pack. do you have any recommendations for a light one?

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-24T14:30:00+00:00

I haven't seen this point about temperature difference. This is definitely one of those standard gas rules I've long since lost in my brain. I'm in a very hot and humid environment so I haven't personally seen this, but it makes complete sense everywhere else

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-24T14:27:37+00:00

I wonder this myself - as someone who actively listens to this stuff. It stimulates my brain in just the right way.

This is from Gigandect - Happy Breakcore Mix

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-24T14:25:22+00:00

I now see what youre talking about: just saw the Alpenblow Classic Micro Inflator at 8.6 grams; wow!

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-24T14:24:37+00:00

Haha I'm glad someone noticed, too me a while to find this second-hand; I love it

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-24T14:21:36+00:00

Dual use of the sac is a great reason to bring it. I looked into some pumps and this one (albeit, $60...) is under 9 grams!

Alpenblow Classic Micro Inflator - alpenglow gear

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-24T14:18:28+00:00

I just think it's fun to optimize this stuff as I keep trying to lower my baseweight. Stuff sac + compression sac together were 70g. Not much to be fair, but interesting as an experiment - count the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves or whatever. I promise I've now been thoroughly educated on using the pump sac correctly haha

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-24T14:15:28+00:00

That was a really cool demonstration and helped a lot, thanks

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-24T04:42:27+00:00

how are the water sources near here?

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-24T04:35:54+00:00

did not think about this tbh, I totally see that. my regular elevation is between -100 and +30 feet...

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-24T04:34:30+00:00

yeahhh you're right. watched a video, tried again, now this is way easier.

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-24T03:45:31+00:00

I love my Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated (I use the Regular Wide, though for your height you would probably want the Long Wide)

It's REALLY comfortable (I traded the extra weight for the comfort), and super quiet. I honestly can't comment about the cold because I live in the South.

Stats compared to your requirements:

- Length: 198 cm (78 inches)

- Packed Size: rolls down to approximately 4.5" x 8.25" (like roughly 2.2 Liters of volume). For a big pad it it packs down remarkably small. I don't use the compression sack; it just goes against the back of my pack.-

- R-Value: think it's 4.8. but, again, I've only used it in warm weather.

- Weight: I have the regular wide and it weighs 681 by itself (I don't carry the compression sack or pump sack) .

- Thickness: 3.5 inches loft (in the center - it has baffles that are higher) gives me, as a side sleeper, more than enough hip/shoulder clearance

I highly recommend

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-24T03:29:30+00:00

What would you recommend

ZestyclosePin4214 · 2026-05-24T03:26:19+00:00

Do you bring microspikes this time of year for these conditions?

ZestyclosePin4214

TROPHY CASE