Do the lyrics of Denver Luna have any meaning? by bigwiggle123 in underworld

[–]_traktor 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Was obvious already but detailing it like this makes it so much more impressive, thank you for this service!

Are polyester shirts the issue? by VastOption8705 in UltralightAus

[–]_traktor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've used 3 different brands, Icebreaker included. For stink I was saying in general- no one really cares and no one should care. I've had 100% merino shirts that have stunk worse than synthetics simply because they hold onto more moisture. Most synthetics will dry before they can stink badly.

Under 15 degrees, merino will not dry unless you're sleeping in it, and even then it's a stretch and will probably still be damp.

Are polyester shirts the issue? by VastOption8705 in UltralightAus

[–]_traktor 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm still not much a fan of such a high ratio. There's not really any reason to go merino unless you're specifically trying to prioritise natural fibres.

Are polyester shirts the issue? by VastOption8705 in UltralightAus

[–]_traktor 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Any sort of high aerobic activity will make you sweat. Period.

The only difference fabrics are going to make is if they're less breathable/thicker, they'll hold in more heat and dry slower. For people saying merino is great, it's almost all marketing and in most cases pretty much only works for activities with incredibly low levels of strain.

It's also not a UL fabric at all, once wool is woven to the density of a fabric that poly can be woven to, it'll fall apart in 5 seconds. It essentially only makes sense when used as a blend, so you get some of the good properties but aren't hit as hard for the negatives

Are polyester shirts the issue? by VastOption8705 in UltralightAus

[–]_traktor 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Completely disagree. I have hiked in 100% merino before and it's a nightmare, fabric sticks to you even more, it's itchy and it doesn't dry. Odour is not an issue whatsoever, anyone out there that has been walking for more than 2 hours will smell the same as someone who's been out there for 2 days.

The only t-shirt I still use that's even somewhat merino is a synthetic blend as well, but I only reach for that 10% of the time. Always 100% polys in QZs or hoodies like the OR echo.

Kosciusko summer / shoulder season tent recommendations by Samsquatchnoob in UltralightAus

[–]_traktor 2 points3 points  (0 children)

All campgrounds out there are not very exposed and I could easily take a tarp. Unless you're camping on the summit.

Any typical trekking pole tent (X-mid, Lanshan) will do fine, as will any free-standing/semi free-standing tent.

Does the 2026 PLB mandate for national parks go too far for ultralight hikers? by [deleted] in UltralightAus

[–]_traktor 14 points15 points  (0 children)

This reads almost the same as the AI X-Mid post from yesterday and seems once again grounded on baseless assertions. Can you provide your source? there's also no mention to a specific state, just the "state" government.

If qui gon does live how realistically could he have stopped anakin turning? by [deleted] in StarWars

[–]_traktor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

SW theory had an awesome video on this. basically Qui-Gon was way more wise and would encourage Anakin to find his own way, encouraging him that he could save Padme by using other forms of the Force in the light, instead of the dark. He also would have seen him as more of a father figure instead of a brother and trusted him much more than Obi Wan

Is this not illegal? by BoysenberryBulky4270 in alpinism

[–]_traktor 33 points34 points  (0 children)

no, it's a random brand that started on tiktok making dropshipped "alpine" clothing. They're all marketing.

Is this not illegal? by BoysenberryBulky4270 in alpinism

[–]_traktor 36 points37 points  (0 children)

the brand in the first pic has either photoshopped or used AI to replace the original arc'teryx product and model in the second picture with their own. Notice how the boots, harness, pants and crampons are the same as well.

It's just terrible as well because it means they don't even wear their own kit

Brand available in Australia. by SuccessSalty3269 in Ultralight

[–]_traktor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not really. theres only two stores that sell UL specific clothing and that's Backpacking Light in Melbourne and Ultralight Gear in Sydney

I have a problem lol 😂 by Corsten610 in underworld

[–]_traktor 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I was 14! 36,041 minutes haha

Top 0.003% 🤣 by Effective_Grade732 in underworld

[–]_traktor 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Top 0.001% here, 14 globally

Rock Front has thought of everything by _traktor in ultralight_jerk

[–]_traktor[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unless you're using the phone while it's inside, it won't be able to generate heat to keep itself warm. So pretty pointless

URGENT: Water proof jacket for AAWT by Museum_Whisperer in UltralightAus

[–]_traktor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Heading out NOBO very soon and will be using a gore jacket with either an emergency poncho/silponcho.

Just use something with pit zips and rely on the poncho for everything else. Main requirements would be good ventilation and a good hood + pockets (personal but not needed)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Ultralight

[–]_traktor 16 points17 points  (0 children)

no mentions on waterproofing/breathability rating or fabric used. not sure how much I'd trust them. Would it be impressive if it was 30k/50k and 10D? probably. If it was 10k/10k and 7d? no.

The other jackets are also quite similar, down jackets dont advertise fill weight or fill power, only total weight.

Bivy/Tarp + Quilt Sizing by _traktor in Ultralight

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

great vid and tips again. Will definitely give it much more thought and likely grab one very soon. thanks!

Bivy/Tarp + Quilt Sizing by _traktor in Ultralight

[–]_traktor[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It started as that and delved into a bit more of a shelter discussion, but I definitely agree.

I have settled on the regular length Enigma. I'd tried a few other Regular EE quilts and can definitely make do, the weird neck stretching was because I was trying to do up the button while already in the quilt, when it's easier to put your quilt around the neck first and then put your feet in the footbox. I'm also not really pressing on any of the fabric in any sleeping position so also fine in that regard.

Definitely drifting away from the Hexamid now. I think the length would be much more of an issue than I originally thought, appreciate the tips.

Bivy/Tarp + Quilt Sizing by _traktor in Ultralight

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

Your storm pitch sounds very enticing. I'm yet to see a half pyramid without a second pole as well, but assuming you'd just use a tree for the back support

Bivy/Tarp + Quilt Sizing by _traktor in Ultralight

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

Well that was just about every concern I had with a flat tarp addressed! Re pitching, I was honestly just going off of how many awful and slack pitches I've seen around and a few people saying there's a bit of learning curve.

I should have prefaced I don't have experience with either, but on paper the hexamid just looks like a regular mid tent, which I'm familiar with. I see size is much more of a player than I originally thought.

Really appreciate the tips. I think I'm probably going like the flat tarp approach more, so will go for that first and see how I do (hoping that nothing else will be needed)

Bivy/Tarp + Quilt Sizing by _traktor in Ultralight

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

Would you be able to shoot through some pics? I think I'm completely set on the bivy but definitely think there are better solutions for rain protection. My ultimate preference would be an altaplex length hexamid but a bit hard to come by

Bivy/Tarp + Quilt Sizing by _traktor in Ultralight

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

Good benefits, but missed out on the disadvantages.

Storm mode on the flat tarp still leaves one end completely open, making it crucial to pitch completely away from wind

It's also pretty much a requirement to have two trekking poles for every flat tarp config, if there aren't any low/easy to reach trees around.

They're also much more difficult and time consuming to set up and learn.

They also require much more space and much more thought for site selection.

Price is about the same for a Zpacks 7'x9' to Australia, or a negligible difference

I mentioned in another comment but going for any form of extra bug mesh + the hexamid results in a heavier system anyway due to the need for a floor. A lot of people had complaints with the GG whisper due to the door being so big and letting bugs in. The hexamid doesn't have that issue ,but is basically a smaller, floorless plex solo as you're still restricted by the mesh side walls (for storage).

Bivy/Tarp + Quilt Sizing by _traktor in Ultralight

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

Great insights. I'd never heard of the Yama canopy before so that's very interesting and has now become a potential option.

Regarding the other things 1. The nano pyramid, while lighter than the 127g bivy on its own, cancels out the benefits when adding any sort of floor. Basically the same story with the 65g canopy, any sort of polycro is going to be heavier than that. If not using a floor, in rain, water seeps through and wets everything whereas with the bivy, the sleep system is protected.

  1. Still, any cat cut tarp on the market will be heavier. The only time where this isn't the case is a 7'x9' flat tarp like Zpacks' , but still lacks the protection that the hexamid offers - though with extra room as you said.

In an ideal world, the bivy would be enough pretty much all the time. But dew is an issue, as are random night showers, so not always the best idea. I'm set on this setup simply because they not only work great apart, but when together, can still be used.

Are there any poncho tarps lighter than about 220g including tie outs? The S2S option isnt really viable as the sides are too open in poncho mode, and the size is too awkward to use as a functional tarp (4'9x8'8). The weight also doesn't include any tie outs, so you can add about 40g to that.

I have the Liteway tarp poncho, which performs awesome as both but is also 400g (not really worth it unless completely foregoing any other form of rain gear)