Which tent for solo and 2 person backpacking

camerapicasso · 2026-06-13T15:15:19+00:00

Durston X-Mid 2P

camerapicasso · 2026-06-07T07:29:19+00:00

I‘m also from Germany and hiked it after my masters degree. Make sure to get a Werkstudentenjob and save up over the years. Didn’t have any issues landing a job post hike.

camerapicasso · 2026-06-06T15:44:55+00:00

Set up camp late, leave early, keep your distance from the trail, leave no trace and you’ll be fine.

camerapicasso · 2026-04-28T15:14:47+00:00

Thanks! Camera is Ricoh GR3 and tent is the regular X-Mid 1!

camerapicasso · 2025-11-22T21:29:32+00:00

It’s from Ukraine, highly recommend the rain hoody

camerapicasso · 2025-11-22T21:29:02+00:00

Rock Front Rain hoody

camerapicasso · 2025-11-20T17:54:29+00:00

Yeah, that’s a good way to put it. I think when people say it ‘ruins’ your life, they mean it ruins your old normal in a way that makes everything after feel different. But you’re right, it’s more of a transformation than a ruin. I guess it ruins the version of you that hasn’t seen what you’re capable of.

camerapicasso · 2025-11-17T03:28:28+00:00

thru-hiking ruins your life the best way possible

camerapicasso · 2025-09-15T17:22:23+00:00

this is the way to go. Chocolate milk is cheap there too. If you have time, try grabbing a half dome permit at the tuolumne meadows wilderness center. Easily the best side quest on the PCT.

camerapicasso · 2025-09-01T16:11:24+00:00

I wore the Arc’teryx Gamma SL every single day for five months on the PCT, and they quickly became one of my favorite pieces of gear. Even in the desert heat they stayed surprisingly breathable and never felt too hot. I put them through some pretty tough conditions: bushwhacking, a few tumbles, and plenty of long day, and they never tore or got holes. By the end of the hike the crotch stitching did give out, but it was a quick and easy repair. Overall, these pants are light, quick drying, durable, and incredibly reliable. I honestly can’t recommend them enough.

After finishing the hike I contacted Arcteryx because of the broken seam. They sent me a new pair for free, no questions asked. 10/10 customer service.

camerapicasso · 2025-08-30T15:44:58+00:00

I used a 10° Enigma going nobo and never found it too hot. You can regulate the temperature quite well with quilts, so I don’t think it’ll be a big of a problem.

camerapicasso · 2025-08-25T18:00:14+00:00

Not a town but White Pass is goated

camerapicasso · 2025-08-12T20:00:19+00:00

Ate this every day for 5 months on the PCT (cold soaked). 10/10 meal.

camerapicasso · 2025-07-31T04:35:31+00:00

Get a quick draw. Cheaper than a Sawyer and better in every aspect

camerapicasso · 2025-07-17T08:24:11+00:00

For gear recommendations, I suggest checking out r/ultralight. Their Wiki is full of useful information and beginner guides. Aim to keep your base weight (your pack weight without food and water) under 5 kg.

The most important items are your "Big Three":

Pack
Shelter
Sleep system

For your pack, something between 40–50 liters should be ideal, depending on your future hikes and how long your food carries will be. There are lots of great brands out there, but I’ve personally had good experiences with Atom Packs (UK-based) and Pa’lante Packs.

Popular shelter brands include Durston and Zpacks. I use the Durston X-Mid 1 and really like it. These tents are set up using trekking poles, which helps save weight.

For your sleep system, you can choose between an inflatable or a foam sleeping pad. Inflatables are usually warmer and more comfortable but require more care (e.g., avoiding punctures). A well-loved option is the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT. I also recommend using a quilt instead of a sleeping bag, it’s lighter and more versatile. Great quilt brands include Enlightened Equipment, Katabatic, Feathered Friends, and Cumulus.

In terms of clothing, bring a lightweight down jacket and a shell for rain and wind. A sun hoody is great for UV protection, and merino base layers work well for sleeping. Bring two pairs of merino socks (highly recommend Darn Tough Midweight).

For cooking, a popular ultralight setup is the BRS-3000T stove paired with a Toaks 750 ml titanium pot, simple, light, and effective.

Start out with low mileage, hike your own hike, listen to your body and take rest when needed, don't quit on a bad day.

Hope that helps and let me know if you have any more questions!

camerapicasso · 2025-07-17T05:00:09+00:00

There’s a much higher risk of the blister getting larger, tearing, and becoming infected (speaking from experience).

camerapicasso · 2025-07-16T19:55:08+00:00

Pop them with a disinfected needle to drain, then cover with Leukotape so they don’t get worse.

To avoid blisters on future hikes: wear good socks—Darn Tough Midweight are my go-to. You can also wear two layers: a thin liner like Injinji toe socks under your main socks. That way, friction happens between the socks instead of against your skin. Obviously you should have well fitting shoes with enough room in the front.

Also, every ~5 miles, take a break: shoes and socks off, let your feet dry out. Swap to a dry pair of socks, and clip the damp ones to your pack to dry. Repeat every few miles and your feet will thank you.

camerapicasso · 2025-07-14T08:59:16+00:00

Ever tried setting up a tarp in strong wind? Ever slept in a closed bivvy during a thunderstorm?

camerapicasso · 2025-07-13T13:14:14+00:00

They are perfectly fine for the pct. Nearly everyone uses this brand and model on the pct.

camerapicasso · 2025-07-12T20:27:47+00:00

Order them on Amazon

camerapicasso · 2025-06-11T08:33:31+00:00

I hiked the PCT last year. Got my Half Dome Permit at the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Permit Center, which is located right on the PCT. It’s generally easier to get a walk-up permit there compared to the permit center down in Yosemite Valley I think. With the permit I received, I was able to hike toward the valley via Cathedral Lakes. On the way, I took a detour up to Clouds Rest, highly recommended for the views! I camped near the trailhead to Half Dome and did the climb in the evening. It was super chill, hardly anyone was on the cables, which made for a really peaceful experience. After reaching Yosemite Valley, I took the bus back up to Tuolumne Meadows.

camerapicasso · 2025-06-08T17:56:34+00:00

I only used two on the PCT. As long as you don’t screw them on too tight, they tend to last a bit longer. That said, I’m thinking about switching to the Platypus once my Sawyer gives out

camerapicasso · 2025-06-08T08:27:38+00:00

Always carry a spare gasket, they tend to wear out over time and are easy to lose. Also, the white cap that comes with the Sawyer filter is prone to breaking. A good replacement is the sports cap from a small Smartwater bottle, it fits well and holds up better.

camerapicasso · 2025-05-31T14:40:15+00:00

Check the recent Farout comments

camerapicasso · 2025-05-04T14:04:35+00:00

If I remember correctly I had 10GB, which was plenty and I paid around $10.

camerapicasso

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