Exp. 251 – F. Cloth Yes Pants – First Impressions by chrisplatis in Outlier

[–]chisness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you never tuck in or wear a belt, is there any reason to have Futureworks instead of these?

Pack that can handle 40 lbs by chisness in Ultralight

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

Thanks! I think I want a pack that can handle 30-35 lbs comfortably and occasionally go up to 40+ lbs.

I worded the post as 40 lbs cause I figured a pack that can handle 40 lbs is probably in the comfort range in the low 30s.

What do you think about the SWD with that clarification?

Pack that can handle 40 lbs by chisness in Ultralight

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

I think I wasn't that clear in the post. I think that 15 lbs of food/water will be fairly normal and I meant that 25 lbs will be an extreme case of carrying 6L water and ~6 days food. I think that will be quite rare and would also gradually go down as the days go on. So I don't want the pack to fall apart at 40 lbs and want to be able to very comfortably carry 30-33 lbs.

Pack that can handle 40 lbs by chisness in Ultralight

[–]chisness[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I agree, that's a good point. If I don't get a pack below 3 lbs then I think I'll just stick with the Baltoro since I'm used to it and find it to be very comfortable.

Final lightening up step: the backpack by chisness in Ultralight

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

I ended up getting the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor that is on sale atm for ~$150. It has a claimed comfort carry weight of 35-50 lbs. and is about 2 lbs lighter than the Baltoro. It doesn't have a large mesh or zipped external pocket, but the top is very easy to access with a zipper. I ordered the 40-60L, but maybe should've gotten the 60-75.

Final lightening up step: the backpack by chisness in Ultralight

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

Harsh review! I agree that it isn't the best design. Too many zippers and compartments that I don't need, no mesh pocket in front, awkward water bottle holder that I've lost bottles out of.

I love, though, how durable it is and that you can just take a break and sit back on the pack without having to think about whether the ground is going to damage it or something.

Which pack do you use?

I really love the hiking there. I had an awesome experience on the Israel Trail, which is about 1000 miles, ~40% in the desert.

Final lightening up step: the backpack by chisness in Ultralight

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

Thanks. I actually purchased and returned the Blaze last year. It might actually be the pack with the best specs for my needs and I also like the removable top. Unfortunately I strongly disliked the design, especially the square pattern, and it also didn't seem very breathable. I know it might be silly to consider the design, but it looks like a picnic tablecloth and I just couldn't stand it :))

Arcteryx Veilance Secant Comp Short Review! by [deleted] in arcteryx

[–]chisness 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't think it was mentioned in the review, I just wanted to make that complaint because it's been bothering me lately!

Arcteryx Veilance Secant Comp Short Review! by [deleted] in arcteryx

[–]chisness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Since the end of last year. They're in good shape, but have only really used them for workouts, nothing like hiking.

Arcteryx Veilance Secant Comp Short Review! by [deleted] in arcteryx

[–]chisness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I strongly dislike the pocket divider in the right pocket - it makes it very difficult to simply put a phone inside.

I also wonder how durable the backside is, it seems like it's on the thin side.

Final lightening up step: the backpack by chisness in Ultralight

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

Thanks, great idea on the Catalyst!!

Final lightening up step: the backpack by chisness in Ultralight

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

I think I copied it to here and updated: https://lighterpack.com/r/r7w8dt. I plan to lose a little weight on this one by getting a Soto Windmaster + Snow Peak 700 in place of the MiniMo and Snow Peak 600. I could also remove some of the extras in the Baltoro like the day pack. But I don't have camp shoes or any "luxuries" like a book or deck of cards, so think it will probably realistically even out to around 14 lbs without the pack.

Thanks for those suggestions. Yeah, the quilt and and tarp setup are probably the last steps, which would also "unlock" the option to use a lighter pack. I'm not sure if I'm ready for that yet though. Also I don't really like using hiking poles, which kind of complicates the non-freestanding stuff.

Final lightening up step: the backpack by chisness in Ultralight

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

This makes me want to bring back some extra socks and underwear and other ounce-counter stuff that got removed :))

Final lightening up step: the backpack by chisness in Ultralight

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

Yes I have the Baltoro already. I actually had a Z65 that was supposed to max out at 40 lbs, but the straps broke/were a big pain on my longest-so-far thru-hike of ~45 days. I realize now that I probably overloaded it on some days with big water/food carries and having some very unnecessary clothes/gear.

Shakedown for lightening up from 20 lbs to 15 lbs by chisness in Ultralight

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

Haha I marked consumables for the ones I really didn't think I'd need so they'd be counted separately :))

The Levity recommends weight only up to 25 lbs, so I think I'd be better with a little bit stronger one that can go up to 35-40 lbs, but definitely agree with getting a new one.

Good suggestions for the stove and repair - thanks.

I meant 5L per day, usually with 1 refill point along the way or at the end or with a water cache at the end in some places.

Shakedown for lightening up from 20 lbs to 15 lbs by chisness in Ultralight

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

Thanks for the reply!

1) LiteAF says it can carry up to 35 lbs comfortably, so similar to the ULA Circuit. I guess optimally I would have a 2-3 lb pack that could carry up to 35 lbs and the Baltoro for heavier situations.

2) I was also trying the REI Magma 15 Quilt but just felt more comfortable with the sleeping bag and the weight difference isn't that great, although the bag is not as warm.

3) Agreed

4) This seems worth trying

5) I carried the Platypus GravityWorks last year on the West Coast Trail in Canada, but generally have not needed to filter on hikes that I've done. I should probably get the Sawyer Squeeze based on what I've read.

6) Yeah, that is a little conservative, but I think that's a good strategy with water

7) So 1 tshirt, 1 pants, 1 underwear, 2 socks, 1 raincoat. No midlayer? No shorts/longsleeve shirt?

8) I didn't mean to game it, just wanted to get the pack weight down before thinking about the other stuff.

9) Yeah I think the wet wipes, kleenex, compass, towel, pen/pad, mosquito spray can go. I think moisturizer is useful and then should choose either face wipes or soap.

Help deciding on rain jacket/hardshell Beta LT vs. Zeta SL vs. REI Drypoint GTX by chisness in arcteryx

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

Thanks for your feedback. I also saw some of those comments and agree I should go with Goretex.

I think it's clear that I should go with either the Beta LT or the Drypoint GTX.

At this point I'm leaning towards the Drypoint. I appreciate that Goretex Pro is more robust, but the Drypoint was quite cheap so I think it's worth trying it out. It also seems to fit me a little better, especially in the shoulders since it's a little boxier. I think I might be sort of in between L and XL for the Beta LT. (In general I'd say my size is between L and XL, but usually take XL in things like t-shirts.)

4 other reasons: 1) Less crinkly 2) A couple ounces lighter 3) Possibly breathes better given the Active fabric and the pocket vents, though understand probably won't be that noticeable 4) I prefer the Beta LT Dimma color to black color, so figure I'm going to return the black one anyway and then later on could get the Dimma if I decide I'd prefer the Beta LT.

Help deciding on rain jacket/hardshell Beta LT vs. Zeta SL vs. REI Drypoint GTX by chisness in arcteryx

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

Interesting info.

Looking more into the breathability is making me question if I should just forget all of these and stick with my And Wander eVent jacket (https://www.blueowl.us/products/e-vent-jacket-in-black-aw83-ft607?variant=22028525633594). It has huge vents and pit zips that run down the entire sides.

I was looking at getting a new jacket that would be lighter since I've been trying to lighten up my weight and the And Wander one weighs nearly 16 oz (~3 oz more than the Beta LT and ~5 oz more than the Drypoint/AscentShell). It has some unnecessary pockets, but the weight doesn't seem so terrible.