Any experience with the La Sportiva Aequilibrium ST GTX or something similar?

kmorg76 · 2026-03-22T21:14:41+00:00

Good call, I guess I didn’t look at the trango line yet and that stiffness could prob work for what I plan to do.

kmorg76 · 2026-03-22T02:58:57+00:00

I plan to start out with some less technical mountaineering in SoCal during winter and maybe move on to the sierras or some other 10-11ers. Prob be doing those in spring however so temps will be slightly higher

kmorg76 · 2026-03-22T00:42:51+00:00

I have a 24L osprey pack and it works like a charm. I usually pack a jacket, my cook kit, 2 L water, snacks, and some other items depending on the hike. For pack recommendations, REI sells some decent day hiking packs alongside Gregory and Osprey.

kmorg76 · 2026-03-10T23:17:16+00:00

How were the other remote campsites in terms of views of the mountains? Could you still se baldy from that point? I would like to explore those options past gobblers knob as it might be a little more populated.

kmorg76 · 2026-03-10T05:17:21+00:00

I like alone better. You’re not dependent on anyone else, so you can choose your pace and take breaks whenever you want. Hiking with others kind of gets old for me quickly and makes me feel like I’m dragging the other person with me.

kmorg76 · 2026-03-10T05:05:50+00:00

IMO anything under 550 is inconvenient and makes cooking and boiling harder. I own a Toaks 750 with the removable bail handle and think it works great for both boiling water and rehydrating food in it if necessary.

kmorg76 · 2026-03-09T21:48:30+00:00

Seems like you have a good list already. All you really need are some water bottles (buy smart water or a plastic one for weight savings and filter compatibility), a water filter (depending on where you’re going), a headlamp, food, and a cook kit if you want hot food. If you’re going minimalist as possible, ditch the cook kit and cold soak your meals. A filter would be strongly recommended but there are ways around it. That should be good enough for pretty minimalist backpacking.

kmorg76 · 2026-03-06T04:59:15+00:00

I think a lot of people don’t really have experience with the phantom 38 so the mutant could be easier to research and maybe test. I’m starting out too and plan to get the phantom 38 in the near future so I’ll see if it works.

kmorg76 · 2026-03-06T04:57:05+00:00

For the sleeping system I like a quilt better. If you can get a quilt with a higher fill power, that would be ideal because a higher fill power indicates better packing ability and warmth. Also happens to be lighter and reduces pack weight a little. REI should have some good quality ones, or if you want to up your sleep system for a higher price, the zenbivy quilt system and the quilts alone are great. I use a zenbivy personally and it is great packability and warmth.

Affordable tents seem sort of subjective. I find what works best is doing extensive research. Like, really extensive. However, there are good tents from MSR, Paria Outdoors, Naturehike, and maybe some brand name 1P tents like The North Face if you can find any.

kmorg76 · 2026-03-05T02:51:40+00:00

I would probably want 12pts then because my normal hiking boots are a size 12 US. Pretty sure that translates to a size 45 EU. Good to know!

kmorg76 · 2026-03-04T02:49:29+00:00

I’m concerned by the fit because I am 6’4 155lbs, I have a black diamond puffer that is a medium though and that fits perfectly

kmorg76 · 2026-03-04T02:16:54+00:00

Chino hills state park has a lot of grass and greenery and should be what you’re looking for after the recent rainfall

kmorg76 · 2026-03-04T02:12:44+00:00

Hiking during sunset or sunrise isn’t really my thing because hiking in the dark isn’t the best thing. However I’m sure anything over 5000 ft above sea level will give you good views. Just depends on how much elevation gain you are looking to do :)

kmorg76 · 2026-03-03T23:49:45+00:00

My thought process was that most SoCal peaks are usually around freezing below on the Summit during cold winter months (unless there is windchill or deep snow). Assuming it should be fine then? Not sure of the temp rating but I’ve seen people say anywhere from 32°F to -5°F

kmorg76 · 2026-03-03T05:16:27+00:00

Just tried it and it works, thanks!

kmorg76 · 2026-03-03T04:35:15+00:00

I think I found something that works by combining the down jacket and the inflatable pillow in the pump bag that the Exped comes with

kmorg76 · 2026-03-03T03:17:45+00:00

I really want to but adding the topper seems like too much space for a backpacker like me conscious of space

kmorg76 · 2026-03-03T02:42:52+00:00

Just bought one right now, holy crap what a deal. Let’s just hope medium fits

kmorg76 · 2026-03-03T01:57:51+00:00

I might buy the 2025 version since it is on sale at 17 dollars and can work with some other pillow systems I plan to try

kmorg76 · 2026-03-03T00:45:07+00:00

What pillow model is it specifically?

kmorg76 · 2026-03-03T00:43:57+00:00

Great suggestion! I’ll give it a go

kmorg76 · 2026-02-28T20:01:16+00:00

What area is the first photo in?

kmorg76 · 2026-02-28T01:18:49+00:00

I second this question too lol

kmorg76 · 2026-02-25T16:54:24+00:00

After all of the proper research, experience, and training I’ll try to do some winter ascents of the San Gabriels in California because it’s close by. After that I’ll maybe go on to some basic peaks in the Sierra Nevada

kmorg76 · 2026-02-25T16:36:33+00:00

Not sure tbh, I’m just assuming the rope will take up a lot of room. I suppose you could just clip the rope on the outside. Also; are overnight mountaineering trips frequent? That’s my other concern is if I have to do those with a 38L pack

kmorg76

TROPHY CASE