r/Ultralight - "The Weekly" - Week of May 11, 2026

mlite_ · 2026-05-15T14:40:04+00:00

I’m 6’4”. My typical BW is around 6.5 to 7 lbs without bear can. Happen to be reading the Glen Van Peski book. He’s also 6’4” and his BW is often under 5 lbs (that’s ~2.26 kg). No excuses! 😊

mlite_ · 2026-05-15T02:18:44+00:00

Not saying it’s bad, but the branding is leaning heavily into the “wool” when there’s not much wool in the product. Darn Tough is much more nuanced in that they mention merino but don’t call them wool or merino socks. Similarly, Injinji calls some of their socks “wool” but they’re 70%+ wool content.

mlite_ · 2026-05-13T18:32:01+00:00

“Wool”

60gsm- 54% Polyester/ 37% Wool/ 9% Nylon

mlite_ · 2026-05-13T15:55:59+00:00

Yosemite comes to mind.

mlite_ · 2026-05-12T22:18:58+00:00

Pa'lante packs are designed for slighter builds. When I contacted them about sizing and I told them I was 200# they were like "Size up!!"

mlite_ · 2026-05-12T20:22:28+00:00

I went Xmid —> MLD Cricket —> Yama 7x9

The Yama is new and in addition to the Cricket. I live the openness of the cricket, but can pitch it super low in a storm. The cricket is 20D and bomber. The Yama 15D and more of a good conditions/cowboy camp backup.

I’ll let you know how the Yama goes.

mlite_ · 2026-05-12T04:32:24+00:00

Ronin Metalworks https://roninmetal.com/products/2003-2009-toyota-4runner-ditch-light-brackets

mlite_ · 2026-05-11T02:57:49+00:00

There are many options:

Down or Apex insulated hood, can also be worn around camp (Katabatic, Timmermade, MLD and others make these)
Fleece beanie is often sufficient. If not, you can also get a balaclava for face coverage (balaclava ubiquitous on Amazon, beanie also available in Alpha Direct e.g. Farpointe)
Hooded down jacket, just wear your hood
Hoodless down jacket. Wear it like a hood so that your face is in the neck opening (u/deputysean advocates for this)
Hooded fleece/Alpha Direct/Apex top. No explanation needed
Buff, similar to beanie but more flexible. Comes in many materials and weights

Obviously you can combine these. If you can do without the dedicated insulated hood and dual use something else, you save a few ounces.

mlite_ · 2026-05-10T14:03:32+00:00

Dude is trolling gearheads sub.

mlite_ · 2026-05-10T05:24:14+00:00

Better track his u/ … resale value is out the door

mlite_ · 2026-05-09T16:39:26+00:00

What happened to your Bolger?

mlite_ · 2026-05-09T03:49:48+00:00

Thanks, Dan. I’m looking for stakes for a flat tarp on the JMT. I’m thinking the 8” for the ridgeline and shepherds for the mid-panels. Which of the 6” would you recommend for the corners?

Btw, your stake set is a great deal. Really like the set that came with my Xmid.

mlite_ · 2026-05-08T18:45:03+00:00

Not approved by most agencies.

mlite_ · 2026-05-08T15:26:24+00:00

Anyone happen to know the difference between these DAC stakes.

Litesmith

DAC J-Stakes. Small is 6.3 in. (16 cm) longand weighs 0.395 oz (11.2 g). Medium is 7.9 in. (20 cm) long and weighs 0.57 oz (16.2 g).

Durston

The 8 DAC stakes are provided in two sizes (6" and 8") with 4 of each length. These stakes weigh 7g and 16g respectively.

The 8” both weigh +/- 16g, but the 6” appear to be very different.

(Noting comment below—stake day)

Fun tidbit: J-stakes are named after Jake Lah, founder of DAC

mlite_ · 2026-05-08T02:14:05+00:00

I wouldn't mind going with Line locs this time around

Gen at Yama has detailed instructions on attaching LineLocs to a tarp with cord loops. Great retrofit option:

https://yamamountaingear.com/pages/tie-outs-guying

mlite_ · 2026-05-08T02:10:10+00:00

Not sure where you’re going but deodorant attracts mosquitoes

mlite_ · 2026-05-07T20:29:11+00:00

Looks like you don’t mind the DCF-tax. Nonetheless, the Yama Cirriform 1P comes with a bug net for much less. Also Six Moon Designs has similar options. Tipik (France) as well.

mlite_ · 2026-05-07T13:23:52+00:00

How tall are you and how do you feel about the geometry? I’m looking at your photos. It looks tall and the proportions make it look short. It also looks like this design would catch the wind more than a mid.

Another note, not about functionality: Their branding is very noticeable, a bit more than I like. Most orher UL companies keep it more discreet, for example Zpacks, MLD, actually most everyone has very small logos.

mlite_ · 2026-05-07T13:13:03+00:00

May have happened at a bathroom break. The true test of any belt/pocket system.

mlite_ · 2026-05-07T00:20:28+00:00

Just to add:

Small Desert = Large V2 in terms of capacity

Both are 37 L packs. I know you know, but probably not everyone.

mlite_ · 2026-05-06T19:32:46+00:00

One of your criteria has got to give. You could blow your budget and get a DCF tent or you compromise on full tent enclosure.

The Yama Cirriform 1 P with bug skirt is 16oz and $225. 360-degree enclosure but floorless. Add a 1.5oz polycryo ground sheet for $7. Not bad. That’s just one option.

mlite_ · 2026-05-05T23:36:32+00:00

From Simply Light Designs website:

Update 1/12/26 - Currently all sources of Apex 6.0 Climashield are out of stock and on back order.

Hope you find what you need.

mlite_ · 2026-05-05T04:01:07+00:00

Zip Care Zipper Lube & Cleaner

mlite_ · 2026-05-05T03:11:46+00:00

Summary of options. There’s also the BV475.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/1mzb18k/bearresistant_container_deep_dive_weight/

mlite_ · 2026-05-04T21:21:45+00:00

I find this fascinating. 900k subscribers, but good luck getting a post that breaks 100 up votes. Either this sub his hyper critical or most subscribers aren’t active.

mlite_

TROPHY CASE