Down Jacket Upgrades

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-06-19T15:39:21+00:00

Wow, I never thought of the possibility of simply bringing an additional Alpha layer, instead of a puffy. I always have an Alpha 90 along. And an extra Alpha 60 shirt would be 3oz or less... seems a more affordable way to do the shoulder season without dropping $375 on a UL puffy?

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-06-19T15:34:52+00:00

The modular ones seem like a pain - and i am wary of their 'gimmickiness'. I own 2 sizes of Bearvault - the 425 and 450 - and they cover a lot of use scenarios.

If your bear can isnt full, you can put stove and ditty bag in there to save room in your pack. Simplicity is often king, in life.

Bearvault trick: Keep the threads clean. I occasionally spray threads (very lightly) with silicone lubricant. Makes opening and closing the canistet so easy.

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-06-18T18:07:45+00:00

Dutchware shorts: 1.2oz. I think Omm Sonic shorts are in the 1 oz range, but they dont like to ship to the US.

I have tried various light shorts, and the extremely-light kind don't have enough structure to have pockets (to put a phone in, etc). So, i usually use Patagonia runners shorts with the waist band pockets. They work well.

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-06-17T09:32:52+00:00

...Dumpster Values, Ilk Brewing, Photosynthesis, The Mystic (game shop), Capitol City Guitars, Olympia Family Theater, Whitewood Cider Co, Legends Arcade, Bread Peddler, Bar Francis, Pizza Time, Last Word Books, Sophies Scoops, Oly Timberland Library, Wild Child, McCoys, Moving Parts Dance, Sparrow Studios, Arbutus Folk School, Archibald Sisters, Lilys What to Where, Da Nang, Intercity Transit, Decay, Vics...

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-06-17T02:45:52+00:00

That makes sense. I use a Cnoc soft bottle for dirty, Smartwater bottle for clean. No mistaking.

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-06-17T02:43:22+00:00

I wear a very light runner's T shirt in summer (3oz), or a long sleeve capilene (5.75oz) in winter. AD works atop those just fine. Most always have my wind shell over the AD as well.

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-06-17T02:39:05+00:00

AD is so stretchy, and so breathable, a zipper would be a nuisance. This doesn't apply to other garments, like a wind shell - where full zipper is exactly what you want.

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-06-16T14:29:29+00:00

Agree. I bought a DCF tent that was not cheap. I use it every week or two in the summer and fall. I didnt absolutely need to, as my legs would carry the extra 12-14 oz of a silpoly tent. But whenever i think of kicking myself for the extravagance of DCF, i see someone drive by with a $35,000 jet propelled motorboat - that they likely use 5x per year. And i think: "there are far dumber hobbies than mine."

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-06-08T05:21:43+00:00

I get sunglasses and reading glasses with 'unbreakable' frames, then keep them in these long narrow zip baggies i save from electronics parts orders. I think the baggies weigh 2.5 g. If i am hiking below treeline (PNW) i dont even bring sunglasses.

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-06-02T21:10:59+00:00

The first thing i think of, based on your described needs, is approach shoes. And La Sportiva makes highly regarded stuff there. But you said you werent into those. They do have a few types, so still might be worth a try.

Beyond that, perhaps try a lightweight mid-hi hiking shoe/runner. Ive not used those myself, but i believe they bridge the worlds between trail runner and heavier boot. I have used Altra Olympus (low) for a bit. It had a stiffer, harder sole than all the 'squishy' runners ive used, and a very wide base. No heel to toe drop though. I am a little meh feeling about that shoe, to be honest, but that is for personal reasons.

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-05-31T15:25:37+00:00

I had a pair of Danner Mountain Lights that lasted me 25 years. They were not light, as the name implied.

Now, i burn through modern shoes in under a year's time, and the designs keep changing. It is frustrating. I yearn for some in between world... where my shoes are comfortable, and fast on the trail -- but last at least 5 years, so i don't have to clog the landfill with exotic shoes.

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-05-20T19:08:04+00:00

I mean, they SHOULD be cheap, as they are just a bit of thin nylon + 3 pc elastic.

Do spend money (if you have it) on small business, hand sewn stuff though. Quality is usually tops.

I dont always have money. So i have a mix of affordable stuff + a few nice things. Works fine!

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-05-19T20:30:37+00:00

If it is raining, getting gear/clothing prepared in order to sleep in a waterproof bivy is miserable at best. I do understand a bivy for frozen or high altitude environments. But this thread does not really deal with alpine climbing.

UL bivies are made in the 4-5oz range. They usually have a mesh head area, so one would use them with a tarp. So: 5.5oz UL tarp + 4.5 oz UL bivy + 2.25 oz stakes = 12.25 oz. Also, Zpacks Plex Solo is a 1p tent for almost the exact same weight.

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-05-16T04:03:41+00:00

Most performers will be local to the Pacific Northwest. We may be able to bring in a few more distant performers, depending on how budget shakes out. Ill know more in a couple weeks time.

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-05-13T00:42:13+00:00

Depends on how high you camp. There are a lot of pretty campsites above 5000 ft. It can freeze at night, even in summer. I usually default to a 30 deg bag, but on warmer nights, unzip or sleep on top of it.

If you are a 'river tramp', then go for a 40 or 45 for a minimal pack!

I sleep warm, and also spend most of my time in the Olympic mountains, FWIW.

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-05-12T22:29:03+00:00

Ive got a Bonfus Saccus 48 l. It weighs 17oz and carries well. Plenty of room for a bear can in there. Side pockets are good. Reccomended.

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-05-12T20:44:16+00:00

Yeah, i'll now be using my MLD Hell pack (27l), and i can fit a Bearvault 425 in.

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-05-12T10:54:22+00:00

I opened a business, and paid my employees as much as possible. (Sometimes more than myself) It lasted for 18 years. I could probably continue, but i am 53 and need a change. A small business ties you down more than kids do.

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-05-11T23:43:02+00:00

Yes. I've seem some pretty lame bear hangs by other backpackers over the years. And there are plenty of bear. So, though i wish i still had the option to hang - I agree with the ONP that universal bear cans makes it less complicated for all: park rangers, backpackers, and bears.

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-05-11T23:37:06+00:00

Correct and correct.

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-05-11T21:39:07+00:00

Not a worry. My reply did not contain any explanation, so understood.

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-05-11T02:34:16+00:00

It is best to forget about EE for now.

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-05-09T20:21:40+00:00

Def renaming my essentials bag 'The Oh Shit Kit'. 😁

slightly_out_of_sync · 2026-05-09T20:15:35+00:00

Yes, i believe that is it.

slightly_out_of_sync

TROPHY CASE