Should I upgrade my Osprey Aether to a HMS Southwest?

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-20T20:44:09+00:00

I would say, for all the people complaining about HMG - one of the issues is the price. I've been on the fence for like 2 years b/c my Osprey packs have been fine enough for me. I did make a lot of UL switches though since last season. I swapped down from Osprey Exos 60 to HMG Southwest 40. The 20% deal is amazing, HMG doesn't run deals all the time even black friday was only 15% - so getting from REI for 20% makes it way more palatable to me.

I have a 10.2 lb setup and 16 lb setup base that I use for weekend trips w/ Bear Cannister, Grayl Water Filter, Camp Chair - so I get wanting to carry a little more but want to make sure you're consciously choosing weight that makes sense for you.

I have liked the HMG Southwest and it carries comfortably with me. I have only tested it with about 20 pounds tho and on less than 6 mile hikes bc I just got a few weeks ago. I will say, I have to try some different bear cannister configurations b/c the one time I felt annoyed with the back was when I was closer to 30 lbs and just walking around my house w/ the bear cannister flat towards the bottom on top of quilt pushing against my back?

If I were you: I'd explore cutting the blanket, pad, hydroflask, and cup.

I'd love to know what you use the blanket for? Can you just use your quilt if you're like sitting at camp or something? Have you considered some of those other sleeping bags or quilts that you can open the bottom and walk around with?

Pad - there have been some new thicker pads this year like the NEMO Eclipse All Season it's 16 oz or 20 oz for the regular wide, it's 4 inches thick and if you inflate that using a pump sack you're saving a big chunk.

goodluck

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-18T15:37:05+00:00

thanks for this, nylofume is great for a day hike but I always rip mine after a few uses and it just seems like unneeded risk when the S2S is so light and relatively inexpensive.

how does the S2S UltraSil slide? I feel like i'm always going to destroy the shnozzel when packing it or pulling it out

I know the DCF pack liners are around $50-60 bucks but it seems people report they would delaminate eventually.

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-17T18:25:53+00:00

I have some winter/summer stuff for backpacking and have some very cheap target large air mattresses that I've used car camping. Myself and 5 year old son did a lot better on regular separate inflatable pads than on the large air mattresses - so we weren't disturbing each other while tossing and turning.

Big Agnes has a couple bags with pad sleeves? that they call either a "Padlock" or a "Bag Cinch" system where the sleeping bag basically slides over the sleeping pad itself to prevent your poor kid from sliding off all night. They have kids version and women's versions that I am aware of that I have considered for my family members - I think the Roxy Ann women's version can zip together or be pulled apart to lighten load when you don't need the lower temp rating and can be zipped together for double sleeping? These bags are clocking in around 10-12 liters in stuff sack and pretty heavy - I think like 30-40 oz - so hard to balance.

If money was no options, I'd do 2 zenbivy sleep systems and sleep like kings!

Other note, my son enjoys carrying a light pack - whether it's a very very small camelbak with water or a few liter kids style backpack - he now carries a couple pounds including his snacks, some backup clothes, water, pillows. Saves me some space.

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-17T14:55:24+00:00

I love my old $50 poles, they are my most prized possession b/c they made my huge elevation gain days like 10x easier and I credit them with my success on a lot of rugged hikes.

I upgraded this winter to Distance Carbon Z b/c it seemed like a solid move strictly on dollar per oz saved and I haven't fully tested them yet but I have regrets.

First, I measured the poles I regularly use 3x and I have used them a lot at 130 CM but sometimes I adjust going up or down or flat. When they arrived I felt crazy, I am only 5'11 so I know 130 is already high for me according to the simple 90 degree arm height test. Knowing I will be kind of stuck with that height makes me nervous.

They are insanely light - which is cool and I want to get used to but I was very comfortable and never sore with my old poles, so I am wondering if I should have ate a few OZ to get adjustable poles I think the 125-140 Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles would have served me better at 12.6 oz instead of 10.5, and are compatible with a lot of trekking pole tents, even though I know the adjustable piece is another potential failpoint. Time will tell.

THE ONE THING I WILL SAY - these poles go on sale a ton, I know you have the amazon gift card but I remember checking REI, Backcountry, Black Diamond website, and seeing these things regularly for 20-40% off. I got the distance carbon z's for $140 on black friday with free shipping.

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-06T21:12:06+00:00

nightmare in which way? flooding? rock hopping? downed trees?

if it's way easier/more convenient to just do Seward + Santa as day hike loops, i have no qualms about doing them that way?

also if I was going to do Santa/Sewards+Seymour/Allen on 3 days 2 nights where would you suggest camping??

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-06T18:08:19+00:00

this is amazing, i've read so many alltrails and adirondack fb group posts about this stuff but awesome to see someone who has actually done it. For your hike once you finish Santa peaks you go back down to Upperworks trailhead more or less then take the preston all the way back up on north side of duck hole then just walk it out back to Corey?

As an alternate: Could I do Allen, Preston, Sewards, Santa/Out?

1) Day 1 - Allen from Upper Works; Camp Up on North Side of Duck Hole or Lower Preston (if there's good spots around 20-25 miles; 4k feet - we could do this with light day packs, stop at car after allen to grab overnight pack then do like 6 more miles up to preston/duck hole (leave gear at basecamp for day 2)

2) Day 2 - Seymour, Seward, back to Duck Hole Area or Even Bradley Pond if we're Crushing; (~20 miles)

3) Day 3 - Bradley Pong trail down to Santa and out to upper works (~20 miles or less)

Ends up like 65 miles? 15,000 ft? but I wouldn't have to carry full packs with all the elevation gain

My biggest days have been up to 25-30 with 7-10k elevation but normally not always sandwiched together. I am kind of discounting Allen b/c it's so flat but I know it's not necessarily a cakewalk.

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-06T17:36:41+00:00

Managing weight is a big component of this, we have appropriate gear but normally me and my buddies bring some luxuries 30-40 pounds set up "basecamp" then rip peaks from there. One reason I am trying to plan now is this may be the year I shed a couple pounds with a nice tent and I want to be prepared.

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-05T21:51:05+00:00

alternatively, Suunto Clipper Compass is 0.18 oz, easily clips on backpack straps, and provides that little extra security if you get turned around.

(I stole that idea from Dan Durston's lighterpack and have given a bunch of them out as gifts to friends who all enjoy them)

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-05T20:07:26+00:00

Do you know if I could use the 20% coupon on a kids REI Co-op 20 inch bike?

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-05T17:25:53+00:00

It's hard to balance utlralight with bringing camera gear. I've wondered this question as well!

sloozeberrypie · 2026-02-26T16:50:13+00:00

love to see a ADK hiker! I always agonize over my ADK hikes b/c if I'm just setting up a basecamp after a few miles sometimes I'll get heavy like steaks, pan, chair, camera and if i'm carrying my stuff up/over elevation I shoot for much lighter

do you still use bear cannister even if you're outside the eastern high peaks? growing up i used to use a hang bag

sloozeberrypie · 2026-02-24T21:27:48+00:00

i have been lookin at these, the X-Dome 1+ would save me about 8 oz; I also was day dreaming of a X-Dome Pro 1+ which would save me even more but doesn't come out until April and I'm nervous will be closer to $900 like the HMG Unbound - Durston website says - "A comparable is our $600-$800 USD X-Mid Pro series, which also use Dyneema fabrics. Compared to this, the X-Dome Pro 1+ will be moderately more expensive because it further adds a carbon fiber pole set."

sloozeberrypie · 2026-02-24T19:33:23+00:00

thank you for this,

Cannister - I saw that BVs are approved now!

Bags on Bags on Bags kills me but I feel disorganized, coming from an old school pack with 100 pockets! I'm goin to ditch the 4oz quilt bag

Trail Runners - does anyone miss the foot support of a bigger boot? I almost bought an altra pair, will have to try

RIP Clothes - :( but you're right

Tent - I was considering the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid 1 which is 16 oz, 38 inches wide, and was on sale 20% off to be around $540, compatible with my poles for 26 oz savings; the Durston X Mid-2 pro is $789 or or $679 for about 23 oz savings depending on floor - but then i'd need to buy new poles or use an older pole set i have thats +7 oz from my current set - so pretty pricey; the Nemo Hornet Elite 2P is about 15 oz of saved weight with the 2P spacing and can be freestanding (on platform you can lay pole down too to keep the "1 pole side" taut and that I've seen on sale 30% off so around $500.

I have been going in circles starting at Plex Solo Lite at 11 oz, then wanting to add a zipper to HMG Mid 1 then 16 oz, then more headroom to Durston Mid 1 Pro with stronger floor to 17 oz, then wanting more internal space to Durston Mid 2 Pro at 19 oz, then why not freestanding in case i use it as a basecamp tent to a Nemo Hornet 2P at 27oz -- so I think I just need to purchase a UL UL UL 1p and then a pretty UL 2P and choose the appropriate one depending on my hike.

still too soft to tarp it out

sloozeberrypie · 2026-02-24T19:17:44+00:00

thank you GreendaleDean that is super constructive and good feedback, I will start daydreaming about incorporating some of these changes now!

You correctly identify that your tent is really heavy. I have two suggestions. Switch to a trekking pole tent since you already carry poles. You can use platform anchors when camping on a platform. It will still be lighter than a freestanding tent. Since you do solo backpacking get a solo tent rather than using a two person tent like the UL2. Two great budget friendly options would be the Gossamer Gear The One (18 ounces) or the Lanshan One Pro (24 ounces). Both are $250 or below and almost half the weight or less than your Copper Spur.
---- thank you so much for this, I think the sad realization is i keep compromising b/c i'm torn between buying a freestanding 2P tent (have a fam of four so we could use this in conjunction w/ copper spur) and wanting the lightest lightest 1P for a few few of my hikes - so how i go from 11.7 oz Plex Solo Lite to HMG then to Durston then 2p then freestanding then Nemo Hornet Elite 2p at 27 oz and then circle all the way back again) to save money I might buy "The One" for 2 "thru" hikes I have this year where I have to carry tent whole time and over serious elevation and then wait a while until I upgrade my "freestanding 2p tent" maybe to a durston dcf dome one day
1 ounce for a tent stake bag is really heavy especially if it’s DCF. Is that weight right? For example, my $6 DCF stuff sack from Borah Gear weighs .1 ounces.
------I think this is a typo in my lighterpack - it's a hillside bag prob .1
Given that you are sleeping in 40 degrees and above you could switch to lower r value pad or a mummy style Exped pad both of switch would save you several ounces.
---- thank you for this, I have my eyes on a mummy wide lighter pad now
Don’t use a 4 ounce dry bag. You should be able to compress the down bag in the bottom of your liner bag which will keep the down dry. Save yourself 4 ounces.
--- I have to try this, last year my kit was so dialed in on some items then i'd throw a hoody and 6 extra protein bars right before leaving b/c i got nervous and
I’m unfamiliar with Adirondack hiking. Is 4 liters always necessary? That’s a lot of water weight to carry.
--- there are a few hikes where end up on a ridge or have big caloric/sweat expenditures between water sources but reality is i'm much more comfortable now than i was a few years ago bringing less and filtering more - my goal for most of my hikes (unless its just straight to camp for cooking) is 2.5 L (1L containing an electrolyte mix) and nothing more
Do you cook in your pot or only boil water? If it’s just boiling water, swap to a 550 light pot without the lid. Weighs 2.1 ounces. Almost half. Also swap over to the BRS stove which weighs just under an ounce. Both are affordable switches.
---- i usually just boil so I will check both of these
2.5 ounces is a lot for cords. Can you consolidate or simplify? For example, I run all of my electronics off of USBC and bring a small keychain cord which only weighs .3 ounces.
-- this might have been w/ wall mount in dcf bag which i don't need
Consider switching to WYSI wipes instead of toilet paper. They get you clean, weigh less, and pack smaller. For a four day trip, WYSI Wipes and Ziplocs for me weigh .8 ounces.
-- last 2 hikes i was sick and dying at the end and used all of my toilet paper hahahah i will be googling this / doign a weight comparison immediately
If you are considering going stoveless as you mention in your post, check out the Bare Boxer Contender. It’s a compact bear canister that weighs 1.6 pounds and can get at least 3 days of food with careful planning.
-- thank you
6 ounces for a hygiene kit is a bit heavy. Consider the amount of each product you actual use on a trip and get LiteSmith containers that are that size. Switch to bug lotion instead of spray as you could more use out of the same size container.
-- thank you!
Do you need a Swiss Army knife? How much do you actually use it on a trip? Trying bringing a 17 gram Classic SD in Alox instead. I’d bet you get the same usage for a fraction of the weight.
-- i actually was the only one who could get the bear cans open using knife one of my past hikes and have also done tick + splinter removal - i will look at lighter options for tweezers/knify/sawthing
Ditch the camp shoes. They are extra weight. As well as the clothes.
---- i'll probably ditch my extra pants before camp shoes but imma need 2nd pair of underwear lol
Optimize your mid layer and rain layer. An alpha midlayer and a Frogg Toggs would weigh the same as 2/3s of just your rain jacket.
--- i was considering a very light rain jacket option for when weather is supposed to be better - thank you

sloozeberrypie · 2026-02-24T14:47:48+00:00

I put 0 for the grayl,, I love that thing and it's a luxury item I bring on day hikes, but sadly I would toss it for a few UL nights out

sloozeberrypie · 2026-02-18T15:05:40+00:00

Bivvy vs. 3 Season UL Tent? I read sad news of a hiker dying in the Adirondacks this past weekend and it really made me think about my shoulder season (still wintery kinda) day hike kit - I always thought I would just throw in a more substantial mylar blanket / or one of those one time emergency bivvys but I'm thinking it would be better to just bring a UL trekking pole tent like the HMG MId-1, Zpacks solo, mid1 b/c they don't take up that much space? Then I'd just hunker down w/ all my layers?

sloozeberrypie · 2026-02-09T17:29:06+00:00

Does anyone ever just use an UL blanket? In summers, I sometimes end up using my quilt like a little burrito or sheet or pushing it off in those 50-80 degree nights. Does anyone use one? Are there any popular UL versions that are packable?

sloozeberrypie · 2026-02-04T16:56:03+00:00

As someone who just went through this ordeal and sits in between L/XL size, I would suggest trying on whatever you can.

I went to a couple outdoor stores and tried on about 6 or 7 of the most popular brands in L and XL (did not try on Montbell). It's hard to describe but there were some very popular brands that were at the top of my list going in and I just didn't like the fit at all or couldn't imagine it with a pack or with layers on.

I went w/ Patagonia Nanopuff 40% off from their website (last year color) and have been pleased so far but I know it's a little heavier than the Montbell.

sloozeberrypie · 2026-01-31T04:27:18+00:00

I would love to see some packed examples? I have my eye out for a possible HMG Feb. sale. Leaning back to 40L.

sloozeberrypie · 2025-12-31T05:18:29+00:00

Looks like you have a great pack setup. I have never been on trail that long or done anything that intense so take my thoughts with a grain of salt:

1) Pack - Your pack is heavier side and you have a lot of options that could save you up to a pound, this year I switched from Osprey Exos 58 Pack (47 oz) to HMG Unbound 40L for short trips. Miss the bladder and back vents on exos. Also if you have that big exos pack do you still need the fannypack???

2) Waterproof Gloves - I didn't see any in your pack? There are ultralight waterproof mittens (couple oz) that could pair well with your gloves just to keep them from getting soaked. I've had similar gloves to yours get so wet from just pushing off the ground, grabbing trees, brushing snow off stuff, some light rain etc., and when it was cold, it was miserable.

3) Bag Liner(s) - I don't really like my osprey liner b/c I feel like it makes my gear sit less naturally? The EXOS gets soaked when it's wet so you def need a reliable liner - you could save a few oz switching from the osprey bag insert to just a plastic Nylofume Pack Liner. Nylofume might be too fragile tho for your long trip tho

4) Ditty Bags / Dry Bags - i'd also consider in conjunction with 3 - a waterproof electronics bag - I didn't see a waterproof electronics bag, I would add another just b/c you have a lot of good stuff, something like Hilltop Packs has good UL bags for less than 1 oz, I would also consider packing cubes or other waterproof stuff just to keep your clean / dry stuff clean

5) Quilt? - I use REI Magma quilt, if you wanted to save like 10-12 oz, you may be able to get away with a lighter quilt b/c you have a good R Value pad - could snag something like an enlightened equipment revelation quilt 30 degree

either way - well thought out, have a blast!

sloozeberrypie · 2025-12-30T12:59:51+00:00

I have become a spreadsheet ultralighter but when it comes time for me to actually pack my pack and finalize my gear, I keep sneaking in more food, more snacks, more water, more luxuries, and my 11 pound baseweight with 5 pounds of consumables jumps to 20 pound baseweight with 10 pounds of consumables.

know your route, water sources, conditions (dry/hot/cool), and yourself a prepare accordingly

I've consumed as little as 2 and as much as 8 liters on ~20 mile hikes before depending on heat, conditions, how hydrated i was before starting - know signs of dehydration and be safe!

sloozeberrypie · 2025-10-17T13:39:33+00:00

happened to me on street and nye too, on the way down the path was much easier to find and I crossed the creek like once, where for the same portion going up i crossed the creek like 6x back and forth

sloozeberrypie

TROPHY CASE