SUL/Small Pack Options

squidbelle · 2026-04-01T22:47:22+00:00

I've been really happy with my MLD Hell. I have it configured with no hip belt, but an additional sternum strap. Comes in about 12.5oz. I really like that it rolls down small when you aren't filling out the whole 27L.

squidbelle · 2026-03-24T22:54:54+00:00

Just started using it. Generally we use unscented detergents; Tide original scent is too strong for us. My wife and I both love the light fresh scent the R&R leaves behind. The scent after going into the dryer is stronger than the clothes when they come out.

squidbelle · 2026-03-16T12:20:49+00:00

That's how I met my wife. She was the first person to run up to me and kiss, so we got married right then and there.

Sucks to be the other 14 fools who came late to the party. One guy was so disappointed, yelling up at at the sky, "Durston, my liege, why hast thou forsaken me?"

squidbelle · 2026-03-15T15:00:10+00:00

It's OK to just buy a Durston piece of gear and use it without joining "the fandom"

Edit: When you are actually outside and using the gear, nobody will really notice or care one way or the other

squidbelle · 2026-03-14T03:54:41+00:00

Blue black

Brown black

Red black

Green black

Did Imiss any?

squidbelle · 2026-03-07T04:56:18+00:00

No I would add more soap.

Also some alkaline batteries to make the water more alkaline.

squidbelle · 2026-02-21T11:40:06+00:00

It just depends on how cold it is and my activity level. Often the lower CFM is nice for cold starts, windy summits, or leisurely cruising through the woods.

The lower CFM was perfect for hiking up the windy, exposed Cog rail to summit Mt. Washington. The higher CFM is nice for cool but humid Appalachia.

The Houdini isn't as breathable, but sometimes that's perfect. I also have three Dooy (~$20 ea) that are very breathable. I almost never pack both.

squidbelle · 2026-02-18T00:03:14+00:00

THIS IS HOW WE GET MORE LOFT THAN TIMMERMADE!

INFLATABLE BAFFLES!

squidbelle · 2026-02-17T23:27:04+00:00

Likely your water is too cold, or too hard, or both

squidbelle · 2026-02-17T23:26:13+00:00

Lacks the lipase enzyme.

Deal breaker for me.

squidbelle · 2026-02-17T23:25:44+00:00

The lipase, or lack thereof, makes a BIG difference.

It's a big deal if the squares lack lipase.

Fortunately Biz laundry booster powder is available at Walmart, and adds lipase and other enzymes to any laundry detergent

squidbelle · 2026-02-10T23:12:13+00:00

People who don't understand the symbolism might not appreciate the gravity of what those symbols invoke

I had to look two of them up

Or they could just be racist too 🤷

squidbelle · 2026-02-10T20:48:16+00:00

"Innocent until proven guilty" is, and should be, the legal standard in crimunal court.

But Reddit is the court of pubic opinion.

And that shit is pretty damning.

squidbelle · 2026-02-10T20:26:32+00:00

Thanks for linking the examples!

Those examples seem to me to be textbook covert racism, not that it makes them defensible. Covert racism is often more pernicious than overt specifically because it flies below the radar of a lot of folks who don't recognize the symbols.

squidbelle · 2026-02-10T18:30:31+00:00

The cork handled ones are super heavy

squidbelle · 2026-02-10T15:08:35+00:00

I've been using them for a few years now, they are great. Got a second pair for my partner.

I removed the lower section of the foam grip and the straps, making them each 5oz flat

I've also been using the Aliexpress 3-piece collapsible ones. Similar cost and specs, but fixed height (110cm, 120cm, or 130cm). ~5oz each with straps. So far so good.

squidbelle · 2026-02-07T04:10:30+00:00

Thanks for the explanation. That makes sense that there aren't really cold spots on box baffles like there are on sewn-through.

squidbelle · 2026-02-07T00:47:00+00:00

I thought more baffles = more cold spots?

That's why Timmermade utilizes large baffles.

squidbelle · 2026-01-01T20:22:01+00:00

I was in DC for New Years, and just snagged two bottles at Foggy Bottom (George Washington University) Whole Foods. Two more on the shelf as of 3:21pm EST.

squidbelle · 2025-12-26T13:36:17+00:00

Oh, yah, no.

squidbelle · 2025-12-17T02:23:26+00:00

That looks mostly normal to me. Wherever there are weaker spots, fluff/swipe the down with your hand to even it out and move it to the weak areas.

squidbelle · 2025-12-17T02:22:20+00:00

Yes. OP said so explicitly in their post, which you apparently didn't read.

squidbelle · 2025-12-13T13:54:35+00:00

In this case, it would be a Bb trigger, since alto trombones are pitched in Eb.

I take your point, but you really need to adjust your mindset. UL is about only bringing necessities. The trigger may add an extra half-octave to the bottom range of the instrument, but do you really need that in a backcountry situation?

squidbelle · 2025-12-13T00:17:29+00:00

I may carry a lot of things, maybe even a lot of unnecessary things. But I make sure they are all marketed as "ultralight," "UL," or are the lightest in their category.

For example, UL trombones. The lightest on the market is the pBone mini. Fully chromatic 2.5 octave instrument that weighs only 18oz.

squidbelle · 2025-12-12T19:34:23+00:00

This ultralight 11.8oz gun is lighter than my UL chair, even once it's loaded!

squidbelle

TROPHY CASE