Light weight hiking/back packing

[SEREvince]

As I get older and wiser I find that I want to carry less weight while being more comfortable!

I'd like to open a discusion on light weight gear although I'm no extremist here!

Titanium spork = YES

Cutting the handle off of my toothbrush to save .0002 oz = NO

Basically what light weight gear are you carrying that keeps you happy but doesn't wear you out lugging it around.

I'd love to see your favorite choices for multiday 3-season trips! Here's a few of the things I recently picked up to lighten the load.

Integral Designs 8x10 Siltarp 14 oz! I have a mozzy net for when the bugs are real bad.

Big Agnes Insulated Air Core sleeping pad. Super comfy/packs small.

My cook kit is Titanium and I just picked up a set of those Orikaso fold flat dishes. I don't know if the save any weight but they are kinda cool and super easy to pack.http://www.rei.com/product/736993

I ussually try to work with my friends to distibute some of the common items, i.e. I carry the stove he/she carries the water purifier of vice versa.

My stove is a MSR Dragonfly, I've used it for years with no worries and love it, although I am tempted by the Jetboil for the bling factor.

I have several water purification choices, although when traveling light there is nothing that matches good old bleach for weight and effectiveness IMO.

My other purifiers are the Katadyn Hiker and the MSR Miox. I've put alot of gallons of very suspect water through the Hiker and like it, especially the output volume. I have not yet used the Miox although just thumbing through the directions it seems a little complicated. It is very small and potentially can treat a large amount of water.

I use the simple platypus bottles to lug the H2O. They are bombproof! and fold up tiny once they are empty.

I have several sleeping bags depending on conditions. I don't associate winter camping with being lightweight so my other options range from a fleece liner/ g-tex bivy to a North Face Cats Meow. I just don't see myself dropping another $250-300 to save a lb with a new bag.

I am thinking of going with the Gregory G Pack. Will save 3-4lbs over my current packs!http://www.gregorypacks.com/prod.php?ID=15

Any other big weight savers out there! Let's hear em.

[Dirty Harry]

The thing I have found about going light is being a minimalist, how much are you willing to live without? I never carry a water purifier anymore, only aquamira. I use a foam pad that keeps me warmer than a self inflating mattress and weighs and costs less.

For packs, check out Bozeman Mountain Works or Granite Gear. I have a Granite Gear Vapor Trail and I am very happy with it. Enough room for everything I need, but it is small enough that I don't get carried away filling it up until it is full.

The light pack, switching from a tent to a bivy and a tarp/poncho, and my boots (I use Montrail Hurricane Ridge trail runners now) are the biggest places I have saved weight. Other things, like compression sacks, spectra cord, and carrying a minimal first aid kit have really added up too.

Another thing that I have found helpful is planning. Mainly to determine where water is and how much I need to carry before I can refill.

I find that these changes allow me to bring my camera gear into the backcountry without overwhelming me. I'd rather be without a tent than my camera when I get away from civilization.

[teotwaki]

Titanium spork = YES

I use a Lexan spoon from REI as they are cheap and don't bend easily


Cutting the handle off of my toothbrush to save .0002 oz = NO.

I've actually done that and I have read of a guy who cuts off all of the little tags and labels on his gear and clothes.


Integral Designs 8x10 Siltarp 14 oz! I have a mozzy net for when the bugs are real bad.

I use an MSR Hubba single person tent, super light, nice vestibule, good mosquito net and is bomber in a Sierra rainstorm. My key factor was that I could sit up in it to read or to change clothes.


Big Agnes Insulated Air Core sleeping pad. Super comfy/packs small.

A simple and lightweight Ridgerest foam pad.


My cook kit is Titanium and I just picked up a set of those Orikaso fold flat dishes..

I bring a single titanium pot. I use a large plastic insulated mug for everything including cooking the Top Ramen and mixing drinks.


I usually try to work with my friends to distibute some of the common items, i.e. I carry the stove he/she carries the water purifier of vice versa..

Always a good strategy, even for expeditions! One guy uses his ARB/Engel for frozen food (Ice Cream!) and the other guy uses his for the fridge


My stove is a MSR Dragonfly, I've used it for years with no worries and love it, although I am tempted by the Jetboil for the bling factor..

Jetboil finally had to build a pot version as the cup approach was too little water for much of a meal. I use a MSR Pocket Rocket. For really cold weather I warm up the canister in my sleeping bag and then put a foam sleeve around it.


I have several water purification choices, although when traveling light there is nothing that matches good old bleach for weight and effectiveness IMO. .

Been going back to the tablet approach and use ordinary vitamin C to remove the iodine taste.


I use the simple platypus bottles to lug the H2O. They are bombproof! and fold up tiny once they are empty..

I stopped hauling Nalgene bottles. The Lexan ones actually weigh more than the standard bottles. I do use a hydration bladder for drinking on the move and a Nalgene Canteen for extra water.


I have several sleeping bags depending on conditions. I don't associate winter camping with being lightweight so my other options range from a fleece liner/ g-tex bivy to a North Face Cats Meow. I just don't see myself dropping another $250-300 to save a lb with a new bag..

Winter camping can be lightweight and is nicknamed "Alpine Style". I watch for sales and have a super light North Face 900 fill bag for cool to cold weather camping. I sell off previous gear on Craig's List and EBay.


I am thinking of going with the Gregory G Pack. Will save 3-4lbs over my current packs!.

I have a seven pound expedition pack for the winter trips and a 3 pound Mountainsmith pack for Sierra backpacking. There are lighter packs but comfort won out.

Last summer my pack weighed 35 pounds including food, water, clothes and a stupid bear vault.... I can probably cut some more corners on the weight.

[DaveInDenver]

Tent wise, you might look at the Tarptent. Personally I have my eye on the Double Rainbow, which is a bit bigger tent. Relatively comfortable for 2 + dog. It's a one pole free standing tent if you use your ski (or trekking) poles for stretchers. You can also stake the 4 corners, but it's not free standing without the 2 poles. It's 40 ounces completely set-up with a floor, combo mesh/fly, etc. It can be split into two halves, so each person must pack ~1.25 lbs. From what I've seen it does pretty well with wind, so can be pressed into year round service if you want. I like the Megamid when group skiing in the winter, but having a floor would make it good for spring snow and summer rain, too (I hate wet down). They also have a floorless version, which weighs about 34 oz.

http://www.tarptent.com/photos/ttdoublerainbow5.jpg

Tarptent also makes some super light tents. The Contrail is about 24 ounces with a floor, about 21 oz without.

http://www.tarptent.com/photos/contrail/frontview.jpg

BTW, I cut and drill my toothbrushes, mostly the short handles make packing them easier and the hole is to attach a leash so it does not get dropped. I also use the cheap-o Lexan utensils. I just use what I have, which is heavy and old. Most of our money is spent on the bike and mortgage and this year a lot on building an engine for the truck.

[Flounder]

I've been using a Jet Boil for a couple seasons now. Great for alpineering trips. That Dragonfly is my sea kayaking favorite because I feel it's a tad heavy. Okay, it's a tank.

If you really get into this gram counting, you will eventually need to seriously drop some coin on techy cloths. Depending on the seasons you travel in, the cloths you take can really rack up the pounds.

There's really no recipe for going ultra light. The gear is out there now. It's just a matter of how much do you want to spend. It also depends on what you think is "light."

For me, a "light" pack for 3 nights in summerish mountain weather is probably 3olbs for a solo jaunt. Probably 40lbs with alpineering gear split with a buddy.

[teotwaki]

Tent wise, you might look at the Tarptent. Personally I have my eye on the Double Rainbow, which is a bit bigger tent. Relatively comfortable for 2 + dog. It's a one pole free standing tent if you use your ski (or trekking) poles for stretchers. You can also stake the 4 corners, but it's not free standing without the 2 poles. It's 40 ounces completely set-up with a floor, combo mesh/fly, etc. It can be split into two halves, so each person must pack ~1.25 lbs. From what I've seen it does pretty well with wind, so can be pressed into year round service if you want. I like the Megamid when group skiing in the winter, but having a floor would make it good for spring snow and summer rain, too (I hate wet down). They also have a floorless version, which weighs about 34 oz.

http://www.tarptent.com/photos/ttdoublerainbow5.jpg

Tarptent also makes some super light tents. The Contrail is about 24 ounces with a floor, about 21 oz without.

BTW, I cut and drill my toothbrushes, mostly the short handles make packing them easier and the hole is to attach a leash so it does not get dropped. I also use the cheap-o Lexan utensils. I just use what I have, which is heavy and old. Most of our money is spent on the bike and mortgage and this year a lot on building an engine for the truck.

Oooooh, Mongo like pretty tent!!!

If you don't remember who Mongo is.... "Mongo only pawn in game of life"
http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/8528/mongoonlypawningameoflijv8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Blazing Saddles!!

[DaveInDenver]

Oooooh, Mongo like pretty tent!!!
Nice reference. 'Cuse me while I whip this out.

[SEREvince]

Great info,

I'm shooting for 25-30lbs range for long weekend trips. I'm not looking to get into the "ultra light/speed hike" extreme area, just want to lighten my load.

I just ordered the Granite Gear Meridian Vapor pack, saves over three lbs off of my current Dana Designs packs. The Gregory wasn't in stock in my size.

Any ideas on a light weight waterproof shell? I have a nice wind proof/ water resistant fleece and some descent threads. I've really been digging my Exofficio Bug off pants with zip off legs! Lightweight and comfortable like your favorite PJs.

My clothes list generally looks something like this for a three day trip in mild temps. I could easily get away with one set of clothes but, I find that having a dry set to change into is a must for me to really enjoy things when I get wet.

2 pair convertible pant/shorts (wear one)
2 synthetic wicking shirts (wear one)
Polypro watch cap- great for chilly mountain nights and exposed short stops!
Fleece
cheap nylon shell
Smartwool socks 2 pairs depending on condition (wear one pair)
I have a Gore-tex jacket/ pant set , but they are pretty heavy. I hate packing them and avoid it except when there's snow, then they rock!

What meals/foods do you think are the best balance between weight, ease and flavor?

What about soap? Is there a natural "do it all" soap, including toothpaste? Dr Bonner's comes to mind, but I wouldn't brush my teeth with it. Anyone tried? there are some things (shaving) I can do with out, but minty fresh teeth is not one of them.

The biggest area I think I can save weight is by giving up some of my redundant items especially as the gear gets more reliable. I'm always guilty of the "what if" syndrom of packing. What if "x" breaks(never has) or "y" happens (nope). I find that the more I get out the lighter my pack gets as I identify what I really need vs. what I might need

Ciao

Vince

[Flounder]

Food can get heavy indeed. When I backpack down here in the dry southwest to places like the Grand Canyon, I use freeze dried backpacking food and wouldn't do otherwise. It saves fuel as all you need to do is boil water. It saves water as all you need to do is use 6oz and if you eat out of the package, there's no washing of pots. The food itself is light. It just really works.

In areas with more available water, I still use backpacking food but I don't mind doing more actual "cooking." Staples for me are things like cous cous, hummus and other things that cook quickly, pack lots of carbs and are not a mess to clean up.

I do try to bring along "real" food as well. Simple things like cheese, sausage and a bagel make for a nice break from freeze dried food. I try to save weight with dinners and splurge on snack foods.

I also really focus on a balance of nutrients. On more ambitious outings I try to keep my macronutrients in the 60/30/10 range. Carbs, protiens and fats (olive oil, cheese).

[DaveInDenver]

Any ideas on a light weight waterproof shell?

I have a Patagonia Rain Shadow jacket that I like a lot. Light, packable, actually waterproof. I bought it originally to use in the summer, but find that it works awesome over a soft shell, even if it's not nearly as burly as a regular hard shell. So I would not expect it to take much punishment from tools and skis. But it's really light, less a pound.

[Dirty Harry]

I like the GoLite Virga, only 9 oz.

http://www.golite.com/product/productdetail.aspx?p=AM1726&s=1

[DaveInDenver]

I like the GoLite Virga, only 9 oz.

http://www.golite.com/product/productdetail.aspx?p=AM1726&s=1
How is it's waterproofness? I ask because I went through a few jackets to arrive at the Patagucci. The first were DWR coated nylon, which are cheap, small and light, but in anything beyond a quick moving squall are horrible. I tried a Marmot Precip, which was supposed to be waterproof, even has taped seams. It leaked like crazy, although it did seem that the fabric itself was probably waterproof. But the outer layer soaked up water and became waterlogged in no time. No amount of taping and DWR is going to keep it waterproof forever if the fabric wicks water. In the year or so I've had this Rain Shadow it has yet to even suggest it might leak. I'm very happy and it's only 2 oz heavier than the Marmot. I know Golite makes a lot of awesome stuff, but it all seems to be pretty light duty in the long term. Just my feeling and I break a lot of stuff.

[Dirty Harry]

The Virga has been great in the short, heavy thundershowers I have had it in. No soaking up water, but I would worry about how well it would hold up to bushwhacking. If you are hard on stuff it may pay to get a heavier duty jacket.

[SEREvince]

The Virga has been great in the short, heavy thundershowers I have had it in. No soaking up water, but I would worry about how well it would hold up to bushwhacking. If you are hard on stuff it may pay to get a heavier duty jacket.

Looks like a nice pick!

Found some nice lightweight/ ultralight backpacking resources

http://www.backpacking.net/index.html

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/boy_scout_gear_list.html

[Dirty Harry]

The biggest places I have shed weight is in my pack choice, switching from boots to trail running shoes, and ditching the tent altogether. After that it is just a matter of saving an ounce here and an ounce there in my experience. If you look at everything you bring with an eye towards making it lighter there are a lot of places to save a little weight. Stuff sacks, clothing, food, etc.

[teotwaki]

The biggest places I have shed weight is in my pack choice, switching from boots to trail running shoes, and ditching the tent altogether. After that it is just a matter of saving an ounce here and an ounce there in my experience. If you look at everything you bring with an eye towards making it lighter there are a lot of places to save a little weight. Stuff sacks, clothing, food, etc.

I am not yet completely sold on trail running shoes from the standpoint of protecting my feet from accidental injury. I have used them and I've logged some good miles in mine (ex: 22 miles in one day) but the chance of injury is higher if you don't watch for foot placement. I came down hard on a rock roughly on my right foot's inner arch area and really bruised it. Made it hard on the return hike.

A boot with thicker leather and wider reinforced soles offers more protection and demands less thought as to placement. Lighter shoes may allow you to be more nimble on the trail if you pay attention to the terrain.

[calamaridog]

We used to always put our Bourbon in plastic flasks so we didn't have to carry the glass bottle. Good weight saver there;)

As far as food, we would carry heavy stuff for the first couple days eats. Ridiculous stuff. Steak, cheese, salami, hard boiled eggs. Once it was gone, your pack was nice and light!

Then again, we had more time then and didn't have to be anywhere at any specific time.

Footwear is a big one though. I used my heavy boots on several trips where I could have just used medium weight boots. I don't like trail shoes for hiking with a heavy pack, but I think this would be personal preference.

[Dirty Harry]

Footwear is a big one though. I used my heavy boots on several trips where I could have just used medium weight boots. I don't like trail shoes for hiking with a heavy pack, but I think this would be personal preference.

Part of the reason to get rid of that heavy pack I suppose. :) I agree that I would not want to carry a heavy pack for days with only trail runners, but most of the trips I do are only a night or two and my pack only weighs about 20-25 pounds at the start. I carry more weight than that on trail in my camera bag!

[grouch]

If you are considering the Jetboil for the bling factor I would suggest a MSR reactor.

http://www.msrcorp.com/stoves/

They are not out to the public yet but the reviews on the thing are outstanding. You want bling? It has it in spades, this thing has a clear lexan lid so you can see your junk boiling. Besides, it's MSR so you know the quality is top notch. I want one although I don't need one. I have a Windpro for actual cooking in most conditions and a Simmerlite for white fuel benifites at altitude. I like the Windpro better because it will actually simmer but the Simmerlite is fun to futz with. I like the smell of white gas.

As far as tents go, I have a Big Agnes SL2 which weighs in at a whopping 3 pounds fully loaded. I can cut th tent itself and use just the rain fly and the footprint and shave about a pound, what a cool paice of gear that thing is.

Sleeping bags? Big Agnes Mystic 15 and a Big Agnes Lostdog. The Lostdog is the smallest lightest bag I have ever seen. There may be lighter but this one is the ticket for me. The Mystic is a cooker clean down to the coldest I have had it in, about 20 degrees or so. These bags are huge, you can actually roll around inside them which is what I need because I sleep like a tasmanian devil.

As far as Bazing Saddle......"Does anybody got a dime? Somebody's got to go back and get a ****load of dimes"

[Dirty Harry]

They are not out to the public yet but the reviews on the thing are outstanding. You want bling? It has it in spades, this thing has a clear lexan lid so you can see your junk boiling. Besides, it's MSR so you know the quality is top notch. I want one although I don't need one. I have a Windpro for actual cooking in most conditions and a Simmerlite for white fuel benifites at altitude. I like the Windpro better because it will actually simmer but the Simmerlite is fun to futz with. I like the smell of white gas.

The Reactor looks really cool, but it is still heavier than the Jetboil. :sport_box I suppose I would just use an alcohol stove though if I was really THAT concerned about weight.

http://www.msrcorp.com/rock_ice_reactor.pdf



As far as tents go, I have a Big Agnes SL2 which weighs in at a whopping 3 pounds fully loaded. I can cut th tent itself and use just the rain fly and the footprint and shave about a pound, what a cool paice of gear that thing is.

Great tent! They were actually on sale for $100 off the normal price when REI had their anniversary sale last month. I wanted to pick one up but unfortuantely it was not in the budget. :( The thing that I like about the Seedhouse that my Clip Flashlight tent does not have is the pole in the middle that will allow it to be freestanding if you are camping on slickrock or somewhere else that you cannot use stakes.

[cruiserbent]

dude,ya gotta ck this out.http://rayjardine.com/i have made the tarp & quilt,both are great.i do not wear boots anymore either.Vasque Velocity

[Streakerfreak]

I know this is an old thread, but I am that guy who cut his toothbush in half and cut the tags of all my gear.

It may only be 0.0002 oz but it actually adds up pretty quick. I did this on two 90 mile backpacking trips. Before the trips we would weigh each pack with all gear seperated out. My pack always weighed between 35-40 pounds even with photography gear and everyone else who laughed at me were around 50-60 pounds. Who was the one laughing 50 miles into the trips:hehe:

I brought all light weight quick drying clothing, zip off pants, quick drying underware, two heavy duty hiking shocks and sock liners for each day.

I used my old Teddy Ruxpin:o baby bowl and my old gerber metal baby spoon for as a backpacking group we never ate anything we could not eat or cut with a spoon.

A month before the trips I would lay EVERYTHING down in front of me. I would pack, unpack, and repack. Then try everything out. Whittle down through everything and take out what I really did not need or could find something better to replace it.

I know this won't help and its an old thread, but I am that crazy guy with no tags on my backpacking stuff.

[schio]

Certainly, reducing weight is critical, especially on those non-essentials. There is alot of talk about ultra-light weight hiking shoes nowadays but sometimes people forget that when carrying all the other weight, you need a sturdy shoe to cushion the ride and reduce the stress on your foot. Often times, to light en the weight, they take weight out of the sole which can result in a flimsy ride. If you hike on trail, perhaps it is not that important. But as soon as you go off trail, you'll understand the importance. Investing in pair of hiking shoes with good underfoot support allows the rest of your body to handle the trip. Zamberlan makes a decent pair of hiking shoes called the Crest. Slightly heavier than the 'ultra-lights' but a much more protective and comfortable ride.
-for what its worth

[Rallyroo]

I reduce weight but it's completely offset when I gain the weight back in photography gear.

[durangodds]

I ran into this guy http://www.andrewskurka.com/index.php last fall when I was archery hunting near the continental divide. He stopped and took a short nap in my camp. He had been out for something like 168 days and was traveling 36 miles/day when I met him. His pack weighed 7.5 lbs less food, fuel, and water. It was pretty impressive. Caused me to take a serious look at what I had hauled in.

If you visit his site and look under advice/tips you'll find his gear lists for all his various hikes. It's pretty cool.

[jeepmedic46]

I know this is a old site but I checked out the above site and its pretty cool.

[Photog]

I switched to the ultralight shoes (Solomon Tech Amphibians). The soles are very flexable, super high traction, and no protection from rocks. I pulled out the insoles and replaced them with Super Feet. The sole now feel like a light hiker, with the plastic shank. Feet get wet easily (PNW is always wet), and they dry out easily. You can see right through the mesh. No more soggy feet.:wings:
http://content.backcountry.com/images/items/large/SAL/SAL0144/TADCS.jpg

Using a Gregory Z Pack (2006), Tarp, alcahol stove, and a down bag, I easily keep my weight down to 23 pounds (food, water, etc., for 3 nights out). I could use a lighter tarp, a lighter pack, and a couple other details, and get below 20 pounds.

What I really need to do to save weight, is exercise. I could drop 20 pounds, and gain some strength, and hiking would be much more enjoyable.:chowtime:

[jeepmedic46]

I need to lose about 40lbs and I know hiking would be much more enjoyable:arabia:

[Something]

Hello all!

Jardine's book is a good source.

I'm an ultralite backpacker.
I've thruhiked the AT, PCT, and have summited numerous peaks, including Kilimanjaro and Rainier.

If anyone has any specific questions I'd be more than happy to help.

Also check "Flyin" Brian Robinson's gear list:
http://royrobinson.homestead.com/GearList.html

[RgrBox]

I work in an outdoor adventure store.. I do enjoy selling lots of kit to people, but due to the fact that I believe that knowledge is king, I try to explain to clients, and students in my outdoor courses, that all fo the kit in the world won't help, firstly if you can't carry it, second if you don't know how to use it.. but comfort is a priority for me, but i do go on weekend hikes with around 10kms of kit.. I use less kit due to more knowledge, and of course I use light weight backpacking kit..

[pnorvell]

Tent wise, you might look at the Tarptent. Personally I have my eye on the Double Rainbow, which is a bit bigger tent. Relatively comfortable for 2 + dog. It's a one pole free standing tent if you use your ski (or trekking) poles for stretchers. You can also stake the 4 corners, but it's not free standing without the 2 poles. It's 40 ounces completely set-up with a floor, combo mesh/fly, etc. It can be split into two halves, so each person must pack ~1.25 lbs. From what I've seen it does pretty well with wind, so can be pressed into year round service if you want. I like the Megamid when group skiing in the winter, but having a floor would make it good for spring snow and summer rain, too (I hate wet down). They also have a floorless version, which weighs about 34 oz.


Amazing idea! I've rigged using my trekking poles for awhile, but now this?!! That's true ingenuity!

Peter

[Mr. Leary]

The problem with much of this ultralight gear is that it is very expensive. I have found that a good resource is your local military surplus store. I have found two items in particular that have become staples of my pack. The military Gore-Tex jacket, which can usually be found for around $100, and performs as well if not better than market jackets. The other is the ECWS sleep system bivy bag. While the sleeping bags that come with this system are crap, the outer bag works very well in all weather conditions, is light, and packs small.

A technique that has worked for me is to make a list of everything that you pack in your bag. Go backpacking a few times and cross out the items on the list that you did not use.

There are several other tips, some of which have been mentioned before in this thread (sorry to hijack!)

- Bring one and only one pot... light and verstile.
- Don't carry stupid amounts of water. Have a small reserve, but a little research can save a lot of weight (water is probably the single heaviest element of your pack)
- Backpackers meals.... go for the high calorie ones
- Tent stakes can be replaced with sticks and rocks
- Spices and cooking gear including soap (scribble)
- More than one change of clothes (scribble)
- toothbrush and paste (substitute brush ups)
- extra fuel for stove (scribble)(i never even bring a full can backpacking! if you run out, use the fire)
- dogs can carry thier own food, stuff and some of yours (nothing essential, trust me!)
- multi-tool (substitute for small, sharp swiss army knife)
- foam pads, no inflatables
- adjust first aid kit to conditions (i.e. dont bring insect sting relief when camping in winter)

Thats all I can think of right now... sorry to be such a late comer to this thread!

[sojourn 2]

I'm considering purchasing a Marmot Alpinist 2p for backpacking use in Yosemite and the Smokey Mountains in TN. Is anyone out there who can convince me otherwise?

I'm looking for a mountaineering tent that can handle:
a lot of wind, something safe and sturdy
Smokey's unforeseen weather at or below 6500 feet in winter
Smokey's humidity, rain, and 62" a year snowfall

I'm in the process of planning my Yosemite trip now, but I really want something I can grow into. (use in higher elevations) Backpacking Magazine rated this tent "2008 Best Mountain Ultralight." Packed weight is 5lb. 8oz.
I would love a large vestibule, but weight and wind strengh override. This tent seems super easy to pitch and I think the colors are wonderful from the inside. One review said that on an Alaskan trip theirs withstood 70 or 90 mph (?) winds, a grizzly nuzzling at it for an hour getting bear drool on it, and a 75 lb. limb falling on it from 30' up and when they removed the branch it sprung right back up.

I found recommendation for a Hilleberg Soulo, but I'm wondering if it is noisy in high winds based on a You tube video I watched and that bright, bright red I'm not crazy about.:snorkel:

[RogerH]

We have two Marmot tents and lots of Marmot gear. I think you will be happy with their performance and quality!

[sojourn 2]

Thank you so much! I'm so happy to hear that you love your tents. This gives me more confidence to move forward with the purchase.

The guy at REI said a single wall tent is not a good idea for the Smokey's, but weight is a huge issue because I would like my pack total to not exceed 25 lbs. Every review I have seen says condensation was not an issue with this tent (Marmot Alpinist 2P) and that they ventilate well. I think it depends a lot on what you are using the tent for.

A side note on the Hilleburg Soulo: The You tube video I watched was not of the Soulo, but other Hilleburg tents and it was the video called "Hilleburg tents in snow and wind" (or something like that) The Soulo came highly recommended by some guys in a forum setting on Backpacker Magazine.com who pack in at high altitudes. Pricey at $550.
:1888fbbd:

[RogerH]

I haven't looked into tents lately, but my Marmots "Nutshell" for backpacking, and "Swallow" for other camping, (and I think a lot of other brands are starting to do this...) allow me to leave the tent at home and only take the fly and snap it into the ground footprint as a very light set up. It does leave a gap along the bottom but gives you the option. In Colorado it is very dry compared to the humidity in Tennessee, so a single wall is excellent here (mine are double wall= has a fly). I have been in every conceivable condition in tents and Marmot, along with Mountain Hardware/SierraD./TNF, etc... all do pretty well. Bibler makes fine single wall tents as well.

Marmot is my current favorite! Enjoy!

[SEREvince]

Back from the dead, I thought it would be cool to have an update after living with this gear and doing a few week+ trips.



Titanium spork = YES, Still Awesome

Integral Designs 8x10 Siltarp 14 oz! I have a mozzy net for when the bugs are real bad. Still haven't used it

Big Agnes Insulated Air Core sleeping pad. Super comfy/packs small. Awesome! Light and comfy, got used hard in the desert and thought for sure it would be punctured by the ever present thorns. Nope it's still going strong.

My cook kit is Titanium and those Orikaso fold flat dishes. I never used the Orikaso and my Evernew Ti kit has been replaced with the small Snowpeak mug.

My stove is a MSR Dragonfly, although I am tempted by the Jetboil for the bling factor. Holly boat anchor, Batman! I've got a little pocket stove that takes standard isobutane. I've used it in sub freezing temps with no prob. This year, I'm ditching it for a alcohol stove.

My other purifiers are the Katadyn Hiker and the MSR Miox. Have not come out of the locker

I use the simple platypus bottles to lug the H2O. They are bombproof! and fold up tiny once they are empty. Still use occasionally, but my go to choice is Kleen kanteen bottles+ camelbak bladder.

I have several sleeping bags depending on conditions. I don't associate winter camping with being lightweight so my other options range from a fleece liner/ g-tex bivy to a North Face Cats Meow. I just don't see myself dropping another $250-300 to save a lb with a new bag. Primary bag for my trips has been a Big Agnes bag, can't recall the name, but it's the one sleeve on the bottom for the pad. It's rated to 40F, and I've used it a little below that and was snug. I did use the NF Cat's Meow on one hardcore winter trip (snowcaves) and was still great.

I am thinking of going with the Gregory G Pack. Went with a Granite Gear Vapor Meridian, it's been awesome, but after hiking with folks using Osprey packs I am going to get an Osprey. I ended up adding a front pouch to my pack, but it was less than ideal. Any pack from now on will have pouches up front. Just way too handy for snacks, camera etc.



As far as foot wear, I've decided there is no one perfect solution. Last year on a a 7 day trip through the Alps we all wore different choices and depending on conditions, one of us was really happy with our choice.

For this years Alps trip I am wearing my Asolo hikers. Last year the snow, scree and climbing really made me wish for more protection and a stiffer sole, even if I didn't need the support. I've worn my Asolos for a TON of miles in everything from snowshoing trips, to long desert marches and they have rocked!

I am ditching my $$$ ultra light weight Gortex top/bottoms, pack cover and sil-nylon tarp all in favor of a sil-nylon or cuben poncho. probably the cuben. I never wear the gortex bottoms or my tarp, I always bring them just in case. I use the pack cover a ton, and the jacket occasionally. The poncho will cover all the above for a ridiculously small weight.

I'm adding some light weight gators.

Last year on our Alta Via 1 trip I was at 29lbs, with water. This year I'm going for 25lbs.

Some of that weight is a helmet, harness, and via ferrate kit. Can't ditch that. But we don't have to carry all of our food. Main meals are all eaten at the rifugios. So it balances out.

I've added these companies to my search for light weight gear.

Mountain Laurel Designs
Zpacks

[bunni]

Thanks for the update! An interesting read.

I don't think you'll regret going to an alcohol stove. I made the switch from an MSR XGK that was simply overkill for my requirements.

My brunton spork ($9 REI), white box alcohol stove and wind shield ($20 whiteboxstoves.com) fit inside my gsi anodized aluminum kettle ($19 REI) and I pack those in the zipper bag that my old stainless steel mess kit came in (looks like it was good for something after all!). I still carry fuel in an MSR bottle (old habits are hard to break) because I haven't found a reliable plastic fuel bottle.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/4390601161_ec1d7acde2_b.jpg

[john101477]

Mind you it has been 3 years since i did any packing and never really outfitted like you guys describe here. My pack is a Dana Bridger, tent is a cabelas XPG ultralight, sleeping bag is a north face dolomite, and stove is a jet boil. besides that I carry water in a camelback and usually a few spares and standard camp utensils that lock together. besides all that I usually have a camera, binoculars, a pistol and knife. 1 extra set of cloths and the air mattress food is usually mountain house or pre-made and sealed for travel. on our last trip we weighed in at 45lbs. per pack between 4 men and the 2 women split up 25lbs. each. I know kinda ridiculous when you guys are talking about 25lb. packs.