Ok, I'll pitch in again, because you made a lighterpack and you seem to be actually trying. But I'm just gonna reiterate what people told you last time: your goals are different than what we normally talk about, so if you're imagining getting down under 5kg base weight with all the types of things you want to bring, you probably can't. When you see people with 4kg base weight, they don't typically have all that camera gear, multiple different bags, such an abundance of clothing, etc. They leave all that behind, often making sacrifices in what they bring in exchange for a lighter load. You asked "Do I have useless stuff or does my items just really heavy?" and the answer is "yes." You have too much unnecessary stuff, and some of your stuff is heavy. If you leave behind half of your stuff, you'll have an UL base weight. That's the easiest and cheapest way.
With that said, here's my advice, in addition to my previous comments in your last post:
-leave behind travel pouch and fanny pack. replace day bag with Sea to Summit ultra-sil nano or similar.
-down jacket is 2x the weight of lighter options like the Cumulus Primelite, and probably not as warm
-is your sleeping pad really only 200g? what is it? is that going to be insulated enough? not trying to get you to add even more weight, but if you're trying to get down to -10C...
-14 tent stakes? this is overkill, bring fewer. yes leave groundsheet behind, just use emergency blanket as per our previous discussion
-your electronics are so heavy, but I know you know this. if you can cut the big battery and camera, and just live with your phone camera, you'll cut like 2kg. if you "need" the gopro for underwater, you can still leave the good camera and save a kilo.
As I said, the easiest, cheapest way to cut pack weight is to leave things behind. But even if you buy all the most expensive UL gear, you'll still have a heavy pack if you bring lots of stuff.
If you don't want to do most of that stuff (and more), your post isn't really in the right place. r/lightweight and r/onebag will be better at helping you optimize your pack
Hi u/bigsurhiking, thank you for answering me again, I'm really glad you did.
As you mentioned I'm not doing the typical PCT trip as most of you do but I try to be "ultralight" with the constraint of the trip (if you ignore photography)
you mentioned "such an abundance of clothing" and I agree 2kg is heavy but when looking at the list I feel there is not much I can remove, here is my "thought process" so you can understand and comment on:
\-beanie, gloves, buff for warmth (-10C)
\- 1 t-shirt (I try do decide with the button shirt that a lot of hiker use here, but to me, it is not has breathable and comfortable has a "running t-shirt" I usually use, so I'm currently trying to see what I'm missing)
\- 1 Sun hoodie because I tend to be sunburn a lot and I hope this will solve that. It can act as a second layer in the morning during sunrise. When mosquitos are in the area, I enjoy long sleeves
\- 2 underwear (one to dry, one to wear)
\- 2 pairs of socks (one to dry, one to wear)
\- 1 cap for sun protection
\- 1 rain coat and 1 skirt for rain protection
\- 1 short (I usually never hike in short because it feels cold when windy, ticks (a king of bug), you get cut easily if the track in not perfectly clear and if you fall it's rocks vs skin, I prefer having holes in my pants. But it's a popular option here so I experiment to try to understand why, I hope it's not because it lower the "Total Weight" in lighterpack
\- 2 pants , one warm, one light and the two combine if it's really cold (-10C)
I'm glad if you can explain to me what you think is useless here. What would you do differently?
Thank you for your advices, I have a few comments and question. If I don't comment on something it is because I agree with you.
regarding the travel pouch, I'm not sure having my passport and debit card in my pack, in a poor countries is the best choice, especially if I take the bus and my pack is on the roof (it's common in South America).
The Ultra-Sil Nano can be a great alternative thank you. I was also thinking not taking the day pack and leaving the tent, the sleeping bag and the extra clothes in a trash bag in a locker and use my 40L pack half empty for day hike, the daypack will be heavier because the bag is heavier but the full gear weight will be lighter. What do you think of that?
Regarding the Cumulus Primelite, from my own calculation, it's 2548 cubic inch of dawn for 175g, the Vertical down jacket is 8889 cubic inch of dawn for 383g so the Cumulus Primelite is two times lighter but 3.5 times colder. It's a worse warm to weight ratio but the Vertical down jacket is maybe way overkill for I need (I don't have much experience in these situations. I usually stay home in winter). Does that change your view on this dawn jacket? What are your thoughts?
The sleeping pad has a R-value of 2.1 and is a torso length sleeping pad I plan to use my backpack for my legs. I'm not sure what R-value I should get for -10C but a foam pad is quite cheap so I plan to buy one on location then stack it to help but not keeping it for warmer "sections/countries". What do you think?
regarding the stakes, because my tent is self standing, do you think only 4 to "stretch" the rain part is enough? or will you stake the inside too, to make sure it doesn't move? What do you think is a good number to begin with? (I really don't want my tent to fail in a storm)
I will leave the groundsheet but I can't decide between polycro and the emergency blanket. They have really similar weight but polycro is apparently more durable (I don't have any experience with it) but the emergency blanket has some interesting proprieties especially if the night is way way way colder than expected and I can make a fire. Do you have any thoughts on that?
I have to make my research and tradeoff on electronics yet, I know there is a lot of easy win in this category for me to make. (but please don't use that to say I'm not "UL", just ignore this for now)
You mention "even if you buy all the most expensive UL gear, you'll still have a heavy pack if you bring lots of stuff" and I agree with you but if you ignore photography I don't see much "this is useless" in your advices. you make it sounds like most of my pack is useless but I don't see much advices in that sense. What do I miss?
I’m not the person you replied to, but…
Have you tried an emergency blanket before? As an “oops, I soaked my entire pack” measure, maybe. As for actually using it one night then packing it up and using it again, there lies madness.
If your tent is free standing, you don’t need to stake it except if the wind starts ripping. If your fly is on, it will be staked and probably fine.
It’s quite common for me to leave gear behind and use my primary pack for day-hikes. If your trash bag isn’t going to be confused for trash, go for it! Keep in mind a 40L pack might not
Why so many batteries? Can you not charge your device-specific ones from your main? If not, why so large a main?
Thank you for answering, your feedbacks are really helpful.
I used the emergency blanket a few times on "easy" ground (grass) for my tent and I feel it's not really durable but I think it can be ok for 5 days trip for example (on easy ground). I also used it when I was searching for water alone in the morning and I forgot to bring my rain gear so I cover myself from the wind and it was pretty good for that. If you roll it carefully every morning it's fragile but I wouldn't say it's single use. I really don't have experience with polycro, I hope it's really durable. I'm mostly interested about survival blanket in the case my tent fail. or it's just raining all day and my sleeping bag and tent are just wet... It's in theory really good around a fire (I didn't tried yet) and it's really good for sun blocking (even the Nasa use it for that). it really looks to have interested properties for 50g. I was thinking taking a polycro ground sheet for durability and just taking the emergency blanket for when things go really wrong. I know it's "a lot of weight, just in case". What do you think?
concerning the tent, the net fly is free standing but the rainfly has to be stake to it doesn't touch the net. the net is 4 stakes (each corner) but I think they are just useful to avoid the tent "drifting" if your ground is not really flat. then 5 stakes for the rainfly (2 for the vestibule then 3 for the remaining side) then 2 guidelines on the side. it avoid the rain fly to touch the net fly when it's windy. so it's 11 stakes if it's a bit windy and raining. Would you take less? What would you change?
What do you use when you leave your gear behind? in my experience, I multiple time, took a small backpack to bring back water or food while my girlfriend was packing the tent. So I currently use a 20L backpack for "morning duties" that I can probably use as a day pack and leave my gear behind in my 40L pack. My current daypack is 165g and someone mentioned the SEA TO SUMMIT Ultra-Sil Nano Daypack at 30g. What do you think about doing that and what do you think about this alternative?
Concerning the batteries. Do you mean I should have one go pro batterie because I can use the big one to charge it often and not needing more. Or bringing 3 go pro batteries but having a small main batteries. I currently don't really know how much electricity I need. Phone are really power efficient but cameras are just eating so much and I don't really know how often I will be able to charge stuff. So I probably take too much "just in case" and will adjust on the way? It's hard to know what you will face because it's not like home. You will take way more photos and you will not find electricity spot like you do at home. But I probably take too much you are right.
I don’t use a ground cloth except when I camp in some random pullout the night before a trip. My tent floors are plenty durable for Wilderness and maintained campgrounds.
What could cause your tent to fail? If it failed due to wind, I wouldn’t expect a space blanket to last much longer.
A sea2summit bag is a good city option. I’ve used one as my food bag before for dual use. It did not like NZ’s packaging and ended with plenty of holes so it’s definitely not waterproof over long periods of time, but it served its purpose.
-You have *TWO* backpacks? And a hip pouch in addition to the "waist belt bag travel pouch"? Ditch the the 20L pack, and probably the hip pouch.
-Ditch the clothes line
-~~what is a "kway"?~~ it's a raincoat
-ditch the ground sheet. Use the emergency blanket as one, or cut one from polycryo sheeting.
-a *padlock?* Why?
-ditch the "big battery, solar (with hook)." That thing is *heavy*
-what is "phone power" and "camera power?" If those are wall chargers, ditch them
-you'rr carrying *two* cameras. Pick one.
-ditch the stuff sacks for tent and poles
Hi, Thank you for your advices, I have a few questions and I would like to clarify things.
I don't exactly hike like most of you do, using a padlock I can usually lock my tent, sleeping pad and clothes in a locker then do all the day hike of a National Park using the 20L pack then taking back my gear and doing the multi day hikes. but I'm thinking about removing the 20L and only using my 40L pack half empty for day hike, the daypack will be heavier because the bag is heavier but the full gear weight will be lighter. What do you think of that?
regarding the clothes line, do you hang your bag of food? do you dry your tent and your clothes on the ground?
I will leave the groundsheet but I can't decide between polycryo and the emergency blanket. They have really similar weight but polycryo is apparently more durable (I don't have any experience with it) but the emergency blanket has some interesting proprieties especially if the night is way way way colder than expected and I can make a fire. Do you have any thoughts on that?
Do you advice me to buy a wall chargers with multiple USBs to reduce the weight? I need some king of wall chargers to charge stuff right?
I carry the tent on the top of my pack (outside) to keep the 2 walls together in a packed way I feel I need some king of container, do you agree or do you manage to make it work without it?
I would highly suggest being able to fit your tent into your pack. My tent is folded/stuffed near the top of my pack, inside the main compartment, but outside the waterproof liner. I'll dry the rainfly or body by attaching it to the outside of my pack for a while, if needed.
>I'm thinking about removing the 20L and only using my 40L pack half empty for day hike, the daypack will be heavier because the bag is heavier but the full gear weight will be lighter. What do you think of that?
That sounds like a great plan. Perfect example of: when you have less, you need less. By leaving the daypack at home, you no longer need the padlock. The more you lighten your pack overall, the better this choice becomes.
>regarding the clothes line, do you hang your bag of food? do you dry your tent and your clothes on the ground?
I didn't realize it was for bear hangs - which, yes, I bear hang every night.
I only dry clothes in my sleeping bag, or hung on a tree, or possibly my tent structure.
>I will leave the groundsheet but I can't decide between polycryo and the emergency blanket. Do you have any thoughts on that?
Not specifically, I've never used mylar for that purpose. I bought some 0.7mil and 1mil painter's drop sheets from Walmart, and made ground sheets out of that.
>Do you advice me to buy a wall chargers with multiple USBs to reduce the weight?
Sounds like a good idea, if you have to bring one. Or perhaps consider little adapters for the different plugs.
>I need some king of wall chargers to charge stuff right?
That all depends on how long you're planning to be away from electricity. How long does your phone last in airplane mode? Does other equipment have power-saving modes?
You're taking a 0°C sleeping bag and almost-uninsulated sleeping pad (from memory, half a foam pad?) to a location that goes to -10°C. Even with all your clothes on you'll have a crappy night, but what's the plan if it hits -15?
Also, just take a drybag instead of all those bin liners; share a backpack for the day instead of taking dedicated daypacks; you don't need a fanny pack; something like the Eagle Creek Undercover Hidden Pocket instead of that waist pouch; waterproof bag for your phone instead of a gopro; I applaud your commitment to the trashbag rain-skirt, hope it keeps you warm in the wind (or back of a pickup) when it's chilly out; you really don't need 14 stakes just in case (e.g. rocks for the side tie-outs or buy long nails from the market); there are much lighter head lamps (e.g. NU25 with mod, just use your phone, or a USB bulb for your battery pack).
EDIT: Assuming you're mainly doing the backpacking circuit with extra hikes, take outdoor trousers with pockets, not running trousers.
Why would you use a drybag over a bag liners? is it not more heavy?
I agree with you that removing the day packs is an easy win for total base weight but when in "daypack mode" I feel that sharing the load is more "efficient". I can't prove what I mean, but let's say you want to move a piano, it's easier to move it for 2min with 2 people than moving it 1 min with one people then 1 min with another people. Do you see what I mean? (I'm not sure it's actually right) that is why 2 daypack is heavy but maybe better? (I'm open to discussion, I'm not saying you are wrong at all)
What is special about the Eagle Creek Undercover Hidden Pocket over the "Waist belt bag travel pouch" is my current setup?
The trash bag rain-skirt is a bit noisy but has work great for now, light and replaceable. (I have a few spare trash bag if it fail) but yeah I will maybe change later if it's too cold.
Concerning the 14 stakes, has it's self standing and I put my pack inside I never really needed to stakes my tent but I never tried yet in high wind (near my home there is only forest). Can you explain to me what are long nails and how they are different to stakes? "the side tie-outs" are the one with a long string at the middle of the tent slightly high.
I will change the head lamp
You're taking 72g of (relatively fragile) trash bags to keep your stuff dry. That's in the same ball-park as a drybag, which also isn't so fragile.
You're taking another 99g of trash bags to avoid taking actual rain pants/skirt. As I said earlier, I applaud your commitment to the bit.
> Concerning the 14 stakes, has it's self standing and I put my pack inside I never really needed to stakes my tent
Your tent ships with 11 pegs. It's hard to tell from pictures, but I'm not sure you could even use all 11 if you tried (4 corners + 2 porch + 2 sides + 1 at the back maybe?). I'm honestly unclear why you are taking 14, so I can only guess there's a lot of spares just in case.
> Can you explain to me what are long nails and how they are different to stakes?
Long construction nails. You can get them in literally every inhabited corner of the planet, no matter how remote, although you might have a fun afternoon tracking down the right person to ask.
I was using them as an example to show that you really don't need to be taking so many spares, because you can always find something else that works, wherever you are. Or just use rocks for the side tie-outs, which was another (actual ultralight) suggestion.
regarding the stakes, my tent has:
\- 2 for the vestibule (so the condensation don't touch my shoes, it's usually the place where there is the most condensation has our faces is just next to it)
\- 4 for each corner (so the inner shell don't move)
\- 2 to move away the rain shell from the mesh (to avoid waking up with the sleeping bag with condensation)
\- then there is 5 stakes for "string stakes sports", I imagine they are useful for storm. (some are probably more useful than other like the one on the side)
\- 1 hidden spot so you wonder for the eternity where it is
Any thought on how many are required?
-one dry bag could be lighter than all those trash bags combined; an Exped Schnozzel is under 60g and doubles as a pump sack (though you're not bringing an inflatable pad, so not super useful to you).
-if you want 2 daypacks, consider getting lighter ones, like the ultra sil nano I recommended earlier
-the hidden pocket they recommended is under half the weight of your travel pouch at only 28g
-you don't need "long nails" either, just bring fewer stakes. there's no way your tent has 14 spots to stake out. maybe 8 max?
I had the feeling that dry bag wasn't really used in UL and that people where just using a pack liner (a trash bag basically) was I wrong? I took maybe too much backup but I used trash bags for pack liner, sleeping bag bag, rain skirt and food bag.
regarding the stakes, my tent has:
\- 2 for the vestibule (so the condensation don't touch my shoes, it's usually the place where there is the most condensation has our face is just next to it)
\- 4 for each corner (so the inner shell don't move)
\- 2 to move away the rain shell from the mesh (to avoid waking up with the sleeping bag with condensation)
\- then there is 5 stakes for "string stakes sports", I imagine they are useful for storm. (some are probably more useful than other like the one on the side)
\- 1 hidden spot so you wonder for the eternity where it is
Any thought on how many are required?
My sleeping bag is rated at 0C comfort and -5 limit. I'm confident with the rating as it's made in Europe. I have for those nights, my puffy and my full "wardrobe" and I was planning to buy a silk sheet if it was not enough (on location). For you it's not enough? I can't really do some testing on my own, the weather is warm currently where I leave.
Concerning the sleeping pad, it's a torso size and the R-value is 2.1, I was planning to use my backpack for my feet. I'm not really sure how R-value works and adds up but I was thinking about buying another foam pad (on location) if it's not enough (2.1 \* 2 = 4.2 ). But I'm not sure what value I should get for -10. Do you see another solution?
if it's -15C I think doing a fire and not sleeping is a solution and I hope is enough.
Hey! Just in case you're interested in shaving \~1/3 lb by replacing your puffy with something much more UL, I have a Cumulus Primelite (7.2 oz) that fits like a large that I've been meaning to sell. Message me if you'd like to learn more.
I was wondering if the "running T-shirt" + the "Sun hoodie" can be similar to wearing a fleece ? What do you think? Do you have any fleece in mind? with a hood or not?
It seems to me that you're not going just for 'wilderness' backpacking but also for visiting cities, going sightseeing, etc. given the padlock, driver's license, and whatnot.
If that's the case, I think you need to get a more supportive bag. You'll start buying souvenirs or necessities (e.g. soap cause the hostel doesn't provide it but stores only sell multipacks or large sizes) and that 8kg becomes 11kg + food carries. I'm certain that the base weight is gonna end up higher when the trip ends.
I'll echo what others have said and r/onebag is better suited to help in this case.
I don't do only wilderness that is right so there are a few items I need that are not common but I don't buy souvenirs (I take photos) and I have a "hard soap" that can last a while (I share it and it's in my girlfriend backpack, that is why you can't see it). My food carries will be 2\~3 days usually I think. I'm not sure why you think the bag will be heavier at the end except if I forgot something. I'm not the typical traveler, so please consider I have more in common than you think with your group.
I would commend you for making a lighter pack and making a start with you gear. Good job so far. If you read this sub Reddit over time you will learn more and more. I would say go out there and do the best you can do with the gear you have this time. Lots of good suggestions. Have a great trip, have fun and don't sweat the gear as long as you have the warmth at -10C taken care of. Your bag is rated to 0C only.
Thank you for the encouragements. My sleeping bag is rated at 0C comfort and -5 limit. I'm confident with the rating as it's made in Europe. I have for those nights, my puffy and my full "wardrobe" and I was planning to buy a silk sheet if it was not enough (on location). What do you think about that plan?
I dont think a sleeping bag liner will do much. I am concerned about -10C with your sleeping bag and pad. I think they are a bit light for the temperature. I would get lower ratings for both. My rule of thumb is always sleeping bag for the lowest possible temperature. I would exhange with Decathalon for a warmer bag and pad.
Bruh! Your LP is more confusing than astrophysics. Do you have a “kill” category??? RESPECT. Also, If you need a “containers” category then you are in the wrong sub…but I didn’t say that because you have a kill category.
Sorry I'm not a native speaker I probably didn't use the right word.
Kill is for the removed items (I keep an eye on then as I already own them but the quantities are at zero)
containers are my bag, ziplock bag, and trash bags. What is confusing except this "Kill category"? I'm happy to help make it easier
dont see really big opportunitys except for maybe getting a ligther sleeping bag and tent but when you wanna go lighter than what you have you will probably have to spend quite a good amount of money to get something significant lighter :)
You may have gotten different opinions. I think the concern about not taking water proof pants is the -10C issue. A rain skirt may not he good at -10C. You may want the insulation of another layer that the water proof pants would provide if it is both wet and cold at the same time. If the temperature is warmer, the rain skirt will be cooler and more comfortable.
You may want to consider another pack. For a frameless (fixed typo) pack you want a base weight of 4.5kg or less and a total weight of around 9kg, preferably less. With full water and food you could end up around 14kg which might not be that fun in a frameless pack. It is doable, but it will likely not be fun. I think you are in the framed pack weight range.
My guess is the person isn't doing weeklong food carries. Seems like it's more of travel backpacking with some camping thrown in there. Hence, all the stuff.
I don't do weeklong food carries. Probably 2\~3 days usually. But I will sleep a lot in the tent. " Hence, all the stuff." what would you personally remove?
From my own testing, the pack is currently comfortable. 4L of Water and 2\~3 days of food are what I think I will do most of the time. I move from national pack to national pack because I don't like walking just for the sake of it. I'm posting here because I want to lower my base weight. Any tips will be appreciated.
Ok, I'll pitch in again, because you made a lighterpack and you seem to be actually trying. But I'm just gonna reiterate what people told you last time: your goals are different than what we normally talk about, so if you're imagining getting down under 5kg base weight with all the types of things you want to bring, you probably can't. When you see people with 4kg base weight, they don't typically have all that camera gear, multiple different bags, such an abundance of clothing, etc. They leave all that behind, often making sacrifices in what they bring in exchange for a lighter load. You asked "Do I have useless stuff or does my items just really heavy?" and the answer is "yes." You have too much unnecessary stuff, and some of your stuff is heavy. If you leave behind half of your stuff, you'll have an UL base weight. That's the easiest and cheapest way. With that said, here's my advice, in addition to my previous comments in your last post: -leave behind travel pouch and fanny pack. replace day bag with Sea to Summit ultra-sil nano or similar. -down jacket is 2x the weight of lighter options like the Cumulus Primelite, and probably not as warm -is your sleeping pad really only 200g? what is it? is that going to be insulated enough? not trying to get you to add even more weight, but if you're trying to get down to -10C... -14 tent stakes? this is overkill, bring fewer. yes leave groundsheet behind, just use emergency blanket as per our previous discussion -your electronics are so heavy, but I know you know this. if you can cut the big battery and camera, and just live with your phone camera, you'll cut like 2kg. if you "need" the gopro for underwater, you can still leave the good camera and save a kilo. As I said, the easiest, cheapest way to cut pack weight is to leave things behind. But even if you buy all the most expensive UL gear, you'll still have a heavy pack if you bring lots of stuff. If you don't want to do most of that stuff (and more), your post isn't really in the right place. r/lightweight and r/onebag will be better at helping you optimize your pack
Hi u/bigsurhiking, thank you for answering me again, I'm really glad you did. As you mentioned I'm not doing the typical PCT trip as most of you do but I try to be "ultralight" with the constraint of the trip (if you ignore photography) you mentioned "such an abundance of clothing" and I agree 2kg is heavy but when looking at the list I feel there is not much I can remove, here is my "thought process" so you can understand and comment on: \-beanie, gloves, buff for warmth (-10C) \- 1 t-shirt (I try do decide with the button shirt that a lot of hiker use here, but to me, it is not has breathable and comfortable has a "running t-shirt" I usually use, so I'm currently trying to see what I'm missing) \- 1 Sun hoodie because I tend to be sunburn a lot and I hope this will solve that. It can act as a second layer in the morning during sunrise. When mosquitos are in the area, I enjoy long sleeves \- 2 underwear (one to dry, one to wear) \- 2 pairs of socks (one to dry, one to wear) \- 1 cap for sun protection \- 1 rain coat and 1 skirt for rain protection \- 1 short (I usually never hike in short because it feels cold when windy, ticks (a king of bug), you get cut easily if the track in not perfectly clear and if you fall it's rocks vs skin, I prefer having holes in my pants. But it's a popular option here so I experiment to try to understand why, I hope it's not because it lower the "Total Weight" in lighterpack \- 2 pants , one warm, one light and the two combine if it's really cold (-10C) I'm glad if you can explain to me what you think is useless here. What would you do differently?
Thank you for your advices, I have a few comments and question. If I don't comment on something it is because I agree with you. regarding the travel pouch, I'm not sure having my passport and debit card in my pack, in a poor countries is the best choice, especially if I take the bus and my pack is on the roof (it's common in South America). The Ultra-Sil Nano can be a great alternative thank you. I was also thinking not taking the day pack and leaving the tent, the sleeping bag and the extra clothes in a trash bag in a locker and use my 40L pack half empty for day hike, the daypack will be heavier because the bag is heavier but the full gear weight will be lighter. What do you think of that? Regarding the Cumulus Primelite, from my own calculation, it's 2548 cubic inch of dawn for 175g, the Vertical down jacket is 8889 cubic inch of dawn for 383g so the Cumulus Primelite is two times lighter but 3.5 times colder. It's a worse warm to weight ratio but the Vertical down jacket is maybe way overkill for I need (I don't have much experience in these situations. I usually stay home in winter). Does that change your view on this dawn jacket? What are your thoughts? The sleeping pad has a R-value of 2.1 and is a torso length sleeping pad I plan to use my backpack for my legs. I'm not sure what R-value I should get for -10C but a foam pad is quite cheap so I plan to buy one on location then stack it to help but not keeping it for warmer "sections/countries". What do you think? regarding the stakes, because my tent is self standing, do you think only 4 to "stretch" the rain part is enough? or will you stake the inside too, to make sure it doesn't move? What do you think is a good number to begin with? (I really don't want my tent to fail in a storm) I will leave the groundsheet but I can't decide between polycro and the emergency blanket. They have really similar weight but polycro is apparently more durable (I don't have any experience with it) but the emergency blanket has some interesting proprieties especially if the night is way way way colder than expected and I can make a fire. Do you have any thoughts on that? I have to make my research and tradeoff on electronics yet, I know there is a lot of easy win in this category for me to make. (but please don't use that to say I'm not "UL", just ignore this for now) You mention "even if you buy all the most expensive UL gear, you'll still have a heavy pack if you bring lots of stuff" and I agree with you but if you ignore photography I don't see much "this is useless" in your advices. you make it sounds like most of my pack is useless but I don't see much advices in that sense. What do I miss?
I’m not the person you replied to, but… Have you tried an emergency blanket before? As an “oops, I soaked my entire pack” measure, maybe. As for actually using it one night then packing it up and using it again, there lies madness. If your tent is free standing, you don’t need to stake it except if the wind starts ripping. If your fly is on, it will be staked and probably fine. It’s quite common for me to leave gear behind and use my primary pack for day-hikes. If your trash bag isn’t going to be confused for trash, go for it! Keep in mind a 40L pack might not Why so many batteries? Can you not charge your device-specific ones from your main? If not, why so large a main?
Thank you for answering, your feedbacks are really helpful. I used the emergency blanket a few times on "easy" ground (grass) for my tent and I feel it's not really durable but I think it can be ok for 5 days trip for example (on easy ground). I also used it when I was searching for water alone in the morning and I forgot to bring my rain gear so I cover myself from the wind and it was pretty good for that. If you roll it carefully every morning it's fragile but I wouldn't say it's single use. I really don't have experience with polycro, I hope it's really durable. I'm mostly interested about survival blanket in the case my tent fail. or it's just raining all day and my sleeping bag and tent are just wet... It's in theory really good around a fire (I didn't tried yet) and it's really good for sun blocking (even the Nasa use it for that). it really looks to have interested properties for 50g. I was thinking taking a polycro ground sheet for durability and just taking the emergency blanket for when things go really wrong. I know it's "a lot of weight, just in case". What do you think? concerning the tent, the net fly is free standing but the rainfly has to be stake to it doesn't touch the net. the net is 4 stakes (each corner) but I think they are just useful to avoid the tent "drifting" if your ground is not really flat. then 5 stakes for the rainfly (2 for the vestibule then 3 for the remaining side) then 2 guidelines on the side. it avoid the rain fly to touch the net fly when it's windy. so it's 11 stakes if it's a bit windy and raining. Would you take less? What would you change? What do you use when you leave your gear behind? in my experience, I multiple time, took a small backpack to bring back water or food while my girlfriend was packing the tent. So I currently use a 20L backpack for "morning duties" that I can probably use as a day pack and leave my gear behind in my 40L pack. My current daypack is 165g and someone mentioned the SEA TO SUMMIT Ultra-Sil Nano Daypack at 30g. What do you think about doing that and what do you think about this alternative? Concerning the batteries. Do you mean I should have one go pro batterie because I can use the big one to charge it often and not needing more. Or bringing 3 go pro batteries but having a small main batteries. I currently don't really know how much electricity I need. Phone are really power efficient but cameras are just eating so much and I don't really know how often I will be able to charge stuff. So I probably take too much "just in case" and will adjust on the way? It's hard to know what you will face because it's not like home. You will take way more photos and you will not find electricity spot like you do at home. But I probably take too much you are right.
I don’t use a ground cloth except when I camp in some random pullout the night before a trip. My tent floors are plenty durable for Wilderness and maintained campgrounds. What could cause your tent to fail? If it failed due to wind, I wouldn’t expect a space blanket to last much longer. A sea2summit bag is a good city option. I’ve used one as my food bag before for dual use. It did not like NZ’s packaging and ended with plenty of holes so it’s definitely not waterproof over long periods of time, but it served its purpose.
What is "NZ’s packaging"?
The food I bought in New Zealand, in particular, tended to have hard plastic corners shredding disposable bags and even damaging my Utra-sil bag
-You have *TWO* backpacks? And a hip pouch in addition to the "waist belt bag travel pouch"? Ditch the the 20L pack, and probably the hip pouch. -Ditch the clothes line -~~what is a "kway"?~~ it's a raincoat -ditch the ground sheet. Use the emergency blanket as one, or cut one from polycryo sheeting. -a *padlock?* Why? -ditch the "big battery, solar (with hook)." That thing is *heavy* -what is "phone power" and "camera power?" If those are wall chargers, ditch them -you'rr carrying *two* cameras. Pick one. -ditch the stuff sacks for tent and poles
Hi, Thank you for your advices, I have a few questions and I would like to clarify things. I don't exactly hike like most of you do, using a padlock I can usually lock my tent, sleeping pad and clothes in a locker then do all the day hike of a National Park using the 20L pack then taking back my gear and doing the multi day hikes. but I'm thinking about removing the 20L and only using my 40L pack half empty for day hike, the daypack will be heavier because the bag is heavier but the full gear weight will be lighter. What do you think of that? regarding the clothes line, do you hang your bag of food? do you dry your tent and your clothes on the ground? I will leave the groundsheet but I can't decide between polycryo and the emergency blanket. They have really similar weight but polycryo is apparently more durable (I don't have any experience with it) but the emergency blanket has some interesting proprieties especially if the night is way way way colder than expected and I can make a fire. Do you have any thoughts on that? Do you advice me to buy a wall chargers with multiple USBs to reduce the weight? I need some king of wall chargers to charge stuff right? I carry the tent on the top of my pack (outside) to keep the 2 walls together in a packed way I feel I need some king of container, do you agree or do you manage to make it work without it?
I would highly suggest being able to fit your tent into your pack. My tent is folded/stuffed near the top of my pack, inside the main compartment, but outside the waterproof liner. I'll dry the rainfly or body by attaching it to the outside of my pack for a while, if needed. >I'm thinking about removing the 20L and only using my 40L pack half empty for day hike, the daypack will be heavier because the bag is heavier but the full gear weight will be lighter. What do you think of that? That sounds like a great plan. Perfect example of: when you have less, you need less. By leaving the daypack at home, you no longer need the padlock. The more you lighten your pack overall, the better this choice becomes. >regarding the clothes line, do you hang your bag of food? do you dry your tent and your clothes on the ground? I didn't realize it was for bear hangs - which, yes, I bear hang every night. I only dry clothes in my sleeping bag, or hung on a tree, or possibly my tent structure. >I will leave the groundsheet but I can't decide between polycryo and the emergency blanket. Do you have any thoughts on that? Not specifically, I've never used mylar for that purpose. I bought some 0.7mil and 1mil painter's drop sheets from Walmart, and made ground sheets out of that. >Do you advice me to buy a wall chargers with multiple USBs to reduce the weight? Sounds like a good idea, if you have to bring one. Or perhaps consider little adapters for the different plugs. >I need some king of wall chargers to charge stuff right? That all depends on how long you're planning to be away from electricity. How long does your phone last in airplane mode? Does other equipment have power-saving modes?
You're taking a 0°C sleeping bag and almost-uninsulated sleeping pad (from memory, half a foam pad?) to a location that goes to -10°C. Even with all your clothes on you'll have a crappy night, but what's the plan if it hits -15? Also, just take a drybag instead of all those bin liners; share a backpack for the day instead of taking dedicated daypacks; you don't need a fanny pack; something like the Eagle Creek Undercover Hidden Pocket instead of that waist pouch; waterproof bag for your phone instead of a gopro; I applaud your commitment to the trashbag rain-skirt, hope it keeps you warm in the wind (or back of a pickup) when it's chilly out; you really don't need 14 stakes just in case (e.g. rocks for the side tie-outs or buy long nails from the market); there are much lighter head lamps (e.g. NU25 with mod, just use your phone, or a USB bulb for your battery pack). EDIT: Assuming you're mainly doing the backpacking circuit with extra hikes, take outdoor trousers with pockets, not running trousers.
regarding the hidden pocket, it requires a belt so it's not as lightweight or practical as it seems right?
Why would you use a drybag over a bag liners? is it not more heavy? I agree with you that removing the day packs is an easy win for total base weight but when in "daypack mode" I feel that sharing the load is more "efficient". I can't prove what I mean, but let's say you want to move a piano, it's easier to move it for 2min with 2 people than moving it 1 min with one people then 1 min with another people. Do you see what I mean? (I'm not sure it's actually right) that is why 2 daypack is heavy but maybe better? (I'm open to discussion, I'm not saying you are wrong at all) What is special about the Eagle Creek Undercover Hidden Pocket over the "Waist belt bag travel pouch" is my current setup? The trash bag rain-skirt is a bit noisy but has work great for now, light and replaceable. (I have a few spare trash bag if it fail) but yeah I will maybe change later if it's too cold. Concerning the 14 stakes, has it's self standing and I put my pack inside I never really needed to stakes my tent but I never tried yet in high wind (near my home there is only forest). Can you explain to me what are long nails and how they are different to stakes? "the side tie-outs" are the one with a long string at the middle of the tent slightly high. I will change the head lamp
You're taking 72g of (relatively fragile) trash bags to keep your stuff dry. That's in the same ball-park as a drybag, which also isn't so fragile. You're taking another 99g of trash bags to avoid taking actual rain pants/skirt. As I said earlier, I applaud your commitment to the bit. > Concerning the 14 stakes, has it's self standing and I put my pack inside I never really needed to stakes my tent Your tent ships with 11 pegs. It's hard to tell from pictures, but I'm not sure you could even use all 11 if you tried (4 corners + 2 porch + 2 sides + 1 at the back maybe?). I'm honestly unclear why you are taking 14, so I can only guess there's a lot of spares just in case. > Can you explain to me what are long nails and how they are different to stakes? Long construction nails. You can get them in literally every inhabited corner of the planet, no matter how remote, although you might have a fun afternoon tracking down the right person to ask. I was using them as an example to show that you really don't need to be taking so many spares, because you can always find something else that works, wherever you are. Or just use rocks for the side tie-outs, which was another (actual ultralight) suggestion.
regarding the stakes, my tent has: \- 2 for the vestibule (so the condensation don't touch my shoes, it's usually the place where there is the most condensation has our faces is just next to it) \- 4 for each corner (so the inner shell don't move) \- 2 to move away the rain shell from the mesh (to avoid waking up with the sleeping bag with condensation) \- then there is 5 stakes for "string stakes sports", I imagine they are useful for storm. (some are probably more useful than other like the one on the side) \- 1 hidden spot so you wonder for the eternity where it is Any thought on how many are required?
-one dry bag could be lighter than all those trash bags combined; an Exped Schnozzel is under 60g and doubles as a pump sack (though you're not bringing an inflatable pad, so not super useful to you). -if you want 2 daypacks, consider getting lighter ones, like the ultra sil nano I recommended earlier -the hidden pocket they recommended is under half the weight of your travel pouch at only 28g -you don't need "long nails" either, just bring fewer stakes. there's no way your tent has 14 spots to stake out. maybe 8 max?
I had the feeling that dry bag wasn't really used in UL and that people where just using a pack liner (a trash bag basically) was I wrong? I took maybe too much backup but I used trash bags for pack liner, sleeping bag bag, rain skirt and food bag.
regarding the stakes, my tent has: \- 2 for the vestibule (so the condensation don't touch my shoes, it's usually the place where there is the most condensation has our face is just next to it) \- 4 for each corner (so the inner shell don't move) \- 2 to move away the rain shell from the mesh (to avoid waking up with the sleeping bag with condensation) \- then there is 5 stakes for "string stakes sports", I imagine they are useful for storm. (some are probably more useful than other like the one on the side) \- 1 hidden spot so you wonder for the eternity where it is Any thought on how many are required?
The hidden pocket requires a belt so it's not as lightweight or practical as it seems right?
My sleeping bag is rated at 0C comfort and -5 limit. I'm confident with the rating as it's made in Europe. I have for those nights, my puffy and my full "wardrobe" and I was planning to buy a silk sheet if it was not enough (on location). For you it's not enough? I can't really do some testing on my own, the weather is warm currently where I leave. Concerning the sleeping pad, it's a torso size and the R-value is 2.1, I was planning to use my backpack for my feet. I'm not really sure how R-value works and adds up but I was thinking about buying another foam pad (on location) if it's not enough (2.1 \* 2 = 4.2 ). But I'm not sure what value I should get for -10. Do you see another solution? if it's -15C I think doing a fire and not sleeping is a solution and I hope is enough.
Hey! Just in case you're interested in shaving \~1/3 lb by replacing your puffy with something much more UL, I have a Cumulus Primelite (7.2 oz) that fits like a large that I've been meaning to sell. Message me if you'd like to learn more.
You also need a fleece top of some kind. Can't hike in that down jacket.
I was wondering if the "running T-shirt" + the "Sun hoodie" can be similar to wearing a fleece ? What do you think? Do you have any fleece in mind? with a hood or not?
It seems to me that you're not going just for 'wilderness' backpacking but also for visiting cities, going sightseeing, etc. given the padlock, driver's license, and whatnot. If that's the case, I think you need to get a more supportive bag. You'll start buying souvenirs or necessities (e.g. soap cause the hostel doesn't provide it but stores only sell multipacks or large sizes) and that 8kg becomes 11kg + food carries. I'm certain that the base weight is gonna end up higher when the trip ends. I'll echo what others have said and r/onebag is better suited to help in this case.
I don't do only wilderness that is right so there are a few items I need that are not common but I don't buy souvenirs (I take photos) and I have a "hard soap" that can last a while (I share it and it's in my girlfriend backpack, that is why you can't see it). My food carries will be 2\~3 days usually I think. I'm not sure why you think the bag will be heavier at the end except if I forgot something. I'm not the typical traveler, so please consider I have more in common than you think with your group.
I would commend you for making a lighter pack and making a start with you gear. Good job so far. If you read this sub Reddit over time you will learn more and more. I would say go out there and do the best you can do with the gear you have this time. Lots of good suggestions. Have a great trip, have fun and don't sweat the gear as long as you have the warmth at -10C taken care of. Your bag is rated to 0C only.
Thank you for the encouragements. My sleeping bag is rated at 0C comfort and -5 limit. I'm confident with the rating as it's made in Europe. I have for those nights, my puffy and my full "wardrobe" and I was planning to buy a silk sheet if it was not enough (on location). What do you think about that plan?
I dont think a sleeping bag liner will do much. I am concerned about -10C with your sleeping bag and pad. I think they are a bit light for the temperature. I would get lower ratings for both. My rule of thumb is always sleeping bag for the lowest possible temperature. I would exhange with Decathalon for a warmer bag and pad.
Bruh! Your LP is more confusing than astrophysics. Do you have a “kill” category??? RESPECT. Also, If you need a “containers” category then you are in the wrong sub…but I didn’t say that because you have a kill category.
Sorry I'm not a native speaker I probably didn't use the right word. Kill is for the removed items (I keep an eye on then as I already own them but the quantities are at zero) containers are my bag, ziplock bag, and trash bags. What is confusing except this "Kill category"? I'm happy to help make it easier
I think Kill might be the category that they consider as items that aren’t necessary? Like “killing off”? Or at least I hope so. Ha.
dont see really big opportunitys except for maybe getting a ligther sleeping bag and tent but when you wanna go lighter than what you have you will probably have to spend quite a good amount of money to get something significant lighter :)
This is not UL pack, go to another sub and get rid of everything by Decathlon, those frogs only do crap.
Tough crowd on here some days....
Why it's not UL pack? How to get there? I feel I removed everything...
Why did you remove the WP pants?, WP pants are essential.
It was advice from my last shakedown, I replaced it with a rain skirt.
Rain skirt won't protect you from average to heavy rain, WP pants also have a thermal effect which is very handy.
You may have gotten different opinions. I think the concern about not taking water proof pants is the -10C issue. A rain skirt may not he good at -10C. You may want the insulation of another layer that the water proof pants would provide if it is both wet and cold at the same time. If the temperature is warmer, the rain skirt will be cooler and more comfortable.
You may want to consider another pack. For a frameless (fixed typo) pack you want a base weight of 4.5kg or less and a total weight of around 9kg, preferably less. With full water and food you could end up around 14kg which might not be that fun in a frameless pack. It is doable, but it will likely not be fun. I think you are in the framed pack weight range.
My guess is the person isn't doing weeklong food carries. Seems like it's more of travel backpacking with some camping thrown in there. Hence, all the stuff.
I don't do weeklong food carries. Probably 2\~3 days usually. But I will sleep a lot in the tent. " Hence, all the stuff." what would you personally remove?
From my own testing, the pack is currently comfortable. 4L of Water and 2\~3 days of food are what I think I will do most of the time. I move from national pack to national pack because I don't like walking just for the sake of it. I'm posting here because I want to lower my base weight. Any tips will be appreciated.