Going ultralight, or trying to...

Ankar...for pants you might want to check out TAD gear. They have some very well-designed outdoor and survival gear. I'm sure you can find something to suit your needs there.

And that sandpaper idea sounds like a good one.
 
When I'm planing a hiking trip, I get some things from here... http://www.minimus.biz/

You can buy all sorts of individual sized goodies. It sure does make it convenient. Small packages of Ramen, tuna, salmon, personal care items, condiments, etc...

Check out some Merino wool products for your baselayer. It is naturally anti-microbal and you can eliminate some clothing by wearing it. Many backpackers wear it for 5 days plus. It is also light and regulates temperature very well. Ibex, Icebreaker and Smartwool are three brands I own. It's great stuff.

Oh... and FWIW... bring the fishing gear. It's worth the weight.

Better yet... bring a pack mule so you can also take a cooler full of beer, a battle mistress and rifle. :D
 
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How are those GOLITE ultralight packs in terms of comfort? I wouldn't want to sacrifice too much in that department, especially if I'm going to be carrying a lot of food or water. They look promising though, super light and the price is very reasonable.

Sand paper! Jeeze why didn't I think of that, I already have a ton for sharpening...


I'm a fan of merino wool, but the base layer stuff is just so damn expensive. I'll have to see how this synthetic antimicrobial treated undies & t work out. I expect they'll start stinking pretty quick, but they dry fast so I should be able to wash them and dry them overnight.

I think I ought to keep the full fishing kit, maybe leave behind a little more tackle, it just wouldn't be the same without some good fishing.

Cheeres on that minimus link! I was just trying to remember what that place was called, need some mini anitbiotic ointment for the firstaid kit.
 
One of the main rules for saving weight is by reducing the weight of "the big three".

Backpack - Make sure it supports and fits the load well, is comfortable, and durable enough for you. I like Gregory for comfort, and Granite Gear and GoLite packs for lighter/shorter trips.

Sleeping Bag - I choose down if I can keep it dry. I've never had much trouble with down bags getting wet, but I take care to keep them from moisture. My synthetics usually stay at home even though they are great bags. Don't forsake warmth for ultra-light-weight. Don't choose a heavyweight just to save money.

Shelter - tent, bivy, tarp, hammock...how light can you go and still stay dry & warm & insect-free and get the necessary sleep.

What are the temps and weather conditions you expect to encounter? What degree of difficulty will the treks be, i.e. heavy brush & rocks vs. easy trail?

If you can keep "the big three" under 10lbs, you can pack the heavier fun stuff without as much worry.

Gregory Makalu Pro 5lb
Western Mountaineering Antelope SDL 3lb
Integral Designs SilTarp 7oz
Outdoor Research Aurora Bivy 24 oz

That's is still a 10lb total with a super comfortable & durable pack and a sleeping bag rated to 5 degrees. That leaves me 20lb worth of gear, food, & water to make 30lb total on a solo trip. Yes, including food and whatever water must be carried at a time.

I can save over two pounds by using my Granite Gear Alpine Vapor or my GoLite Pinnacle instead of the Gregory pack. They are still plenty comfortable up to 35lb for me.

I can save weight on the sleeping bag if the temps are warmer.


BTW, I am definitely satisfied with my S5, heavy or not.
 
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For light weight pants, try Wild Things. Made in the USA, and they have an outlet link on their site. The Epic Windpants are what they say they are - windpants. If you need something more breathable/durable, Railriders Weatherpants are both, but a bit heavier.

Regarding the knife, I think the pukko is a good choice. If you're cooking with a stove, there's no need for tons of firewood. You also don't need to do a ton of batoning unless you're in a particularly wet environment - if you're in the Sierras and can't start a fire with a SAK Classic, a bigger knife won't help much! However, I would definitely practice with the knife under non-critical situations, and made sure I know how to use it effectively (i.e. don't start batoning when you're 20 miles into the bush and a 3-day march from help). Consider pairing with a wire saw for cutting larger branches.

Golite packs are OK. Make sure they fit you, because the adjustment range tends to be limited. Granite Gear is also good, but a little heavier.

Polypro is OK, but wool is much better for keeping down the stink. It is pricey, but you should be able to find some for less than the cost of a good knife. Try the usual discount places (Sierra Trading Post). Ibex also has good deals on their website, and many of their items are sewn in the US.

Another helpful ultralight tip is to make a complete packing list. After your trip, check off everything you used. If you didn't use it, leave it home next time (excepting rain gear and 10 essentials/survival items). Trading a little bit of suffering for convenience can also do wonders. For example, jump out of your sleeping bag in the morning, pack up quickly, and hike to get warm, rather than throwing on a heavy jacket and huddling over the coffee pot. Note that you shouldn't confuse "convenience" with "safety" in this case.

Requisite Busse content: Why no mention of the Skeleton Key? A stripped-down Leaner Meaner would also be a beautiful camping knife. Grind down the scales or rip them off entirely and replace with cord wrap. Killer B anyone?
 
you were asking about quick drying pants... i would recommend the 5.11 tac lite pro series, have all the features your looking for
 
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