Need some help finding light or ultralight gear

Mikel_24 said:
Cool bladder! They don't make them any more.


For me the sleeping pad is one of the most importans parts of gear... they provide you with insulation from the cold ground. No matter how heavy of a sleeping bag you carry... without one you will have a cold back.

Mikel
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Platypus is common and they still make them.

A sleeping pad keeps your back warm, a sleeping bag compressed under you does nothing for insulation. A good closed cell pad will always be lighter and maintenance free. Torso size is all you need.

kage said:
Bearthedog, I didn't know you're a SUL backpacker. I'm just an UL backpacker, but I'm working on it. I spent years as a mountain guide, SAR and Scoutmaster, so extra equipment for safety is always looming in the back of my head and finding it's way into my pack.

Great layout! I've never seen the Pres2Pure before. How does it work and how do you like it? Also, how do your like your MLD bivy? Is it breatheable enough? I've been eyeballing their poncho tarps, as I like the design of they're hood.
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Press to pure is cool. I took it to peru and drank out of the Amazon river. Just fill it and drink. It is a filter and water bottle in one.

MLD superlight bivy is very good and I have the one without zippers.
 
Dan, Here's what works for me,

Wiggy's bag - you can go with just an overbag or get a combo and be set for anything. They have solid zippers and you can machine wash without a problem.
http://wiggys.com/category.cfm?category=6

Golite Hex tent. There is some height so it's not too cramped, can be set up with a mosquito screen, a footprint or just the tent. Backpacking lightweight, the tent and a tyvek floor with walking sticks tied together as a center pole keep the weight down.
http://www.golite.com/product/productdetail.aspx?p=SH6106

Z-Lite term-a-rest - I go bulky but can use the mattress at rest breaks without unrolling and filling it with air.
http://www.thermarest.com/product_detail.aspx?pID=43&cID=1

Frogg Toggs - Not good for thick bushwacking but on a trail or in camp a really lightweight suit for any force of rain or as a wind break to hold in warmth.
http://www.froggtoggs.com/catalog/2008catalog/page04.asp
or
Marmot PreCip - Next step up for me from the Frogg Toggs when wet weather is a sure thing but not Alaska sure (then go to commercial fisherman's gear)...
http://marmot.com/spring_2008/mens/outerwear

Granite Gear stuff sacks - They are made in several sizes and two or more weights. Usually one for sleeping bag, one for tent, and one for clothes works.
http://www.granitegear.com/products/packing_systems/air_line/air_compressor/index.html

Pack Cover - ? I do not use one.

Leki Trecking poles - A bunch of lightweight choices, collapse to about 24", good for use with snow shoes also.
http://www.leki.com/Trekking/products.aspx?subCatId=34

Hats - I don't have a Tilley's but people swear by them...straw is good, panama straw is the best they say.

Let us all know what you decide on using.
 

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Ok....here's what I have so far:


1 - sleeping bag

REI Travel Sack +55 Sleeping Bag CLAY ONE SIZE $59.00
quilt
Jacks R Better Stealth Quilt http://www.jacksrbetter.com/index_files/Stealth.htm
Marmot or Western Mountaineering
Sleeping bag Lafuma Warm N Light 600 l lb 5oz http://gearx.com/product_info.php?pr...d=677?ref=base
Western Mountaineering Summerlite
Feathered Friends
Lafuma down bags
FF Rock Wren or Vireo
slumberjack
http://wiggys.com/category.cfm?category=6
Wiggy's bag



2 - tent

http://www.tarptent.com/contrail.html
REI's Quarter Dome tents
Tarptent or Six Moons Designs

Black Diamond First Light

Golite Shangri La 1 Tarp 1 lb 5 oz http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___27119
with the added "nest" which is a floor and netting. 1lb 8 oz http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/...rce=GoogleBase

Or Big Agnes Seedhouse 1 2lbs 13 oz total
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___24950

Golite Hex tent


3 - sleeping pad

Big Agnes Air Core Mummy Pad - Regular BLACK/RED REGULAR X 20X72X2.5 $49.95
Gossamer Gear torso pad 4 oz.
Big Agnes or Pro-lite 3

Big Agnes inflatable air core pad
24 oz but worth it!
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___27340

RidgeRest
Gossamer Gear's ThinLight pads

Big Agnes Clearview
Z-Lite term-a-rest


4 - rain suit

Marmot Pre-Cip
Cabelas goretex paclite
microporous polypropylene rainsuits - DriDucks, Frogg Toggs and Rainshield O2
Backpackinglight.com = DriDucks suit for $15-20
Frogg Toggs


5 -compression sack

Granite Gear stuff sacks


6 - pack cover




7 - ski poles

Sierra Trading
Titanium Goat
Life-Link
Leki Trecking poles

8 - game

deck of cards


9 - hat

Columbia broad brimmed hat with the mesh all around (campmor, REI)
boonie hats
Here's one with mesh



Links:

http://www.simblissity.net/
http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/000725.php
http://www.backpacking.net/
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-...ght/index.html
http://www.raidlight.com/boutique_us/int_05rando_us.cfm
 
Ravaillac said:
Could you be more specific about what activity you plan to do? (long hike? car camping with short excursions?...).

What sort of weather do you expect?

What is your weight "target"?

How much do you intend to spend?
Click to expand...

Going to Philmont...thought I mentioned it...oops, sorry!

weather = dry, hot with occasional intense rain bursts


kage said:
If you're okay without a sleeping pad, check out Gossamer Gear's ThinLight pads. Ultra thin and compact but provide great insulation, extending the range of your sleeping bag (keeping in mind that the ratings are with a sleeping pad, not without). If you're used to a cushy Thermarest or other self-inflater, you'll hate the ThinLight as it doesn't provide much comfort, just insulation. They do make the NightLight, which is thicker. I used the Thermarest Z-Lite for years and liked it. It' cheap and light.
Click to expand...

I have rarely used a sleeping pad. But I have never spent 12 days in the woods in a row either. I probably don't need the padding much...the insulation is more what I'd like...yes, I'm sore in the morning when I wake up...but it goes away quickly. *shrug*



A few things I forgot to mention...

I'm a good-sized guy....and while I don't need a roomy bag or tent...but don't want a too-small one either.

Can't do a Bivy at Philmont - not allowed.

The sleeping bag for me might as well be a giant ziplock...I honestly just barely need one....and have slept nearly naked in a light summer bag in the dead of winter before and been toasty...I am a nighttime furnace. :D


tent = what I need is something light, one I can sit up in to change clothes, and 100% reliable in the rain. Outbursts can be very heavy at Philmont...and no mommies to run to out there if I get soaked. :foot:
I'm ok with the idea of a tarptent...but wonder if it's smart consider the critter problems they have there as well as the unexpected torrential rains. dunno....


sleeping pad - I can probably get along without it....but figured if I could find one thin and relatively inexpensive...might allow me to go with a super ultralight sleeping bag.



rain suit - I build up heat inside the typical rain suits pretty quickly. The one mentioned that makes the guy cold....I might actually look into that one just for that. :D



pack cover - so I can hike in the rain. Hoping there is a cheap/light option for this. Otherwise, since everything inside the pack will be in ziplocks or waterproof stuff sacks...probably can go without it. But if I can get one cheap and light....I'll do it. any suggestions?


ski poles = I don't mind the extra weight of the ski poles...since I'll be using them while hiking...and I do have a way to strap them onto the outside of the pack. I've actually never used them before...have always made/found/used hiking sticks...which I'm ok with too. I just like tryin new stuff out....kind nutters that way. :p



hat - I overheat in a hat pretty quickly, hence the need for the mesh. I do plan on using plenty of sunscreen....but since I can sunburn in about 15 minutes outdoors...without a hat...I run a huge risk of exhaustion. Better to use a hat and stay hydrated.




Thanks for the help so far, guys....you all have proven very resourceful. I'll read up as much as I can this weekend. :thumbup:
(need to load up on gear asap!)

Dan
 
Another pleased user of the Tarptent. Very roomy for one. I can get my GoLite Gust pack in there with me.

I have a Marmot 15 degree Helium bag that is plenty big enough for my 6 ft. 225 lb size. Their Hydrogen model is a lighter 40 degree version. [I also own Feathered Friends and Western Mountaineering products and like them a lot.]

I actually have used a Marmot Precip outfit in Alaska, although a heavier-duty rain suit might be prudent.

DancesWithKnives
 
Well..I have a few changes to my original specs...

- No tarp tents allowed at Philmont
- forgot to mention that I don't like mummy bags...my ankles hurt in the morning because of no room (I sleep mostly on my back).
- also, the bag needs to be around 2 lbs and small when packed



So.....here's what I've come up with so far:


1 - Sleeping bag = Marmot Trestles - 2 lb 3 oz packed


2 - Tent = Black Diamond One Shot - 2 lb 13 oz packed, 6x9 compressed


3 - Sleeping Pad = Big Agnes Clearview 20x72x2.5 - 15oz - 2.5x10 rolled


4 - Rain Suit = Frogg Toggs DriDucks - 10.4 oz


still looking for the other stuff....but the above seems to fit my requirements so far.
 
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Still looks pretty heavy and expensive.

-Backpkinglight.com has lighter rain suits for about $20
-Gossamer gear closed cell foam pads are 4-oz.
-Any quilt will be lighter by about i-pound-3ounces and easier to regulate the temperature.
Tents are not my shelter choice but the Eureka Solitare is under $70 and weighs 2 -pounds.
 
looks like the solitare is 3 lbs 4 oz packed and 4"x17" compressed...price is nicer...and we're really just talking ounces now....

i can't have a quilt - need it asap.

from what I read on their website....gossamer gear pads only insulate, they don't really pad.

since the clearview compresses down so nicely...it's quite tempting..I don't mind airing it up/down every day.

the DriDucks were only $15



Believe me when I say....I'm still very open about what to take...just limited on time/availability...cost isn't that big of a deal as long as it's not exorbitant, and pays for quality.
 
Good score on the Dri-Ducks.
Quilts always hae a wait, that sucks.
Closed cell pads generally insulate, it is up to you to find a good soft spot or use pine needles and leaves. If you are at an established camp site the ground will be hard.
My solitar was around 2-pounds-2 oz. o weighed it many times hoping it would be 2-pounds even. That was years ago.
 
Dan-
don't skimp on the sleeping pad unless you are very padded yourself

myself, I am a bit on the skinny side so need padding to sleep on
I use a full length Prolite Thermarest - it is worth every ounce but is pretty light

what stove are you using? or going with open fire?
I use a penny alcohol stove - made from 3 heineken cans
don't like the beer, but you can make a great stove that can boil a liter of water on 2 oz of fuel

http://www.csun.edu/~mjurey/jpgs/conrad2.jpg

I use EverClear 180 proof to fuel it - non poisonous fuel
it is multi purpose, clean wounds, fuel and mixed drinks if you are into that...

+1 on a Lafuma warm n lite 600
but if you are a hot sleeper and temps won't be lower than 50 deg - I say keep your clothes on and sleep in a bag liner - those are only a few oz

I like the gossamer gear mariposa bag

Alpine CF hiking poles

hope this helps
 
thanks for the info joeG26er...i'm fairly padded already....but I do still want a comfy pad...going to be out for 12 days straight....I'm hoping it will cut down on the morning aches-n-pains. Believe me...it is indeed very tempting to just take a thin pad...and for a 1-3 nighter...no biggie...I gave up on pads years ago...but nearly 2 weeks...maybe I'm getting old. :D


I plan on using a MSR Whisperlite stove (we can get white gas refuels at food drops up there). since we have to cook for 12 every day.


I do like the Mariposa bag....and seriously considered it...but decided to go with a McHale alpine pack instead. Yes...almost opposite end of the spectrum....but I want this to last forever.


I've considered sleeping in a liner...but they often have 40 degree nights...and sometimes have heavy rain and even flash floods.
 
the Whisperlite is a good stove
I still have an Internationale (multifuel) Whisperlite shaker jet
but the fuel is messy to deal with and dangerous
if you spill it, the smell is bad (I use/d gasoline) and it can poison your food

Also, it is super super heavy - when compared to the Penny alcohol stove
I too doubted the power and efficiency of the Penny stove
but am a believer now

The penny stoves have been used by countless Appalachian Trail thru hikers
It is funny - I have shown a few experienced campers/hikers the penny stove and they have been very skeptical. But then I boil a liter of water with only 2 oz of alcohol in a few minutes and they are amazed.

If you are going to be in an area that might flood - perhaps you should get a hammock type tent
Those are super ultralight, and you don't have to worry much about water getting in from the sides or below.

Here is a guy who tests and uses quite a bit of UL gear and has some good info on hammock tents
http://hikinghq.net/hammock/hammock.html

I googled Philmont and got some scouting webpage
is that the one?
It says that every campsite has a fire ring
so you probably only need to bring enough fuel for backup and use wood for the most part
one of the most efficient ways to cook with wood is with a coffee can stove
here is a link to DIY of that stove and many others
http://zenstoves.net/LinksGeneral-DIY.htm

http://www.outdoors-magazine.com/spip.php?article102#forum2800

or
http://www.imrisk.com/woodgas/coffeestove.htm

If you are involved with scouting - this might be a good project for the scouts

Let us know how it goes and post some pics -
thanks
joe
 
PS - for a lightweight pack that will last nearly forever but has less bells and whistles
I would highly recommend the Go Lite Jam pack.
about $60 to $100 online... STP has them and most often you can get a 20% off coupon
 
The Go Lite Jam is a good lightweight pack. I don't know if they still make the Gust but that's what I use. I like the larger capacity for week-long pack trips.

DancesWithKnives
 
bearthedog said:
Hey Daniel sounds like me when it comes to being a hot sleeper. I think you should try quilts. They save weight big time and are easier to get in and out of a bivy or hammock. I have been Super Ultra Light backpacking for years and I have been able to keep my pack weight under 5 pounds of gear (base weight) in all kinds of horrible weather. There seems to be some people around here that wait for the words Ultra light or lightweight backpacking so they can get off the couch long enough to come around and bash. It works for me and if you really want to get into gear email or PM me.

Here is my gear list.

Gossamer Gear pack-4 oz.
Gossamer Gear torso pad 4 oz.
Mountain Laural superlight bivy-6 oz.
Integral Designs Poncho Tarp-8 oz.
Platty 2L. Hose-3.5 oz.
Press to pure water filter-5 oz.
Ditty bag with firestarter-first aid tent stakes and guy lines-6 oz.
Mountain Hardware fleece-8 oz.
Nylon dress socks 1 pr.-1 oz.
Polyprop. gloves-1 oz.
Golite Wind Breaker-3 oz.
Bear the Dog Fleece Beenie (my brand not for sale yet)-1 oz.
Bear the Dog Quilt 40*-11 oz.
Click to expand...

Bear,

Please provide links. I can't find prices on any of this.

Also, with a bivvy, do you get a lot of condensation?
 
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