r/Ultralight

I'm 6'1", 185 lbs (185 cm, 84 kg) with a short and narrow torso (I wear a 39" suit), and absurdly long limbs (6'4" wingspan despite the narrow shoulders). I'm often limited (and disappointed) in shopping for long-sleeved clothing and have worked around this problem for many garments, but windshirts are a sticking point.

I have a katabatic crest windshirt in size large. I picked it up feeling optimistic because a review on the katabatic website praised it for having sleeves long enough that the reviewer could tuck their hands up into them. For me, lmao, not even close. I get about 3" of sun hoody or fleece sleeves sticking out past the cuffs of the windshirt.

Do any of the go-to UL windshirt options come with stupid long sleeves? If you have average body proportions and your windshirt covers your 2nd knuckle, I want to hear from you.

I mainly bikepack and for that I use a Durston X-dome 1p+ which on my scale is 1065g (full mesh tent+bag, carbon short pole+bag) excluding pegs.

I'm looking to do more hiking/fastpacking and I'd like to atleast cut down half the weight hopefully. Getting any of the 600-900g tents (like X-mid, Six moon designs, Tarptent etc) does not seem like a good investment, grams saved to money ratio wise.

Requirements would be:

1. Hopefully 500g or less

2. Needs inner tent somehow(hiking primarily in scandinavia both low-and highlands with lots of bugs/mosquitoes during summer)

3. Not Dyneema (because of price) and packability

4. Single or double wall doesn't really matter.

5. I hike with trekking poles, sometimes without but then I would add carbon poles to the tent weight

6. Fit a 186cm male with a Neoair + quilt.

Maybe I'm looking for something that doesn't exist but the ones I got so far are:

1. Gossamer gear the one (new fabric seems good?)

2. Nordisk Lofoten ULW1, Vango F10 Neon, Terra Nova Laser pulse (all which are more of a bivy)

3. Tipik Pioulou single wall

Any other suggestions? Seems like the Gossamer is a good candidate but I've heard mixed reviews on stability. I probably won't overnight in storms but you never know.

As the Titel says im looking for an quilt as the bag i have right now (Simond mt900 0°) is just to restriktiv.

So as im living in Switzerland i dont have that many Options for a good quilt.

For what im needing it is for about 20-30 nights a year. This year im planing to do the via Alpina the Switzerland Part in July. So i need Something with at least an 0° Rating.

For the Budget im looking at around 300-400 CHF (330-440 Euro)

Im also unsure if i need the Sheet from Zen bivy or If the Normal quilts are good enough to avoid to many draftse.

For my pad i have an exped ultra 5r tapered.

Also maybe a loose bag could be an Option but why Not Just use an quilt at that Point.

My Options are:

- the zen bivy light bed (-4° down)

-Cumulus 450 quilt (kinda pricey)

- therm-a-rest corus 0°

Im looking Forward to youre recommandations and maybe Tipps that you Guys have.

Hi everybody,

my trusted Thermarest Prolite Plus has given up the ghost after 10 years due to delamination.

So now I am looking for a new sleeping pad. I am looking for a something with following requirements (descending priority):

- length: min. 195 cm (6'4")

- no/minimal crinkle sound: I have spent a night on a Thermarest NeoAir Xtherm NXT and its not for me. Even if it's quieter than the previous version, its too loud for me

- packed size: max 5L, ideally similar to a Thermarest NeoAir Xtherm NXT, max 5 L

- durability: i prefer durability over low weight, ideally 70D fabric both top and bottom

- baffles: horizontal

- R-value: min. 4, ideally higher

- weight: max. 800 g (28 oz)

- thickness: max. 10 cm (4 inches). Thermarest NeoLoft is too thick for example.

To be honest, I'd just buy a Prolite Plus (Apex) again if the packed size was smaller. I have been extremely satisfied with ThermaRests lifelong guarantee but it seems like they don't make anything that fits what I am looking for.

My biggest issue during research is finding out how much crinkle noise a sleeping pad makes. Most "professional" reviews dont even mention it and opinions on reddit seem to differ wildly.

Currently I have on my shortlist:

- Exped Dura 6.5R LW: fits all requirements except that it has vertical baffles

- Big Agnes Rapide SL: looks promising, have read some reports that it might be a bit cold

- Rab Ultrasphere 5: crinkle sound is minimal and packed size is great. Read that R-value doesnt quite match expectations.

I am unsure about any Nemo and Sea to Summit pads. Open for suggestions.

Are there any other sleeping pads you can recommend? Appreciate all input!

Currently planning a thruhike of the CT and trying to decide how to go about getting a good balance of healthy, calorie dense meals from small resupply locations.

I finally have gotten a dialed in backpacking food setup that meets my macro recommendations (based off this thread), is reasonably healthy (plenty of fiber, not too much cholesterol), and has good caloric density. My current goto is this:

Breakfast:

• Muesli/Oatmeal with Nido whole milk powder, nuts, chia, hemp seed, and banana chips.

Lunch:

• Tuna (in olive oil) with mayo, cheese, and olives on a tortilla.
• Peanut butter and dates on a tortilla.

Dinner:

• Skurka beans and rice.

Edit: not including snacks. I add trail mix, nuts, bars, dried fruit etc. to get up to 4000-4500 cal/day. Those are easy enough to resupply though and I can change them up as I go for variety.

I'm not sure how to practically do this when resupplying at small towns with grocery stores. Some of these ingredients are hard to find even in reasonably large towns (whole milk powder, dehydrated beans, tuna in olive oil), and others are sold in bulk that would be excessive for a few days on a trail (hemp and chia seed, minute rice). In addition, I usually package and weigh out everything into per-day portions so I get the right amount each meal.

What strategies do you use for minimizing effort and time in town? Do you repackage and throw away the packaging in the parking lot, or do you take it all on the trail? Should I take extra food even if it's more weight?

One idea that I'm mulling is to carry in the things I know I won't be able to resupply on trail (whole milk power, hemp seed, dehydrated beans) and supplement with the things I can purchase. Since I plan to be on the trail <30 days, I can probably get away with packing a full loadout of just the essentials if I'm strategic. This definitely doesn't seem like the most ultralight option though...)

Last option would be just to plan on mailing supplies ahead on the trail. I can do this if needed, but I keep seeing comments online that mail resupply shouldn't be needed for the CT. Just curious what everyone else is doing I guess.

I mostly hike in the European Alps, Pyrenees, Balkans etc. evening temps rarely drop below freezing but it's not unheard of.

I sleep warm, on an R=5 pad, in a tent, and wear alpha 60 base layers.

Based on the Timmermade Alpha 90 blanket adding 10°F (5°C), this should surely add a couple of degrees of warmth?

It seems fairly accepted that a light down jacket will add a few more degrees.

I'm thinking about the Ice Flame Semi Summer NXT quilt with 300g of down and about 1.25" loft. The manufacturer claims this would have a comfort rating of 5°C and limit around freezing. I trust these numbers having used their quilts before.

Based on the above, I'm hoping this will be comfortable in warm weather and warm enough slightly below freezing to sleep well in high altitude camps even in a cold snap.

What are people's experiences with using similar quilts in mountain conditions in the summer?

Lighterpack: https://lighterpack.com/r/rqejts

Current Base weight: 11.1 lbs

Goal Base weight: Under 10 lbs 

Trip context: Colorado Trail thru-hike, June 10ish start, 3 weeks goal, 4 weeks soft limit. Hoping to average >25mpd. If I'm ahead of schedule I may try to bag some summits if conditions allow.

Solo or with another person?: Solo

Main questions / concerns: Long time lurker on r/ultralight, never had an excuse to do a shakedown for myself! I've done many many nights in the backcountry on weekend backpacking trips up to 4 nights max but this will be my first thru-hike, trying to use as much of the gear that I've already accumulated as I can. This is also my first time backpacking in Colorado, most of my experience is in Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and California.

Non-negotiables: Sleeping bag, Nemo fillo pillow

Budget: negotiable, depends how useful it is after I get off the trail.

Additional Information: 
Almost all weights are weighed. Leaving in 3 weeks so limited on what I can purchase and get quickly.

NEMO fillo is a gift from my girlfriend after I kept stealing hers, so I'm obligated to take it now lol.

I'm currently suffering from decision fatigue on the sleeping pad. Current Xtherm is overkill and it's over 10 years old so I could use a new one. However, it's been super reliable, durable, comfortable, warm, and really not that heavy compared to new alternatives. XLite is only 4.5oz lighter (regular wide size), I'm not sure if Tensor Elite will be warm enough and I would definitely need to pair it with a thinlight which would be be 7.4oz savings, but is it worth it for the comfort and durablity concerns? I'm a side sleeper, so I don't think I could make a CCF-only setup work.

I could use a new backpack but not sure if I want to commit to a new one without testing it out on a shorter trip first. Durston Drop pack is great on features but I don't really love the comfort - I definitely prefer S-shaped shoulder straps over straight. If I got my base weight low enough I'd consider hip-belt-less but I don't think I'll make it this trip.

Considering making the switch to tarp + bug net, but probably not in time for this trip.

I've been pretty happy with the Senchi + down vest + shell setup for temps down to the high-30's, not sure if I'll need more for the earlier start.

Currently have the Montane Spine Goretex Active raincoat for the afternoon thunderstorms if I'm still moving through the rain. I could get a frog toggs if I was staying put more, I'm not sure what the general strategy is for the CO summer thunderstorm season?

I've heard that microspikes and ice ax are not necessary, but I'd appreciate feedback on that for the earlier June start, especially if that would be helpful for summits along the trail.

I appreciate the feedback!

I apologize, this is a bit off topic but most of the information I've found leads me here and I'm swimming in reviews and hoping to get some direct help.

Stated briefly, I work outside in the heat and sun, I got tattoos, and I'm hoping I can find a sun shirt that is cheap enough I can buy a week's worth of them without converting to a rice and noodle diet. I tried sun sleeves and they either slide down or I do some custom cutting and the internal stitching implodes.

Is there something that will protect me and my tattoos and my wallet and survive manual labour? Or does one have to go?

I am willing to barter a hike for advice if necessary

I’m on the PCT currently and will be entering the Sierra in 1-2 weeks.

I’m looking for rain/wind pants to replace my second pair of shorts. Any recommendations?

they don’t have to be perfectly waterproof i just want something to make it easier to get up early and hike. I currently do not have any pants so it takes some self-convincing on cold days

thanks!

It's starting to get too warm to wear WPB jackets while hiking for the most part. Anyone know what's a good option to keep stuffed in your pack 90% of the time that's useable in emergencies if you get injured or it's significantly colder than expected?

Is a poncho or a cheap pacamac/frogg toggs style jacket a good option? Or should i invest in something a little fancier?

Currently my only waterproof jacket is a Torrentshell which is too heavy/bulky for me to want to carry it in my pack all day and never use it but i don't want to put myself/others at risk by taking no rain gear.

I see the Ketl Vent pants have been mentioned quite a few times.

If someone who owns a pair is reading this, could you please be so kind to measure the actual width of the pants, if you lay them flat?

I ask because size charts tend to be all over the place, and Ketl's size chart would suggest two very different sizes based on waist vs based on hips.

And because, not living in the US, returns would be a nightmare. I'd normally not bother for a pair of pants / trousers, but it's not easy to find some which are as ventilated.

I'd be interested in seeing the actual size of the L or XL, men pants.

If you have another model, not the Vent, that would be useful, too. Even if it's a non-elasticated model, I can compare it to another non-elasticated I have.

Thanks!

I have three NB10000 Gen1. They all swollen up, I was using them for some time like that, they charged no problem. But I just read it that it is dangerous to use swollen power banks, so it looks like I will have to dispose them, quite disappointing. Do you know any light weight alternatives to Nitecore? I'm hesitating to spend another 300 euros (I need 30000 for my hikes) and then in two years to throw it away again...

I find it frustrating when I'm packing up in the morning and my pack won't stand up. What ultralight packs do you know about that will stand up on their own?

I really into hiking, I’ve been thinking lately about what small items are truly worth carrying with during long trips or hikes. At home, things like foam rollers, trigger point guns, TENS devices, stretch bands can be useful. But on road, most of these become burdens. But some smaller versions might actually be handy，like mini massage balls, pre-cut tape strips, or a compact TENS device for relaxing at camp at night if use it regularly. What did you end up keeping in your gear?I’m particularly interested in finding items that are small enough but still useful. It would be great if you could mention their weight, or whether they replaced heavier recovery/emergency equipment you were carrying before.

Hey everyone,

I’m heading to Lofoten in early June and planning to do a 5-6 day crossing through the islands. The plan right now is to start somewhere near Svolvær and work south to Reine.

I know this isn’t really an official trail and more of a route you kind of piece together, so I’m trying to get a better sense of how people actually approach it.

A few things I’m trying to figure out:

First, direction. We’re planning to go north to south mostly because finishing in Reine seems like a better ending and the ferry logistics back to Bodø look easier. Is that generally the move or is there any reason people go the other way?

Second, GPX. I’ve seen a few tracks floating around but nothing that seems like “the” route. Did you guys follow a specific GPX or just stitch your own together as you went? If there’s a solid one out there I’d love to use it as a baseline.

Main goal for us is just to hit the best terrain. We want the big ridges, good mountain views, and also some of the beaches. Right now we’re planning to include the area near Svolvær to start, then try to hit Gimsøya, Haukland/Uttakleiv, and finish around Reine with Reinebringen. If there’s anything along the way that you think is a must hit (or anything not worth the detour) I’d love to know.

We’re bringing 6 days of food but thinking we might be able to do it in 5 with the midnight sun and long days. For anyone who’s done it, does that seem realistic or does the terrain slow you down more than expected?

Also planning to hang in Reine after and do a fishing trip. Has anyone done that out there? Wondering if we should book ahead or just figure it out when we get there.

Any other tips would be awesome too. Stuff like navigation, sections that are slower than they look on the map, water spacing, anything like that.

I’ll throw my lighterpack in here too if anyone wants to take a look.

Appreciate any help, this has been a dream trip for a while so just trying to get it right.

I’m currently trying to decide which pack to get, I’m worried the Kakwa 55 will be too big and it would also be nice to save a bit on weight, but at the same time I’m worried 40L will be too small. I’m super torn on which one to get, as im getting my first ultralight set up right now so I’m facing analysis paralysis hahaha. I’m also considering the Gossamer Gorilla 50 if anyone has input on that pack. My sleep set up is a Thermarest neoair paired with the zenbivy and its accessories, and my shelter is a durston xmid 2, but I might trade it for an xmid 1.

I find myself really disliking the waterbed feeling of most typical inflatable sleeping pad brands. I have a UL tensor that I'm not a huge fan of and I also have tried a torso length NeoAir XLite. I have a CCF pad, but unfortunately I'm a side sleeper through and through so it's not ideal.

Does anyone know a really random or underground brand that is trying anything novel for UL sleeping pads? I'm aware of all the typical S2S, Nemo, thermarest etc. suggestions.

This might be silly, but I also thought it might be a fun way to find small brands?

my current sleeping bag is a 0 degree skiing one and it’s so good, but it takes up half of my 55L osprey and it makes my pack a lot heavier. i always have to punch it into the bottom of my pack and sit on it to fit it, and it has me exhausted. especially it being the heaviest thing in my pack, if not in the top three

i want a sleeping bag that’s ultralite, that will still keep my cold blooded self warm af, and made of a easily foldable material that i can roll up and fit compactly and lightly in my pack.