r/UltralightAus

I'm looking for a puffer jacket. The peak xv Zephyr from Dwights outdoors seems to be a pretty good combo of reasonably priced, reasonably warm, and reasonably light (340g, 129g of 800 Fill down, $250). Only issue is, I have zero idea what their reputation is as a brand and since I'd have to order it online and pay a handling fee plus postage to return it, I'm pretty hesitant. Has anyone here used anything of theirs? And how did you find it?

I'm headed to Europe in a couple weeks and I found the la sportiva lumina 200 on sale for $300 so that's my other top option but I'd also have to order it online and I wouldn't have a chance to return it if it doesn't fit since I'll have only one night in the country it's available in. So it's pretty risky.

If anyone has a recommendation for an alternative, I'm all ears. I run cold and I'm after something that can keep me comfortable down to -5 with appropriate layers. I'd love to keep price below $300 but since I do hike a lot, I'm not against spending more if there's no other option.

I’m not fastpacking or even running (maybe in the near future) but definitely aiming to move faster. So I was curious if it was a thing to combine these for ultralight hiking.

By running belt I mean the ones you can stash snacks, food, gels and poles in.

I’m looking at getting a lighter 2P tent and considering the Mont Hypermid 2 full inner. I already own the outer + half inner, so it would be by far the cheapest way for me to get a lightweight 2P setup.

I currently use a Zorali Highlands, which I really like, but I’m keen to try something lighter. My main hesitation with the Hypermid is the centre pole and single entrance. I’ve never used a 2P tent with a pole in the middle, so I’m curious how much it actually gets in the way, and whether the single door becomes annoying with two people.
For those who have used the full inner, how have you found it as a 2P? Would you stick with it, or spend more on something with two doors/poles off to the side?
I’d also be interested to know if there’s anywhere around Brisbane/SEQ where I might be able to see or pitch a full inner before buying one.
Open to other lightweight 2P suggestions too, particularly things that work well in QLD conditions. Trekking-pole tents are a bonus but not essential.

We booked our first multi-night hike, the OLT in Tassie for April next year.

As advised, I've started compiling gear (and a shopping list) before deciding on a pack to take. I note most recommendations here are for something 65 litres or more, preferably more, but my pack list would suggest I could probably get away with a smaller ultralight or hybrid style pack.

Am I missing stuff here or does really come down to using ultralight gear allowing for ultralight packs? And is an extra kilo and carrying capacity offset by comfort?

Thanks in advance!

We've hiked a bunch of other trails (but none with this shelter system), and hoped to check a few things:

1. Does the presence of shelters change the equipment I should bring? (I was going to take my standard long thru stuff, but wondering if people go lighter in some way?)

2. For the Bib are people using FarOut or "Bibbulmun Track Guide" or other? (I've loved FarOut on big USA trails, but found some of their other trail-apps are pretty meh)

3. For people that have done *other* long trails how did this compare? (I know the PCT and AZT best)

4. Is it worth treating hiking clothes with Permethrin? (I find it a sanity-saver for *bad* bugs (eg sierra), but unsure how it compares)

5. Google says "camping is strictly restricted to the 49 designated campsites equipped with shelters." - what's the reality? (Is everyone really in/near the shelters every day? Or is it possible to responsibly find camps alone?)

(Fwiw, I am Australian and know the bush/snakes/etc well (and never have campfires), but I haven't done long walks here)

Thanks!

I've gone car camping a fair few times over the years but i want to get into backpacking. I don't think ill go on any trips longer than 1 night, so mostly focussed on comfort rather than optimising weight

1. Gear wise, im looking at the naturehike cloud up 2 pro (lighter than 1p cloud up base?)

2. What's a cheap and comfy sleeping pad?

Ill make do with an old backpacking bag i have and sleeping bag, so thats big 4 sorted

I have some lightweight cooking setup and plan to bring water instead of having a water purifying system

3. Whats the easiest/shortest overnight route for a first timer? Is there a short enough route that i could ideally day hike beforehand to familiarise myself with the route without bringing gear?

4. How do people generally find new routes?

5. Anything else i need?

Been doing some research after seeing this thread below and the one linked by Aussieequiv:

https://www.reddit.com/r/UltralightAus/s/IgfFmMqEe0

Anyone had success with “MapNero” app + GetLostMaps as a replacement?

Hi mindhive… I’ve got long term shoulder issues that aren’t going away anytime soon and looking at a pack replacement as I slowly aim for UL. I’m currently using a women’s Osprey Kyte 48, the women’s cut seems to work better for me, male, 5”6’ 70kg in my 50s. The pack is obviously heavy and I’ve been tossing up between a lighter Osprey, a Durston or a Neve. The latter two are obviously significantly lighter, but will the shoulder straps give me potential issues? I broke my clavicle in a car accident years ago and still get issues as well as tendon problems in the same general area, so trying to keep weight (pinch points) off the shoulder. I know it should be as easy as try a few packs on, but being Adelaide based I need to travel to Melbourne to do so and thought others with similar issues might help with a little guidance. As another thought has anyone had any luck with the MacPac Volta or Harper long term? Tad heavier, but similar to the Osprey UL options and available locally. TIA

I currently have a Macpac Torre 80L but bought it before all of my gear, which is now realise is a big mistake. I’ve since discovered ultralight/lightweight hiking packs and am considering swapping to the either the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 70L or the Whippa Wollemi 90L. I’m doing the Western Arthur’s Traverse in Tasmania in January of next year which I’m planning to do in 7-9 days. I’ve used my Macpac Torre 80L enough to know it will fit everything I need to take but I’m just looking to shave some weight off my setup. I’ve seen Mowser’s review on the Whippa Wollemi and it seems perfect for me and I know the Zpacks is really good as well but I don’t know if all my stuff would fit in it and if it’s up to the Tasmanian wilderness. I basically just want to know if it’s worth switching to the Whippa or Zpacks (costing me about AUD$400 either way after I sell the Macpac). Thanks

How important do you think proper navigation skills are?

I've been hiking using all trails and gps. So I don't carry a compass or map. I figure if i truly go off trail I'd want a proper refresher on using a compass and map. I also like the idea of reading the landscape more and orienting properly.

Hi All,

Got a long weekend at the end of the month, happy to drive a few hours each way.

I'm at a loss whether to dip back into the Budawangs for a few days or up to Blue Mountains, or if there's somewhere I'm overlooking that could be a good option.

People that live in the area, where's somewhere you've been recently or isusually decent come end of August?