r/UltralightBackpacking

Hi guys! I’m just getting into backpacking so I’m looking for some suggestions. My friend and I are planning a small one night forest trip in July and need help figuring out what packs we should get. Not looking to spend too much money ($95+) but I will if it means I get the best quality for the price ofc. Idk if it matters either but my cousin is very small statured. 5’1-5’2 and very skinny (she’s healthy just always been petite) so I’m not sure if that changes the kind of pack she would need? I’d definitely appreciate if any of you had any tips or advice you’d like to share alongside pack recommendations:) Thanks guys

[note: mods at UL declined this]

So Ray Jardine says, on his current web site, that categorically, quilts are lighter than sleeping bags at comparable temp ratings. In his influential 1999 book "Beyond Backpacking," he backed up this assertion with added detail.

Mr. Jardine currently sells a kit for a 50F-rated syth quilt listed at 1.5 pounds. Enlightened Equipment sells a syth 50F quilt that lists at about 14 oz. Possibly, the EE product has less loft than RJ's.

But regardless, comparing several of the "best" (most costly) current brands of (down) quilts and sleeping bags (with zippers) don't seem to bear out Jadine's assumptions.

Feathered Freinds:
Hummingbird 30F bag: 601.01gr
Flicker 30F quilt: 635.029 grms

Western Mountaineering
Monolite 38F bag: 368.544 gr
Nanolite 38F quilt: 371.379 gr

Sea to Summit
Spark 45F bag: 362.874 gr
Ember 45F quilt: 422.408 gr

At least among these three, "apples-to-apples" comparisons, bags are somehow lighter than quilts.

Quilts in warm weather look more comfortable than bag in warm weather, assuming they're on a clean surface like tent floor or ground sheet. But "save weight with a quilt" might be wrong?

Am I accurate in saying Durston is teasing a release of a new product category this summer that is yet to be named?

If so, I’m a bit surprised by the lack of guessing, gambling and speculation on what this new (to Durston) product category is going to be.

I’d assume it’s adjacent and complimentary to exiting lines so purchase in one increase purchases in the other.

So I’ll kick off the mania with my guesses. #1 is my top pick in each:

Equipment -

Tarp - 2 sizes and two different materials; or

Bivy - 3 sizes and “ ; or

Hammock - ; or

Climbing wall tent: or

1. Sleeping pads; or

Sleeping Bags:

Pacraft

Clothing -

Shirts/pants; or

Rain gear; or

1. Hiking shoes; or

Base layers;

Misc-

Lip balm (jk)

I think we need a betting pool (prediction market) for this.

Best guess on actual product category / type

Hi everyone,
I built a website called Trail Ready that helps backpackers figure out what gear they need for a trip based on the specific destination, climate, and trip duration.

The idea is that instead of starting with a generic gear list, you enter where you’re going and the conditions you’ll be hiking in, and the site recommends gear requirements (for example temperature rating, weather protection, pack volume, insulation needs, etc.) that fit those conditions.

I’m still improving it and would love feedback from experienced backpackers:

Does the concept seem useful?
What information would you expect it to consider?
What recommendations would you trust or not trust?
What features would make it genuinely helpful for trip planning?
The site is: www.trailready.ca
I’m not trying to sell anything- just looking for honest feedback from people who spend time on the trail.
Thanks! Any criticism is welcome.