r/lightweight

I currently have a Gregory Paragon 60, which comes in around 3.7 lbs. After using it, I realized it’s probably a little more heavy-duty than I need, so I’m looking to drop some pack weight without going all the way to a frameless UL pack.

My base weight is around 18 lbs, and I’m looking for something:

• 45–60L
• Under 3 lbs, ideally closer to the 2–2.5 lb range
• Framed
• Comfortable carrying an ~18 lb base weight plus food/water
• Still reasonably durable and supportive

So far, the ULA Ohm, Gregory Focal, and Durston Kakwa 55 are three that seem to fit what I’m looking for. I’ve also looked at Zpacks, but their packs are more than I’m looking to spend. And I do not get a pro deal for Durston which puts it out of my price range unfortunately.

I’m definitely not limited to the Ohm or Focal—those are just two that have stood out from my research so far. I’d especially like to hear about other packs in that same general category that I might be overlooking.

I’m not trying to get the absolute lightest pack possible. I’d rather find a good balance between comfort, weight, durability, and a supportive frame. Basically, something noticeably lighter and less overbuilt than the Paragon without sacrificing too much carrying comfort.

What other packs would you recommend looking at?

Hi all - I'm planning a thru-hike for 2027 and half been in the process of taking stock of my gear. I'm currently trying to figure out what to do for a tent/shelter. I think I'm leaning towards having a freestanding tent for comfort and ease of set-up at the end of long hikes. I do already own an REI Trail Hut 2 (5 lbs. 1.44 oz) that I've used for years and has always served me well, but I do know that's a heavier tent than would be recommended.

What do you think I should do?

• Should I just start off with the tent I have and I can switch it up if it's too cumbersome?
• Look into getting an ultralight tent and just make the investment for the trail?
• Opt to do just a hammock/tarp combo and hope that there's shelter space most of the time?

Tents are all I've ever known so it's what I think I feel most comfortable sticking with, but would love to hear what was successful for other folks.

I’m really confused as to what I’ll need for my 600 mile Sierra route.

What I’m currently bringing:

Worn:
\- sun hoodie
\- shorts
\- shoes, socks & boxers
\- hat

Packed:
\- rain jacket
\- synthetic puffy
\- windbreaker jacket
\- wind bottoms

Everyone always mentions Alpha. Would this replace the synthetic puffy, or should I bring it as another layer? Or should I bring the alpha and leave the puffy at home? 🤷🏻‍♂️

I know the weight isn’t much but I I dislike the complexity

Hey everyone,

​I’m interested in the new Helinox Chair Zero LT. I know a chair is a luxury item, but I'm wondering if this model justifies its weight and the high price tag.

​My Use Case:

Multi-day hiking, bikepacking, packrafting (flatwater) and wild camping. After a long day, having back support sounds amazing, but keeping the weight down is crucial.

​Questions:

​Comfort: Is it comfortable enough to sit in for 1-2 hours?

​Durability: How durable is the material of the LT version?

​Value: Is it worth the cash, or should I just stick to my Z Lite SOL as a sit pad?

​I'd love to hear your experiences and thoughts. Thanks!

I currently have the bear vault one. I do enjoy the collapsable feature as the smaller pack size is appealing and more volume than the 450 but I just realized it’s not accepted in yose or seki. Is it worth it to return it and get the 450 or just rent when I go to those parks?

For context:
-I’m in socal so these parks are just a 4-6hr drive away
-I have a 60L exped pack. Base weight including the bv one is 17 lbs

- I go solo and usually my trips are for 2-3 days maybe 4. I don’t think I’d do a thru hike for the foreseeable future.

-I go backpacking once a month or every 1.5 minths mostly to areas that aren’t yose or seki but that require a bear canister (bv one approved)
-would eventually like to do the jmt down the line.

Thank you! Still kinda new to this so hoping for others to chime in