Light weight hiking/back packing

[SEREvince]

As I get older and wiser I find that I want to carry less weight while being more comfortable!

I'd like to open a discusion on light weight gear although I'm no extremist here!

Titanium spork = YES

Cutting the handle off of my toothbrush to save .0002 oz = NO

Basically what light weight gear are you carrying that keeps you happy but doesn't wear you out lugging it around.

I'd love to see your favorite choices for multiday 3-season trips! Here's a few of the things I recently picked up to lighten the load.

Integral Designs 8x10 Siltarp 14 oz! I have a mozzy net for when the bugs are real bad.

Big Agnes Insulated Air Core sleeping pad. Super comfy/packs small.

My cook kit is Titanium and I just picked up a set of those Orikaso fold flat dishes. I don't know if the save any weight but they are kinda cool and super easy to pack.http://www.rei.com/product/736993

I ussually try to work with my friends to distibute some of the common items, i.e. I carry the stove he/she carries the water purifier of vice versa.

My stove is a MSR Dragonfly, I've used it for years with no worries and love it, although I am tempted by the Jetboil for the bling factor.

I have several water purification choices, although when traveling light there is nothing that matches good old bleach for weight and effectiveness IMO.

My other purifiers are the Katadyn Hiker and the MSR Miox. I've put alot of gallons of very suspect water through the Hiker and like it, especially the output volume. I have not yet used the Miox although just thumbing through the directions it seems a little complicated. It is very small and potentially can treat a large amount of water.

I use the simple platypus bottles to lug the H2O. They are bombproof! and fold up tiny once they are empty.

I have several sleeping bags depending on conditions. I don't associate winter camping with being lightweight so my other options range from a fleece liner/ g-tex bivy to a North Face Cats Meow. I just don't see myself dropping another $250-300 to save a lb with a new bag.

I am thinking of going with the Gregory G Pack. Will save 3-4lbs over my current packs!http://www.gregorypacks.com/prod.php?ID=15

Any other big weight savers out there! Let's hear em.

 

[Dirty Harry]

The thing I have found about going light is being a minimalist, how much are you willing to live without? I never carry a water purifier anymore, only aquamira. I use a foam pad that keeps me warmer than a self inflating mattress and weighs and costs less.

For packs, check out Bozeman Mountain Works or Granite Gear. I have a Granite Gear Vapor Trail and I am very happy with it. Enough room for everything I need, but it is small enough that I don't get carried away filling it up until it is full.

The light pack, switching from a tent to a bivy and a tarp/poncho, and my boots (I use Montrail Hurricane Ridge trail runners now) are the biggest places I have saved weight. Other things, like compression sacks, spectra cord, and carrying a minimal first aid kit have really added up too.

Another thing that I have found helpful is planning. Mainly to determine where water is and how much I need to carry before I can refill.

I find that these changes allow me to bring my camera gear into the backcountry without overwhelming me. I'd rather be without a tent than my camera when I get away from civilization.

 

[teotwaki]

Titanium spork = YES

I use a Lexan spoon from REI as they are cheap and don't bend easily

Cutting the handle off of my toothbrush to save .0002 oz = NO.

I've actually done that and I have read of a guy who cuts off all of the little tags and labels on his gear and clothes.

Integral Designs 8x10 Siltarp 14 oz! I have a mozzy net for when the bugs are real bad.

I use an MSR Hubba single person tent, super light, nice vestibule, good mosquito net and is bomber in a Sierra rainstorm. My key factor was that I could sit up in it to read or to change clothes.

Big Agnes Insulated Air Core sleeping pad. Super comfy/packs small.

A simple and lightweight Ridgerest foam pad.

My cook kit is Titanium and I just picked up a set of those Orikaso fold flat dishes..

I bring a single titanium pot. I use a large plastic insulated mug for everything including cooking the Top Ramen and mixing drinks.

I usually try to work with my friends to distibute some of the common items, i.e. I carry the stove he/she carries the water purifier of vice versa..

Always a good strategy, even for expeditions! One guy uses his ARB/Engel for frozen food (Ice Cream!) and the other guy uses his for the fridge

My stove is a MSR Dragonfly, I've used it for years with no worries and love it, although I am tempted by the Jetboil for the bling factor..

Jetboil finally had to build a pot version as the cup approach was too little water for much of a meal. I use a MSR Pocket Rocket. For really cold weather I warm up the canister in my sleeping bag and then put a foam sleeve around it.

I have several water purification choices, although when traveling light there is nothing that matches good old bleach for weight and effectiveness IMO. .

Been going back to the tablet approach and use ordinary vitamin C to remove the iodine taste.

I use the simple platypus bottles to lug the H2O. They are bombproof! and fold up tiny once they are empty..

I stopped hauling Nalgene bottles. The Lexan ones actually weigh more than the standard bottles. I do use a hydration bladder for drinking on the move and a Nalgene Canteen for extra water.

I have several sleeping bags depending on conditions. I don't associate winter camping with being lightweight so my other options range from a fleece liner/ g-tex bivy to a North Face Cats Meow. I just don't see myself dropping another $250-300 to save a lb with a new bag..

Winter camping can be lightweight and is nicknamed "Alpine Style". I watch for sales and have a super light North Face 900 fill bag for cool to cold weather camping. I sell off previous gear on Craig's List and EBay.

I am thinking of going with the Gregory G Pack. Will save 3-4lbs over my current packs!.

I have a seven pound expedition pack for the winter trips and a 3 pound Mountainsmith pack for Sierra backpacking. There are lighter packs but comfort won out.

Last summer my pack weighed 35 pounds including food, water, clothes and a stupid bear vault.... I can probably cut some more corners on the weight.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Tent wise, you might look at the Tarptent. Personally I have my eye on the Double Rainbow, which is a bit bigger tent. Relatively comfortable for 2 + dog. It's a one pole free standing tent if you use your ski (or trekking) poles for stretchers. You can also stake the 4 corners, but it's not free standing without the 2 poles. It's 40 ounces completely set-up with a floor, combo mesh/fly, etc. It can be split into two halves, so each person must pack ~1.25 lbs. From what I've seen it does pretty well with wind, so can be pressed into year round service if you want. I like the Megamid when group skiing in the winter, but having a floor would make it good for spring snow and summer rain, too (I hate wet down). They also have a floorless version, which weighs about 34 oz.

Tarptent also makes some super light tents. The Contrail is about 24 ounces with a floor, about 21 oz without.

BTW, I cut and drill my toothbrushes, mostly the short handles make packing them easier and the hole is to attach a leash so it does not get dropped. I also use the cheap-o Lexan utensils. I just use what I have, which is heavy and old. Most of our money is spent on the bike and mortgage and this year a lot on building an engine for the truck.

 

[Christophe Noel]

I've been using a Jet Boil for a couple seasons now. Great for alpineering trips. That Dragonfly is my sea kayaking favorite because I feel it's a tad heavy. Okay, it's a tank.

If you really get into this gram counting, you will eventually need to seriously drop some coin on techy cloths. Depending on the seasons you travel in, the cloths you take can really rack up the pounds.

There's really no recipe for going ultra light. The gear is out there now. It's just a matter of how much do you want to spend. It also depends on what you think is "light."

For me, a "light" pack for 3 nights in summerish mountain weather is probably 3olbs for a solo jaunt. Probably 40lbs with alpineering gear split with a buddy.

 

[teotwaki]

Tent wise, you might look at the Tarptent. Personally I have my eye on the Double Rainbow, which is a bit bigger tent. Relatively comfortable for 2 + dog. It's a one pole free standing tent if you use your ski (or trekking) poles for stretchers. You can also stake the 4 corners, but it's not free standing without the 2 poles. It's 40 ounces completely set-up with a floor, combo mesh/fly, etc. It can be split into two halves, so each person must pack ~1.25 lbs. From what I've seen it does pretty well with wind, so can be pressed into year round service if you want. I like the Megamid when group skiing in the winter, but having a floor would make it good for spring snow and summer rain, too (I hate wet down). They also have a floorless version, which weighs about 34 oz.

Tarptent also makes some super light tents. The Contrail is about 24 ounces with a floor, about 21 oz without.

BTW, I cut and drill my toothbrushes, mostly the short handles make packing them easier and the hole is to attach a leash so it does not get dropped. I also use the cheap-o Lexan utensils. I just use what I have, which is heavy and old. Most of our money is spent on the bike and mortgage and this year a lot on building an engine for the truck.

Oooooh, Mongo like pretty tent!!!

If you don't remember who Mongo is.... "Mongo only pawn in game of life"

Blazing Saddles!!

 

[DaveInDenver]

Oooooh, Mongo like pretty tent!!!

Nice reference. 'Cuse me while I whip this out.

 

[SEREvince]

Great info,

I'm shooting for 25-30lbs range for long weekend trips. I'm not looking to get into the "ultra light/speed hike" extreme area, just want to lighten my load.

I just ordered the Granite Gear Meridian Vapor pack, saves over three lbs off of my current Dana Designs packs. The Gregory wasn't in stock in my size.

Any ideas on a light weight waterproof shell? I have a nice wind proof/ water resistant fleece and some descent threads. I've really been digging my Exofficio Bug off pants with zip off legs! Lightweight and comfortable like your favorite PJs.

My clothes list generally looks something like this for a three day trip in mild temps. I could easily get away with one set of clothes but, I find that having a dry set to change into is a must for me to really enjoy things when I get wet.

2 pair convertible pant/shorts (wear one)
2 synthetic wicking shirts (wear one)
Polypro watch cap- great for chilly mountain nights and exposed short stops!
Fleece
cheap nylon shell
Smartwool socks 2 pairs depending on condition (wear one pair)
I have a Gore-tex jacket/ pant set , but they are pretty heavy. I hate packing them and avoid it except when there's snow, then they rock!

What meals/foods do you think are the best balance between weight, ease and flavor?

What about soap? Is there a natural "do it all" soap, including toothpaste? Dr Bonner's comes to mind, but I wouldn't brush my teeth with it. Anyone tried? there are some things (shaving) I can do with out, but minty fresh teeth is not one of them.

The biggest area I think I can save weight is by giving up some of my redundant items especially as the gear gets more reliable. I'm always guilty of the "what if" syndrom of packing. What if "x" breaks(never has) or "y" happens (nope). I find that the more I get out the lighter my pack gets as I identify what I really need vs. what I might need

Ciao

Vince

 

[Christophe Noel]

Food can get heavy indeed. When I backpack down here in the dry southwest to places like the Grand Canyon, I use freeze dried backpacking food and wouldn't do otherwise. It saves fuel as all you need to do is boil water. It saves water as all you need to do is use 6oz and if you eat out of the package, there's no washing of pots. The food itself is light. It just really works.

In areas with more available water, I still use backpacking food but I don't mind doing more actual "cooking." Staples for me are things like cous cous, hummus and other things that cook quickly, pack lots of carbs and are not a mess to clean up.

I do try to bring along "real" food as well. Simple things like cheese, sausage and a bagel make for a nice break from freeze dried food. I try to save weight with dinners and splurge on snack foods.

I also really focus on a balance of nutrients. On more ambitious outings I try to keep my macronutrients in the 60/30/10 range. Carbs, protiens and fats (olive oil, cheese).

 

[DaveInDenver]

Any ideas on a light weight waterproof shell?

I have a Patagonia Rain Shadow jacket that I like a lot. Light, packable, actually waterproof. I bought it originally to use in the summer, but find that it works awesome over a soft shell, even if it's not nearly as burly as a regular hard shell. So I would not expect it to take much punishment from tools and skis. But it's really light, less a pound.

 

[Dirty Harry]

I like the GoLite Virga, only 9 oz.

http://www.golite.com/product/productdetail.aspx?p=AM1726&s=1

 

[DaveInDenver]

I like the GoLite Virga, only 9 oz.

http://www.golite.com/product/productdetail.aspx?p=AM1726&s=1

How is it's waterproofness? I ask because I went through a few jackets to arrive at the Patagucci. The first were DWR coated nylon, which are cheap, small and light, but in anything beyond a quick moving squall are horrible. I tried a Marmot Precip, which was supposed to be waterproof, even has taped seams. It leaked like crazy, although it did seem that the fabric itself was probably waterproof. But the outer layer soaked up water and became waterlogged in no time. No amount of taping and DWR is going to keep it waterproof forever if the fabric wicks water. In the year or so I've had this Rain Shadow it has yet to even suggest it might leak. I'm very happy and it's only 2 oz heavier than the Marmot. I know Golite makes a lot of awesome stuff, but it all seems to be pretty light duty in the long term. Just my feeling and I break a lot of stuff.

 

[Dirty Harry]

The Virga has been great in the short, heavy thundershowers I have had it in. No soaking up water, but I would worry about how well it would hold up to bushwhacking. If you are hard on stuff it may pay to get a heavier duty jacket.

 

[SEREvince]

The Virga has been great in the short, heavy thundershowers I have had it in. No soaking up water, but I would worry about how well it would hold up to bushwhacking. If you are hard on stuff it may pay to get a heavier duty jacket.

Looks like a nice pick!

Found some nice lightweight/ ultralight backpacking resources

http://www.backpacking.net/index.html

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/boy_scout_gear_list.html

 

[Dirty Harry]

The biggest places I have shed weight is in my pack choice, switching from boots to trail running shoes, and ditching the tent altogether. After that it is just a matter of saving an ounce here and an ounce there in my experience. If you look at everything you bring with an eye towards making it lighter there are a lot of places to save a little weight. Stuff sacks, clothing, food, etc.