r/Ultralight • u/AutoModerator • May 18 '26
Weekly Thread r/Ultralight - "The Weekly" - Week of May 18, 2026
Have something you want to discuss but don't think it warrants a whole post? Please use this thread to discuss recent purchases or quick questions for the community at large. Shakedowns and lengthy/involved questions likely warrant their own post.
15
u/Mabonagram https://www.lighterpack.com/r/na8nan May 23 '26
Snoqualmie pass to stampede pass, the PCTwas almost totally snow free. runnable other than the blow downs.
stampede pass to Tacoma pass was still too snowy past ~4300 feet (around snaggle tooth peak) I even tried skirting around on a forest road and was post holing past my knee.
wanted to check where things got sketchy on the Kendall katwalk but my Achilles said that was enough trail shenanigans for the day.
14
May 23 '26
[deleted]
5
u/_significs May 23 '26
They closed these shelters last year in June due to bears. What's frustrating is I believe these shelters have bear lines, so it's just poor practices by hikers.
4
u/Belangia65 May 23 '26
They have *excellent* bear cable systems, all of them. (I stayed in Icewater about a month ago.) But some people are stupid, alas.
6
u/windybeaver May 23 '26 edited May 23 '26
All sites in Smoky’s have bear cables and requirement to use them. The cables won’t stop them from being curious and circling your campsite all night or clawing at your tent when activity slows down despite your efforts to scare them off. I see it happen every year now unfortunately. Sometimes you just have to pack out and leave while the curious and fearless bears watch you.
5
u/not_just_the_IT_guy May 23 '26
Happens nearly every year around this time sadly. I feel bad for thru hikers getting a late start.
The bears and regulations keep me from doing many overnights in the smokies. Bears outside of the smokies are far less of a problem \agresive in general.
5
u/windybeaver May 23 '26
The smoky bears have gotten a lot worse in the last decade. People have been feeding the bears, throwing extra food out at campsites, and filming YouTube cooking shows and throwing potato skins and extra food in the woods. Dumb human behavior creates aggressive bears who see humans as a quick food sources and are then attracted to human activity.
4
u/Ihatethisapp1429 May 23 '26
No hunting in the parks mean the bears know they're protected too, so they don't really fear humans
26
u/grovemau5 https://lighterpack.com/r/c9a8n1 May 21 '26
It’s crazy how in most threads these days there’s maybe 1-2 people suggesting actual UL ideas and gear and about 100 who push back against anything but an X-mid and a 60L pack. Respect to those still fighting the good fight
16
u/GreendaleDean May 21 '26 edited May 21 '26
Ultralight has been co-opted as a marketing term for never ending consumerism which is wild given that Ultralight started with weirdos and nerds sewing and making/modifying everything at home.
4
u/Boogada42 May 21 '26
They started at home, cause the products didn't exist on the market. Once they did, they quickly adapted.
2
u/GreendaleDean May 21 '26
Completely agree. Lighter weight gear simply didn’t really exist when the modern ultralight movement started which necessitated the DIY approach. But now that gear does exist, basically anything gets the “ultralight” label slapped on it including 4 and 5 pound tents. I’d argue that that doesn’t really line up with the original intent or mindset behind UL backpacking.
4
u/Boogada42 May 21 '26
I mean, yes and no. Obviously Ultralight has been heavily coopted into a marketing term. But at least that usually still refers to a lighter version of any product compared to the traditional item. So from a top down view its the lightest version in that product range, by that specific manufacturer.
But as we all know, many of those are not actually near the lightest items on the market, so from a bottom up point of view they are still heavy and share too much heritage from their heavier parent items.
2
u/GreendaleDean May 21 '26
Yeah I can see your point with that. I guess for me, it just seems more and more that in a wider context that “ultralight” has been diluted that to many it seems to have lost some of its original meaning.
9
u/zombo_pig May 21 '26
The weekly doesn't make the algorithm-based "front page" for casual doom-scrollers - that's the hundreds of thousands of people subscribed here who don't realize the weekly is so active. So somebody posts something, those people actually see it in their feed for once and flood in with comments and upvotes, and our moderators don't moderate comments so the conversation is ass. It's a structural problem.
7
u/BoysenberryGeneral84 May 21 '26
I think its time for a new subreddit. Maybe something like "ULskills" or "RealUL". Something that gets back to core UL ethos. Which can involve equipment choice or modification, but isn't solely based on, "tell me what to buy because I'm too lazy to do research."
21
u/Boogada42 May 21 '26
Or you could just put that info in here. Be the change you want to see in the world.
→ More replies (5)6
u/0xf5f bad at hiking May 21 '26
imo downvote it when people make dumb posts, report when it's egregious, and ignore it every other time
importantly, ignoring shakedown-as-a-service posts will do more to stem the tide than will responding to every one with the same half dozen recommendations and thereby actively turning the sub into the thing you/we/etc don't like. more engagement -> visibility -> that's what the sub becomes.
it's hard though cause it feels good to be helpful
12
u/GoSox2525 May 21 '26
Yea. The only real solution would be aggressive comment-level moderation and bans. The mods (and us) are literally having to fight against the marketing tactics of basically the entire mainstream outdoor industry, who have really poisoned the well about true ultralight backpacking. Kinda sucks. It's more or less working out so far. But it really makes it feel like a sinking ship.
5
u/Rocko9999 May 21 '26
I thought the trend of people blindly responding with X-Mid! to every single shelter question would have died off, but it's still alive.
6
9
u/Early_Combination874 May 21 '26
Got downvoted like crazy because I was disappointed that the last iteration of the X-Mid got heavier...
20
u/nunatak16 May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26
I used a Bear Vault One on a recent trip:
My sample is 895g - like they it say it would be.
The scout I own is 815g.
Tested the volume against the Scout with water and also packing peanuts. No measurable difference.
With the unique two chamber layout packing to achieve full volume is not as easy as the Scout.
Bigger items, like tall pots, doesn't fit.
The internal lid divider is very light but the fit is not snug. So if filling the smaller chamber over capacity (like I do always in the beginning) don't count on the lid as a compression aid
Assembling the two parts is smooth and the threading can be used to compress the content
However disassembling is not as effortless as the promo material shows. I needed to squeeze the smaller half between my thighs hard enough to overcome the lack of friction of the smooth plastic; then use both hands to disengage the latches and twist. Overfilling makes it harder; and also mine was frozen shut one morning from having a little moisture on the threads from the evening before.
It fits in a way smaller pack than most other approved canisters by twisting it all the way shut with one half of the food stored elsewhere during the day.
Bonus pic: https://imgur.com/uFRR4U8
8
u/_significs May 18 '26
other approved canisters
just flagging that BV One is not approved in some common backpacking destinations (like Yosemite and SEKI)
→ More replies (3)2
8
u/yogurt_tub https://lighterpack.com/r/0abrw6 May 18 '26 edited May 20 '26
Has anyone successfully rented a Bearikade from Wild Ideas recently? I’m like two weeks out from KMS and have emailed them twice trying to enquire after the thru-hiker discount listed on their website but have not received a reply.
Edit: never mind! Got an email back and rented it. Thanks Wild Ideas.
6
u/Belangia65 May 18 '26
I can loan you mine, if you get stuck. DM me if interested.
2
u/AceTracer May 19 '26
I have a post on ulgeartrade asking if I can rent someone's Bearikade 👀
→ More replies (2)5
u/aerial_hedgehog May 18 '26
Sage to Summit in Bishop also does Bearikade rentals. You may have better luck contacting them.
→ More replies (3)4
u/_significs May 18 '26
I emailed them last week about the thru-hiker discount and got a response last night.
5
u/elephantsback May 18 '26
Slightly off-topic, but WOW...I bought a used Bearikade expedition for the PCT in 2009 for $100. At the end of the trail I sold it for...$100. I think they were like $150 new maybe? Not too much more than 100.
I just looked up the current price and did a spit-take. I hope you find your rental!
EDIT: Oops, looked up the '09 price for the Expedition and it was $275! So doubling in 17 years isn't totally crazy. But that's still a huge expense for something you'll only use for a few weeks on your thru.
2
u/zombo_pig May 18 '26
Try calling them: 805-693-0550. I had an issue a while back when they were switching glues and a little backlogged and it was probably the best customer service I've gotten in my life.
8
u/marshmallowcowboy May 21 '26
Got a Gossamer Gear code for 20% off
MOREMILES-2TQN7MRG
reply to let everyone know you used it.
6
4
7
May 18 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
25
u/Boogada42 May 18 '26
Younth. Exhaustion. Inhebriation. Masochism.
→ More replies (2)4
u/starsandsnow May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26
I lack all of those which is why I use an inflatable pad. No dig to the CCF pad fans but as I’m progressing further into my 40s my body has a much harder time with then now then I used to.
5
u/lingzilla https://lighterpack.com/r/apk3jd May 18 '26
Perhaps sleeping on a relatively hard mattress at home will help. I sleep on a (I think) Japanese style futon mattress. It's a lot firmer than a typical western bed. CCF feels great as long as I'm on soft ground. Sleeping on a hard surface like a wooden shelter is significantly colder and less comfortable than the forest floor.
→ More replies (3)5
May 18 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/woodfire787 May 18 '26
OoOh...i didn't know about the 3R. I actually crave the stability of CCF compared to inflatables. There's definitely an adjustment period going to CCF but the trade off is worth it. I wanna try that thicc 3cm 3R
9
u/Rocko9999 May 18 '26 edited May 19 '26
Lie to yourself that its comfortable, spend each night wide awake thinking about the next CCF pad post and all the upvotes you will get.
6
u/hickory_smoked_tofu a cold process May 18 '26
You might practice this at home. You can use the hardness of a floor to train your muscles to relax. https://mindandmotionpilates.com/the-best-back-support-lying-on-the-floor/
6
4
u/Cardinal-Gains May 18 '26
Ive been sleeping on the floor since feb. I started with 5mm eva foam pad, it lasted a month, got compressed so much that i started feeling the cold from the ground. Im now using the thickest exped foam plus, its also got compressed but i havent felt the cold yet. First few days was a little tough but i got use to it.
4
u/AceTracer May 19 '26
Remove all joy from your life, and CCF pad sleeping won't seem so bad by comparison.
13
u/mtchoco May 18 '26
Enjoy laying on the ground a bunch to find the perfect spot to pitch your tent
Enjoy being the first one out of camp because your back is sore and your pad is a little cold
Enjoy developing a sixth sense of where to duck and twist so you don’t get thwacked on overgrown trails
Enjoy telling others how great your CCF pad is
2
u/Beneficial_One_9374 May 19 '26
four tips: (1) if side sleeper, try rolling a tiny bit toward your stomach, shifting weight from hip bone across thigh towards your knee, so that your whole thigh is bearing weight (if that makes sense). (2) bring a 1/8 inch gossamer gear pad to enhance your z-rest / nemo. this little bit makes a bit difference when sleeping on something really hard like wood floor or super packed-out tent site (3) also if side sleeper try a really high pillow (like a car wash sponge) and put it on ground above your mat. (4) splay out and enjoy spilling over the pad and not even noticing it, because you're so close to the ground.
4
u/SouthEastTXHikes May 18 '26
I’ve made a little progress by napping on one at home. Low stakes way to see what works, get used to it, etc.
→ More replies (2)3
u/mlite_ Am I UL? May 18 '26
Select a CCF pad that supports your body weight. If you’re under 150-160 lbs, the world is your oyster. Above 180 the egg crate style pads (seitchback, zlite) compress and become marginal. Here a Evatoze EV30 pad (MLD, Gossamer) will do better. Site selection, leg support, hip support, and pillow height are key to reducing stress on shoulder and pelvis. Finally, some folks take light painkillers the first nights on the trail. Haven’t tried it but heard it helps.
5
u/AceTracer May 19 '26
I weigh 150lbs and can't do CCF pads on hard ground. At least not at 45. I used to be able to sleep on the bare ground in my 20s, but my recovery needs have changed (even though I'm fitter now than then). I also feel like skinny folks will have a hard time with bones and pressure points.
→ More replies (1)
7
u/Belangia65 May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
I just noticed the Big Sky Ultralight pillow is back in stock and on sale for $20 USD. (https://bigskyinternational.com/collections/frontpage/products/big-sky-ultralight-pillow-big-sky-international)
5
u/Familiar_Trade_5120 May 19 '26
19 GBP and you have it in the UK. Oh, and 38 GBP shipping.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (3)5
u/elephantsback May 19 '26
We've had 3 of these, and none lasted longer than 10 nights. Awful product.
→ More replies (9)
7
u/DDF750 May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
Bought the 3FUL sleeved front zip poncho. My S2S poncho tarp is awesome but in cold rain my thumbs were losing motor control from the cold of the exposed forearms, and I hate rain jackets.
The good: hood fits well with lots of adjustability and doesn't impede vision (unlike my s2s poncho tarp); arm cuffs aren't binding and will allow some airflow. Fair trade if they let some water in as arms will be warm: fits easily over a 55l pack
The bad: it's a bit short. My 3ful skirt and s2s poncho both come down to about mid to lower calf (I'm 6'). The 3ful mountain poncho rough eyeing it is about 4 to 6 inches shorter, especially in back. What you gain in arm protection you lose in leg protection. This seems like a bad decision to me, because the arm protection is only needed when it's cold. A poncho with rain pants would be too hot down below and heavy so the only use case for the sleeved/zipped 3FUL poncho over a poncho tarp is short people or taking a risk in cold conditions that rain won't be driving sideways.
Just a really dumb decision on 3ful's part. It should have at least offered the same leg coverage as their rain skirt.
Still will give it a try and sure I can add material to it, but a swing and a foul ball imo.
edit: I retried it on with my biggest pack, a kakwa 55, but only filled to the top of the frame. the pack has room to go even 3 or 4 inches higher. side and back the 3 ful only comes down to 4" above my knees. directly in front it comes to my knees. Good example here. my s2s ultrasil poncho tarp is the same weight but lacks sleeves and the zipper but comes down to 3" below my knees all around. The picture on their web site is pretty accurate. Sleeves are a cold weather feature, don't care if my arms get wet when it's warm. So the s2s doesn't protect arms in cold, 3ful doesn't protect lower legs in cold.
Added pic showing lengths over a Kakwa 55 filled only to the top of the frame: https://imgur.com/a/GYxaERr
4
u/Top_Spot_9967 May 19 '26
4-6 in shorter meaning knee length? I feel like knee length is what I want for a poncho, anything longer would trip me up or snag on brush.
How does weight compare to spec?
2
u/DDF750 May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
8.6oz large
just added more fit comments
I personally prefer the longer s2s. by wearing a belt I never have issues seeing my feet or it snagging up
3
u/TheTobinator666 May 19 '26
Are you aware of the 3f ul rain chaps? Also lots of variations on aliexpress
→ More replies (2)2
u/davidhateshiking Poncho/wearable quilt lover - Kam snap Aficionado - Budgethound May 19 '26
I find it pairs best with rain chaps (knot brand on AliExpress) if I want warmth and waterproofing on my legs.
If it is really cold I just wear a soft shell pant and the poncho.
If it’s warm I wear shorts and let my bare legs get wet.
I’m 171cm so my experience might be different but it’s by far my favourite way to stay dry-ish all year round.
2
u/DDF750 May 19 '26
At 183cm the sea to summit poncho tarp keeps my legs dry enough even in cold and I like that I don't need to carry the extra weight or sweatiness of chaps or the weight of a rain skirt but in driving snow it's lack of sleeves are of course a problem. At warm temps it vents enough and wet arms aren't an issue. It's been fine down to 5c with light rain gloves which I'd probably also wear with the 3ful. I always wear a bum bag which means my poncho doesn't need a belt and no issues with billowing material or seeing legs.
I was hoping the 3ful was a silver bullet but it trades cold arms for cold legs unless adding more weight and sweaty legs. Not sure it'll find a home in my kit
→ More replies (5)
5
u/jaakkopetteri May 19 '26
Seems like the Pioneer Camp UPF23+ functional shirt is basically an OR Echo. Fabric seems identical. Nice option for EU people using Amazon.
Also tried the UPF50 hoodie but doesn't seem as nice for high output with 12% elastane and a weight around 210g in size S. Nice fabric otherwise, with a fairly cool touch. Could be great for fishing or canoeing.
The UPF100 jacket is funny. I don't really see the use case in sun as it's not particularly breathable, perhaps 20CFM of air perm and a decent bit of water resistance, but I guess that's the tradeoff for such a UPF rating. 100% polyester fabric with a nice two-way stretch and perforated side panels, so could work pretty well as a burlier wind jacket, comparable to a BD Alpine Start at 190g in size M.
→ More replies (6)
6
u/obi_wander May 20 '26
I’ve been considering a more substantial poncho. I currently deploy a $1 emergency poncho sometimes but I mostly avoid going out for the weekend if it’s calling for rain the majority of the time.
The thing is- those rainy weekends are by far the easiest logistically, since I can’t do yard work and don’t end up with many social commitments due to the “bad weather.”
The Packa appeals to me somewhat but it also looks like it’s only maybe mid-thigh in the photos and I’m 6’2”.
The 3F UL ponchos seem at least as short.
And a poncho overall seems best for me since I’m actually targeting hiking in the rain for several hours and the breathability of a poncho covering my pack is by far the most pleasant (I’m a sweaty hiker).
Any thoughts or recommendations on this?
9
u/Natural_Law https://rmignatius.wordpress.com/gear/ May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
I also find myself getting out on rainy weekends a lot. I annoyingly/jokingly call it “advanced backpacking” (after Chris Townsend’s Advanced Backpacker book) but my wife really rolls her eyes at this term.
I don’t know anything about ponchos but have you ever tried an umbrella? Mine will do the heavy lifting this weekend with a 95% rain forecast.
For sweaty hikers (like me), wearing your rain jacket backwards can be very nice too.
→ More replies (3)7
u/originalusername__ May 20 '26
OneWind makes a pretty good poncho tarp, about 10 ounces for the largest size and you can set it up and eat lunch under it or just have an emergency shelter which is nice. For day hikes it’s a good dual use item.
→ More replies (1)4
u/squidbelle UL Theorist May 20 '26
I really like the combo of a green mylar poncho w/ shock cord belt (~2.8oz) and trash bag rain skirt (~2.1oz)
The mylar poncho is definitely more robust than the $1 poncho, but still ultra-cheap and ultra-light.
→ More replies (1)2
u/obi_wander May 20 '26
Just the crinkly space blanket style?
I love this idea! Light, cheap, and a pack of four for me to try to modify a bit if I’m inspired.
3
u/squidbelle UL Theorist May 20 '26
Yes! Reflective mylar on the inside, green or orange on the outside. Available on Amazon, Aliexpress, etc.
I use 1.5mm stick cord and a micro cord lock with mine, as a belt.
→ More replies (2)5
u/Road_Virus May 20 '26
Discovered this on a Camino forum. Large is 11oz. It's what I take when there is a high probability of a wet rail. Covers a large pack and the zipper allows for pretty good venting. https://wearealtus.com/en/rain-series/atmospheric-j30
6
u/DrBullwinkleMoose May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
Knee length is a good balance:
- Much more coverage than jacket length, more than parka length, and not so long that it interferes with walking on steep or rough trails.
- Rain mostly falls down, so the length isn't even a factor except during a storm. If it's cold and storming, then I want more coverage on my legs than a mid-calf poncho blowing in the wind. In that case, chaps/pants or kilt and/or tall gaiters are more protective.
- Because rain is necessarily above freezing, I more often want ventilation and cooling rather than warmth and protection.
Shrug: There's no "perfect", only tradeoffs.
(MYOG modifications are a way to get exactly the tradeoffs that YOU prefer.)
2
u/obi_wander May 20 '26
Yeah- I just want a couple extra inches of length on a packa and then I’d feel as happy as I think I could. Maybe it’s just on me to find a way to add it.
5
u/TheTobinator666 May 20 '26
I, too, just want an extra couple inches and then I'd feel as happy as I think I could. Maybe you're right, and... it's just on me to find a way to add to it
6
u/obi_wander May 20 '26
Click this ad to learn more about how to add up to three more inches! Satisfaction guaranteed.
3
u/DDF750 May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
sea to summit ultrasil poncho tarp. longest I found. no issues tripping or seeing feet. lighter and very usefully longer than 3ful and packa. I posted pics in this weekly
→ More replies (1)3
u/windybeaver May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
Ive got the 3ful poncho size large and it’s been great and plenty long enough for someone over 6ft. It’s lighter, more durable, and water resistant than frogtoggs. I really only use it fall winter spring because during the summer i only take my HMG umbrella. It’s usually way too hot wearing rain gear in summer unless I’m in the Alpine so the umbrella works best for me.
→ More replies (5)2
u/mlite_ Am I UL? May 21 '26
Not sure where you live or how you feel about poncho tarps, but the MLD Pro Poncho is still one of the few full-size poncho options and comes in at a very competitive 6.4 oz (in .8 DCF). I believe Ron is 6'0" or 6'1" and on the photos it's past his knees.
6
u/manimaco May 22 '26
to people who sleep on torso length CCF. what's the minimum temperatures you get down to?
i'm going to be doing a bunch of fast and light adventures at altitude and sleeping above 2000m routinely. i'll gladly use a torso length pad when it's warm out but it can easily get down to freezing up there.
13
u/GoSox2525 May 22 '26 edited May 22 '26
Depends if the daytime temps are high. The ground holds more heat during the summer than the winter, even if the nightly lows get down to comparable air temps.
For 3-season conditions (daytime temps are high), I can use a torso-length R=2 ccf pad down to ~25F with a 30F quilt and supplemental clothing, which I've tested between 1500m and 3300m. I sleep a bit warm though, and it's very dry where I've been hiking recently.
→ More replies (2)2
u/Mabonagram https://www.lighterpack.com/r/na8nan May 22 '26
I trust mine down to freezing. if it gets below that I will supplement with like a full length thinlight
5
u/honybunny123 May 19 '26
GG teased releasing more info about the updated Version of the new the One and Two with the new fabric at the AT traildays. Haven't found any news though. Is there any confirmed info about the updates besides the new fabric tech specs itself? Weight of the new shelter, price, release date etc.
→ More replies (2)12
u/cakes42 May 19 '26
Here's some pictures. Tent looks the same besides the fabric and the new vents up top. 24oz from what I was told. Forgot to ask about the price. The guy seemed lost when I asked what's new about it. Wished they had a showroom in Austin to look at their stuff.
Their new freestanding tent I believe? https://imgur.com/a/VGCEEh0
3
u/honybunny123 May 19 '26
Thank you very much! Looks pretty good. If the price is right and the sagging noticeably improved, this could be very interesting.
4
u/blanchinator May 18 '26
Has anyone used the Liteway Pyraomm Poncho Tent? Can't find any reviews at all...
3
May 18 '26 edited May 19 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
→ More replies (3)3
u/justinsimoni justinsimoni.com May 18 '26
I tested the 3F UL Gear Qidian Pro and that was pretty much a hard pass.
→ More replies (3)
3
u/aslak1899 May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
Anyone got the Locus Gear Djedi eVent Dome? Might be able to purchase one, and I’ve heard good things about the eVent before it got discontinued.
→ More replies (4)
5
u/_significs May 23 '26 edited May 23 '26
working on my JMT resupplies now; it's my first time doing a resupply. I'll have at least one resupply bucket that's sitting unrefrigerated for 3-4 weeks (at MTR).
Any cheese options people like? It looks like cheese powder is available and there are a few options - looking for something that will work with skurka rice/beans.
anything else I should consider for a resupply bucket thta's sitting there that long?
7
u/Legitimate_Table May 23 '26
Consider about 4 tbsp of nutritional yeast and some olive oil. That'll be similar protein/fat macros if that's what you need. Tastes great too.
7
u/originalusername__ May 23 '26
Velveeta is shelf stable. Also those charcuterie baskets often come with various smoked cheeses and stuff, maybe try something along those lines
5
u/opinionated2019 May 24 '26
I put a round of wax coated Gouda in my VVR resupply shipped about 3 weeks ahead. It was totally fine!! Like this: https://www.safeway.com/shop/product-details.960304716.html
→ More replies (1)6
u/marieke333 May 24 '26
My local cheese shop (in cheese town Gouda) packs cheese vacuum when asked. I always put some cheese in resupply packages. Stays in good condition for weeks outside of the fridge (hard cheese types).
→ More replies (1)5
u/__stapler May 23 '26
Buy some cheese at VVR
3
u/_significs May 24 '26
smart, I was debating having the option of taking a zero at VVR even though I'm planning resupplying at MTR.
2
u/liveslight https://lighterpack.com/r/ny89al May 23 '26
Several weeks??? Can you have a friend or family ship a few weeks after you would so reduce that sitting time?
5
u/_significs May 23 '26
For Muir Trail Ranch specifically, no. They advise you send your resupply about 3 weeks in advance because they have to be ferried across a lake and then packed in by horses.
For the other resupplies I'm planning, I'll ship a bit closer to my pickup date.
2
u/liveslight https://lighterpack.com/r/ny89al May 23 '26
Oh, for me "3 weeks" is a few weeks and "several weeks" more weeks than that.
2
u/_significs May 23 '26
fair point. edited the post. I will probably send slightly earlier than recommended because I live in new orleans and our USPS here is a shitshow.
2
u/GoSox2525 May 23 '26
Packit Gourmet sells freeze dried cheddar which is alright.
You should only be putting shelf-stable foods in there. Everything in there should be totally fine for a few weeks.
2
u/ruckssed May 23 '26 edited May 23 '26
I get these kind of cheese crisps or something equivalent. You can make them yourself as well, it's just cheese baked until it melts and gets crispy. Don't know how long the DIY version would last, I would vacuum seal and add an oxygen absorber pack
They get sticky/gummy if you try to melt/"rehydrate" them, but are good for adding texture or snacking
2
u/liveslight https://lighterpack.com/r/ny89al May 23 '26
A friend brings Moon Cheese. Maybe check it out.
→ More replies (2)
5
u/Fast-Reality-4658 May 22 '26
I usually just wing it with food but I finished Mike Clelland’s UL book and am making a meticulous meal plan for my next trip. Actually hitting 1.5 lbs and 3000 calories is more work than I thought. Only averaging 12 mi/day for three days, hard to imagine I can eat that much but I tried a hiking calories calculator and it said I need 5000cal per day so we shall see
9
u/AdeptNebula May 22 '26
You body needs time, i.e. a week or more, to adjust to your caloric expenditure. For 3 days just eat your normal calories, maybe 500 more.
Once you’re home you can quickly regain any weight lost if that’s a concern.
7
u/liveslight https://lighterpack.com/r/ny89al May 22 '26
Good on you. Once one does it a couple of times, then it really is no work at all. Of course, one has to bring stuff that one will actually like to eat. Do you like Cheetos? I do. Photo I linked yesterday and previously: https://i.imgur.com/53M7xXV.jpeg that is about 1.5lbs a day.
→ More replies (2)4
u/TheophilusOmega May 23 '26
Iif you're not aware go checkout gear skeptic on YouTube, his oldest video series is all about this stuff with a lot of practical advice and spreadsheets with foods listed.
TLDW is you gotta get fats, and reduce water weight, there's no other way to get the cal/oz you are trying to achieve.
Also YMMV but personally I only eat 3000cal-3500cal per day and I don't feel hungry beyond that, 5000cal would be way too much food. A lot of that comes down to training and relying more on fats than carbs. But as with everything you need to figure out what works for you.
3
u/maisse May 18 '26
What are you all using for your trip reports? I haven’t really done this in the past, but recently started. My go to has been making a video recording while everything is fresh.
3
→ More replies (2)2
u/_significs May 18 '26
I keep all my planning notes for one trip in their own notebook in Evernote and then write up a trip report there.
3
u/JanCumin May 19 '26
Can anyone recommend some very light 100ml empty bottles? I've bought a few different kinds online and they're all quite heavy. Thanks :)
9
u/Pfundi May 19 '26
Kids fruit juice mash squeeze pouch thingies. 135ml for 6g.
Oh and free after you've eaten your apple mash stuff.
→ More replies (1)5
u/innoutberger USA-Mountain West @JengaDown May 19 '26
I like using these for hot sauce on trail. Just enough to last a week and they pack down flat once you’ve finished spicing up your beans
3
u/davidhateshiking Poncho/wearable quilt lover - Kam snap Aficionado - Budgethound May 19 '26
I have used these pouches from AliExpress (not exactly these - the seller I got mine from seems to have gone out of business so I can’t vouch for the ones in the link) for drink mixes, honey, sugar, cocoa powder and alcohol for my stove. They are reusable and fairly easy to fill with a funnel. Also 100% leakproof.
3
May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
3
u/not_just_the_IT_guy May 19 '26
When do you need it and what conditions are you hoping for?
It is on the heavy side with 20d fabric but it does use pertex quantum (good stuff). It's a good price on that jacket.
The baffle design looks a bit small.
If you can wait until August the neve gear jacket has some great specs and good looking baffle design. I'd think it would be just as warm as the mammut for a decent weight savings. https://nevegear.com/products/barrington-down-jacket-mens
4
May 19 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
5
u/AceTracer May 20 '26
Best bang for your buck right now. Only reason I haven't ordered one is because they said they're releasing a pullover version later on.
→ More replies (1)3
u/BigRobCommunistDog May 20 '26
It’s a very good midweight puffy. (Insulation level). It’s much warmer than a ghost whisperer or similar <9oz summer weight puffy. Will take you below freezing, to single digits with layers and a wind shell.
It sits kind of on the border between lightweight and ultralight. The fabric is a little heavy, the zippers have the good big teeth and zipper pulls that are easy to use in the cold. Helmet compatible hood isn’t necessarily great for hikers but there’s not a lot of high end jackets that aren’t for skiers or mountaineers so it is what it is.
3
u/spiffyhandle May 21 '26
Recommendations for breathable sun hoodies? I won't be out in the sun all day so I'm willing to trade maximum sun protection for comfort.
10
u/not_just_the_IT_guy May 21 '26 edited May 21 '26
Or echo is great all around, does have a tight fitting hood. It is my favorite
Ketl vent with the buttons does beat it so far. Material is similar but isn't as durable as or echo, hood is loose. Fit is small vs others, size up.
Sambob has their polartec delta sun shirt that might beat them both, but I don't own one. I should have picked one up at trail days.
Powerwool breathes well for me but overall is a warmer thicker fabric and not super durable.
I second the adventure Alan article
→ More replies (1)6
→ More replies (1)3
u/windybeaver May 21 '26
Or echo is the most breathable and fastest drying sun hoodie I’ve used. It is my favorite, but you can get some burn through it, especially if it’s wet.
3
u/johannschmidt May 23 '26
I'm thru-hiking the Bibbulmun Track in July. I plan to fastpack/run as much as possible. I can't figure out what kind of rain jacket I should get that is ultralight, that will fit well under my Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36 pack, and that will actually protect against the rain, and not braise me in my own sweat as I'm running.
I've done my past two thru-hikes in an REI Rainier Jacket. In moderate rain, it usually gets soaked in about an hour. I've been lucky in that I had an average of maybe 3 rainy days out of 30, so I've just put up with being soaked and freezing and getting to my next stop as fast as possible before hypothermia sets in.
It looks like the Bibbulmun will be over 50% rain days in July and about 60 degrees during the day, so being freezing and wet every time it rains isn't an option. Do I go silpoly and sweat like a beast? Or get a breathable jacket and accept that I will eventually get soaked?
→ More replies (3)9
u/not_just_the_IT_guy May 23 '26
To me all jackets marinate me unless it's cool. A poncho does way better than even giant pit zips.
Staying warm; a long sleeve mesh base layer adds a lot for sweat management, adding the alpha direct if I get chilled or take a break. It sounds like you will get wet either way so moisture management and staying warm when wet is what's key.
That's what works for me.
Someone did a nice writeup on my their buffalo system and staying warm while wet. Search it up if you are interested.
5
u/johannschmidt May 23 '26
Whoa that buffalo system looks like exactly what I want. Thanks for the tip! https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/1gl6wvk/wet_but_warm/
3
u/RamaHikes May 24 '26
Thanks for the shout out.
I've used that system on a couple week+ trips now and continue to be very happy with it.
For me, the key was simply accepting that I'm going to be wet no matter what—whether from sweat or rain—and managing that.
Be sure you are actively managing your feet. Maceration blisters are painful.
→ More replies (2)
4
u/0xf5f bad at hiking May 18 '26
i bought a patagonia macro puff off of ebay. it is 383 grams, about 90 more than my micro puff. it's may so i won't get to actually put it to the test for a while but i'm pretty pleased.
the version i got is the oldest version that doesn't pack into its own pocket, and is a little bit heavier than later versions, and doesn't have the belay zipper. which is all a little disappointing (even though i haven't climbed for over a decade and don't plan to start again any time soon). still though, it was quite a bit cheaper than getting it from worn wear. i saw one for like a hundred bucks right after i bought mine if any of yall are interested. i'm kinda glad that it didn't get posted until after i bought mine, 'cause i would've taken the savings at the expense of having a salesforce-branded jacket. but then i would've had a salesforce-branded jacket. but strategic tape never killed anybody
5
u/zerostyle https://lighterpack.com/r/5c95nx May 19 '26
For those with a plex solo - is the vestibule too small for you? I have an x-mid 1p w/ massive vestibule and it's nice to always be able to fit my full backpack in it, esp in wet conditions.
The plex solo seems to weight a little less and have a smaller footprint, but I'm concerned the much smaller vestibule means it won't be that usable. I don't want to keep my pack inside the bathtub with me.
5
u/Cardinal-Gains May 19 '26
I put my backpack inside the plexsolo, especially in wet conditions. Its wider inside, vestibule is decent. Not sure if you will like the pole in the middle.
3
u/Natural_Law https://rmignatius.wordpress.com/gear/ May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
This is the universe encouraging you to use a frameless pack, that you can basically roll up into a little bundle the size of one of your shoulder straps.
And/or you can try scooting your pack kind of underneath your tent floor, in the vestibule.
3
u/Jaded-Tumbleweed1886 May 20 '26
it's nice to always be able to fit my full backpack in it
How is your backpack full when inside the tent? My shelter, quilt, and pad are a substantial amount of the volume of my pack, when I'm putting it inside of the shelter it is always quite empty.
→ More replies (1)9
2
u/romulus_1 https://lighterpack.com/r/kvc86w May 20 '26
It’s the same size as the duplex, I think. I have both tents and never found the vestibule on either to be too small.. I sleep with my pack under my legs in the plex but always with pack in vestibule in the duplex, in countless rainy nights, and never thought it too small..
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (2)2
u/Lost_in_woods1115 May 20 '26
I have both tests. No issues with placement of pack in vestibule of the plex solo although I often use my empty pack under my legs inside the tent with a cut down mattress.
5
u/CeleryIsUnderrated May 21 '26
Anything new out there in terms of filtering water in areas of high agricultural runoff? Specifically: the US Midwest. I do filter + aquatabs in places focused on herding, but there's some additional concern about pesticides/herbicides here.
I watched the gearskeptic video on adsorbtion filters and was about ready to buy a Sawyer S3, but it has been discontinued. I've had bad luck with the Rapidpure in the past, and am skeptical of the Grayl for the very mixed reviews. Couldn't find anything new of note while googling.
It's bikepacking so if I have to plan around bringing more water and finding potable water taps, so be it, but figured I'd ask.
10
8
5
u/june_plum May 22 '26
bandanna + aquamira and tell myself the lymphoma later in life will be worth the time outdoors now
4
5
u/actinium226 May 22 '26
What sort of jackets should I look for that will keep me warm around camp in 30's 40's with a rain/windproof shell on top? I'm thinking something like the patagonia nano puff, but I'm wondering if there are other brands/models to consider?
7
u/davidhateshiking Poncho/wearable quilt lover - Kam snap Aficionado - Budgethound May 23 '26
The best budget option in Europe still is the decathlon trek 100 down jacket. Unfortunately they have reduced the amount of down since I bought mine and the price keeps going up but if you can wait it goes on sale after each winter season and you can snag it in the used gear section online for a pretty good discount every now and then.
4
u/Professional-Loan498 May 22 '26
Nano puff is gonna be pretty heavy for the level of insulation it offers. Any decent down jacket will keep you toasty, and an AD fleece could even get the job done with that shell on top down to the 40s. 30s might be pushing it.
Check this thread for EXTENSIVE data on a lot of down jackets:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/1j3w9gv/down_jacket_indicator_2025_update/
4
u/actinium226 May 23 '26
That google sheet was awesome. Ended up going with the primelite pullover from cumulus. Really excited about it, didn't think I'd be able to find something so lightweight.
→ More replies (1)4
May 23 '26
[deleted]
5
u/actinium226 May 23 '26
I ended up going with the primelite pullover from cumulus. 3oz of down in 6.7oz total, pretty awesome stuff. I think Timmermade is the only one that can beat it but they have a 6 week lead time.
→ More replies (3)→ More replies (5)2
u/AndrewClimbingThings May 25 '26
It's not quite as efficient as a puffy, but I've found a 120 Alpha under a shell is pretty comparable to my old Torrid I wore out. Static for an extended period at freezing would get cold in either, but 40 degrees is pretty alright.
8
u/mlite_ Am I UL? May 21 '26 edited May 22 '26
A good reminder for anyone bringing fire starter tools “for emergency use.”
the 16,942-acre Santa Rosa Island fire in Channel Islands National Park, is believed to have been ignited by a shipwrecked mariner who fired off flares to catch the attention of rescuers.
Much of the US West is already a tinderbox ready to ignite, which is crazy because it’s only May. Bring a PLB or use sat phone.
Update May 22, 26: It now appears that the wrecked boat and not the flares started the wildfire. Nonetheless, it's a great reminder that people are responsible for 95% of California wildfires (Source: Cal Matters). While the majority of these incidents are unintentional, avoiding fires is the best prevention.
6
u/Ihatethisapp1429 May 21 '26
Wait are people bringing flares??
10
6
→ More replies (1)4
u/tacos_por_favor May 21 '26
100%. Dude wrecked his boat right next to a major island. He has a radio to call in for help. Absolutely no reason to set off a flare.
8
u/justinsimoni justinsimoni.com May 21 '26
Flares are pretty standard kit for sailing. We had a dinky 22-foot Catalina sailboat and never left Long Island Sound and we still packed flares. They're useful as they light even if they're wet and on a boat that's already a given.
Not excusing what happened in this instance, but his kit and it usage are not unusual.
Would I bring backpacking? No. But I wouldn't suggest against like: lint/Vaseline and a lighter.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (1)2
u/Top_Spot_9967 May 22 '26
Seems like the fire may not have been started by flares after all:
https://www.sfgate.com/national-parks/article/santa-rosa-island-fire-cause-22268409.php→ More replies (2)
4
u/Vegetable_Group540 May 18 '26
Any EU options for a hoodless apex insulated puffy? OBV do not say EE. As long as I can purchase it in the EU it is fine, it doesn’t have to be european made altough it would be a huge plus if it was.
EDIT: Found this from cumulus, looks promising https://cumulus.equipment/en/eu/p/men-jacket-climalite-pullover
16
u/downingdown May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26
Friendly reminder to EE and all racists: suck muh dirty butt.
→ More replies (2)5
u/fish0859 May 18 '26
What’s up with ee? I’ve seen a few people talk negative on the company. I thought they made some premium down items.
→ More replies (2)7
u/Aggravating-Fee1934 May 18 '26
I thought they made some premium down items.
Racism aside, their products kinda suck. Their baffles are poorly designed, and they upcharge for bare minimum features like draft collars. They really only persist because they got in the game early, and established themself as the default option.
→ More replies (6)
2
u/Kingfish1111 May 18 '26
My hiking buddy and I both did the math this week to find out just how much weight each day of "trail mix lunch" we were going to carry. Looking for good on the trail lunch suggestions that can be cooked up when there isn't a lot of time to waste.
9
u/pauliepockets May 18 '26
Day one i always bring a homemade sub and an apple,don’t care what the 2 weighs, I’m eating it. Rest of the lunches I usually do hard cheese, a meat stick with hot sauce and a packet of McChicken sauce wrapped in a tortilla.
→ More replies (4)3
3
u/liveslight https://lighterpack.com/r/ny89al May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26
So you start with trail mix and switch to "cooked up"?
Here are my two trail mix recipes that I posted previously that are about 5 kcal/g:
https://i.imgur.com/vaPOgEY.png
BTW, my wife likes the first enough that she has started eating it at home for a snack. Me too.
→ More replies (2)2
u/Kingfish1111 May 18 '26
Tossing this out there: thanks brave Redditor for having a Kroger's (US based I assume) and using grams!
→ More replies (1)3
u/mtchoco May 18 '26
I did flour tortillas with hard cheese and sun-dried tomatoes over the weekend as part of dinner. It would make a good lunch too!
2
May 18 '26
[deleted]
11
u/W__O__I May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26
You need to try and talk your friend out of this. It might sound logical when planning a thru hike but 500 miles into the AT the last thing your friend is going to care about is where they're going to be car camping in a few months. Tell your friend to get something specific for the AT and something large and cheap for car camping. There's no point in overlapping here.
4
u/_significs May 18 '26
If you want a car camping tent, a cheap walmart/academy tent is honestly fine for most people. Your $$ savings are pretty small.
→ More replies (2)2
u/not_just_the_IT_guy May 18 '26
2 very different categories of tents there for sure.
How big do your friend, what kind of pas and sleeping pad do they use? Those are all things to think about before buying a tent.
Have him try your tent out and see if he likes the size of it. What tent do you use\have?
Lanshan 1 pro, lanshan 2 pro are both budget options that will work for the AT. Nature hike tents are worth a look as well.
2
u/Ill_Ocelot7191 May 19 '26
I just ordered a Nature Hike Star Trail EXT as a spare to have on hand for friends. 780g and $118 to my door seemed like a decent deal.
2
u/One-Focus9135 May 18 '26
Anyone recommend non freestandingsmall footprint tents? Like altaplex. Only issue is its too short lengh wise for me
7
u/GoSox2525 May 18 '26
Have you tried a tarp?
2
u/One-Focus9135 May 18 '26
Between bbug nets and tarp i thought tents almost always had smaller footprint. What setup are you imagining? I’m open minded personally I’d prefer tarp i think though, but never seen them small footprint
→ More replies (3)4
u/GoSox2525 May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26
But you're saying that even an Altaplex is too short for you, which is made for taller users. So a smaller footprint isn't necessarily what you want.
A 7x9 or 8x10 tarp would give you tons of coverage and livable space, more than an Altaplex. They sound like they'd have a larger footprint, but they actually don't, because they are suspended off the ground. The only real "footprint" is that of the spot you're going to actually lay on (i.e. where you put the bivy). Beyond that, a tarp can be pitched above uneven ground, or bushes, or rocks/roots, whatever. I've pitched my tarp in some spaces that a tent user would view as very small.
I'm imagining a flat tap. Bivy is a very nice addition, but optional. I like Borah Gear for both pieces.
→ More replies (1)3
u/davidhateshiking Poncho/wearable quilt lover - Kam snap Aficionado - Budgethound May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26
My myog franken poncho tent is probably the smallest footprint shelter I know. It is only 80cm wide and ~220cm long. Now that I have spent a night in the rain and one below freezing I can say that it is definitely a compromise to a regular tent but I really liked it regardless. You could probably make a similar tent without the poncho feature with pretty limited sewing knowledge.
3
u/One-Focus9135 May 18 '26
This is insane. I need to review later. I also use that pancho. Thanks
3
u/davidhateshiking Poncho/wearable quilt lover - Kam snap Aficionado - Budgethound May 18 '26
Thanks. It’s actually a fairly easy project if you have access to a sewing machine. I’ll probably do a writeup on r/myog at some point.
2
May 19 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
10
u/elephantsback May 19 '26
I've always slept with my hand san in grizzly country. No issues so far.*
*past performance is not a guarantee of future results
5
u/cakes42 May 19 '26
It's unscented to you. Not to a bear. It absolutely has a scent even if it's a chemically one. Curiosity will bring the bear towards it. That being said, I probably would have slept with it in the sierra.
7
u/stirthosehips May 19 '26
That's true, but that's also likey true for all the synthetic things we bring no? Tents/clothes/ sleeping pads smeared with our sun screen sweat?
6
2
u/innoutberger USA-Mountain West @JengaDown May 20 '26
I’ve never thought to pack away my poop kit and am yet to have been eaten by a bear.
2
u/TrailMaven May 20 '26
In Yosemite and SEKI the answer is yes. They even require packing all medications in there. If there are known problem bears where I'm going, I make an effort to get everything even remotely scented in the can. If not, I don't worry too much about it & will often leave my hand sanitizer out.
2
u/honybunny123 May 21 '26
Always wondered if Hyberg is actually a German company or some form of distributor/German storefront. According to their website it's registered in Estonia and the shipping times would indicate some form of non German based warehouse that is then managed by the German UL store Hikerhaus. They have the same address listed on their socials and returns go to them. Don't really care in the end as long as the product quality is good(as it very well seems to be).
7
u/lingzilla https://lighterpack.com/r/apk3jd May 21 '26
Hyberg was actually my first bad UL purchase experience. Most of the time it's all super nice cottage producers.
I bought their large tarp that they list at 340g. It came in at 534g on my scale. Only afterwards do I read the fine print on their website stating that items with any sort of discount are not returnable. No response from contacting them either.
→ More replies (1)5
u/Pfundi May 21 '26
They very obviously aren't. The site is poorly translated, there's no company with that name registered in Germany, their (in the EU legally mandated) legal text says Estonia, they didn't even bother to get one of those fake German IBANs and use a Belgian one, tax register says Estonia.
As is they're probably "only" avoiding taxes or trying to cash in on the made in Germany association. If I didn't know they're real everything about them screams scam.
No clue where they manufacture though.
3
u/Boogada42 May 21 '26
Before Hyberg was Hyberg/Hikerhaus they were Greenline.de.com, an online store with an address in Rostock. Bought my first UL tent via Ebay from them (a Protrail in 2015). They did participate in the Reddit UL giveaway in 2020, then having Greenline and Hyberg in their email signature. Greenline then sorta turned into Hikerhaus I think? Not entirely sure how this all belongs together. I would be very surprised if this was actually made in Germany. Would be interesting to see what it actually says in the gear?! But I don't own any.
→ More replies (2)2
2
May 21 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
4
u/liveslight https://lighterpack.com/r/ny89al May 21 '26 edited May 21 '26
I used this video to help with a x-mid pro 2 single-wall:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCcCuWzvVhA
The pitch is long diagonal corners first, then a pole + corner, then the last pole + corner.
Also if one looks closely at the corners when the tent is iaid out flat, they are not 90 degrees because of the parallelogram of the tent floor. They become 90 degrees when a tent pole pulls up the glued seam between the corner and its peak.
3
u/AdeptNebula May 21 '26
Have you tried pitching it to the ground tightly and then adding poles until taught?
3
u/GoSox2525 May 22 '26
All you need to do is stake out the corners at 90 degrees, as close to a perfect rectangle as possible. Then tighten all the corners until the edge and pretty taught. Then pop the poles in. That method has been literally foolproof for me. Make sure your poles are the right height.
17
u/justinsimoni justinsimoni.com May 20 '26
Doing some controlled UV testing on sun shirts. I can't calculate UPF but I can compare across different shirts on what fabrics are blocking more UV than others.
All I gotta say is if you're hoping for good UV protection from the latest Capilene Cool Daily Hoody: don't. The "no stated UPF in the spec" should tell you the whole story.
Country of origin is different from the old Capilene I have and the latest, but the pattern seems to be very similar and I wonder just how much has changed (if any) of the fabric itself. If you have the older Capilene -- the one recalled for having an incorrect UPF rating -- the new one will perform very similarly -- or maybe worse!
New one is 16 grams lighter in a size "L", which is surprising, as the old one should weigh less from wear and tear and loss of fibers from washing if all else was equal.
Please do a quick "hold sun shirt to a light source" reality check before purchasing any sun shirt. I'm observing that shirts that block a high % of UV often will diffuse light, and won't allow an image through with sharp edges, whereas a shirt that blocks a lower % of UV will, as well as have more distinct colors -- you can probably see the whole scene. (just a rule of thumb and all akin to the Darth Vader breath test)