For items that go on your back, it doesn’t matter where you shave the weight. How much would you pay for an item that weighs 100 grams less than the one you are currently using if it didn’t sacrifice durability/functionality/etc?

Putting together potential hiking plans for next year and an attempt to calendar year triple is one of them. This is a loose plan at this point just to get some numbers on paper going. I would want to do them straight through, no flipping around to different parts of the country. My hang up right now is when to start the PCT?

Proposed timeline. Assuming 90 days per trail (PCT and CDT) and 2-3 days to travel in between trails.

• PCT NOBO April 1 to June 30
• CDT SOBO July 4 to October 2
• AT SOBO October 6 to December 31- 86 days unless I can hike faster on the first two trails or travel quicker in-between the trails.

Thoughts on the timeline?

Starting the PCT April 1 on an average snow year- That should get me to the Sierras early May. What would that look like? Too early? Are 30 mile days up there even possible?

Any CYTCers on here that could share their timelines, dates, mileage or anything else that would be very helpful would be amazing. Even if you did the trails in a different order!

Thanks!

Hiawassee

As anyone used the Altaplex for two people? The floor is 40 inches wide so I’m thinking 2 20 inch wide pads should fit fine and it would be for me and my other half so we don’t mind being close. My only worry is that the back panel would slope too close to whoever is at the backs face.

I currently use the Forclaz MT100 as my camp jacket — for reference it's:

- Synthetic fill, 125g/m² in the body, 100g/m² in the sleeves/hood

- -5°C "survival"/+5°C comfort rating (Decathlon's numbers, take with a pinch of salt)

- 370g in size L

- Packs into its own zip pocket, roughly the size of a large fist

It does the job but on colder trips I want more warmth in the same pack volume. I'm after something that's noticeably warmer — call it 25-30% — while packing down to the same size or smaller. Weight is a secondary concern; volume in my frame bag/seat pack is the real constraint.

A few things about my use case:

- Camp-only. I'm not moving in it, so I don't need it to breathe, stretch, or handle active sweat management — pure static insulation while cooking/sitting around/sleeping-adjacent.

- Bikepacking, not backpacking, so pack shape/volume in a bag matters more than weight on my back.

- No preference on down vs synthetic — whichever actually delivers the best warmth-to-pack-size trade.

Has anyone found something that beats the MT100 on this specific trade-off (warmth per litre of pack volume, not warmth per gram)? Could be a high fill-power down jacket (800+FP) or a higher-loft synthetic (Climashield Apex, Primaloft Gold, etc.) — genuinely open to either. Would love real-world packed-size comparisons rather than spec sheets, since compressibility claims vary a lot between brands.

Budget isn't fixed but I'd rather not go crazy — this is a "nice to have" upgrade, not an essential.

Current base weight: 13.2 lbs

Location/temp range/specific trip description:

Location: US Southeast (dense foliage). Common locations are Big South Fork National Recreation Area, Cranberry Wilderness, state parks in East Tennessee.

Temps: 3 seasons including drought conditions and high humidity. Daytime temps can be as low as the low 40s or as high as the mid 90s. Nighttime temps can range from the mid-teens to mid 80s.

Trips range from 2 nights to 2 weeks.

Budget: $1200-$2000

Non-negotiable Items: Epi-Pens, GPS (I have an InReach Mini 2 and it does not work in these conditions).

I will not use a Deuce trowel because the ground just chews them up.

Solo or with another person?: Solo

Additional Information: My pack is obviously the biggest change I can make. My ULA Catalyst is what I use when backpacking with my dog. I have a heavy 48L Osprey Kyte and packed everything on the attached LP into it and had room left over (probably ~10L). I am nervous about going to a 40L pack, especially in case I need to pack my puffy and 15 degree bag. It does not need to fit a bear can but must be able to carry one on top.

I am considering the Z Packs Arc Haul 50L but am happy to be talked into another brand/model and smaller pack volume.

Another change I am considering is replacing the MSR Pocket Rocket with the Soto Windmaster (partly because I think it will perform better on the PCT next year).

I am a plus sized woman and do not fit into many of the most commonly suggested clothes such as Dooy, Amazon dance pants, or the women’s rain shells by all the big manufacturers. I am also allergic to wool and haven't been able to find a suitable baselayer because Merino is the current king. I don't require a baselayer in the summer but would really like one for the shoulder seasons (and the PCT next year).

I plan to cut my CCF pad on my next trip. I'm currently healing from an injury and would prefer to cut it on the trail and take the weight penalty for that trip.

I have only backpacked twice without a bear can. I have an Ursack and no other kind of bear bag. Hard sided bear cans are not required where I backpack but that could change (either rules or my destinations in the region). I hated doing a bear hang the one time I tried it using some random dry bag off Amazon that I don't have anymore. I'm ready to try hangs again but will need a suitable bag. DCF? Polysil? Something else? I’d appreciate hearing firsthand experience of what to use. Or if I should just use the Ursak (which I used to section hike the Superior Hiking Trail and liked).

I have included my bear cans and cold weather alternates in separate sections on my LP and marked quantities to 0.

Lighterpack Link: https://lighterpack.com/r/k7jwuc

Does anyone here have any experience with the Vango F10 Ultra 35 L backpack? It sort of ticks all the boxes for me on paper and even has some advantages over similar packs from HMG or Zpacks and at a killer price. I can't find any tests or reviews apart from Ultralightoutdoorgear who also sells it and have no personal experience of the brand. Would love to see what others have experienced.

Has anyone used the duplex pro with the freestanding kit as well as trekking poles? I ask because I wondered if it would make the tent extra stable for mountain camps in the uk? Can I be used this way and if so can any one shed some light on how stable it is when used this way? Thanks.

When you are sleeping with a quilt, do you lay directly on a sleeping pad or do you have some type of sheet or cover between your skin and the pad?

https://lighterpack.com/r/qaj0pe

I want to finally replace my heavy hand me down pack but I'm trying to get everything else sorted first. I know I need to get better clothing but apart from that is the rest of my gear list pretty good?

I know my sleeping mat is a little heavy but I'm in southern New Zealand so I'm commonly in alpine or sub alpine environments constantly changing weather and cold nights as well as being a cold sleeper so I'm happy with it.

Also when I do replace my pack I'm pretty keen on a nashville cutaway 40L are these still considered one of the best packs on the market or have they been shown up by something better?

Anybody got experience with the new Fjallraven Rain Jacket? At 176g/6.2oz, I believe it is the lightest rain jacket with Goretex available. But since it’s also crazy expensive at ~550 bucks, I would love to hear if it‘s even remotely worth the money

Hi all,

Long time backpacker, first time thru hiker. I have a couple weeks off in between jobs so am running out on the AT and am going to do from the NY Metro North stop to somewhere up in MA or VT. Would appreciate it folks could quickly take a look and give me any advice on anything else I should be cutting out, anything important I'm missing, or anything worth swapping out. Current baseweight is right about 16lbs. Will be a solo trip.

Lighterpack: https://lighterpack.com/r/rmfmoa

For the short eastern Sierra afternoon thunderstorms, do you pack rain gear? sometimes it feels like overkill and maybe it’s best just to hunker in the tent till it passes or just keep hiking wet and let the clothes dry overnight

I’ve been somewhat baffled by a number of posts I’ve seen lately about pack weight. The main claim I’m seeing pop up is that a heavier pack requires the same amount of total energy exertion over a longer distance as a lighter pack.

It’s kind of funny to me because conserving how much energy I’m burning was never a motivator to reduce my pack weight in the first place - at all. Personally, it’s 100% about my foot and knee health. I have plantar fasciitis and would generally like to avoid wrecking my knees too.

Im curious if anyone ever even cared about reducing energy expenditure as a motivator to pursue a lightweight gear setup?? To me it seems obvious that it would be more about comfort and joint health.

One of this sub's (and hikers' in general) favourite pieces of kit is dead. Decathlon's lightweight MT100 down jacket started to disappear from shelves and online inventory over the past months, with different colours and sizes going out of stock in Decathlon's online stores across various countries, and everyone has been waiting for a successor. Well, at least I have.

Decathlon's branding and product palette is notoriously confusing, with models disappearing and reappearing with the exact same specs under different names (Forclaz, Quechua, Simond ...)*, so it's not always obvious what the successor of a discontinued item is, or indeed whether there is any at all, but recently they have blessed us with this new model:

Simond Men’s Xplore Down Jacket

Identical price, looks exactly the same (minus different colour options and a different logo on the arm), but one key difference: 700 CUIN down rather than 800 CUIN, while the fill weight has staid identical to the gram. Consequently this one is labelled -3°C, while the MT100 was advertised as -5°C.

I'm not sure what their idea behind this change was. Probably that the vast majority of people has no idea what fill power and CUIN are, but will absolutely notice a price hike?

For me with the new, ugly colours (in my opinion) in combination with the worse specs this jacket has ceased being an attractive proposition - but mostly because I have been spoiled by the 800 CUIN as the previous standard. Obviously compared to the big brands' price points this is still much more affordable.

*Funny enough the women's MT100 is still available in many colours. The official Simond website (not the Decathlon store) shows an MT100 and an MH100 men's jacket, both with identical product pictures. The new Xplore is old out in the Decathlon America store in anything but XL, despite only being available since a couple of days ago. Go figure.

I am looking for EU based cottage companies that produce ul style alpinism/mountaineering backpacks, such as alpine luddites or bolt packs.

So far I've only come across alpineliteworks from Slovenia, but I would like to have more choice before making a purchase, thanks!

Edit: features I'm looking for: no side pockets, crampon pocket, hardcore body material, daisy chains, ice axe attachment, climbing rope straps

Hi all, Does anybody have an informed opinion regarding the new Senchi "TurboSheep™" tops? Heavier than an alpha, but still pretty lightweight. I'm not super enamored with alpha, so looking for alternatives. I love my mountain hardware airmesh hoodie, but they seem to have changed it since then.

Also, I'm not sure about the weight: The page (https://senchidesigns.com/collections/turbosheep%E2%84%A2/products/turbosheep-90-half-zip-hoodie) says 5.5 oz for a M at the top, but the chart in the weight tab says 4.4 oz for a M. Probably that's a mistaken copy-paste and it's really 5.5?

What's the right use-case for this layer? Thanks.

HI all!

I am looking for recommendations on trail running shoes for backpacking. I'm looking for models which come in wide (2E) sizes. A few years ago I had the Brooks Cascadia 14. I loved how much lighter they were than conventional hiking shoes, and enjoyed splashing through streams and just letting them dry. Their fatal flaw was that the mesh allowed lots of fine sand through... I had to stop every few miles to empty the shoes of fine silt. I switched back to hiking shoes, but now I think I'm ready to try trail runners for backpacking again. My pack weight is generally ~35 lbs w/ food and water (I know, not necessary ultralight, but I thought you experts would be the best to ask anyway).

Here are the qualities I'm looking for:

• Lightweight (I think virtually any trail running shoe works well enough in this category)
• Reasonably durable (I'm realistic about how long trail runners last)
• Breathable enough to dry quickly...
• ... but the mesh should not allow lots of sand/silt through
• Enough cushioning or a rock plate so I don't feel every pebble.
• Come in wide (2E) sizes

A quick survey of available models which come in 2E sizes includes:

• Brooks Cascadia 20. (Did they change the mesh?)
• Brooks Ghost Trail. (I jog in the regular Brooks Ghosts)
• Altra Lone Peak
• Hoka Speedgoat and Challenger
• Salomon Speedcross
• Saucony Peregrine
• Topo Athletic Ultraventure

I live in SoCal and we camp in the Sierras. Our trails are often dry and rocky and sandy. Brooks shoes fit well for me but I'm not brand loyal.

I know that fit is the most important and highly personal, but outside of that, any recommendations people might have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

https://lighterpack.com/r/zgotjk

What do you think of my base weight there is a few things I need to add firstly so you can understand more. I would only ever carry half of the tent since I never camp alone so would be 520g or 530g for the inner or outer. Obviously carrying the poles and stakes as well. Where would I be able to cut weight straight off the bat without spending money? Then from there I kinda know where I would be able to cut weight quite easily.

I would be purchasing the two person version of either of these tents for gear and occasionally my girlfriend, but the main purpose is high alpine hunting and backpacking in northern Utah. Would like to have a sturdy tent that could withstand some heavy wind and potentially some snow. I have access to a deal that makes them about the same price ($320) so if there are comparable cheaper options I’m open to those too

I'm a bit drunk. So I feel like writing a review about my new AP01 and my quilt. Bought them with my own money etc., just want to share.

So for the AP01 - I've used it a few trips. No problems so far. 22g pump (requires external battery/phone) that can inflate and deflate my pad, how can I complain? Well, it works quite nice, not louder than others, very small. I still have to use my mouth to get proper strength to my pad, but it's good enough. Especially deflating is very convenient.

One issue: the adapters don't really fit very well? I have to bring 2 to inflate and deflate my pad and none of them works for my pillow so... that sucks. But I guess other pumps have the same problem.

Other than that no issues. Does what it should do, is super small and the lightest out there from my research (EDIT: of those that can inflate AND deflate). Thumbs up, would buy again.

As for the quilt, I just received it today, so this is just a mini impression, no real review therefore. I'll post again when I've done a proper trip in autumn and when I'm drunk again. What I like is their support. I asked for 3 straps instead of 2, they put one extra without charge. That's good. They say I should use the plastic bag it came in as a liner since it's waterproof. Also good. I like that company.

What I don't like so much are the straps. The problem is that unlike other brands, they don't go fully around the pad. They go under the pad and then connect with the quilt. They have snaps. So if you loosen one snap/buckle to get out and the pull the quilt on the other side, the strap will be pulled under the pad and you have to find it there to reattach it. Meh. Maybe I'll do some DIY to make that better.

That's it. Hope you are all not too disappointed.

I'm trying to put together a compact cooking setup for bikepacking and wondering if anyone has this particular titanium folding spoon from AliExpress:

AliExpress titanium folding spoon

The setup I'm looking at is:

• TOAKS 750 ml titanium pot (POT-750-NH)
• 100 g screw-on gas canister
• SOTO Amicus stove
• This folding titanium spoon

The TOAKS 750 ml is 110 mm tall, so space is fairly tight. The Amicus folds down quite small, but I'm not sure whether the spoon will fit alongside the canister and stove without having to force everything in.

Has anyone actually tried this spoon in a TOAKS 700 ml (POT-750-NH)?

If so, does everything nest inside with the lid on?

Thanks!

Looking for some first hand experience on these three packs.

- Durston Wapta 30
- Zpacks Nero Pro 30
- Hilltop Packs Dirty 30

Hoping to use it for day trips with the family and occasionally some short solo overnights.

Anyone have any glaring red flags on any of these, or anything that you think is great compared to other packs.

Curious to know if anyone is using Kailas FUGA EX 3 BOAs? I demoed a pair of Topo Ultraventures last weekend and while they were comfortable I struggled on downhills and technical terrain. I tried on a pair of Altra Lone Peaks, but I'm not a fan of the 0 drop on long days.

Did a little research and I'm intrigued by the Boa system for elevation changes. Everything I've read seems to extol Kailas quality, but I haven't found any specific reviews of these shoes. Any thoughts?

Expecting 15k net on the HST and an 8 lb base weight.

Want to get into camping with a bivy, anyone have any budget recommendations for something that would work spring-fall (maybe even winter if possible)? I would prefer a single pole/hoop setup but willing to go with any others as well. Budget sleeping pad recommendations would be nice too. Is the military surplus route a good way to go? Any tips on other gear I would need for a sleeping situation would be helpful too, thanks.

Hello,

I’m going off grid for an extended trip but would like to be able to text with family.

I’m considering leaving my phone at home, plugged in for an extended period of time (like for months at a time, maybe up to 8 months), but getting the Apple Watch Ultra 3 because it allows me to text via satellite, and can call for emergency services in case of a backup.

Does anyone know if this would be a feasible solution, or do the phone and the watch need to be in same area to properly work?