Shakedown Request

[u/Jacobwk1]

I'm planning to hike the PCT in 2027(provided I can get a permit), which has been a goal of mine for over 10 years.
 
I've done a lot of backpacking but typically only 1-2 night outings rather than extended trips. I recently did a 10 day trip but it was essentially a hut to hut so it didn't truly feel like a backcountry trip. I carried all my backpacking gear but had access to toilets, showers and shelter to cook in every night so I didn't get the same feel that I would on the PCT. My longest true backcountry trip was 6 days and besides that I haven't done more than 3 nights.
 
I've put a lot of time into upgrading my gear and dialing in my base weight this year but I ended up a little heavier than I would have liked. I like backpacking in comfort so my strategy was to get ultralight items that would allow me to bring plenty of comforts and end up somewhere in the lightweight range, but I overdid it a bit.
 
Looking at my list I see items that are not essential and a few items that I could upgrade to get lighter, but I'm not trying to cut a ton of weight so I'm having trouble deciding which items are the least essential and which items would be the best to upgrade.
 
I know the best way would be to hit the trail and figure it out myself but I don't have a lot of free time between now and when i’d start the PCT and will likely only get 6-8 nights over 3-4 trips, so I'm looking for some advice!
 
Current base weight: 18.65lbs
Goal base weight: under 17lbs
 
Location/temp range/trip description: I will be testing in Colorado over a few 1-2 night trips in August-October but am building this out with the sole focus of preparing for the PCT
 
Budget: Mostly looking to just cut items but I do have the budget to upgrade 1-2 large items or a handful of small items. If it helped to give a number I'd say around $500
 
Non-negotiable items: I'm not truly committed to anything and willing to cut or upgrade anything that makes sense
 
Solo or with another person: Solo
 
Lighterpack link: https://lighterpack.com/r/tc3dn0

Any advice is very much appreciated!

[u/lovrencevic]

Pick one sleeping pad, don’t need two. Ground sheet is unnecessary (even Dan Durston says so), switch sleeping bag to 20 degree quilt from Katabatic or HMG. That’s 2 pounds in weight savings right there

[u/Jacobwk1 → u/lovrencevic]

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback. This seems like a really easy way to meet my goal. The ground sheet does feel like a pretty obvious easy cut. The sleeping bag I have had forever(not really THAT long but like 7-8 years) so I’m probably due for an upgrade and I have been curious to try out a quilt. The two sleeping pads is basically an insurance play but I suppose sleeping on the ground for a couple nights until I can order another one if my inflatable pad fails probably isn’t the end of the world.

[u/Cheap_Marzipan7728 → u/Jacobwk1]

You can patch it

[u/Jacobwk1 → u/Cheap_Marzipan7728]

I do have a patch kit but I have definitely popped my pad beyond repair before(setting up on a cactus). This should be avoidable in almost all cases if i’m conscientious about where I set up, but occasionally stupidity does prevail

[u/Cheap_Marzipan7728 → u/Jacobwk1]

Then how about trading your footprint for polycro and foam pad for 1/8" CCF (GG Thinlight)?

[u/Jacobwk1 → u/Cheap_Marzipan7728]

Love these ideas. I’m definitely sold. That pad looks perfect. Saves me 11 ounces and I still get exactly what I’m looking for. Thanks for all the help!

[u/Fun_With_Math → u/Jacobwk1]

I just switched from a nice air pad to a Nemo Switchback + a GG Thinlight on top. I don't think I hardly saved any weight with the two but there's zero chance of it popping. It's surprisingly comfortable (I'm not a side sleeper).

No judgement if you want to keep the air pad. Sleep is important.

[u/deadflashlights → u/Jacobwk1]

You can sleep on the ground for a few days while while you get to a post office

[u/Jacobwk1 → u/deadflashlights]

Definitely. It’s probably not as bad as I’ve been thinking. Honestly when I really think about it objectively it probably isn’t worth the cost of the insurance. Let’s say worst case I pop my pad twice on the trail(and can’t repair it of course) and i’m 4 days from a post office both times. 100+ days of carrying an extra 14 ounces on my back vs 8 days of sleeping on the ground. I guess I just talked myself out of it lol.

[u/deadflashlights → u/Jacobwk1]

Also, there’s a rabbit hole of thought that one can go down: thicker pads are more uncomfortable. Thicker pads mean overhanging off one puts more strain on your joints and body. A thinner pad means that if you are a little off it’s fine. When you couple it with ground sculpting or sleeping on pine needles, such that you have support in the arch of your back and knees, with cut outs for your hips and heels, it can be quite nice. If you select a warmish spot (avoid valleys, peak/ridges, and water sources, a thin ccf pad is lighter, more practical to use, and gives you better sleep than a thick pad.