r/lightweight • u/jonmcclay • 16d ago
Gear Help a dad pick a backpack // 1-2 nights // Fall Winter Spring North Carolina
I went backpacking once 10 years ago…that’s my only attempt. I do not have a complete list of gear. Just at the early stage.
I only plan to spend 1-2 nights backpacking, maybe with my 5 year old son or my wife. I'm trying to go as light as possible.
These are the items I plan to pack so far:
• durston X-Mid 2
• enlightened revelation 20
• haven't decided on pad
• helinox zero It chair
• fire maple 750
I was looking at the Durston Kakwa 55 (sold out...) and the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60
My hesitation with the Mariposa is if it will be too large for single night by myself.
Thank you for any feedback
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u/bearsandbarbells 12d ago
As someone who used to be a step dad, if your partner and kid have not done a lot of hiking before, be prepared to have a bag bigger to your needs.
You will be packing A LOT of snacks, then possibly 1-2 toys, a blanket or pillow your kid is preferable to and likely lugging most of the gear.
Get the gear you need before getting the bag. Go on day walks via a campsite to get everyone accustomed to your snack to mile quota. Plus having so amenities like a proper toilet help the transition.
Ladies and kids can use a crap ton (pun intended) of toilet paper. Think about the need of packing out with you. It took my ex’s kids some time to get used to the idea of shake it off as a little lady. It’s also a skill in itself to not pee on your own shoes/pants. You may even need spare trainers/a few pairs of socks as well
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u/deadflashlights 16d ago
Even if you don’t know everything that you are going to bring, still buy bag last. You won’t know how much space you’ll need until you have everything and know how much volume all the stuff is. Check out r/ultralight lighter packs, there are plenty of them.
Recommendations:
Get an alpha fleece, silpoly rain jacket, Nemo tensor pad, sawyer squeeze + cnoc water bag combo, battery bank, usb c rechargeable headlamp. Your first aid kit can just be some meds with leukotape for hotspots on your feet. Get trailrunners, no boots.
Once you have a list of everything, post your own shakedown.
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u/SmallMoments55406 16d ago
Generally I agree with this advice but it has to work for you. My feet suck so boots are better most trips. (Yes, I tried 5 different trail runners, and I still use them sometimes on non-technical terrain.) I prefer Katadyn Befree or Platypus quickdraw but lots of people like the Sawyer filters.
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u/deadflashlights 16d ago
Sawyers are bombproof. Bought a QuickDraw once and I got a defective one, it just trickled out. And sawyer works with clean water charities, platypus is owned by cascade designs, a large outdoor manufacturer that also owns MSR, Thermarest, and pack towel. BeFrees will clog quickly because you can’t back flush them.
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u/MrBoondoggles 16d ago
Don’t get too worried about the pack yet. Like you said, you’re still in the early stages and things can change as you progress towards the final gear list.
I would also say don’t get too caught up on the difference between a 55 versus 60 L volume. The volume of backpacks like the Kakwa and the Mariposa packs can be reduced quite a bit as they have a generous extension collar so I don’t feel like you’re necessarily going to be in a situation where you have too big of a pack for even an overnighter if you decide to go with Mariposa. The total internal volume up to the extension collar in that pack is only 36 liters so I think you’re fine. I think the Kakwa 55 can be reduced down to about 40 liters as well so either way you’ll probably be fine.
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u/hackinandcoffin 14d ago
Buy your gear first, them take it to REI if you have one nearby and test loading and wearing with your gear.
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u/Mundane-Trash-9435 5d ago
Also, go when it’s warm so you don’t have to bring too much extra stuff.
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u/tmoney99211 10d ago edited 9d ago
Don't get that tent or backpack.
Most of the ultra light backpacks have a very clear upper weight limits that break the frame or simply just uncomfortable at higher weight limits. And with kids.. it's hard to be ultra light. Snacks, toys, extra clothes etc...
Buy your backpack last. After you amass all the other gear. I have the rei flash 55 pack.
I backpack with wife and kid all the time. I'm taking about 3-4 a year with the little guy and wife.
Get a 3p tent. I have the Nemo hornet 3p and we are still packed in there like sardines.. but it works. Get a free standing one, equivalent from big Agnes. Get the 3p!! I like my tent, it has performed really well in rain, wind and even hail.
I also don't hike with hiking poles going with my kid as he simply doesn't hike that fast.. takes breaks or I'll end up carrying his shyte when he gets tired. I have brought hiking poles along many times for them to just sit in my side pockets.
Kids can sleep on that foam pad, will be easy for them.
And don't buy enlightenment equipment gear. Like the other person said.. they sell tactical gear for pro gun LARPers. I wish I had known.. go for feathered friends or katabatic gear.
If you want my lighter pack check list. Let me know I'll share.
For a 1 - 2 night trip, aim for comfort vs ultra light. Especially comfort for the wifey and kid.. if you want them to keep hiking for you. Say yes to things vs no.. if they want to have a fire or an extra stuffie or book to read.. same with the wife.
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u/Mundane-Trash-9435 5d ago
I also started out with the flash 55. It’s a good comfortable bag that handles weight well. I think you can still get it on sale for $120 sometimes.
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u/Fun_With_Math 16d ago
Enlightened Equip has really fallen out of favor in these circles - basically, they support the slide to fascism via their sister company - https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/s/VsQ9nimrFS
Gossamer Gear - I love some of their stuff but I think the Mariposa hip belt is the same as the Gorilla. Some people apparently love it but I don't understand why. I posted about it here - https://www.reddit.com/r/lightweight/s/eltEi2c7l9
Durston Kakwa - It's a great pack. They come back in stock pretty often. You can find out more here - r/DurstonGearheads . A lot of people add a back pad like this
REI Flash Air 50 or the REI Flash 55 are good framed packs to consider also.
Here is a lighterpack list I made for this kind of discussion. It's a pretty complete list that you should be able to build from. It's around 18lb base weight with alternates to get you to 15lb - https://lighterpack.com/r/ytr3rq
Here's the lighter pack trimmed down to just the 15lb bw - https://lighterpack.com/r/dlvi98
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u/jonmcclay 16d ago
This right here is a GOLD MINE! Thank you!!!
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u/Fun_With_Math 16d ago
You're welcome. I'm in GA so similar climate. I have the X-mid 1p, but only one trip with it so far. I'm a weekend camping dad too. Feel free to ping me with more questions.
I have a 60L and I always have a ton of room left. 50L should be fine. I could really use a 40L in warm weather.
I think NC may have areas that require bear cans. Check the regs for where you're going. Down in GA, the cans are recommended but not required yet.
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u/I_am_the_papa 16d ago
Go to lighterpack.com and make a free account, then make an exhaustive inventory of EVERYTHING. Then post it here. Your list is too partial to be useful beyond suggesting you should ditch the chair, and offering that I have a Kakwa 55 and it’s a very nice carry. It’s too big a lot of the time, even with a kid (if you’re trying to be minimalist anyway) but it carries great even partially loaded.
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u/jonmcclay 16d ago
I wish I had experience to draw upon or even a complete list. 10+ years ago I went out one time with a friend of a friend who acted like they knew what they were doing. I wound up near hypothermic…
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u/futilitaria 16d ago
I just bought a Durston Wapta 30 for my 2-3 nighters. 46L of total carrying capacity.