2016 JMT LW Gear List

PostedNov 13, 2015 at 1:32 pm

After reading and researching the BPL forums this summer and fall, this is my first forum post. Before spending big bucks on lighter gear for a JMT hike next year, some gear list suggestions and insights from this knowledgeable group would be appreciated. But first, a little background… The world of LW backpacking is pretty new to me. Until this spring I was a heavy-weight backpacker/mountaineer for decades, never understanding how anyone could get away with a sub-40 lb pack in the backcountry. But in June a 2-day 40 mile trip with a 50+ lb pack through the Olympics finally made me question the weight of my gear. So through the summer I lightened the load and learned more about LW gear and techniques. This October I got to test most of my current LW gear (plus a VBL and extra clothing) on a 4 day SoBo hike of WA section J of the PCT. I still can’t believe how enjoyable, efficient, comfortable and safe it was carrying 29lb max weight with canister. And meeting dozens of NoBo CDT through hikers on their last two weeks to Canada was a total blast. My eyes were opened in a big way: less weight = more fun :-) Back to the JMT trip. The plan so far is for a 2 person, 17+ night SoBo trip from Silver Lake/Rush Creek to Horseshoe Meadows, late Aug – mid Sep 2016. The plan includes sunrise on Whitney, at least 3 zero days (Marie, Evolution and Rae Lakes) and maybe a side loop past Adiza, Iceberg, Cecil and Minaret Lakes. Resupplies at Red’s Meadow, MTR and Onion Valley/Kearsarge Pass. Longest day likely 20 miles +4100’ gain (this is slightly less mi and less vertical than the biggest day on my PCT WA section J trip, which went OK). Here's my working JMT gear list: http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/forums/gear_lists/64041352dd123454cad41ca0281899ad.pdf After researching gear options and pouring over my cost per ounces saved spreadsheet, the shelter system and clothing (in pack) are the biggest areas of decision. FYI, this gear will also be used for 2-3 season trips in WA and the Rockies, with adjustments as needed. Getting from 27 lbs down to under 25 lbs total would be nice, but would require lots of money for those last two pounds. Some questions: 1) Is a down vest sufficient for cold weather insulation, or would a jacket be more prudent (some camps will be well above 10,000’)? All other clothing on the list (minus the down and the rain jacket) are comfy for me in the low 40’s with a stiff wind and overcast conditions on easy day hikes. 2) Is replacing my fairly light REI long-sleeve T with a Patagonia LW Capilene top going too light? The RailRider’s hiking shirt does provide a big to long-sleeve insulation too. 3) Any comments/suggestions on replacing my 2 lb TT Notch with an SMD Deschutes CF/STS Nano Net shelter system? After much research, a large full-coverage shaped tarp plus moderate bug protection should suffice. FYI, I’ve mostly tent camped in the past, but have cowboy camped a few times (above treeline) and loved it. 4) Is replacing my fairly light BD Gizmo headlamp with a Olight i3S EOS a “stupid light” choice, given how bright the Gizmo is by comparison (early AM Whitney climb)? 5) A compass without a baseplate (Brunton TruArc 3) should be fine for on-trail use (mostly), right? 6) The 0.55L Ti mug should be fine as I only eat a small cooked diner in camp? 7) While replacing my REI Flash 45 pack with an Zpacks Arc Blast or even lighter frameless (MLD Prophet, GG Virga) looks great on the cost-per-ounce-saved spreadsheet, I’m reluctant given how compfy and well-fitting my Flash is. Am I missing out on an easy way to save between 8 and 13 ounces here? How about buying a Zpacks Zero 38L (with options) or MLD Burn for summer UL trips with no a canister and keeping the Flash 45 for the JMT and bigger trips? FYI, replacing the Marmot Helium with a Zpacks 30 degree quilt/bag + down hood could save 11 ounces, but the cost per ounce saved is way too high to justify. Plus, I have my current sleep system dialed in and it’s OK into the high 20’s without a VBL or extra clothing. Thanks in advance for your comments/suggestions

John Rowan BPL Member

PostedNov 14, 2015 at 9:40 am

As far as the pack/bag go, I'd be very hesitant to replace either of those based on weight alone. The Flash 45 is reasonably well liked around here, as is the helium, and neither of them exactly qualifies as a boat anchor. If they're comfortable, I'd keep them. Re: pot- you're probably fine with what you have (doubly so if you're doing any kind of meal where you just need to rehydrate in a bag. If not, I'd just make a test meal or two and see how it works (plus you get a lunch out of it). I took a 600ml pot on my JMT hike and was fine, but I just boiled for pouring into a bag for rehydration. Vest: probably fine, but I'd prefer a full puffy jacket if I were in your shoes. I did a nighttime/sunrise Whitney summit on my JMT hike in 2014, and it was COLD and windy up there.

Lester Moore BPL Member

PostedNov 14, 2015 at 11:34 am

Thanks John. You hit the nail on the head with the Mt. Whitney summit – it'll be a long, cold morning if we plan to summit for sunrise. Based on a previous post, I think I found a workable solution for summit day, at least when we are not moving (standing around on the summit, or stopping for breaks). The post below talks about a sleeping bag used as a parka, which is a great multiple use gear idea. This setup has no arm insulation, but very warm head, shoulder and torso insulation. A light down vest should complement this setup well for actually hiking in cold conditions. http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=43828 I tried this out at home and it provides as much warmth as my Marmot 8000 Meter parka (minus the arms), takes only a minute to set up, and it covers the shoulders surprisingly well. In the photos below I'm wearing a DriDucks small jacket with Marmot Helium under it. Sleeping bag as summit parka side 1 view Back view Side 2 view Shoulder coverage Jacket open with hood off