When Did You Begin UL?

Robert, that pic and commentary does my heart good. Makes me ever so grateful my son and daughter share the hiking experience with me.

Immediately after my hip and knee joints screamed “Don’t ***EVER*** TRY THAT AGAIN” for about a week, regarding the carrying of a 50+ lb pack on a 10 mile / 3 day-er.

First real ultralight was 10 days at Philmont this June, carrying 24 – 30 lb pack (total pack weight including food & H2O). That included an extraneous 4 lbs of gear I believe I don’t really need. Coupled with Glucosamine / Condroition tabs, it was a great trip my knees and hips enjoyed.
I’d really like to try Philmont in the future with a 20 lb pack, which I think I can achieve.

MikeB

My very first trip overseas was with hindsight, the destination I needed the least gear, but I had the most I ever took overseas and gotten lighter ever since. It’s learning by experience for me and the improvement in gear over the last 10 years makes a huge difference. And because I will replace something lightish with lighter and never get around to selling anything, I have far too much gear ! But I love it. This site which I only found recently is a big help.

Matthew, my experience was very similar to yours. I went on a scout outing 2 years ago with a 60+ lb. pack. I ended up with Illio-tibial Band Syndrome, like you. After dealing with the pain of that, and a lot of physical therapy, I vowed it would never happen again. I recalled when I was a young scout, going on an 8 day, 60 mile trek in the high Uintas with a 33 lb. pack. Why was I so much smarter at 12? I figured I’m a grown man now, I can carry anything. I let my brawn supersede my brain. I found this site and put my brain to work. Let me take this opportunity to thank every one here. You’ve taught me in a short time what trial and error couldn’t have in the same time. I went on the same scout outing a couple of months ago with a 15 lb. pack. It was fun being able to compare the two outings. The funny thing is, I carried more stuff this time. My first-aid and survival gear is much improved. I actually had more insulation. I also carried juggling balls, which was a big hit with the scouts. I too, am a man obsessed. Every ounce is now carefully considered.

I am only just starting. I just did a 20 mile thing over the July 4th weekend, hadn’t backpacked in 20 years, made it, but am looking to lighten up. I had maybe 30-35 lbs on my back, and that was after our guide removed maybe 10 lbs, after I asked for some help before we started out.

I’m also a gadgety sort of guy, sew my own shirts when I get time, and love the idea of making my own stuff.

So, bought a Marmot Pounder bag, trying to make a G4 pack right now, and still pondering on the shelter, the toughest decision so far. Might be making a bivy too, but I don’t want to be claustrophic. The tarp thing makes me a little skittish, but, hey, we’ll see.

Dwight

well if the tarp thing is not for you. Look into a Tarp Tent by Henry Shires or one by Six Moon Designs. Also since you like to sew, there are a few places around on the web that has kits for tarp tents out there. By the time you weigh a ground cloth, bivy, and tarp it almost weighs the same as a tarp tent.

I did look at the tarptent products by Henry, but I’m hesitant about them. The material does not seem too durable. I’m new at this though. I loved the room in them.

I do think he’s done a great job of innovating and designing them.

I have been eyeing that Luna tent at Six Moons. Just would like to see one in person.

I just got my Tarptent Rainbow the other day. This thing is awesome. I can’t wait till Tuesday when I’ll use it. It seems durable enough to me, just use with a little care.

I’ve owned and used several Tarptent models, including the Cloudburst (both generations), the Rainbow and the Double Rainbow.

I have never experienced a failure with the fabric or the construction. Sometimes I use a groundcloth and sometimes I don’t, depending on where I’m going. A groundcloth is not necessary, but when I do use it I do so simply as added insurance.

Cheers,

With all ultralight gear, care is needed to inusre that you get the most mileage out of it. If you can 4-5 seasons out of the tent, then I would consider it a good investment.

As long as these are manufactured I’m not even looking at anything else. Not only are they so light that I can carry a Squall 2 as a solo shelter, they are the easiest tents I have ever set up. As a girrrrl I like having the netting and floor keep creepy-crawlies at bay. Have used mine in wind, sun and rain, and it’s been a solid performer.

Yes, that is my experience as well with a Squall.

Dwight,

I love my Lunar Solo from Six Moons, easy to set up and plenty of room for one.