Pick it Apart… Please!

[Mike Storesund]

I know this list is quite extensive and I can cut down more I am sure. This is a far cry from the 45 pound pack i started with last year. I will be replacing the LL Bean jacket with Cocoon Pull-over as soon as it arrives and I can drop the 8×10 Siltarp soon too. Please pick it apart and offer some ideas. I think clothing is an area that really needs work.
Thanks in advance :O)

Total weight 300.9 oz (18.81 lbs)
Pack – 32 oz.
GoLite Speed

Rain Gear – 26.8 oz.
GoLite Dome Umbrella
GoLite Helios Jacket
GoLite Reed Pants
Silnylon stuffsack
Silnylon Poncho/Tarp

Insulated Clothing – 30.6 oz.
LL Bean Poly Jacket
Sirius Skull Cap
Sirius Glove Liners
OR W/P Stuffsack

Change of Clothes – 46.2 oz.
Campmor L/S Nylon Travel Shirt
Columbia GRT Convertible Pants
REI Silk Long Underwear (Top & Bottom)
ExOfficio Briefs
Duofold S/S Shirt
1 pair Lightweight Smartwool Socks
2 pair Thermax Sock Liners
OR W/P Stuffsack

Sleep System – 65.1 oz.
Mylar Groundcloth
Bibler Winter Bivy (Epic)
Kelty Light Year +25 Reg
Therma-rest Pro Lite ¾
OR W/P Stuffsack

Water – 15.9 oz.
Platypus Gravity Filter Rig
Aqua Mira
1L Platypus
2+L Platypus
3+L Platypus w/ hose

Shelter – 19.3 oz.
8×10 Siltarp
12 Ti Stakes
50 ft Triptease
Silnylon Stuffsack

Personal First Aid Kit – 7.4 oz.
2ea. 4×4 Spyroflex Dressing
2ea. 2×2 Spyroflex Dressing
4ea. Spyroflex Small covers
2ea. 1×3 Bandaids
2ea. Finger Bandaids
2ea. Closures
1 Irrigation Syringe
.5oz. Purell
Epi-Pen
4ea. 200mg Motrin
4ea. 500mg Tylenol
8ea 220mg Aleve
3ea. Maximum Strength Benadryl
3ea. Zantac 75
3ea. Imodium AD
10yds. Dental Floss
Razorblade
2ea. Needles
3ea. Safety Pins
Small Roll Tape
1pr. Latex Gloves

Toiletries – 16.1
Tooth Brush
Tooth Powder
2oz Purell
Pack Towel
Travel Pack Wet-Ones
Gold Bond Foot Powder
TP
Plastic Trowel

Kitchen – 18.3
1qt. Ti Pot
Brunton Crux Stove
Windscreen
Ti Spork
Matches
.5oz Bleach
.5oz. Bio Suds
Spices
Plastic Bowl
3qt. Collapsible Bowl (also used as dog dish)

Miscellaneous Ditty Bag – 23.2
Fire Starter kit
Write in Rain pad
Space Pen
4 Li AAA battieries
Fox Whistle
10ft. Surveyors Tape
Petzel Tak Tikka Headlamp
Princeton Tech Eclipse Light
Garmin Geko 301 GPS
Suunto MC-2 Compass
50ft. Paracord
Cold Steel Knife
Leatherman Micra

[Steve Cain]

Honestly, you list isn’t THAT bad!

Regarding your clothing, yes it could be pared down somehwat, I think. Unless your trip is for multiple days/nights….heck, what do you need extra clothing for? Who cares if you get stinky? I don’t even take extra clothing except for socks (which I change & wash daily) and a T-shirt that is only used to sleep in.

Just my $.02

[J R]

Other than what else was listed, I see a groundcloth AND an epic bivy AND a SilNylon Poncho AND a large sized tarp. Plus, your carrying a leatherman Micra AND an unnamed Cold Steel knife… and Cold steel tends not to make many small knives.

If it were me, Id go with just the Bivy and the poncho. If the poncho is of decent size, it will cover you quite well. Not an 8×10 cover of course, but the bivy will keep you comfy enough in mild weather, and if the weathers bad enough Epic cant handle it… then you can set up any “hootch” variation with your poncho and itll be cramped, but youll be dry.

Id drop the knives and get something like a Spyderco Jester…. for a “sport hike” you usually need a knife, but rarely do you need more than 1 really good blade.

[jacob thompson]

ok so this is my first post and I really havent been into ultralight for all that long. I think theres a few items in there that are superfluous and a few things that you could lighten up on. I’ll just go through the items in your order and put my 2cents in.

the pack is really one of golites heavier ones. I do like golites race packs but theres just a little too much weight in there for me. If you like golite try the breeze pack. I think its a good balance between size weight and endurance. I believe guru ray used one for a thru hike. if your into something even lighter try one of Glen Van Peski’s packs http://www.gossamergear.com .

raingear
well you have a lot of double ups here. the point of having a poncho tarp is to do away with the need for too much rain gear. if you are using a ponch tarp you could just as well go with only the reed pants, if your really that worried about getting your legs wet. I like the idea of an umbrealla and wind shirt, but the thing is, because I live in australia and the weather isnt so bad, rain and extreme weather wise, i dont need anything more than a montane lite speed, i weigh mine in at nearly 6oz. a possibility there is to switch to a montane WP/B jacket or one of the REI WP/B jackets which are also around the 6oz area. this would cut your raingear in half. the stuff sack can be dropped if you have mesh on the outside of your pack to put your jacket in ala breeze g4, g5, mariposa.

I dont know all that much about insulation in clothing because my weather is usually only in the high 30s in the worst of winter. but i think the switch to the cocoon is pretty good. you could switch over to some of the possum down gear for beanie and gloves which is pretty good weight and warmth. unless you are doing a serious cold hike you could probably lose the VB gloves.

Clothing

I dont know a lot of that stuff but what I can say is that when your hiking in the bush/ back country your allowed to smell like a yak. so drop your spare clothes all together. usually i take a thicker weight sock to put over the top of a light weight ankle sock or equaivalent. this reduces blisters in boots but i think it can be carried over into UL trail shoes. take 2, wash one pair of the thin socks every day and let them dry for the next day. use a garbage or turkey bag to line your pack. just as waterproof. but much more adjustable and replaceable.

sleep system
Its ok here but i think maybe going for the winter bivy could have cost you some extra weight in that you have to carry another ground sheet. the vapour bivy from bozeman and the oware bivy use a silnylon as a base and are more breathable. have you considered using one of gossamer gears ground sheets a bit lighter i think. im really big on quilts and im just waiting to buy one of rays kits, you could probably get a 20degree one much cheaper than a lot of other bags out there. Its much lighter and efficient than others. also drop the thermarest and pick up a closed cell foam pad the blue ones are cheap and good but i think the evazote ones from gossamer and http://www.nunatak.com are much warmer and more comfortable.

water
you are carrying a lot of water bags like i do but i think maybe you have gone a bit too much on the hose system. whilst a hose helps conserve energy it also increases weight. for a short distance hike less than a week i would use an ordinary pop lid, longer hikes would benefit from a hose, i believe theres problems with hoses in snow too. filterwise you could save a bit. aqua mira is good but the gravity filter seems that you are going a little overboard. use a bandana to filter, or a small bottle insert, in australia we have a little filter that sits in the cap of a bottle and goes down into it a bit that weighs in at .5oz. it gets rid of a lot of dirt and taste.

shelter
poncho tarp = good. i dont use one myself yet but i can see myself heading that way when i want to get below 4lbs. do u really need 12 stakes? i think you can get away with about 8 in most cases. do you really need all that triptease? i think if you cut exact lengths plus a bit and then learned some basic knots you could escape that overkill of rope. that is unless you are bear bagging with it, which also isnt a problem in australia.

first aid
im not going to say much here because i think its a really personal area. i myself feel fine only carrying a few bandaids, a few iodine and alcohol wipes, a lance for splinters and sewing, and a valium or two for pain and sleep. i can see you have some things there that would really come in handy if you really got caught but i really dont feel i need take all that much. use TP and clothing or duct tape for big wounds if you need it. you would need a few extra of those things for long distance such as those for stomach upsets. i always find it nice to take a vitamin suplement every other day on long hikes.

toiletries
if you use toothpowder thats good. for a toothbruch u could try using one of the prison finger brushes they seem to be ok for short distance or for longer distance try using one of those smart bruches with the toothpaste in the handle. remember to cut down and hollow out all things with handles like that. pack towels are only need for long hikes i reckon, and you may be able to use your spoon or a stick as a trowel. TP, i havent seen much writing on this except that most ppl use shop towell. i myself use 4ply deluxe TP, because of its thickness you can easily get 3 wipes from one sheet with some clever folding, it also depends on your toilet habits as well. when im hiking i can go several days without needing to go. so i usually pack about 3 squares per day just in case.

Kitchen
largely personal again but try a snowpeak600 cup for solo or a msr 800 for 2. replace the lid with alfoil. switch to a aluminium can stove and aluminium wind sheild use small platy for fuel. try and find a lighter spork or possibly use small platic disposable ones and use a tent peg to stir meals (anyone else do this?). try possibly using ziplockbags to cook with only use your pot for boiling water, tea and drinking. i think its nice to use ziplockbags its much cleaner and its not all that much added weight and certainly less water demanding and soap suds etc. i like the idea of stopping and boiling water and putting it into a ziplok bag putting it in some warm clothing in your bag and walking a few more miles before you sit down to eat it. if you have a dog u may need the bowl but u probably dont need to use all three bowls.

misc
long distance hikes might be made more enjoyable with a pen and pad but unless your a writer or really enjoy taking notes in the field like i do, its probably not necessary to take them, or at least only take a few pages. as for fire, i see a lot of people using matches and i dont really like the idea, too easily dammaged. try a small lighter and replace it all the time. weighs only .05 oz more. even better learn how to make a fire from sticks alone. i think you have too many knives, maybe switch to just using one. gps is increasingly becoming more feasible but it hasnt yet become necessary in most places in australia.
how much light do u need? i would think about taking one white and one red led photon microlight, plenty of light but may need battery changes on long distance, you should also remember that our sight is usually ok at night so try not to go overboard on light usage when its possible to see reasonably well without it. and more rope again? try not to double up.

ok so thats it, i was pretty harsh i think, but even a few of those changes could save you some weight, maybe even below 10lbs. i havent put up a gearlist yet because i havent finished putting it into a spread sheet but i would hope that you could tell me what you think of mine when i put it up. as you can see ive gone and put down all sorts of expensive stuff but you should definitely try and make some of your own gear to save money and specialise it.

[Mike Storesund]

Great feedback. Thank you.

As far as clothing, I like the idea of having the complete set of dry clothing. I remember “dry is warm” and we tend to get regular summer thunderstorms in the Rockies. I usually wear my silkies for sleeping.

I want to use the 58x104in. silnylon poncho/tarp a little more before I drop the 8×10 Siltarp. Until then I want to double up. Then I can also drop the number of stakes saving almost a full pound. The wind shirt (3.5oz) and reed pants (4.0oz) and umbrella (9.2oz) are for when I have to go out and keep the tarp up.

I have the Micra for scissors and tweezers and small blade. I have the Cold Steel Master Hunter (7.8 oz in sheath) should I need to cut something heavy. I have to admit it has not come to that yet so I could probably drop it.

I can try a GoLite Breeze. I know I can drop just over a pound there. I like the Speeds’ gusseted pockets on the waist belt for holding snack and compass and GPS along with the 5 mesh pockets on the outside.

The hose on the 3+L platypus is part of the gravity filter rig so it serves a dual purpose. In the winter I drop the platypus and go with a wide mouth bottle… I’d also carry more warmth clothing.

My triptease is cut into 5 foot sections (2 for ridgeline guys and 4 for each side guy) this can be reduced with using just the poncho. I have the 50 foot paracord for bear bagging. I plan to exchange that for an ursalite bearbag system.

I have a Snowpeak 700 mug with a Trangia stove and Clikstand S1 base/windscreen. The Clikstand works great with the 1qt. pot, but the mug doesn’t stay on the stand. I need to work more on that configuration, or try a Brasslite Turbo F.

The Princeton Tech eclipse is hooked onto the drawcord of the pack. Since most of my hikes are with a number of scouts, my headlamp makes it easier to assist them more than me.

I appreciate the feedback received so far, and would like to hear more. I think I will be able to get my base weight close to 12 pounds by the end of season. Thanks again :O)

[Mark]

Just a few comments, mostly agree with the previous posters.

-If you love the pack, and I don’t blame you, consider doing some trimming. Take a look at webbing, straps, and features that you don’t use–cut them off and maybe save a few ounces there.
-I really like the rain gear set up.
-If you like the spare clothing, I’d get some lighter versions, i.e. simple LS shirt, trim non-convertible pants.
-I wasn’t a fan of that sleeping bag, too much empty space for me. Seems like a good place to invest in something lighter when you’re ready. I’m also not a fan of inflatable mattresses, but I think I’m in the minority on that one.
-Could probably trim the stakes & the cord. I usually use 8 & about 35ft.
-I like the 1oz Purell bottles in travel sections. Judicious use can last quite a while, and it’s refillable.
-Pack towel and trowel are not too hard to do away with.
-I’d also stick with the Micra only and trim the paracord.

[J R]

Heres my take on extra clothes. I too like the ability to not smell like a yeti. I too like knowing that if nothing else, Ill have some dry skivvies to jump into before bed. And I like knowing that Ill be comfy for the night…. so Im tracking with ya here.

What *I* would do if I had the $$$ and insisted on extra clothing is to get 1 short sleeve underarmour “heat gear” t-shirt. 1 pair of compression shorts. And MontBells UL wind Jacket and pants. Combined thats a weight of roughly 12oz…. keep them packed away in a dry space and wear them only in camp, or when washing your regular clothes. Youve got a good wicking layer, and a water resistant wind proof layer. Itll keep you comfy in the summer, and if it gets cold, you can snuggle down into your sleeping bag for warmth. While you should strive to keep them as dry as possible… these are still quite functional items of clothing and can be pressed into service if need be. Hell, for that matter, you could get by with JUST those items, a hat, and a good pair of sandals for hyperlight summer overnights. Toss a down blanket into your GoLite Speed along with your Epic bivy, a torso pad, and your poncho… toss in some spartan hygiene items, a TFO waterbladder (or just an Aquafina bottle) and some water tabs, and some no-cook meals (no stove and no cookset)… take some liner gloves and some SealSkin socks if you need some “snivel gear” and if you picked good… thats like… what, 6lbs? Anyway, major thread drift, point here is that even your spare clothes should be as light as as functional as possible. Light enough that you shouldnt notice them at all (youll notice 46oz, much less so will you notice 12), and functional to the point that you can use them on their own.

[Tim Cheek]

Where are you headed? If water is in short supply, and you are out for an extended time and need lots of food, one could recommend a “heavier” pack, capable of carrying the unavoidable weight of food and water. Also, mild weather as opposed to above timberline weather could determine your shelter options even in the summer. Are mosquitos or black biting flies a possibility?

[Mike Storesund]

This is intended to be the basic pack based on a typical 3 day trip, June to August in the Colorado Rockies 8,000 to 14,000 foot elevations and averaging 9,500 ft. Expect any type of weather, with daily temperature differences of 40+- degrees and possibly including snow.

[Mike Storesund]

I appreciate the input I received earlier; I now have a pack weight at 14.3 pounds (Not including food, fuel and water) and a Skin-out weight just over 20 pounds.
While making a few adjustments I have dropped another 4.5 pounds from my previous list. This was mostly accomplished by removing the extra shirt and pants, changing the Thermarest to the LunaPad and the Kelty Down bag to the Arc Alpinist Quilt. I also changed my guyline thinking by dropping the 50 foot of Paracord and swapped out the Kelty Triptease with Spectra Aircore2 which is rated at twice the strength and half the weight. I do kind of miss the reflectivity at night, but white shows up almost as easy. I still am not comfortable with using just the poncho as my only shelter and I changed that from the 8×10 Siltarp to the 9×9 Oware Tarp (this has more possible setup configurations at only 2 ounces more). Oh Yeah! I also lost a half pound by dropping the cold steel knife.
Again, this list is for a three day trip with an average elevation of 9500 feet in the Colorado Rockies June through September, with the likelihood of experiencing snow and thunderstorms.

Pack
GoLite Speed 32.0

Rain Gear
GoLite Dome Umbrella 9.0
GoLite Reed Pants 5.0
Equinox Extra Length Poncho 8.7
MHW Gaiters 7.0
Silnylon Stuffsack 0.6

Clothing (worn)
Marmot Silkweight S/S 4.0
Campmor Nylon Travel L/S 10.4
Columbia GRT Convertible Pants 10.2
Bandana 1.0
Tilley TH5 Hat 4.5
Asolo Fulcrum Cross Trainers 28.4

Clothing (Worn and carried)
Thermax Sock Liners x3 3.9
Ex Officio Briefs x2 5.0
Marmot Midweight Zip-T L/S 9.0
REI Silk Long Bottoms(Sleeping) 4.1
GoLite Lightweight L/S (Sleeping) 5.0
PossumDown Socks (Sleeping) 1.5
Serius Skullcap (Sleeping) 0.9
GoLite Helios Wind Jacket 4.0
BMW Cocoon P/O w/ Stuffsack 10.0
PossumDown Gloves 1.2
OR W/P Stuffsack #2 1.5

Sleep
½ Mylar Emergency Blanket 0.9
Bibler Winter Bivy 6.6
Nunatak Arc Alpinist 18.0
¾ LunaPad 7.7

Water
3+L Platypus w/hose* 3.7
4L Platy Zip w/ Seychelle In-Line filter * 7.7
1qt Nalgene Bottle (hot/mixed drink) 6.5
Aqua Mira (in .35 oz droppers) 1.0
*Used for Gravity Filter

Shelter
Oware 2.5 9×9 Flat Tarp 15.2
11ea. BMW Lazr Hi-Vis Ti Stakes 2.5
1ea. SMC Sno Stake (Catholes too) 1.0
35 ft. Spectra Aircore 2 0.5
Masters Trekking Poles (Held) 25.0

First Aid
Personal Kit (Same as before) 6.6

Toiletries
Toothbrush (Fingertip) 0.2
.35oz. Dr. B’s 0.5
1oz. Purell 1.5
Pack Towel (cut down personal) 1.0
Wet Ones (Travel pack) 1.5
Gold Bond Foot Powder 1.0
Bug Dope (95% Deet in .35oz dropper)0.5
Sunscreen 45 SPF 1.0

Kitchen
Evernew 0.9L Titanium Pot 4.9
Snowpeak Titanium Spork 0.5
Trangia Stove w/ Clikstand S1 8.3
Fuel Bottle (8oz) 0.9

Navigation
Garmin Geko 301 w/ Lithium Batteries 3.2
Suunto MC-2 Compass 2.7
Nat’l Geo. Topo on Advent. Paper 1.5
Ziess 5×10 Monocular 0.8
Tissot T-Touch Watch (worn) 3.5

Misc.
Silnylon Ditty Bag 0.5
Fire Starter Kit in Aloksak 2.0
ACR Whistle (worn on lanyard) 0.2
Photon Micro LED (on lanyard) 0.2
Leatherman Micra (on lanyard) 1.9
10 ft. Surveyors Tape 0.2
Petzel Tak Tikka Headlamp 2.3
UrsaLite Bearbag System 3.1
Extra Plastic bags (trash/Ziploc) 6.1
Extra AAA Lithium Batteries 2.2

[paul johnson]

Not saying that the below substitutions better suit your needs, but they are lighter.

GoLite Speed 32.0 is a nice pack, but on the heavier side ==>
GG G5 w/sternum strap = 7.5oz;
GG Mariposa = 15-16.5oz
GG G4 w/sternum strap = 16.5oz
GoLite Breeze & add a 2oz hip belt = 16oz
SMD Starlite = 23-28oz
ULA P-1 = 24-28oz
Pick one & save b/t 4oz and 24.5oz

dump the GoLite Dome Umbrella 9.0 & save
9oz

don’t need the GoLite Reed Pants 5.0 = -5oz

these should provide full coverage
Equinox Extra Length Poncho 8.7
MHW Gaiters 7.0

substitue some Montbell Gore-Light Spats – Long @ 4.6oz & save 2.4oz over the MHW gaiters.

lose the Silnylon Stuffsack 0.6 = -0.6oz
[wear the gaiters & keep the poncho handy in the outer mesh back pocket of the G5 if it’s not raining & dry it there after the rain.]

Patagonia Capilene LW L/S shirt = 5oz & save a couple of oz.

Tilley TH5 Hat 4.5 – good choice or subst. OR Sahale Sombrero at ~2.5oz, but it’s GTX & doesn’t breathe well.

Montane Aero @~2.3oz instead of the
GoLite Helios Wind Jacket 4.0

GG NightLight Pad 4 sections (40″)= 4.9oz instead of ¾ LunaPad 7.7. Want 50″? add another section & ~1.2oz. Not using a pack with an outer front pad pocket, then use the non-sectioned NightLight pad (50″ is <7oz)
[NOTE: Use only 3 sections in the pad pocket of any of the GG packs.]

Shelter
Do you need a tarp this large? If not, check out BMW or MountainLaurelDesigns tarps instead of Oware 2.5 9×9 Flat Tarp 15.2 – save 6oz or so – maybe even 8oz depending upon the size of the tarp.

Hey…isn’t the Equinox poncho a poncho tarp? Why not use that? Or, use a long poncho tarp e.g., Dancing Light Gear has one 60-something”x116″ for $95???, or the Equinox poncho tarp 106″ long, I think, or ID silPoncho, or the BMW spinPoncho/spinPonchoT. Wts range from 6.2oz to 9oz or so. Could save you the entire wt. of the tarp if you want to go with a rather austere shelter cp. to your 9×9 tarp.

GG LightTrek or LightTrekPlus poles = ~4.7-5.7oz incl. trekking baskets instead of
Masters Trekking Poles (Held) 25.0

Substitue the following for all stuff-sacks:
3 BMW small spinsacks LITE = ~0.81oz total
1 BMW med spinsack LITE = ~0.47oz
1 Tall Kitchen Trash bag = ~0.75oz

5 sacks should just about do it.
Want more organization? Add two more small sacks at ~0.54oz for both.

Not including the weight of the stuff sacks suggested, and the use of a ponchoTarp, wt. savings is somewhere around 76oz, or so, if I did the math correctly.

[kevin davidson]

That was an awesome run-thru,PJ.
I would only suggest a hooded windshirt instead of the Aero but more breathable than the Helios–like the pre-2005 Marmot Dragonfly (often available on Ebay(3.5 oz. in Large). More versatile w/ hood.
I would also consider ditching the filter and rely on the Aqua mira. Pre-filter w/ a bandanna.
It also seems that the 1st aid kit could be lightened up to something like 3 oz. and still have the basics. If interested I’ll post my kit.

[paul johnson]

I’d like to see that list please. Thanks.

[kevin davidson]

I use this for most trips– much longer than a week I might add to pain killers and antiseptics, a little more tape, a few more sterile pads.
in a 4×7 aloksak:
1/2 x 5′ 1st aid tape
Spenco 2nd skin and adhesive knit (4 sq. in. ea.)
(1) 3×4 telfa pad
(2) knuckle bandages
(2) butterfly bandages
(8) assorted band-aids up to 2×2.5″
(4) 2×2 sterile pads
tincture of benzoin (swab w/ capsule)
(2) triple antibiotic ointment
(2) antiseptic towlettes
(2) Sting Kill insect bite swabs
(2) capsules Diphen antihistamine
(4) capsules Immodium
(6) capsules Ibuprophen
(4) capsules Tylenol
(2) Tylenol 3 (w/codeine)
a couple of Ricolas
total weight = 2.8 oz.
I wish to thank Ryan Jordan for inspiration for this kit.
Swiss Army classic knife carried in pocket

[jacob thompson]

the list is looking a lot healthier. most of my suggestions have already been made but a few just on top.

theres been a huge debate about the umbrella thing recently. i really like the idea but hate the fact that theres 9oz of single purpose gear. you already have a poncho so possibly use that for rain with a hat. or else leave the poncho and just take the umbrella. if u ever decide to go ponch for shelter. then you could take the umbrella for hikes with anticipated nightime rain. i also still see a nightime set of clothes. it is a luxury that could possibly be left at home less nearly a pound on thise suggestions.

definitely check out mountain laurel designs, theres some great stuff there.

[Mike Storesund]

Again, Thanks for the feedback. I do have a GoLite Breeze, but right now I just like the Speed better. I have also heard the GG packs are not as durable if there is to be much if any bushwacking.

I am still transitioning from tarp to poncho as shelter, so I think the Reed pants are still warranted. Besides the poncho / gaiter combination still allows moisture to wick to other areas. See Dr. J’s report on the Lost Coast
The combination I have is a nice bit of insurance so that I am not too uncomfortable.

I like my water as clean as I can get it, I don’t think a bandana would work as well. I’m sure I can swap out the Nalgene bottle for another Platy bag and a Ti cup for hot drink too. I have the Nalgene rigged so I can gather water from a well or other deep crevasse with a para cord loop under two rolled areas of super duty duct tape.

I am looking at newer lighter trekking poles and still researching the right ones for me. While I do have 11.9 oz. of clothing dedicated for sleeping, it is still put to use as added layers if the weather becomes to cold and nasty.

After only a month of searching and obtaining newer items, I would need to justify additional costs for shaving just an ounce or less for a similar item. I plan on being around a while so the transition from lightweight to ultra-lightweight will continue to be work in progress.

[paul johnson]

Good rational. Understand your position/reasoning. You certainly have NOT made bad choices. If you still want to lighten up a bit more…

You’re absolutely right, GG packs are generally NOT recommended for bushwacking. However, you can order a semi-custom G4 or G5 made fr/4oz/yd oxford pack cloth – this might save you ~8oz or more (I’m not sure). This mat’l would stand up better to bushwacking. Even a G4 or G5 made from 2.2oz/yd ripstop nylon should perform as well as the Speed pack & be ~16oz-19oz lighter. A G5 made from 2.2oz fabric weighs ~13oz & was recommended to me by GVP in an email if some bushwacking is to be expected. The SMD Starlite has a Dyneema ripstop & should prove better for bushwacking. Without the removable internal stays, it would save you 9oz; 4oz if you leave the stays in.

Even on-trail, I occasionally have branches rubbing the G5. While being made of a very lightweight spinnaker fabric, it has yet to be punctured or rip. Most likely it would be one of the large side pockets that would sustain damage.

I find a more standard length poncho & gaiters work fine for me even in torrential downpours (2+ “/day of rain; with up to 4″/day for a shorter period of time – if not for the rain gear, you could stay drier in the shower!!!). I’m surprised that the extra-long poncho doesn’t provide full coverage to below knee height thus overlapping the tall gaiters. Either you’re very tall, or is it just longer in the back? I’m short enough that my spinPonchoT overlaps just a bit in front. Also, I use trail cargo pants made from Epic, so the backs of my thighs don’t wet through from any driven rain that strikes them – which isn’t much due to the pack overhang.

I agree with you on “the oz. or less” comment you made. However, I also keep in mind the bigger picture, i..e., “an oz. here; an oz. there” = 76oz by the time one is done. Hey…even cut that figure in half & it’s over a 2lb weight savings.

Of course if the gear suggested won’t meet one’s needs & perform adequately on the trail, then there’s no reason to carry it even if a slightly heavier & better performing alternative must be used instead.

‘Ok’, I’m quite finished, over to you to have the last word.

[Mike Storesund]

The extra length poncho had added length in the back, which is folded up inside with 3 pieces of velcro keeping it in place. The extra length is generally for keeping the bottom in back at the same length as the front when placed over the pack.

Again, I do appreciate the feedback.

[Walter Pickett]

Hello All

I think it’s about time for those of us who hike in the desert (where there are no water sources) to ask to be picked apart. As Starbuck said to the Cylons “Go ahead and torture me. I’ve been through resistance training, but don’t hurt me because I bruise easily.”

My kit is designed for:

* Base weight of pack not to exceed 12 lbs.
* Temperatures vary between 60’s to 110’s.
* Adaptable to terrain of low Sonoran desert to sub-alpine biome.
* Modular approach in order to adapt to conditions, and seasons.
* Water load will be between 3 to 12 liters.
* Pack used should be comfortable up to a load of 45 lbs.
* Self sufficient for 3 days

Pack (4 lbs)
Mountainsmith Auspex

Shelter
Hennessey Hammock (1 lb, 15 oz.) (Summer time)

Sleeping bag
(Summer)
Design Salt Silk mummy liner w/ Bivy sack (14.7 ozs.)
Sleeping pad
3/4 Blue pad sleeping pad (6.4 oz)

Possibles Bag (Total: 1 lb, 5.8 oz)
Incidentals (12.6 oz)
UL Ditty bag
GPS (Geko 201)
Meal Bar
30’ Utility cord
AAA Headlamp
2 trash bags
E-Kit*
Toiletries*
First Aid kit*
Repair kit*

*First Aid Kit (1 oz) *E-Kit (4.7 oz)
4 Immodium tablets Spark-Lite kit
1/2″ Cloth tape Signal mirror
4 Band-Aids 2’ tubing
Two 4×4’s Aqua Mira
1 roll kling Mylar blanket
Moleskin
4 Alieve tablets

*Repair kit (2.5 oz) Toiletries(1 oz)
10′ of 550 cord Alcohol gel
5 AAA batteries Finger brush
Sewing needle MRE TP
Glue stick
Dental floss
10′ lock wire
Extra Clothes (Summer)(1 lb, 2 oz)
Extra socks
UL Poncho
Silkweight Long underwear
Wind shirt
OR #1 Hydrolite bag

Water Storage (8 oz.)
One Platypus 3 Liter Big Zip w/ hydration system
Three Platypus 3 Liter Reservoirs

Cooking
(Summer) (6.2 ozs)
Wing stove
4 Ebitz Fuel tablets
Lexan spoon
Windscreen
Snow Peak 700 mug
Mesh bag
3 Days Food (Total: 4 lb, 14 oz)
(Spring/Summer/Fall)
6 Perfect zone bar
12 Lifesavers
3 Freeze-dried meal
9 Cytomax packet
3 Perfect bar
3 packet Endurox
18 oz Gorp
3 Protein cookie

Weight Summary
Total Base Weight in pack:10 lbs, 10 oz
Total Weight of Consumables:30 lbs, 6oz
(12 liters water, 3 days food, 3 Ebitz fuel tablets)
Total Pack Weight: 41 lbs.

I’ve tried the kit twice now with alright results. I’m already thinking of replacing the Auspex with a SMD Comet.

Have at it folks!

Walter

[Richard Nelridge]

Two questions,

1) What will be the nighttime temperatures, that is will the Design Salt (Cocoon) mummy liner and bivy be adequate?
2) Will there be a place to always use your hammock?

[Walter Pickett]

Good Questions

First, the mummy liner, combined with the Bibler Bivy, plus the silkweight capilene has been enough during the summer low in the desert.

I like hammocks too, especially during the monsoon season coming soon, and is an excellent idea. But if I could just find someone who’s making dehydrated water these days……..

[Author]

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