Topic
X-country: Going low bulk (sometimes at the cost of low weight)?
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Home › Forums › General Forums › General Lightweight Backpacking Discussion › X-country: Going low bulk (sometimes at the cost of low weight)?
- This topic is empty.
-
AuthorPosts
-
Jul 26, 2012 at 1:27 pm #1292350
What are some of your tricks for going low-bulk?
Bulk was never a huge concern for me, but that has changed now that I'm preparing for a challenging (for me) x-country trip. (Roper route in the Sierras – many Class 2 and some Class 3 passes).
The goal is to create a low center of gravity and a small form factor (low bulk).
How do you weigh the decision to ditch a light item that is too bulky in favor of a more compact item that weighs a bit more?
My first question is whether to bring my 14.4-oz. thermal inflatable mattress; or my 10-oz. Zlite Sol.
INFLATABLE: Packed up, is less than half the size of the Zlite. It fits inside my bag. If I bring it, everything will fit inside my bag (creating the low form factor I desire). Also, I can place it closer against my back (better center of gravity). I believe it is slightly warmer than my Z-lite, too; could be useful for a cold sleeper bedding down at 11-12k. The 14.4 oz. includes the puncture-repair kit.
Z-LITE: Is 4.4 oz. lighter, might become an additional ounce lighter if I cut the corners off it, never gets punctures, and is a nice camp chair. But it would have to be attached to the back of the pack, increasing my form factor.
What else do you do differently for a x-country trip? I'm bringing a SPOT 2, plus cell phone with GPS capabilities just for this trip. Hate the extra weight and don't feel I need the technology, but it's for peace of mind of people back home.
– Elizabeth
Jul 26, 2012 at 2:02 pm #1897773When I did the high route I wish I would have had a much smaller setup and my MLD Burn. I think the Burn and similar packs of the same dimension are the perfect x-country packs. Why? They have a very narrow width which gives you an unobstructed range of motion. But you need low gear volume to get it into the Burn so it's back to your question.
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Our Community Posts are Moderated
Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting.
Get the Newsletter
Gear Research & Discovery Tools
- Browse our curated Gear Shop
- See the latest Gear Deals and Sales
- Our Recommendations
- Search for Gear on Sale with the Gear Finder
- Used Gear Swap
- Member Gear Reviews and BPL Gear Review Articles
- Browse by Gear Type or Brand.