Where to cut down

[L Lanian]

So, I'm always looking for ideas/suggestions on how to cut down

here's my spreadsheet. any ideas are welcome!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sricXKMdP-TqcfS-QxL9Bcli5MbRhDrJIyXwxJ2KROc/edit?usp=sharing

[L Lanian]

Nothing? =(

[Andrew F]

Didn't see this the first time around.

Long underwear – I love my Cap4 long underwear but it's relegated to cold trips these days. Arcteryx Phase SL long underwear is 3.4 oz and is fine down to freezing for me.

Could save 5 oz switching from the hydration bladder system to a disposable plastic water bottle.

Could swap the Benchmade for a SAK Classic and save 2.4 oz

Leave the phone/headphones at home

Do you really need a tick key? SAK Classic has tweezers

What are the carabiners for?

Bring a package of guacamole instead of the avocado – don't have to carry the pit :)

[Mitchell Ebbott]

It looks like you have two pair of pants in the "worn" section, the Bone Flats and the EcoMesh.

I agree with Andrew about the long johns. If it's still warm enough to get away with an ExLight, you don't need long underwear. As it gets colder, I would start carrying a slightly heavier jacket before I started bringing the Cap4. There's much better warmth for the weight to be had there.

The Benchmade is definitely overkill, but sometimes it's fun to get bushcrafty so I'm not one to judge.

Good list!

[Ken Thompson]

If you like a specific tick removal tool I recommend the Pro Tick Remedy. Way lighter than the Tick Key. Never had much luck removing them with a SAK tweezers

http://www.tickinfo.com/protickremedy.htm

[jimmy b]

L. you have the 20' of spectra listed twice. Was that on purpose?

Ken, nice little tick tool. Looks like it would be easy to make.

jimmyb

[Andy F]

Looks good. If it were my list, I'd make these changes:

add waterproof pack liner (trash compactor bag)
add compass
add whistle
add backup firestarter and emergency tinder
add sunscreen
add insect repellent

full-size Sawyer Squeeze or Steripen (if treating water is necessary in the area)
brighter headlamp
either take beefier stakes, or just use rocks or sharpened sticks
heavier guyline cord

[S W]

gloves, knife, hydration bladder and somewhere in your cooking system.

[L Lanian]

Thanks you guys for the input

the two pairs of pants- the eco mesh is the pants, the bone flats is the shirt, not pants

mitchell- you mentioned a heavier jacket for colder. What jacket would you consider being heavier/warmer?

if it makes any difference, the cap 4 long johns are expedition weight- a lot lighter than full cap 4

good points the rest of you. thanks

[Mitchell Ebbott]

Just about any other down jacket would be warmer. The ExLight stands nearly alone in its category. Something like the Uniqlo UL Down Parka or a Montbell Ultralight. The ExLight only has 1.8oz of down fill, those others have more like 2.5.

In warmer conditions the ExLight is probably fine, but when the temperatures drop you'd get more warmth for the weight by going to a thicker jacker instead of adding long johns. Down is just such an efficient insulator.

[Edward Jursek]

This looks like a shoulder season kit to me, with the 20 degree bag, the down jacket, gloves, Cap 4 bottoms. I get the beanie, as you use a quilt. I would have a 30 degree quilt option at a minimum and ditch the down jacket and gloves all summer. The GG ground sheet can go. Using .51 repair tape is a lot lighter if the Solplex bottom gets pin holes. I have been using a Zpacks Poncho/Ground sheet for 3 seasons and just had to repair the first pin hole with a tiny piece of cuben tape at the end of this season. I used to use a Big Zip, but they are heavy. I use the Evernew water bags now, they mate well with the Sawyer, are tough and light. I would ditch the Benchmade knife for something much more minimalist. I used to carry a nice Spyderco knife, but use a tiny Swiss Knife now that weights less then an ounce. I would ditch the shuffle and use the Galaxy 4 with head phones. Ditch the journal and pen. I make a daily audio journal on my iPhone just before bed. I hate bear cans. That said, I only use them only when regulations absolutely require them. Otherwise, I use a Zpacks blast bear bag.

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