A little background first. I'm 37 and had a broken ankle (the arthritic into the joint PITAnkle) that let's me know it's broken everytime I do anything adventurous. As a result, my mind conjures up adventures that my ankle can't follow up on anymore. One of those is hiking at a fast pace on the AT as a weekend warrior not a thru' hiker. I tried hiking with a 35lb backpack and pretty soon, I was favoring my bad ankle, cramping opposite thigh and that's why I'm posting here. I need to lighten my load.

So I have started thinking about ultralight (UL) and the extreme ultralight (XUL) as being my salvation to continue enjoying the outdoors. After researching for about 2-3 weeks, I'm still torn between UL and XUL. I've searched the forums and between old reviews and posts, I'm still in that indecisive state.

My hiking style favors comfort over absolute XUL so I'm looking for suggestions on the core: backpack, tent, bag and pad. To reiterate, I'm a :
- weekend warrior (2-3 day)
- non-winter (50 degree) rain-or-shine hiker
- who would like a good night's sleep (thicker pad)
- without any creepy crawlies around me (no tarps) and
- would be willing to spend the $$$ for the right stuff.

My research has got me so far to the UL items below:
- Granite Gear Vapor Trail = 32oz
- Eureka Spitfire = 52oz
- Marmot Pounder = 16oz
- Thermarest ProLite 4 Short = 17oz
for a UL total of 117oz (7 lbs 5oz)

or the XUL items below:
- Gossamer Gear Hyperlite G5 = 8oz
- Six Moon Lunar Solo = 27oz
- Marmot Pounder = 16oz
- Gossamer Gear Nightline Torso 4oz x2 = 8oz
for a XUL total of 59oz (3 lbs 11oz)

And just to clarify, the XUL Nightline Torso pad at 30" will not suffice for me, so I added 2 of them to compensate.

Suggestions?

Go extreme ultralight. You probably won't be happy with the ultralight stuff because you will know there is a better option. Your comfort won't increase that much with the ultralight stuff over the XUL stuff. If going light lets you hike on your bad ankle, I don't really see that you have much of a choice.

When you get a chance, post your entire gear list- present and "wishlist". You will be surprised where you can cut weight. We'll give you a hand.

I like the second list more. I'd suggest, 1] don't skimp on your sleeping. Try the thin pads and see if you'll like them, but don't be afraid to add the weight for nightly bliss. I get by with thin pads, but some of my friends would cry themselves to sleep. 2] You'll be happier with a warmer sleeping bag. The Pounder is pretty skimpy. You said you had the money, so look at a Western Mountaineering Highlite for 40-degree comfort at 16oz and $230 or so.

The rest looks fine, just buy stuff and use it and figure it out from there. Check out www.backpackgeartest.org (http://www.backpackgeartest.org) for lots and lots of reviews, and also take a look at http://www.verber.com/mark/outdoors/gear/index.html. The latter is an excellent site run by a WB member.
-Mark

Hi, vipahman. I'm 47 - no broken ankle, but weak ankles from abuse as a teenager. Also have trouble - strike that - CAN'T sleep on thin closed cell mats. My objectives for backpacking:

* good exercise
* good sleep
* get as far away as possible in short weekends.....
* hopefully, spend some time w/ my 15 yo if he has a free weekend.....

Current 2.5 - 3 season base weight (all but water, food, fuel, and clothes) is about 9 lbs.

I carry the GG VT - love it. Also - the HH ULBP asym. have you considered hammocking? You can't get a better night's sleep than in a hammock - esp for the weight at temps above 50 degrees!

Steve

Hammock, baby. Better sleep than the thickest pad on the ground, no better way to keep the creepy-crawlies away, super-light, and you can set up anywhere.

You can also come in between on the backpack and still have a very functional, durable pack with the Breeze or something similar. Weight on those will be under a pound. When using a Breeze for a two-day hike, I have no problem at all hiking with under 20 lbs including food, fuel, and water and I'm very comfortable in camp.

Is your injury permanent? Is there a brace or wrap that you can use to help you out? Are you using hiking poles? If not, try them out; my bet is that you'll love them.

You using Aqua-Mira or something similar? You can knock off a quick pound there if you're currently using a filter.

Without really knowing anything about your injury, I'd still say you should invest at least as much time dealing with that as your equipment. Look into wacky stuff like yoga, stretching, specific exercises, etc.

Just my two cents, of course. Keep posting your gear lists and how your ankle is holding up. Good luck.

just an echo of what's already been said...

hammock it... no better way...

post your gear list... you'll get lots of advice.

i got to 13 lbs without even trying hard. could easily get to 11 if i had more $$$ for lightweight replacements for some items i already have (raingear, pack, and some clothing).

Hammock is both way more comfortable for most who really try it and it is lighter....easier miles and better sleep.

There are lots of off the shelf options in hammocks and insulations that with a light pack will bring you in at 5 lbs or less for the big four...for some examples search for big three/four and base weight threads here.

Check my gear list for two season base of 7 lbs and similiar very light three season base.

Also realize that with Big fours this light you can chose a few luxuries and still be a couple of pounds below the traditional Ul threashold of 12 lb base.

Pan

A little background first. I'm 37 and had a broken ankle (the arthritic into the joint PITAnkle) that let's me know it's broken everytime I do anything adventurous. As a result, my mind conjures up adventures that my ankle can't follow up on anymore. One of those is hiking at a fast pace on the AT as a weekend warrior not a thru' hiker. I tried hiking with a 35lb backpack and pretty soon, I was favoring my bad ankle, cramping opposite thigh and that's why I'm posting here. I need to lighten my load.

So I have started thinking about ultralight (UL) and the extreme ultralight (XUL) as being my salvation to continue enjoying the outdoors. After researching for about 2-3 weeks, I'm still torn between UL and XUL. I've searched the forums and between old reviews and posts, I'm still in that indecisive state.

My hiking style favors comfort over absolute XUL so I'm looking for suggestions on the core: backpack, tent, bag and pad. To reiterate, I'm a :
- weekend warrior (2-3 day)
- non-winter (50 degree) rain-or-shine hiker
- who would like a good night's sleep (thicker pad)
- without any creepy crawlies around me (no tarps) and
- would be willing to spend the $$$ for the right stuff.

My research has got me so far to the UL items below:
- Granite Gear Vapor Trail = 32oz
- Eureka Spitfire = 52oz
- Marmot Pounder = 16oz
- Thermarest ProLite 4 Short = 17oz
for a UL total of 117oz (7 lbs 5oz)

or the XUL items below:
- Gossamer Gear Hyperlite G5 = 8oz
- Six Moon Lunar Solo = 27oz
- Marmot Pounder = 16oz
- Gossamer Gear Nightline Torso 4oz x2 = 8oz
for a XUL total of 59oz (3 lbs 11oz)

And just to clarify, the XUL Nightline Torso pad at 30" will not suffice for me, so I added 2 of them to compensate.

Suggestions?

I dont know that i would call 7lbs 5oz ultralightweight. perhaps just lightweight.

By your criteria you automatically put yourself out of SUL/XUL (less than 5 pound) base weight. Shoot for UL at less than 12 pounds, or whatever the cut off is this week.

I think there's some room for middle ground between the Granite Gear Vapor Trail and the Gossamer Gear Hyperlite G5. For example, I bought the Fanatic Fringe Thompson Peak Pack (with a belt) and have a more spacious, tougher pack than the G5 for only 3 ounces more weight. There are some Go-Lite packs, some Six Moon Designs packs and others that you should check out.

By your criteria you automatically put yourself out of SUL/XUL (less than 5 pound) base weight. Shoot for UL at less than 12 pounds, or whatever the cut off is this week.Just curious, who sets the weight standards (and what are they) that defines UL/SUL/XUL?

Hammock, baby. Better sleep than the thickest pad on the ground, no better way to keep the creepy-crawlies away, super-light, and you can set up anywhere.
The only knock on the hammock is that I keep hearing folks talk about getting cold. I hike a lot during weather that gets below 20F at night. I'm not so sure that you could sleep warm in a hammock at that temp and still save weight.

Just my 2/10 of a cent...

You said you were interested in reducing weight in the core areas, but there are significant weight savings to be made in other areas as well. For example, stove and fuel. If you carry just matches, and rely on cooking over small wood fires, you can save a lot of weight.

Your choice of knife. Many people carry heavy knives on the Trail, but all you need is a small cutting edge. Cut a single edge razor blade in half, that's all you need.

Flashlight. Photon lite.

Footwear. Lightweight running or trail shoes.

And on and on.


If you pay attention to ounces, the pounds will take care of themselves.

Frank, one or more Jacks is probably writing right now.

I slept very comfortably the other night in my Hennessy hammock when it was 40 degrees or a bit colder. I had a homemade Ray-Way quilt on top of me and a homemade synthetic underquilt below with about 1.5" of insulation. The two quilts together weigh 52 oz. (2 3/4 lbs) including stuff sacks and all attachments. I think this system will be comfortable down to about 30 and I think a second, or thicker, underquilt will push it down to the 20s wearing my wool hat and polypro to bed.

I was really scared to make the jump to hammocks because of the underside insulation. Now that I've done it, I only wish I had earlier. This setup really works, is light, much easier to pack, and sets up in under a minute (for the underquilt, I mean). It's also relatively cheap. The Ray-Way quilt was about $60 (I got the basic one) and the underquilt I made from a $75 sleeping bag.

Just curious, who sets the weight standards (and what are they) that defines UL/SUL/XUL?The hiking population as a whole sets the standard, through that miraculous process of knowledge dissemination that we see evidence of every day in this marvelous capitalist country. It's just generally accepted convention, no officially decreed rules or standards.

I usually hear ultralight as a baseweight of 10-12lbs or less [weight of everything except food and water]. Though it seems that the 8-10lb range is getting easier and easier with less effort.
Superultralight would be a baseweight 5-6lbs or less. Ryan Jordan suggested this benchmark in one of his essays on backpackinglight.com
XUL is sub-4, maybe sub-3. See Glen van Peski's trip report at gossamergear.com

-Mark

The hiking population as a whole sets the standard, through that miraculous process of knowledge dissemination that we see evidence of every day in this marvelous capitalist country. It's just generally accepted convention, no officially decreed rules or standards.

I usually hear ultralight as a baseweight of 10-12lbs or less [weight of everything except food and water]. Though it seems that the 8-10lb range is getting easier and easier with less effort.
Superultralight would be a baseweight 5-6lbs or less. Ryan Jordan suggested this benchmark in one of his essays on backpackinglight.com
XUL is sub-4, maybe sub-3. See Glen van Peski's trip report at gossamergear.com

-Mark
Thanks. That helped me understand the differences.

Spartan

The only knock on the hammock is that I keep hearing folks talk about getting cold. I hike a lot during weather that gets below 20F at night. It can be, and has been, done. Check out Jack's site (http://www.jacksrbetter.com/) (namely the articles/faq sections) and/or Flyfisher/Risk/Rick/CallMeAl's (http://www.imrisk.com/) site. Both give you a solid foundation on how to keep warm, and stay light, when using a hammock.

Thanks for all the replies so far.

jackiebolen:
I'd love to go XUL as long as the pack is not uncomfortable.

twigs:
gear list posted below.

whistler:
I hear you. I'll return the Pounder and go with the Highlite most likely.

hammock guys:
I hate hammocks.

solemates:
I'm still learning what's UL, SUL and XUL. 3 weeks ago, my Gregory Reality at 5 lbs was light! :-) I've already reduced my total weight from 35 to 24 lbs. :-)

hikelite:
Which criteria specifically puts me out of the SUL/XUL category?

joehiker:
I think that's a good idea. I will baby whichever pack but accidents do happen. I'd hate to throw away a pack in 2 years.

hog:
I've already started in those areas. My gear list is below and getting lighter. I've already changed my shirt, pant and shoes to something lightweight.

P.S. The 'g' button on computer is acting up. Excuse any missing g's.

======================= Gear List =======================

I just bought a kitchen weigh scale and weighed everything that I have. Weights listed below are actual, not claimed weights, in ounces. Supplies are for a 2-day weekend. Any help is appreciated.

The Big 4 below are returnable since I've not used them.

Big 4: 140.90oz (8 13/16 lbs)
- Vapor Trail 36
- 13g garbage bag inner lining (2x) 1.2
- Spitfire tent+fly+stakes+poles 52
- Ground sheet 6.45
- Pounder 40 degree 20.10
- Prolite 4 Short pad 17.35
- Inflatable pillow 3.3
- Lantern 4.5

Cooking total: 25oz
- Water filter 15.05
- Pepsi stove 0.40
- Fuel bottle+4oz alcohol 5.5
- Pot + spork 2.35
- Matches 0.20
- Stuff sack + bear rope 1.5

Clothing total: 17.75oz
- T-shirt (1x) 7
- Underwear (1x) 3.25
- Socks (3x) 7.50

Hygiene total: 7.55oz
- Toothbrush+toothpaste 1
- Shovel 1.95
- Toilet paper 1
- Towelette 0.55
- Anti-itch powder 0.90
- Insect repellation 1.75
- Stuff sack 0.40

Emergency kit: 7.4oz
- Includes band-aids, stitches, gauze, aspirin, antiseptic cream, emergency blanket, AAA battery, spare matches, lightstick, penknife, etc.

Food + 3L Water total: 171.80oz
- Energy bars (12x) 28.10
- Energy gels (8x) 9.50
- Electrolyte drinks (6x) 13.50
- Dinner packs (2x) 9.90
- Trash ziplock 0.70
- Platypus bottles 3L 5.10
- 3 liters water 105

Backpack total without food and water: 198.60oz (12 7/16 lbs)
Backpack total with food and water: 370.40 (23 2/16 lbs)

=================================================

I'm not sure why I typed repellation instead of repellant.:eek: Also I need lightweight rain gear.

1) Take a look at the Golite Jam instead of the Vapor Trail- better pockets and saves 15 oz.

2) Sleeping under a tarp is MUCH more comfortable than you think, especially when you add a bug net. But if your dead set, check out Tarptent or Six Moon Designs for much better options (and less weight) than the Spitfire.

3) A 1 mil. groundcloth will give you good protection for your tent floor at about 1.5 oz.

4) I also agree with the Highlite thought, I have one and wholeheartedly endorse.

5) The Prolite 3 Short shaves 4 oz. off the Prolite 4. To get even lighter with a short inflatable pad, check out Pacific Outdoor Uberlite.

6) Leave the lantern at home. You will be too tired to stay up past dark anyway.

7) Instead of the water filter, try Aquamira. It works great and can weigh less than 1 oz. No O-rings, no pumping, it's GREAT.

8) For a 2 day trip, you really only need I extra pair of socks. One to wear while your others dry.

9) Instead of the shovel, try just digging a hole with your heel, if that doesn't work, use a tent stake.

10) As a side, unless your hiking out West, 3 liters of water at a time is most likely overkill. Just carry what you need to the next waterhole.

11) Don't take anything we say too serious. Go hike, you will find your own way.;)

hammock guys:
I hate hammocks.

=================================================
I'm not a hammock guy yet, but planning on it when the $$$'s available. I'm just curious why you say you hate hammocks?

Good question, especially since I've never slept in one. First of all, I sleep on my side and feel that will be harder in a hammock. Secondly, I don't like being exposed to the elements (or insects).

I sleep on my side every night I'm in my hammock, and almost all camping hammocks have rain flies and bug nets.

Hammocks aren't for everyone, but most people who try them never go back to ground sleeping for 2-3 season camping. Search around the hammock threads and ask questions if you're interested.

2) Sleeping under a tarp is MUCH more comfortable than you think, especially when you add a bug net. But if your dead set, check out Tarptent or Six Moon Designs for much better options (and less weight) than the Spitfire. This can't be over emphasized. A tarp, plus bug netting, is lighter, more flexible solution than most tents.

Go buy a 8'x8' "flat" tarp, or a similar size CatTarp (www.cattarp.com (http://www.cattarp.com)) like the CatTarp 1.5 or 2. Then purchase an A16 bug bivy (google it). There are lighter bug bivies (like the Equinox Mantis, and the one from www.trailquest.net), but the A16 offers great coverage for those that don't want to skimp on bug protection. Also bring along a 84"x30" piece of 2mil (or thicker) sheet of plastic for a ground cloth. And, 6-8 stakes (MSR Ground Hogs are excellent, but a bit heavy, go Ti if you are counting grams). I bring 2 Ground Hogs for ridgeline stakes, and 6 Ti stakes for the corners and side pull-outs (rarely used on a CatTarp).

this allows you to...


sleep in the "open" (no bug net) on cool bug free nights (probably one of the best experiences ever)
sleep in a shelter on buggy nights (the A16 is a free standing bug net)
sleep under the tarp when the shelter is full of snorers, kids, etc. on a buggy night.
Until you have used a tarp a couple of nights there is quite a bit of "unknown" and "worry" (creepy crawlies???, anaimals????, you can see what is going on???, etc), but rest asured that after those couple of nights you will be better off in the long run.

Honestly, for the solo 3-season AT hiker (section or thru), a Tarp/bugnet or hammock (better site selection, IMO) are the only two shelters worth considering.

Vipahman, to get to SUL safely (believe me, I am not there either) your big three must all be less than one pound each and preferably less than that. Remember, you have to include your entire base weight items. Even the list you have last put up isn't under 12 pounds for the typical UL category. It's lightweight if any of those categories means much.

i've got to second jeff's hammock comments... i'm mostly a side sleeper too.

if you've never tried one, you just don't understand... we're not talking about a $25 cheapie yard hammock here, open to the elements, but a hanging tent... no matter which way you roll, you're fully supported... i sleep on both sides and my back. that stereotypical 'banana' shape is misleading... you can sleep flat. you've got a bug net built in, with a canopy overhead if you want it, or not, if you want to see stars... go find one, get in it, take a nap, and then tell us you hate them.

as far as an 'intermediate' weight pack goes, i've got a golite gust. lighter than the vapor trail, heavier than the gossamer gear one. 19 oz. they're $100 new, think i paid $70 used. it will last more than 2 years, i'm certain.

don't worry so much about what's UL or XUL. find what works for you, what doesn't, and go from there. like i said earlier, i sort of got to my current base weight by accident... i made a concerted effort to lighten my pack, stove, and sleeping bag, but i'm in a warm climate, my needs are simple, and the rest of it just got there as i experimented and replaced other gear that i didn't like for whatever reason. it will happen to you too. i don't really pay attention to weight totals anymore... i'm light enough at 12-13 lbs... but if someone mentions a piece of gear lighter than what i use, i'll check into it...

1) Take a look at the Golite Jam instead of the Vapor Trail- better pockets and saves 15 oz. I gave up and ordered both the Golite Jam (1 lb 5oz) and GG Virga (1 lb 3oz) online since I can't find a local retailer. I'll return the least comfortable and will post my review on them. -15oz

2) Sleeping under a tarp is MUCH more comfortable than you think, especially when you add a bug net. But if your dead set, check out Tarptent or Six Moon Designs for much better options (and less weight) than the Spitfire. I like both the Virga 2 ($205) and Lunar Solo Enhanced ($235). Will probably order both and return one. Virga 2 is out of stock currently. Also, I have been unable to call Six Moon Designs. I get voicemail all the time. I would like to know their return policy. They don't accept credit cards! For their high tech products, they sure are way behind in their online store.

3) A 1 mil. groundcloth will give you good protection for your tent floor at about 1.5 oz. What about an emergency blanket cut to size? -

4) I also agree with the Highlite thought, I have one and wholeheartedly endorse. Done!

5) The Prolite 3 Short shaves 4 oz. off the Prolite 4. To get even lighter with a short inflatable pad, check out Pacific Outdoor Uberlite. I bought the GG Nightlight Torso and would like to get the Uberlite too but can't find a retailer :-( The most comfortable pad will win.

6) Leave the lantern at home. You will be too tired to stay up past dark anyway. Done!

7) Instead of the water filter, try Aquamira. It works great and can weigh less than 1 oz. No O-rings, no pumping, it's GREAT. Done!

8) For a 2 day trip, you really only need I extra pair of socks. One to wear while your others dry. I got athlete's foot from rollerblading for 8 hours straight and usually need to change my socks mid-day as a result.

9) Instead of the shovel, try just digging a hole with your heel, if that doesn't work, use a tent stake. Done!

10) As a side, unless your hiking out West, 3 liters of water at a time is most likely overkill. Just carry what you need to the next waterhole. Done! But my ghost will come after you if I die from thirst on the trail. :dance

11) Don't take anything we say too serious. Go hike, you will find your own way.;) But thanks for the detailed help. I've already lost almost 3 pounds from my list without counting the sleeping pad and tent.

would like to get the Uberlite too but can't find a retailer :-( Check out www.backcountrygear.com (http://www.backcountrygear.com). I know I saw it there the other day, and they have an excellent selection of lightweight stuff.

I would suggest you don't use those foil-like emergency blankets for anything, especially a ground sheet. Breathing in and out on one of those almost drove me insane because it made the thing make so much noise. Try one out at home. You won't believe how loud that material is.

Check out www.backcountrygear.com (http://www.backcountrygear.com). I know I saw it there the other day, and they have an excellent selection of lightweight stuff. I did go to this site but it's that dang weird spelling of u..ber-lite that I missed it the first time. Purchased it this time. Thanks.

Also, I have been unable to call Six Moon Designs. I get voicemail all the time. I would like to know their return policy. They don't accept credit cards! For their high tech products, they sure are way behind in their online store.Check their Events page. They are currently at the Gathering. I have purchased a pack from them about 18 months ago with a CC, but Ron has changed his site a bit since that purchase, so I don't know his current CC policy.

BTW, I returned the pack within the 30-day trial period (after 2 day hikes and 1 overnight) and received full credit. I didn't like the pack's fit (the old Moonlite pack).

Here's my updated list. I researched the suggestions made by everyone and managed to lose another 4+ lbs on my big 4 while still having a fully enclosed tent. Thanks to everybody especially twigs and whistler. Thanks for your suggestions tlbj6142, I will definitely look into them when I shut out my mental block. Given that my overall weight with me, backpack, food+water, carry items was 193 lbs before I posted this and now I'm down to 167 lbs, that is a gain of 25 lbs. :banana I've imagined myself carrying that 25 lbs barbell in my backpack. :eek:

================================================== =======
Big 4: 73.45oz (4 9/16 lbs)
- Golite Jam 21.00
- 13g garbage bag inner lining (2x) 1.20
- Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo E tent+poles 27.45
- Ground sheet 3.00
- Western Mountaineering Highlite 17.10
- Gossamer Gear Nightlight Torso 3.50
- Lantern 0.25

Cooking total: 17.10oz
- Water purification 3.05
- Alcohol stove 0.40
- Fuel bottle + 3oz alcohol 3.50
- Pot + spork 2.35
- Matches 0.20
- Water bottles - 5.10
- Bear bag + rope + trash bag 2.5

Clothing total: 18.35oz
- T-shirt (1x) 7.00
- Underwear (1x) 3.25
- Socks (3x) 7.50
- Laundry bag 0.60

Hygiene total: 5.40oz
- Toothbrush+toothpaste 0.70
- Toilet paper 1.20
- Napkin 0.55
- Anti-itch powder 0.90
- Insect repellation 1.75
- Stuff sack 0.30

Emergency kit: 3.25oz
- Includes band-aids, stitches, gauze, aspirin, antiseptic cream, AAA battery, spare matches, penknife, etc.

Food + 2L Water total: 131.50oz
- Energy bars (12x) 28.50
- Energy gels (8x) 9.50
- Electrolyte drinks (6x) 13.50
- Dinner packs (2x) 10.00
- 2 liters water 70.00

Backpack total without food and water: 7 6/16 lbs
Backpack total with food and water: 15 9/16 lbs
================================================== =======

Looks great, but don't forget your scissors. In particular, I cut off some unneeded lengths of straps and features on the Golite Jam, saved almost 4oz! The pack is now just a hair over 1 pound. There are probably some other minor mods you could do to trim here and there.

Can you tell me about the .25oz lantern?
-Mark

I am leaving in a half hour for a three night walk in Ohio... expecting temperatures down to 40 and possible showers. Of the items you are interested in here is what I am carrying today:

WarmHammock with TravelPod: 25.6 oz
Tarp: 11.3 oz
Fanatic Fringe pack with silnylon liner and closed cell pad/frame sheet : 17 oz
GoLite Feather Sleeping Bag: 33 oz

This set-up will work into the teens.

Total pack weight before adding water was 11# 9 oz. I consider this UL, not XUL. There are a fair number of toys among that stuff.

No raingear?

and what are you using for a pot and spork that weigh 2 oz?

echo on the 'no raingear?'

what are you wearing?

Whistler, I'll check into the straps. The lantern is really a $5 red led light that's better on my night vision. I forgot to change the description in the new list.

Jeff, I have a 14oz rain jacket which I plan to replace with a Red Sox poncho I have squirelled away someplace and can't find. I think it was under 3oz. I don't wear rain pants, just 6.6oz 100% polyester track pants. They dry superfast and the rains don't last long anyway (last week is an exception).

Seeker, my pot is the 16oz aluminum pot with lid from a $6 Coleman economy mess kit and the spork is the standard fast food spork with the handle cut down to size. I keep the lid because it helps the heating time with an alcohol stove.

For colder conditions I do have a 5.55oz silkweight base layer pant and a 4.65oz silkweight base layer shirt.

I would suggest you don't use those foil-like emergency blankets for anything, especially a ground sheet. Breathing in and out on one of those almost drove me insane because it made the thing make so much noise. Try one out at home. You won't believe how loud that material is. I tried out the Space blanket (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=1051) and you were right. Then I tried the Heatsheet blanket (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=99843) and the results were absolutely amazing. No noise at all. Cut to size, my Heatsheet blanket weighed only 2oz as a ground sheet while still doing double duty as an emergency blanket. Theoretically, it might even increase the warmth inside my tent but I have no scientific evidence of this. The warmth will definitely be noticable for tarp users. It worked admirably this weekend on the AT in 40 degree soaking weather. Also the Heatsheet blanket folds very easily compared to the impossible to fold Space blanket.:clap

Jeff, I have a 14oz rain jacket which I plan to replace with a Red Sox poncho I have squirelled away someplace and can't find. I think it was under 3oz. I don't wear rain pants, just 6.6oz 100% polyester track pants. They dry superfast and the rains don't last long anyway (last week is an exception). I actually did 35 miles this past weekend doing Sections 4,3,2 in NJ. Of that 16 miles was in almost constant rain, albeit through the forest canopy with daytime temperatures in the high 40s to low 50s. The pants did work as expected and dried up real fast when the rain letup. I couldn't find the poncho though so had to make do with my 14oz rain jacket.

Does anybody have anything positive or negative to add about the DriDucks micropore rainsuit from Gossamer Gear.

I'd like to thank everyone once again for all their help. I did 35 miles this past weekend starting quite late at 1pm on Sat and finishing at 5pm on Sun. I would have finished earlier but my hiking buddy had a bad thigh. These 35 miles were the best 35 miles I've ever hiked because I felt I could keep up the pace for another day.

The Jam pack performed very well never overloading my shoulders. The Lunar Solo Enhanced tent took a punishing 10 hr overnight rain without a drop getting in. And the Highlite sleeping bag kept me warm in high 30s to low 40s wet weather.

:clap:clap:clap

Does anybody have anything positive or negative to add about the DriDucks micropore rainsuit from Gossamer Gear.The are the same thing (different color) as RainShied's O2 series. Same fit, same lame-o "storm flap", same odd hood, same durability (non existent).

That said, I wouldn't go anywhere without my O2 jacket. I bought an XXL jacket so I could wear it over my down jacket, so fit isn't an issue. The storm flap thingy hasn't been an issue for me (a couple of well placed velcro tabs would solve the issue if I cared to). The hood shape has been a minor annoyance as I can't always wear it over the hat I have on at the time. It fits fine over a baseball size cap, but that's about it. I have single 0.5" tear on one sleeve that occured on my first outing 2 years ago. Haven't had much else happen to it since (in maybe 200 miles).

For the price you could buy a new set every year for 4+ years rather than purchase a PreCip. Or for 10 years rather than an eVent jacket.

I like mine. For me, if rainwear isn't breathable, then what's the point? And this stuff is much more breathable than any of the high dollar stuff you can buy. (I know, I've got it, and it's crap) BackpackingLight also has a version of the Driducks called Microdrops our something like that, and it's even cheaper. Check it out. Sounds like your coming along real well, congradulations.;)

My O2 Rainwear has seen 900 miles of AT in 2003 (rainy year).... Now semi retired for perminent funk... This years DriDucks have 6 days of AT... Both are still servicable, although both have small duct tape repairs...BPL has a version of the Dri Ducks for 19.95 non-members and $14.95 for members....Pizza is more expensive in some locations.

This stuff is all that is advertised ....Waterproof, windproof, very breathable, lightweight and inexpensive.... only catch is durability... on that issue, many a set has gone the distance of an AT Thru.

Pan

my thoughts on your list: garbage bag: there's sil-nylon raincovers that are half that weight.
lantern: what's a lantern doind in your pack (photon II is 1/5 oz.)
inflatable pillow: use your pack or food bag instead
groundsheet: i don't understand why people use these things, is the bottom of your tent no good?
water filter: lots of arguments on this one but i don't think you'll find lightweight hikers carrying one. use other options
shovel: use a stick, they work just as good, maybe takes a few seconds longer
i don't understand the AAA battery but maybe it's for the lantern??? Photon II is enough and you can read with it. I think they last 14 hours turned on. maybe more
i personally would never carry 3 litres of water unless i was in the desert and more than 20 miles between water sources.
Spork: i use an aluminum spoon that i found in Asia although the LEXAN ones are pretty light too.
I'd look for a lighter tent, try the lightweight pad again and carry less energy drinks but that's me.
As long as you ALWAYS keep your eyes open for any gear that's lighter than what you already use, you'll go lighter than most. good luck and have fun.

my thoughts on your list: garbage bag: there's sil-nylon raincovers that are half that weight.
lantern: what's a lantern doind in your pack (photon II is 1/5 oz.)
inflatable pillow: use your pack or food bag instead
groundsheet: i don't understand why people use these things, is the bottom of your tent no good?
water filter: lots of arguments on this one but i don't think you'll find lightweight hikers carrying one. use other options
shovel: use a stick, they work just as good, maybe takes a few seconds longer
i don't understand the AAA battery but maybe it's for the lantern??? Photon II is enough and you can read with it. I think they last 14 hours turned on. maybe more
i personally would never carry 3 litres of water unless i was in the desert and more than 20 miles between water sources.
Spork: i use an aluminum spoon that i found in Asia although the LEXAN ones are pretty light too.
I'd look for a lighter tent, try the lightweight pad again and carry less energy drinks but that's me.
As long as you ALWAYS keep your eyes open for any gear that's lighter than what you already use, you'll go lighter than most. good luck and have fun. I've already implemented a lot of these suggestions. Garbage bag lining is 0.6oz. Lantern is 0.25oz. Pillow is gone. Groundsheet is 2.1oz emergency blanket and saves my expensive $235 tent. Water filter is gone. So is shovel. Backup AAA battery is for my 0.85oz mini-mini-maglite. Water is one.down to 2L. Spork is 0.1oz plastic fast food. Tent is 26oz Lunar Solo E. Pad is 3.5oz Nightlight Torso. Energy bars/gels have been reduced from 20 to 14. Thanks.

I think you can drop a couple of things from your pack that will significantly reduce weight:

1. Switch your tent. Tarptent.com has alot of great 2lb-ish tarptents. If your only doing 50* weather there is no reason to carry such a big tent, and I understand your trepidation about tarps, but tarptents are really the best of both worlds.
Savings= 20 to 30 oz

2. Switch water filters. If your only doing weekend your probably only filling up once or twice. Switch to AquaMira and drop almost a pound
Savings=14 oz

3. Dont bother with the extra clothes. All you need is an extra pair of socks and a wind jacket. Bringing an extra pair of clothes just means you'll have two pairs of smelly clothes to wash at home.
Saving= 8-12 oz

4. I wouldnt bring so much food. Its only two days, so if you eat alot the day before and feast the day you get back, you can really get away with very little food. Dehydrated meals are awesome for dinner, and maybe half the energy bars and gels. Personally I wouldnt bring any of the energy powder as I LOVE the taste of clean fresh water. Also look into energy dense foods like peanut butter, trail mix, beef jerky.
You also have to remember you'll have to pack out all of that trash (which can be a hassle)
Savings= 20 oz? Really Depends on your preference.

5. Im sure you can lighten up a little bit on some of your pieces if you really cared to, as these ounces will really add up.
Examples: Ground sheet (there are some new lighter materials), sleeping bag (go to a 16oz'er), lantern(tiny <1 oz lights work great) , pad (cutting it to kneelength helps save some weight), some of your medical stuff (its only two days)
Savings= 16 oz.

So in all you Could save up to 92 oz (5.75lbs) if you really wanted to. Thats just my $0.02 though

Zombie thread

Yea, its a tad late, but still good info.

Hi, vipahman. I'm 47 - no broken ankle, but weak ankles from abuse as a teenager... Steve

How does one "abuse" ankles? Or is that too delicate of an issue to discuss?