My base gear list for next year. Can you help me find something lighter?

[MyNameisChickenJoe]

I'm not asking for critique or advice, I just want to find the absolute lightest base gear setup possible, and this is the rig I've come up with so far.


Exodus 58 liter 1lb - $215.00 or murmur 36 hyperlight - 8.5oz

UGQ outdoor bandit quilt 14 oz - $360.00 or Enigma custom 40 degree 950 down for $305.00 or Enigma 50 degree

Zpack Hexamid pocket tarp - 3.4 oz - $200.00

Gossamer Gear thin light foam pad 3 oz

Total base gear weight: 1.13 lbs

Can you help me bring this down to a pound? Less than a pound, even?

[Venchka]

Total base weight has a typo error.
Where and what time of year are you hiking?
Wayne

[cmoulder]

Have you ever backpacked with a frameless pack? Slept on a 1/8" pad? Under a tiny tarp when it's raining?

Hey, I'm a dyed-in-the-wool ULer but you seriously had better do some test hikes with this kit.

Suggested upgrades: Arc Blast (21 oz, has frame), Klymit xlite (6.1 oz, at least some cushioning), Solplex tarp with bug bivy (weather and bug protection, about 12 oz total)

Reality is a ruthless instructor.

[MyNameisChickenJoe]

I've done 460 miles of the AT already, and have figured out everything I need/don't need, and want/don't want, and I realized that I definitely wanna go insanely ultralight. I got to see the Zlite in action and did the AT during tropical storm Alberto and eas impressed. I currently have a Volt 60, z lite foam sleeping pad, REI quarter dome and Igneo 20 sleeping bag, and with my big 4, there was still enough room for a big sack of food, odds and ends and a book, so I'll be shelving the Igneo, z lite foam pad, volt, and quarter dome, plus about 4/5ths of my odds and ends.

Also, I'm only using the pad for annoying stuff like roots and pebbles. Ill be starting where I left off last year in Damascus, VA.

[cmoulder]

Not being contentious, but none of this negates my first questions. You'll find that there is a world of difference between your current kit and proposed kit.

It is possible to go sanely ultralight and keep total load quite manageable. Don't let frustration with a heavy trad load let the pendulum swing too far the other way.

IMVHO, of course.

[Thedude18e]

I highly recommend you at least add the bathtub ground sheet or just go for the plexamid. Those bugs are no joke and will ruin an otherwise good night's sleep.

[DownYonder]

With the gear you intend to carry, why would you use a 58L bag.....go with the smaller/lighter one. Gather leaves to use under the 1/8" pad. Will make a huge difference. I agree with the plexamid suggestion, but I HATE bugs.

[JC13]

You mentioned carrying fur in the title but I don't see any fur in your list.

[Two Tents]

Good luck getting it lower. You could ball it up in a garbage bag or ground sheet and sling it over one shoulder with a single strap. Granny Gatewood style. A ground sheet or plastic trash compactor bag would weigh less than your pack choice. Just a suggestion.

[George]

I'm not asking for critique or advice, I just want to find the absolute lightest base gear setup possible, and this is the rig I've come up with so far.


Exodus 58 liter 1lb - $215.00 or murmur 36 hyperlight - 8.5oz

UGQ outdoor bandit quilt 14 oz - $360.00 or Enigma custom 40 degree 950 down for $305.00 or Enigma 50 degree

Zpack Hexamid pocket tarp - 3.4 oz - $200.00

Gossamer Gear thin light foam pad 3 oz

Total base gear weight: 1.13 lbs

Can you help me bring this down to a pound? Less than a pound, even?

early april 1st post

[Ethesis]

early april 1st post


You are going to be cold.

Now. A warm October SOBO in Georgia I got passed by someone with gear that looked like yours.

Guy was tall tall and lanky and must have been going 7 mph without breaking a sweat (ok, 5 mph is more likely but it looked faster).

But April 1?

Unless George was being sarcastic. For late May to warm October you could well be ok. Even the windhard quilts work for that weather.

Wish you luck.

[Slo-go'en]

Well, if you only hike in the summer and only sleep in shelters, you could get away with that set up. $350 for a 50 degree quilt? That's insane. My 40 degree bag cost 1/3d that and doesn't weigh much over a pound.

[Slo-go'en]

early april 1st post

George was being sarcastic.

[fastfoxengineering]

I believe Terra Nova makes 1 gram titanium skewer stakes.

They are useless though. But you wanted the lightest.



Sent from my SM-J737V using Tapatalk

[Jayne]

My .02$ is that this is getting into the SUL (Stupid Ultralight Light) category. It's your hike and I wish you nothing but the best if you try with that set up but I couldn't imagine keeping sane with that load out. A 10 lb base weight would be exceptionally light and not something that most hikers would want to hike with and you're shooting for what, 5 lbs total? That's a big jump.

Also, if you're seriously going hardcore on pack weight I would plan on a later start. You should be making good daily miles with that set up and if you start May 1st or later you don't need as much cold weather gear and will miss a lot of the earl bubble. Being light and fast solves a lot of problems (but it creates some too.)

[colorado_rob]

I applaud your efforts to get to SUL ! (S=super, NOT stupid) But, you might have gotten better, more useful response if you had posted this on the UL forum.

Couple thoughts (but I'm only a UL hiker, base around 9 lbs, so I'm not all that qualified):

I'm enthralled by that 3.4 oz pocket tarp; I have the full-bug-screen-version of it (the hexamid solo+, slightly larger than the solo though) and the overall tent size works just dandy. But what are you thinking for the ground sheet? I would consider biting the bullet and getting the 3.2 oz, $95 cuben bathtub floor to go with the tarp, really a decent total of 6.6 oz for a really nice shelter setup.

Given the variety of temperatures you're going to see, I would consider a 30 degree quilt. I have a low-20's quilt, a couple ounces heavier than a 30, but it is soooooo versatile.

I see a comment about not having a frame in your pack; I see no problem with this for you're overall weight goals. Every once in a while you'll be carrying more weight than the pack would be perfectly comfy for, but so what. I'm only talking, say, when you'll need a 4-day food supply plus maybe a time or two that you need 3-4 liters of water for a upcoming, otherwise ideal, dry camp. Few and far between on the AT.

I made a hybrid foam pad, taping a 3' section of 1/2" to a 3' section of 1/8", pretty darn light, I think it's around 4.5 ounces. I cannot comfortable sleep on a 1/8" pad under my upper body, but I'm old.

Certainly youre 36 liter Murmur will be enough, so in total: 6.6 oz (shelter) + 20 oz (25-30 degree quilt) + 4.5 oz (hybrid pad) + 8.5 (pack) = 39.6 oz = approx 2.5 pounds. A thoroughly worthy "big 4" weight for a SUL hiker.

One final thought: I have found when I've gone lower than UL, down to say, 6lb base (vs my normal 9) I barely notice the difference, if at all. Just me, but try experimenting some time; load a pack with 12 total (including food, water), hike 15 miles. Than hike those same 15 miles with a 15 pound pack. See if you really notice the difference. I do not. I basically stop noticing any difference below about 20 lbs total. Just a thought.

[MyNameisChickenJoe]

I applaud your efforts to get to SUL ! (S=super, NOT stupid) But, you might have gotten better, more useful response if you had posted this on the UL forum.

Couple thoughts (but I'm only a UL hiker, base around 9 lbs, so I'm not all that qualified):

I'm enthralled by that 3.4 oz pocket tarp; I have the full-bug-screen-version of it (the hexamid solo+, slightly larger than the solo though) and the overall tent size works just dandy. But what are you thinking for the ground sheet? I would consider biting the bullet and getting the 3.2 oz, $95 cuben bathtub floor to go with the tarp, really a decent total of 6.6 oz for a really nice shelter setup.

Given the variety of temperatures you're going to see, I would consider a 30 degree quilt. I have a low-20's quilt, a couple ounces heavier than a 30, but it is soooooo versatile.

I see a comment about not having a frame in your pack; I see no problem with this for you're overall weight goals. Every once in a while you'll be carrying more weight than the pack would be perfectly comfy for, but so what. I'm only talking, say, when you'll need a 4-day food supply plus maybe a time or two that you need 3-4 liters of water for a upcoming, otherwise ideal, dry camp. Few and far between on the AT.

I made a hybrid foam pad, taping a 3' section of 1/2" to a 3' section of 1/8", pretty darn light, I think it's around 4.5 ounces. I cannot comfortable sleep on a 1/8" pad under my upper body, but I'm old.

Certainly youre 36 liter Murmur will be enough, so in total: 6.6 oz (shelter) + 20 oz (25-30 degree quilt) + 4.5 oz (hybrid pad) + 8.5 (pack) = 39.6 oz = approx 2.5 pounds. A thoroughly worthy base weight for a SUL hiker.

One final thought: I have found when I've gone lower than UL, down to say, 6lb base (vs my normal 9) I barely notice the difference, if at all. Just me, but try experimenting some time; load a pack with 12 total (including food, water), hike 15 miles. Than hike those same 15 miles with a 15 pound pack. See if you really notice the difference. I do not. I basically stop noticing any difference below about 20 lbs total. Just a thought.

Thanks. This was actually some pretty helpful stuff.

And to everyone saying 50 degrees is too low, I'm not starting in April, I'm starting on May 18, 2019 in Damascus during trail days, where I left off, so it should be plenty warm enough.

[HooKooDooKu]

early april 1st post
I believe George was saying something to the effect that this is a post we would expect to see April 1 (April Fools) seeing as a poster with a base weight below 2lbs is trying to lighten their load by another 10%.

[TNhiker]

I believe George was saying something to the effect that this is a post we would expect to see April 1 (April Fools) seeing as a poster with a base weight below 2lbs is trying to lighten their load by another 10%.




thats how i read it as well.........

also thought it was funny that OP in first line says---"I'm not asking for critique or advice"


and then ends with---"Can you help me bring this down to a pound? Less than a pound, even?"




that gave me a good chuckle...

[Dogwood]

You have not adequately described your trip next yr(where, when,...) to make solid gear recs.

That's quite a difference in pack volumes. Why?

You very well may be getting into an area where you're prioritizing kit wt over everything else which, respectfully, is asking the forum to potentially engage in a "stupid light" scenario. In my mind as an ULer and sometimes SULer hiking conditions and skill set determine kit. We haven't heard enough of those criteria.

[Slo-go'en]

Leaving Damascus after Trail Days significantly reduces the clothing you need to carry and you don't need much of a sleeping bag. But don't skimp on the shelter. The AT really requires something which fully encloses you. A tarp on the AT really requires some kind of bug bivy and by the time you add one of those, you might as well go for a real tent and be done with it. And if you plan to skip shelters as much as possible, I'd get a more comfortable pad. Getting a comfortable nights sleep is more important then shaving a few ounces off your back.

If you can hit a 10-12 pound total base weight, your doing good. I can never seem to get quite that low except for summer overnighters with known good weather.

[Quik]

I'm not asking for critique or advice, I just want to find the absolute lightest base gear setup possible, and this is the rig I've come up with so far.


Exodus 58 liter 1lb - $215.00 or murmur 36 hyperlight - 8.5oz

UGQ outdoor bandit quilt 14 oz - $360.00 or Enigma custom 40 degree 950 down for $305.00 or Enigma 50 degree

Zpack Hexamid pocket tarp - 3.4 oz - $200.00

Gossamer Gear thin light foam pad 3 oz

Total base gear weight: 1.13 lbs

Can you help me bring this down to a pound? Less than a pound, even?

I'm not critiquing your gear choices, but base weight includes everything you are carrying except food, water and fuel.You're only listing a few items quilt, shelter and pad, so your real base weight is higher than listed.

you could ditch the 3oz pad and sleep on your pack
with SUL gear I don't see any reason for the 58 liter pack, go with the Murmur

[colorado_rob]

I'm not critiquing your gear choices, but base weight includes everything you are carrying except food, water and fuel.You're only listing a few items quilt, shelter and pad, so your real base weight is higher than listed.
Yup, just noticed, he did say "base", didn't he... I "heard" it as The Big 3 (tent, sleep system and pack), which indeed is what he is talking about.

And OP, don't get turned off by those quoting "10-12 is doing well". That's pretty old-school these days, with due respect, for summertime on the AT (which you clearly said is what you're talking about). If you get your Big 3 under 3 pounds, you can get 7-8 pounds base pretty easily, maybe less.

[Astro]

Thanks. This was actually some pretty helpful stuff.

And to everyone saying 50 degrees is too low, I'm not starting in April, I'm starting on May 18, 2019 in Damascus during trail days, where I left off, so it should be plenty warm enough.

But how far are you going? If going all the way to NH & ME, you will probably want to switch out that 50* quilt (along with more clothing which I realize is not addressed here, but hate to see you freezing even if it is "Summer").

[Slo-go'en]

Another thing to consider about the pack. Most UL packs have full body contact which results in a very sweaty back. This is really annoying in the heat of the summer, especially if it results in a rash. That's one advantage of an Ospray pack - better back ventulaion.

[cmoulder]

Yup, just noticed, he did say "base", didn't he... I "heard" it as The Big 3 (tent, sleep system and pack), which indeed is what he is talking about.

And OP, don't get turned off by those quoting "10-12 is doing well". That's pretty old-school these days, with due respect, for summertime on the AT (which you clearly said is what you're talking about). If you get your Big 3 under 3 pounds, you can get 7-8 pounds base pretty easily, maybe less.
Totally concur, keeping in mind that this kit is completely 'dialed' in every respect.

Another thing to consider about the pack. Most UL packs have full body contact which results in a very sweaty back. This is really annoying in the heat of the summer, especially if it results in a rash. That's one advantage of an Ospray pack - better back ventulaion.
Indeed, and also why I mentioned the Arc Blast. For my preferred 'borderline SUL' kit I like the Zero, but when the weather is hot and muggy I'll pick the Arc every time just for the ventilation, even if I don't need the volume.

[cmoulder]

I'm not critiquing your gear choices, but base weight includes everything you are carrying except food, water and fuel.You're only listing a few items quilt, shelter and pad, so your real base weight is higher than listed.

you could ditch the 3oz pad and sleep on your pack
with SUL gear I don't see any reason for the 58 liter pack, go with the Murmur
Good clarification on "Base" weight for UL/SUL. Not that a target number is the ultimate goal — nor pursuing the "absolute lightest" for each piece of kit — but it helps that everyone is on the same page for these discussions. One can have the very lightest pack/shelter/sleep systems and yet very easily blow the weight budget with clothing, electronics, cook kit and various knick-knacks.

[colorado_rob]

Another thing to consider about the pack. Most UL packs have full body contact which results in a very sweaty back. This is really annoying in the heat of the summer, especially if it results in a rash. That's one advantage of an Ospray pack - better back ventulaion.



Indeed, and also why I mentioned the Arc Blast. For my preferred 'borderline SUL' kit I like the Zero, but when the weather is hot and muggy I'll pick the Arc every time just for the ventilation, even if I don't need the volume. Yup, love those ventilated backs! Not SUL, but at well less than 2 lbs, those Arc series packs are sooooo sweet and comfy and supportive, I venture to say that an Arc Blast with 20 total pounds (including food & water) is as comfortable as a frameless, sweaty-back pack with only 15 pounds total.

But, I still do get the "absolutely as light as possible thing", I occasionally hike that way (I have an old zpacks zero 8 ounce pack).

[cmoulder]

But, I still do get the "absolutely as light as possible thing", I occasionally hike that way (I have an old zpacks zero 8 ounce pack).

I also like to do that occasionally. I had a pocket tarp and used it a fair bit. Just needed a teensy bit more coverage on that open side in case the wind changed direction, so I went eventually with the .51 solplex tarp. My Zero is made with the DCF/poly hybrid, w/water bottle pockets and front panel mesh, web hip belt, shoulder and waist pockets, and weighs exactly 12 oz. The original Zero (http://www.zpacks.com/backpacks/zero.shtml) weighed 4 oz and was essentially a DCF stuff sack with shoulder straps!

http://www.zpacks.com/images/backpacks/zero/ultralight-frameless-backpack-side_m.jpg

[MyNameisChickenJoe]

Okay so, I made a mistake on base weight. I'm still not down on all the lingo and someone corrected me on Reddit, and told me that what I was referring to was not base weight, but the big three.

Also, I am going to Maine and understand it'll get colder as summer fades. However, I'm looking to switch out for new gear every 500 to 600 miles, because that's about when it starts getting crumbly. So as it gets colder, I'll purchase accordingly and adjust to weather and terrain.

[cmoulder]

Okay so, I made a mistake on base weight. I'm still not down on all the lingo and someone corrected me on Reddit, and told me that what I was referring to was not base weight, but the big three.

Also, I am going to Maine and understand it'll get colder as summer fades. However, I'm looking to switch out for new gear every 500 to 600 miles, because that's about when it starts getting crumbly. So as it gets colder, I'll purchase accordingly and adjust to weather and terrain.

No worries, amigo.

Nobody comes into it knowing everything, and we all learn and evolve with various hits and misses as we try different strategies.

There's also a high degree of personal subjectivity to it. In the winter, for instance, I use down parka and pants to supplement my quilt, so I can use a 20 deg quilt down to 0 deg and even a bit lower. Some people consider this moronic, and even dangerous, and would never consider it. So be it... it works for me.

I think you will find, however, that unless you're super hard on stuff, gear will last a lot longer than 500-600 miles, except for shoes/socks, of course.

[Heliotrope]

I'm not asking for critique or advice, I just want to find the absolute lightest base gear setup possible, and this is the rig I've come up with so far.


Exodus 58 liter 1lb - $215.00 or murmur 36 hyperlight - 8.5oz

UGQ outdoor bandit quilt 14 oz - $360.00 or Enigma custom 40 degree 950 down for $305.00 or Enigma 50 degree

Zpack Hexamid pocket tarp - 3.4 oz - $200.00

Gossamer Gear thin light foam pad 3 oz

Total base gear weight: 1.13 lbs

Can you help me bring this down to a pound? Less than a pound, even?

FWIW-According to the Gossamer Gear newsletter they are about to reintroduce their Whisper backpack. I believe it weighed in around 4 oz.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AllDownhillFromHere]

Okay so, I made a mistake on base weight. I'm still not down on all the lingo and someone corrected me on Reddit, and told me that what I was referring to was not base weight, but the big three.
Also, I am going to Maine and understand it'll get colder as summer fades. However, I'm looking to switch out for new gear every 500 to 600 miles, because that's about when it starts getting crumbly. So as it gets colder, I'll purchase accordingly and adjust to weather and terrain.

It's like LD hiking is an endurance sport, instead of a wilderness experience.

[nsherry61]

So, I'm a weight weenie and completely appreciate the joy of carrying very little. My last 4 day trip was in Oct of last year (nursing injuries since January this year) and my total pack weight, with a spare set of shoes, was 11.5 lbs including food and 750 ml of water.

That being said, my 20 year old son is about 5 days away from the Canadian border and finishing the PCT. He's averaging about 30-35 miles a day and doesn't give a rat's a$$ about one or two extra lbs if it adds a little comfort. He was focused on light weight 800 miles ago when he was experimenting with maximum mileage. Now he's added some comfort as the weather moves in. He's young, strong, and capable, so why reduce the joy/comfort of the trip for a pound that you hardly feel. That pound slows me down. That pound adds to my poor old aching body's pain at the end of the day. That pound doesn't slow down my son, but adds significantly to his joy as he hangs out in reasonable comfort in bad weather.

I think that seeing how light you can go and still survive and maybe even enjoy yourself is important. But, after you're done experimenting with your lower limits, most of us back off and put the overall joy of the trip higher than the lightest possible load.

[colorado_rob]

It's like LD hiking is an endurance sport, instead of a wilderness experience. Yep, that's very true for the heavy hikers, the one's that eschew the lightweight philosophy. So true indeed. Want a wilderness experience where you're not weighed down by a heavy pack and thinking about the damn thing or throwing it on the ground every time you pause? Lighten up!

[Dogwood]

Again, quite a bit of volume difference between a 58 L Exodus and 36L Murmur. If my mental math is accurate two packs are being compared with the Murmur being about 38% less volume. That has ramifications both potentially positive and negative. IMO the Murmur is for an advanced ULer on a thru of AT magnitude. That includes UL aspects beyond gear like consumable wts and bulk logistics. Too often ULers new to UL ignore this very significant category.

As far as doing a AT LASH or AT thru during summer yes the trampoline back is welcoming. It doesn't have to be an Osprey pack though. One thing to consider IF able to use the Murmur is that you'll be carrying a low wt and bulk with the Murmur having decreased dimensions that translates to less pack on the back which translates to less sweaty back discomfort. I find the same thing occurring when I use the smaller MLD Burn verse ULA CDT both frameless packs. Personally, I don't like the egg crate foam backrest/sit pad that is sometimes(often?) used with the Murmur on my back in hot humid weather.

Moulder is right in that we all need to be on the same page putting our own approaches aside to try to assist the OP. To that extent I wish Chicken Joe the best in eventually figuring out what works for him.

I will say the Pocket Tarp with a WR bivy was not enough heavy rain or long duration drizzle coverage for this 6'4" person w a SUL kit on the AT or in Redwoods NP or in the Pacific Northwest(Olympic Peninsula, PNWT LASH). For me it was a stupid light mistake prioritizing a wt saving SUL agenda ignoring the conditions and my personal situation. Day after day of being wet from sleeping wet was no fun.

[George]

I will say the Pocket Tarp with a WR bivy was not enough heavy rain or long duration drizzle coverage for this 6'4" person w a SUL kit on the AT or in Redwoods NP or in the Pacific Northwest(Olympic Peninsula, PNWT LASH). For me it was a stupid light mistake prioritizing a wt saving SUL agenda ignoring the conditions and my personal situation. Day after day of being wet from sleeping wet was no fun.

thinking on the AT, it would be practical for me, as I use shelters - so the tarp is a backup allowing a lighter bivy

[Malto]

I have hiked many thousands of miles with essentially the same 8lb base weight gear. There are areas I personally would not compromise on comfort. They include:
1) An air mat. A good night sleep is too important.
2) a storm proof shelter. I use an 8 oz. cuben mid that can withstand quite a punch. It is about as small as I could possible make it and going smaller and more cramped or sacrificing weather proof to me is stupid light.
3) A 20 deg quilt. I’m not into swapping gear, I can use that quilt from summer weather down below zero. Could I shave a few ounces off the 20oz weight. Sure.
4) Like Dogwood I also carry an MLD Burn. But I have also made modifications that allows me to hike at least half a day without taking my pack off.
Consider this. I lost more weight on the first 700 miles of my thruhike than my base weight. I found gear weight to much less an issue than food weight but I also was doing 150 mile food carries, something that is not needed on the AT. Also, when I stepped onto the PCT, my pack weight was 24 lbs, 8 lbs gear, 8 lbs. water and 8 lbs food. Both water management techniques as well as good resupply techniques have advantages far greater than squeezing that last ounce out your gear. Even after almost ten years with this gear set I have had zero desire to drop it further. In fact during breaks or stopping on trail I rarely even take my pack off, I just don’t feel the weight at my current base weight. Taking another pound off would not increase my enjoyment one bit. Good luck.

[cmoulder]

I will say the Pocket Tarp with a WR bivy was not enough heavy rain or long duration drizzle coverage for this 6'4" person w a SUL kit on the AT or in Redwoods NP or in the Pacific Northwest(Olympic Peninsula, PNWT LASH). For me it was a stupid light mistake prioritizing a wt saving SUL agenda ignoring the conditions and my personal situation. Day after day of being wet from sleeping wet was no fun.

Kinda funny because it echoes my last experience with the Pocket Tarp. Was in CT hiking with 1azarus and we got some rain overnight. A little corner of my CCF sit pad, which I used for a foot pad at night, was sticking out from the edge of the tarp, collecting water which then ran straight to the foot of my quilt. Fortunately it didn't rain buckets and it wasn't a complete disaster, and we had some spare time and wonderful weather the following afternoon for a 'drying party.'

[Dogwood]

thinking on the AT, it would be practical for me, as I use shelters - so the tarp is a backup allowing a lighter bivy

That's one often viable approach...

Consistent AT/LT shelters, refugios, CG's, established CS's, hiker hostels, hotels, motels, guidebooks, uber amounts of often non essential disseminated trail data, etc are a luxury, a crutch - or a problem - depending on one's pt of view, that aren't always available. I try not to rely on them out of habit. It removes some of the adventure, the creativity, the self sufficiency. I try not to always rely on even a named trail out of habit OR asking to be recognized for completing a hike. An essential aspect of backpacking - for me - is becoming more independent, self sufficient, less encumbered by gear, and to joyfully with confidence but with a humbleness and deep respect embrace the unfamiliar. Backpacking is about losing the ego and walking in reverence. That includes not getting into UL pissing contests or forcing my approaches on others. That is also part of UL philosophy for me and to many other ULers. That's part of going minimalist. Perhaps, that's also what Chicken Joe is seeking, NOT the most UL/SUL kit for the sole sake of the lightest wt kit? HOWEVER, to do this one has to consider the conditions of their hike and their abilities or lack there of.

I like what Malto said. It mimics what I've been saying for a long time. It is most often resupply strategies and consumable wts and bulk that are the critical highest wt category and volume for LD hikes, no one category of gear. It makes little sense to squeeze 4-6 ozs out of gear - often at a high financial price - especially when some of these folks are on tight $ budgets- when one is carrying unnecessary water and food stand bulk.

I'd like for the OP to hear Wolf who hikes/thru-hiked largely as military trained survivalist. His ability to hike with such a minimalist kit hinged around his abilities/skill set. Lightest LD kit I've ever seen. I'd like for him to share what he had to do, what he knew he could do, what he could endure.

[SteelCut]

4) Like Dogwood I also carry an MLD Burn. But I have also made modifications that allows me to hike at least half a day without taking my pack off.


What type of modifications ?

[theoilman]

You mentioned carrying fur in the title but I don't see any fur in your list.
+1 -- fur????

[Dogwood]

What type of modifications ?

For myself I have a Smart water bottle attached to each shoulder strap w/ included mix, on the go munchies such as bars, trail mixes, or dried fruits and nuts go in a side pocket or if I'm using the custom removable webbing belt w/ "hip belt" Pockets food goes in one of those. Easy to snack and drink on the go. Only time I need to take the Burn off is for a layer change or remove/ use stored trekking poles. It's not just these mods though. It's one's approach, to be constantly on the move with little down time similar to yourself SteelCut. Malto's a strong hiker too. Seen here in a very strong group of "lifers." I think that's Malto's Burn. It's what Swami was/is using too.


https://i0.wp.com/www.thehikinglife.com/the-hiking-life-2/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0136.jpg?ssl=1

[Dogwood]

I'm still working on the layer change without taking the Burn off. Watching females take their bras off(with their shirts still on) without removing their packs is a feat I still have to master without tying myself into a ball or falling. :D

[Malto]

What type of modifications ?
I added a total of eight pouches, 6 to the hip belt and two to the shoulder straps. Two of those hip belt pouches usually contain either water and/or Malto Mix and the other two contain all the food that I need for at least half a day. The final two hold all the little crap. This allows up to almost seven pounds of weight to be shifted from the back onto the hip belt. In a couple of long water carries I had shifted a food pouch to hold a third quart of water. This is the main reason that I often go for half a day without taking my pack off, everything is accessible.

[SteelCut]

Thanks for the info Malto and Dogwood.

[cmoulder]

+1 -- fur????

OK, typos can be fun but haven't you guys beaten this one to death already?