View Full Version : What's the weight of your BIG FOUR?
Everyone says to try and reduce the weight of the big four to lightest, based upon what works for YOU!
I use the following:
Pack--GVP G4 15.7oz
Tarptent Nomadlite (including groundcloth, ti-stakes and max ties) 33.0oz
Sleeping Bag WM Ultralite (plus Jagbag mummy silk liner) 32.0oz
Pad (3/4 Z-rest) 10.9oz
______
91.6oz
Total : 5.73 lbs. for the big four
What do you use??
Western Mountaineering Ultralite 30 oz
Ridgerest 14oz
Just got a : Hennesey Hammock 32 oz (weight seems to be different from each person who mentions it. Bag says 28 oz
Mountainsmith Ghost 38 oz as advertised...
114ish oz- just under 7 lbs.
Well, my pack weighs in at 7 lbs fully configured (knife, flashlight, compass, lanyards, radio hookup, pack repair kit, duct tape, extra batteries, etc.), probably around 4 lbs stripped, give or take an ounce or two. Generic no out of business company, but it's an external and I like that. I figure the 7 when calculating pack weight so I don't have to add up all of the small stuff individually (and, more importantly, I don't forget it and it's always ready to go since I sharpen, replace batteries, etc. after every trip).
Sleeping bag is a North Face Polarguard, one of the originals and rated to 20 (I've gone down to 0 in it no problem, so I think they underrated it), 4 lbs 2 oz including sack and 2 oz pillow. For summer I take a 50 degree bag weighing in at 2 lbs including sack and pillow, I forget who made it, it's in storage right now.
Pad is 10 oz full length closed cell foam including nylon sack to prevent damage.
Tent is either a 4 lb 15 oz North Face Tadpole 23 (on order, I'm quoting mfr weights, but it should be close; my old tent just got too old), or in the summer during good weather on a weekend I just take my poncho and some stakes and use my hiking stick, which comes in at 6 oz.
Total for heavy (used for long distance where weather might change, etc.) is 16 lbs 11 oz, or 13 lbs 11 oz with a stripped pack.
Total for light (short term and summer only) is 10 lbs even, or 7 lbs even with a stripped pack.
WM Highlight w/ ID silk liner 24.1 oz
ULA Zenith 19 oz
3/4 Z-rest 12
DL Tacoma Tarp w/ 8 stakes and CF Pole 17
Total of 67.3 or 4 lbs 8.1 oz.
flyfisher
03-03-2004, 10:02
F2 Pack - 10.4 oz
doublebottom hammock with 5x10 tarp and stakes - 32.5 oz
Risk's Bag (down quilt) - 24 oz
Target 27" wide pad - 7.6 oz
= 4.66 lb
All home-made (except stakes and pad)
Pad cut in half and used as an OverlapPad.
For temps below 40 F with wind, add TravelPod, 8 oz, making it good down to 10 F.
F2 Pack:
http://www.imrisk.com/F2pack/F2pack.htm
hammock:
http://www.imrisk.com/hammock/ultraquarterweight.htm
quilt:
http://www.imrisk.com/bag/bag.htm
Overlap Pad:
http://www.imrisk.com/overlappad/overlap.htm
TravelPod
http://www.imrisk.com/hammock/travelpod.htm
Kozmic Zian
03-03-2004, 10:20
Yea.....Weight of 4 items.
1) Backpack - Go-lite Speed......31oz
2) Tent - Slumberjack Bivy........320z (w/2pegs, alum poles, fly, stuffie)
3) Sleeping Bag - Home Job Day Quilt....10oz.
4) Mattress-TRest UltraLite 3/4...16oz (w/stuffie)
_____
89oz....or 5lb.9oz
Everyone says to try and reduce the weight of the big four to lightest, based upon what works for YOU!
I use the following:
Pack--GVP G4 15.7oz
Tarptent Nomadlite (including groundcloth, ti-stakes and max ties) 33.0oz
Sleeping Bag WM Ultralite (plus Jagbag mummy silk liner) 32.0oz
Pad (3/4 Z-rest) 10.9oz
______
91.6oz
Total : 5.73 lbs. for the big four
What do you use??
I use the following:
Homemade GORTEX pack - 24 oz.
Hennessy Hammock - 25 oz.
Down Under Quilt - 20 oz.
8' x 10' silnyl tarp - 16 oz.
Down Sleeping Quilt - 24 oz.
Total = 109 oz. (6.8 lbs)
During the warmer months the sleeping quilt is replace by a cut down Army poncho liner that weighs about 12 oz.
Yea.....Weight of 4 items.
1) Backpack - Go-lite Speed......31oz
2) Tent - Slumberjack Bivy........320z (w/2pegs, alum poles, fly, stuffie)
3) Sleeping Bag - Home Job Day Quilt....10oz.
4) Mattress-TRest UltraLite 3/4...16oz (w/stuffie)
_____
79oz....or 4lbs.15oz
I think you mean 89 oz, or 5 lbs 9 oz. Isn't mathematics fun?
slabfoot
03-03-2004, 13:18
homesewn pack 14oz.
homesewn quilt 21oz.
silnylon tarp 16oz.
3/4 ridgrest 9oz.
total 3.75lbs.
Moonbow Gearskin: 21oz
Hennessy Hammock w\ Homemade Silnylon fly: 29oz
Feathered Friends Kestrel: 31oz
24"x40" Closed cell pad: 8oz
Total: 89oz =>5lbs 9oz
borntired
03-03-2004, 16:12
Gust - 22 oz.
Sil shelter - 15 oz
WM Highlight - 16 oz
closed cell pad - 10 oz
3 lbs. 14 oz., add 8 oz for the stakes.
Kerosene
03-03-2004, 17:59
For a "Somewhat Lighter" hiker, here's what I carry for "shoulder season" hikes:
Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone - 48 oz.
Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo with 3 stakes - 25 oz.
Western Mountaineering Ultralite (20*) - 26 oz.
Therm-a-Rest ProLite 3s - 13 oz.
Total: 112 oz. or 7 lbs. even
Sleepy the Arab
03-03-2004, 18:23
Pack = Dana Designs K2 Shortbed, 7ish lbs
Tent = Old school Clip Flashlight, 4.5ish lbs
Sleeping Bag = Marmot Helium, Almost 2ish Lbs
Pad = Some kind of full lenghth Thermarest, almost 2ish, maybe.
So I guess I come in at 15 (as two "almost ish" anything is -.5 lbs). But it don't matter - I'm nice and comfy.
Pack = Dana Designs K2 Shortbed, 7ish lbs
Tent = Old school Clip Flashlight, 4.5ish lbs
Sleeping Bag = Marmot Helium, Almost 2ish Lbs
Pad = Some kind of full lenghth Thermarest, almost 2ish, maybe.
So I guess I come in at 15 (as two "almost ish" anything is -.5 lbs). But it don't matter - I'm nice and comfy.
Nice to see someone else not into the ultralight
Tent = Old Style Kelty Zen.......5lb 1oz
Pack = Kelty Trekker 3900........5lb 12oz
Bag = Campmor 20* down .......2lb
Pad = 3/4 Ridgerest.....................10oz
total......................................13lb 7oz
I agree, I like my comfort.
azchipka
03-03-2004, 19:42
Nice to see someone else not into the ultralight
Tent = Old Style Kelty Zen.......5lb 1oz
Pack = Kelty Trekker 3900........5lb 12oz
Bag = Campmor 20* down .......2lb
Pad = 3/4 Ridgerest.....................10oz
total......................................13lb 7oz
I agree, I like my comfort.
Tent = 0
Hammock = Hennessy Ultralite Backpacker A-SYM w/ mods 2Lbs
Bag = some no name 20 degree down mummy 2.4 lbs
Pack = internal fram 4,900+ ci 3.1lbs
Pad = 0 i have a hammock no need for pad
Total = 7.5lbs
Kozmic Zian
03-03-2004, 23:00
Squuuuueeeessse me! Im artist don nonomaft....:-?
ezdoesit
03-04-2004, 09:33
:clap
Ok I havn't posted anything in a long time so here goes.
Backpack-Go-Lite Breeze size large=13.8 ounces
Shelter-8 X 10 Sil-Nylon tarp-14.6
8 Titanium Pegs + Stuff Sack-1.8
Ground Cloth-1.8
Sleeping Bag-Freathered Friends 20 % Down-25.1
Stuff Sack/Sleeping Bag-0.9
Pad Z-Rest 36"-6.8
Grand Total=64.8 Ounces or 4lbs.0.5 ounces :banana
Pack: Equinox Kathadin 26oz
Tent: Tarptent Cloudburst 37.4oz w/ stakes + Sewn in floor
Pad: Prolite 3 Short + 30" Section of Ridgerest: 12.1oz + 5.6oz = 17.7oz
Bag: Western Mountaineering Megalite + 2oz down overfill: 27oz
----------------------------------
Total: 108.1oz (6lbs 12.1oz).
my big 4 (or 3 in my case..):
pack: REI MorningStar75 4lb 5oz
tent: Kelty Dart-2 2lb 7oz
sleep bag: Seirra Designs Wild Bill 3lb 0oz
NO SLEEP PAD 0
TOTAL: 9lbs 12oz
YIKES!...."where's my Ray Jardine book?" :D
flyfisher
03-04-2004, 15:20
Hammock = Hennessy Ultralite Backpacker A-SYM w/ mods 2Lbs
Pad = 0 i have a hammock no need for pad
How do you stay warm? I find a pad necessary to stay warm in a hammock if the temperature is below 70 F. The sleeping bag compresses to nothing and I begin to quickly cool off to much.
Nightwalker
03-04-2004, 15:41
Nice to see someone else not into the ultralight
Make that one more.
Gregory Stinger Pack: 5 lbs., 8 oz
The North Face - Blaze - 20 Degree Sleeping Bag: 2 lb., 14 oz.
Therma-Rest Classic 3/4: 1 lb., 8.5 oz.
Sierra Designs LightYear CD Tent: 2 lbs. 15 oz.
12 lbs., 13.5 oz.
A lot less than when I started!
Frank
Everyone says to try and reduce the weight of the big four to lightest, based upon what works for YOU!
It kind of depends on conditions and length of trip.
My "normal" 3 season setup is
26oz Tarptent Squall + ground cloth
22oz POE Max-Thermo Full Length Air Mattress (with primaloft fill)
22oz Nunatak Ghost blanket + GoLite Snow Cap + Silk Liner (good to 25F)
34oz Granite Gear Vapor Trail
-----
6lb 8oz
But in the summer for long weekends this drop to the following (or even less):
10oz Poncho/tarp (so I guess this is 5 item list :-) )
16oz Therm-a-rest ultralight 3/4 length
16oz Nunatak Ghost Blanket
5oz A16 Bug Bivy
15oz GoLite Dawn Daypack
-----
3lb 14oz
Heavy and cold
56oz Stephson Warmlite (borrow friends :-) )
30oz POE Max-Thermo Full Length + closed cell foam pad... he won't loan be his DAM.
32oz WM VersaLite
44oz Osprey Aether 60
-----
10lb 2oz
pdhoffman
03-05-2004, 17:26
Just weighed my stuff on a very good scale. Actual weights, not advertised weights.
Pack - LWgear pound plus pack with deluxe hip belt - 32 oz.
Bag - Big Agnes Horse Thief regular length - 28.7 oz.
Pad - Big Agnes Air Core Mummy regular length - 22.3 oz.
fits in pocket in bottom of bag
Shelter - custom made (Moonbow) poncho/tarp - 20.6
includes titanium stakes and extra pieces to close off the opening
from rain or bugs.
Total 103.6 oz. (6 lb., 7.6 oz.)
In the White Mountains and about half of Maine, I left the poncho/tarp and carried a Sierra Designs Ultra Lightyear CD tent (2 lb., 12.7 oz.) and Frogg Toggs top. This is the original Ultra Lightyear with the carbon fiber poles that you can't buy anymore. I also carried a Western Mountain Flight jacket (XL - 12 oz.) which made a very fine pillow as well as deliciously cozy jacket.
At Glencliff, I weighed everything on the scale they had there. Without food/water the pack was 17 lbs. I also had a front fanny type pack with all my toys (camera, GPS, cell phone) and everything I wanted to reach without removing the pack that added another 3.5 lbs.
Pete "Old Corpus" Hoffman
azchipka
03-05-2004, 20:14
How do you stay warm? I find a pad necessary to stay warm in a hammock if the temperature is below 70 F. The sleeping bag compresses to nothing and I begin to quickly cool off to much.
Im a vermonter!
Our blood is a little thicker up there, im one of those weird people who sleepin the middle of winter with my window open as its snowing outside.
I find the combination of my sleeping bag and a liner is more then enough for me and often to much. Alot of times i will just sleep in my liner if it above like 50 degress.
Im good in my hammock with a sleeping bag and silk liner down to about 10.
If you get cold easy and wish you could go with out a seperate pad make sure to check out the hennesy setup at trail days. I believe has tom will have something for all of you. With any luck it will let me get down to about 0 and still use my hammock.
My question is if your using a pad in a hennesy hammock how do you get out. Isnt it a pain?
flyfisher
03-05-2004, 23:30
Im a vermonter!
Our blood is a little thicker up here, im one of those weird people who sleepin the middle of winter with my window open as its snowing outside.
I find the combination of my sleeping bag and a liner is more then enough for me and often to much. Alot of times i will just sleep in my liner if it above like 50 degress.
I know I can't get by without some hanging insulation or a pad. The coldest I have tried a sleeping bag without other insulation was about 50 degrees with a 5 mph breeze. After 3-4 hours I got very cold and had to escape inside a trailer and warm back up.
Many/most people I know with HHs use a pad. I can't now remember if it was Tom Hennessy or Shane Steinkamp who first recommended sitting on the folded mat, rolling back on the shoulders and letting the mat unroll under one's feet.
I use several Speer-like hammocks.
My cold experiments are here, if you have not seen them before:
http://www.imrisk.com/hammock/ultrahammock.htm
Ratatosk
03-07-2004, 08:58
Ok, here goes..
Salomon Raid Race 300 (stripped) - 20.9 oz
Golite Lair 2 Shelter (w. 6 stakes & telescopic pole) - 24.6 oz
Rab Quantum Top Bag (w. extra down) - 20.7 oz
Thermarest Z-Rest 4/4 - 15.5 oz
Total: 5.1 pounds
For the AT, I'll probably get a lighter shelter, pole & sleeping mat.
Miss Janet
03-07-2004, 13:11
0 lbs 1.2 ozs (1.2 ozs= non-nalgine plastic water bottle)
i just strip down naked and dont carry a pack.
i'm so tired of everyone trying to beat someone elses light weight gear with lighter stuff. people sitting at home putting light weight single stich crap together. most of it is sumer gear, which is BS! in the summer you can sleep on the ground with nothing and be ok. common dont try to blow nubies minds with your light weight.
for you nubies: 10 lbs is a good limit to try to keep to for upper level 3-season gear or normal 4-season gear for your 3 main componets.
magic
game03
game04
ps. if your talking summer gear, please post it. PEOPLE DIE EVERY YEAR because they think they got what it takes.
Hammock Hanger
03-07-2004, 13:41
This is the pack I carry 90% of the time from 40 degrees and up. When it is colder I need an underquilt for the hammock and if it is extremely cold I carry another fleece liner. SO if you are a newbie take this for what it is worth. Par down when you are ready. I had a go-liter par me down in 2001 at Trail Days. Lets just say that the hike from Atkins to Bland was the most miserable hike of my life as I couldn't get warm. I have pretty much brought my weight down to what I am comfortable with... It took over 1000 miles of hiking and playing with my gear and weather. Better to carry a couple of pounds then freeze!
40 and above:
Golite - 16 ounces (without hood)
EMS Thaw 45 bag - 16 ounces
Hammock - 28 ounces
windshield reflector - 4 ounces (binding tape taken off)
TOTAL: 4 pounds
This summer I will be hiking the Colorado trail. I understand that at times you may need to carry up to 2 days worth of water, and the Golite is not a good pack once over 25 pounds. I understand that hammock camping is much harder and will cut down campsite flexibity a lot, so a tent has been put in the mix, which means a pad... (Not thrilled about it, but I need a good nights sleep so ya do what ya have to. - I'm willing to bend occasionally.) Also it can get cold at these higher elevations even in the summer so a warmer sleeping bag comes in to play.
Osprey 60 - 3 pounds (w/o hood)
W/M Ultralite 20- 1 pound 10 ounces (short)
Nomad - 1 pound
Prolite Thermarest - 13 ounces
Total: 7 pounds, 7 ounces (OUCH!!!:datz )
This could be painful!!! But I feel that the add in's are necessary for this trip. Sue/HH
NewOldGuy
04-10-2004, 23:12
Three seasons, extended hike
1) Arc alpinist with 2 oz overfill plus silk bag liner - 23 oz
2) ULA P1 - 25 oz
3) HH ultralight with custom hex tarp plus titanium stakes & line - 25 oz
4) Cut down 25" closed cell foam pad - 11 oz
Total 84 oz = 5 lb 4 oz
For shorter hikes and warmer temps, the list is
1) Sleeping system - 11 oz (2 liners, silk + thermolite mummy)
2) Golite Dawn - 18 oz (with 3 oz homemade frame)
3) HH, same as above - 25 oz
4) foam pad as above - 11 oz
Total 65 oz = 4 lb 1 oz
SGT Rock
04-12-2004, 10:25
Pack: Moonbow Gearskin Sil-Nylon 22.6
Shelter: Hennessy Hammock w/2 stakes 32.6
Sleeping: Nunatak Backcountry Blanket 26.7
Pad: Homemade enzolite 1/2" mummy pad 9.6
Total for these four items is 91.5 ounces or 5.72 pounds
I started out "traditional" so am still reducing weight.
So far my only UL gear is my tent, a Nomad which weighs 2Lbs.
My pack is 4.5 Lbs (Full frame, BIG bag) but will be replaced with a 24 Oz P2 by ULA.
My sleeping bag weighs 3 or 4 Lbs, not sure. Still looking for a decent bag, don't want down (well, I do but can't afford it etc.)
Blue "ensolite" pad 10 OZ, I sleep well on it so it's a keeper.
Doctari.
Doctari, You are well own your way to being where you want to be...with the new pack...and eventually a WM Ultralite your Big Four are GREAT!!!
flyfisher
04-13-2004, 08:55
Tent = 0
Hammock = Hennessy Ultralite Backpacker A-SYM w/ mods 2Lbs
Bag = some no name 20 degree down mummy 2.4 lbs
Pad = 0 I have a hammock no need for pad
With a down bag in a hammock and no pad, how do you stay warm? Do your mods include an underquilt?
I've tried going without a pad in my hammock and can not get below about 60 degrees before I begin shivering in the middle of the night.
0 lbs 1.2 ozs (1.2 ozs= non-nalgine plastic water bottle)
i just strip down naked and dont carry a pack.
i'm so tired of everyone trying to beat someone elses light weight gear with lighter stuff. people sitting at home putting light weight single stich crap together. most of it is sumer gear, which is BS! in the summer you can sleep on the ground with nothing and be ok. common dont try to blow nubies minds with your light weight.
for you nubies: 10 lbs is a good limit to try to keep to for upper level 3-season gear or normal 4-season gear for your 3 main componets.
magic
game03
game04
ps. if your talking summer gear, please post it. PEOPLE DIE EVERY YEAR because they think they got what it takes.
I agree with Janet. But: I didn't feel that this post was about bragging rights. :)
Yes, don't go ultra light unless you have experience. Most posters here (UL forum) are experienced backpackers, and know their limits & so can SAFELY cut weight to a minimum. To get that experience: beg, borrow or rent gear & hit the trail. Many of the techniques mentioned here on the UL forum can be used by all, HOWEVER some are of the "don't try this at home kids!" variety.
Naturally this dosn't mean you can hit the trail your first time out with a sub 20 Lb pack, just be aware of the minimal margin for error when you do.
Safety first, PLEASE!
It also helps to be aware of your own limitations, I carry a sleep pad always, my 18 yo son sleeps straight on the ground down to 40f or lower, dosn't get cold or uncomfortable, so he dosn't carry a pad, saves 10 Oz, but his tent weighs somewhere between 8 Lbs & 6 tons*, go figure.
*3 season, 4 person, 2 vestibules. I don't know why he carries it, I sleep in my nomad.
ron bell
04-13-2004, 11:49
Above 45 degrees
Pack: 1500 ci silnylon , 5.5oz
Tarp: .9oz spinaker cloth 4.9X8 ft w/ 8 ti stakes and kevlar guyline , 6.5oz total
Bivisack: 1.35 Silnylon bottom, Epic by Nextec top, 7oz
Pad: Cut down wallmart blue pad, 18"X14"X60" 6oz
Bag: 1.1 oz DWR nylon fabric with one layer Primaloft PL6 on top of bag, no insulation underneath, no zipper ,13 oz
2.375 lbs
dje97001
04-19-2004, 15:47
I'm no where near as lightweight as the majority of you on here, but I'm quite pleased with my weights...
*Sleeping Bag: WM Ultralite Long - listed at 28 oz (plus an oz or two for
the stuff sack -- so say ~ 30 oz)
*Sleeping Pad: Thermarest Ultralite 3/4 - listed at 18 oz
*Pack: ULA P-2 (shipped today) - listed at 53.7 oz (49.5 if I don't use the
removable lid)
*Tent: Tarptent Cloudburst (with sewn in floor-shipping this week) - listed
at 38.5 oz. (of course this is for both me and my wife--my weight goes
up slightly, while she doesn't have to carry a shelter).
My Total: 140.2 oz or 8.76 lbs.
My Wife's total: 101.7 oz or 6.36 lbs.
Like I said, not the lightest, but the lightest I feel comfortable with, and frankly I am thrilled with those numbers!
Hammock Hanger
04-19-2004, 15:52
My Total: 140.2 oz or 8.76 lbs.
My Wife's total: 101.7 oz or 6.36 lbs.
Like I said, not the lightest, but the lightest I feel comfortable with, and frankly I am thrilled with those numbers!
Those are very good numbers, you should be proud. Sue/HH:clap
Kerosene
04-19-2004, 17:20
I've tried going without a pad in my hammock and can not get below about 60 degrees before I begin shivering in the middle of the night.Even with a Therma-Rest underneath, the down compressing against the side of the hammock limits use below 50 degrees (at least in a Hennessy for me). Hikerhead, on the other hand, is fine in his Clark down below freezing with just a pad under him along with extra clothes serving as insulation in the pockets underneath the hammock. Personally, I'm waiting for a mass market underquilt solution.
Hammock Hanger
04-19-2004, 18:15
Even with a Therma-Rest underneath, the down compressing against the side of the hammock limits use below 50 degrees (at least in a Hennessy for me). Hikerhead, on the other hand, is fine in his Clark down below freezing with just a pad under him along with extra clothes serving as insulation in the pockets underneath the hammock. Personally, I'm waiting for a mass market underquilt solution.
Yeah, what Hikerhead didn't tell you was about the battery operated heating pad that he brought.....
I think Tom Hennessy is going to have something for us in the way of a "mass market" underquilt come Trail Days.
Sue/HH
peter_pan
04-19-2004, 18:17
It seems we should all be talkings same season, weather range etc. Regardless, this is a three season configuration and not my summer super low, super fast gear.
Pack...homemade .......................................15.5
Extreme lt racer w/ tree huggers....................15.5
0.9 silnyl 8x8 tarp w/ 6 ten foot cords............11.0
Big slide covers............................................ .2.2
Jacks'r'better super light underquilt w/ hangers..16.3
4 Ti pegs.............................................. ........0.8
Jacks'r'better super light No Sniveling quilt.........15.5
Jacks'r'better compression sack.........................0.9
Total............................................. ............. 77.7oz or 4.856 lbs
Note; sure seems like a lot are leaving off the ground cloth from the sleep sytem of the "big four"...1.5 to 8 oz depending on what is used (Mylar, tyvek or plastic, 1,2 or 3 mil )
MedicineMan
04-23-2004, 22:48
pack: mithril 22oz
tent: HH Light Racer 21oz.
sleeping bag: Arc Alpinist 21oz.
SmeePan UQ 20oz.
pad: none
total:5.25lb
MedicineMan
04-23-2004, 23:19
exciting, cant wait to compare it with what PeterPan and Smee are doing....
about safety/Miss Janet...newbies take her words to heart...i've made new hikers carry old stuff just so they can appreciate where I came from :)
Maybe there should be a caveat (attention Attroll) before entering the ultralightweight section you have to click on a button and read the warning that getting off the couch can hurt you!
on the serious side we ultralight hikers could/should post about dangers we have faced/witnessed when subweight gear was used when heavier weight gear should have been taken....
Here's a lesson from sea kayaking...last year near Seattle two experienced yakkers were found dead-hypothermia...after the investigation it was found that they both had drysuits stowed inside their boats along with PFDs.
It is a real pisser to be in a bind knowing you have the right stuff at home but didnt bring it because it weighed too much, but only you can make that decision.
I didnt take this thread as a championing of who has the lightest/most expensive/ whatever....maybe some self accessment, maybe a means for us to actually look at what we carry, but I didnt see it as a threat to the greenhorns....surely many reading this thread will say wow, I know I did when I first discovered that my old Jansport D2 with at least a 1000miles on it was actually heavy.
I do know that ultralighting has made it possible for many to return to the trail, be it post injury (like me) or decreased animosity to the load carried.
Here is my late spring to early fall big four list
cut down ridgerest 6.4 oz
silnylon tarp 10.6 oz
Rab sleeping bag 16.0 oz
homemade mesh backpsck 7.74oz
total for the big four 40.74oz or 2.55 pounds
Robusto
fantasmagris
04-30-2004, 16:43
This is my current for 40F and above:
Pack - custom old style ULA P-2 = 44 oz.
Bedding - homemade mini-bivy w/ customized T-Lite and silk insert liners = 6 + 8 + 5 = 19 oz.
Pad - cut down'shaped LinkRest = 11 oz.
Shelter = homemade oversized poncho/tarp = 16 oz.
TOT = 90 oz./5.65 lbs.
Going HEAVIER by adding H. Hammock (25 oz.) & MPI adv. space blanket (8 oz.), then will be 105-123/6.56-7.69 lbs., but I'll have more versatility/comfort!
Good down to 15-20F w/ addtion of WM Caribou (20 0z.)
alalskaman
04-30-2004, 20:00
Pack - Granite Gear Vapor Trail, 2 lbs
Bag - REI subkilo long, 2 lbs 4 oz
Pad - Exped Foam Air, 1 lb 10 oz
Tent - Tarptent Squall, 1 lb 15 oz
Total 7 lbs 13 oz.
i weighed my REI Morningstar 75 backpack empty: 4lbs 5oz
i filled it to the max....complete with 5 days (dehydrated) food & 3
water (32oz Nalgene, 2-28oz sports bottles) bottles filled....
total weight: 32lbs............
section-hiking with this load May 1st-May 8th...Clingmans Dome to Hot Springs....w/ "Jigsaw", "Model-T", "DragonFly" & "TooTall".
Last winter, good down to 0*F or there abouts, I used
Heavy duty Gearskin ~2. lbs
NorthFace Maxwells Daemon (0*f) 3.25 lbs
Mt. Washington pad ~ .5 lbs
Integral Designs South Col bivy ~1.5 lbs
_________
7.25 lbs
Now, I'll count that as pretty darned good, though my leaning towards fleece gear took me toward ~18 lbs base weight (including googles and YakTrax).
Going long this summer, on the Cohos Trail ( http://www.cohostrail.org ) and turning east on the AT in the Whites. Will be taking
Heavy duty Gearskin ~2.lbs
Western Mtn. Highlight (40*F) ~1.5 lbs
Mt. Washington pad ~0.5 lbs
Integral Designs South Col bivy ~1.5 lbs
________
5.5 lbs
much more rugged -- easily throughhike material (with a liner and clothes to bring the bag down 20*). Base weight expected to be around ~12 lbs.
But now what happens after Trail Days, and some *really* fitting prototype purchases?
Mountain Laurel Designs:
pack (3000ci) 7 oz.
bag (800ci half/top) 9 oz.
pad (1/2 Mt. Wash) 3.5oz.
bivy (Adven.Medicine) 8 oz.
______
27.5 oz
1lb,12oz
1.75lbs
Yow! How'd *dat* happen?
This is *strictly* summer weight -- not below 50*F stuff, but *sheesh*! Works well with my modified fleece hoodie, with*out* the bivy, but I'm staying at "50*F" rating......
For not thinking of myself as a weight weenie, ......
After 3+ years of reading trailjournals.com all of the aspiring AT thru hikers in the pre-journals speak of spending their time in a tent or hammock but in the following journals spend less than 10 per cent of their time doing so in reality!
Why not take the lightest backup shelter possible...what are your thoughts???
SGT Rock
06-01-2004, 23:57
After 3+ years of reading trailjournals.com all of the aspiring AT thru hikers in the pre-journals speak of spending their time in a tent or hammock but in the following journals spend less than 10 per cent of their time doing so in reality!
Why not take the lightest backup shelter possible...what are your thoughts???
The point has been brought up before. It seems that a lot of people are attached to their tents. It is generally agreed that you nee to carry some sort of shelter for sure, but like some other items, it seems to be a matter of choice. Logic to one person may dictate only taking a 13 ounce back up shelter while another may see it in another way that if they don't use a shelter, then they need a big tent with a good flor and bug protection.
I'm sure others have similar stories about their shelter choice: when I say I stayed at Roan Mountain Shelter, I mean I slept in my hammock outside the shelter. Not all of us like to be awaken in the middle of the night by latecomers or shelter mice, but the possibility of a table at a shelter, close water, and maybe some cool people for company seem to make at least the general area a draw.
The point has been brought up before. It seems that a lot of people are attached to their tents. It is generally agreed that you nee to carry some sort of shelter for sure, but like some other items, it seems to be a matter of choice. Logic to one person may dictate only taking a 13 ounce back up shelter while another may see it in another way that if they don't use a shelter, then they need a big tent with a good flor and bug protection.
I'm sure others have similar stories about their shelter choice: when I say I stayed at Roan Mountain Shelter, I mean I slept in my hammock outside the shelter. Not all of us like to be awaken in the middle of the night by latecomers or shelter mice, but the possibility of a table at a shelter, close water, and maybe some cool people for company seem to make at least the general area a draw.
Up until three years ago camping and hiking meant solo hiking in the middle of nowhere to me as that has been my past totally. Three years ago I started staying close to shelters and tenting and have enjoyed the company totally...have yet to try a shelter...but in my post I stated that thru-hikers stated the same and reverted in even the first night and never changed! Check out the stastics tab in trailjournals!
TNF exocet 2.5#
rainfly frm dometent 1.0#
spaceblanket type SB .7#
FL ridgerest .8#
misc gear 5.0#
about 10.0 # w/out food /water/PDW...
could go lighter , but don't want to spend the $$$$...
grrickar
07-30-2004, 11:49
MSR Hubba Tent - 3lbs 7oz
Mountain Hardwear 2nd Dimension bag - 3lbs 1oz
Kelty Haiku 4250 pack - 3lbs 13oz
Sleeping Pad - Therma-rest Trail Regular 2lbs 4 oz (may go with a long Prolite for slightly less weight)
Total: 12lbs 9oz
gardenville
07-31-2004, 21:43
I can remember not long ago when 5 pounds was thought to be the weight barrier. Making all four of these items myself I can do it in less than 3 pounds.
-Pack. 6oz
-Cat style Tarp/w necessary stuff to pitch it. 14oz
-Down Sleeping Bag/Poly Tube Down Air Mattress
Made together like a Bivy. (less than 28oz) 28oz
------------
Less Than 48oz - 3 pounds
Note: The Poly Air Mattress is 78" by 24" by 3".
: The Poly Tube Down Air Mattress will have up to 8.5oz of #800 Down in it.
Add a home made Speer style Hammock to the list to get off the ground and Hang for about 12oz.
Build the Hammock with the Poly Tube Down Air Mattress, the Down Sleeping Bag and Bivy as one unit and be real clever about it and still stay real close to the 3 pound mark.
MedicineMan
07-31-2004, 22:25
just wanted to rave on the air mattress your up too, let me know when you have one to sell!
Streamweaver
07-31-2004, 22:39
Pack-Kelty Redwing 2900-49 ozs
Tent-Coleman Peak1 Cobra-64ozs
Sleeping bag-Slumberjack Baffin +20 long-42ozs
Pad-3/4 ridgerest-10ozs
165ozs=10.3lbs
Streamweaver
gardenville
07-31-2004, 23:27
Medicine Man, You could make your own Poly Tube Air Mattress for about $10. All you need is about 5 yards of $1.00 a yard fabric from some place like WalMart and 6 of the Poly Tubes (the guy that gave me the Poly Tubes to test with told me he would cut to length and seal more if I wanted them for $4 or $5 ). 6 tubes would give you one spare. 5 yards would be enough fabric for the sleeve part and with the tubes in the sleeves it is about 24" wide and 78" long. You could make it wider or longer/shorter as necessary with more or less fabric. You need 6" of fabric (width doubled) for the sleeve of each Poly Tube. According to the weight of the fabric your Poly Tube Air Mattress should weigh about 8 or 9oz.
It is really funny thinking that a 2 liter bottle of water would weigh more than my 4 big gear items.
I will not put money on this yet but I think a weight of 2 pounds is possible.
Most of this weight will be for some combination Down Bivy/Hammock/Air Mattress then a really light Pack and Tarp.
MedicineMan
08-01-2004, 01:41
I love the concept of the BigAgnes insulated air core mattesses but they are not wide enough,,,,your solution seems to be as wide as you want it to be.
I would want to insulate the poly tubes with Primaloft though....is there a valve in each one to inflate/deflate??? with Primaloft I wont have to worry about moisture build up in the down with each inflation/deflation cycle.
What material did you pick for the 'cover'....seems like there would be many choices here, like the extremelite rip-stop nylons out there or even Pertex....but first things first
1. does each polytube have a valve?
2. how do i order the polytubes?
I would love to make one 30inches wide for the light racer....and happen to have about 12oz. of Primaloft II laying about
gardenville
08-01-2004, 03:22
MedicineMan and others: There is no valve on the tubes. I have no idea how or where to get a valve that would work on this 2Mil stuff. They would add weight and another level of difficulty if nothing else. The Poly Tubes are heat sealed on one end and if you were going to put something in the tube the other end would be open. The tubes I have are 3" in diameter. My current idea is to make a silk gauze baffel about 76" long and ?? around. Fill these each with about .7oz of Down. I will make one for each Poly Tube. Slide the Down filled silk baffle into each Poly Tube. The open end will not be heat sealed at all. When I am ready to use the DAM I will blow it up (takes about 15 seconds per tube) twist the tube shut and tie a knot in the tubing. Since the end of the tube is open I can remove the Down filled baffels if they seem to be damp and dry them.
I should get the Down next Wed. or Thur. Once I get the Down I will know how much of my plan might work. I have never worked with Down and don't have any idea what the Down will do once inside the baffles. My hope is that it will behave itself and stay where I want it. When I make the baffles and fill them I will know for sure if this idea will work.
I never thought about using anything other than Down. It only takes about 3 breaths of air to blow up an empty Poly Tube. How much moisture can that be? I don't know.
I have enough 3M Porpore Fabric and I am thinking about using it. The Propore doesn't weigh much and I have been waiting to try it for something.
I will call the guy that made the Poly Tubes for me on Monday and see how he wants to handle selling some of the Poly Tube stuff.
I think part of the beauty in making your own gear is you can try things first with what ever you have around. The first of anything I make is usually made out of left over stuff. If I like the way it truns well enough for a second version then I look for the best (lightest) material I can find.
I have had a lot of fun playing with the Poly Tubing and the Balloons. I have only scratched the surface for things it might work for.
I don't know yet how long the Poly Tubing might last but it doesn't cost much. I would like to buy a roll of it and also try some of the Poly Tubing in other sizes.
MedicineMan
08-01-2004, 04:46
I dont know anything other than the pic of the polytubes you posted here.....but I'm thinking about a tube longer than it needs to be and a roll top closure then when rolled down to the calculated length it needs to be to work as a sleep pad it is then 'pressurized' to give support.....the roll top closure you are familiar with in dry bags used in kayaking....it is then not a valve to fail, not a metalic machine to fail, gives a opening the same opening size as the tube itself for filling/stuffing/ and insulation removal or addition.
The thought on Primaloft is that it is in bats, can be cut to fit into a 2inch or 3inch or 1.5in hole and because its still a bat after cutting will stay in place....if you have 8 tubes at 3inches then you've got the 24 inch min. (ok it varies by some people) for hammock coverage...then you've got 8 roll top closures and 8 sections of excess material that get rolled up to capture the air and give the pressure/resistance needed.....no breath is blown into the system so down is still an alternative, and when the roll top closure is open you have a much bigger hole for moisture to dry out if down is used......
now if this is to be suspended under the hammock it wont have to support your body weight-another plus and the 'pressurizing' by rolling the top down doesnt have to be abs. airtight at all, just enough to prevent mass air exchanges......
Hamburger
08-01-2004, 05:28
My weights are as follows:
Go Light Breeze backpack 420 gr
Pound by Exner Design, German made sleeping bag was 650 gr, have added 150 gr of downs now 800 gr rated at 42 F
Jupiter bivy tent by Terra Nova Equipment 900 gr
The Mount Washingto 3/4 length foam mat from High Country 250 gr
This comes to a total of 2.37 kg
And if I have calculated correctly this equals 4 pounds 12 ounzes
I might be moving to a lighter tarp in the future.
Hamburger
gardenville
08-01-2004, 11:49
[QUOTE=MedicineMan]...but I'm thinking about a tube longer than it needs to be and a [roll top closure] then when rolled down to the calculated length it needs to be to work as a sleep pad it is then 'pressurized' to give support.....the roll top closure you are familiar with in dry bags used in kayaking....it is then not a valve to fail, not a metalic machine to fail, gives a opening the same opening size as the tube itself for filling/stuffing/ and insulation removal or addition.
Point me to a web site where I can see what you are talking about. [roll top closure] I have a few copies of Sea-Kayaker but didn't see anything in the "add's" section like you are talking about. I do think I have see the closure thing you are talking about, just can't find it now.
I see no real reason why your idea for the Primaloft will not work. I would like to get some Polarguard "D" (I think that is the one BackpackingLight.com is using for the Cocoon Jacket they are working on) and try it in some "wet weather' gear.
As for the hammock there are a lot of ways to make it warmer. I want something simple, light and compact. I am going with Down because of the weight and I think I can pack it smaller than with a synthetic. I want as few parts as possible following the KISS theory. Just how I will end up doing it may only come after working through several different ideas. It also may not work but if it doesn't I hope it leads me to something that will.
Pencil Pusher
08-01-2004, 12:16
2370grams=83.5 ounces=5lbs, 3.5oz
Sehr gut job going super light. That's pretty darned light, indeed!
MedicineMan
08-01-2004, 22:26
http://www.preparedness.com/watdrybag.html
http://www.familyonboard.com/SeattleSportsH2ZeroDryBags.html
just to give you an idea.....would easily worth with thin long bats of primaloft but not with down unless you sewed a baffle at the end of each tube-which shouldnt be a big problem since you can sew anyway!
gardenville
08-02-2004, 00:02
I have seen that bag. I think REI sells them. I believe they use something that is called a "Side Release Buckle" that is somehow sewn onto the end of the bag material. Seattle Fabric sells those buckles and I have some. I use them on packs and other things I make.
There is another kind of clip?? that slides over the material of the bag after folding it a few times. Like a Hair Pin. I think they can be used to close the end of plastic food bags.
I am going to a make a tube of silk gauze (like a cut off panty hose leg) to hold my Down. I have the silk gauze, it is .45oz per square yard. I use it for bug net since it is softer and just as good as no-seeum. Then I just slide the Down tubes into the Poly Tube Air mattress or what ever, blow the Poly Tubes up, then twist it tight and tie a knot. I have to see the Down first but I may sew across the tube (baffle) every 8 to 10 inches to keep the Down from moving or packing up in one spot. I have other ideas for those Down tubes that some of the "faint" of heart might rise an eyebrow to when they hear them.
I should start an Ultra-Lite Poly Tube Backpacking Gear business.
The Solemates
08-02-2004, 10:07
BIG FOUR that we used on our 2004 thru-hike:
(It will change drastically for our planned 2006 PCT hike)
(My) Pack: Gregory Z-Pack, 3 lbs 3 oz.
(Wife's) Pack: Gregory Reality, 4 lbs 10 oz.
(Shared) Tent: Mountain Hardwear Waypoint 2 (with stakes, groundcloth, string, etc.), 3 lbs 14 oz.
(Shared) Sleeping Bag:
Bottom: No-name Fleece Liner, about 1 lb
Top: The North Face Cat's Meow 20*, 2 lbs 12 oz (and 12 years old)
Because we started February 1, I carried a 5* Mountain Hardwear Tioga (3 lbs 5 oz and 5 years old) until Pearisburg, where I switched to the 20*. My wife carried a 0* LL Bean Something-or-another (about 3lbs) until somewhere in the mid-Atlantic. In the end, for summer hiking, we used the above liner/Cat's Meow combination.
(My) Sleeping Pad: Full Length Z-Rest, 15 oz
(Wife's) Sleeping Pad: 3/4 Length Z-Rest, 9 oz
I carried the tent and liner. My total weight was 9 lbs. exactly for the BIG FOUR.
My wife carried the heavier bag. Her total weight was 8lbs 5 oz.
trippclark
08-02-2004, 15:30
My big four from my recent section hikes has not exceeded 7 lbs 9 oz.
Gregory G-Pack (Medium) = 2 lbs 12 oz
Speer Hammock & Tarp = 2 lbs
Down Peapod (w/ 1 oz overstuffing) = 1 lbs 13 oz
Down Top Blanket = 1 lb
The last outing it was warmer, so I shaved a pound and left the top blanket at home.
Next outing in cool weather, I plan to try out a Jacks R Better Down Underquilt with my Hennessy Ultralite Backpacker and swap out the HH tarp with the larger Speer Tarp. With this set up, I figure that my BIG FOUR will be 7 pounds even.
Gregory G-Pack (Medium) = 2 lbs 12 oz
Hennessy Ultralite Backpacker with substituted Speer Tarp = 2 lbs (maybe 1-2 oz more . . . have not weighed difference between tarps)
Jacks R Better Nest Underquilt = 1 lb 4 oz
Speer down top blanket = 1 lb
Here is my August, 2004 Big Four:
GoLite Breeze pack
Gosamer Gear NightLite Sleeping Pad (torso length)
Mont-Bell U.L. Super Stretch Down Hugger #7 sleeping bag
Outdoor Research double bug bivy, in a silnylon stuff sack
USPS postal scale 3 lbs. 9.2 oz.
The PostMistress said, "My purse weighs more than that."
I_think_I_can
08-25-2004, 19:56
I, one of the humble aforementioned newbies, would like to present my list for the inspection of the great and wise ultralighters...
Pack:Gregory Deva 60 4lb 14oz before modification, unsure of weight without frame
Bag:WM High Lite w/ silk liner 21 oz
Tent:half of MSR Hubba hubba ~2lb
Pad:Therm a rest S-Lite 11oz
Grand total: Roughly 8lb, but working on less.
I've tried the Go Lite bags and think they're great, but NONE FIT! When is GoLite going to realize that women backpack, too? The only thing I've found is the breeze, which won't have enough support. Sigh.
Erin
Tn Bandit
08-26-2004, 13:49
3 season and week trek:
Go Lite Speed 31 oz
Big Agnes Horse Thief 24 oz
Big Agnes Air Core 19 oz
Big Agnes Seedhouse 1 UL “Fastfly” 35 oz
Total: 109 oz 6lbs 13 oz
Winter:
Kelty Red Cloud 4500 82 oz
Big Agnes Pomer Hoit 43 oz
Big Agnes Ins Air Core 20 oz
Big Agnes Seedhouse 1UL 45 oz
Total: 11 lbs 14oz
Ouch I thought they said I would love winter backpacking!
TN Bandit
hiker dude
08-26-2004, 23:10
Pack; Maraposa 14 to 17.4 oz maxed, with a frame and belt.
Black diamond Mega mid ultralite 9x9' about 2 pounds and a one pound ground sheet. But I can get 8 people sitting up in here in the rain. 9x9.
Sleeping pad; thin light 1.5oz 19.5x57" with the 13oz ultralite thermarest also added in winter.
Sleeping bag, either my $60 Tall Marmot none baffled ventura with the full zipper for a cape jacket to at 24oz right now for this week till the cold comes. or my 45oz big Agnis lost ranger for fall and winter and got room to move. Both bags excede my warmth AND MY MOVING AROUND I NEED or I tear out your seams kicking your bag apart. I love my lost ranger bag more than any bag out there if you gave it to me. Just the way it is.
Right now I got a old Keltey Flight[ copy of the cloud] till I get my Mariposa soon , you know. Anyway I stipped the flight to under 3 pounds and its still got the better padded belt and packstaps and the frame to and the top zipper pocket. I seem to tried it with and without the frame and my back likes the way the frame leaves my arms totaly free of the pack. So even my worst weight is 9 pounds with a frame pack with real kety belt and shoulder straps intstead of the webing style included. Backpacker did a bad review but do they have real testers sometimes? It fits like a kelty glove to me. Cept it didn't weight under 2 pounds like they said unless I use the webbing belt and shoulder harnesses.
But my weight with 4-5 days food and 32 ozwater and everything my pro fleece Retro jacket and my red ledge rain weather gear, Olympus 400 camera, guide books, 3 ultramax socks,headlamp, brasslite F stove and fuel, ultralite and ultracheap polypro at campmor [I don't belive that hype only that the new stuff will wash 100 times longer, it still smells] its still never 20 pounds ever out the door or something is wrong I tell myself.. Even with my 13oz Montrail Hurricane ridge Gore tex shoes with rocky moutian low gaitors in it the top of my pack and 4 ounce jogging shorts under my street cloths.
See I got a fish scale at k mart for $6 to 50 pounds. and I got a small ounce scale to that is the key to playing around with gear. I never leave the house with 20 pounds. No smoke, the $6 kmart fish scale tells me all.:sun Time has come today.
Singletrack
08-31-2004, 20:37
40 Degrees and above........................................ Granite Gear Virga...21.4 oz. Integral Design Sil Tarp 2, 8 stakes, kelty trip tease line, and stuff sack...18.6 oz. Western Mountaineering Megalite 30 deg. 25.5 oz. Thermarest Ultra Light, 72X20... 23.7 oz. Silnylon ground cloth, 36X85...3.4 oz. Total 92.6 oz.= 5.79 lbs.
skysappr
09-03-2004, 19:45
Homemade pack 18oz
Homemade shelter 21 w/stakes & Lines
Quilt modified army patrol bag 24 oz
18x28x3/8 closed cell pad 6 oz
No ground cloth, shelter has floor and bug netting sewn in.
Total: 69 oz or 4.31 lbs
"KISKIL"
skysappr
09-03-2004, 19:49
"I've tried the Go Lite bags and think they're great, but NONE FIT! When is GoLite going to realize that women backpack, too? The only thing I've found is the breeze, which won't have enough support. Sigh."
"Erin"
I am not certain what type of support you are looking for or need. Jenny Jardine used a slightly lighter version of the Breeze since it came from the Jardine design. My closed cell pad which is only 18 x 28 forms the frame of my pack, space is filled by not overstuffing lofty items such as sleeping bags, insulating clothing etc. For a thrmarest pad do a search for the mithril pack system and it talks about using the thermarest inflatable to form the framework for a frameless pack.
Skysappr
"KISKIL"
(
[email protected])
thompson peak pack 10.5 oz
mountian hardware phantom 32 sleeping bag 21 0z
brawny tarp tent with 8 titanium stakes 24 oz
mt washinton high country sleeping pad 50 in long 5.5 oz
total wieght 61 oz or 3.81 lbs :banana :jump :bse :) :sun :clap :bse :jump
I_think_I_can
09-03-2004, 22:37
Skysappr, I'm looking with something wiht a hip belt, also, the breeze is only meant to hold up to 20 lb, and I may need to cary more than that at times. I was planning on using the Therm a rest S-light and trimming it to size, so that wouldn't work to well as a support for the bag. Thanks for the reply, though. :-)
Erin
My lightest:
Bivy and home made quilt: 25 oz.
Home made tarp: 17 oz.
Cut and modified close cell pad: 5 oz.
Eureka Incline modified pack: 34 oz.
Total: 5lbs 1 oz
My latest:
Denali 30 degree bag: 36 oz.
HH Explorer Ultra-light: 37 oz.
Same pad 5oz.
Same pack: 34oz.
Total: 7lbs
bagheera
09-04-2004, 14:21
Ok I'll bite, not ultralight but certainly comfurtable...
Pack: Osprey Aether 60 54oz
Tent:SD UltraLightning 55oz Fastpack mode 36 oz
Bag: SD Metamorph 48oz W/O extra layer 32oz
Pad: Thermarest Ultra 22oz
Total: Cold wt 179 oz (11.18lbs)
Warm wt 144 oz (9lbs)
MileMonster
10-20-2004, 12:26
Pack: ULA P2 - 36 oz or 2.25 lbs
Tent: 8x10 siltarp - 16 oz or 1 lb, or Shires Tarptent Squall - 30 oz or 1.88 lbs
Sleeping Bag: Moostone Minima (allergic to down) - 37 oz or 2.5 lbs
Pad: Z-rest - 15 oz or 0.94 lbs
Total: 104 oz or 6.4 lbs w/ tarp or 118 oz or 7.4 lbs w/ Tarptent.
I'm all about being comfortable.
Sleeping Bag - 3 lbs. 4 oz.
Tent - 3 lbs. 9 oz.
Pack - 5 lbs. 10oz.
Sleeping Pad - 2 lbs.
My total pack weight is around 40 lbs fully loaded.
-Nero
Bloodroot
10-20-2004, 15:39
Sleeping bag - Western Mountaineering Ultralite - 26oz
Tent - Tarptent Squall (with floor, groundcloth and ext beak) - 45oz
Pack - Osprey Aether 75 - 66oz
Sleeping Pad - Thermarest Prolite 3 Reg - 19oz
Total = 157oz (9.81lbs)
willyhort0w2
10-21-2004, 10:31
I just recently weighed all of my gear so here it goes:
Ultralite adventure equipment P-2 34.0 oz
Tarptent squall w/ floor minus front pole 30.7 oz
Western mountaineering Badger 20* 41.0 oz
Ridge Rest cut to 3 1/2 ' 6.8 oz
total: 7.03 lbs
fot the summer I have a EMS velocity 35* bag which weighs 22 oz which drops my weight down to 5.84 lbs
my total pack weight in cool/colder weather minus food, water and fuel is arount 23 lbs. And total weight in the summer is around 17 lbs minus f, w and f
I also use a Hennessey hammock instead of the squall, depending on my mood. which would add 5 oz to my shelter weight.
Depends on what pack (of three) for what trip
Texsport Willowbend pup tent 52 oz.
Flannel Blanky 32 oz.
17*72 blue foam pad 16 oz
So, 100 ounces before the pack which could be from a golite gust at 21 ounces up to a kelty external at 120 ounces depending on other gear needed.
so 121 oz/7.6 pounds to 220 oz/13.75 pounds depending on the trip.
TUNEDVWGTI
01-21-2005, 15:38
Hey,
Here are my Big 4,
Not quite as light as some others, but I've shed over 25Lbs from my old pack weight with my new gear. I got everything as lite as I could for my Thru-Hike.
I'm starting on April 1, 2005...
Winter:
MountainSmith Ghost - 2Lbs.
Mountain Hardwear Piute - 2Lbs 4oz
MSR Hubba - 3Lbs 2oz
Therm A Rest Pro Lite 3 - 1Lb
Total = 8Lbs 6oz
Summer:
MountainSmith Ghost - 2Lbs.
LaFuma Warm&Lite 600 Fill - 1Lb 3oz
MSR Hubba - 3Lbs 2oz
Therm A Rest Pro Lite 3 - 1Lb
Total = 7Lbs 5oz
Also,
Here is some of my other gear,
JetBoil stove - 1Lb
Priceton Tec Aurora Headlamp - 3oz
MSR Miox purifier - 7oz
Happy Hiking,
Give or take an ounce or two:
Mountainsmith Auspex: 3.5#
EMS Thaw 40: 2#
Hennessy HAmmock or TarpTent Squall: 2#
cut down RidgeRest, Z-rest, or Mt. Washington:0.25#
Total 7.75#
(FWIW, my total base weight is usually about 12#)
UCONNMike
01-21-2005, 19:31
Pack - 2 lbs 2 oz (34oz), Granite Gear Vapor Trail
Sleeping Bag - 2 lbs 6 oz (38oz), Slumberjack Super Guide 30°F
Shelter - 2 lbs 4 oz (36oz), Hennessy Explorer Ultralite A-SYM
Sleeping Pad - 9 oz, Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest 3/4
Total = 117 oz or 7.31 pounds
See more of my gear on my website
http://www.thenorthernjourney.com/thegearlist.html
Nightwalker
01-21-2005, 20:08
Gregory Stinger Pack: 5 lbs., 8 oz
The North Face - Blaze - 20 Degree Sleeping Bag: 2 lb., 14 oz.
Therma-Rest Classic 3/4: 1 lb., 8.5 oz.
Sierra Designs LightYear CD Tent: 2 lbs. 15 oz.
12 lbs., 13.5 oz.
A lot less than when I started!
Frank
Actually, I'm finally heading towards light, but probably never ultralight.
Current setup:
Osprey Aether 60 40.0
Ridgerest 14.0
Mountainsmith Wisp Sleeping Bag 24.0
Lightyear CD 47.0
That comes to 7 lbs., 13 oz. If I can get Ti stakes and CF poles for the tent before I go, that'll take off another 14 oz, but I can live with things the way they are right now.
The Mountainsmith bag stuffs down to about the size of a grapefruit, and the Osprey disappears on my back as I walk. I could only afford either of them because of silly "last year's model" sales.
Drala Hiker
01-28-2005, 00:20
Frank, how did you get your Aether 60 down to 40 oz? My reg. length one weighs 3 lb 6 oz, or 54 oz. Of course I wouldn't mind it being lighter as long as it didn't affect performance or usability.
Mountain Dew
01-28-2005, 23:47
Kelty 50th Anniversary pack: 6.8 lbs.
MSR Hubba Tent( tent rain fly, stakes, footprint): 3.4 lbs
Thermarest sleeping pad:1.4 lbs
Phantom Mountain Hardware sleeping bag(15* long):2.1 lbs
TOTAL:13.7
No shoulder pain cause by ridiculously light and under paded pack !
No rain or bugs getting into my sleeping area at night with that great tent !
Using a full length sleeping pad that is actually a PAD and protects from the cold !
A sleeping bag that allows me to sleep and not shiver !
WORTH EVERY OUNCE !
GoLite Breeze - 15 oz
Western Mtnering Caribou - 21 oz
3/4 RidgeRest - 9 oz
TarpTent Squall - 32 oz
Total = 77 ounces / 4.8 lbs
This of course is a warmer weather setup... late spring, summer and early fall. Colder than that I'd break out a 15 degree Mtn Hardwear bag that weighs a ton and the ArcTeryxBora 80 pack which weighs another ton. Eventually I need to bring the weight of those two items down with a middle range backpack and a lighter 20 degree bag... it'll work for now.
hikerjohnd
01-31-2005, 11:57
While I'm no ULer, and don't think I ever will be, I'm getting much closer...
Pack - Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone - 48 oz (on order - haven't put on my scale yet)
Tent - Tarptent Virga w/groundsheet - 31 oz (on order - haven't put on my scale yet)
Sleeping Bag - Winter TNF Hightail 900 15 deg - 32 oz (summer Kelty LightYear 45 - 32 oz)
Sleeping Pad - Gossamer Gear NightLite torso pad - 4 oz
Total - 115 oz or 7 lbs 3 oz :clap yea me!
Photofanatic
01-31-2005, 14:16
I can't say I am into ultra light rather I like to keep it simple. I don't want to carry many pieces to put together. Even my food choices didn't seem to matter much as long as I stayed warm dry and fed I was good to hike on. I hate to spend a lot of money on stuff that I am going to trash on a trail and I wasn't out to impress anyone with great gear. So here is what I carried and will continue to carry unless I find a need for something different.
My pack is a Kelty external frame it is in the garage and I am being to lazy to go out there to see the make. I think it is a Mountain Jr. 5.5 lbs
I am a little on the short side. 64" tall so I was able to get away with purchasing a childs backyard tent from Walmart, less than 2 lbs and under $20.00. I did have to go over the seams with sealer and didn't bother with carrying tie downs and stakes.
A Coleman 0 degree sleeping bag worked fine for staying warm. Because it is down I packed it in a plastic garbage bag and compression sack. I can't remember what it weighed but it wasn't much.
I found that I didn't need a ground cover or pad. The floor of the tent is the same as a tarp and I didn't have any moisture come through the floor. My sleeping bag made sufficient padding for me to sleep comfortably. But I am the type that can sleep comfortably on a rock and use my pack for a pillow.
Pack- GoLite Race (modified nichts on the heavy neoprene) 24 oz.
Sleeping Bag- WM Highlite Short 15 oz.
Shelter- Home sewn Silnylon (2 person) 20 oz.
Pad- sleep on my pack. 0 oz.
Total = 59 oz.; 3.7 lbs
The Solemates
02-02-2005, 16:14
.
Pad- sleep on my pack. 0 oz.
What?! That may be taking it too far. Id rather sleep on the bare ground than on my pack, with buckles and straps poking me all night. At least lay a fleece down.
What?! That may be taking it too far. Id rather sleep on the bare ground than on my pack, with buckles and straps poking me all night. At least lay a fleece down. My pack doesn't have too many buckles and strap. I basically lie it down as if I were wearing it, but I flip the shoulder straps to the under side of the pack. The portion of the Go-Lite Race that faces towards your back while you have it on is actually padded, and provides for a nice and comfy sleeping pad.
ULA P2 40 oz.
20* Campmor down 36 oz.
Silshelter w/stakes 16 oz.
Ultralite 3/4 Thermarest 18 oz.
110 oz or 6.8 lbs.
Fullofadventure...please list your big four...and why! :sun :sun
Fullofadventure...please list your big four...and why! :sun :sun
Just send me a PM and we will settle this, OFF the board...Thanks happy!!!
one tin soldier
02-16-2005, 01:30
What a difference in the weights of newer equipment. Here's a comparison between what I carried in 1996 and what I intend to carry in 2005:
1996 2005
Osprey Helix Ballistic 124 Go-Lite Trek 32
w/bullet bags
North Face Cats Meow 52 Marmot Arroyo 33
Eureka 1 Person Tent 59 Virga Tarptent 27
Original Thermarest 38 Z-Rest 15
273 or 107 or
17.1 lbs 6.7 lbs
Plus backpack load 33.9 17.3 *
including 3 days food
& 2 liters water
Total Weight 51 lbs 24 lbs
* = anticipated
Boy I was much more foolish when i was a little younger.
one tin soldier
02-16-2005, 01:39
Let me try that again. I didn't preview my post and i didn't realize how much this editor would rearrange my entry. So here it is in a cleaned up format:
What a difference in the weights of newer equipment. Here's a comparison between what I carried in 1996 and what I intend to carry in 2005:
1996
Osprey Helix Ballistic Backpack w/bullet bags 124 oz
North Face Cats Meow Sleeping Bag 52 oz
Eureka 1 Person Tent 59 oz
Original Thermarest 38 oz
273 oz or
17.1 lbs
Plus basic load to include 3 days food/2 liters water 33.9 lbs
Total Weight 51 lbs
2005
Go-Lite Trek Backpack 32 oz
Marmot Arroyo Sleeping Bag 33 oz
Virgia Tarptent 27 oz
Z-Rest 15 oz
107 oz or
6.7 lbs
Plus basic load to include 3 days food/2 liters water 17.3 lbs (anticipated)
Total Weight 24 lbs
Boy I was much more foolish when i was a little younger.
For the past 10 years hiking in the Whites:
Dana Terraplane approx 112 oz
EMS 0* mummy 48 oz
EMS Tent (forget Model) 96 oz
Thermarest (original) 38 oz
Total somewhere around 18 lbs
This summer with the current state of my knees...
Granite Gear VT 34 oz
Tarptent Virga 30 oz
WM Ultralite 26 oz
TAR 3/4 Prolite 3 13 oz
little under 7 lbs
Thank god for lighter weight gear.
Lone Wolf
02-27-2005, 16:38
Gregory Shasta
Campmor 20 down bag
North Face Canyonlands tent
RidgeRest 3/4 pad
Total: 12 lbs
Granite Gear Vapor Trail 2lbs
Marmot Helium Sleeping Bag 1lbs 13oz
Thermarest Prolite 4 3/4 1lbs 2oz
Golite Hut1(stakes included) 1lbs 4oz
---------
6lbs3oz
oldfivetango
02-27-2005, 18:54
0 lbs 1.2 ozs (1.2 ozs= non-nalgine plastic water bottle)
i just strip down naked and dont carry a pack.
i'm so tired of everyone trying to beat someone elses light weight gear with lighter stuff. people sitting at home putting light weight single stich crap together. most of it is sumer gear, which is BS! in the summer you can sleep on the ground with nothing and be ok. common dont try to blow nubies minds with your light weight.
for you nubies: 10 lbs is a good limit to try to keep to for upper level 3-season gear or normal 4-season gear for your 3 main componets.
magic
game03
game04
ps. if your talking summer gear, please post it. PEOPLE DIE EVERY YEAR because they think they got what it takes. If you are going to talk weight then i think we should talk total gross weight of what you are actually taking "out there".I am right at 50 pounds with 6 days food and a liter of water and plenty of fuel.Yeah, i would like to go lighter and will lose some of the clothing later in the year but i can carry the weight which hopefully will be getting about 2 lbs lighter per day.:D
Cheers to all,
Oldfivetangol
Nightwalker
02-27-2005, 22:31
Frank, how did you get your Aether 60 down to 40 oz? My reg. length one weighs 3 lb 6 oz, or 54 oz. Of course I wouldn't mind it being lighter as long as it didn't affect performance or usability.
Ow! Math mistake. 56 ounces. 3.5 pounds.
wacocelt
02-28-2005, 00:47
Gregory Shasta - 6lbs 3oz
Slumberjack 15 degree synthetic bag - 5lbs
12'x12' silnylon tarp w/netting - 14oz (soon adding 4-5lb 2 person tent also)
Thermarest winter graded full length pad - 2lb 8 oz
I think I'm finally getting back up to a comfortable pack weight!
pack: granite gear nimbus ozone 3lbs
tent: NF Tadpole, big enough for me my dog and gear, 4lbs 7ozs (changed stakes and guylines after failure)
sleeping bag: big Agnes Horse Theif, 1 lb 8ozs
sleeping pad: big agnes air core, 1 lb, 3ozs (2.5"' think pad makes for a great nights sleep)
Total: 10 lbs, 2 ozs
None of this is ultra light, but figured I would post anyway
-granger
Van Lloyden
03-04-2005, 18:02
Golite Breeze 14.2 oz
Ghetto Fab Quilt 33.3 oz
Ghetto Fab Tarp 14.9 (lines and stakes 9.2)
Thermarest Ultra Full 28.5 (OUCH)
Total 5.36 lbs
pdhoffman
03-11-2005, 14:44
Big four totals 5 lb. 14.3 oz.
Six Moon Designs Starlite pack
Western Mountaineering Alpenlite bag
3/4 Z-Rest
Wanderlust Gear Nomad Lite tent
Includes all stuff sacks, tent stakes, cords.
I am really trying to get my base weight down to 15 pounds, including all my toys.
Pete Hoffman
"Old Corpus"
I get tripping down memory lane when I see all of the different Big Four weights. Anybody remember the old two person Boy Scout tents at somewhere around 15 lbs.? I used to own a kapok sleeping bag, that when rolled, was about half the size of a roll of fiberglass insulation. Add the wicker packbasket and 0.0 for no groundsheet and the weight of the big four was somewhere around 20+ lbs. Add in the cans of Campbell soup and a whole dozen eggs and 1 pound package of bacon and the 2 lb. mess kit and, well, thank God for modern technology and Ramen noodles.... :datz
Singletrack
03-12-2005, 08:59
Foodbag, if you live in Georgia, you can go out on the AT and still see some of this gear you described. Especially in March and April. Good luck on your hike.
Here is my list:
Pack:
Gregory Z Pack- 3lb 2oz
Equinox sil-nylon pack cover- 3oz
Shelter:
Integral Designs Sil-Shelter- 16.5oz
REI Minimalist bivy- 1lb 1oz
Sleeping System:
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 32- 1lb 6oz
Cocoon silk mummy liner- 4.7oz
Ridge Rest 3/4- 9oz
TOTAL:8lb 10.3oz
Essentials:clap
Mountain Dew
03-16-2005, 01:43
I'd be ultra-lite if not for my cadilac pack...
1. Kelty 50th anniversary pack: 6.8 pounds
2. Thermarest prolite 3 pad: 1.4 pounds
3. Mountain Hardware Phantom 15*, LONG, 800 fill down sleeping bag: 2.1 pounds.
4. MSR Hubba tent: 3.6 pounds
TOTAL:13.9 or 7.1 without that nice comfy pack. :datz
Okay, I have a new gear list.
PACK: 3300 CI of My own Design 6.6 oz
SLEEPING Bag: WM Highlite Short 14.8 oz
PAD: Z-lite 6 section cut to 15" 4.5 oz
SHELTER: 9'x10' Home made 11.8 oz
TOTAL: 37.7 oz or 2.4 lbs
Okay, I have a new gear list.
PACK: 3300 CI of My own Design 6.6 oz
SLEEPING Bag: WM Highlite Short 14.8 oz
PAD: Z-lite 6 section cut to 15" 4.5 oz
SHELTER: 9'x10' Home made 11.8 oz
TOTAL: 37.7 oz or 2.4 lbs
Were going to have to start backing these weights up with pictures! :banana
Okay, I have a new gear list.
PACK: 3300 CI of My own Design 6.6 oz
SLEEPING Bag: WM Highlite Short 14.8 oz
PAD: Z-lite 6 section cut to 15" 4.5 oz
SHELTER: 9'x10' Home made 11.8 oz
TOTAL: 37.7 oz or 2.4 lbs Were going to have to start backing these weights up with pictures! :banana Okay I will try and figure out how to post a pic. I will post a pic of the item on the scale with weight fully visable.
Okay, I have a new gear list.
PACK: 3300 CI of My own Design 6.6 oz
SLEEPING Bag: WM Highlite Short 14.8 oz
PAD: Z-lite 6 section cut to 15" 4.5 oz
SHELTER: 9'x10' Home made 11.8 oz
TOTAL: 37.7 oz or 2.4 lbs Were going to have to start backing these weights up with pictures! :banana Okay I will try and figure out how to post a pic. I will post a pic of the item on the scale with weight fully visable. As you can see I actually made some mistakes.
Sleeping Bag: 14.7 oz
z-lite: 4.4 oz
Pack: 6.6 oz
Tarp: 12.5
Total:38.2 oz or 2.4 lbs
So I was definately off on the tarp. Not sure what happen there.
http://www.unr.nevada.edu/~fostere/images/Weights/Tear_Ziplock.jpg (http://www.unr.nevada.edu/%7Efostere/images/Weights/Tear_Ziplock.jpg)
http://www.unr.nevada.edu/~fostere/images/Weights/Backpack1.jpg (http://www.unr.nevada.edu/%7Efostere/images/Weights/Backpack1.jpg)
http://www.unr.nevada.edu/~fostere/images/Weights/Backpack2.jpg (http://www.unr.nevada.edu/%7Efostere/images/Weights/Backpack2.jpg)
http://www.unr.nevada.edu/~fostere/images/Weights/Tarp.jpg (http://www.unr.nevada.edu/%7Efostere/images/Weights/Tarp.jpg)
http://www.unr.nevada.edu/~fostere/images/Weights/Tear_Stuff.jpg
http://www.unr.nevada.edu/~fostere/images/Weights/Sleeping_Bag.jpg (http://www.unr.nevada.edu/%7Efostere/images/Weights/Sleeping_Bag.jpg)
I hope you feel better now.
PACK: GG Nimbus Ozone - 3 lbs
SLEEPING Bag: SD Wild Bill Long - 3lbs 3oz.
PAD: Ridge Rest 3/4 length - 9oz.
SHELTER: Integral Designs Siltarp 1 - 10oz with stakes
Total: 7lbs 6oz.
SGT Rock
04-07-2005, 08:10
Update for me - I have changed some gear.
Pack: Moonbow Gearskin (modified) - 21.5 ounces
Sleeping Bag: Hungry Howie Quilt - 17.7 ounces
Pad: Jacks R' Better Underquilt and Weathershield combo - 7.7+18.0+2.0=27.7 ounces
helter: Hennessy Hammock and 2 stakes - 31.5+1.0=32.5 ounces
Total 99.4 ounces or 6 pounds 3.4 ounces
I went up about half a pound.
Wow, mine's pretty heavy compared to some of you guys and gals. :(
(All are manufacturers' weights)
Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1: 3 lbs. 2 oz.
Gregory G Pack: 2 lbs. 12 oz.
Exped Wallcreeper: 1 lb. 15 oz.
Insul-Mat Max-Lite 3/4: 1 lb. 1 oz.
Total: 8 lbs. 14 oz.
mumblez
According to the Big Agnes website
Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 :
trail weight - 2 lb. 8 oz.
footprint - 5.5 oz.
or did you mean the SL2?
Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 :
trail weight - 3 lb. 3 oz.
No, it's the Seedhouse SL1. I used the weights on REI.com. I believe the weights on Big Agnes' website are off. REI has what is the right approximate weights on their website.
hauptman
04-11-2005, 23:10
Homade Sil-Nylon tarp=6 oz.
Homade pack (basic rucksack design)=6 oz.
Closed cell foam pad (cut short and customized to fold easier for better back support)=8 oz.
Bag-WM Highlite (w/ homade water resistent cover for extra protection against the elements)=20 oz.
Total pounds= a cool 2.5 pounds
p.s., not too bad huh!!! images/smilies/clap.gif
Just changed out my shelter:
pack: granite gear nimbus ozone 3lbs
shelter: Hennessey Ultralight Asym 2lbs 4ozs (was NF Tadpole, weight 4lbs 7ozs)
sleeping bag: big Agnes Horse Theif, 1 lb 8ozs
sleeping pad: big agnes air core, 1 lb, 3ozs
Total: Just under 8lbs
hauptman
04-21-2005, 04:52
changed some of my homade gear and have taken my big four down from 2.5 pounds to only 2 pounds. awesome !!!
Homade pack=5oz.w/extra clothing in shoulder/waist straps instead of padding
Homade Tarp=7oz.w/ 6 titanium stakes and guylines included/ has bug netting
Homade Fleece Bag(6ft. by 30in. at widest point/mummy design)=13oz.
Homade Closed Cell Pad(1/2in.thick by 20in.wide by 50in.long[i trimmed it short])=7oz.
not too bad huh(by the way my total weight with food and water is 12pounds even!!!!!!!!
changed some of my homade gear and have taken my big four down from 2.5 pounds to only 2 pounds. awesome !!!
Homade pack=5oz.w/extra clothing in shoulder/waist straps instead of padding
Homade Tarp=7oz.w/ 6 titanium stakes and guylines included/ has bug netting
Homade Fleece Bag(6ft. by 30in. at widest point/mummy design)=13oz.
Homade Closed Cell Pad(1/2in.thick by 20in.wide by 50in.long[i trimmed it short])=7oz.
not too bad huh(by the way my total weight with food and water is 12pounds even!!!!!!!!
i bet this is not your winter gear:cool: neo
Pack: ULA P-1-27oz
Tarp: Oware Cat Tarp 1.1-8.5oz
Stakes: BMW Ti Lazr (6)-1.4oz
Bivy: BMW Vapor Bivy-6.3oz
Bag: Western Mountaineering HighLite-17oz
Pad: Z-Lite (8 segments)-8.7oz
Total: 68.9oz--4.3 lbs.
I just got the pack.. but right now
pack: go-lite dawn 14oz
sleeping bag: 55 degrees.. I think it is about 24oz but not sure
pad: winshield reflector, it is huge now, I plan to cut it to about half the size, I'm not sure what it weighs but probably about 20oz
hammock: 31oz
5lbs 9 oz approximate
a 55 degree bag? where do you live? That's cheating. I'd think you'd need 35 degree min.
Sorcerer
08-10-2005, 10:13
Western Mountaineering Highlite - 17 oz (long version)
Insul-Mat (no insulation) - 14 oz
Tarp/Poncho (long version) - 14 oz
Granite Gear Vapor Trail - 32 oz (as advertised)
Total = 4 lbs 13 oz (4.81 pounds)
Not too shabby! :banana
Kerosene
08-10-2005, 11:29
Big Four from my last section hike (southwest Virginia in June 2005):
Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone (http://www.granitegear.com/products/backpacks/ultralight/nimbus_ozone/index.html) w/ The Lid (http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/accessdetail.cfm?PRODUCTS__PRODUCTID=GG350) - 50 oz.
Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=36) with Easton Stakes (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=290&parent_category_rn=4500663&vcat=REI_SEARCH) - 27 oz.
Western Mountaineering HighLite (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=Products&page=Sleeping%20Bags&cat=ExtremeLite%20Series&viewpost=2&ContentId=16) (35*) - 16 oz.
Bozeman Mountain Works TorsoLite (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/torsolite_inflatable_sleeping_pad.html) - 10 oz.
Total: 103 oz. or 6 lbs. 7 oz.
justusryans
08-10-2005, 11:56
Ancient External pack---4lb 7oz
Henry Shire Cloudburst2 ----2lb 4oz
Weatern Mountaineering Aspen (25*)--- 2lb
Thermarest3---1lb 4 oz
Grand Total 9lb 15 oz I guess I don't qualify as ultra-light, I like my comfort too much!
SGT Rock
08-10-2005, 12:35
On my last hike it was a gear test hike for ultralight summer stuff, so don't think this is my normal gear, and these weights are not accurate to the gnats ass -
Shelter - HH Adventure Racer - 17.1 ounces
Pad - GG Nitelite pad 3.5 ounces
JRB Summer Quilt - 14.7 ounces
Etowah Outfitters Town pack - 4.7 ounces
Total 40.0 ounces or 2.5 pounds.
Kerosene
08-10-2005, 12:46
How do you like the Adventure Racer, Sarge?
SGT Rock
08-10-2005, 13:40
How do you like the Adventure Racer, Sarge?
I'm going to write a review someday soon for that, but I'll throw out some comments using a HH Asym-Ultralight for comparison.
1. The tarp is smaller. If you are someone that has had problems or concerns with the original HH Fly, this one may scare you, it did me and I've never had a problem with the HH fly. BUT, we got a frog strangler the night I used it and I stayed dry.
2. The fly is attached to the hammock permanently, it isn't like the normal HH where you can take a wet fly off and stored it separately. There is only one set of side pull outs that pull out the tarp and the hammock at the same time. This makes for a faster set up but makes it less adjustable than a normal HH. I like to put my snake-skins on so that the tarp is not inside the snake skins so I can store a dry hammock inside the skins and have the wet tarp outside. There isn't a way to do that with the Adventure racer without some sort of modification.
3. The material for the hammock bottom is very lightweight material. I don't know if it will protect as well from skeeters, but that said, I didn't have any issues when I used it and there were skeeters out there.
4. The hammock is a little smaller and has a lower weight rating - 180 pounds. So you can't be a big guy and use this without accepting risk.
5. The Velcro opening is gone, it simply holds closed from body weight. It works, and most of us used to the HH know it works. The clips and mesh pocket are not there either.
The hammock is built to weigh almost nothing and set up/tear down fast for a person that is traveling fast - like adventure racers. I'm not sure how it would hold up under heavy, continuous use. As I remember it, Tom has tried to steer the gram weenies away from this hammock because, as I remember it, he said it was not meant for serious backpackers. That said, a true ultra gram weenie would probably go for this hammock, baby it, and accept the risk of possible gear failure.
I like the hammock. I think that for 17 ounces, it will make a great shelter to carry in the Smokies where there is the chance you may not get to sleep in the shelter you are supposed to. At 17 ounces the weight won't kill you but you have a good, comfortable, dry shelter. I plan to carry it on my 3 day Smoky traverse - that looks like it will happen late September now. I also think someone that was planning to do a fast packing attempt and didn't plan on staying in hotels and shelters all the time would find this shelter a great choice.
Kerosene
08-10-2005, 21:23
Thanks, Rock.
SGT Rock
08-10-2005, 21:28
No problem, did it make enough sense for you to understand what I think I am trying to say?
ULA P-2 47oz
Tarptent Squall 30oz
Campmor 20* 32oz
Thermarest 3/4 16oz
Total.................125oz
7lbs, 13oz
My summer bag trims another pound off.
Go-light Gust backpack, trimmed 20 oz
WM Caribou (40*) bag w/silnylon stuffsack 21 oz
Hennessy Hammock UL Backpacker Asym 32 oz
3/8" Blue foam pad w/wings added 13 oz
total is 86 oz, or 5.5 lbs
if i know it's going to be really wet, i switch to a larger tarp, adding 7 oz.
jackiebolen
08-13-2005, 15:28
Seeker...it's like we have the same hiking gear brain!
I also have the gust, a Hennessy Asym and a blue foam pad.
I use a The Mountain Hardwear Phantom 45 Bag to complete the deal....
Total weight: 16 (bag), 20 (pack), 10 (pad), Hammock (32) = about 5 pounds.
On short trips I go even lighter, essentially using a daypack of sorts that's only about 10 ounces.
Slim aka Nancy
08-31-2005, 23:01
Pack - GG Vapor Trail -- 2 lb.
Sl Bag- Marmot 15 degree down -- 2 lb.
Tent- SlimLite2 (for two) -- 2 lb. with everything
Mat- 3/4 z-rest -- 7oz
Total 6 lb 7 oz. four seasons
Slim aka Nancy
fly.fast
08-31-2005, 23:39
Marmot Helium 15* bag 34 oz
Tarptent w/stakes, stuff sack, poles 34.5
ULA P-1 32
Ridge Rest 8.8
Total 109.3
6 lb 13 oz.
Lot lighter than it used to be!
peter_pan
09-01-2005, 07:16
Slim aka Nancy, et al,
As we move to the winter season it is time to review bottom insulation....it is as important as top insulation...perhaps even more so...Going to a bigger/thicher bag does virtually nothing for the bottom....The pad is the key to winter comfort...what is under you compresses by weight of appropriate body parts...3/4 pads leave your legs and feet virtually exposed on the bottom....like wise 1/4 - 3/8 in pads may be fine in the summer but are minimal to inadequate as the temperature drops...consider thicker to be warmer.
Each to there own...just my $ 0.02.
Pan
Pack: ULA P-1 - 31 oz.
Shelter: Hennessy ULB (with stakes and extra cord for the tarp) - 33 oz.
Bag: Quilt made from Ray-Way kit (including stuff sack) - 28 oz.
Pad: Underquilt made from cut up TNF 40* rectangle bag (including stuff sack and cord) - 24oz
Total: 116 oz. (7 1/4 lbs)
I was starting to freak out seeing this was at least a pound or more heavier than most, but realized this was the ULTRA light forum I was in. I can sleep well knowing I'm at least within shouting distance of you guys.
go with what works for you... i use a blue foam pad and a gust pack... you use something else. that accounts for about a 21 oz difference between your load and mine... our bags are 6-7 oz different. that has to do with where i hike. as you get more comfortable with your equipment, you can change to something you think might work better... don't try to keep up with others... learn from them, but hyoh...
good luck on your hike. (wish it was me going!)
gschwartzman
09-02-2005, 00:19
A few years ago, as a gift, I got an Alps Mountaineering polarguard sleeping bag. The bag is made to be flipped depending on the temp and the rating is 20/30 degrees. This rating has always confused me a bit. One side of the sleeping bag has clearly thicker insulation than the other.
I've been debating with my girlfriend as to what side should be on top to make it 20 deg? And what should be on top to make it 30 deg?
I think your post has cleared it up for me but just wanted to make sure I understand.
If adding thicker sleeping bag insulation does nothing more for bottom insulation then the following is true for my bag, correct?
20 degrees = thicker insulation side on top, thin side on bottom
30 degrees = thinner side up, thicker insulation on the bottom
If I'm wrong, please set me straight. I know this is probably "sleeping bag 101" but I just want to make sure.
thanks -g
Slim aka Nancy, et al,
As we move to the winter season it is time to review bottom insulation....it is as important as top insulation...perhaps even more so...Going to a bigger/thicher bag does virtually nothing for the bottom....The pad is the key to winter comfort...what is under you compresses by weight of appropriate body parts...3/4 pads leave your legs and feet virtually exposed on the bottom....like wise 1/4 - 3/8 in pads may be fine in the summer but are minimal to inadequate as the temperature drops...consider thicker to be warmer.
Each to there own...just my $ 0.02.
Pan
peter_pan
09-02-2005, 08:10
A few years ago, as a gift, I got an Alps Mountaineering polarguard sleeping bag. The bag is made to be flipped depending on the temp and the rating is 20/30 degrees. This rating has always confused me a bit. One side of the sleeping bag has clearly thicker insulation than the other.
If adding thicker sleeping bag insulation does nothing more for bottom insulation then the following is true for my bag, correct?
20 degrees = thicker insulation side on top, thin side on bottom
30 degrees = thinner side up, thicker insulation on the bottom
If I'm wrong, please set me straight. I know this is probably "sleeping bag 101" but I just want to make sure.
thanks -g
You are correct... :clap ...The key assumption, however, is that you have an adequate pad, including leg coverage, for the conditions under you, since that is the true bottom insulator.
Pan
gschwartzman
09-02-2005, 17:16
You are correct... :clap ...The key assumption, however, is that you have an adequate pad, including leg coverage, for the conditions under you, since that is the true bottom insulator.
PanThank you.
Do manufacturers assume the use of a sleeping pad when they come up with their degree ratings? Or do they test as if one is on the ground w/ no pad, bivy, tarp,etc?
I have also seen ratings on different sleeping pads - an "R value". Does this number directly relate to the degrees added to the sleeping bag rating? My ProLite 3 has a "R Value" rating of 2.3. What does this mean when used with my 40 deg sleeping bag?
By the way, to stay on thread topic, my "CORE 4" are:
Osprey Aether 60 56oz, 3.5lbs
Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 w/footprint/stakes 53oz, 3.3lbs
ProLite 3 TermaRest 20oz 1.25lb
Montbell SuperStretch #5 19oz 1.2lbs
TOTAL: 148oz, 9.25lbs
Slim aka Nancy
09-03-2005, 08:55
Pan,
You are correct. I use a shortened (18x68") blue closed cell foam mat (10 oz.) in the winter. Z-rests are not good in the winter. I have used this system on the ground in January at 16 degrees with no cold spots.
If I would feel my legs/feet getting cold I would put my clothes in the toe box of the sleeping bag and/or use my space blanket. All are still within my UL philosophy. I still save 10.5 lb. compared to my former gear.
My tent has 360* air flow and it brings in that cold winter air if not tarped down low. But it also helps avoid the condensation problem.
Respectfully submitted,
Slim
Slim aka Nancy, et al,
As we move to the winter season it is time to review bottom insulation....it is as important as top insulation...perhaps even more so...Going to a bigger/thicher bag does virtually nothing for the bottom....The pad is the key to winter comfort...what is under you compresses by weight of appropriate body parts...3/4 pads leave your legs and feet virtually exposed on the bottom....like wise 1/4 - 3/8 in pads may be fine in the summer but are minimal to inadequate as the temperature drops...consider thicker to be warmer.
Each to there own...just my $ 0.02.
Pan
soulrebel
09-03-2005, 12:22
IN reference to schwartzman's post on R factor
Do manufacturers assume the use of a sleeping pad when they come up with their degree ratings? Or do they test as if one is on the ground w/ no pad, bivy, tarp,etc?
I have also seen ratings on different sleeping pads - an "R value". Does this number directly relate to the degrees added to the sleeping bag rating? My ProLite 3 has a "R Value" rating of 2.3. What does this mean when used with my 40 deg sleeping bag?"
It's a rating used in physics to determine how much energy is transferred between the two sides of an object. Thermal porosity or insulative rating so to speak.. This rating is used by builders to determine the R value or insulative value that various materials or single/double pane windows maintain when constructing buildings.
I was surprised to see that thermarest had used this value but it is helpful and is a standard measurement for insulating properties
peter_pan
09-03-2005, 12:29
Gschwartznan , et al.
How each manufacture figures their bag ratings is best a question for each manufacturer…There is a great deal of variance out there … Frequently you will see statements that , "assumes the bag is used in a windproof tent"…often advertising will depict bags in a tent and on a pad…Some manufacturers discuss the role of pads ( more later on this)….BUT , clearly the bottom insulation plays a significant role, often undiscussed, ignored and unresolved to discomfort of the inexperienced.
The bottom insulation issue is something that has gotten a tremendous amount of discussion, experimentation and field reporting in the last 3-4 years by the hammock using community… Their problem is as obvious as, " bridge freezes before road"…Many have solved this issue… and now, there is an ever growing number of three and four season hammock users happily enjoying their new comfort.
What this community highlights, for all, is the manner that bags ( down or synthetic) compress under our body weight to virtually uselessness…This is a readily observable phenomina in a hammock….An observer of a body in a bag in a hammock can run a hand under the weighted hammock and confirm that the bag will often be less than 1/16 inch thick…exposed to the cold air this equals "Bridge Freeze"… The issue is exaccerbated in that the hammock sides curve up to compress sides as well.
The hammock community has several solution to this problem….Closed cell foam does not compress and are found in many varieties, Z rest, Ridgecrest, Eversote, blue foam, etc…When used these must be wider to provide for side insulation as well…hence there are wider pads, added wings, SPE , and separate stuff pads, to be used as needed… on occasions clothing articles such as jacket etc are used for these additional insulation requirements. Wider Down filled air mattresses (DAM) and thermorests supplemented with wing pads are also effectively used. Alternatively, there are solutions that insulate the under side of hammocks, Garlington Taco and other home made wind socks, Hennessy Super Shelter,Speer Pea Pod, JRB Weathershield and JRB Under Quilts. The solutions vary but none expect to solve this with merely a thicker bag.
Ray Jardine in his book, " Beyond Backpacking" championed the idea of quilts… His theories , all aimed at reducing weight, pointed out that the bottom areas of traditional bag were compressed and that the pad was the true bottom insulation…Quilts could, therefore, reduce 25-33 percent of weight of a bag and still provide adequate coverage…His quilts were at one time produced by Go-Lite… Now quilts are available as kits or finished products by Ray Way, Thru-Hiker, Nanatak and Jacks "R" Better, and possibly some others…. Big Agnes makes bags that integrate a pad as the bottom insulation in a bottom sleeve that is otherwise uninsulated…they also make pads of different natures for different temperature ratings…Self inflating Thermorests also come in a variety of thickness and differing internal foams…All of this highlights the issue of bottom insulation as more than simply getting a thicker bag.
The sixth edition, 1959, Boy Scout Handbook, page 265 ( I know you guys all have this one) says, " As far as bedding is concerned, remember the old camp rule: Have as much under you as over you. In that way you are not only warm against the cold night air, but also against the coolness of the ground"… It goes on to discuss how to fold blanket to provide the bottom protection.
In the air or on the ground…days of old or present day… the issue remains… the bottom insulation is as important as the top …think about what and how you chose to do that and how you may chose to adjust by the seasons…
Enjoy your hike and sleep warm…. Food and "food for thought" will keep us warm.
Pan
snickerssave
09-29-2005, 23:15
i'm new here and just thought i would post my big four weight as well.
Marmot Hydrogen regular.....21 oz
Granite Gear Virga................19 oz
Oware tarp, Vargo titanium stakes, and UL spectra cord......14 oz
Ridge-Rest short (cut to fit my body)...................7 oz
total- 61 oz=........3 lbs 14 oz
p@uL
sierraDoug
09-30-2005, 00:29
i'm new here and just thought i would post my big four weight as well.
Marmot Hydrogen regular.....21 oz
Granite Gear Virga................19 oz
Oware tarp, Vargo titanium stakes, and UL spectra cord......14 oz
Ridge-Rest short (cut to fit my body)...................7 oz
total- 61 oz=........3 lbs 14 oz
Nice set up. Mine is going to be about twice that when I get done buying the parts.
Kerosene
09-30-2005, 10:14
Ridge-Rest short (cut to fit my body)...................7 ozFor those of you who really need better padding, take a look at the Bozeman Mountain Works TorsoLite (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/torsolite_inflatable_sleeping_pad.html) inflatable, which works pretty well at 10.4 ounces. With a pillow made out of clothes and fleece top, and with my Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone padded frame under my feet, it was a pretty comfy setup.
snickerssave
10-01-2005, 01:49
i have a thermarest prolite 3 short to take with me also but i only really use it when i go on shelter trips...to me the ridge rest is sufficient enough for sleeping on the ground. it weighs in at 13 ounces.
p@uL
Golite Breeze 14 oz
WM Highlite 16 oz
Pacific Outdoors DAM 23 oz
Lunar Solo w-ti stakes 24 oz
total is just under 5 lbs.
cherokee
10-01-2005, 22:24
Golite Day - 13 oz.
W.M. Highlite - 18 oz.
Thermarest Prolite 3 - 13 oz.
Lunar Solo with Ti. stakes - 28 oz.
Total - 72 oz. (4 lbs. 8 oz.)
Cherokee
hikelite55
12-26-2005, 00:51
Hello to all, I have been hiking for over 22 years and have like yourselves been steadely lowering my pack weight to the U/L level. I have done it with the intent of being comfortable and SAFE. My most resent changes have been all of the big four. I previously carried the Stephensons 2-man tent, their DAM air mattress, the Kelty "White" Cloud pack(Spectra cloth), and the Feathered Friends "Hummingbird" 20 deg. bag w/ PTFE shell. All that very expensive gear did nothing but weigh me down. I have changed to the Hennessey hammocks assymetrical racer 1lb.4ozs., Marmot "Atom" 40 deg bag 1 lb. 2 ozs.., Blue closed cell foam 1/2"x 22"x 60" used in combonation with a 4 section piece of the Z-rest under my mid section 12.5 ozs.(Which also works in conjunction with my backpck as a frame support), and my pack is the G-5 modified to 6 ozs. the total is 3 lbs. 8.5ozs. I also use the Western Mountaineering Flight jacket to supplement my sleeping bags lack of insulation if I get a chill in the night(I`m a cold sleeper), it also is a great asset around the camp site. I really appreciate this web-site and have enjoyed your threads, keep`em coming,Happy hiking to all!
Tent = Old Style Kelty Zen.......5lb 1oz
Pack = Kelty Trekker 3900........5lb 12oz
Bag = Campmor 20* down .......2lb
Pad = 3/4 Ridgerest.....................10oz
total......................................13lb 7oz
That was posted in March of 2004. Things have changed since I wrote it.
Tent = 2003 Squall Tarptent...........28oz(Got a great deal from a fellow Whiteblazer)
Pack = ULA P-2 .......................... 51oz. (I have the top lid)
Bag = Campmor 20* down .............32oz
Pad = inflatable thermorest............16oz (ok, old bones)
total............................................. ....127oz or roughly 8lbs
My summer weight with REI's travel sack brings it down to 7lbs.
I think I've done pretty good with my selections. Don't plan on changing a thing for quite awhile, except perhaps the bag. Hopefully I'll do my thru in 2008 and this will be what I start out with. and NO NEO, I don't want a hammock.........:bse
Pack: Go-Lite Breeze, 16 oz. listed wgt.
Shelter: Intergal Designs Sil-Shelter, 16 oz. listed wgt. plus another 8 oz. I guess in stakes, ground sheet, and trip-tease line. approx total 24 oz.
Bags: Winter Bag, FF Lark 10 degree ( I am a COLD sleeper ), 38 oz. listed wgt.
Summer Bag WM Highlite 40 degree, 16 oz. listed wgt.
Pad:Winter, Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest, Short, 9 oz. lw. &
Therm-a-Rest Ultralite, Short, 13 oz. lw.
Summer pad I usually go with the RidgeRest. 9 oz.
Winter Big 4: 100 oz. or 6 lbs 4 oz.
Summer Big 4: 65 oz. or 4 lbs 1 oz.
Winter pack weight is around 20 lbs total now with 5 days food. Summer is approx. 17 lbs. This is a BIG improvement from the 55 lb pack I had in '97.
I know one can always go lighter I guess, but I feel good with this pack and my eguipment. Getting light has put the joy back into hiking for me. Now I need to lose this "holiday fat " :o
clayrfarris
12-29-2005, 16:31
Just curious if you tarp users are including the weight of your trekking poles (if you use them) in your shelter totals? Some can weight 1lb. for a pair.
Just curious if you tarp users are including the weight of your trekking poles (if you use them) in your shelter totals? Some can weight 1lb. for a pair.
I use a trekking pole for my tarptent but do not include it in the weight. I'd have it with me whether I used if for a pole or not, so I don't consider it as part of my tent.
Marmot Hydrogen - 21 ounces
Starlight 05 - 28 ounces
HS Virga 2 - 28 ounces
Prolite 3 pad - 13 ounces
Total: 90 ounces or 5.625 lbs. This is probably as low as I'm going to go, although once in a while I will ditch the bag for a silk liner in very hot and humid conditions.
Cheers,
PKH
have made some changes to my 'system'.
Pack-Golite Gust (21 oz with loops trimmed and two mesh water bottle pockets added.)
Bag-WM Caribou (21oz with homemade stuff sack-slightly larger for less compression of the down, and with fleece sewn to side for softer pillow.)
Shelter-HH Backpacker UL Asym (34 oz-two caribiners to hang, 4 x stakes, snakeskins and interior pocket.)
Insulation-now a JRB underquilt (22 oz w/stuff sack and suspension system). (used to use a lighter blue foam pad, but the quilt's convenience, warmth, lack of bulk, and 'light enough' weight make it worth the extra 10 or so ounces.)
this is 6 lbs, 2 oz. if i use a full 8 x 10 tarp, it adds another 13 oz or so.
No Belay
01-22-2006, 12:26
:confused: Enjoyed reading the continuing evolution (competion) towards buckass naked backpacking. I'm always amazed early in the season to see folks carrying an "ultra-Light" rig that they spent all winter paring down to below an 8 lb base and yet they're packing 29 extra lbs in the back of their shorts. It all adds up to what weight is on feet not whats on your shoulders. Wanna carry a sleeping bag that you can actually SLEEP in? Cut your daily calories down by 1000 (a couple lite beers and a twinkie) a day between now and March 1st and you'll loose enough to carry a real sleeping bag. Just my one cent worth (going ultra-light on my opinions).
"Lord, help me to be the person that my dog thinks I am."
:confused: Enjoyed reading the continuing evolution (competion) towards buckass naked backpacking. I'm always amazed early in the season to see folks carrying an "ultra-Light" rig that they spent all winter paring down to below an 8 lb base and yet they're packing 29 extra lbs in the back of their shorts. It all adds up to what weight is on feet not whats on your shoulders. Wanna carry a sleeping bag that you can actually SLEEP in? Cut your daily calories down by 1000 (a couple lite beers and a twinkie) a day between now and March 1st and you'll loose enough to carry a real sleeping bag. Just my one cent worth (going ultra-light on my opinions).
"Lord, help me to be the person that my dog thinks I am."
no competition. i do this for me. i'm just too old to be carrying more than i need or to be sleeping on the ground. what's in my pack weighs 13 lbs. i carry a tube of chapstick in my pocket. that's it. i live in LA. i got bit by mosquitos last weekend (jan 14/15). no need to carry a 30* bag in this heat. read carefully before you post...
it depends i have so many big 4 configurations,my heaviest and most comfortable big 4 is
hennesy hammock non asym 1.6 ultralite backpacker 1 lb 10 oz
equinox katahdin backpack 1 lb 9 oz
ed speer liteloft 30 degree quilt 1 lb 8 oz
sleep pad 10 oz
total 5 lbs 5 oz:cool: neo
vipahman
01-23-2006, 12:04
Golite Jam with garbage bag lining - 21.25 oz
SMD Lunar Solo E with Ti stakes and ground sheet - 29.85 oz
WM Highlite 35 - 17.10 oz
Nightlight Torso Pad - 3.70 oz
Total Summer Weight = 71.90 oz / 4.5 lbs
And what I find most impressive is that this 4.5 lbs is for a full tent and a pack that can easily carry 25 lbs.
3lb 80z [tent] Kelty Crestone 1
5lb 8oz [pack] Outdoor Products Saturn External (off brand :-)
2lb 8oz [bag] Slumberjack Baffin
0lb 13oz [pad] Therm-a-Rest® ProLite 3 Short
And the survey Said.....
12 lb 5oz
It's funny I do the best I can, and still my pack is so heavy! It is very, very comforting to see others with packs 10+ lb packs too --we need a name just like those "Ultra Lighters" have a designation.
--See you on the trail!!
vipahman
01-24-2006, 11:44
3lb 80z [tent] Kelty Crestone 1
5lb 8oz [pack] Outdoor Products Saturn External (off brand :-)
2lb 8oz [bag] Slumberjack Baffin
0lb 13oz [pad] Therm-a-Rest® ProLite 3 Short
And the survey Said.....
12 lb 5oz
It's funny I do the best I can, and still my pack is so heavy! It is very, very comforting to see others with packs 10+ lb packs too --we need a name just like those "Ultra Lighters" have a designation.
--See you on the trail!!
You have lots of room for improvement. The cheapest bang for the buck would be upgrading your backpack to something in the 2 lbs range or lower.
OK, my total pack, tent, pad, and sleeping bag comes in at 12.5 lbs. add a lb for winter pad. my bag is a NF15deg syn. I make use it for summer and winter. I have a Walrus Swift 1 person + gear tent. I realize this stuff is heavy but I've done the tarp and light weight thing. A canoe trip to the Okefenokee Swamp / Suwanee River area years ago ended in disaster when a scorpion nailed me just below my eye, while sleeping and I guess I rubbed the sucker the wrong way. Before I could get to a doctor to get something, like Benadryl, I could barely see. So, I got the lightest, best quality enclosed tent I could. So I added about 3lbs for the tent. Had to get a sturdier pack, another 2 lbs or so. My total pack weight for 5 nights of winter hiking is Max 26lbs + 7lbs food and 5lbs of water= 38lbs max at the peak weight. Heavy I know, but been there done that on the light weight stuff, nearly froze and never really got a good nights sleep when I did go light.
For 3 season hiking:
32 oz HS Virga II w/sewn in floor, stakes, 2 poles
41 oz LuxuryLite pack w/3 Xlarge cylinders (35 oz) plus front pack (6 oz)
34 oz Marmot Pounder Plus (rated 25 degrees)
14 oz Z-Rest (cut down to 18.5 inches wide from 20)
121 oz total (7 pounds, 9 ounces)
I could cut close to a pound if I got a good down bag, but I'm a vegan so down is not an option. My LuxuryLite pack (with front pack) is rated to hold 5200 cubic inches of stuff! which is more than I will ever need, but it's nice to have the "luxury" of not having to compress my bag and jacket much and hopefully preserve loft for longer. A good thing about the LuxuryLite pack is that you can go from a 3000 cubic inch capacity backpack (3 medium cylinders -- 2.9 ounces per cylinder) to one with 4700 cubic inch capacity (3 Xlarge cylinders -- 3.5 ounces per cylinder) by only adding 2 ounces of pack weight.
You have lots of room for improvement. The cheapest bang for the buck would be upgrading your backpack to something in the 2 lbs range or lower.
I've always assumed that those lightweight packs were for people with lightweight gear... looking at the rest of my gear do you really think that a 2lb pack could carry it??
I'm most definitely open to suggestions --thou I gotta say I'm a _big_ fan of external packs.
[quote=map man] but I'm a vegan so down is not an option. [quote]
not sure if the geese are actually killed to make down... i know that years ago, you simply grabbed your barnyard goose, pulled out a few handfuls of breast feathers, and saved them. once they grew back, you did it again... the geese apparently got used to being "harvested" from... sort of like shearing sheep... your call though...
nattyd123
02-07-2006, 18:01
Vegans (and I was one once) with an unlimted source of income can take a look at the Nunatuk's Eider down goods.
Old Spice
02-08-2006, 02:13
Granite Gear Vapor Trail (30 oz.)
Western Mountaineering Highlite (16 oz.)
Thermarest Prolite 3 Small (14 oz.)
GoLite Lair Tarp (12 oz. + 5 oz. stakes)
Aprox. Total: 4.8 lbs.
Hana_Hanger
02-08-2006, 06:07
In a Tent: I like comfort so...
Quest Seescape 2 Person 64 0z
Slumberjack Super Guide Long 38 oz
Jansports Alpine Access Pack 63 oz
Therm-a-Rest Womens Prolite 3 19 oz
11 lbs 8 oz
but I am on a scooter...so it's not so bad
When going Light and in Hammock:
Hennessey Explorer with 4 stakes 54 oz
Closed Cell Blue Foam Pad Cut down 8 oz
MountainSmith Pack 18 oz
GoLite Fly-Lite Bag 35 oz
7 lbs 2 oz
but truly part of the Big Four I would have to add a Silk Sleeping Bag Liner and a homemade Wind Pod for under the hammock adds 30 oz
Homecoming Queen
02-08-2006, 16:03
This is for starting out in March
Pack -- ULA p2 -- 47 ounces
Bag -- Western Mountaineering Versalite -- 32 ounces
Pad -- Therma-Rest Prolite 3 -- 20 ounces
Tent -- Virga 2 Tarptent with floor -- 30 ounces
Total -- 129 ounces = 8.06 pounds
Kerosene
02-08-2006, 17:58
This is for starting out in March
Pack -- ULA p2 -- 47 ounces
Bag -- Western Mountaineering Versalite -- 32 ounces
Pad -- Therma-Rest Prolite 3 -- 20 ounces
Tent -- Virga 2 Tarptent with floor -- 30 ounces
Total -- 129 ounces = 8.06 poundsThink about going with a Prolite 3s or Bozeman Mountain Works TorsoLite (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/torsolite_inflatable_sleeping_pad.html), putting your pack under your legs, allowing you to cut another 7-10 ounces from your weight.
bullseye
02-10-2006, 20:42
Go-lite Dawn 15oz
ID Silponcho/BMW bivy combo 17.6 oz
Mountain Hardware Phantom 45 17 oz
BMW Torsolite 5.6oz
______
3lb 7.2 oz
Want to try the Laurel Designs Prophet 30. Will drop big 4 to somewhere around 2lb 8oz.
bullseye
02-10-2006, 20:45
Go-lite Dawn 15oz
ID Silponcho/BMW bivy combo 17.6 oz
Mountain Hardware Phantom 45 17 oz
BMW Torsolite 5.6oz
______
3lb 7.2 oz
Want to try the Laurel Designs Prophet 30. Will drop big 4 to somewhere around 2lb 8oz.
Actually closer to 2lb 11oz.
Kerosene
02-10-2006, 22:35
You might want to re-weigh that BMW TorsoLite, bullseye. My scale has it closer to 10 ounces.
bullseye
02-11-2006, 12:22
You might want to re-weigh that BMW TorsoLite, bullseye. My scale has it closer to 10 ounces.
You're right Kerosene, I grabbed the wrong line from the spreadsheet.:-? Revised total is:
Golite Dawn............................15oz
ID Silponcho/BMW bivy combo....17.6oz
Mountain Hardware Phantom 45..17oz
BMW Torsolite..........................8.9oz
______
3lb 10.5oz
Shooting for somewhere around 3lb even w/ the Laurel Designs Prophet 30.
hauptman
02-16-2006, 13:55
:jump Summer gear list big four weights=:bse
Pack(home made out of cuben fabric)-1oz.
Tarp(home made out of cuben fabric+stuff sack)-3oz
Stakes(home made out of wire coat hangers) and guylines(aircore spectra 1-0.002oz. per foot)-0.5oz.
Bag(modified nunatak akula half bag+stuff sack)-11.5oz.
Breathable bivy(backpacking light nano bivy with modifications+stuff sack)-3.5oz.
Pad(gossamer gear thinlight insulation pad 1/8 inch/ cut in half)-1oz.
:clapTotal big four weight=20.5oz.:banana
Zeus 2 tent 4.24lb.
Marmot Kestrel sleeping bag 3.97lb.
Jansport ext frame long pack 4.72lb
exped dry bay for sleeping bag .285
big anges air mat 1.04
and the winner is 14.255lbs wow hardly light, but I am a BIG person
I require a huge sleeping bag and a big tent and a big pack to hold it all.
I do not think a extra long 70 inch girth sleeping bag will even fit it any of the go light packs with nothing else in them.
Hey my big 4 equal only 5.63 % of my body weight. It that a more real way to measure someones gear? My extra large Columbia titianium long sleeve t-shirt weights .535lbs my wifes xs womens weights .177lbs
I'd say each arm is about 3-4 pounds and my legs are around 20
TogetherinParis
03-06-2006, 05:12
pack: SixMoonDesigns Essence 13 oz
tent: Tarptent Rainbow w/floor 29 oz (understrap removed)
bag: TNF Beeline 19 oz
pad: Stephensons Down Air Mat 170 28 oz
Total: 89 oz, 5 lbs 9 oz.
Pack: Granite Gear Vapor Trail - 31 ounces
Shelter: Hennessy Hammock - 31 ounces
Sleeping bag: Marmot Pounder - 16 ounces
Sleeping pad: n/a
Just under 5 pounds for me.
ppereira007
03-29-2006, 22:48
pack: LuxuryLite 30
shelter: HS Rainbow 25
sleeping bag: Marmot Hydrogen 24
sleeping pad: LuxuryLite cot 26
total: 6.5 lbs
Almost There
03-29-2006, 23:01
Since when is 10lb base heavy? Y'all are insane. Sorry in winter pack weight is near 40lbs loaded up. Summer down in the low 20s.
Mystery Ranch Deep Trance 4lb 5oz
MSR Hubba 3lb 7oz
Kelty Light Year 45 1lb 12oz or Marmot Helium 15 1lb 13oz
Big Agnes Two Track Self Inflating 2lb 10oz
Ttl Weight: 12lb 2oz
Then again I'm a big guy...and getting below 30lbs feels almost like I got nothing on my back.
mrmike48/4000
03-30-2006, 00:57
pack: granite gear vapor trail 32oz
sleeping bag: mtn hardwear phantom45* 16oz [summer bag only]
tent: golite lair 1 12oz
thermarest z-lite 10oz
stove: msr pocket rocket 10oz
for a total of........................................5lbs 0ozs:D nitewalker
pack: LuxuryLite 30
shelter: HS Rainbow 25
sleeping bag: Marmot Hydrogen 24
sleeping pad: LuxuryLite cot 26
total: 6.5 lbs
How do you like that luxurylite cot? Does your underside stay warm? Is it rough on the tent floor and do you use it inside or slide it underneath?
mrmike48/4000
03-30-2006, 07:57
winter weight as opposed to my summer weight:::
back pack: keilty red cloud 5600......80oz
sleeping bag: ems -20* bag............55oz
pad: thermarest 4 season...............30oz
tent: outdoor research deluxe bivy ..28oz
for a total of..............................aprox 12lbs ouch:eek: nitewalker
ppereira007
03-30-2006, 09:47
How do you like that luxurylite cot? Does your underside stay warm? Is it rough on the tent floor and do you use it inside or slide it underneath?
love the cot, very comfy. i have a HS cloudburst and a rainbow, both are floorless. I do have one floored tent, taking it out this weekend. i'm going to first try sliding it in the inside, and see how it goes.
never had it out in the winter or cold enough weather. i'm taking a chopped up z-rest this weekend, just in case.
SloHiker
03-30-2006, 10:37
Gregory G-Pack (05) 49 oz
WM Megalite 27 oz
8X10 SilTarp 16 oz
BA Insulated Pad
SloHiker
03-30-2006, 10:43
Gregory G-Pack (05) 49 oz
WM Megalite (w/ 2 oz OVF) 27 oz
8X10 SilTarp 16 oz
BA Insulated Pad 22 oz
Total ............ 114 oz / 7 lbs 2 oz*add 17 oz for Golite Lair 1 Nest during bug season. / 8 lbs 3 oz
Pack: Fanatic Fringe Thompson Peak - 8.5 oz
Shelter: mountainlaureldesigns tarp - 11 oz w/groundsheet, line & stakes
Bag: Montbell #5 zipperless - 18 oz
Pad: Baloonbed - 4.5 oz
Total: 42 oz - 2lbs 10oz
Gossamer Gear Pad 7.5oz
ID SilPoncho/BMW Vapr Bivy 17.7oz
Kelty Triptease and 10 stakes 2.4oz
Sierra Designs Moonlight 19oz
Grantie Gear Virga 21oz
+
__________________________
4.225 lbs
buster68
04-06-2006, 18:51
Gregory Z pack -- 49 oz
SD Lightyear -- 51 oz
SD Cloudburst 20* Down Bag -- 51 oz
TR Prolite 4 Reg -- 20 oz
Total 170 oz or 10.6 lbs.
It may be a bit heavier than the ultralights but it sure is comfortable.
hikerjohnd
04-06-2006, 19:36
While I'm no ULer, and don't think I ever will be, I'm getting much closer...
Pack - Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone - 48 oz (on order - haven't put on my scale yet)
Tent - Tarptent Virga w/groundsheet - 31 oz (on order - haven't put on my scale yet)
Sleeping Bag - Winter TNF Hightail 900 15 deg - 32 oz (summer Kelty LightYear 45 - 32 oz)
Sleeping Pad - Gossamer Gear NightLite torso pad - 4 oz
Total - 115 oz or 7 lbs 3 oz :clap yea me!
Well - here it is over a year later - and I've made some changes - so here I am now:
Summer:
Pack 13.6 oz - Six Moons Essence
Bag 31 oz - Kelty Light Year 45
Pad 15 oz - ThermaRest 3/4
Tent 39.7 oz - Europa05 (w/groundsheet)
Total - 99.3 oz or 6.2 lbs
Winter:
Bag - 45 oz - Kelty Light Year 15
Total - 113.3 oz or 7.1 lbs
So here it is a year later - my pack weighs about 20lbs less than it did a year ago (with water and 5 days food), but I only shaved about 1 pound off my summer big 4 weight. And I still can't figure out what I'm leaving behind!
Granite Gear Virga - 19oz
Western Mountaineering Carabou - 20oz
Thermarest Prolite 4 short - 16oz
Gossamer Gear Spinnshelter - 9 oz
total 4 lbs
Old Kelty Tornado Pack - around 5 pounds I think
Mountain Hardware 0 degree synthetic bag - 4 pounds w.compression sack
REI Quarterdome - 4 pounds
Insul Mat Thermo - 1 pound 6 ounces
Total - 14 pounds 6 ounces
A little heavy but should go down significantly when my budget allows for a new pack and bag.
I think I would be scared to go out with a 5 pound base
I think I would be scared to go out with a 5 pound base
don't be... once you figure out what works for you and what doesn't, you'll be surprised at how light your 'big 4' weight becomes... ok, so maybe you'll never get to 5lbs for a 'base weight', let alone just for your big 4. but you'll lighten the load, given time, and learn to have confidence in that lighter gear. eventually, you'll look back and laugh and wonder what you were thinking... all that really matters is that you enjoy your trips.
hikerjohnd
04-06-2006, 23:28
I think I would be scared to go out with a 5 pound base
I had the same fear - my base was 29 lbs a year ago - now it is 10 lbs. You'll cut the weight - it just takes time to find what works for you!
milesbarger
04-08-2006, 20:50
18.8 ULA Conduit (after some snipping) w/ 2 bottle bungees
14.5 Gatewood Cape (includes 8 stakes, lines, ground sheet, stuff sack)
03.3 Homemade 55" x 108" nanoseeum bug shroud
15.9 25F quilt/bag hybrid with insulated hood
05.7 Gossamer Gear NightLight torso + ThinLight 1/8"
58.2 or 3lbs 10.2oz
How is tis so far? Any suggestions?
1. Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20* Bag - 26oz
2. Therm-a-Rest ProLite 4 Regular - 24oz
3. Kelty Creston 1 Tent - 56oz
4. I need help with a pack!!!
Total minus pack - 106oz (5lbs 10z)
EDIT: How is it so far? Any suggestions?
1. Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20* Bag - 26oz
2. Therm-a-Rest ProLite 4 Regular - 24oz
3. Kelty Crestone 1 Tent - 56oz
4. Osprey Atmos 50 - 45oz
Total minus pack - 151oz (9lbs 7oz) :D
Above is the final total including pack, not what it says. I messed up...
Granite Gear Lattitude Vapor 42
Therm-A-Rest Z-Rest 11
The Northface Tadpole 78 (usually go camping with my wife but I always seem to carry the tent)
Montbell U.L. Super Stretch Down Hugger #2 31
Total 10.125# or 162oz.
Now that my tarptent came in I can make a report of my new set of gear for the trip (only the sleeping bag is a holdover from previous trips)
Pack
ULA Catalyst 1430g = 50 oz
Rainbow Tarp tent 918 g = 32oz
Western Mountaineering Mighty Lite bag 890g = 31 oz
Thermo-rest prolite 3 417g = 14.5 oz
Total 3655 grams = 129oz = 8lbs
(doesn't count tyvek ground cloth for tent, but does include all bags for holding items)
Since my original post over two years ago, today, I reviewed all posts since that time, and the one thing that stood out was the LARGE number of people who kept their base weight high, was the weight of the sleeping pad.
With the internet access to information, the weight of the tarptents, light sleeping bags and lightweight backpacks that carry 20-30 pounds, things have evened out: however most people still are:sun weary of a liteweight pad!
By trial over the past 2 years, I have discovered that a 3.7 oz torso pad supplemented with pack and clothes allows me a good nights sleep, even at age 57! Prior to March 1st, and maybe later, that would require an additional 3/8 inch full length pad for the colder months! (additional 12 oz to be discarded very soon)
Since my original post, I have increased the weight of my backpack by 2 oz., but decreased my 3 season pad by 7.2 oz. When using your backpack under your lower part of your body and your extra clothes under your upper, this is perfect...they don't just sit in your pack or shelter unused!
My original post was to have reflected a March 1, northbound thru hike start, but due to my lack of communication, a lot of people used only summer weight. I intended the start of March 1st with an unsupported hike! :sun
Since my original post over two years ago, today, I reviewed all posts since that time, and the one thing that stood out was the LARGE number of people who kept their base weight high, was the weight of the sleeping pad..........etc...........etc..........etc....... ... most people still are:sun weary of a liteweight pad!..................etc,etc,etc,...........
:sun
Figure this one out....the first 3 years i hiked...i carried NO SLEEP PAD!
Now i have a Therma Rest Z-Lite 14 oz....hows that for going the OTHER way? hehehehehehe:D
Kerosene
05-24-2006, 05:53
By trial over the past 2 years, I have discovered that a 3.7 oz torso pad supplemented with pack and clothes allows me a good nights sleep, even at age 57!I've moved to a 9-oz self-inflating torso pad, the TorsoLite (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/torsolite_inflatable_sleeping_pad.html) from Bozeman Mountain Works. With my empty inverted pack under my legs and a pillow of clothes in a stuffsack wrapped in my fleece, it has proven very comfy.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
05-24-2006, 07:03
This is for a 2 person team:
Shelter - 10' x 12' sil-nylon tarp and Texport bivy tent - total weight with stakes and lines is 4 lbs, 3 ozs
Sleep system - Home made quilt with draft guards and box to attach to mats atop a Thermorest Pro 4 and a Big Agnes Insulated Air Core 72" x 20" rectangle - total weight is 5 lbs, 4 ozs
Packs - his: Kelty Trekker 3950 - weight 5 lbs, 3 ozs
Hers: REI UL 45 women's medium - 2 lbs 8 ozs - total for both 7lbs, 11 ozs
Total for two people - 17 lbs, 2 ozs so 8 lbs, 9 ozs per person
Hammock Hanger
05-24-2006, 07:39
Figure this one out....the first 3 years i hiked...i carried NO SLEEP PAD!
Now i have a Therma Rest Z-Lite 14 oz....hows that for going the OTHER way? hehehehehehe:D
Jaybird: You're just getting old!!! ;)
mtnbums2000
05-26-2006, 16:56
go lite gust: 20 oz.
rainbow tarptent: 32 oz.
s.d 30 degree wicked fast: 22 oz.
z lite sleeping pad small: 11 oz.
85 oz. = 5 lbs 5 oz. (I think??)
This is what I will carry with my 13 year old son on our 2007 A.T nobo hike.
go lite infinity (w/out lid): 32 oz.
hubba hubba fastpitch: 48 oz.
s.d 30 dg. wicked fast: 22 oz.
z lite sleeping pad small: 11oz.
113 oz.= 7 lbs. 1 oz (ouch...)
This is what I will carry this year on our JMT hike...the reason for the different tent and pack is simple. My wife will carry my lighter pack and she want's the more space that the hubba hubba has to offer...we will see if I can convince her otherwise about the tent situation. The gentlemen I am she will get the lighter pack and she should.
Go lite tarp/ponco 10 oz.
Granite Gear Virga 1 lb. 3 oz.
Marmot Hydrogen 1 lb. 7 oz.
Ridge Rest cut down 5 oz.
total 3 lbs. 5 oz.
idroptapul
06-13-2006, 05:58
Pack: ULA Circuit - 32oz.
Bag: WM Highlite - 16oz.
Shelter: Equinox 8x10 Sil Tarp - 14.8oz.
Pad: 3/4 Ridgerest - 9 oz.
Total- 71.8 oz. or about 4.5 pounds
When I get a chance I'm gonna swab the tarp with silicone mixture to cut down on misting, should add a couple of ounces at least.
thecaptain
06-13-2006, 09:14
Pack: osprey atmos 50-
thecaptain
06-13-2006, 09:18
sorry hit enter too fast
pack: osprey atmos 50- 45 oz
shelter: tarptent rainbow- 25 oz
pad: pacfic outdoors air matress- 17 oz
Bag: western mountaineering line-lite make into a quilt: 14 oz
summer total: 6.3 pounds
unclemjm
06-13-2006, 09:49
1. Pack: Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone 48 oz
2. Shelter: HH Explorer Ultralite A-Sym 43 oz
3. Bag: JRB Nest & No Sniveler 44 oz
4. Pad: none
Total = 135 oz or 8.4375 lbs
CT-Sailor
06-13-2006, 19:04
I've just started with a total overhaul of my pack and contents.
Previous setup:
Pack - Gregory Palisades Plus - 6 lbs
Tent - North Face - Starlight Extreme - 6 lbs
Bag - Slumberjack - 4 lbs
Pad - Thermarest - Full lenth standard - 3 lbs
Total - 19 lbs
Pack Weight - 45-50 lbs, depending on season
Proposed Setup
Pack - USGI MOLLE Frame with SilNylon drybags - 3 lbs (have)
Tent - Hennesey Hammock - 2 lbs (need)
Bag - USGI Wiggly - 2 lbs (have)
Pad - Thermarest - Full Length lightweight - 2 lbs (have)
Total - 9 lbs !!!
Pack Weight - < 30 lbs
While I'll miss the load carrying ability of the Palisades Plus, I won't miss humping the extra weight up and down the hills. I've already had the MOLLE fram out for a couple short test hikes with about 30 lbs on it and so far, so good. The MOLLE Hip belt and shoulder straps are designed to carry a combat load of 100 lbs so they are over-built for the 30 lbs load I intend to put on them. 30 lbs ride on it with no problem. The frame is plastic with dozens of lash points so straping on the SilNylon drybags is an easy task. The hip belt has MOLLE webbing on it to attach a water bottle holder on one side and a handy pouch on the other. I'll post pics once I lock in the design.
The other nice thing about this set up was the cost. Surplus MOLLE frames can be had for about $10 and the shoulder/hip straps can be found for another $15. The SilNylon drybags were more expensive than the rest of the pack !
hauptman
06-13-2006, 19:52
:-?Shelter-3oz. cuben fiber poncho/tarp
:eek:Pack-1oz. cuben fiber-ruck sack design(with one large outside pocket and
shoulder straps-homemade)
:pPad-3oz. gossamer gear thinlight insulation pad-2 1/8" pads(cut short and
modified/stacked one on top of the other)
;)Bag-9oz. nunatak arc edge 40* size medium(very seriously modified)
Big Four Total=16oz.
Hana_Hanger
06-13-2006, 20:45
Wow.....very impressive
and to think I just worked for the past 3 weeks to get my pack down to just under 12 lbs before the food and water!!!
New post for my big four...:(
Water
WATER
wATer
did I say w a t e r!!!!
krazyvan
06-18-2006, 08:19
Gossamer Gear G6 pack-3.91oz
Nitelite Torso Pad- 3.4 oz
Jacks-r-Better Stealth quilt-15.2oz
Six Moon Designs gatewood cape- 12.4oz
A whopping total of.....34.91oz or 2.182lbs
I'm with you Hana, I just recently started trimming the weight off my pack. I'm also trying to get into the under 12 lbs. base weight range.
Currently:
Mountainsmith Phantom: 52.2
Eureka Zeus EXO2 (w/ stakes, bags, poles, etc.): 67.8
Marmot Trestles 30 deg: 58.7
Thermarest 3/4: 26.4
Total: 205.1 oz. or 12.82 lbs.
Needless to say I have some work to do. However, I have been working on making an alcohol stove and sleeping pad(out of an old green army pad, its not going so well at the moment though, its still much too heavy :) ) and am about ready to order a ray-way quilt. If the quilt goes alright I am even considering sewing a silnylon tarp.
So, as of now plans include:
Homemade silnylon tarp
Ray-way quilt
Homemade pad (possibly a GG Nightlite)
Mountainsmith Phantom
I'm open to suggestions though, as long as its not too expensive. College isn't being too nice to the old bank account. I'll have to see about getting a new pack after I get everything made. It may be too big after I get through cutting the weight everywhere else.
Adam
My lightest kit for multi-day hiking is my Golite Dawn pack (14 oz. I think), my hammock/tarp (10.5 oz), an REI Travel Sack, 1lb. 6 oz, and a closed cell pad, torso length and width, tapered, 6 oz. How heavy is that? Oh, yeah, throw in a mosquito headnet for buggy weather (maybe 3/4 oz?). I usually only use this stuff on an overnighter when distance is more important than comfort, otherwise, I take my HH Backpacker Ultralight, and use the hammock/tarp as the tarp for the hammock.
Kerosene
06-21-2006, 08:55
aroth87, you've got a big opportunity with that sleeping pad. As it looks like you're only 19, unless you have problems sleeping you can save a full pound by replacing that 3/4 Therm-a-Rest camp mat with a 9-ounce foam Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest (http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/accessdetail.cfm?PRODUCTS__ProductID=CA1562) for less than $20.
Pack: GG Nimbus Ozone - 48oz
Bag: Marmot Hydrogen - 21oz
Shelter: Tarptent Rainbow - 32oz
Pad: 3/4 Z-lite - 11.6oz
Total: 112.6oz (7.03lb)
Kerosene, you're right. I used to have a hard time sleeping on the old green army mats (what I used while I was in Scouts) so I bought the Thermarest thinking it would be worth its weight. While I do sleep slightly better, I have been getting tired of carrying the weight and still not sleeping that well. I decided to cut my old army pad in half and make it a torso length and then use the leftovers to put extra padding in the shoulder and hip area, since I am a side sleeper. I took it out in my back yard the other night and slept as well on it as I did on my Thermarest. The only problem is that it still weights right at a pound. So I may look into the Ridgerest or GG torso pad.
Adam
Kerosene
06-21-2006, 15:41
Check out the Bozeman Mountain Works TorsoLite (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/torsolite_inflatable_sleeping_pad.html) while you're at it. It works great with my head on a "pillow" and my legs draped over my empty pack. Weight is only 9 oz. Comfort is similar to a Therm-a-Rest Prolite 3s. It's pricey, but it did go on sale about 18 months ago.
Just Jeff
06-21-2006, 17:42
Or check out a hammock if you're interested...I never wake up with those aches and pains anymore, and I'm a side sleeper.
I had considered hammocks once before, but for some reason decided to try to stick it out on the ground. I may look into it again. I think my major concerns were bringing along other people and sleeping in colder temps, but I normally end up going solo anyway and I don't do a whole lot of camping outside of three seasons either. I think I'll do some reading up on hammocking and see if its for me. There's plenty of trees in Missouri too :)
Adam
Just Jeff
06-21-2006, 22:05
Plenty of threads here about people who recently made the switch and how they did it - Doctari has a good one that's pretty recent. That's a good place to start.
I still don't see how sleeping like a banana can be comfortable
Just Jeff
06-22-2006, 01:44
I don't either - who sleeps like a banana?
I don't either - who sleeps like a banana?
that guy does :banana ;)
Just Jeff
06-22-2006, 11:21
Evil dancing banana never sleeps
bad bad bad
Attroll should make a dancing banana gun... :p
Evil dancing banana never sleeps
bad bad bad
Attroll should make a dancing banana gun... :p
There is a Banana Hammock joke that is just busting to break loose but I must restrain myself.
No banana hammock jokes... no banana hammock jokes... no banana hammock jokes...
:banana :banana :banana
There is a Banana Hammock joke that is just busting to break loose but I must restrain myself.
No banana hammock jokes... no banana hammock jokes... no banana hammock jokes...
:banana :banana :banana
BTW, Do they even sell Speedos anymore?
I'd bet you could get them at a really good price and they would definately cut down on chafing.
Skidsteer
06-23-2006, 20:53
Evil dancing banana never sleeps
bad bad bad
Attroll should make a dancing banana gun... :p
Originally Posted by Austexs
There is a Banana Hammock joke that is just busting to break loose but I must restrain myself.
No banana hammock jokes... no banana hammock jokes... no banana hammock jokes...
BTW, Do they even sell Speedos anymore?
I'd bet you could get them at a really good price and they would definately cut down on chafing.
Don't forget an underquilt for cold temps. :rolleyes:
Go Lite Jam- 22
Go Lite Lair 1 w/ stakes + ground cloth- 18
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 32- 21
Thermarest Prolite 4 short- 17 (but it's SO comfy)
Kerosene
07-01-2006, 18:56
Thermarest Prolite 4 short- 17 (but it's SO comfy)BLEACH, you could shave 4 ounces by going with the Prolite 3s, and another 3 with the Bozeman Mountain Works TorsoLite. I'd be surprised if you noticed a difference in comfort, although the Prolite 4s has a higher R-value suitable for cold-weather camping.
Granite Gear Vapor Trail - 2lbs 1oz
Montbell UL Alpine down hugger - 1lb 5 oz
Ozark Trail old school pup - 2lbs 14oz
Some old school foam thing - 10 oz
6lbs 14ozs
Soon to be decreased 6oz by the addition of a DOUBLE RAINBOW!!!
(anyone want a leaky pup?)
Burkeman
07-07-2006, 18:03
Pack: Gossamer Gear G5 - 13 oz (w/sit pad)
Bag: JRB NoSniveller - 22 oz
Shelter - Hennesey ExpUL hammock - 28 oz
Shelter - MacCat standard tarp - 13 oz
No pad, but that's my big 4 - 76 oz (4.75 lbs)
With JRB Nest underquilt - 100 oz (6.25 lbs)
Burkeman
pack: sil/nylon 4oz
bag: marmont never summer 0 56oz
shelter: 5x9 sil/nylon tarp with rope and stakes 16oz
pad: big agnes air core full length 29oz
total 105oz 6lbs 6oz i think.
UCONNMike
12-11-2006, 02:39
My New Big 4 (once I get the Shelter) is as follows
Granite Gear Virga - 19 oz
North Face Orion 20 degree - 39 oz
Tarptent Rainbow - 30 oz
Therm-a-Rest Ridge Rest 3/4 - 9 oz
Total = 97 oz (6.06 lbs)
Now for Warm Weather
Granite Gear Virga - 19 oz
North Face Scorpio 40 degree - 23 oz
Tarptent Rainbow - 30 oz
Therm-a-Rest Ridge Rest 3/4 - 9 oz
Total = 81 oz (5.06 lbs)
And to be honest If i know there are Shelters/Lean To's on the trail I won't bring a shelter making my Big 4 into a Big 3. Anyone else find themselves following that same pilosophy? not carryign a shelter if you know there are shelters/lean-to's on the trail?
UCONNMike
12-11-2006, 02:44
And to be honest If i know there are Shelters/Lean To's on the trail I won't bring a shelter making my Big 4 into a Big 3. Anyone else find themselves following that same pilosophy? not carryign a shelter if you know there are shelters/lean-to's on the trail?
When I thru hiked sobo in 2005 I ditched my Hennessey Hammock in PA and just keep the rainfly as a "just in case"/"worst case senerio" item (not sure what teh weight of that was, but couldn't have been much), and when put into a stuff sack made a great pillow ;) but before that I maybe used the Hammock 5-6 times from ME to PA b/c we sheltered it everynight or cowboy camped.
Newly acquired, as-yet untested, except for the pack:
Granite Gear Vapor Trail, 32 oz.
Tarptent Rainbow, 32 oz.
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 45 down bag, 16 oz.
Thermarest Prolite 3 short, 13 oz.
Total 93 oz. (5 lbs. 13 oz.)
The "old" list -- well-tested but nearly twice the weight:
Camp Trails Adjustable II, 68 oz.
Eureka Gossamer, 47 oz.
Slumberjack summerweight down bag 32 oz.
old Thermarest shortie, 18 oz.
Total 165 oz. (10 lbs. 5 oz.)
Cherokee Bill
12-13-2006, 20:00
Pack: 4-lb 4-oz (new Deuter 65-10)
Tent: 4-lb (looking at a Rainbow Tarp Tent @< 2-lb):banana
Bag: 2 lb
Pad: 2-lb
DrewNC2005
12-13-2006, 23:18
Pack: ULA Circuit 32 oz
Bag: WM Megalite 26 oz
Pad: POE Max Therm 22 oz
Tent:TT Rainshadow 2 43 oz
That list includes a dog and wife as company. Soon, I will make a poncho tarp out of the ~30 yds of silnylon I found at silnylon. Along with a larger tarp for winter backpacking with dog and wife. Should significantly cut weight out of the shelter. I've also got my eye on the Six Moon Designs Essence. The new model looks awesome. I love my Circuit, but for smaller loads, the Essence looks incredible.