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I usually always hiked/traveled with 35-45lbs, but for my 2011 thru-hike I want my base weight to be around 19 or 20lbs. I haven't really decided on what clothes to buy yet... Please comment If you have any suggestions or advice. Thanks.
Backpack - Granite Gear Vapor Trail(36oz)
Cooking - MSR Pocket Rocket(3oz), Snow Peak Trek 900 pot(6oz), Light My Fire Spork(.20oz)
Sleeping bags - Mountain Hardwear Lamina 0*(52oz) Its a little heavy but I only used it on one trip.
REI Aura 40*(31oz) for my summer bag
Headlamp - Petzl Tactikka Plus(2.75oz)
Shelter - Wild Oasis Tarp(14oz)
Sleeping Pad - Thermarest Z-Lite(11oz)
Water Filter - Katahdyn Hiker Pro(11oz), a bit heavy but I HATE chemically treated water. I have considered that new gravity filter platypus makes.
Water Bladder - Platypus Big Zip 2-liter(5.5oz)
Clothing - Marmot PreCip jacket(13oz), Mountain Hardwear Monkeyman Fleece(14.8oz)
I haven't decided on what shirt, pants, and shorts I want. I'll probably carry 2 pairs of Smartwool Hiker socks.
According to the Backpacker gear weight calculator my base weight should be around 11.45lbs. I don't want it to be any heavier than 12.5lbs.
EDIT: I want my base weight to be around 12.5lbs.
AlsoSea To Summit Ultra-Light Packcover which weighs 4oz
Blissful
05-15-2010, 21:35
You won't need a zero degree bag unless you are starting really early. 15 degree works good and take a liner if needed.
I'd make sure you can get all this into your backpack. Vapor Trail runs small capacity if I recall and you still need clothes, food, and other small necessities.
I'm thinking of starting in late February or early March. I always carry an extra warm bag.
You really think I'd have a tough time fitting all this in a 3600ci pack?
I sure wish there was a hiking store around here. We only have those redneck supply stores.
I did not add up the weights you listed for those items, but it appears that if they add up to 20lbs you need to replace some of them with lighter options in order to reach your goal. There are lighter packs, bags, water containers, water treatment, pots, stoves, and insulating clothing. You'll need to go through each item, including those you have not listed, and figure out how you could reduce its weight. Be very thorough and very ruthless. Not everything to reduce weight will require a big purchase. You can lighten pots by using foil instead of the lid that came with it, for example.
Actually they only add up to about 12 pounds. The only things I'm not so sure about is my summer bag and my clothing.
Anyone know a lightweight 3 season bag that doesn't cost $300?
I'm used to my huge Gregory Baltoro pack and other large packs so I'm worried about capacity. Those western mountaineering packs look nice, but I just don't know if I want to spend that much money on a sleeping bag to save a pound.
Jason Klass shows a less than 5 oz gravity water filter system (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSYWoplv_Uo).
I use small size Platy bags, hoses, and connects with a Sawyer in-line filter for more uses and it backflushes if clogged. I like it.
I use the smallest Photon led keychain light instead of a headlamp. There are led lights that clip on a baseball-type hat brim. I have leds built-in a baseball-type hat, still sold at those redneck "hunter's" supply stores. I got mine at REI. Here is one, at gofastandlight (http://www.gofastandlight.com/LED-Cap-Baseball-Hat-Contains-Lights-in-brim-and-CUB/productinfo/CL-P-CB/): we actually discussed these changes, here, in WhiteBlaze forum.
From your list, a good list, I would say the selection of a 15 F sleeping bag will be critical to meet your goal for weight and volume carried: you do want to carry food.
Jacks R Better has the Hudson River sleeping quilt (http://www.jacksrbetter.com/Rectangular%20Quilts.htm).
Jacks R Better is having his Trail Days sale thru May 18.
Between 0 F and 40 F you do have a "gap" in sleep system coverage.
I have four different "sleep systems" so I can get out more often. If you like getting outside, it is better to fill that particular "gap" because a lot of hiking weather in mountain terrain is in that temperature rating.
I like that sleeping quilt but I do love having a hood around my head when I sleep. It can be compressed to the size of a softball... I'm considering buying it. Looks like backcountry.com is having a sale too. I haven't watched that gravity filter video yet but 5oz sounds pretty good. I thought that Platypus gravity filter would weigh less than the katadyn hiker pro, but it weighs much more. This lightweight stuff can be frustrating! If wish somebody would open up a backpacking store down here so I can see this stuff!
Luddite,
As a Floridian myself, I feel your pain about the lack of outdoor stores here in FL. If you happen to find yourself in need of a road trip or you are headed to Orlando for anyreason in the near future check out Travel Country in Altamonte Springs, FL. Just outside of Orlando, they have really awesome staff and a pretty good selection on every category of backpacking gear. They have a website you can purchase from as well http://www.travelcountry.com/. I have been to the store and purchased online from them and have been pleased with both options.
As for your gear looks good to me...but I myself am trying to gear up for an '11 thruhike! :banana
Good luck gear hunting here in the Sunshine State! :sun
Thanks...they have some really good deals on their website.
Luddite,
That is a big part of the reason I started my dot-info website: I saw the need for more choices and more options.
People who use sleeping quilts, bring a separate hood or balaclava. In colder weather, they use their parka for sitting around and as their "sleeping bag top". I started doing that with a half-bag or "elephant's foot" sleeping bag or a children's sleeping bag.
Now, these sleeping quilts are great stuff (literally) and JRB has a "hood" on his website.
Here is another example: hood (http://katabaticgear.com/shop/category/hoods/) and description of use (http://katabaticgear.com/design/).
It actually makes a lot of sense to have the sleeping hood separate.
I do not use a full length sleeping pad. My lower legs are on my pack.
The reason I selected the Platypus Big Zip, the PlatyBottle and the replacement hose kit for the Platypus gravity-fed system is I am one-person. I don't need a big capacity for water, or, that water carrying capacity.
If you have the quick release, that system can work great as a "sipping straw" system, as well.
I had already chosen the Sawyer in-line filter over the filter in the video, because it is a better filter and lasts longer.
If I thought 50 "uses" before replacing the filter was "good enough" for the extent of use I would give it, I would have the more lightweight system in his video.
I am considering purchasing that filter, for a waistpack or lumbar pack for short out-and-back walks in the woods.
In fact, have a look at my website. The Site Map helps.
I accept no ads. The items I describe and I list are good examples. It is possible to find the same excellent features in discount stores and even in thrift shops in resort towns. If you look a cross-sport discount stores, you can find the same excellent features to look for.
...
Backpack
Granite Gear Vapor Trail(36 oz)
GG Cloud Pack Cover(3.9 oz)
Kitchen
MSR Pocket Rocket(3 oz)
Snow Peak Trek 900 pot(6 oz)
Light My Fire Spork(.20oz)
Sleeping bags
Mountain Hardwear Lamina 0*(52 oz) Spring
JRB The Shenandoah Long(16.5 oz) Summer
Shelter
Wild Oasis Tarp(14 oz)
Stakes(2 oz)
Headlamp
Petzl Tactikka Plus(2.75 oz)
Sleeping Pad
Thermarest Z-Lite(11 oz) Cut
Water
Katahdyn Hiker Pro(11 oz)
Platypus Big Zip 2-liter(5.5oz)
Clothing
Marmot PreCip jacket(13 oz)
Mountain Hardwear Monkeyman Fleece(14.8 oz)
10.8 pounds
Thanks for the advice and link to your site.
How do you feel about this quilt? http://www.golite.com/Product/ProdDetail.aspx?p=362005110&mc=206&t=&lat=
bigcranky
05-17-2010, 20:45
I'm having a hard time trying to imagine how I would fit a 0-F rated synthetic bag into a Vapor Trail. We have a nice 20-F synthetic that would take up more than half that volume.
I have no experience with that model. I do know most people report the GoLite 20 F quilt-sleeping bag did not meet the advertised temperature rating.
Jacks R Better reportedly is better than his temperature advertised.
He will also do a 2 oz overfill.
Overall rating: GoLite slips and falls down, Jacks R Better is highly praised.
I have heard good reports about GoLite Shangri-La and GoLite Reed. That's it.
My experience? I had a GoLite Breeze pack. I replaced the shoulder straps with Metollius Rope Ranger straps, sold separately. I had to. Some report they like the GoLite Jam and GoLite Lightspeed for "fast packing" and so I list those two very small packs for the "fast packing" specialists.
Big Cranky,
Maybe a really strong compression sack from Kifaru?
There are 0 F sleeping quilts made.
Yeah I guess I'm going to have to sell it then. I only used the thing twice thats why I wanted to get more use out of it.
Those Kifaru compression sacks are crazy! That thing would ruin a sleeping bag in no time.
I think so. But if you have a government budget, I guess you don't care.
Kifaru sells to military and to law enforcement, as well as, to hunters and backpackers.
WhiteBlaze.net does have a section for selling gear in good condition.
Lots of people offer gear for sale because they want to use the money to purchase different gear, more gear, more expensive gear, whatever.
Just got my Vapor Trail today...Wow...very small lol
It seems like JRB makes some nice gear, but their website sucks.
Is there something you can do to make the quilt stay tucked under you? I move around alot when I sleep and I'm wondering if I'd be better off in a regular sleeping bag.
1. "sewn-in footbox"
2. "velcro for footbox"
3. "gathered end for footbox"
Did I say footbox?
The footbox tends to make everything go into place.
People also add thin elastic. Other people have thin bungie cord.
Some people have a sleeping pad attachment. Others have a sleeping pad slip-case in an otherwise single layer of lightweight cloth sewn-in to the top, zipped to the top, velcro to the top, tied with grosgrain ribbon to the top.
JRB will make modifications, if you do not sew at all. I would ask. But, speaking for myself, I would try a footbox first.
Once you have used a quilt, you find out you can turn over or move around and the quilt is still on top. I lift it slightly and move, but I have slept in a down quilt since forever. Except that one Hudson Bay blanket. Heavy.
JRB website is difficult to navigate for me too.
Find "Products". Click from there.
I have used the Vapor Trail which should be plenty big. Over the long haul I think you will like having the frame to help lift weight off your shoulders especially on the days when you have just re-filled your food bags.
The Wild Oasis is a great shelter that fits nicely in small spaces and has plenty or room for your gear. Follow the directions for set up, ie. staking out the four corners first and you should get a good set up. I have added two extra tie out points in the center points of the back edges and added tensioners to the tie-lines to get a nice taut pitch.
I lay out my sleeping bag, then place the pole next to it at the midline and the tarp goes up in place.
I have used the Pocket Rocket and the PreCip. Both are excellent. Duct tape together three pieces of roof flashing and you have a nice windscreen. Just do not totally enclose the canister. I light a bic first, then turn on the gas.
After a long period of usage check the the coating does not wear off the inside of the PreCip along the shoulder area. Check out the Packa as a good alternative.
If you wear low cuts, wear low cut socks, but two pair with a third pair of regular socks for camp use. Simblissity gaiters work.
I would not recommend the Klass gravity filter. It works, but it is a slow flow, and the filter itself is not made for extended use without replacement.
Filters and the steri-pen give you the option of instant water.
You have found the weakness of quilts, but skirts along the edges solves the issue of the lifting edges.
Limit you base layers to one to hike in and one to wear in camp and that should do it.
I would add maps, guide book and compass.
Panzer
Thanks for the suggestions.
Actually I am getting the Packa instead; it makes a lot more sense and I can save about 4 ounces. Instead of the Mountain hardwear fleece I'm going with a Mont-Bell UL synthetic 8.8oz and I may carry a lightweight fleece as well in the first month of hiking. Instead of the tarp I'm going with the hennessey hammock (the lightweight one). I had forgotten how nice and comfortable they were until I set my old one up today between some coconut trees. It's a little heavy, but my base weight will still be around 12.5lbs.
Anybody have any suggestions for an UL synthetic fill jacket? Do you think the mont-bell will be warm enough? I don't want a down jacket.
"I would add maps, guide book and compass."
I think this, writ large, might be an issue for you --- the couple of lists you've posted certainly cannot represent everything you expect to carry. Mostly light things missing, but they add up in terms of both weight and bulk. I suggest that you look at more complete (everything listed) gear lists that others have posted and think about items you don't have listed. For example, I started Feb 25th this year with about this mix of gear (http://www.nwlink.com/%7Ebrianle/AT_Gear_List_Gadget.pdf). I changed some things out as I went (some anticipated, some not), but from looking at that you might find that you want things like, say, socks. A ground cloth for your floorless shelter (Wild Oasis is a great choice, however, if you do start early as the shelters are pretty empty). Possibly you want a toothbrush ...
My point here is that without a really complete list I think it's difficult for anyone (including you) to assess whether you can fit everything into a 3600 c.i. pack. My guess is that for an early start with a big sleeping bag, you'll be very hard pressed. I'm using a ULA Circuit now and could probably have made that work to start with but it would have been tight given what I started out carrying.
Toothbrush, tooth paste, advil, toilet paper, little leatherman muti-tool, and guide book are on my weight calculator. I'm gunna put my revised list up soon. I just didn't add stuff like that because I didn't think I needed any help on it. I never carry a compass or maps on the AT. Also, I'm not getting the tarp anymore. So far the weight is 11.92lbs, but that is without a change of clothes. I think I might not start as early so I don't have to carry such heavy gear.
Appalachian Tater
06-07-2010, 22:03
If you have not already bought the Vapor Trail then try the Nimbus Ozone as well, both when loaded. It weighs more but it is much more comfortable especially when carrying any weight and having the ability to carry more water or food comes in handy in some sections where they may be in short supply. If you are truly trying to keep your total pack weight at the minimum you won't be carrying more than a few cups of water and a few days' worth of food but then you lose that flexibility.
That B.S. on the GG website about the Vapor Trail being the #1 choice of thru-hikers isn't true today if it ever was (nothing to back up that claim is given) so don't get sucked in by that.
I already bought it. It says 40% of AT thru hikers wear the pack or something, but thats not why I bought it.
Backpack
Granite Gear Vapor Trail (36 oz)
Kitchen
MSR Pocket Rocket (3 oz)
Snow Peak Trek 900 pot (6 oz)
Light My Fire Spork (.20oz)
Sleeping bags
U.L.Super Spiral Down Hugger #1 (36oz) Spring
JRB The Shenandoah Long (16.5 oz) Summer
Shelter
Wild Oasis Tarp (14 oz)
Stakes (2 oz)
Headlamp
Petzl Tactikka Plus (2.75 oz)
Sleeping Pad
Thermarest Neoair Small (9 oz)
Water
Katahdyn Hiker Pro (11 oz)
Platypus Big Zip 2-liter (5.5oz)
Clothing
The Packa (13 oz)
Mont-bell U.L.Thermawrap Jack (8.8oz)
One pair Convertible pants
Two Polyester shirts
Lightweight underwerar top and bottom
One pair lightweight shorts for doing laundry
I'm not sure what clothing to buy yet. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Other stuff
Half Toothbrush (.50oz)
Tooth Paste (2oz)
Toilet Paper (3oz???)
Crocs (12oz)
Leatherman Style CS (1.40oz)
Lighter (1oz)
Leki Makalu Trekking poles
Duct tape (wrapped around trekking pole)
A few Advil in small plastic bag (.50oz)
Thru-Hiker's Guide (12oz)
Lightweight Stuff Sacks
I'm planning on carrying just a pair of shorts, 2 pairs of socks, and an extra shirt in my pack. My base weight is at 10.54lbs with the summer quilt and
11.13lbs with the winter bag. Any suggestions on stuff sacks and clothing??? thanks
Anybody thru hiked with a Neoair?
Blissful
06-12-2010, 11:23
Saw several hikers out with them in southern VA in late April.