Originally Posted by
colorado_rob
I applaud your efforts to get to SUL ! (S=super, NOT stupid) But, you might have gotten better, more useful response if you had posted this on the UL forum.
Couple thoughts (but I'm only a UL hiker, base around 9 lbs, so I'm not all that qualified):
I'm enthralled by that 3.4 oz pocket tarp; I have the full-bug-screen-version of it (the hexamid solo+, slightly larger than the solo though) and the overall tent size works just dandy. But what are you thinking for the ground sheet? I would consider biting the bullet and getting the 3.2 oz, $95 cuben bathtub floor to go with the tarp, really a decent total of 6.6 oz for a really nice shelter setup.
Given the variety of temperatures you're going to see, I would consider a 30 degree quilt. I have a low-20's quilt, a couple ounces heavier than a 30, but it is soooooo versatile.
I see a comment about not having a frame in your pack; I see no problem with this for you're overall weight goals. Every once in a while you'll be carrying more weight than the pack would be perfectly comfy for, but so what. I'm only talking, say, when you'll need a 4-day food supply plus maybe a time or two that you need 3-4 liters of water for a upcoming, otherwise ideal, dry camp. Few and far between on the AT.
I made a hybrid foam pad, taping a 3' section of 1/2" to a 3' section of 1/8", pretty darn light, I think it's around 4.5 ounces. I cannot comfortable sleep on a 1/8" pad under my upper body, but I'm old.
Certainly youre 36 liter Murmur will be enough, so in total: 6.6 oz (shelter) + 20 oz (25-30 degree quilt) + 4.5 oz (hybrid pad) + 8.5 (pack) = 39.6 oz = approx 2.5 pounds. A thoroughly worthy base weight for a SUL hiker.
One final thought: I have found when I've gone lower than UL, down to say, 6lb base (vs my normal 9) I barely notice the difference, if at all. Just me, but try experimenting some time; load a pack with 12 total (including food, water), hike 15 miles. Than hike those same 15 miles with a 15 pound pack. See if you really notice the difference. I do not. I basically stop noticing any difference below about 20 lbs total. Just a thought.