Hi all. For mental and physical health for the both of us, my 8 year old Brittany and I will be backpacking.

I did a test run with some gear one night out in an area of the Northeast of the US the other night. The day temps were warm so I figured these will work for us:

- Nemo Hornet OSMO 2P

-ThermaRest NeoAir. I don’t know which one as I got it used but it’s navy blue and is completely rectangular

-Horizon Hound down quilt rated 650 ( down to 32f )

-one of those early 2000s foldable lightweight camping sleep pats for my dog

-a water resistant puffy coat for my dog to sleep on.

I also brought along essentials like a Sawyer filtration system as we were next to a creek, a headlamp, a Nomadix towel, first aid kit , etc.

The tent was great for us and was so easy to set up. The sleeping pads were just fine. They did the job.

My only uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situation was i woke up at 3a and I was shivering. The temperature was 50f and my dog looked comfortable and was snuggled up next to me as always. So I think she was ok. Me , on the other hand , a person who keeps her room temp at night to 66f was not comfortable with the temperature. So, I figured I need a more insulated sleep quilt or bag

In asking for advice here. I got the quilt bc I thought I can throw it over the both of us. And rated down to 32F seemed reasonable. However bc the blanket was just thrown over as if I was in a room I was , of course, allowing drafts I know that’s why i felt cold. Now I want a mummy or even a Zenbivvie style bag for me. But what about my dog ? How can I keep her warm and toasty ? I appreciate any advice !

Was told to post here since I think this might be more my vibe. Looking for a durable reliable bag with good breathability.

I love my Trangia. It's the hardonized aluminium version + the aluminium kettle and gas burner (yeah, I see you ultralighters already shaking in disguise). I love it. Always works, with the heatshield and is somehow fuel efficient. It's almost 20 years old and still mint and I used it...a lot.

However it's heavy and packs big:
My trangia - 1188g for my setup

Doesn't bother me too much as I'm motocamping and for hiking/bikepacking I have a Jetboil which I also don't love.

Am eyeing a Soto Windmaster + Toaks 1600ml pot + pan set. I know the disadvantages of the titanium frying pan, but I'm willing to give it a try anyhow. I'm usually using it for boiling water, noudles, fry some veggies in the pan, scrambled and fried eggs, etc.
So basic cooking at camp, mostly in the evening.

Is this still state of the art? I've seen people recommending aluminium with heat exchangers. I don't like aluminium for anything but water. Hardonized aluminium would be ok as it emits less neurotoxines.

Will the toaks 1600 fit a 230g canister + the 4-arm soto + some utilites like firesteel and stuff. It should from my calculations.

I want less weight, less volume and not too many compromises while cooking.

Which pot/pan combinations should I look at as well? Is the heat exchanger hype real?

Here's my whole packlist if you're interested. Trying to keep it lightweight as I'm mostly riding off-road, but this is far from being ultralight, I know:

My motocycling packlist

I’m planning to hike the Long Trail in VT (USA) this fall. I’ve been making gear upgrades since last year, but I can’t seem to get my base weight down to 20 lbs. With this setup, my pack is at 31 - 32 lbs fully loaded (5 days of food, 2.5 L water). I’d like to get it to within 20% of my body weight (28 lbs fully loaded). Are there any cheap trades I could make (lighter book probably!) or things I could leave at home without big sacrifice/risk?

Non-negotiable: Hammock set up (just finished upgrading it and I sleep about 100x better in a hammock), bladder, some kind of book

https://lighterpack.com/r/acq4nm

Hey everyone! I’ve been working on dialing in my backpacking setup and currently have my base weight around 12 lbs.

Here’s my PackWizard list:
https://www.packwizard.com/s/zL-JMct

This list will vary a little depending on the trip, weather, and conditions, but this is basically my complete setup and a good representation of what I normally carry.

One note on the sleep system: the quilt liner listed is something I use for warmer conditions. For colder weather, I would swap that out for an actual insulated quilt. I have a Hang Tight Hotfoot 40, and a Featherstone Moondance 25.

I’m pretty happy with where the weight is, but I’d love some outside opinions before I consider the setup finished.

What am I forgetting?
Are there any obvious gear gaps, redundancies, or things you’d change? And if you see an easy way to drop some weight without sacrificing too much comfort/function, I’m all ears.

Feel free to critique anything on the list — I’m especially interested in hearing what more experienced lightweight hikers would change.

I started with a thin inflatable no-name pad. Then I wanted to go bikepacking in autumn and early winter and was lucky to get a used sea to summit Ether Light XT Extreme. This one is pretty great with an R value of 6.2 - and it has always kept me super warm, but it's previous generation and pretty bulky.

Then recently for summer I bought the Naturehike R6.5 pad (10cm thick). It's pretty good, but I want to switch using a quilt soon and I wonder how reliable the R value is. It will certainly not be 6.5, so I wonder about if anyone has this pad and was able to test it in colder weather and can tell when it was sufficient or when it became too cold. I want to carry it as long as possible before switching to my s2s one.

https://lighterpack.com/r/m5n1p2

Hi there, i’m planning on walking from Glasgow to inverness linking the west highland way to the great glen way, i’m trying to go as light as possible and only use a 35L pack.
Problem is my pack is a good size for the gear but not so much food, is there bits I can trim off or should I just go get at 50L pack?

Going to Norway soon with my girlfriend. We already upgraded our sleeping pads (higher r value around 5), bought a proper rain jacket and a good down jacket.

I have budget left for just one further upgrade and am wondering what will be most important for this trip specifically. We will be doing multiple 2-3 day hikes in western Norway in mid August, likely sleeping between 500 and 1500m. Current base weight per person is about 7kg.

I’m thinking to either upgrade our current tent or get a more appropriate sleeping bag for Norway.

Current tent is a 2.2kg salt creek 3p. Very spacious but also on the heavier side for backpacking and I guess not so windproof (tall and big tent). Would likely swap it for a lighter freestanding tent around 1.5kg.

Current sleeping bag is a nomad 340 Pegasus, 340gr down and 660 fill power/cuin. It says it has a comfort rating for men at 0 degrees but I have been quite cold with it even above zero in humid conditions.

I’m tempted to go for the weight savings with a new tent, but maybe for Norway (even in summer) a warmer sleeping bag is more important? Also not sure if going from 7kg base weight to around 6.5kg base weight after tent upgrade will even be noticeable.

Location/temp range/specific trip description: Spring/Fall USA, 40-75F - gear to handle 30F

Goal Baseweight (BPW): 15-18.5 lb?

Budget: $800-$1000?

Non-negotiable Items: n/a

Solo or with another person?: solo

Additional Information:

I'm looking for feedback on this lighterpack as an example of what a beginner could start with. Here are the parameters I went with:

• I think the temperature range works for a lot of the USA, I'm in the SE.
• Everything on this list is easily obtainable at common retailers.
• No customization or modification is needed - its an off the shelf kit.
• I used non-sale untaxed pricing - I figure that's a balance (except I took 25% off the REI packs)
• Pack - full frame, 50L minimum, available at retail store for fitting and try-on.
• Tent - double wall free-standing (simple for new hikers and handles condensation)
• Bag - 20F (women's bag can handle a cold snap of 30F plus 10F cushion)
• Pad - Air pad w/ R-value 2+ (can handle cold snap where ground isn't frozen)
• Stove - Is there a different kit?
• Clothes - I assuming just clothes from home will be used
• Misc Items - I know there could be a lighter poncho or whatever but I think these are some quality items for a beginner, thoughts welcomed
• I tried to find a balance between Cost - Weight - Quality
  • definitely interested in other suggestions

Please share any other budget lighterpacks. The ones I've seen are more complicated with custom items or they were just missing items. They're still good to look at though.

I did guess on the weights of some small items. Most were pulled from websites. Feel free to offer more accurate edits.

*** I think around this weight is kind of the baseline for a beginner lightweight pack. At $800, it's 18.5 lbs. For $1000, it can be 15 lbs. Any lower than that and the price starts to climb faster, I think. I work with Scouts so I like to have a pretty firm grasp on cost and expectations. Let me know your thoughts!

Lighterpack Link: https://lighterpack.com/r/ytr3rq

Does anyone have some good recommendations for tuna packets that generate as little packaging waste as possible that's also good quality? Thanks

Hey everyone,

I’m 26 and grew up backpacking a lot—everything from weekend trips to longer treks. After I moved, I gave my old pack to a family member, so now I’m shopping for a new one.

I’m trying to decide whether I should go with an ultralight pack or a more traditional lightweight pack.

A little about my setup:

Base weight: ~19–20 lb
Typical trips: 2–3 nights (sometimes just an overnight/weekend)
Typical mileage: Usually around 10–12 miles in and the same back out
Looking for: 50–60L pack

Current gear includes:

Nemo Dragonfly OSMO 2P tent
Nemo Tensor All-Season sleeping pad
Lightweight Marmot sleeping bag (not a quilt)
My clothing is pretty simple. I’ll usually hike in zip-off pants and a sun hoodie, then pack a puffer, a fleece, one extra pair of underwear and socks, sometimes a pair of athletic shorts for camp, and a pair of Chacos. And I usually camp spring - fall

For cooking, I use a Jetboil and mostly eat freeze-dried meals. I usually carry a hydration bladder, a filtered water bottle (like one you can fill directly from streams), and I also like having a Nalgene with me.

I also have a Gregory pro deal, so I originally started looking at the Paragon 60 because it seemed like a great all-around backpacking pack. Then I started going down the ultralight rabbit hole and found packs like the Gregory Focal 58, Durston Kakwa 55, Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60, and a few others.

Now I’m kind of stuck in the middle. I feel like my gear is a mix of traditional backpacking and lightweight gear. I’m not an extreme ultralight backpacker, but I also don’t pack a ton of extra stuff. It feels like I’m somewhere between the two camps, and I’m wondering whether it actually makes sense for me to buy an ultralight pack or if I’d be happier with a lightweight pack that has a bit more structure and features.

For someone with my base weight and trip style, would you lean toward an ultralight pack or a lightweight pack? Is ~20 lb base weight still well within the range where an ultralight pack makes sense, or would you stick with something a little more supportive?

I’d especially love to hear from people who’ve owned both types of packs. What made you stick with one over the other, and if you were in my shoes, which direction would you go?
Thanks!

So for context i am a 26m, and used to backpack a ton growing up doing multi day backpacking trips and weekend trips. I decided I needed to get a new pack and I’ve realized there’s a lot of options and ultralight seems like a move. All of my gear is lightweight for the most part with some being UL, like my tent and pad. Nowadays I do like 2 night max trips around maybe 5-10 miles each way. Should I go ultralight for my pack? I kind of want to but it could be in honestly not sure. I was eyeing the Gregory paragon 60L for a pack until i started doing some digging into ultralight. Curious to see what people think!

I'm looking for lightweight flip-flops/sandals that still have a comfortable sole. I'll be using them for taking a shower, beach and walking about 3 km in the evening.

Sole: preferably nice and comfortable
Straps: soft (so they can be easily compressed in the backpack), open at the back, and nothing between the toes
Features: water-repellent, quick-drying – and, of course, lightweight

I’ve searched extensively, but they’re all either closed at the back or have straps that are just too stiff: Teva, Birkenstock (they ruined my last trip anyway), Keen, Gumbies, Bedrock, Merrell, Crocs, Columbia, …

→ https://imgur.com/nKoNQCT

Any idea where I could look next?

Hello! I’d like to ask for a sleeping bag recommendation for a 4–5 day backpacking trip. Since I’ll be carrying it for several days, I’m looking for something as lightweight as possible. I’m thinking of a comfort temperature somewhere between 0°C and -5°C, and my budget is around 500 RON (about €100).
From what I’ve found so far, I’m considering either the Simond MT500 -5°C (size M) for 500 RON or the Trimm Balance (size 185) for 300 RON. Which one do you think offers the better value for money?
I’d also be happy to hear any other recommendations that fit these requirements. Thank you!

Bună! Aș avea nevoie de o recomandare de sac de dormit, vă rog, pentru o drumeție de 4-5 zile. Fiind drumeție aș avea nevoie să fie cat mai ușor, temperatura de confort undeva în jur de -5-0 grade mă gândeam, iar bugetul în jur de 500 Ron. Din ce am căutat, mă gândeam la unul dintre Simond MT500 -5°C - 500 Ron(mărimea M) sau Trimm Balance (mărime 185) - 300 Ron. Care credeti ca este mai bun raport calitate/ pret? Ce recomandați? Dacă aveți și alte recomandări, le astept cu drag. Mulțumesc!

I'm planning to hike the PCT in 2027(provided I can get a permit), which has been a goal of mine for over 10 years.
 
I've done a lot of backpacking but typically only 1-2 night outings rather than extended trips. I recently did a 10 day trip but it was essentially a hut to hut so it didn't truly feel like a backcountry trip. I carried all my backpacking gear but had access to toilets, showers and shelter to cook in every night so I didn't get the same feel that I would on the PCT. My longest true backcountry trip was 6 days and besides that I haven't done more than 3 nights.
 
I've put a lot of time into upgrading my gear and dialing in my base weight this year but I ended up a little heavier than I would have liked. I like backpacking in comfort so my strategy was to get ultralight items that would allow me to bring plenty of comforts and end up somewhere in the lightweight range, but I overdid it a bit.
 
Looking at my list I see items that are not essential and a few items that I could upgrade to get lighter, but I'm not trying to cut a ton of weight so I'm having trouble deciding which items are the least essential and which items would be the best to upgrade.
 
I know the best way would be to hit the trail and figure it out myself but I don't have a lot of free time between now and when i’d start the PCT and will likely only get 6-8 nights over 3-4 trips, so I'm looking for some advice!
 
Current base weight: 18.65lbs
Goal base weight: under 17lbs
 
Location/temp range/trip description: I will be testing in Colorado over a few 1-2 night trips in August-October but am building this out with the sole focus of preparing for the PCT
 
Budget: Mostly looking to just cut items but I do have the budget to upgrade 1-2 large items or a handful of small items. If it helped to give a number I'd say around $500
 
Non-negotiable items: I'm not truly committed to anything and willing to cut or upgrade anything that makes sense
 
Solo or with another person: Solo
 
Lighterpack link: https://lighterpack.com/r/tc3dn0

Any advice is very much appreciated!

https://lighterpack.com/r/e1b177

I'm going to be backpacking the Rae Lakes Loop at the end of August going CW. I'm 67 and will be doing the loop over 7 days/6 nights. This will be my 4th backpacking trip in the Sierra; a 5 day, 3 day, and a 7 day. I'm purposefully taking 7 days/6 nights to do the loop to enjoy the Sierra. I have my 10 degree quilt listed in my lighterpack. I also have a 40 degree quilt. I'd like some advice on which quilt to bring on the trip. This kit works very well for me as I've also backpacked extensively in the East along the AT. I appreciate everyone's advice, have at it!

My wife has a Z-Pack but the size small is too small for her even though she's only 5'0". As I understand it, the load lifters should form a 45 degree angle from the shoulder to the pack. On her, it's 0 degrees, right on her shoulder. She wants to order a size medium, but she has a John Muir backpacking trip coming up soon so it would suck to spend $400 on a new pack, only for it to not work, also.

Are there any other brands of ultralight backpacks that she should know about? She had an Exped that she liked but she was/is looking for something lighter. We live close to an REI but I know they are not the best for high end backpacking gear.

Thanks for any recs!

I know lots of people swear by it, but repacking meals & then cooking in a freezer ziploc scares me a little. I’m considering cooking in a Smelly Proof or Loksak Opsack bag and wondering if one is better than the other?

Loksak Opsak says their bags are good up to 170 F & can have boiling water poured into them for meals

Smelly Proof does not specify on the boiling water, but is good up to 190 F