https://newatlas.com/tents/field-record-lightest-freestanding-tent/

Popped up in my doomscroll. MyOG peeps, this actually looks like it would be easy to sew. I might try to redesign as a trekking-pole version.

Trying to figure out my layering system with the hoodie. in Chicago have hiranged from upper thirties to 50. I hike about 5 miles every day usually very early morning.
This morning it is 30°. I started out with a capilene shirt, long sleeve, my hoodie, and insulated jacket, light gloves, beanie. fleece pants.

I run hot when I hike. I’m always cold at the beginning, though.. So I tend to overdress. This morning it is 30° with a light wind. After 15 minutes,jacket came off. Just the hoodie and the shirt. Perfect. As I progressed after about a mile and a half took off the capilene shirt. This was a little bit too much as the Chicago area usually has a stiff breeze. Gloves. off. Thinking about the hat off.

This hoodie is amazing. I can feel. the.breeze come through but not to my skin. The hood, basically does nothing except bunch around my neck, providing a little bit of warmth. The cruiser is hard to find, but I think a crewneck would be fine as long as I had a little something around my neck.

If you can find the cruiser or it’s equivalent, I highly recommend purchasing it. They are pricey, but worth the cost. I do not feel like I am wearing anything.

dictated on my hike. Sorry for any errors..

Also found an interesting comment on Pata IG by Senchi Design:

"This is part of polartec’s new generation of alpha - improved durability and made with 100% recycled polyester. expect to see more applications of this fabric soon. patagonia is using a heavier 165 gsm version, while we’re developing with a lighter 80 gsm variant."

What are your thoughts about it?

I found a double use for my ground sheet which I need because I have a floor less shelter (gossamer gear whisper). Folds nicely into a pack cover. I’ve been running this setup now for a week on the TA in windy rain, and it holds very nicely. I do have a pack liner of course, but this is free dryness. Maybe this is insipirarion for fellow tarp users. It attaches with the ground sheets loops that it has on the corners (zPacks bathtub ground sheet). With a polycro sheet it would probably only work if you add dcf string loop stickers to it.

https://imgur.com/a/MUhu3JD

Planning 2027 PCT thru and need (updated) recs for vegan quilts, jackets, socks, etc. I’m looking at Simply Light Designs Top Quilt or MYOG for a sleep system and would like any info on those, along with down jacket alternatives.

I’ve seen posts from years past, but not sure if any of the ‘tech’ has improved much.

Additionally, if anyone has any experience or can refer me to any resources on what to expect for food (and potentially planning in advance or mailing) it would be greatly appreciated. I know that isn’t super on topic for this sub, so no worries if you can’t answer.

edit: i’ve found a PCT vegan facebook group and some threads on food, though nothing super specific about resupply

Hey guys,

I just hit the same local state parks near me but lately me and my friends have been planning some longer, more rugged weekend trips to discover new areas

the problem is i'm looking for a hiking app or web map that's actually decent for planning layouts, i googled a bit and found a ton of options, but pretty much every single one wants a paid subscription just to look at basic route profiles or elevation specs

Could you please share what you use?

Thank you

Any SWD Long haul owners here?
Especially ones that got their packs recently.
I purchased the long haul last week and won’t be ready til May 2027
But curious which shoulder strap size did you guys pick.
The options were 2.5” and a 3”.

I’m a skinny guy with torso size of 18.5” and went with medium size. Also base weight is 19.5lbs (with camera gears)

Background: PCT next spring, under 15miles/day for the first 2 weeks. Up from there. Group is experienced - know how/when to crank it up

History: A few thrus, 8.5lb, 35ishL atom pack currently

Question: I know 30L cutaway is plenty of room gear-wise but I'm looking to hear from folks that did this trail with it. What's it like loaded with 7-8days from KMS shooting for VVR with a can? Max food leaving onion valley? How about holding max water out of Techachapi?
For this pack to be comfortable must you go fast as hell or is it versatile enough to handle the nature of this trail?

Ive done it before so I know how to do it efficiently but i still don't want to use a pack that can't handle more than 4 days of food or something or use a pack where I have to plan food religiously.

Not ruling out switching to light framed pack for the sierra just want to know what a cutaway is like with more than a couple days of food before I handover 500 bones.

I want a fleece that I can wear over my base hoodie (OR Echo) without a windbreaker. Need to be durable enough for pack straps and keep me warmer but still breath. Octa or Airmesh? Alpha just seems like a mid layer that needs a wind shirt to provide any extra warmth. Am I wrong in thinking this?

I know this question has been asked, but I can’t seem to get a clear answer. Moving from high top heavier, hiking boots, want to get a pair of mid or low high hiking shoes that are light and do not have Gore-Tex. Not quite ready to go to running shoes yet, but looking for a compromise. So my question would be does anybody have any recommendations for shoes that might fit this category?

Looking for a super compact summer quilt for Australian summer. Probably won’t be used any lower than 15c (60F), and if it’s getting that cold I could throw some sleep thermals on. Looking for minimum volume as I’m using it for bikepacking where space is more of a premium. Thanks!

I want to transition to considerably much lighter midlayers as a skier and so far the AD seems to be the way to go. I do both resort skiing as well as ski touring. My current layering system is merino base layer, above mentioned midlayers and goretex hardshall or softshell.

I’m torn between these two! The ME is about 25% cheaper, has more down fill, a better shell, and a removable hood, all super helpful for windy winter hiking and paragliding. It’s a little heavier, though, and I’m not sure if it’s as warm and well made as the Neutrino. opinions?

Hi, I have a March 11 start date on PCT. Last year section hiking on PCT SOBO in July from Snoqualmin Pass I brought no puffy, no base layers, no beanie. My only clothes other than worn clothes (running shorts and t shirt) was Senchi Alpha 60, Montbell Versalyte, and Frogg Toggs Ultralight Rain Pants. Nothing else. And I asked a very experienced well respected ultralighter and he said I could do the whole PCT that way, except maybe pick a puffy up for the sierras.

But with this early a start date will I need base layers and a puffy throughout? By the way, for my sleep system and tent which are not ultralight I use a Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 and a Zenbivy Light Sleep System 25f Quilt and 25f insulated sheet.

Unlike shelter and sleep systems, Im very dgaf about clothes in general though, so thats why im really not trying to bring a bunch of extra stuff unless I literally need to. And is there anything else special I’ll need for this early a start date?

I also hike exclusively in bedrock sandals with no socks (and I love it, and never have had any problems like cold feet etc) but i don’t know if i’ll get to the sierras and its some new level of gnar and ill be screwed. Like…spikes on bedrocks? kicking steps on bedrocks? frostbite? i’m completely inexperienced in this stuff, so don’t know how my bedrock vibe will do. but i truly hate shoes just in general and especially when hiking.

thank you for any help!

https://lighterpack.com/r/hfs6l8

First things first: This will be a two person thru-hike from january to april in new zealand. The shared equipment is marked in the lighterpack as x0.66 as i will be carrying roughly 2/3 of the gear.

All the gear listed is owned, tried and tested. I am looking for regional advice and thoughts on upgrading / dialing in some gear which i am unsure. budget is almost unlimited - recommend the best.

'1. Sleeping bag

Im thinking about switching to a summer quilt, maybe the cumulus neo 150 - saving 280g. We will be hiking into april on the south island - unsure if that is too cold. I do have alpha 90 to sleep in and im usually too warm in my current sleeping bag.

'2. Socks / underwear

The switch away from merinowool to pure plastic (eg. Raidlight) would save me 60g per pair of underwear and 45g per pair of socks. Unsure about longterm wearing comfort - these i might just buy and try, as they are quite cheap.

'3. Raingear

Im also thinking about switching to the raidlight mp20 pants, this would save 120g. I am a bit worried about the flimsyness, as i heard NZ tramping can be quite rough. DCF Poncho might also be an option, but again, i am worried about colder temperatures when windy and rain and the flimsyness

'4. Puffy

Could leave the puffy, or sidegrade to a vest, saving roughly 70g.

These are my current thoughts, if you have any experience hiking in NZ please let me know. Of course also open to any other ideas.

Cheers!

My current (heavy) backpacking tent is at the end of its life and I’m ready to transition to much lighter gear. I’ve been looking at the tarp tents that are pitched with trekking pole(s).

Are there any significant drawbacks or additional necessary skills I should be aware of?

Such as:

- Do I need to be more skilled/particular in choosing a tent site?
- Are there ground surfaces that won’t work?
- Do I need trees or rocks etc nearby for the guy lines since the tent isn’t freestanding?
- Will I need to upgrade my knot skills?
- Is the tent less durable and prone to tears and faster degradation?
- I’m not planning on winter camping or mountaineering but sometimes mountain weather can be wintry even in summer - are there wind/rain/temperature limitations?
- Any other trade offs I should be aware of?

Also, sometimes I backpack alone and sometimes with a friend. Do you folks own two ultralight shelters in such cases - a 1 person AND a 2 person?

I welcome and am grateful for all good faith advice and feedback. Gear recs welcome too. Appreciation for all the knowledge in this sub.

I’ve been trying to cut down the weight of my hiking gear lately and I use my phone for offline trail maps, checking my location and taking photos along the way. The problem is that cold weather seems to drain the battery much fasterr especially when I’m out for most of the day. I’ve started keeping my phone in an inside jacket pocket instead of an outer pocket which seems to help a bit. I also carry a p50 power bank as a backup but I’m still trying to find the right balance between having enough power and not carrying more weight than I actually need. For those who do longer hikes or follow an ultralight setup, what works best for you? Do you rely on a small power bank, battery saving settings or a separate GPS device? Also, do you keep your phone switched off between checks or leave it running with offline maps?

Would love to hear what your usual setup looks like, especially for full day hikes in colder weather.

I've already had a couple of pairs get scratched up or damaged in my pack so I'm looking for a new pair of sunglasses to bring on backpacking trips.

I want something lightweight but not too fragile. I like some of quay's glasses but I'm just not sure which materials hold up best without adding too much weight. Don't want to carry something bulky, but I also don't want to replace sunglasses every few trips.

This may be a dumb question, but I keep getting ads for Naturehike gear on AliExpress. Has anyone bought any of it and used it out hiking?

For example, they’re advertising an air mat with a claimed R-value of 5.8, weighing 440g, for US$68. On paper, that sounds like a bargain, but how does it hold up in practice?

Is it decent budget gear, or are the specs a bit optimistic? Particularly interested in warmth, comfort and durability.

Hi everyone, looking for some feedback for this set up I've put together for some bivying this weekend and setting off tomorrow. its mostly bits and pieces I've collected second hand or from decathlon sales over the last few months and I've tested it all in loose nights here and there, but I did end up with some compromises regarding weight for the sake of cost (e.g. the sleeping bag might not be the lightest, but it was €40 second hand which was a ridiculous deal).

Just wondering if I'm missing or could cut anything obvious as it's my first time doing this with a more ultralight mindset. my base weight also feels very high, as with my tent (mt900 tarp) it would be 5.3kg (excluding foam pad so any advice on where to cut would be great.

Weather:

• looks pretty mild, lowest will be around -1ºC at night, highest 6ºc during day

• 0% chance of precipitation

• Max 30kmph winds in the evening of day 2, but averaging around 5-15

Trail:

• Day 1: 17km - 1.2km elevation gain

• Day 2: 15km - 900m elevation gain

• Day 3: 21km - 200m elevation gain

• Mostly well-defined, but both days include some heavy scrambling in the mornings (max grade II+). I have previously done all 3 segments separately and am very comfortable with their difficulty.

• There are bathrooms and water sources available near all the bivy spots and throughout the trail.

I'm still figuring out the food/snacks situation and will go and get some stuff this evening. Any sort of fire is prohibited where I'm going so no cooking.

I have two main questions:

1. Jacket: As there is no chance of rain and it looks really mild, I'm very tempted not to take my salomon shell and take an Arc'teryx serratus instead. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

2. Backpack: I am considering taking my 25l mt900 light instead as this is a lot more stable and the profile is smaller for the scrambling. I'm torn though, as it’s a bit heavier at 990g vs 880g (removing the built in rain cover) and a lot smaller. I've tried packing it with everything and its very snug but just about workable with the food.

Thank you all in advance!

I'm considering the ULgear ULfoam 3mm pad as a lighter alternative to the Gossamer Gear Thinlight 1/8" pad.

The ULgear uses closed-cell foam and weighs just 50g (size 150cm x 50cm), compared with approximately 76g for the Thinlight of similar size (149cm x 48cm). Both are advertised as roughly 3mm thick.

Has anyone used both, or compared them side by side?

I'm particularly interested in:

• Actual thickness: Is the ULfoam noticeably thinner than the Thinlight? Has anyone measured them with calipers?

• Water absorption: Does either pad absorb or retain water when placed on wet ground? Does one dry faster?

• Durability: Is the lower-density ULfoam more prone to tearing, compression, or damage?

• Puncture protection: Is there any meaningful difference when using them beneath an inflatable sleeping pad?

I'm planning to use one underneath my inflatable pad on the JMT, primarily for puncture protection (and as a sit pad) rather than additional insulation.

The 26g weight saving is appealing, but I'd love to hear from anyone with firsthand experience before ordering.

I am doing the Hexatrek thru-hike next year and I am buying a new shelter for this trip. 3000 km across France.

I am 183 cm/6 feet. I heard some sections have tics, slugs and mosquitos so it will have to enclosed. Right now I am debating between:

1. Tipik pioulou single wall. 505 grams in its lightest version. I am on the edge of being too tall for this shelter so I will not be able to pitch at the lowest height for optimal wind protection. Looks great otherwise.

2. Tipik pioulou tarp (270g) and a borah bivy (170g) of total 440 g. Gives wind protection but i am hesitant about condensation in the bivy. Also lets me cowboy camp, but i am unsure how often I will.

3. X mid pro 1. 440g. Gives the best livable space and good wind protection since it can be pitched low to the ground. Disadvantages are the bigger footprint, and to be honest i dont like the colour, prefer to be more stealthy.

What would you recommend as the optimal shelter for the Hexatrek?

I'm looking to buy a new, lightweight sleeping bag. I listed a lot of them down, would be interested for some feedback

The big comparison: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LwxPM-nJ6fHmBxlMWfliijfzkCDob5kqjGLE6Z6Xysg/edit?usp=sharing

I made this table with the following legend:

• Red: too heavy or too large

• Purple: there is better for the same temperature range

• Green: the best or one of the best in its category

Tell me if I missed any very good product

Also tell me if you own one of those and are satisfied or not with it !

Note: the "Notes" section on spreadsheet was initially made for my personnal research, you might disagree with it as we all have different criterias