2oz LED string wire from amazon. One for each person in the group. They're fun and make the inside of tents homey, and they're nice to read your map with too.
Edit: Here ya go
One final comment that I'm adding as a separate post since I reached the size limit in my post above: for anyone who is looking for additional information concerning backcountry ailments and injuries, I highly recommend the book Deep Survival, by Laurence Gonzales. In addition to drawing from his own experience, the author analyzed countless reports of backcountry injuries in writing the book. One of the biggest takeaways that I got from Deep Survival is the idea that injuries in the backcountry are rarely the result of a single factor, but rather usually the result of multiple factors- and those factors are often seemingly inconsequential when evaluated on an individual basis. If you can learn to recognize and address various factors as they crop up, then you can generally reduce most of the risk of injury.
If you're just starting out I would start with the Cascade Mountain Tech ones on Amazon. You can upgrade from these and be out a net of probably $10. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L2HYPNW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
300mcg is the medically recommended dosage for help falling asleep.
https://news.mit.edu/2001/melatonin-1017
https://www.amazon.com/Sundown-Naturals-Melatonin-300-Tablets/dp/B000GG2I9O/
More will be counter productive as the poster above me said.
You can replace your tubing with silicone tubing. I use it in home brewing - it is inert even at high temperatures.
https://www.amazon.com/White-Silicone-Rubber-Tubing-Grade/dp/B003TJ9YQU
I absolutely, positively thought I was going to die.
I was becoming hypodermic from having to camp out without a shelter of any kind, I remember actually looking forward to not feeling anymore, the discomfort of being so cold was so great.
The only thing found on this sand bar island was tall grass, and that itself was all being swallowed up by the quickly rising river. By the last night, there may have been 10 square meters of land left. And on it: just my pack and I.
I was sure if I wasn't going to freeze to death, I was instead going to drown. No phone, no satellite locator - I didn't even tell anyone back home that I had gone to New Zealand!
I visited the local ranger station, but they were closed for Easter. I self-signed in, saying where I was going, so they knew I was out there - somewhere, but the hut keepers reported me as a no-show. I also said not to look for me right away if I got lost. They probably thought I bailed b/c of the weather.
Very long story short, I extracted myself and rode my bike (I was doing a bike tour to all this tramping) the 80km or wherever the nearest town was to visit the immediate medical center.
But by the next day, I was hiking again. Too many amazing things to see in New Zealand!
Learned a lot of valuable lessons. After another near-death experience, I found this book almost by Providence:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VVMN5J2
Could have been a chapter written about me.
Recently I had to really face my fears of crossing swiftly moving rivers, now while as a backpacking guide in Alaska. Happy to report a 100% survival rate for all those involved!
Do you think they're still effective after drying out and re-hydrating? What else is in them besides water? Fragrance and lotion?
If you don't need the extra stuff in a baby wipe, check out EZ Towel: https://www.amazon.com/Towel-Durable-Tube-Packaging-Pieces/dp/B005JWQY40
My scale says each one is 3g or 0.1oz. You can carry 10 of them for the weight of a single dried baby wipe.
I used to dick around with layering my hands -- I used REI wool liners under some thicker North Face gloves, then REI rain overmitts.
Now I use these, which are warmer, drier, lighter, and CHEAP.
These are great: CMT Carbon Poles. You may need to replace the tips after a while or you can follow Andrew Skurkas guide on putting nicer ones in. I personally love the locus gear cp3 because they function well and have an awesome aesthetic.
I use
Trekology DREAMER COMFORT Ultralight Inflating Travel / Camping Air Pillows (green) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071FQJV82/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_-rLVAbDJESMR5
It's pretty cheap $15 and only 2.75 ounces. I've only used it twice, but I really like it so far
I like this one. It's delicious and rich, the packet makes it fairly convenient, it's designed to be made with hot water and not milk, and one packet is usually enough for my gf and I. 170 calories for 1.5oz so ~113 calories/oz. We also add peppermint schnapps to it, which we bring in a small gatorade bottle.
Edit: I cannot for the life of me figure out how to make the hyperlink work properly so here's the link again: https://www.amazon.com/Ghirardelli-Indulgence-1-5-Ounce-Envelopes-15-Count/dp/B0085SN7J0/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3BOZM4NOPW1C&keywords=ghirardelli%2Bhot%2Bchocolate%2Bmix&qid=1574023908&sprefix=ghir%2Caps%2C207&sr=8-4&th=1
I have one of the old "Woodland Cammo" pattern bivy's which is probably either identical or similar to yours that I picked up at a surplus store (for much less than that Amazon link). I would use it to "sleep outside" on Boy Scout trips, even in the New England winters, and it was great because in the morning, I would just bag it all up in a stuff sack and be ready to go. It would get a bit frosty from breath on the inside near your face, but not too badly. Another plus, the boys all thought I was an iceman like Wim Hof.
That's great. Glad to help. Here's a link to my full spreadsheet which includes nutritional info for a lot of stuff. It's not very polished but gets the job done for me, and it's ever evolving. You're welcome to download it and use it to kick start your own if you want.
The compressed paper tablets are awesome. Very compact, light, and durable. The tubes that come with them store about 10 pieces. Add some water to a bottle cap and drop it in and unroll it. Then you have a wet wipe! They are multipurpose because they are so durable and dry and absorbent. Just quickly crush one between your teeth with out getting too much saliva on it and you will be able to unroll it and have a dry absorbent durable napkin or towel. I was actually able to use a couple like this to dry off after a shower when I didn’t have a towel and hold on to them for later use because they are so durable. I usually only need one per bowel movement, sometimes two. They can be folded numerous times to get multiple wipes/passes from them. There are many different sellers and manufacturers making them at this point. I recommend getting one that comes with the storage tube. They weigh about 2.4 grams a piece and diameter is somewhere between the diameter of a nickel and a dime. Here is the pack I got:
Portawipes Compressed Toilet Paper Tablet Coin Tissues - 500 Bulk Starter Pack with 4 Carrying Cases https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074K2CSQL
They are also great as an everyday carry item in case you get stuck with cheap sandpaper or none at all when traveling about. They also would make a nice face wipe.
I used this for my 2017 thru. IMO it is the most perfect food bag ever. Weighs just under 1.5oz iirc. Surprisingly durable too! I dropped my knife on it on accident and it made a hole. Two years later I still use the bag and the hole has not gotten any bigger.
Granite Gear Air Zipsack Ultralight Zippered Pouch - 16L https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003EMSDBY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XkS9CbBGJ29MT
>National parks can’t just be for middle-upper class families with the ability to plan out a vacation 3 months in advance... their survival and success rests on all parts of society being able to benefit from them.
Thank you.
An interesting, if somewhat dry book at times, that tackles this and other topics you may want to read - Uncertain Path: A search for the future of national parkshttps://pmags.com/uncertain-path-a-search-for-the-future-of-national-parks.
The book gives some ideas to think about what kind of national parks we want in our country’s future.
Why do you have tights and Capilene Lightweight Bottoms? Pick one and save 5 oz.
Why do you have a cotton tank and 2 running shirts? Pick one. (Hint not the cotton tank) save 10oz
Rain jacket, Puffy, base layer, Houdini and R1. Ditch the Houdini and R1 (especially with such a warm puffy) save 18 oz
Simplify your cook kit. Get rid of the measuring cup and make marks on your pot or smart water if you're picky about measuring. get rid of one bowl and just eat out of the pot (6oz)
Switch from pack cover to nylofume pack liner (save 2 oz)
Swap the footprint for Polycryo (save like 5 oz)
Ditch the daypack all together OR get something like a cheap drawstring bag or something like this save 7-10 oz
Ultimate Towel Medium "ya'll are going to tell me to get rid of this I know it" yup (5oz)
Generic Flip Flops meh save 8oz
69oz (nice) saved with virtually no cost!
PSA: you can buy a 10-pack of bamboo spoons on Amazon for $6.58 instead of paying $5 per spoon to someone on ulgeartrade. I bought these spoons on the recommendation of someone's post in a weekly thread and they're great. They're in the same 10-15 gram range.
Looks alright but tiny, I have a feeling I'd burn through that salt in two meals.
I just use tiny ziploc(aka weed baggies) with whatever spices I feel like.
For those who like to wear a Garmin watch and don't like carrying a dedicated charging cable, a small USB-C to Garmin charger adapter is now available:
Just to jump in, there are trails all through the mountains of Nepal, connecting tiny villages by dirt path or road. Pick up some good maps and make your own route, a bit of compass work was all I needed to navigate solo.
​
https://www.amazon.com/Trekking-Map-Mardi-Himal/dp/9937810914
​
Something like this, the map I used for the Mardi Hamal Base Camp trail, a bit of research and you could have maps for the whole mountain range.
​
Met some people who were just wandering across the country, not necessarily "doing a trail".
You could go with the ever fashionable Casio Calculator Watch. Not sure if you wanted something with more functionality, but it should be able to do the conversions for you.
I have a pair of the Body Wrappers Dance Pants and I love them. You can't beat the price compared to the other brands and my only issue is that they do not have any pockets. They weigh about 1 oz more than ones for 4 times the price.
It’s just clarified butter, folks. I agree with the other poster - make it yourself. I store it in this: https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Planet-Solutions-Reusable-Plastic/dp/B01LZOXTJ8. In baggies for extra security. (Although they haven’t leaked yet.)
Edited: for clarity, since I didn’t manage to use Reply properly.
It is similar to asking if chocolate or vanilla ice cream is better. All depends on your preference. [1]
I actually sleep worse on a NeoAir three-season pad vs. CCF. And I sleep on my side at some point during the night.
Other people are completely different.
One advantage of CCF for you? You can get a full-length ZLite or Ridge Rest clone for ~$25 (or less) to try out. If you don't like it, you now have a pad you can repurpose for winter backpacking or even camping as an augment to your three-season pad that works better for your style. If you do like the CCF, I'd cut it down. Repurpose the extra foam for projects or even a sit pad.
[1] Pistachio is my personal fav and obviously superior to both, however. ;)
It might sound dumb, but these are pretty popular in the canyoneering community. They weigh 5 lbs (their biggest downside), but are really stable and can handle some lower class whitewater stuff, provided there's no rocks to scrape on. I have and have seen others run rapids in the Grand Canyon on these things. The best part is they're only $20. Most people I know grab aftermarket lighter paddles with them though.
Anker PowerLine 4inch cables. 0.64oz and Mifi certified. It’s not gonna burn up on ya.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCL75QK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_JXgzBb2340CC4
The powercore mini+ is probably your most reliable option in that size range. It looks like the 3rd generation has been discontinued but it is lighter than the newer model at 2.56 ounces and is in stock.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M8YXV1Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_70gzBbFE0CB04
Kinda sad this comment is the most “controversial”
I use a 110g size canister as my go-to and refill it after every weekend trip from a 450g one with one of these https://www.amazon.com/Plus-Canister-Shifter-Adapter-Function/dp/B00U2EE6M2/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=isobutane+fuel+canister+refill+adapter&qid=1624589819&sprefix=isobutane+fuel+canister+re&sr=8-12
No guess work ever on partially filled canisters and the cost savings from never having to buy 110g canisters pays for the adapter.
A 110g canister is $5, 450g canister is $10.
$50 worth of beans!
I can never find instant beans locally, so always end up having to get them on Amazon. Don't tell anyone, but in moments of extreme weakness, I've even eaten them when I'm not camping.
Baleaf makes one, you can get it on Amazon for about 25 bucks. I've been using it recently its super breathable Claims to have 50 spf.
Baleaf Men's UPF 50+ Sun Protection Basic Long Sleeve Performance Hoodie T-Shirt Blue S https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M7JWRYR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_N.z9CbAMJ7P0D
Are you talking about the kind that is in like an oversized chapstick tube?
If so, yes it works! I really like it bc I can stick it in my shoulder pouch mesh or whatnot and it won’t accidentally squirt on everything and make a mess. It’s super easy to apply without getting your hands all sticky. Good stuff. As for weight savings that depends on how much sunscreen you bring otherwise. For me it does because a larger tube of screen is too much unless you repackage it ( in which case the solid would probably be heavier). Really depends on how you were carrying it before.
Source: pasty white backpacker that wears sunscreen even on cloudy days ;)
edit: I use this one
Assuming 5th edition, that DM should check the actual rules about travel pace. On Normal terrain, Normal pace is 24 miles a day. Fast is 30. It's when you push into a "Forced March", so additional hours past 8, that you risk "Exhaustion". So especially if you have a good Con, you can safely do 34 or 38 in a safe, flat area.
In case the 1/8" thinlight was too plush for some of you, you can now order eva foam as thin as 2mm (.079in) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082FPBMQP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_TM1bGb9FBN8QE?psc=1
The fact it comes in 35"x59" sheets is actually kinda nice though
Check out Training For The New Alpinism and Training For The Uphill Athlete. I've been reading TFTNA and it has a lot of good information on how to periodize your lifting and aerobic training, along with recommendations for specific workouts.
Seems like not much more than baking soda, I guess the tablets is practical and it probably tastes better. Would be nice if it had some fluoride but for a short backpacking trip it doesn't really matter.
Looks like there are various generics on Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/Archtek-Toothpaste-Tablet-Mint-60/dp/B003UY1NMW, seems like it might be worth a try for travel in general, the tiny tubes seem pretty wasteful, although I get them free at the dentist anyways.
These are what I used to use when I was a medic, should meet your needs. If you want to shop around for a different size try googling "Sharps shuttle", that's what we called the smaller containers.
I was watching grey's anatomy when I thought "hm, I wonder what a scalpel weighs?". googled "ultralight scalpel" and came across this, weighs 4.6g/0.16 oz, which is less than the Dermasafe razor blades on Litesmith! Reviews sound good, it sounds like the blade is replaceable - but very sharp - so I doubt it would need to be replaced often, even on a thru hike. It folds shut into its own handle, 4 inches long when open. Has a hole on the end of the handle so it could be used as a neck knife or clipped to your pack, etc.
**I have not purchased this so I don't know if the weights are confirmed or if it's a good product, but I thought this sub might appreciate it!
I got these Aleader ones awhile ago (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07429QKHZ) and have used them on a couple week long hikes, plus car camping and around the yard, etc. Haven't had any issues with them and find them super comfy. Appreciate having a bit of a sole when wearing them around a camp with lots of rocks/roots/etc.
Reviewers have been blown away by it: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G059G86/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Yes, but very very expensive per ounce. $6 = $11/oz.
Here's a good mineral sunscreen with virtually the same active ingredient for $1.66/oz you can repackage as you want for 1/7th the cost.
Another decent option for $1.57/oz:
TheTentLab New improved Deuce(R) Ultralight Backpacking Potty Trowel - now in 3 sizes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BFHYNYG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_lT1cBbSSWDRKT
I personally use the #1 .45 ounce trowel. You can use the small end to score a hole, then use the big end to actually dig.
The best wall charger for quickly charging phones and power banks is the Anker Nano USB-C Charger.
Be sure to top up all devices (especially your phone) from your battery bank before you arrive in town, then just charge the bank for quickest turnaround time. It also avoids you having to walk away from your phone while it's charging.
I got one of these for $15.99: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01MCXZJ8Y I've cut it down a bit and it now weighs 83grams.
I measured the output of it in close to "average conditions" for a sunny day and was able to reliably get 1.5watts for the output. While this is far from what it's marketed as, it's enough to tickle charge my battery enough to justify the weight for longer trips. Not yet field tested.
I'm pretty sure this is the exact same quilt, but with different branding. Hell, both websites are even using the same stock photo.
https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/packable-down-throw-blanket/3303727
http://www.costco.com/Double-Black-Diamond-Packable-Down-Throw-2-pack.product.100314979.html
If you are looking for an ultra-cheap, light ( ~4oz), annd large VBL "shelter", this is a great time of the year to get one.
Get yourself to a hardware store and buy a Xmas tree disposal bag. Reasonably rugged as it has to contain a large and pokey tree and certainly large enough to stuff yourself into it. Costs $5 or less. I have the linked one and paid $2 for it at Home Depot in early January.
I keep one in my ski tour pack as an emergency shelter. If you are looking for testing a VBL, guess it should work in theory as it is essentially a trash compactor bag on steroids? I don't know..but that's why you are testing? :)
A backpack should be the very last thing you buy since it carries all the other stuff.
Hiking shoes or trail runners + socks + insoles should be the first. They must fit you perfectly and don’t go cheap
The second thing to buy for only $10 is https://smile.amazon.com/Ultimate-Hikers-Gear-Guide-Second/dp/1426217846/
I usually brew cowboy coffee style (just grounds in a pot of water) then pour out into a cup through one of those small re-usable pods (these) acting as a filter/strainer. If you let it settle and pour slowly, most of the grounds will stay in the pot and the few that get poured out get caught in the pod. It's basically french press coffee, just with minimal hardware. I'll also just do plain old cowboy coffee if I'm feeling lazy or don't have a separate pot/cup.
9 days is starting to get to where a panel makes sense. I will have to try this one because I've never had a panel perform decently on the back of a pack. Maybe the monocrystaline makes the difference?
That said if all you need is 10Ah that is 165 grams versus the 207 grams of panel+anker.
I highly recommend getting a usb power logger and seeing exactly how much juice you use.
edit: The amazon reviews for that panel are more in line with what I would expect from it? It is a shame that it uses a 6W USB regulator.
Yeah I've had great success with this one. I used to hike in a button-down shirt and short shorts but now I exclusively hike in my suit.
So I honestly don't take great care of my gear, but I do have a quick recommendation for anyone going on a long trip or people who are cheap and lazy like me: If you happen to bring a little mechanical pencil for note taking, you can rub graphite on the elements of the zipper to help lubricate it and reduce corrosion on the slider. It will keep the zipper from sticking which can be an issue with those little #3 nylon coil zippers that come with a lot of ultralight products.
Edit: anyone looking for tiny mechanical pencils, I use these. They're just under 4" long and weigh 4.3 grams each.
I use this
Don’t overthink it. This is not where you’ll see huge weight savings.
I'm not sure about your goals with a charger and how much else you're taking in terms of electronic gizmos. I tended not to hangout in town/resupplies for very long (reason for QC in the first place?), so I optimized for a charging setup that would allow me to get in and out in about 30-45 minutes. I think 2-port fast chargers are likely a better option than 1, as many times other thru-hikers will have taken up all the outlet space. With a 2-port charger, you can displace their charger and plug your phone/battery pack in to the 2nd port. Also, if you have an external battery, you'll probably want more than 1 port?
Anyway, I did extensive testing of 2-port QC3.0 chargers using a Kill-o-Watt meter. The best charger that I found, which performed at spec and was lightest weight was the iClever Boost Cube. I spent a substantial amount of time optimizing my charging setup for the PCT, and ended up with this.
1.7 oz. on my scale after removing the high-vis tape (I'm assuming the orange will suffice -- ultralight over everything). Cheaply made, but whatever.
Congrats on finding relief for your painful feet and freeing yourself of expensive conventional treatments that may or may not actually work.
Please keep in mind that sufficient strengthening of your lower legs (muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones) for successful long term transition to zero drop shoes can take a long time. For some it can take several months. For some it can take years.
So be careful not to push yourself too hard too fast. Because if the usual pattern holds true, the next step in your evolution could be metatarsal stress fractures and chronic Achilles pain.
Edit: You might also check out Born to Run by Christopher McDougall is you haven't yet.
https://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/0307279189
"Biodegradable" is sort of a sliding scale. If it disappears after 5 years, honestly, that's fast. It's better to bring biodegradable than some of the more plasticky options that will never go away, but those wipes are durable and will be there for a minute. Pack it out. It's better than something like these that are made from a blend of polypropylene, polyester, and rayon - they will be around for a long, long time.
It doesn't make a difference, you just notice it more because it's sudden. (Or rather, what's sudden is adding your pack; when you add less, you notice it.) If you could suddenly lose 10 lbs, you'd notice that too.
In fact, in https://smile.amazon.com/Racing-Weight-Lean-Peak-Performance/dp/1934030996 the author describes exactly this phenomenon, when he's given the opportunity to run in a treadmill with a harness designed to reduce his weight by 10 lbs. (They're getting more common for use in injury rehabilitation.) He's able to keep up a much faster pace than usual simply because of the instantaneous loss of 10 lbs.
Pack weight makes a more *noticeable* difference, and it probably does make a slightly bigger difference simply due to weight distribution -- your frame is used to carrying your 200 lbs around and has developed the necessary musculature for it, while it has not necessary developed to carry an extra 20 lbs on your back. (Thus the nasty burning feeling at the top of your back you sometimes get after a day in an ill-fitting pack.) But weight is weight; it doesn't really matter if it's BPW, worn weight, or body weight, you're still carrying it. Many of us would be far better served by putting down the fork than cutting the toothbrush in half.
Anker has finally come out with a 10000mah PD power bank and its only 6.8oz!
If you're looking for something close to the Sea to Summit Aeros but almost one third the price, checkout the Trekology Ultralight pillow. Darwin compares them in this video here.
Strength training and running keep me busy while I'm working now.
Read Freedom of the Hills, it'll likely take a year.
1.5 years is a really long time though. If you prioritize it, getting on trail is totally doable in that time frame. Being a weekend warrior is definitely a skill that takes time to learn and perfect.
That looks like an alternative version of this one (recently got it for $16 but it's usually closer to $25):
Difference is that there's a sort of frame in it (like some sort of insert) and there's extra padding, but it also doesn't fold up into its own bag like the one in the OP. Mine is ~730g (~26oz)
Fold-flat dice. I think we have truly reached the zenith (or possibly the nadir) of Ultralight overthinking.
For the more lazy among us, might I suggest a pair of Tiny Dice?
My 1.25q Imusa Cup cost $7 shipped on Amazon, is big enough for my wife and I to share, and weighs less than a lot of titanium cookware.
If you mean Sterno, that's jellied alcohol, not petroleum but I assume that's what USFS means because it doesn't spill. You can buy it cheap at Walmart but make sure you get the gel not the liquid with a wick, which is toxic (also banned because liquid).
AFAIK "jellied petroleum" = Vaseline. I make my own ski wax with 50% by weight microcrystaline wax and mineral oil. I believe those are the ingredients in Vaseline, so I guess it would qualify, because wax is a petroleum product?
Anyway, it's a myth that you have to burn Sterno in the can it comes in. If you do that all the alcohol burns away too quickly. Also that little pry out lid doesn't seal so it will go dry soon after you open it anyway.
Open the can with a can opener and scoop it out into a wide mouth Nalgene jar. I have some I put in a Nalgene a few years and just tested recently. Burned great.
Is it weird to think my best hiking purchase of the past year was a $50 dehydrator? I understand many hikers take on a "food is fuel" mentality but I also can't state enough how amazing it is to be able to eat my favorite chili recipe from home after a long day of hiking.
I don’t see this 2.8 ounce Lixada 10W High Power Panel in the list. I’m not sure this is quite it, but some day in the near future the tech is going to cross a line into feasibility and make battery packs a less obvious choice. This is starting to get close.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y655DJD?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
adhesive 100%. By making any sort of puncture in a material you are inherently weakening it. A simple fabric tape would be your best bet for patches, most walmart's and joann's fabrics/homegoods should have it easily enough https://www.amazon.com/Aleenes-29134-Fabric-Fusion-Tape/dp/B005572IKS (although I'm not sure on its ability to attach to DCF, your mileage may vary)
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Nothing wrong with adding weight if it is something that brings you joy, the point of ultralight is save weight were we can so we can add it back in other areas to improve the overall experience.
my baseline general water gig: 2x 1L smart/life bottles dirty, 1x 700mL smart/life clean. Have sports caps on sawyer and 700mL.
I thread my bidet cap thing right onto a dirty bottle. Between the angle I use it at shooting backwards between legs and the 'L' angle of the bidet nozzle thing like these I cannot possibly fathom poo flecks getting into the bottle.
add in a 2L CNOC next if I need more capacity, then adding a third dirty 1L for the PCT this year. Maybe get crazy with it and swap a 1L for a clean 700mL and carry both on shoulder straps
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ninja edit: also won't catch me dead without my 3.7g capri sun water scoop. lets me fill all my capacity to the tippy top even with just a trickle on the surface of a rock or less than 1 inch puddle
edit2: so as not to propagate bad practices, see u/reset2pt0 's comments in this thread about dirty vs clean water for bidet-ing so that you can make an informed decision on how best to splash your leather cheerio clean
So a serving of these: https://www.amazon.com/Mauna-Loa-Macadamias-Roasted-11-oz/dp/B00509LVIQ/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1525283082&sr=1-4&keywords=macadamia%2Bnuts&th=1
Is 1oz. There are 11 servings in the bag. at 230 calories per ounce they are incredibly dense and they pack 24g of fat... Comes to about 1 dollar something a serving which is way less than most bars.
Deeze nuts are blowing my mind.
I stopped drinking coffee on the trail in favor of a quicker start and less things to bring, but when I was making coffee in the morning I used one of these and liked it a lot: GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LF3ICU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-XuPAbQ8YS64S
It’s cheap, clips to the top of the cup, arms fold in to make it pretty compact, and only weighs half an ounce.
The hardest thing as a beginner is knowing what features you really want in a pack. When I first started looking into frameless packs, I bought this $20 pack on Amazon as a proof of concept before I dropped $150-200 on a 'name brand' pack. Well now it's a year later, I have a dozen nights and 200+ miles on it, and I've stopped thinking about investing in a legit pack. That money has been put towards other gear (namely: more quilts)
I picked up a KAMsnaps kit a while back (made a sleeping bag and pack previously). You pierce whatever you’re adding the snap to, poke the tack side through the hole, place the snap side on the other end, then use the pliers to smash it into place. Super simple! It’s crazy, once you pick up the kit, it’s like everything you own needs a snap! ;)
There’re a million options. Here’s one on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012HUKQGS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mwspAbZRB0RXK
This is a fun academic question, but I think it's somewhat dangerous to think about. You get the hell out of there ASAP.
You were not prepared for the worst case scenario weather. The weather can unexpectedly turn sour in shoulder seasons despite what the weather forecast may say. This isn't summer backpacking anymore. You need to carry gear for the worst case scenario because you are almost guaranteed that it will happen at some point.
I think ultralight isn't a good paradigm for these conditions. Go read Trauma and Pepper's book about ultralight winter camping. It's a real stretch to call their gear ultralight.
What other gear are you using? Trail runners? A quilt that isn't warm enough? A sleeping pad that isn't rated for these conditions? A tiny headlamp?
Let's say you decide to hunker down and try to survive the night. Do you freeze to death due to inadequate gear? Does your tarp blow away? What is it going to look like in the morning? Do you awake to the trail completely covered in snow with no obvious tracks to get yourself back? Is the trail now an icy, dangerous mess? Are you going to be wallowing back home in trail runners and no gaiters, placing yourself at severe risk for hypothermia and frostbite? In the morning, conditions are likely to be much worse than they are now.
No, you throw on your headlamp, grab your GPS, and spend the night trying to walk out.
For people set on having camp shoes, I've started using water socks with a thin rubber sole. They are just enough to protect my feet while not letting small pebbles and sticks in. Something like this:
SIMARI Unisex Water Sports Shoes Barefoot Slip-on Indoor Outdoor Sports Activities SWS001 Stripe Black 9.5-10.5 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G2WY2SJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_vlfsDbN0SYDV2
On Trails by Robert Moor
A mix of natural history (how and why trails formed) and personal experiences (AT thru hiker) about trails.
https://www.amazon.com/Trails-Exploration-Robert-Moor/dp/1476739234
Using the O'Tom since this year. Works fine so far. Damn ticks!
i use a heavy coleman eva one because i love the movie unbreakbable
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B6RK31Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ODpvBbE877P2X
I got a pack of these little guys. Even comes with an adapter for easier filling. Works good for repacking Neosporin or things like that as well.
If your phone purchase is largely dictated on ultralight hiking, one compelling option is the LG V20, which can be had (used) for around $200 and new for just a bit more on EBay, etc: https://amazon.com/dp/B01N1P0KCN
The most compelling thing about this specific phone is that it's the most modern smartphone that I'm aware of that has removable batteries. The 3200mAh batteries can be bought for as little as $14 each. While most hikers will bring an external battery and charging cable, they will incur the additional weight of that overhead, but also far less efficiency, as the transferring of that power can be expensive / time consuming.
You can see that this person even used a similar phone with an OTG cable to charge their peripherals: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/8ehvil/thru_hikers_electronics_kit/
Trail Toes is what I use currently. Trail toes are expensive in UK so Vaseline is what I would suggest if you don't want to spend 28 pounds. Coconut Oil also would work but you will likely have messy socks & even shoe/sleeping bag/tent. I would use coconut oil after the trip and when at home but not on trip. You already looked at Skurka's article so you know how to use.
Another suggestion is to use a thin/liner synthetic socks under your wool socks to reduce even more friction.
If you haven't already, checkout Woodcraft by George Washington Sears (AKA "Nessmuk") published in 1884.
"Go light; the lighter the better, so that you have the simplest material for health, comfort and enjoyment."
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/34607/34607-h/34607-h.htm#Page_3
If you really want to test it out, get one of these UV cards. Place the buff in strong, direct sunlight with a card behind the fabric.
Keep in mind 3G CDMA Network Shut off date is set for December 31, 2022.A more long-term solution would be finding a cheap but modern bar phone.
This one has a 20 day battery which is cool.
Yeah something is not right, I through hiked the PCT and only replaced my sawyer squeeze once. And I only did that for luxury, I could have easily made it on my first one. I filtered everything from pond sludge to glacier water that was milky white with sediment, but a back flush every few days and I was good.
As others have said don’t use bags for squeezing they suck. Just use a smart water bottle.
You don’t need any of the attachments, and forget the syringe. Get one of these for $3 and you can screw a bottle on the flush end and squeeze until the cows come home:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018NJC1A6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_GKRTJQVPG8VKDFHXXWFH
That was my whole setup for 2600 miles. A smart water bottle, that coupler, and a sawyer squeeze.
Inspiring idea! I suppose the downside would be more bulk compare to an inflatable. But I'm gonna try it. For the true gram weenie in your life, here's a 10-gram one. Amazon.com: Carrand 40102 8.75" x 4.75" x 3" Giant Bone Sponge: Automotive
I was really on the fence about a beltless pack for a while, so I decided to buy a test pack to prove it to myself. I bought 3 or 4 $20 packs on amazon, before settling on this one, and ended up using it for an entire season. It survived fine, i just let it sit wet wadded up in corner, and it got moldy, so I threw it out. I'd buy it again if money was tight.
Tent: Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo
You and I are the same build, this is a very inexpensive, light, one pole setup and roomy tent, you + gear no problem, if bought off of backcountry.com during their 20% off sale it’s like $170-180
Wind pants:
$20, 3.5 oz, you’ll want the medium
Trekking Poles: Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Cork, $45 shipped on amazon
Torso warmth: Walmart> Climate right Cuddlduds fleece set $20 plus a down jacket from Uniqlo.
Pack is super personal, but anything from a 2016 Osprey Exos/ Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor/ ULA pack to a fancier Superior Wilderness Designs Long Haul 40 (definitely recommend based off of reviews here) or HMG (heard mixed things) will do the job.
These are amazing budget options, if you want to upgrade from here feel free but this stuff will handle the JMT no problem.
I've been a big proponent of sun hoodies on here, which others have already touched upon. As far as sunscreen though, when I use to bring it, I carried a sunscreen stick like the one below. Less messy and lighter weight.
https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Sunscreen-Mineral-Adults-Fragrance/dp/B00CICLTAI
A tail of two videos: If you have Amazon Prime, I suggest you check out:
Figure it out on the Hayduke Trail
and
Two very different documentaries about two very different trails, and two very different mindsets about Backpacking.
Anker Astro e1 6700 weighs around 4.3 ounces. Don’t know if it’s the lightest, but have been using this one for awhile and works great.
I haven’t seen it mentioned yet. I recommend a bamboo spoon. About 9-11 grams (the weight seems to vary) each. Nice length, good spoon surface area, doesn’t impart any metallic taste, won’t burn your lips, no metallic scraping, won’t scratch your cookware, and best-in-class mouth feel. $14 for a 5 pack. I liked them so much I ended up using the other 4 as my regular at-home silverware.
To-Go Ware Bamboo Spoon, Set of 5,Brown https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K6KV83M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_ew2xCb436YT4Q
Personally I don't think the tarp is a great idea for your situation. I think it would be much better to have a frestanding tent because it's easier to set up and more flexible as far as site selection goes. Also you are going to be in all kinds of different environments, and you may want a little more protection from bugs, rodents, windy rainstorms etc. Considering how many nights you are going to be doing this you can pretty much garuntee that sometimes the site available to you will not be good for a tarp set up. You don't want to make setting up to sleep any harder than it already is going to be. For $150 you can get a compact 2 man tent like the Eureka! Suma 2 Two-Person: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078T2NVSP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Jb9xCbJKKX9RT
A 2 man would have the added benefit of being able to put your board and backpack inside with you instead of leaving it outside. It might not matter to backpackers who are many miles into the high country, but that's not where you will be camping. If you want to spend $350 you can shave off a pound by getting a big Agnes or a Nemo
My boyfriend asked his parents for an inflatable sleeping pad to use while backpacking. His Dad has hiked most of the AT and knows about this kind of stuff, but his mom did the shopping and got him this 11.5 lb Monstrosity. It has a built-in battery-powered pump to inflate it.
His mom is so sweet and meant well! She said she’d return it and get another if it’s not the one he wanted. I helped to explain that this would be amazing for car camping and sooo comfortable, but with backpacking you usually have to sacrifice comfort for weight savings, so you can carry it far without hurting yourself. I helped her do an Amazon search and pointed out which ones were more what he was looking for, and pointed out the weights and told her which ones were good. We picked out a nice 14 oz. inflatable sleeping pad to switch it out for, so things ended well. The kind woman just wanted her son to be comfy!
Westcott Sewing Titanium Bonded Fine Cut Scissors, 2.5" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YZARO0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_P.xcBbWMDV597
I've been using this for a long time and highly recommend them. They are very sharp, can cut nails, and in the closed position they can even be used with a fire steel to make sparks.
My pair weighs 6.8g (0.24 oz)
Here you go -- you can filter phones by feature. I filtered out anything over 110 grams
My latest pillow purchase is this copy on Aliexpress
Its a copy of the Sea to summit Aeros pillow. Cant be beaten for the money. I have both the real and copy, and can honestly say i theres not much difference.
some user reviews can be read here:
I replaced my tips with a couple of these.
I use cascade poles, but the tips are as generic as they come, I bet they fit yours as well. No issues at all with them falling off, I've somehow never suffered with that issue, only wearing out from useage.