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Food packaging is probably by far the most wasteful part of hiking. I bought a bunch of these reusable ziplocs:
Sous Vide Bags Kit,V-Resourcing Reusable Free Food Vacuum Sealed Bags(25 Pcs) with Hand Pump,Practical for Food Storage & Cooking … https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08CGJHR53/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_GWG5H5EQ523VJ464GEWN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
We use these at home on a regular basis as well, for portioning meat and other things going into the freezer. Extra perk for hiking is with the vacuum sealer feature, food stays a bit fresher and takes up as little room as possible in your pack. They also are fine with heat since they can be used for sous vide at home.
Just bring the rain jacket, the area is literally a rain forest. You could easily get a thundershower that develops out of the blue and absolutely drenches you.
I would not recommend wearing full size gaiters with your Altra's. Instead, I would STRONGLY recommend wearing some lightweight cloth gaiters (similar to dirty girl). Not for the mud, but for the sand and beach walking. I wore OR Sparkplugs and tucked them into my high ankle socks and it kept the sand out great.
Yes, turf the snowstakes. You can use rocks / driftwood easily enough.
Yes, ditch the Ursack / OP sack. At thrasher we had to hang our food cause the locker was full but there was poles w/ wire ropes and we just needed a dry bag. I suspect you will probably have a stuff sack or grocery bag you could use in a pinch. Or just cram it into the locker.
I would bring a single light fleece with you. I agree that anything more will likely be overkill.
Ditch the cotton towel and get a Lightload towel. I found they work surprisingly well.
I agree that flipflops are a great add. That is actually the one thing I wish I brought with me. The beaches are sandy but not easy on the feet. Also that sand will probably be HOT!
Feel free to check out my trip report from back in 2018 when I did it.
I have a fair size (300ml?) bottle of liquid insect repellent and a small (50ml?) spray bottle that I refill to take on trips. I got the little bottle from a set of travel containers like this https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08Q3RQGBG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_i_974BXPK20KV589K9AD6B
It's not quite you're looking for, I don't think. That's what I do though.
Not really. Pushing the definition of 'closest', the 'closest' I've found is:
My local Walmart has spam in foil pouches for $2.89
Amazon has a large can of freeze dried chicken, but its pretty expensive at $86.95. I figure its got about 12.5 servings equivalent to a chicken breast, which puts the cost at $7.25/serving.
I've been using some ti sheppard hooks like these: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001OPKGAO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_i_YTVA9C47XVW5WNDWJ2QZ
The trick is not to just pick and spot and smash them in. You find an angle and most times I push them in by hand
. Also tying off to rocks on mountains and felled logs on the coast helps if you have some nearby.
I have one of these - https://www.amazon.ca/AEGISMAX-UrltraLight-UrltraCompactable-Backpacking-Compression/dp/B01LZKAC25
But it’s really only a summer quilt - and obviously not from Canada.
Would love to save up for a LSoH quilt
I use badger foot balm and like it, you can get it on Amazon https://www.amazon.ca/Badger-Balms-Foot-Balm-Grams/dp/B006H9KCRE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=badger+foot+balm&qid=1558040619&s=gateway&sprefix=badger+foot&sr=8-1
I like Trail Toes. You can get it on Amazon and it comes and really small jars that are great for throwing in your pack. Trail Toes
Amazon link (non-affiliate):
Additionally, 2p will be in stock in few days according to Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Drop-Dan-Durston-X-Mid-Tent/dp/B08FXW6T2Z/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1IESCZJCEFNDX&dchild=1&keywords=x-mid+tent&qid=1602621474&sprefix=x-mid%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-1
No it follows along the Sooke ridge several km inland. It's maintained by a private club that claims exclusive rights to the cabins but the trail itself it on Crown land and accessed up logging roads.
I have reservations for hikes in Alberta in July that I can't make anymore. If anyone wants, I can cancel them and give you a heads up so you can grab them.
I have reservations for the Molar Pass loop on Sun July 12 at Fish Lakes - Mo18 and Mon July 13 at Molar Creek - Mo16.
I also have reservations for the Brazeau Loop from Fri July 17 to Tue July 21.
Let me know. I hope next year or sometime in the future I can go.
This guy is a very affordable backpack with good reviews! Also very light :) https://www.amazon.ca/Naturehike-Internal-Backpack-Outdoor-Backpacking/dp/B0865KSS6X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=naturehike+backpack&qid=1620786546&sr=8-1 sub $150 CAD too!
[WTS]
Torrid Apex Jacket, w/ hood, mens medium. 7D outer / inner. Blue outer, orange inner. Essentially brand new, I think I want to go with the 10D or 20D outer as I'm a little tougher on my gear. Right around ~8oz. $215 shipped to you in CAD. The same 7D/7D version new goes for $240CAD + shipping and taxes.
Icebreaker Oasis 3/4 zip tee, 200wt. Mens Med. Also like-new. $90 shipped - retails $125 new it looks like.
OR Helium Down Hoody. Mens Med. Bought new Nov 2019. Worn lightly. Pretty cool w/ the waterproof pertex fabric on shoulders and arms. $250 shipped? This is more of a feeler, I'd happily keep it.
Arc'teryx Norvan LD 2. Reasonably well used, slight tear at one of the welds but doesn't affect performance. Selling for my roommate. Mens 9.5 - make an offer?
Salomon XA25 - older style of the pack seen here - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0039NLS10?tag=ytk00400-20. Actually super dope pack. This is also a feeler, if anyone needs or wants it badly make me an offer.
Lots of DIY options using hair elastics or little clips.
Quick search on Amazon - Hanging Buckle Outdoor Mineral Water Bottle Buckle Hanging Clip Drink Holder Hook Belt Quickdraw Carabiner Carrier for Camping Hiking Backpacking Traveling, Pack of 3 https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01MQYN1YD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_i_K5B9E4G0BHQQ30WGR65J
Drop recently started selling them through Amazon.ca, so you now buy in CAD currency (saves a few %), plus no Canada Post handling fee, and free shipping, so it works out about $50 cheaper now.
Still sales tax which is unavoidable. The 18% tariff on tents is included in the price, rather than a surprise afterwards. Still not fun to pay that, but that's the case for most tents - e.g. most tents at Atmosphere, MEC, VPO etc have that in the price. Maybe in a few years I can import these direct from the factory (Vietnam) which is tariff exempt and thus would lower pricing by 18%.
That's what I used, except the thicker one. It works well!
> Lanshan 2 - 2.4lbs
Do you have the link to this $200-ish deal? I am interested. I am always down for halving weight for cheap.
> Naturehike Cloud Up 2 - 3.8lbs
That looks pretty dope, I wish that had shown up back when I was looking. I see it's even cheaper at $130 atm, good deal for OP. Amazon says 4.3lbs for some reason but I see the site lists multiple setup weights...
The rest are shaving off 0.45lb per person so I don't see much diff to my rec for those unless there's a good deal.
We like our Marmot Crane Creek tent. It was about $200. We backpack and canoe camp with it. It's very light. It's also very small but we don't hang around in the tent when we camp until we sleep so I choose weight over size every time. I am 5'10 and my partner is 5'9, we aren't skinny.
We bought this "Duck MAX Strength Heavy Duty Insulating Film" stuff for the ground sheet, it's held up 3 years so far!
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B015PY2BTS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and an absolutely massive 12ft nylon tarp with loads of rings on the edges and center so we can cover the tent + a patio if it's raining (and we are in BC so that's a given) which is my fav for the last 5 years.
All super cheap!
We like our Marmot Crane Creek tent. It was about $200. We backpack and canoe camp with it. It's very light. It's also very small but we don't hang around in the tent when we camp until we sleep so I choose weight over size every time. I am 5'10 and my partner is 5'9, we aren't skinny.
We bought this "Duck MAX Strength Heavy Duty Insulating Film" stuff for the ground sheet, it's held up 3 years so far!
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B015PY2BTS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and an absolutely massive 12ft nylon tarp with loads of rings on the edges and center so we can cover the tent + a patio if it's raining (and we are in BC so that's a given) which is my fav for the last 5 years.
All super cheap!
Amazon has it, $25 for 60 feet.. I've bought it a few times and it works great. The same guys also sell a kit with stakes and silnylon tarps as well as bunch of cool winter camping stuff.
They have a website off amazon too: https://www.liteoutdoors.com/
Just gonna offer my two cents on the Opsak bags... they suck. I used them when I first got my Ursack, and they don't last long, which really sucks given how expensive they are. The plastic they are made of is too rigid and ends up with holes easily, and the seals on them break down pretty quickly.
I started using turkey bags, and they are sooooo much better. Easier to use, they last longer, and they're way cheaper. These are the ones I've been using: https://www.amazon.ca/True-Liberty-Bags-Turkey-Pack-All-Purpose/dp/B0032FTROU/ref=sr\_1\_11?keywords=turkey+bag&qid=1652203400&sr=8-11
No issues. It’s the same stuff as Reflectix (at least what I had; look at it at Canadian Tire and see if the “bubbles” are there). You’re not putting the cozy on a stove, it only holds a hot pot. Link to example
Not sure how good these are, but for the price why not?
I have this one on both of my straps. You can easily un-stitch the Molle straps cleanly and they are as light as the more expensive UL options. Fits 1L SmartWater.
>If your flashlight is a point of failure, don't bring more. Ask yourself what the failure was and address it - here a $13 penlight that weighs probably 25g including the battery. Make sure you bring a fresh battery in it and a spare, and you're saving almost 200g.
I think expression, "you carry your fears" is applicable here.
I've had both a headlamp die (needed replacement) and I haven't always been very good with bringing fresh batteries.
Several years ago, while winter hiking my headlamp got left on and had no batteries and I was hanging out in the dark. Because I was day hiking I didn't really have enough gear to spend the night. Felt very sketchy.
I suppose that when backpacking the risk is significantly lower because I have camping equipment.
Key takeaway here for me is that I need to separate my day hiking ditty bag from my backpacking ditty bag.
A lot of this is trip dependent. You said you wanted a 60l pack to carry other people's things, which would increase your weight, for example. For those trips, you want the big pack. Other trips, weather and bear barrel and friend dependent, you'd want a MUCH smaller pack.
Your clothing will depend on your personal thermostat and when you're hiking. I'd probably say that I'll never put more than a fleece as pack weight because if it's cold enough to need a puffy, I'll be wearing it the whole time anyway, you know? But most people are different.
I'd suggest just looking at all the little things first. Most of these changes can be made without spending a dime - change the bowls from x2, reduce the TP from a roll to a few sheets, get rid of the fire steels and grab a bic lighter from your junk drawer, ask yourself why you need a 3oz pot lid (you can easily make one out of a beer can for 5g), etc.
For your clothes, do you need a toque AND a buff? A 500g rain shell, or would you be okay with a garbage bag poncho for most hikes?
All those 10-100g changes will make a surprisingly large difference on your lighterpack basically immediately.
If your flashlight is a point of failure, don't bring more. Ask yourself what the failure was and address it - here a $13 penlight that weighs probably 25g including the battery. Make sure you bring a fresh battery in it and a spare, and you're saving almost 200g.
Then try packing it all into a garbage bag and rolling it up tightly. I suspect that you will need less than 20l without the sleeping bag.
The Udap sprays that I’ve bought came with a fairly lightweight stretchy carrying case, has a single loop that I’m able to thread my belt loop or sternum strap through. (Example: Udap 2 Personal Defense Bear Sprays w/Holsters 12VHP https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B8OSB3A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_G7QHBNZJWT1K62K78MBG)
Every time I find a place, they seem to stop selling them a few weeks later, lol. The only consistent option I’ve found is this one on Amazon:
Rio Mare - Light Tuna Chunks in Olive Oil, in Pouch, for Sandwiches and Salads, High in Protein, 80g https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01AWYRH0O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_BMH7VX40C0N8JMJ8DYG2
I’ve never been able to find chicken… hoping someone answers you with an option for that!
I bought the smallest size of this last year and cut it to size. Whether you buy that or use it as a clue to hunt down alternative I'll leave up to you.
I used it maybe 9 nights I think through 2021. No issues so far.
I could not for the life of me find anything reasonable using the terms "polycro or Tyvek" at the time, everything was in the US, but then through some rabbit hole I found out it was not much different (maybe the same) as window insulation. Seems like pretty strong stuff to me. Hasn't torn yet.
Hope that helps!
Our polycro ground sheet has held up incredibly well (60+ nights). Taping the edges and corners (I added peg grommets) is a must to end up with a great piece of UL kit. Got mine off Amazon in a window sealer kit. Duck brand indoor window sealing kit. Use the included double sided tape to fold over the edges to double thickness to prevent tearing.
It increases longevity. Even dry goods.
And more importantly, you can make your own shelf-stable packets with a vacuum sealer.
You pressure cook the sealed bags afterwards, just like canning but with bags.
You can even bring a vacuum sealer with you, and it’s UL
FoodSaver 31161370 Cordless Food Vacuum Sealer, Handheld https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VSVRNFH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_4P2PZ76M0EXBXBK56NNR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If you're making a fire anyway (or getting out your stove), then "quick" couscous seems like a perfect solution. Add in a spice mix as above, maybe some chicken jerky or so, and you've got a hot lunch as fast as anything else.
Alternately, go no-cook for meals. Salami, hard cheese, carrot chips or fruit leather and more means you can plunk your ass down and snack without even getting into heating anything. Or bring a protein shake type thing for easier calories.
That pork pouch you linked is close to 60% water, most of the calories from fat, and some protein as per this listing. You also want carbs for fueling at lunch, if you're going hard.
I did just the first small part of the coastal trail a couple of years ago, including a brand new 'loop' portion called Mdaabii Miikna ( https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/ontario/mdaabii-miikna-trail ). Thought it was great.
Why not Amazon?
CuloClean Portable Bidet for Toilet or Travel. Compatible with Every Bottle. Discreet, Ecological, Mini, Elderly, Sprayer, Bio, Personal, Handheld https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L448T4K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_HHQCV694K2T4P5EXN61S?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I was looking to upgrade my bag this year. Currently have a Teton Sports scout 3400. Works great, but is quite heavy. I have wanted a NUL Sundown for a long time, but the lead time on the site is 11-12 weeks! I should have pulled the trigger earlier. How does it compare to the Drop 40L by Dan Durston? Anyone have any experience with that one? I know it's still not too late. Based on my current plan for the summer, I'll only not have it for 1, maybe 2 trips.
These scissors only weigh 9.5 grams, which is half the weight of the CUDA serrated with a much longer blade(I own both). The blade has a slight curve to it which I really like.
> X-MID 2P
Its in stock now (as of today) on the american amazon, and potentially on the canadian amazon within a week or so (according to the listing on drop.com)
> X-MID 2P
Its in stock now (as of today) on the american amazon, and potentially on the canadian amazon within a week or so (according to the listing on drop.com)
Are there any outdoor hiking shirts that look good? I was thinking of a red plaid one, but the only one I can find has 66% cotton. That's too much right? I know that polyester or nylon are best but I've heard that a certain level of cotton is alright.
Hard to say where things will stabilize since the X-Mid's have been sold out a lot over the last 1-2 years (Drop finally is producing a lot more now) but Canada seems to be about 10% of X-Mid's sold, so maybe 500 next year. They're on Amazon.ca now though that helps with import fees/tax, so that might improve it a bit. Saves Canadians $50.
I think a good way to look at the Canadian market is that MSR's Hubba Hubba series is maybe the most popular tent in Canada, and per this recall, they sold 13,900 tents over 2 years for the 1P, 2P and 3P models combined. So they're selling 7000/yr for a super popular/mainstream line of tents. Seems unlikely a DCF tent would do more than 10% of that - probably more like 1-2% due to the high price, niche market, no public awareness/brand reputation. So maybe 100-200 per year if it was well executed and there were 1P and 2P models. 200 tents @ $600 CAD is $120g in revenue - maybe $20-30g in profits if everything went well. Really need to sell outside of Canada also to make it work.
Rather than thinking about the Canadian market and the opportunity created by fees/conversion/shipping on foreign tents, I'd focus on just trying to make an awesome tent. If the OP did that, it would sell globally and they'd have a good business, whereas if the tent is not awesome it's not going to sell well anywhere.
Well, you'd probably be better off getting the heavy duty polycro... but, all the same, its just too light and blows around too easily. Its got about the same thickness/weight as a candybar wrapper.
Tyvek is probably the better choice.
People say there is quality control issues around the tempering of the arms. It's unfortunate you got a lemon. Have a look at the Fire Maple Hornet FMS 300t
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07DVKZ6W2/ref=cm\_sw\_em\_r\_mt\_dp\_cXmFFb71S1TEY
Anyone have experience with any of those emergency bivies, or similar?
I'm getting to the point where my SUL setup for rainy fall hikes is a bit.... well, maybe it's stupid light. It works brilliantly when I have the right site, but if I don't, it starts to get a bit questionable. So I'm thinking that I could probably buy or make a torso length mostly watertight bag, then I have one end of my body that I don't have to worry about keeping covered perfectly, you know?
Then I can focus on having a nice, roomy tarp area for my upper body.
I like the look of those emergency bivies, but I don't want it to tear the first time I take it out into the field. Or the second time, for that matter.
My options so far are:
- Something like the bivy above (150g unmodified)
- The contractor bag I could use to store my sleeping bag anyway (50g, short lifespan)
- A silpoly bag sewn to the sleeping pad straps, with various mods that might allow it to also be used as some sort of poncho and my sleeping bag sack and such
Thoughts?
I was in a similar situation to you recently, and I picked up one of these: https://www.amazon.ca/Marmot-2-Person-Lightweight-Backpacking-Crocodile/dp/B07DPRWFGK/
Total weight is around 4.3lbs, but it has good headroom. So good that my wife preferred it to an otherwise larger Cloud Up 3.
I bought 40 for ~$20 on Amazon recently, so $0.50 each. 68 L and 2.5 mil thick.
https://www.amazon.ca/Ultrasac-Professional-Quality-Compactor-Antimicrobial/dp/B00DH4J25U
It's a bit wide and long for my bag (42 L) but I just figure it's harder to accidentally tear widthwise and rolling down the top makes it more waterproof, or you could just trim it.
I used one as a pack liner this weekend in Killarney. It rained a bit and I splashed my bag a lot while canoeing, everything inside stayed dry. Worked great.
MEC used to carry them I've also gotten them at SAIL But I don't see them on either web-site. Sail seems to have some from Couglin's but I have no idea if they are any good.
Amazon seems to have them https://www.amazon.ca/LOKSAK-Opsak-Barrier-OPD2-12-Storage/dp/B00UTK957K
I currently am looking at this hot pink baby on Amazon... https://www.amazon.ca/Frogg-Toggs-Ultra-Lite-Jacket-Womens/dp/B01BE9794U/ref=sr_1_16?dchild=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoaz3BRDnARIsAF1RfLfvzbW_HWXNVEG--9xlnRVM8w9VsG7uow57XwucdGnEkX9E9E9HT78aAl2zEALw_wcB&hvadid=231033526925&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9001598&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=7185635726228139353&hvtargid=kwd-296319814022&hydadcr=23344_10308601&keywords=frogg+toggs&qid=1592507164&sr=8-16&tag=googcana-20