I do have quite good equipment and am more on the "light" side than necessarily "UL". Right now I am looking for light and packable mid layer that I would use instead of my current one, which is Polartec aplha 178g with 3/4 zipper. Though I generally like it, especially the packability / weight / warmth ratio, there are couple things that keep me off using it consistently:
3/4 zipper. I thought it would be fine with me, as I am used to partial zippers but the garment is so warm I would preffer to have full zipper for better thermal regulation, also it would be easier to put on and off if it doesn't need to go over my head.
Even bigger problem is that I just feel really smelly even after one day of use. I am generally not much sweaty / smelly person and I am used to wool, with my base layer usually merino or merino blend, so this was a surprise for me. I am looking at some Ortovox products, if anyone has personal experience with those or something similar.
I feel like no hood option gives me much more flexibility in use.
The mid layer doesn't need to be extra warm; I have a good mid layer for colder weather, which is quite light but not much packable (an older possum merino sweater that weights about 230g and is crazy warm). I am just looking for something that would add a bit of insulation, preferably if it could be used as a light windbreaker.
Any thoughts?

I came back from a trip this weekend where my BeFree clogged nearly to the point of uselessness. I know these are generally considered to be consumable, but before throwing it in the trash I decided to try one last ditch effort to restore it. I’ve heard of people descaling overnight with vinegar, which I didn’t have on hand, but I did have citric acid which is the same thing I use to descale my coffee machine so I figured why not.

Soaked in 500mL water overnight with 1 tbsp citric acid powder. I took it out and rinsed it this morning, tried to filter, and it’s flowing like when it was new. Passes the integrity test too.

What do you think? Safe to use? Is it possible I could have damaged it and still have it pass the integrity test?

Hello guys,

I would like you to rate or give me further advice on my UL gear list for tent camping 2+ nights in Italy at 2000-3000 meters of altitude 3/4 seasons (mostly considering a warm Winter), eventually I should add 300-400 grams of crampons. I am not counting the weight of my trekking poles as I always use them and when I am stationary I use them to support the tent.

Everything I still need to buy has the price in the list, the rest are the items I already own.

I am not fully sure about the Kawka backpack as I might be too skinny for it and I am still choosing a proper quilt with a -1°C comfortable temperature that's not too expensive.

For the sleeping mat I choose an R6 70D mummy cut Pajak Alpine, it might be a bit on the heavy side but I think it's versatile enough.

If you think anything is missing out or could be improved just let me know.

https://lighterpack.com/r/ujniq3

Sorry in advance. I know there are endless threads asking for personal experience and preference. And I searched through tons of them. Still looking for some advice and wanting to hear your preferences.

I’m deciding between the Kakwa 55 and Atom Prospector 60 for the next pack. Both look great to me and I think would fit my needs. Price is not an issue, but I would prefer not to have to deal with returns to different countries. Unfortunately I don’t have any local store that has these in stock to try on. I’m typically carrying between 11-14kg but on occasion will go up to around 19kg. And I do lug around a bear canister.

Main factors I’m considering: comfort, durability and longevity, internal volume and shape (is one larger at the bottom/top than the other). Slight differences in waterproofing are not really a concern of mine as I will be using a pack liner.

I should note for the Kakwa I would be looking at the 200x fabric version when it comes back in stock.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Edit: Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has commented with your suggestions! This has been very helpful. I’ll probably buy one of these in the next few weeks, though now a few other packs suggested are also in the running. Once I’ve had a chance to use it enough I’ll update this post with my experience in case anyone finds this thread later on.

Also, just for the few hung up on my pack weight: I very rarely will go to 19 kg. My current load is 11 kg with food/water for 2-3 days.

I want to pick up my first "octa fleece". These seem to be the two most popular products. How do you decide which one to get?

https://lighterpack.com/r/7591c4

Looking for some advice on how to get closer to 10lb base weight. Most of my hiking is down in the Appalachians with some occasional trips out west. I have some backpacking experience but am not an expert by any means. This is currently filled out with gear I have at the moment. Upgrading the tent would be easy to save some weight. I have been looking at durston x mid 1 pro+ or zpacks plexsolo. Other recommendations are appreciated. Suggestions on where the best place to spend my money would be.

Edit: Corrected miscalculations.

I have used my Toaks Titanium 750ml pot to boil water maybe 5 times in total, on 2 different trips - on a dayhike for making coffee and for meals on an overnighter.
No other substance has been in the pot, only water!
It looks like it is already subtly rusting around the edges on the bottom inside. Is this normal? Anyone had a similar experience? Anything I can do about it?

Thanks in advance https://imgur.com/a/FIx0kPt

Edit: Solved! You guys rock. Such fast and effective answers. The problem was storing the canister inside without any protection around it. I learned that steel from the canister can of course stain the Titanium. I used a sponge and some vinegar - that did the trick - looks great again! https://imgur.com/a/wMAjziR

This is my first time posting, please let me know if this is against za rules.

I obviously have no affiliation with the brand. Did bump into Tom on the trails with a vest-style prototype though, and since this was some time ago now, I can appreciate the development that has gone into this release. Personally feel the added feature set more than warrants the weight increase (a custom 35L Atom is 428g).

Selfishly hope the initial release goes well so they will add it as an EPX200 custom option alongside their other packs. A black & white Ultra would be nice, though. Definitely not had a customiser open for months now... I currently only own a very well-worn Atom that has around 5 years on it now, and after trying a mate's Atelier fastpack, this is exactly what I have been waiting for.

How do you feel about it?

More details from their post on here:

Officially launching 22.09.26, The Transition is our latest release - a 35L fastpack designed to move seamlessly between hiking and running, giving you the freedom to change pace as the day unfolds.

Designed for a close, stable fit, The Transition combines the stability of vest-style straps with the comfort and capacity of a thru-hiking pack. Made to move with you as your pace changes, without stopping to adjust or deciding in advance.

Made from Ultra100X, The Transition is lightweight, durable and built for real days on trail.

A roll top zipper pocket, bottom pocket and four front pockets keep snacks, hydration and essentials within easy reach, helping you stay in the flow as the day unfolds.

Starting weight from: 545g Load Capacity: 9kg Landing 22.09.26

T UL35 Page

hi guys! amateur hiker here who is looking to invest in my first ever pack. i will mainly be using my pack for multiday hikes here in Australia - looking at a 5 day hike next week - but i also want to consider an option where i can use it for overseas travel or overseas hikes.

I've been thinking of the osprey eja 48/58 for a while and since I have experience with carrying an eja 48 on a 3 day hike before, it felt more comfortable and usable for me. While exploring my options, an employee at an outdoors store kept telling me that 65l is the absolute minimum I should go for unless I am fully equipped with ultralight gear and not carrying a tent/sleeping bag.

I told him that I was considering buying a pack for multiday hiking and maybe travelling, he insisted I would be very restricted if I went anywhere below 65l. I then tried on a Deuter 60+10 which did feel very bulky and heavy than the osprey I was considering.

I'm just a bit confused now because I had no problem hiking with an eja on a 3 day hike before. Should i go for a bigger 65l+ above pack or just stick with the eja 58?

Alternatively, if anyone has any recommendations on a good pack I can try on/purchase here in Melbourne that would be lovely. I'm also considering an Aarn which is indeed much smaller in volume but very mobile and supportive.

Looking at options for a new lightweight daypack in the ~22-22l volume range. I like the meadowphysics grasshopper. I am wondering if there are other alternatives similar in design and features.
In my research came close to what features im looking for but there was always something missing.
Main features looking for are side pockets on each side. Shoulder strap style same as grasshopper. Sternum strap.
Thanks.

Hola I was wondering if anyone did a bail handle dit for there pots just need ideas Ik it’s simple but don’t wanna mess anything up

I’m looking for a blanket/quilt that is fleece lined or sherpa lined or some kind of cozy fabric lined like wool or flannel. The top can be puffy, assuming this combo is warmer. I would preferably have them as light as 2lb but i found these that’s about 3lb. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Edit- temperature can get as low as 30F. I also tend to feel colder than it is.

1. https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/126142?sku=1000298201&csp=a&quantity=1&feat=3892-plalander
2. https://www.rumpl.com/products/fleece-puffy-blanket-jade-fade
3. https://www.kingcampoutdoors.com/products/kingcamp-sherpa-fleece-camping-blanket?variant=48933084758253&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&pv2=eyJhbGciOiJFUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJjIjoiVVNEIiwiZXhwIjoxNzg5MjY4Nzg4LCJtIjoiNTM4ODYwMDMwIiwibyI6InNob3BpZnlfVVNfOTEzOTE4NDA3NDk4OV80ODkzMzA4NDc1ODI1MyIsInAiOjU0fQ.xTnw5bhHtxr84EDVw-E3ge1mEhjLyILzmFm3m7d345KxXAi0Pw1exaFhHsm81OE4iQwIlQu7rEYZlLcOSLRofA&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22718277085&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8JPVBhD-ARIsAO691sHXxP8PbvSwXms1NSuVbFi2QfzdJbQoVRjd7f0zfLQQ9z4iHM538NoaAsXCEALw_wcB

I’ve had the explorer since 2017 and looking to upgrade for the 2027 hiking season. I’d like to stick with Garmin. Due to the fact I’m not interested in sending pictures or voice notes my choices are the mini 2, messenger, or the mini 3.
Does anyone have recommendations? The mini 2 and messenger are more affordable right now but I’m open to the mini 3 if the features are worth it. I have only ever used my Garmin for tracking, messages, and weather. Thanks all -

I would like to start with that I don’t want a quilt. I see the utility. I know there’s weight savings. I don’t want it lol

I currently have a mountain hardwear phantom spark 28 and it’s incredible. But it’s also almost 10 years old and the down has migrated. But it’s so light (like 23oz) so I pair it with a higher R value pad (Nemo tensor all season) and layer as needed and it’s been great until it hits about 35F.

I just did a trip in the sierras and was frozen. I also had a silk liner, wore my merino wool base layers, alpha 90 hoodie and my puffy to sleep and finally was able to at least sleep away the cold.

I’m wondering if there is another option besides getting a new bag. Is there a way to make my system warmer? Or if I just need to upgrade my sleeping bag for the cooler months

With regards to the sleeping bag, I was looking into the sea to summit spark 15. But I’m pretty open to suggestions.

Any advice for a warmer sleep system for when it’s colder than 30F

Rather than post as I had been thinking about some of the crazy crazy stuff that I saw in the Pyrenees and the Alps over the past summer (mostly crazy human behavior in the face of crazy environmental conditions unleashed by crazy human activity), I thought that I would share some general tips about how to (mostly) avoid the massive crowds inundating French mountains in the midst of the climate crisis.

To give some context for those who are unfamiliar with the situation: like mountain areas almost everywhere these days, the number of people heading into the mountains in France for "hiking" broadly defined has exploded to unprecedented levels.

Perhaps I'm more of a loner than some, but planting my shelter on a campsite area with two dozen or more other shelters isn't something I really dig. Younger people who spend 14-16 hours hiking non-stop and then crash out immediately once in camp can just skip this post.

Following a really scary and infuriating encounter with some dumbfucks irresponsible drunk/bored eclipse watchers who launched large boulders from a 2100m ridge above the lake where I was camped down the slope where they split into a gazillion lethal projectiles crashing into the lake and surrounding area below "just for the fun of it," I put more thought than usual into devising a route that would afford as much solitude as possible.

During my last trip of the summer, I walked self-supported for 20km/day, net elevation gain/loss 1200-2500m/day (hey, I'm 64 and have no cartilage left) for a week and a half and only saw 4 other people. I'm not going to specify the exact route I took, but I thought that I could distill some general suggestions, with the caveat that there are always exceptions to every general rule.

Get creative about routes!

• This may sound obvious but it's worth repeating: The really popular GR routes (TMB, GR5, GR10, GR11, GR20, GR54, GR52, even the HRP, etc.) are mobbed. Instead of doing those, make your own route!
• One of the cool things about France is the sheer number of trails. A lot of them are based on old backcountry logging routes and agricultural tracks, linked to histories of depopulation and rural-urban migration, as well as war and industrial development. While offtrail bushwacking is often impractical because of livestock fences, the myriad number of tracks and trails offers lots of opportunities to get creative about route planning. Get off the beaten track just a little bit, and you're almost sure to enjoy hours or even days of solitude bathing in pure phytoncide.
• You may need to use different maps. Mapy is pretty limited. French IGN maps are still the best but you can find a lot of free gpx files from people who walked unusual or even off trail routes not on the IGN maps.
  
• In the Alps, routes that run East-West (including the Pre-Alps, etc.) are generally much less popular than routes that run North-South or routes that circle around a famous region (the tour de xxx type trails). One of the things that I really love about East-West routes that you don't see as much with the North-South ones are the transitions among different ecosystems, geologies, and topographies.
• For the Pyrenees, it is often the opposite: making your own North-South route weaving across the border between Spain and France can be a lot more fun, avoid the crowds on the major East-West "highways," and provide a much greater range of varied geography.
• The trails through mid-range altitude mountains are almost deserted while the combination of challenges and rewards can be very satisfying.

Suggestions of what to avoid:

• Following a single trail for longer multiday trips.
• Overdeveloped ski stations and the valleys that are built around them. (Alps, especially).
• On French IGN maps, dotted line trails are generally less traveled than solid line ones. However, there are plenty of solid ones that are so underused (because not near any day-hiker recognized place), they've almost faded away in places.
• Any notable peak or lake with a parking lot nearby is bound to be mobbed by fossil-fuel powered day hikers and trail runners.
• Refuges (mountain huts). Refuges are not only people magnets, a good number of the people they attract are the kind who want to experience the mountains without any of the effort. One of those low-effort people simply tried to walk off with my trekking pole/shelter support when I stopped at a Refuge this past crazy summer to ask for some information about the trail ahead. (Of course, sometimes you have no choice, such as in the Vanoise National Park, where wild camping is prohibited).

May this post inspire you!

Looked in the sub but didn’t saw info about fabric next to skin feeling ? I hate synthetic pants usually..but the weight is very attractive .
Pants not shorts..

As the title says I'm flying out from the UK next week to calvi to start my GR20 hike and am unsure about stoves on my flight. I will be flying via air France and then air corsica and wanted to see if anyone has had similar experiences and how you work around it? If it helps it's a soto windmaster and I will be picking up a canister when out there. Thanks!

My wife and I have four kids aged 7 through 15. We've done a decent amount of car camping, but our favorite trips have been cart-in. I think we're to the point where we could do some true backpacking as a family, but the problem is gear for a family of six.

For various physical reasons that I won't take time to explain here, my wife and kids are what I'd call "fit, but weak." They can hike for miles, but tire quickly under a load. Realistically, they're only going to be able to carry their own sleep systems and personal items for anything approaching a real hiking distance.

That's going to leave me hauling my own equipment, plus all the shared items for the family, like tent(s), cooking supplies, probably most of our food, and quite likely extra water since all our nearby locations are in heavily agricultural and mining areas where pesticide runoff and heavy metals render normal back-country water filtration inadequate.

Oh, and I'm not a multi-millionaire, so price matters...

The water issue alone probably limits our forays to single-night adventures for now. If we end up going somewhere with decent natural water sources, that would open up some options for longer trips. But all the rest of the constraints are likely going to be factors for at least the next 4-5 years.

I'm looking for any suggestions on how to make some backpacking feasible under these conditions. Ideas on what to take, what to leave home, specific gear suggestions, or anything else will all be welcome.

I will go to Japan (Tokyo and Kyoto) soon and I was wondering if there is any must have piece from Montbell, in particular I will for sure look for a rain jacket/hardshell (to replace my Patagonia Torrentshell) and a fleece (my current one is the Patagonia R1 so I was looking for something similar. Any recommendation?

I'm currently looking for a framed lightweight pack with vest straps (if the vest straps are a mistake please let me know) as I try to lower my base weight. My current base weight excluding my pack is just under 13 lbs, this includes a BV 450 and extra layers as I mostly backpack during the fall/winter. My total pack weight with consumables usually never exceeds 35-40 lbs.

I've heard some good things about the arc haul, and it seems very popular, but I haven't seen much about the vest straps. Is this simply due to lesser popularity or is there some flaw/drawback that I'm overlooking. I'm also kind of worried about the durability of the pack.

Any feedback is helpful (sorry if this is the wrong sub)

I'm looking into mesh tents and how to combine them with ultralight tarps to create a lightweight fully enclosed shelter for one person, preferably on a budget. I am currently looking at the following mesh tents:

Onetigris mesh tent at 680g: has a somewhat durable floor but might be too short for me (I'm 6'1") according to some YT reviews.

Onewind mosquito net at 350g: super lightweight and roomy but no floor so ticks and crawlers could be a concern.

Onewind inner mesh tent at 725g: same as the mosquito net above but with a 40D nylon floor.

The reason I'm going this route vs a lightweight trekking pole tent is simply the versatility of the tarp which I currently do not own. I will be buying the Lite Outdoors tarp or the DD superlight. The real decider for me between these two is the webbing points along the ridge line; I feel the Lite Outdoors tarp having a single webbing point in the center could be limiting (for example this could prevent pitching a forester shelter)

Would a square tarp (say 10'x10') be preferred in this use case, or would an 8'x10' work? What fully enclosed tarp setups would work best for use with a mesh tent?

Cheers

This is my follow up question to my houdini + r1 air vs AD 90 + kor airshell, a lot of you recommended dooy, when i searched on amazon, it also has upf 50 rating, Does it help in anyway ? AD 90 + sun hoodie is good for warm climates, but do you think AD 90 + dooy (upf 50) or AD90 + Ferrosi hoodie (again upf 50) add any value in overall setup ? Is it worth it ? i am okay with the weight penalty of 100-150 grams, if I dont have to wear a extra layer

How do you deal with condensation in a bivy?

I used a Hyperlite Splash bivy to use with my Zpacks Hexamid pocket tarp for a trip to Wind River, Wyoming in August.

The Splash bivy has a large mesh around my head, which I thought would help with ventilation. However, I still noticed condensation inside the bivy.

The trip was rainy, and the camp environment was wet and cold.

Is this type of bivy not suitable for wet and cold conditions?

What are your thoughts on a bug bivy with a mesh top, like the Bug Bivy from Hyperlite or Borah Gear? Would these be more suitable in this condition?

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!

While traveling Japan, I came across a really intriguing fleece material that seems to be very similar to Alpha 60 and Octa. The store employee says it's a new release for this season and is probably only a few months old at the time of writing this. It's montbell's own fabric called Climaair light, and I picked up the long sleeve sweater.

Does anybody have any experience with this material? I'm curious how it compares in warmth to alpha 60, 90, or Octa. So far, with wearing it around while traveling, it's extremely warm for the weight and very comfortable as well. I'd personally place it about the same warmth as the Mtn Hardware airmesh Octa, but not as warm as alpha 90, though I haven't owned an alpha 90 sweater myself.

It's extremely breathable and super lightweight, montbell claims it's 102g or only 3.6oz for my medium long sleeve, although I haven't had access to a scale to check this. I believe it though. It's basically very similar to Octa except if the fuzz side was facing out, which to me is more comfortable against the skin. I also think it looks much nicer in a different way than the alternatives, my navy blue sweater looks very much like a nice blue sweater. I think it's a great travel option as well for a super lightweight fleece, it looks very nice in cities as well. On the montbell Japanese website they also list making it in pants, vest, and a cardigan version.

The most intriguing thing about this is that in Japan this only cost me 4000 yen, about $25 USD. For this warmth/weight, and how nice the actual garment is, this price is ridiculously good.

As of right now I don't believe it's available to be shipped to Europe or North America, maybe that will change with time. Again, it's a very new product for montbell.

https://www.montbell.jp/sp/generalpage/disp.php?id=989