r/Ultralight

Have something you want to discuss but don't think it warrants a whole post? Please use this thread to discuss recent purchases or quick questions for the community at large. Shakedowns and lengthy/involved questions likely warrant their own post.

It's well established that condensation can compromise down loft and therefore sleeping bag/quilt warmth. However, I'm curious what the effect of high humidity would be on an appropriately overstuffed quilt.

Background info: I slept in an appropriately rated 20 degree quilt (2.75" loft) with significant overstuff paired with an XLite NXT (r=4.5). I slept in dry base layers, had a full dinner of rice & beans, and was well hydrated. Because we were planning to summit early in the morning, our group opted to sleep in extremely humid conditions, practically in a cloud at ~10,000 feet elevation. From my Govee thermometer, it got down to 35 F with 95% humidity.

Given the forecast, I was expecting to be extremely toasty but was surprised to wake up slightly cold throughout the night. There was some condensation on my quilt but it appeared to still be fully lofted.

I'm making this post because I felt like I took all of the necessary steps to sleep warm except taking into account humidity. I'm wondering if I'm missing something that I can do to sleep warmer?

tldr; Even if a quilt is at full loft, does high humidity compromise the thermal efficiency of down to reduce a quilt's comfort rating by ~15 F?

Okay all the links I use get my post removed so I’m just going to reference the products.

I'm trying to decide between two Anker chargers and, being not so tech literate, I'm having a hard time.

The Anker nano is 10,000, and seems newer, but you need a 30W charger to charge it? It weighs just over 7oz.

The Anker power core 10000 is the same capacity, almost half the price, and lighter by 2oz, but older, so I'm confused: Doesn't technology in general progress? Why is this older one obviously superior?

I'm leaning toward the second one, but I'm just checking that l'm not missing something obvious before biting.

Edit: thanks all! I went with the nano because I found it on sale for only $6 more than the power core and the 2oz penalty seems worth the speed.

May be downvoted but meh.. This post is just for those that feel the need to purchase gear out of FOMO for minor grams/oz gain. I understand the need to want to be as low as you can (as well as the subgroup I am posting in), but please, for the love of god, just find ways around the gear you already own.

Decided to randomly DIY the headlamp I had purchased 4 years ago before I got into ultralight hiking.

https://imgur.com/a/Mh97oRc

This is the Petzl Actik Core 450 for anyone wondering.

Removable padded hip belts are a popular way to carry heavier loads with a no hip belt pack. They add modularity while offering the comforts of a sewn-in hip belt. They are an excellent choice for people who need a modular system, but people who know they need a hip belt may be considering whether to get a removable or sewn-in hip belt. As a matter of due diligence, we should explore the question:

Do removable padded hip belts perform at the same level as sewn-in padded hip belts? Or does the flexibility of the attachment point impact the way the pack carries? Does the type of attachment point matter?

If you have tried both, how do the experiences compare? Is there any difference in comfort, load-transfer, stability, or functionality? If there is a reduction or increase in performance, to what degree?

Any experience you have, even if you feel it to be atypical, will be helpful in building an overall picture. Even if your sewn-in padded hip belt pack was old and heavy, you can still use it as a basis for comparison.

**********TEMPLATE**********
Removable hip belt: Brand/model
Attachment type: 1” (2.5cm) webbing clips, thick velcro, etc.
Used with: Pack brand/model
Pack type: Framed/frameless
Notes:

Sewn-in hip belt: Pack brand/model
Pack type: Framed/frameless
Notes:

Comparison: Your hip belts and pack may have many different variables that make direct comparison difficult, but your observations here are still very useful!
**********END TEMPLATE**********

I am asking this question because my ideal pack is frameless, less than 20oz(567g), less than 40L, but also has a padded hip belt. A lot of packs in this range are no hip belt, but provide attachment options for a removable padded hip belt. If removable padded hip belts are just as good as sewn-in, then I have many options for packs. But if sewn-in hip belts perform better, then I only have a few standard options, or could request a custom pack. Of course, anyone who prioritizes modularity will get a removable hip belt regardless.

My instinct is that there is a sliding scale for performance, based on how robust the attachment system is. Some belts with a thick rigid attachment that wraps fully around the waist may perform just like a sewn-in. And a removable hip belt with a narrow webbing clip attachment may feel looser.

NOT interested in: discussion about pack recommendations, webbing hip belts, or the no hip belt life. These are all great topics, but outside the scope of this post.

Examples of removable padded hip belts:

Universal attachment systems:
LiteAF (1”/2.5cm webbing clip) 2oz/57g
Dandee Packs (1”/2.5cm webbing clip) 2.5oz/71g
ULA (1”/2.5cm webbing clip) 2.5oz/71g
Bonfus (1”/2.5cm webbing clip) 2.8oz/80g
Nashville Pack (1”/2.5cm webbing clip) 4.8oz/136g
Hyperlite Mountain Gear (1”/2.5cm webbing clip) 4.8oz/136g

Specific pack systems:
Atom Packs (1”/2.5cm webbing clip, wrap around waist) 3.5oz/100g

Specific pack systems that are so robust they’re probably the same as sewn-in, but still removable:
Zpacks Arc Series (Proprietary attachment system)
ULA Photon (Proprietary attachment system)
SWD Movement (Proprietary attachment system)
Gossamer Gear Gorilla (Proprietary PVT frame and belt system)

EDIT: added Zpacks Arc series to examples

anyone with good suggestions? i have a weird head so most hats don't fit well on me but looking for a plain mesh/good ventilation cap with a drawstring back if any pop to mind

Hello!

Does anyone have any experience using the Nemo Switchback with just a top quilt? I'm normally a hammock camper but for my next trip, I'll be spending it on the ground as my campsite will have no tree access. My biggest concern is that with the Switchback's 20" width, my elbows will definitely be hanging off the sides. I know that a sleeping bag would definitely close off any drafts that may be caused by my overhanging limbs, but I enjoy using my quilt (~55" wide; REI Magma 30) and was wondering if it's a bad idea to take it along for this trip.

Trip details: Elevation 1,000ft; coastal weather; high 65F, low 45F

I already own the Switchback (given as a gift) so the biggest question is if I should purchase a sleeping bag to go with it.

Thanks for your time and help!

I am a side sleeper and struggle to get a comfortable night's sleep on inflatable pads. I always find myself needing more support/height under my head, as well as the space between my hip and ribcage. I am thinking about getting a thin pad for insulation (such as the Gossamer Thinlight) and then using two inflatable pillows to provide support. I have gotten great nights of sleep on hard mattresses using two pillows this way.

I'm curious if anyone has done this before, or has any thoughts, or any product recommendations for this setup. Thanks in advance!

My partner and I are looking to upgrade our sleeping systems from our current heavy / larger volume bags to a quilt. Since we always travel together, it makes sense in terms of cost / weight savings to get a 2 person quilt. I have been reading reviews here and it sounds like EE accomplice would be the best choice, although I have been second guessing if a two-person quilt would really be practical for us (since all of the reviews I have seen have obviously been more about the gear itself and not whether the situation works well).

• We have a height difference of > 1 foot which might lead to some cold / empty space under the quilt for the shorter person (me).

• He runs very warm and I run very cold so I worry that even with venting we would not be comfortable at the same temperature rating.

• (Not naming names) one of us has a tendency to steal all the blankets by winding them around himself and retreating to the edge of the bed in the middle of the night, and I could see this being a potential issue with a shared quilt. Said unnamed person also has a tendency of being a bit of an active sleeper, although that is already an issue in separate sleeping bags in a 2 person tent lol.

Does anyone using a 2 person quilt have experience with those bullet points and that setup still works for them? Or would it be a bad idea and we should just get separate quilts? Thanks!

I'm planning to do the Sawtooth Wilderness Loop in Idaho this summer. Does anyone know where you can park? Can I leave my car at the Grandjean Campground for 5 days?

It absolutely baffles me that most sun hoodies don't come with a simple cinch string or drawstring like most cotton hoodies actually have. I have several and it's so annoying to have the hoods fall off at a brisk walking speed with no wind. I also find that so many brands don't have hoods that protect the sides of the face very well and a cinch string would likely help with this. Any recommendations for a sun hoody that you can actually lock down and helps prevent sun burn at the side of the face?

https://imgur.com/a/J5XnSpk

Finally got off my butt and did my WFA recert for the first time in (way too long, like since scouts). Everyone always says once you have the training you carry less stuff but I found the opposite. I finished the course realizing "damn, long term wound management is resource intensive even for minor injuries" but I think I've got enough here to not be seriously wanting for anything. weight is 175g.

General

• 4" flat fold elastic wrap. I really need to get a vacuum sealer so I can make these on my own. more expensive than a standard packaging ACE but dang it's so much more compact

• Gloves

• Roller Gauze

FOOTCARE

• Uncle Bills Sliver Grippers

• Nail Clippers

• Moleskin 3x kidneys

• Molefoam 1x sheet (this stuff is amazing for building up around blisters)

• Tegederm

GOO

• 1x Poison Ivy wipe (unnecessary if you carry soap I guess, but I don't.)

• 2x Antibiotic ointment, mostly for footcare

• 1x Diphenhydramine ointment for bugbites

• 1x hydrocortizone for bugbites/rashes

MEDS

• 2x Tylenol for fever

• 4x Diamode (Immodium) cus ya boi got IBS

• 2x Benadryl for major allergies

• 8x Motrin

• 2x baby Asprin

BOOBOO

• 2x Small bandaid

• 2x Medium Bandaid

• 2x Large Bandaid

• 1x Steristrips (pack of 3) for moderate wounds

• 1x Dermabond (Don't seal deep wounds, but this can be good for sealing skinned knees/elbows if you're crossing water or something else gross)

• 1x Transparent dressing

• 2x Gauze pads

I went with transparent dressing since it doesn't need to be changed every 12hrs like a regular bandage, so a smaller moderate wound could be stabilized with steristrips and covered in transparent dressing and be good for 3-5 days (long enough to start healing properly or get out of the woods) while allowing me to monitor it without wasting any supplies

Stuff that's not shown:

• My dorky bandana with the scene assessment and patient history system on it

• Garmin InReach

• RitR notebook and golf pencil

• Duct tape on my hiking pole.

• I'll also usually keep a CAT TQ tucked in my thigh pocket if I'm doing anything with a fall risk or in an area where people do gun stuff, because improvising TQs sucks. Yeah you can do it in a pinch but you aren't getting a belt TQ or DIY windlass cinched down before you black out in 60-90s.

Stuff I feel like I'm missing but I don't want to make it bulky/heavier

• A tick key, this is the only thing on the list I might add. I have one in my bigger kit and its amazing.

• 1x More Roller gauze, tegederm, transparent dressing and gloves. If something starts getting infected and I have to start repeatedly cleaning and warm soaking, I don't have a lot of stuff here to redress effectively.

• A small burn pad like second-skin. They're amazing for scalding burns (like... fucking up with your stove), but they're heavy

• Triangle bandage: Really bulky, but much easier to use than clothing for splinting and bracing

• A second ACE wrap

• Irrigation syringe: I carry smart waterbottles so I could put a pinhole in the cap to use for irrigation, if you use nalgenes or something similar you won't have an efficient way to presurize water for cleaning wounds.

• Tincture of Benzoin for helping stuff stick to the foot, small, might be worth adding for 5g.

I've also got a larger ~750g kit that has more of everything and more trauma stuff that I take (hunting, shooting, climbing, or with groups of friends where I'm "the first aid guy"), but that definitely wouldn't qualify for this sub lmao.

Note: the 4 digit stickers are for an excel spreadsheet where I track everythings location (car firstaid kit, hunting kit, backpacking kit etc), expiration dates and inspection intervals. I'm a nerd. If you think this is bad, I strongly considered a barcode system...

Thoughts?

Edit:

Budget: (Anything reasonable)

Weight: 175g

Goal weight: unknown

Looking to: Either add things I missed, upgrade/make subsitutions for efficiency, or remove things if they're really dumb but I don't think there's any capabilities that I'm willing to sacrifice unless there's just a better way to do them

Use: backpacking and dayhikes (solo). 80% self care, 20% being able to provide good-samaritan first aid within my scope of practice (NOLS WFA, not a professional)

Hi All, looking for some help. Doing my first backpacking trip ever and looking to take advantage of the Memorial Day sales going on to get myself ready to go. I'm doing a 4-night section hike of the Long Trail/AT, starting near Brattleboro, VT in late June / early July. I've got some stuff purchased for car camping that I'll use, not the lightest but serviceable for now, and I have access to a friend tent to help save some $$.

I'm 6ft 185lbs male, so I'm hoping to keep my total weight below 35lbs. Ideally below 30lbs, but I think that will be challenged w/ my budget and existing gear.

I know my sleeping setup and tent are not that light, but I don't think I have the money for something lighter while I still need to buy a bunch of other stuff.

Total to spend ~$1,000

Need to buy: Pillow, backpack, Trekking poles, stove, pot, hat, bug net, lighter headlamp (I currently own BD Storm), trail running shoes (I have heavy GTX Boots I've hiked in for day hikes), water filtration, bear canister/ursak

https://lighterpack.com/r/qd0ghk (I don't have food yet on here, looking for feedback on base weight).

Thanks for your help and let me know if I'm missing anything major or should buy anything different.

Hello,

I thought about going for 1-2 weeks trekking in january this year with a friend. We have moderate experience and did the laugavegur trek and treks in the alps. As europe is mostly too cold in January we thought about going somewhere else (another continent) with the same level of adventure and natural beauty. We have a lower budget (max. 400 euros for flights). If anyone knows a nice destination with the aforementioned perks, I would be really thankful.

I'm coming from a osprey exos 58, got a new bears ears framed in size M/L (19" torso) and on a few of my test hikes I get glute pain in my right leg after a couple of miles.

Has anyone troubleshooted glute pain in before?

I just did a test hike with my old exos and didn't get it.

My hunch is that it's related to the hip belt being too low. I've tighten the shoulder straps as much as possible to get it bring the hip bt up higher, but then the staps are so tight its uncomfortable.

But Im at a loss at what to try changing and adjusting to get it to not hurt.

Im afraid I should have gotten a size smaller. I did measure from my c7 to iliac and it's 19".

I also noticed that the pack shoulder straps attach to the pack right at the top of my shoulders, not below them.

I fear the pack torso size is just too big for me.

Any help is appreciated.

Anybody know of a bag that is ~20L, has; A sternum strap, Water bottle pockets, Front shove pocket, Hip belt, Trekking pole attachment, Roll top, Waterproof fabric & seam sealed, Daisy chain gear loop, Ice axe loop, And is also lightweight?

The closest I could find is the LiteAF Multi-day 20L frameless ultralight daypack

https://liteaf.com/product/the-multi-day-pack/

As I live in England, strong rain resistance would be preferable.

I’ve searched through Reddit looking for suggestions but none of the suggested packs match my preferences

I realise that all these features will add weight but something still around <600g would be nice.

I don’t think there are any recent threads covering this exact topic.

Thanks

Looking for a UL t-shirt and saw the patagonia capilene cool at my local shop by noticed it is 100% polyester which I hate. I currently wear cotton polyester blend shirts and a few have some rayon in them. Looking for something lightweight that is not full poly. Open to merino blends but trying to keep cost low. Also searching for a sun hoody with blend too!

Am I the only person who thinks trail runners are too flimsy and unsupportive for big miles? Yes, they dry fast and are cooler. BUT the cushioning and ‘support’ collapses very quickly and I’m left struggling with my ankles and instep for another 200 miles. Yes, I know the school of thought that says it’s a matter of conditioning your feet, but why then are so many people suffering ankle and foot issues that I believe can be helped by a more supportive shoe or, I’m going to say it…. A boot.

A couple of hundred miles (maybe) with a light pack might make sense for trail runners, but they aren’t made to be worn for 20 miles a day, day after day. The cushioning simply doesn’t have time to rebound when worn day after day.

I’m going back to my Oboz. I’ll take hot or wet feet over trail ending injuries. Just wish I had done so sooner.

Can’t wait for my fellow hikers to look askance at me and lecture me on the benefits of trail runners 😜

I know it seems silly for some of you to compare these two brands. But I was wondering, since they both have almost the same R-value, is it worth getting the zenbivy mattress, which weighs more than Thermarest regular neoair, more comfortable? Have any of you had a chance to try them both and give a rating, to see if the comfort of the zenbivy is worth the extra weight and if the R value they claim is actual?

Does anyone have experience comparing these two? I'm trying to decide on a quilt and I've narrowed it down to one of these. it seems like people say the Stormloft is truer to its temp ratings and very warm, but the Enigma might be of better quality. Initially ruled out the Enigma but the sale right now is really tempting.

Hi guys, In the market for a UL 2 person tent. I want it free standing as I won't always use it for hiking.

Looking at these three options and wanted to get some of your guys insights, as well as any other suggestions.

Main considerations include weight (Although these are all similar), pack size, and also it has to be pretty decent for 3 seasons and deal with rain OK. I'm 6ft, will be mostly alone, but the option to fit an extra in is good...

Open to other suggestions, and to hear people's good or bad experiences. TIA

I'm highly considering getting the ultralight Zenbivy but the one thing that is preventing me from pulling the trigger is the sleeping pad compatibility. Does anyone know if I can use the Zenbivy bed with a different pad? I've found that I generally prefer the feeling and ease of use of a closed cell foam pad (right now I use the Nemo Switchback) to an inflatable one.

My sleep is the one thing I struggle with in the backcountry, and I will pay a little extra for a good night's sleep.

Living in Australia I've worn wide brim hats for most of my adventures and I'm currently rocking the INDO STIFF PEAK SURF HAT and while it's awesome I do love my Quick dry running cap. A wide broom hat provides more protection but a quick dry cap is a bit comfier and in the evenings when I just want to keep hair out of my eyes it's just a little bit more convenient. So I was wondering would Sun hoodie provides the same protection as long sleeve and wide brim.

Do you like your sun hoodie? Do you prefer wide brim hats or caps?

Moving in 2 years to the US and looking forward to living somewhere the UV index doesn't average in the double digits.

I'm in the market for a new backpack as I've put my Baltoro 65 through the wringer and I'll be hiking the JMT this summer. I figured it's time to finally break into the UL backpack game, so I've spent an embarrassing amount of time researching backpacks. Unfortunately, since the the Small Kakwa 55 is sold out for months, I've narrowed my search down to the ULA Circuit. As I'm sure many of you know (or maybe I'm just a UL gear nerd now), the ULA Circuit has several fabric options. I'm particularly interested in either the standard robic material or the new ultra material.

I am in good shape and am not worried about weight difference between the two fabric options. My main concern is waterproofness and whether or not it's worth it to shell out more money for the ULA Circuit Ultra which is waterproof (not seam taped). In the Sierras and PNW, it's not uncommon to be hiking in rain for a few hours at a time.

With whatever material I pick, I will be packing my sleeping bag into a liner. Then, I'll stuff my clothes (puffy jacket) around my bear canister. I'd prefer not to use a rain cover since it's a piece of gear I wouldn't get consistent use out of in the grand scheme of a thru-hike.

Does anyone have experience backpacking with the ULA Circuit (robic) without a rain cover? How did the pack do? From what I've read, it will get waterlogged under intense rain that lasts longer than 15 minutes or so. Did moisture seep into the bag?

Thanks in advance for your knowledge and experience!

Interested to hear if anybody has some small packs of soup/broth they recommend for a warm-up drink or to augment a meal. I have used the packet from ramen noodles or the bigger packs of Cup Of Soup. Any other dried soup packets I can try?

I know it sounds a bit counter intuitive but does anyone know of some good insoles that could add at least a couple mm of drop to my altras? My previous hiking footwear was a pair of keen boots with 12mm drop and my daily shoes are 4mm drop so I’m a bit weary of going straight to zero drop, especially with my thru hike of the CT starting in a little over a month so I don’t think I have time to adjust. The only reason I want to stick with the altras is because they are the only trail runner that I have found that can accommodate my oddly wide mid foot. Hokas were not even close and Topos had an awesome toe box but the mid foot was not near wide enough.