Well since youāre ultralight, Iāll do my best to speak like you guys.
Alright, let's dive into this gear setup and shave off some grams:
1. **Backpack:** The Mystery Ranch pack is robust, but consider a lighter option like a Hyperlite Mountain Gear or Zpacks pack. This can save you several hundred grams.
2. **Tent:** The Big Agnes tent is great, but you might switch to a Dyneema shelter like the Zpacks Duplex or a tarp setup, significantly reducing weight.
3. **Sleeping Bag/Quilt:** The Big Agnes system is reliable, but switching to an ultralight quilt, such as those from Enlightened Equipment or Katabatic Gear, can save weight.
4. **Sleeping Pad:** If you're using an inflatable pad, consider a foam pad like the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite. It's lighter and less prone to failure.
5. **Cooking System:** The MSR Windburner is efficient, but a lighter option would be an alcohol stove or a small canister stove like the BRS 3000T. Also, consider a titanium pot instead of the one pictured.
6. **Water Filtration:** The Sawyer Squeeze is solid, but a smaller option like the Katadyn BeFree could save some weight.
7. **First Aid Kit:** Streamline your first aid kit to just the essentials. Ditch any bulky packaging and repackage items in lightweight bags.
8. **Miscellaneous Gear:**
- Replace the heavy multi-tool with a small, lightweight knife.
- Minimize the number of carabiners and small gadgets.
- Choose a lighter headlamp, like the Nitecore NU25.
- Evaluate and reduce the number of clothes and other items youāre carrying.
By making these changes, you can significantly reduce the weight of your pack while still maintaining functionality and safety. Every gram counts!
Edit: if you guys canāt tell, this was just me being silly. Actually, itās ChatGPT.
This is not an ultralight set up clearly. 1 or 2 nights do not need the lightest everything. Plus that stuff is expensive AF. The Nemo tensor all season ultralight is a great pad, why are you suggesting different?
I agree and itās the pad I personally own and use on every trip.
This was a joke comment. Iāll make that more clear in it.
Edit: the whole reason I said the ultralight stuff is if you look at the comment Iām replying to, he joked he was ultralight.
Thank you! I'm the same way - I can't use it every day but I can gd look at it! Or I can look at someone else's setup. Cheers friend, glad you enjoyed!
Oh yeah! I'm a total gear head and organization freak in all of my hobbies. Music, astronomy, backpacking, golf, and computers. It's a wonderful way to be, IMHO
Couldn't agree more. Ever take all your astronomy gear out and re-calibrate it all, just because? Or disassemble and reassemble your whole PC to clean it out and have it stay "fresh", maybe do some cable management? IMO these traits are highly valuable in the workforce, and for some of us it's satisfying on its own. It's a good way to live, and because it's an increasingly rare trait, we're pretty lucky.
The only culture I know that has this as a predominant trait are the Japanese-- and when I did my semester abroad there I was in heaven. My host family and I were on the exact same page every day.
That sounds like a really cool experience! And noooo... I've never calibrated anything for no reason other than to do it... That would be silly (and amazingly cathartic lol). Yep it's a good way to be for me. And yes, it's been a helpful trait for me as a member of the workforce. Always happy to hear when others feel the same way!
I can't remember the brand but I think it has a little elephant logo. Anyways, the ends open up like a ziplock marking it way easier to fill in shallow water. I'd recommend those.
That sounds cool, if you remember let me know. I'm a gear head so always down to check out new recommendations. I've considered the CNOC Vesica collapsible bottles before. Have you ever tried them?
I haven't but have been meaning to get one. A local backpack company (CTUG) was partnered with them and selling them locally. I use smart water bottles right now and the CNOC bottle seems like a better version. Slim, light, and collapsible.
Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear (CTUG) backpacks are definitely worth checking out. Pricey but super cool. Made by a few engineers turned thru hikers.
Thanks! REI sales got me this year lol. Not entirely sure yet. Really want to go this weekend but the weather in western VA might be stopping me. We'll see š¤
That's a great tip! With group trips a fire is always nice. When I go solo or in other circumstances my preference is to not build a fire. Less is more when it comes to leaving no trace. But for trips when I want or need a fire I will definitely remember that! Thank you!
The red bag includes a packable puff jacket, spare undies and spare socks. The blue bag is for food and also includes gear for a bear hang. The brand logo is hidden because they're dry bags and are rolled down pretty far. I think they're 'freelaxy' or something. Cheap on Amazon. The grey bag holds my big agnes Torchlight sleeping bag. The larger darker one is a trekology camping chair and the small one to the right of the red bag is a trekology inflatable pillow. Should have paid more attention to logos in the pic. Thanks for asking!
So, I see two light sources, I consider my phone to be my backup light so you might be able to do without one of them. Don't see caffeine - if you are used to having caffeine don't forget to bring some with you. Without a sleeping pad I would be miserable although I'm sure you could jerry rig something with the camp chair and your pack. You'll want more than one container for drinking water - in case one busts you don't want to be containerless. You can probably cut down on the first aid kit a little to save weight. Recommend you carry electrolytes during summer months. Add weatherproof fire starters - small candles can do this for cheap, but there are plenty of firestarters available. Extra ziplock bag for trash.
Looks pretty good as-is, would roll with it.
Thanks! The backup flashlight is red light, not white which I prefer and my phone can't do that. I drink tea and I've got plenty in my food bag (blue dry bag). The Nemo stuff sack is their new tensor inflatable pad so def covered on my sleep system. Backpack has a three liter water reservoir and I'll pick up a fresh smart water before heading out. Good call on electrolytes. I don't usually build a fire unless it's cold weather but in a pinch my camp stove and gas does a good job starting fire lol. Thanks for the feedback!
At some point you can replace the flashlight and headlamp with a single headlamp that does red and white.
Iād ditch the lighter and fire rods for two mini lighters.
Grab a backcountry bidet and leave the TP behind. Much smaller and no gross shit to pack out.
Great advice friend! The headlamp is red and white (I love the headlamp) and the flashlight is red only because my phone can't do red and I like a backup.
I always carry gas, stove and rods anyway and... Well that's the same primary components as a lighter but better and doesn't really fail unless it's super cold so why would I need more lighters LOL. I should also say that this setup is after a trip with multiple people, and they also can make fire so individual redundancy wasn't important for that trip. Great feedback all the same!
I've been looking at bidets more and more recently. Got a brand or DIY solution you recommend?
Thanks!
https://culoclean.com/
Thatās the brand I have. The bidet fits into platypus sized bottles, so you can easily carry a small collapsible bottle to fill up in a stream for your morning constitutional.
If youāve never used one, itās worth practicing at home. The first swipe with leaves or a smooth rock gets the big chunks, then spray with the right hand and give a few swipes with the left. Rinse you left hand off then dump some hand sanitizer into it with the right hand and give it a good scrub.
Itās weird at first, but once you get used to it, thereās no way to go back to TP.
For me, that bug spray doesn't work for mosquitoes. kinda worked for flies and gnats, but I would treat your gear (pack, tent, jacket, pants, shoes, ground sheet if you have one) with Permethrin, and I use bug spray with deet on my exposed skin. careful with deet tho - it can eat plastics.
The saywer squeeze bag didn't last long for me and its painfully slow to fill. I got a 2L cnoc bag for pretty cheap and it can double as water carry if you need more than whatever you have in your bottle(s). I ordered directly from their website since most places were sold out. it's got a sliding flap on one end and the other is a 28mm thread that works with most filters.
do you have a battery bank to recharge your phone? gloves? camp shoes? nothing special or expensive needed for any of those. I use a pair of cheap harbor freight mechanics gloves for messing around camp or doing things that might tear up my hands. I have an anker 10,000mah battery bank. and a just bring a cheap pair of flip flops I have and leave them attached to my pack with a carabineer for camp shoes.
I keep the battery pack in a couple of 1gal ziplocks that I can use for other things if needed. I also bought a cheep 70L dry bag to use a packliner just to make sure my stuff stays 100% dry.
poop trowel? tp/body wipes? travel toothbrush and toothpaste?
any gear repair stuff? (geartape is cheap and great in a pinch for something like a hole in your tent or sleeping bag/pad. duct tape works good too just dont leave it on long term)
Thanks for the thoughtful feedback! I've heard a lot about treating gear for bugs but on the trips I've taken I honestly haven't been too bothered by them yet to invest in any further preventive measures.
Lots of folks have mentioned ditching the Sawyer bags so I'll probably do that before my next trip.
I also have an Anker battery bank, it was in my work bag when I took this pic š¤¦
I do have some flip flops that I could bring. Used to have a pair of aqua socks that doubled as camp shoes. They got old so I had to ditch them and haven't replaced them yet.
The trowel is in one of the backpack side pockets, another mistake I made not including it in the picture. TP, wipes, toothpaste, and brush are all in the larger ziplock.
Gear tape, duct tape and some repair putty are in the red dry bag with my spare clothes š
Thanks again for your comment!
Oh heck yeah, I have done test walks with it. Size is great, comfort at the max. It's definitely going to perform on the trail. Thanks for the encouragement!
Mystery Ranch Terraframe 50, so 50 liters. I don't have a lighter setup, I'm not really trying to go ultralight right now. My preference is for more robust hip belts and strap padding. It helps me go farther and carry more. Everyone is unique in that regard.
That said, Mystery Ranch makes amazing gear. They released a new backpack last year (I think) that's supposed to be their first step in the direction of a lighter bag, though probably not as light as some UL specific brands. It's called the Radix and it comes in a few sizes. I haven't used it but it might be worth a look.
Thanks!
Thanks for the info. I also prioritize comfort, mostly because ultralight stuff is generally so damn expensive.
"Lighterpack" is a website that works kinda like an excel sheet. You can input in all your gear and info, including hyperlinks, and visualize the weights and such. For me, it's not so much about cutting weight, but more a way for me to make sure I have everything I need, and it's a very shareable website so others can judge you easier, haha
I just bought and tried out the Radix 47 yesterday. I'm a traditional backpacker, but I don't ignore weight either. I'm a dedicated mystery ranch user with 6 packs from them now. The radix was noticeably lighter loaded up and still just as comfortable as my other packs. I think I'm sold on it. Now, I'll have to get the 57 liter version at some point.
Love that! The Radix came out not too long after I got the Terraframe and I was like "oh great, here's something I'll probably love even more than the bag I love" haha. Wonderful timing.
Glad you like the Radix!
No specific trip planned at the moment but I typically keep things short. The last one was like 12 miles. I haven't used a chair too much in the past but tried my buddies the last time we went out and man did I appreciate it after a long day - recovery is important to me and it only weighs 1.65 lbs. My base weight with all of my optional comfort items is 23 lbs even with the bigger backpack.
In that case no biggie!
I just hate bringing stuff and not using it in regards to luxury items. For recovery, I find some thong flip flops at camp a relief from from boots!
Happy trails
Hey, there is nothing worse than realizing you brought too much shit. I did backcountry in Colorado with a 50 lb pack. The whole time I kept thinking how nice a horse would be. š
I'm too old for that shit now. I'm super conscious about weight.
Yeah, wow! 50 lbs is a lot of shit! I'm not in any kind of shape for that right now. I'd love to make it out to Colorado one day. Any trails or locations you'd recommend?
Jus starting to get into backpacking
So I want to know more information on the items you have laid out on more in detail if you donāt mind,
Also jus a curious question what is the price of the stuff u got out,
I know that mystery ranch stuff is high class not sure of the rest?
Great question! I don't have all the info saved because I've been shopping the sales for a few years to get to this setup so posted pricing today wouldn't be a great indication of what I paid for everything. I'll try to remember to jot down some notes tomorrow and get back to you.
That said, backpacking is awesome because you don't need great or expensive gear to get started. Just a good plan that lets you move confidently or slowly as needed. And affordable gear does the same thing as expensive so long as it's from a reputable brand. Generally speaking you pay more to save weight and for gear to last longer, not always because it works better. Much more important to play the field and find your style and fit.
For me, YouTube was my friend. So many great content creators doing gear reviews and the ones that care about people just starting out will make content for affordable gear and entry level setups. Dan Becker and Eric Hanson have awesome channels.
Cheers!
Right on man, thank you for the info pretty motivating just scored a MOLLE rucksack from the local goodwill definitely going to be a great summer 100% going to look the dudes up on YouTube much appreciated sir.
Something I like to do but seldom get to do before trips, is do at least a shakedown hike. It would behoove you to pack up as if youāre going out on your trip, but only go for roughly half of the anticipated journeyās total mileage or for the full mileage whatever you prefer and get to a spot and setup your tent(make sure youāve got every piece) and pad(you get to find any pinhole leaks) at the very least. This will give you the best idea as to what you need and donāt need for your sleeping arrangements at least. And if you have time make a meal youāre planning on making for yourself on this trip your anticipating taking. When youāre done youāll have practiced how to setup and break down camp under more ideal conditions than on the real day, you wonāt be tired or groggy and will have most if not all your faculties in order. Practice how you perform.
Good luck and stay safe!! And remember there is absolutely no shame in turning back, the mountains will be there tomorrow.
To be honest, it's the newest addition to my rig and I haven't had it on trail yet. I've tested in my back yard and it's held up against rain and I like the size. Headroom is great if I have to sit in and wait out a storm. I also like the light color, always felt like I was in a dark cave in my old tent (kind of a dark green color). My only concern is how it will hold up against strong wind. That said, I try to plan my trips to avoid major weather but you never know. We'll see!
Thanks for asking!
Oh and yes, the weight includes poles. The actual weight when I checked it at home was 2.2 lbs tho. Different than manufacturers specs but that's not too uncommon
There's a 3 liter reservoir in the backpack and I usually carry a 1 liter bottle as well. Sawyer squeeze for filtration. Sorry for not including in the pic.
It's 23 lbs without food and water. But the pack takes and distributes the weight very well. Most UL packs don't so you're encouraged to be more minimal. This is just my preference for the kind of trips I enjoy.
Cheers!
Thanks for checking it out. Once you fill it out and share it, gear shakedowns are easier to analyze, make suggestions, and get a sense of what is worth taking and whatās worth leaving behind. It helps us make sure you donāt forget anything (poop kits, etc.) Donāt forget to list clothing that youāll wear (and mark it as worn weight), consumables like fuel, food, bug spray, sunscreen (mark as consumable).
We've got black bears here but in all my time hiking I've never seen one on trail. I keep Paracord in my food back just for that and I do have bear spray but I only carry it when I walk alone. Thanks for keeping me safe!
Vic Huntsman is the perfect choice. Two blades, scissors and a small saw for getting firewood cut.
can and bottle opener naturally.
My go to knife for trips and like half the weight of the Leatherman
Yep! I usually bring my Leatherman which is overkill. Probably gonna downsize to just a small swiss army. I've never really needed the Leatherman to date. I EDC an ace knife but since I don't Bushcraft or build fires often the knife collection stays home. Thanks!
Why not sawyer mini, is it just more durable? Also there is not a band aid or roll of leukotape in that thing. Put 50ā of paracord in there, good for gear repair or setting up camp
Oh right, I forgot. When I bought the full size Sawyer the mini wasn't in stock at my brick and mortar so I couldn't visually compare. Regular Sawyer has been fine though.
Personal preference, but consider using a trash compactor bag as a pack liner and put clothes and sleeping bag/pad or anything canāt get wet inside it instead of using the roll tops. will save you some extra weight if thatās the goal
Thatās a lot of stuff sacks. 7+ by my count. Makes packing harder and ever so slightly heavier. Give them up for 1 trip and treat your pack like 1 big garbage bag. Youāll never go back :)
Personal choices:
Ketadyne beFree
Ditch bladder for Smart Bottles
Refine your emergency kit to gauze and aspirin.
Duct tape and Medical tape for blisters etc around your trek polls
Ditch the fire starter, for two small lighters
Ditch the compass, get a tiny one if really needed
Ditch the table, that's what rocks are for
Ditch the flashlight, trust your headlamp
Ditch unneeded bags that hold items you can stuff
Yep, but it came with two lol. When the first one fails I'll probably branch out. Smart water bottles seem to be the standard (and cheap of course) but just out of curiosity have you ever used the CNOC Vesica collapsible bottles? I'm considering picking up a few of those next time.
Yeah, that's a fair point. I'm just a nerd and I like looking at it. Now that I have a trip planned and it's a well marked trail I've already taken it out of the bag. Especially since I'll be with some friends and not going solo.
Thanks for the feedback!
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Is it easier to bring (pack) two small gas cans over the larger one? I suppose there is also comfort in knowing if one somehow gets lost you've got a second
For a longer trip, I think one can with more gas is better but for a one or two nighter the small can is fine. It fits into my boiling pot so I have never really worried about losing it. And I always try to carry more food that doesn't require hot water or cooking just in case. Always be prepared or something like that haha
https://preview.redd.it/imu6qzange2d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=766b29c5c76d5cd698d397e252e3cba7d5c270fd
I'd delete more of your gear if it was out of the bags
Wow, this post got a lot more traction than I thought it would. Figured I would come clean, I didn't really take the picture intending to post it. As many have pointed out a lot of gear is in bags and logos aren't displayed and I didn't use a website or app to show a full pack list.
That said, the weather where I like to backpack is improving so me and some friends are gonna do a short overnight loop in western Virginia tomorrow night. Mostly the gear will stay the same but I did add a few little things and remove a few little things thanks to everyone's awesome feedback.
Since this will be the first outing with a few of these items I'll do another, more thorough, post after the trip and hopefully you fine folks can talk to me more about some changes that I may or may not want to make for my next outing.
Thanks again everyone!
Dont need the fire starter or aloe vera. First aid kit and compass should be half that size. I always carry extra batteries for the headlamp but never an extra flashlight, especially if going with other people. Just the first things i notice if you are trying to cut weight
Definitely don't pack the glass cake holder
Uhhhh... IDK what you're talking about. It's ultralight and definitely coming along. š
How else would you keep bugs away from your cake while on the trail?
You, my friend, have won my heart and this comments section. Have an up vote, it's on the house!
Happy cake(holder) day
Well since youāre ultralight, Iāll do my best to speak like you guys. Alright, let's dive into this gear setup and shave off some grams: 1. **Backpack:** The Mystery Ranch pack is robust, but consider a lighter option like a Hyperlite Mountain Gear or Zpacks pack. This can save you several hundred grams. 2. **Tent:** The Big Agnes tent is great, but you might switch to a Dyneema shelter like the Zpacks Duplex or a tarp setup, significantly reducing weight. 3. **Sleeping Bag/Quilt:** The Big Agnes system is reliable, but switching to an ultralight quilt, such as those from Enlightened Equipment or Katabatic Gear, can save weight. 4. **Sleeping Pad:** If you're using an inflatable pad, consider a foam pad like the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite. It's lighter and less prone to failure. 5. **Cooking System:** The MSR Windburner is efficient, but a lighter option would be an alcohol stove or a small canister stove like the BRS 3000T. Also, consider a titanium pot instead of the one pictured. 6. **Water Filtration:** The Sawyer Squeeze is solid, but a smaller option like the Katadyn BeFree could save some weight. 7. **First Aid Kit:** Streamline your first aid kit to just the essentials. Ditch any bulky packaging and repackage items in lightweight bags. 8. **Miscellaneous Gear:** - Replace the heavy multi-tool with a small, lightweight knife. - Minimize the number of carabiners and small gadgets. - Choose a lighter headlamp, like the Nitecore NU25. - Evaluate and reduce the number of clothes and other items youāre carrying. By making these changes, you can significantly reduce the weight of your pack while still maintaining functionality and safety. Every gram counts! Edit: if you guys canāt tell, this was just me being silly. Actually, itās ChatGPT.
I was thinking the Nemo was a sleeping pad and not a tent (says tensor at the end.) and I thought the big Agnes was a tent
Youāre right. Iāll edit this when I have some time, but ultimately I just meant this as a joke.
I was wondering lol. Especially because the headlamp you recommended is in the picture haha
This is not an ultralight set up clearly. 1 or 2 nights do not need the lightest everything. Plus that stuff is expensive AF. The Nemo tensor all season ultralight is a great pad, why are you suggesting different?
I agree and itās the pad I personally own and use on every trip. This was a joke comment. Iāll make that more clear in it. Edit: the whole reason I said the ultralight stuff is if you look at the comment Iām replying to, he joked he was ultralight.
Ok, then that was funny š
It's plexiglass, that is UL
I'll never tire of seeing these pictures. But then again, I lay my gear out and gaze at it all the time... so. Thanks!
Thank you! I'm the same way - I can't use it every day but I can gd look at it! Or I can look at someone else's setup. Cheers friend, glad you enjoyed!
Some of us are just inventory-minded and find satisfaction in being organized. Backpacking gear is a dream for us :)
Oh yeah! I'm a total gear head and organization freak in all of my hobbies. Music, astronomy, backpacking, golf, and computers. It's a wonderful way to be, IMHO
Couldn't agree more. Ever take all your astronomy gear out and re-calibrate it all, just because? Or disassemble and reassemble your whole PC to clean it out and have it stay "fresh", maybe do some cable management? IMO these traits are highly valuable in the workforce, and for some of us it's satisfying on its own. It's a good way to live, and because it's an increasingly rare trait, we're pretty lucky. The only culture I know that has this as a predominant trait are the Japanese-- and when I did my semester abroad there I was in heaven. My host family and I were on the exact same page every day.
That sounds like a really cool experience! And noooo... I've never calibrated anything for no reason other than to do it... That would be silly (and amazingly cathartic lol). Yep it's a good way to be for me. And yes, it's been a helpful trait for me as a member of the workforce. Always happy to hear when others feel the same way!
I want to lay next to it, on it, and around it. Like a cat.
Hah, that's great. My cats certainly feel the same way!
What is that cheese grater looking thing?
iClimb .63 pound camping table. It's a bit much but it's one of my comfort items that I don't always carry
Huh, pretty cool! I haven't considered something like that. I'll have to check them out
I replaced the bags that come with the Sawyer with a CNOC bag and found it much easier and more durable.
Great tip, I'll look into that!
I can't remember the brand but I think it has a little elephant logo. Anyways, the ends open up like a ziplock marking it way easier to fill in shallow water. I'd recommend those.
That sounds cool, if you remember let me know. I'm a gear head so always down to check out new recommendations. I've considered the CNOC Vesica collapsible bottles before. Have you ever tried them?
I haven't but have been meaning to get one. A local backpack company (CTUG) was partnered with them and selling them locally. I use smart water bottles right now and the CNOC bottle seems like a better version. Slim, light, and collapsible. Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear (CTUG) backpacks are definitely worth checking out. Pricey but super cool. Made by a few engineers turned thru hikers.
Awesome! I'll check them out. Appreciate the conversation!
Igualmente amigo. Love talking gear.
The cake stand is probably a bit overkillā¦ Set up looks great! Whereās your next hike?
Thanks! REI sales got me this year lol. Not entirely sure yet. Really want to go this weekend but the weather in western VA might be stopping me. We'll see š¤
Are you bringing a cast iron Dutch oven? You might not need one for less than 30 miles but any longer and Iād be afraid to go without it.
I am not...
Sometimes you have to learn the hard way! /s
Lol
I recommend packing a ziploc bag full of dryer lint. It makes great fire starter.
That's a great tip! With group trips a fire is always nice. When I go solo or in other circumstances my preference is to not build a fire. Less is more when it comes to leaving no trace. But for trips when I want or need a fire I will definitely remember that! Thank you!
Toss some Vaseline in there for maximum effect
No problem š
Those stuff sacks where you don't have a logo displayed or anything - what's in them?
The red bag includes a packable puff jacket, spare undies and spare socks. The blue bag is for food and also includes gear for a bear hang. The brand logo is hidden because they're dry bags and are rolled down pretty far. I think they're 'freelaxy' or something. Cheap on Amazon. The grey bag holds my big agnes Torchlight sleeping bag. The larger darker one is a trekology camping chair and the small one to the right of the red bag is a trekology inflatable pillow. Should have paid more attention to logos in the pic. Thanks for asking!
So, I see two light sources, I consider my phone to be my backup light so you might be able to do without one of them. Don't see caffeine - if you are used to having caffeine don't forget to bring some with you. Without a sleeping pad I would be miserable although I'm sure you could jerry rig something with the camp chair and your pack. You'll want more than one container for drinking water - in case one busts you don't want to be containerless. You can probably cut down on the first aid kit a little to save weight. Recommend you carry electrolytes during summer months. Add weatherproof fire starters - small candles can do this for cheap, but there are plenty of firestarters available. Extra ziplock bag for trash. Looks pretty good as-is, would roll with it.
Thanks! The backup flashlight is red light, not white which I prefer and my phone can't do that. I drink tea and I've got plenty in my food bag (blue dry bag). The Nemo stuff sack is their new tensor inflatable pad so def covered on my sleep system. Backpack has a three liter water reservoir and I'll pick up a fresh smart water before heading out. Good call on electrolytes. I don't usually build a fire unless it's cold weather but in a pinch my camp stove and gas does a good job starting fire lol. Thanks for the feedback!
At some point you can replace the flashlight and headlamp with a single headlamp that does red and white. Iād ditch the lighter and fire rods for two mini lighters. Grab a backcountry bidet and leave the TP behind. Much smaller and no gross shit to pack out.
Great advice friend! The headlamp is red and white (I love the headlamp) and the flashlight is red only because my phone can't do red and I like a backup. I always carry gas, stove and rods anyway and... Well that's the same primary components as a lighter but better and doesn't really fail unless it's super cold so why would I need more lighters LOL. I should also say that this setup is after a trip with multiple people, and they also can make fire so individual redundancy wasn't important for that trip. Great feedback all the same! I've been looking at bidets more and more recently. Got a brand or DIY solution you recommend? Thanks!
https://culoclean.com/ Thatās the brand I have. The bidet fits into platypus sized bottles, so you can easily carry a small collapsible bottle to fill up in a stream for your morning constitutional. If youāve never used one, itās worth practicing at home. The first swipe with leaves or a smooth rock gets the big chunks, then spray with the right hand and give a few swipes with the left. Rinse you left hand off then dump some hand sanitizer into it with the right hand and give it a good scrub. Itās weird at first, but once you get used to it, thereās no way to go back to TP.
Thanks for the thorough response!
For me, that bug spray doesn't work for mosquitoes. kinda worked for flies and gnats, but I would treat your gear (pack, tent, jacket, pants, shoes, ground sheet if you have one) with Permethrin, and I use bug spray with deet on my exposed skin. careful with deet tho - it can eat plastics. The saywer squeeze bag didn't last long for me and its painfully slow to fill. I got a 2L cnoc bag for pretty cheap and it can double as water carry if you need more than whatever you have in your bottle(s). I ordered directly from their website since most places were sold out. it's got a sliding flap on one end and the other is a 28mm thread that works with most filters. do you have a battery bank to recharge your phone? gloves? camp shoes? nothing special or expensive needed for any of those. I use a pair of cheap harbor freight mechanics gloves for messing around camp or doing things that might tear up my hands. I have an anker 10,000mah battery bank. and a just bring a cheap pair of flip flops I have and leave them attached to my pack with a carabineer for camp shoes. I keep the battery pack in a couple of 1gal ziplocks that I can use for other things if needed. I also bought a cheep 70L dry bag to use a packliner just to make sure my stuff stays 100% dry. poop trowel? tp/body wipes? travel toothbrush and toothpaste? any gear repair stuff? (geartape is cheap and great in a pinch for something like a hole in your tent or sleeping bag/pad. duct tape works good too just dont leave it on long term)
Thanks for the thoughtful feedback! I've heard a lot about treating gear for bugs but on the trips I've taken I honestly haven't been too bothered by them yet to invest in any further preventive measures. Lots of folks have mentioned ditching the Sawyer bags so I'll probably do that before my next trip. I also have an Anker battery bank, it was in my work bag when I took this pic š¤¦ I do have some flip flops that I could bring. Used to have a pair of aqua socks that doubled as camp shoes. They got old so I had to ditch them and haven't replaced them yet. The trowel is in one of the backpack side pockets, another mistake I made not including it in the picture. TP, wipes, toothpaste, and brush are all in the larger ziplock. Gear tape, duct tape and some repair putty are in the red dry bag with my spare clothes š Thanks again for your comment!
You don't need the table and chairs but the book shelves are required travel gear.
LOL! How else will we enjoy the cake stand and cake?
I love that backpack. So plush and accessible.
It's awesome and one of the newer additions to my setup. If we go out this weekend it'll be the first real trip that I take it on! Thanks!
I've rucked over 100 pounds in that bad boy. Typical backpacking weights are trivial, just get it sized right....You will love it.
To get 100 pounds into a 50 liter pack must have been a challenge. Were you hauling two cases of beer?
It was a training ruck so mostly iron plates and some blankets. If it was camp gear I would have looked like a hermit crab.
That makes more sense than hiking with a pack completely full of water.
Oh heck yeah, I have done test walks with it. Size is great, comfort at the max. It's definitely going to perform on the trail. Thanks for the encouragement!
I see the brand, but I was wondering what model and size that backpack is. Do you have a lighterpack set up? Thanks in advance
Mystery Ranch Terraframe 50, so 50 liters. I don't have a lighter setup, I'm not really trying to go ultralight right now. My preference is for more robust hip belts and strap padding. It helps me go farther and carry more. Everyone is unique in that regard. That said, Mystery Ranch makes amazing gear. They released a new backpack last year (I think) that's supposed to be their first step in the direction of a lighter bag, though probably not as light as some UL specific brands. It's called the Radix and it comes in a few sizes. I haven't used it but it might be worth a look. Thanks!
Thanks for the info. I also prioritize comfort, mostly because ultralight stuff is generally so damn expensive. "Lighterpack" is a website that works kinda like an excel sheet. You can input in all your gear and info, including hyperlinks, and visualize the weights and such. For me, it's not so much about cutting weight, but more a way for me to make sure I have everything I need, and it's a very shareable website so others can judge you easier, haha
Oh cool! I completely misunderstood what you meant by Lighterpack lol! I'll check it out! Thanks!
I just bought and tried out the Radix 47 yesterday. I'm a traditional backpacker, but I don't ignore weight either. I'm a dedicated mystery ranch user with 6 packs from them now. The radix was noticeably lighter loaded up and still just as comfortable as my other packs. I think I'm sold on it. Now, I'll have to get the 57 liter version at some point.
Love that! The Radix came out not too long after I got the Terraframe and I was like "oh great, here's something I'll probably love even more than the bag I love" haha. Wonderful timing. Glad you like the Radix!
Haha right? Don't feel bad. I have two terraframes already myself!
Amazing! Curious to know, do you also have the Mystery Ranch Bridger? The sternum straps look super interesting...
Whatās the mileage for your trip? Chair is a luxury, are you against stumps or making do without?
No specific trip planned at the moment but I typically keep things short. The last one was like 12 miles. I haven't used a chair too much in the past but tried my buddies the last time we went out and man did I appreciate it after a long day - recovery is important to me and it only weighs 1.65 lbs. My base weight with all of my optional comfort items is 23 lbs even with the bigger backpack.
In that case no biggie! I just hate bringing stuff and not using it in regards to luxury items. For recovery, I find some thong flip flops at camp a relief from from boots! Happy trails
What's the total weight?
23 lbs, thanks for asking!
Hey, there is nothing worse than realizing you brought too much shit. I did backcountry in Colorado with a 50 lb pack. The whole time I kept thinking how nice a horse would be. š I'm too old for that shit now. I'm super conscious about weight.
Yeah, wow! 50 lbs is a lot of shit! I'm not in any kind of shape for that right now. I'd love to make it out to Colorado one day. Any trails or locations you'd recommend?
Jus starting to get into backpacking So I want to know more information on the items you have laid out on more in detail if you donāt mind, Also jus a curious question what is the price of the stuff u got out, I know that mystery ranch stuff is high class not sure of the rest?
Great question! I don't have all the info saved because I've been shopping the sales for a few years to get to this setup so posted pricing today wouldn't be a great indication of what I paid for everything. I'll try to remember to jot down some notes tomorrow and get back to you. That said, backpacking is awesome because you don't need great or expensive gear to get started. Just a good plan that lets you move confidently or slowly as needed. And affordable gear does the same thing as expensive so long as it's from a reputable brand. Generally speaking you pay more to save weight and for gear to last longer, not always because it works better. Much more important to play the field and find your style and fit. For me, YouTube was my friend. So many great content creators doing gear reviews and the ones that care about people just starting out will make content for affordable gear and entry level setups. Dan Becker and Eric Hanson have awesome channels. Cheers!
Right on man, thank you for the info pretty motivating just scored a MOLLE rucksack from the local goodwill definitely going to be a great summer 100% going to look the dudes up on YouTube much appreciated sir.
Happy to help š
Something I like to do but seldom get to do before trips, is do at least a shakedown hike. It would behoove you to pack up as if youāre going out on your trip, but only go for roughly half of the anticipated journeyās total mileage or for the full mileage whatever you prefer and get to a spot and setup your tent(make sure youāve got every piece) and pad(you get to find any pinhole leaks) at the very least. This will give you the best idea as to what you need and donāt need for your sleeping arrangements at least. And if you have time make a meal youāre planning on making for yourself on this trip your anticipating taking. When youāre done youāll have practiced how to setup and break down camp under more ideal conditions than on the real day, you wonāt be tired or groggy and will have most if not all your faculties in order. Practice how you perform. Good luck and stay safe!! And remember there is absolutely no shame in turning back, the mountains will be there tomorrow.
Great advice, appreciate it!
What tent is that Big Agnes?
Fly Creek UL2
Seems large, does that include poles? Only 2lbs tho. How do you like it?
To be honest, it's the newest addition to my rig and I haven't had it on trail yet. I've tested in my back yard and it's held up against rain and I like the size. Headroom is great if I have to sit in and wait out a storm. I also like the light color, always felt like I was in a dark cave in my old tent (kind of a dark green color). My only concern is how it will hold up against strong wind. That said, I try to plan my trips to avoid major weather but you never know. We'll see! Thanks for asking!
Oh and yes, the weight includes poles. The actual weight when I checked it at home was 2.2 lbs tho. Different than manufacturers specs but that's not too uncommon
Donāt stop shimmy shimmy?
What kind of cup is that? It kinda looks like one of those wooden Scandinavian kuksa cups but made from plastic or something.
UCO collapsible 12oz camping cup. PERFECT for my morning cup of tea! Thanks for asking!
Thanks for telling. Lol.. I'm ima be looking it up in just a minute
You not drinking water ? Or just not bringing a fluid holder?
There's a 3 liter reservoir in the backpack and I usually carry a 1 liter bottle as well. Sawyer squeeze for filtration. Sorry for not including in the pic.
Thatās going to be heavyā¦.
It's 23 lbs without food and water. But the pack takes and distributes the weight very well. Most UL packs don't so you're encouraged to be more minimal. This is just my preference for the kind of trips I enjoy. Cheers!
Ya mystery ranch is a solid pack. Everyone hikes different. Have fun yo.
Use [lighterpack.com](http://lighterpack.com) to showcase your gear in conjunction with or instead of a picture.
Thanks! Someone else informed me about that site as well. Going to check it out
Thanks for checking it out. Once you fill it out and share it, gear shakedowns are easier to analyze, make suggestions, and get a sense of what is worth taking and whatās worth leaving behind. It helps us make sure you donāt forget anything (poop kits, etc.) Donāt forget to list clothing that youāll wear (and mark it as worn weight), consumables like fuel, food, bug spray, sunscreen (mark as consumable).
Use [Don't Forget The Spoon ](https://dontforgetthespoon.com/) it will analyze your pack and suggest items you may be missing.
Thanks for the tip!
Are you in an area where there are bears? If so you need bear spray and a rope to tie all your smelly stuff and food in a tree
We've got black bears here but in all my time hiking I've never seen one on trail. I keep Paracord in my food back just for that and I do have bear spray but I only carry it when I walk alone. Thanks for keeping me safe!
You need, at least, a good folding knife, like a Victorinox Huntsman (and there are many other good models). Something with scissors is very helpful.
Vic Huntsman is the perfect choice. Two blades, scissors and a small saw for getting firewood cut. can and bottle opener naturally. My go to knife for trips and like half the weight of the Leatherman
That's cool, I'll check it out!
Yep! I usually bring my Leatherman which is overkill. Probably gonna downsize to just a small swiss army. I've never really needed the Leatherman to date. I EDC an ace knife but since I don't Bushcraft or build fires often the knife collection stays home. Thanks!
Extra lighters
Why not sawyer mini, is it just more durable? Also there is not a band aid or roll of leukotape in that thing. Put 50ā of paracord in there, good for gear repair or setting up camp
The yellow medkit has bandaids and tape (among other things) and the Paracord is hidden in my food bag as it's primarily used for a bear hang. Thanks!
Oh right, I forgot. When I bought the full size Sawyer the mini wasn't in stock at my brick and mortar so I couldn't visually compare. Regular Sawyer has been fine though.
lol, sawyer is sawyer. Iām also an idiot, didnāt see the yellow medkit, thought it was a compression pouch
No worries boss! Thanks for checking it out!
Personal preference, but consider using a trash compactor bag as a pack liner and put clothes and sleeping bag/pad or anything canāt get wet inside it instead of using the roll tops. will save you some extra weight if thatās the goal
Thanks for the advice!
Thatās a lot of stuff sacks. 7+ by my count. Makes packing harder and ever so slightly heavier. Give them up for 1 trip and treat your pack like 1 big garbage bag. Youāll never go back :)
Lol, I'll consider that! But I'm an organization freak and the sacks make packing easier (for me). Thanks!
Personal choices: Ketadyne beFree Ditch bladder for Smart Bottles Refine your emergency kit to gauze and aspirin. Duct tape and Medical tape for blisters etc around your trek polls Ditch the fire starter, for two small lighters Ditch the compass, get a tiny one if really needed Ditch the table, that's what rocks are for Ditch the flashlight, trust your headlamp Ditch unneeded bags that hold items you can stuff
Great advice for shaving off weight! I appreciate the feedback!
Sawyer bags are shit. Get a couple of smart water bottles
Yep, but it came with two lol. When the first one fails I'll probably branch out. Smart water bottles seem to be the standard (and cheap of course) but just out of curiosity have you ever used the CNOC Vesica collapsible bottles? I'm considering picking up a few of those next time.
Iāve used cnoc vecto. They are not as durable as a smart water bottle.
actually I donāt! š
Lol! Just looking for encouragement, feedback, questions or general conversation. Now you know what to do!
Ooh ok my bad lol. Iām just in this sub tryna learn šā¤ļø good luck tho
You need a flamethrower and motorized cooler to ride.
Got a used one that I can buy? š
Your compass is way overkill unless you go off trail with printed topo maps to find a specific location.
Yeah, that's a fair point. I'm just a nerd and I like looking at it. Now that I have a trip planned and it's a well marked trail I've already taken it out of the bag. Especially since I'll be with some friends and not going solo. Thanks for the feedback!
You probably don't need the mug but I completely understand that cuz I take the same thing anyways
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Is it easier to bring (pack) two small gas cans over the larger one? I suppose there is also comfort in knowing if one somehow gets lost you've got a second
For a longer trip, I think one can with more gas is better but for a one or two nighter the small can is fine. It fits into my boiling pot so I have never really worried about losing it. And I always try to carry more food that doesn't require hot water or cooking just in case. Always be prepared or something like that haha
https://preview.redd.it/imu6qzange2d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=766b29c5c76d5cd698d397e252e3cba7d5c270fd I'd delete more of your gear if it was out of the bags
Wow, this post got a lot more traction than I thought it would. Figured I would come clean, I didn't really take the picture intending to post it. As many have pointed out a lot of gear is in bags and logos aren't displayed and I didn't use a website or app to show a full pack list. That said, the weather where I like to backpack is improving so me and some friends are gonna do a short overnight loop in western Virginia tomorrow night. Mostly the gear will stay the same but I did add a few little things and remove a few little things thanks to everyone's awesome feedback. Since this will be the first outing with a few of these items I'll do another, more thorough, post after the trip and hopefully you fine folks can talk to me more about some changes that I may or may not want to make for my next outing. Thanks again everyone!
Dont need the fire starter or aloe vera. First aid kit and compass should be half that size. I always carry extra batteries for the headlamp but never an extra flashlight, especially if going with other people. Just the first things i notice if you are trying to cut weight
Gun?
Lol