Going lightweight

[bdavison]

Here is the pack all loaded up and ready to go. I havent had a chance to weigh it, but I put it on, and its by far the lightest pack Ive ever had. Cant wait to try it out on the trail. Im guessing it weighs under 15lb, but I dont have a scale to weigh it.

Shown with my katadyn waterbottle for a size comparison.
[img size=487]http://www.hikingforums.net/components/com_joomlaboard/uploaded/images/DSCF3459.JPG[/img]

[natchez]

Thanks, bdavison. that dehydrated food can be very tasty. I used it a few times at home when I was extremely desperate in need of more time :blush: (i.o.w. everything else took me too long to get done those days)

I really like your 'report' I think it's great information. Thank you for sharing it. That sleeping bag looks perfect for the needs you bought it for.

When will you be trying it out?

[chismo]

Hello,

Noticed a few of your postings...very informative, very encouraging too. Thank you for sharing it. will definetely use it.

[bdavison]

Ill be giving the new bag its full testing in November in northern georgia. The bag is rated for 30deg, and last time I went up there in November, it got down pretty low. So I intend to test it throughly. Im crossing my fingers and hoping that it performs as advertised.

Up till this point I used a Igloo Tracker rated at 25deg, and it is by far my favorite bag. Roomy and comfortable. The Slumberjack isnt quite as roomy, but its rediculasly compact and the taffeta lining is almost identical to my tracker. So we will see if I have a new favorite bag...but so far it looks good.

[natchez]

For how many nights will this test be? I mean... suppose it's not living up to the standards and you will be freezing during the nights? A one-night test would be best then, no?

[bdavison]

Well, the test will be at least two nights. If for some reason it doesnt work, I can always put some clothes on to warm it up a bit. Ill let you guys know a full report once Ive tested it.

I doubt Ill have any problems. Ill find out the temps and post them along with opinions on how the bag performed for me.

Once I took a regular sleeping bag on a trip, and it dropped to 29deg...it was COLD that night. I was throwing handwarmers down the sleeping bag, and had on a fleece jacket and longjohns just to make it through the night. Still had a blast

[natchez]

Awww, alright then :P I suppose clothes in a sleepingbag will do the trick

[FrolickingDino]

Some of the things we (a couple) have done to lighten up:

Switched from a four pound tent for two to a 19 oz (540 gram) 10' x 12' (3 m x 3.65 m) silnylon tarp, ground cloth and a hanging bugnet. This is not only lighter, it is also larger and more versatile.
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___20070
Bugnet was home made - source for material http://www.seattlefabrics.com/mesh.h...uito%20Netting
YouTube video of how I pitch tarp most of the time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkBeZqXU4zk

Switched from a Whisperlite International stove to Vargo Triad TI. The pepsi can stove bdavison uses is a similar. http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___67127

Switched from synthetic bags to down because it compresses better and is lighter. I use an Exped Wallcreeper. This isn't an inexpensive item, but it also replaced a down jacket - you can wear this bag around camp. http://www.moontrail.com/exped_wallcreeper_down.html My husband use a Campmor rectangular down bag - he is a hot sleeper and this can be opened up and used as a quilt http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___40069

Switched from a large pack to a 2850 ci pack because I don't need the space anymore.

Switched from a stainless steel cookset to single aluminum (tried titanium, but you can't cook in titanium). Also use a cozy so I don't have to keep the stove on as long (saves on fuel weight) http://www.antigravitygear.com/prodd...hp?prod=MKDL2N I added two 28 oz plastic food storage containers with a couple of strips of fiberglass tape around them (to save hands from heat) - they are our cups and bowls.

Post edited by: FrolickingDino, at: 2008/07/27 10:41<br><br>Post edited by: FrolickingDino, at: 2008/07/27 10:42

[medicjimr]

what a inspiration after my first hike friday at 60-70 lbs and my bones still feel it

[bdavison]

OneShotPaJim,
Since you are still in the hiking learning process. I would highly recommend you be cautious in going ultralight weight.

Usually I dont recommend jumping into the lightweight packs until you've had some good hiking experience.

Normally, going lightweight means you are skimping or removing things from the pack. I just urge caution on going too lightweight too soon.

I would recommend working your way down to the ultralightweight packs, or if you go all in....take short trips where you have a exit plan in place should you have difficulty.

This being said, I cant really see any reason anyone would need to hike with anymore than 26lbs for a 3day trip. That weight is easily attainable, and provides adaquate resources for even inexperienced hikers.

Of course there are exceptions like mountain climbing, orienteering, summit attempts, etc. where heavier packs are necessary....but for general hiking..26lbs will do.

Let me know if you need help selecting equipment or reducing weight for your next hike.