I gotta ask.. Ultralight? - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

Cube · 10-07-2004, 07:13 PM

Howdy,

If you've read any of my posts, I'm getting back into backpacking and hiking. We've done a bit of truck-camping while the boy is growing up.

The new gear is so much lighter than I used to use and cheaper, that I'm having a hard time understand why paying a whole bunch more for just a few ounces less makes sense. But I am thankful for the trickle down effect!!

Take care..

ploddinTod · 10-07-2004, 11:13 PM

I would suggest that since your son is now getting into backpacking, that you buy lighter gear for him. You don't want to burn him out before he gets started.

lost_but_found · 10-08-2004, 08:26 AM

Every ounce I have cut has made my trips out more enjoyable. I'm not putting so much energy into carrying a load as I am paying attention to my surroundings now. And the second day pains are not as bad.

If I have a backpack that weighs 6lbs, and get a new one that weighs 2lbs, that could either give me 4lbs extra I could carry more 'suitable' eating goods to eat a more refreshing meal, or more 'luxurious' sleeping gear to get a better night's sleep, or just that much less weight that I don't have to tote around. And it is good to have a weight ratio of pack weight to body weight. I think it is something like 25%, or close anyway, that is suggested. I am fairly thin, so that kind of lowers my suggested pack weight.

I just notice, more than anything, that I am not as beat and exhausted since I started carrying a lighter load. I have more energy and can go longer and further with a lighter load. I can go faster and have so much more balance and agility with less weight on my back. Before I cut my pack weight down, I was carrying around 55lbs for about 5 days. Now I carry about 32lbs for 7 days. Amazing how much saving an ounce here and there will save you in the long run.

Here's a cool tool to use for selecting your gear for trips, and finding out how much weight you will be carrying: Gear Weight Calculator

10-09-2004, 06:10 PM

I am always looking for ways to cut weight. I recently refined my cookset and ended up with a very lightweight set for minimal cost. I purchased an aluminum greasepot from WalMart that holds 4 cups of water, a pot lifter from Oshmans that I modified to lessen its weight, a windshield reflector used to make a cozy for the greasepot and keep water hot, a small plastic bottle that will hold 4 oz of fuel. I built my own stove from Pepsi cans and wind deflector/pot stand from lightweight aluminum basting pan stored in the garage.

Greasepot - $5
plastic bottle - $1
pot lifter - $2.50
windshield reflector $5
Pepsi can stove - $0
wind deflector/pot stand - $0

Total weight - 11.5 oz with full fuel bottle

All I do is boil water for dehydrated noodles (Cup a Ramen) 1 oz of alcohol will just bring to boil 4 cups of water. Enough for me, the wife and daughter.

I really enjoy the satisfaction I get from building my own lightweight gear and saving big bucks at the same time.

toejam · 10-12-2004, 09:19 PM

There is an element of gear snobbery in the sport. But since backpackers are the kind of people who like to go for a week with out a shower, there's also a lot of dirt-bagging - going with old, cheap, or home-made gear just to prove it can be done. The pepsi can stove rage is a great example.

I'm finding more really nice gear at Target and occasionally Wal Mart for a fraction of the cost of the "good" stuff lately.

Shannon · 10-30-2004, 09:48 AM

Any suggestions for good lightweight sleeping pads? Justin and I both have full-length, thick (1-1.5") Therma-Rest self-inflating pads, but they're cumbersome and a pain to pack and carry -- even for the non-backpacking camping we've done thus far.

I want something lightweight that will still provide some cushioning but will help us cut down on the weight and will stow better. I swear our two Terma-Rests weigh more than our tent + poles + pegs (Sierra Designs Meteor Light CD -- the two-door model; we also have the original single-door model, which we've used when our nephew camps with us.)

10-31-2004, 01:55 AM

Shannon,

I am considering a sleeping bag from Nunatakusa.com You can choose the type of fill on each model and they are REALLY light. They are a bit pricey though. An advantage to Nunatak is that you can custom size the bags too.

lost_but_found · 10-31-2004, 05:12 PM

I am using the new Therma-Rest ProLite 4. It weighs 17ounces. But I am considering the Z-Lite closed cell - full length is 15ounces. I just laid on one today - not much better or worse than my ProLite4. And it is long enough to fold the top and make a headrest or pillow.

10-31-2004, 10:13 PM

LOL! I just re-read your post. You said sleeping pad not bag. Well anyway I gave a good suggestion for a bag.

I've seen pads that are uber light but they aren't made for comfort.

lost_but_found · 11-01-2004, 08:41 AM

If you got to the local backpacking store you can try them all out. I know REI has a pretty good selection and you can try anything out. And you can always take it back if it doesn't work the way you wanted.

They also make inflatable pads that are very thick (with air anyway) to provide more comfort. The catch is, you have to inflate them yourself and they range between 1.5lbs to 2lbs for regular length. Here's a link

Shannon · 11-01-2004, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lost_but_found

If you got to the local backpacking store you can try them all out. I know REI has a pretty good selection and you can try anything out. And you can always take it back if it doesn't work the way you wanted.

Unfortunately, San Antonio does not have an REI -- our nearest one is in Austin, followed by Houston and Dallas. The best we have locally is Whole Earth Provision and Academy...

Quote:

Originally Posted by lost_but_found

They also make inflatable pads that are very thick (with air anyway) to provide more comfort. The catch is, you have to inflate them yourself and they range between 1.5lbs to 2lbs for regular length. Here's a link

Thanks for the info. I'll look into those, as well.

ploddinTod · 11-01-2004, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shannon

Unfortunately, San Antonio does not have an REI -- our nearest one is in Austin, followed by Houston and Dallas. The best we have locally is Whole Earth Provision and Academy...

Thanks for the info. I'll look into those, as well.

I believe you also have an Oshman's Sporting Goods. They're better than Academy (carry more backpacking related gear).

11-02-2004, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shannon

Any suggestions for good lightweight sleeping pads?I want something lightweight that will still provide some cushioning but will help us cut down on the weight and will stow better.

Have you researched the new Big Agnes Air Core pads? They look kinda neat. Light, 2 1/2" thick and pack to waterbottle size. I have only seen them in BP mag. I believe they rated them fairly high. Worth a look.

Shannon · 11-03-2004, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ploddinTod

I believe you also have an Oshman's Sporting Goods. They're better than Academy (carry more backpacking related gear).

Thanks for that reminder -- I had to check our online Yellow Pages to verify that because it wasn't dawning on me where they're located. You are indeed correct -- we have one Oshman's in town. I'll have to make a visit. I'm only familiar with Academy, and less so the Whole Earth Provision (neat store, but in one of the most upscale shopping centers in town, with prices inside to match). It's why I do most of my gear shopping online (Campmor.com, REI.com, etc.) after extensive research and word-of-mouth.

I think I need to do a Q&A article with one or more of you backpackers here -- a sort of "Beginning Backpacking Guide". I have so many questions that I know I'd get some awesome answers to from the group here, and it'd help Justin and I as well as others in our situation. If anyone's interested, let me know here or via PM and I'll email you a copy of the questions when I write them up. If you have a website of your own, you could even republish the completed article if you participate in helping answer questions for it -- in the interests of sharing knowledge and getting others properly educated and equipped for backpacking.

I'm a little behind on things (what else is new?) so that might not be for awhile yet -- you haven't read my Seminole Canyon SP, Lake Amistad or Enchanted Rock SNA camping trip reports yet -- 'cuz they're not written yet!

11-03-2004, 06:56 PM

I will be more than happy to help in any way I can. I have lead backpacking groups for the past couple of years. Not that it makes me an expert mind you, but I have learned many things through trial and error and by watching others I routinely backpack with.

BTW, If you ever come up near Tyler let me know. Maybe we will have an outing scheduled that you and your family can particpate in or just attend one of our meetings and meet some folks with like minds.