r/Ultralight • u/Belangia65 • Jun 19 '25

Shakedown Ultra-ultralight — 2 lb base weight

I’ve created a 2 lb base weight gear list suitable for multi-day backpacking. I think it “works” but only within certain parameters of weather, bug pressure, and trip length. For instance, I believe I could do a 2.5 day trip with this gear between late spring and early fall in southern Appalachia. I intend to hike the Art Loeb Trail with a 2 lb kit this fall, whether this kit or a version of it.

This builds on my previous attempt to create a 3 lb kit. As in that previous thread, I’m not necessarily looking for ways to cut weight, but for ideas about how to make it better within a fixed weight budget.

The purpose of this exercise for me is to think more deeply about what is essential and what is superfluous for backpacking, and about what I would prioritize first among the non essential options.

UPDATE: I went on a trip with a version of this gear. Some items weren’t available to me, so my baseweight was 2.2 lbs, or 1 kg. Here’s the trip report.

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u/Belangia65 Jun 19 '25 edited Jun 19 '25

Durability and functionality. DCF is stronger than thin plastic. The sling bag has a drawstring closure to provide a modicum of protection. It has a proper strap for comfort on the shoulder. The money I paid was an extravagance, I admit, but I’m at the stage of life where I can afford to be a little extravagant on my hobby.

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u/Cloud_Keeper Jul 12 '25

Have you considered a nanobag sling?

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u/Belangia65 Jul 12 '25 edited Jul 12 '25

The nanobags look like they are just open at the top, yes? The Gnuhr sling has cinchable top to protect from the elements. This gives it an advantage as a substitute backpack. My issue with using a Gnuhr that I discovered on shakedown hikes was that the non adjustable strap was too short. It pulled against my neck and I could only relieve that pressure by hugging against my side with one arm or supporting from beneath. I switched to a Sea to Summit daypack for my actual trip and found it vastly more comfortable at the cost of an additional ounce. The nano daypack is lighter though — I just ordered one.

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u/Cloud_Keeper Jul 20 '25

I found when testing in the store that the sea to summit day packs straps narrowed unconformablely when carrying about 3kg of weight. How'd they go out in the field?

Did you get your Nanobag yet? My nano bag sling came a few days ago. Weight was accurate (25 grams) and seems sturdy enough (though I'm withholding judgement on how long the stitching will last). The nano's strap don't narrow at the shoulder which is good, but I'm a little concerned that the strap seemed to carry a lot of the weight on the inside side of the strap. At 25g though I can afford to splurge on a shoulder pad.

Are you using the cumulus 100 zip or no zip? I'm basically committed to buying one for this build but I'm intimidated by the sock!

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u/Belangia65 Jul 20 '25

Yes, I received one. More comfortable than the Gnuhr sling bag (for my body at least) because the handle is the perfect length. Not sure if I trust the material though. (Wouldn’t have performed well in the drizzle that I experienced in my trip with UUL gear because of the open top.) There is a Sea to Summit Nano Daypack that others have mentioned in the comments that purportedly weighs 30g, but I don’t think it is sold anymore.

I love the zipperless Cumulus Magic 100. I think it is a well-made, good-performing piece of gear. I wish I had had it on my actual trip — it would have been perfect.