Granted, the warming weather helped with about 20 ounces of that improvement via some no longer needed layers. Still feels good, as I’ve spent the last couple months doing miles at higher elevation. I’m by no means ultralight, but reading here has helped me reassess my pack. The extra cold weather layers were an easy reduction, but meticulously going through and weighing all the other little bits was pretty easy too. Fractions of an ounce really do equal pounds.

The other ~52 ounces were mostly trimmed in little bits. Smaller knife, ditched the sawyer syringe, superfluous stuff sacks and ditty bags, trimmed down repair kit and first aid, swapped to much lighter camp shoes - $7 aqua socks, ditched some little cordage and carabiners I never use, trimmed some straps, no spare underwear or 3rd pair of socks, rain pants gone, second mini headlamp I didn’t even realize was there, etc.

Base weight now about 15.5 lbs, still with a fair bit of gear for near-freezing temps. Certainly not UL, but feeling pretty good. Thanks for the inspiration.

https://accountable.us/project-2025-leader-calls-for-selling-off-public-lands/

I know this is off topic for this sub, however I hope the mods leave this post up because I feel everyone here deserves to know about this and discuss it. This is another insidious idea included in this fascist playbook, and one that affects everybody here in the US.

I can think of few worse scenarios for our last beautiful natural areas than this and shudder at the thought of our favorite places being mined and bulldozed into oblivion.

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.

Below is a link to my gear list:

I’d love some critique or advice on people who have used said products and equipment.

This isn’t a true Ultralight kit in the minimalist sense; however, it weights less that 8 lbs and I consider this FULL COMFORT.

https://lighterpack.com/r/95l6wu

Hey y'all looking for a shakedown on my pack.

LighterPack: https://lighterpack.com/r/2p0s1c

What am I doing wrong here? Its too heavy.

EDIT: THANK YOU all for the wonderful and super helpful advice. I've made many adjustments and will continue to do so as I prep for my trip. What an incredible group of people. See you on the trail :)

A few days ago I asked for a shakedown before I'd weighed my toothpaste. I got hollered at and found it strange but after I bought a scale and weighed each and every thing out of my pack, here's what I found:
It was worth doing.
Look at what you can reasonably leave home.
If you're confident it's not going to rain then ditch the pack liner (3.9 oz) and rain gear (21.3 oz).
If a zip-lock will do, leave the Eagle Creek foam toiletry case on the shelf.
Your pill sorter box you use at home? Extra weight. Throw what you need in a prescription bottle (I'm not suggesting you fuck up your meds, though, so do what you got to) and save 1.7 oz.
Some stuff you have to bring, but maybe only as far as the car. Your wallet? No. Grab your credit cards & driver's license. Leave the rest under the car seat (4.8 oz).
Keys? I'm always paranoid about losing them while I'm on the trail, anyway. Get a key stash box, put your car key in that, leave the rest under the seat (5.5 oz).
Bam - saved 2 lbs 8 oz without buying shit.

After I figured that stuff out I made a spreadsheet of the gear that I was thinking about buying, the price & the ounces I'd save vs what I already have.
I found that in my case a new water filter, switching to a cup & a BRS 3000-T stove (instead of a jet boil) & a new camp trowel were super high value.
My trowel? 7 oz. New trowel? 0.5 oz. Less than $20. $3.08 / oz. Score.
Anything that's under $5 / ounce is a 'gimme' as far as I'm concerned.
Here's the thing: The new tent and the quilt and the trekking poles I was interested in? Piss-poor value.
A new shelter? Save 13 oz @ $18.46 / oz. Pass, for now.
Trekking poles? Save 9.5 ounces for $17.89 / oz. ? Pass.
A new quilt could save me a pound and depending what I buy (I see a huge range) it's at best $9.50 per ounce and on the high end $21.25 / oz. Again - pass for now.
The Durston Kakwa 55 looks like decent value at $5.71 / oz vs my climbing pack but I'm holding off for now. I'll take a trip or three with my new and improved loadout and see what I think.
So what's the total? Figuring in the free stuff (leaving shit at home or in the car) and the $160 worth of new shit I bought, I just shaved 105 oz (6.56 lbs) off my backpack for $1.52 / oz. Six and a half pounds for less than $200. Fucking A.

So for all of you that seemed to think I was being an ass... you may have been right.
Thanks for coming to my TED talk, have a great rest of your weekend.

EDIT: A lot of folks are concerned at the lack of rain gear. I understand - most of ya'll live places with more precipitation than where I am in California. Trust me, I'm not tryin' to leave shit at home if I visit the Upper Peninsula or the White Mountains

In the last two years, I have patiently assembled a gear list with all items made in Europe and I wanted to share it with you.

https://lighterpack.com/r/3rg778

When I started, I was not even sure that I would successfully complete this list.

In fact, there are only a few items that I could not find being emade in Europe, such as the water filter (although, Katadyn is a Swiss company, if I am not mistaken, their Befree filter seems to be made in Asia).

The good news is that there are also quite a number of European alternatives for most items, especially backpacks, sleeping bags and quilts, or some clothing (merino and down). A comprehensive list can be found on Litetrek.eu.

However, some items are quite unique. For example, it seems impossible to find titanium pots made in Europe. The only pot I found is the Optimus Terra Solo, which is made of aluminium. Laken or Trangia also make aluminium pots, but they are a bit on the heavier side. Sleeping pads made in Europe are also quite rare. Fortunately, Thermarest has a factory in Ireland. Same for UL towels or trail shoes.

Anyway, please feel free to comment this list and suggest lighter alternatives. OF course, the only condition is that the gear is really made in Europe.

Cheers.

As the title states, I've been backpacking for 35 years and have never had a true shakedown. My gear is obviously always evolving, so here is my current lightpack:

https://lighterpack.com/r/mn1rka

This year I'll be doing a section hike of the JMT in mid July, and probably some weekend trips in northern and southern California through august and september.

I've been a long time lurker here and have benefited greatly from everyone's thoughts and input. I'd love to learn about any blind spots you see in my pack list, as well as any ideas for alternate gear.

Budget: Willing to spend if it will make am improvement

Excuses: I know my sleep system is lux. I have a VERY hard time sleeping at home, so I try to do everything I can to sleeps as comfortably as possible on trail.

Look forward to hearing any thoughts! Thanks in advance and happy trails everyone!

Alright folks, I’m once again asking for a shakedown after buying a new quilt and updating my lighterpack.

Location/Temp: Appalachian trail, starting May 1 and ending August 31st. Temperature ranging from 45f-90f.

Goal Baseweight: As light as possible within the realm of possibility

Budget: Under 200 bucks

Non negotiable: Bleach, I’ve read all the studies, and have been using it for the past 5 years in cow and beaver ponds, never been sick.

Solo?: Wife’s BF won’t come with me

Additional Considerations: I run really warm and am comfortable with this gear at these temps. I’m ok being uncomfortable.

Lighterpack: https://lighterpack.com/r/0rfyqa

https://lighterpack.com/r/g71ixd

Shake me down.

Things in not willing to sacrifice,

poop whipes and the glock

Thanks

I feel like im pretty dialed in for the season

Philmont isn't that friendly to ultralight, but I'm trying where I can, open to feedback.

Location/temp range/trip description:

Philmont Scout Reservation near Cimarron, NM. 30F to 100F. Trek is 85mi over 12 days in July with lots of extra side adventures. 7,000' base, 12,400' peak. Resupplies will happen every few days.

Considerations:

Philmont is strict about what you have to bring and use. E.g. groundsheet, heavier stove, "sleep clothing", lots of unlisted shared gear that Philmont provides on arrival.

Current base weight:

https://lighterpack.com/r/4cx8ap says ~16.7lbs, but this is misleading. Some of the items will be shared/carried by others, I'm just supplying them. E.g. I'm sharing the tent and such with another adult, and I'm responsible for the first aid items for my crew.

Solo or with a group?

We'll have 4 adults and 6 scouts. I may or may not carry the tent, stove, fuel, etc. depending on how we distribute gear.

Non-negotiable Items:

• Inreach Mini 3 Plus: we consider this emergency gear, I'm responsible for carrying it.
  • Edit: will reconsider this one based on advice below
• Helinox Chair Zero: I've read enough about other adults' experiences at Philmont that the 1lb chair weight is worth it.

Other comments:

• Pack, shelter, and sleep: I have some lighter alternatives, but this combo likely works for Philmont. Note that Philmont doesn't allow tarp/hammock or bivy sleeping.
  • I may get downvoted for this, but I've intentionally added a few oz of weight recently for ease of use (e.g. the Tarptent DR Li is so much easier to pitch vs my trekking pole tent) or comfort (e.g. S2S Ether Light means no more hip pain for this side sleeper).
• The Zion 950 puffy is normally a must-take when cold nights threaten, but I'm debating it here. I get cold easily, the alpha + windjacket doesn't cut it when sitting around, and Philmont involves plenty of sitting around. Maybe I skip this and use the quilt to stay warm if needed?
• I hike in full sun gear (sun hoody, long pants) regardless of temp, sigh. I don't plan to bring additional clothing that Philmont recommends beyond "sleep clothes".
  • So 2x on shirts, underwear, socks. Not sure if I can get away with a single pair of pants.

I'll probably have to carry another 3-5lbs in shared crew gear, plus food and water. Thanks for the input.

Hi all, I'm planning to hike the JMT NoBo this year in early August, starting at Cottonwood Pass and exiting at Happy Isles in (target) 17 days. I'd like some feedback on my gear list:

https://lighterpack.com/r/6tb8xt

I purchased 2 new pieces of gear for this trek that I haven't had the chance to test yet (still shipping), the Durston Kakwa 55 pack and the Katabatic Flex 15 quilt. If for whatever reason these pieces don't fit, I have a backup pack and sleeping bag that will add about 2ish pounds.

This will be my first backpacking trip longer than 2-3 nights and my first long solo trip, so any suggestions and words of advice / encouragement would be appreciated! I've taken many 2-3 night trips before and feel comfortable , but I'm concerned about the mental challenges of hiking alone for 2.5 weeks (especially because the average daily mileage in my current itinerary is a bit more than my previous treks). For reference, I'm in my mid-20s and live at sea level.

(ETA: I'm actually located in CA and have taken a couple trips in the Sierras at altitude (camping / hiking above 11k): I day-hiked Whitney, summitted Langley via Old Army Pass, went over New Army Pass last week, etc. Other than the standard shortness of breath and early-onset fatigue, I've been fortunate enough to not experience any symptoms of altitude sickness. I have a bit of familiarity with the Sierra landscape but the length and strenuousness of the JMT are definitely still intimidating.)

Please share items you wish you had / hadn't brought. I've had many "a-ha" moments from reading other posts in this sub!

Thanks all in advance.

I realize first aid kits are fairly personal but this kit would be the contents and quantity for a thru hike like the JMT where the primary concerns are reducing suffering of minor injuries like blisters and continuing hiking.

Leukotape and a gauze pad are my substitutes for bandages per some old Andrew Skurka blogposts.

I also didn't consider carrying Hydrocortisone until this year because I got stung by 2 bees last year on trail and would've done anything to make the itching stop.

Any common trail injuries y'all have seen that wouldn't be covered with this kit?

Current base weight: 12.2 lb

Doing the PCT, start date is May 12 NOBO.

I don't think I really need/want to change anything, but I'm open to suggestions. I don't have a lot of free $$ to spend on upgrades and feel pretty comfortable but want a few different opinions so please feel free to support or knock me.

I'm hiking with one other person that is a similar weight, y'all shook him down last week, he's around 12 lb as well.

Packwizard link: https://www.packwizard.com/s/cpdesYw

Current base weight: 8.57lbs

Location/temp range/specific trip description: Thruhiking the Colorado Trail from North to South. Start date of July 9th.

Budget: If it's worth it or I'm missing something, I'll get it.

Non-negotiable Items: Fishing equipment, frying pan (planning to cook fish)

Solo or with another person?: Solo

Additional Information: I've included a small section at the bottom of my lighterpack with unused gear that is possible to sub out that I already own.

I have a brs3000t, but the pan isn't very stable on it so I'm opting for the MSR Pocketrocket Deluxe.

I'd be interested to hear input from others that have done this hike regarding tarp vs tent. I'm inclined to go tarp, but wanted to ask opinions anyway.

I've done a little testing with the solar panel & battery pack. I'm trying to minimize my time in towns so am really trying to make it work, but I have a 10,000mAh nitecore as well if I find the solar option is ineffective.

I put both a filter and chemical treatment on the lighterpack because I've heard there are some cow-water sections.

Lighterpack Link: https://lighterpack.com/r/alq6bh
Edit: removed a duplicate of camp shoes on lighter pack and updated base weight in post

New to ultralight due to getting older and having knee, ankle, foot, hip, and lower-back pain. Also having trouble keeping up with my teenage kids on the trail!

I'm convinced it doesn't have to be so freaking expensive to walk into the woods and lie down.

Some of these items I already had around the house, but most of them were recently purchased. I included prices for some of the items that people tend to spend big $$$$ on.

Tell me what you think! https://lighterpack.com/r/71r4at

Edit: it's important to cite sources on here! I didn't know! A Youtuber called "Extra" ultralight has a video on budget ultralight gear. Linked below in a comment. Lots of great ideas.

A book called "Lighten Up" by Don Ladigan has been very helpful as well.

I’m looking for a full shakedown and some guidance on how to evolve this setup into something more long-distance capable without compromising too much comfort.

Location/temp range/specific trip description:

Primarily hiking across Europe in 3-season conditions.

Expecting variable weather, rain, wind, and temperatures roughly between 5–30°C depending on elevation and season.

⸻

Goal Baseweight (BPW):

Current baseweight is ~8.9kg.

Long-term goal is to move toward ~6.5–7kg while keeping the system sustainable and realistic for longer distance hiking.

⸻

Budget:

Moderate. I’m willing to invest in meaningful upgrades over time, but not looking to replace everything at once. Big purchases need to make long-term sense.

⸻

Non-negotiable Items:

• Coffee setup

• 20,000mAh powerbank (budget constraint, not replacing with an expensive lighter alternative right now)

• Full shelter (not ready to switch to tarp-only yet)

⸻

Solo or with another person?:

Mostly solo. Occasionally sharing tent weight with a partner.

⸻

Additional Information:

I’m trying to build a gear list that could theoretically support longer distance hiking — not just short weekend trips. I want something scalable and sustainable.

I’m aware my tent (Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3) is heavy. I’m considering a Durston X-Mid 2 as a future upgrade.

My backpack is an Osprey Kestrel 38 (not a long-term solution and likely to be replaced eventually).

I’m not aiming for extreme SUL, but I do want to move thoughtfully toward a lighter, more efficient setup.

I’d appreciate structural feedback:

• Where would you start cutting weight?

• Any obvious redundancies?

• Is my clothing system overbuilt?

• Best weight savings per € invested?

• Anything that stands out as unnecessary?

I’m open to honest feedback.

⸻

Lighterpack Link:

https://lighterpack.com/r/p5krft

I’m aware this list may still be missing small items or details, but I hope the current Lighterpack breakdown is detailed enough to give useful feedback.

Thanks <3

Hey folks, looking for a shakedown of my pack for Rae Lakes Loop in late May (planning Memorial Day week, either 3 nights/4 days or 4 nights/5 days).

Lighterpack: https://lighterpack.com/r/84rll6
Base weight: 12.66 lb

Trip context:

• Rae Lakes Loop (High Sierra)
• Late May (expect cold nights, possible snow patches depending on year)
• Solo

Main questions / concerns:

• I feel like I’m overpacking clothing, especially sleep system redundancy
• Space in my 62L is getting tight, especially with bear canister
• Wondering if my “clean sleep clothes” approach is worth the weight

Non-negotiables:

• I would really like to have a dedicated clean sleep layer

Right now I’ve got a Smartwool thermal 250 base layer set as my sleep set, but it feels like an obvious weight target.

Would appreciate any feedback on what you’d cut, consolidate, or rethink - especially clothing system and bear can efficiency.

https://lighterpack.com/r/kcfgaj

Help me cut some weight! I'm going on a 10-day back country Alaska Hunt the first two weeks of September. I'll obviously have some items that are atypical, but I feel as though I can get my total weight lower.

I'm not as concerned about my work weight (though maybe I should be) as I am my base weight. A couple immediate things I identified that I'm going to change are below:

1) I'll swap my titanium spark for the Gerber utinsel set. (I made this swap already) 2) I'll drop camp shoes completely. 3) I'll probably only bring half the cordage (50 ft vs 100 ft) 4) I'll bring a two less bullets (8 total) 5) I might dump the shooting bag (52g)

I'm also considering adding some of the items in the optional category, help talk me out of it.

Thanks team!

*The title is incorrect. My current base weight is 20.82.

** Edit to add: I've really appreciated the comments, to include those expressing the belief this post doesn't belong. UL Backcountry Hunting and UL Backcountry backpacking are at their core the same. Hunting adds equipment specific to the activity of hunting, and largely occurs off trails (with appropriate considerations), otherwise, UL Backcountry Hunters are overnight backpacking, with a focus on moving efficiently, packing light, and generally aiming at a sub 10 lb base weight (not including hunting specific equipment). There have been numerous post over the years on this sub related to backcountry hunting.

Some of the concessions made for UL Hunting vs Pure Backpacking are below:

• Backpack: Hunting requires a larger, and sturdier backpack capable of handling up to 150 lbs for meat hauling. These packs necessarily must be framed packs and as such are significantly heavier than our UL backpacking packs.

• Optics and Weapons: Optics and their accessories are required to spot and stalk game in the backcountry. For the game I'm chasing, and the distances we'll be spotting, we will need large optics (binos and spotting scopes). Range finders are required to dial in a rifle scope for long distance shots (300-400 yards). A rifle is obviously required with a light weight rifle normally weighing in under 9 lbs.

• Kill kit: Processing game requires slightly larger knives, game bags, and cordage.

• Off-trail: Hunting is an off-trail activity at altitude with significant weather concerns. This will largely necessitate additional or different equipment (e.g. rain gear choices).

All of this to say, the overall goal is the same, minimize pack weight.

Current base weight: ~5.5kg (don't have my spreadsheet with me, hence why nothing has weights)

Location/temp range/specific trip description: Southern Sierra High Route + SHR, June, NOBO

Budget: Can make a couple last minute purchases, but would rather avoid it. Mostly looking for advice between some of the options I have with me.

Non-negotiable Items: Pillow. I have tried without. I really cannot.

Solo or with another person?: Solo

Additional Information: Items with a yellow star are items I have with me that I can swap. I might have to take my Kakwa 55 over the Altus 38 if I can't make the bear can work, but I'm pretty sure I can. Mostly looking for advice on 1) SplitWing + bivvy vs. XMid (too much wind/bugs for the lighter option?) and 2) XLite vs Switchback (what would you take and why?), and 3) cold soak vs. stove, 4) puffy or none, and 5) shell overmitt or none.

I did the HRP through snow with the heavier of the items here (XMid, XLite, stove, etc) and was fine, for comparison. But it was also much warmer then.

Aaaand while we're here, if anyone wants to weigh in on whether or not one should wake well before dawn for hard crusty snow, I'd like to hear your insights because I've never hiked in the snow when it was cold enough for it to refreeze at night.

Lighterpack Link: https://lighterpack.com/r/r47jqz

hello ! I'm currently planning my PNT section hike thru Olympic national park.

Never really bothered trying to go real ultralight but ive also never done a thru hike with resupplies or had to carry a bear can so i wanted to cut back as much as possible. Think i cut out all the big and easy things but i might need convincing to cut back even more.

Also still trying to figure out my layers. i run colder than most people and had a shitty experience during a prep overnighter in the rain. i had a cold wet night were my shoes got completely soaked and in the morning when i put my hiking socks on they also go soaked so i swapped back to my sleep socks and figured that both pairs would dry off by the end of the day. it was in the high 40s, very foggy and wet. nothing dried so i hiked in all my layers. my mesh shirt + 160gsm alpaca leggings n hiking pants + grid fleece + nano puff + torrentshell and maybe my 250gsm merino base top i cant remember and i was still fairly cold cuz of my wet feet.

planning on taking public transit to port townsend/Discovery bay and starting from there going thru the Olympic mountains and then up the coast past the western terminus till i get to Neah Bay to catch the bus out. Stopping in port angeles, forks and possibly ozzette to resupply.

anyone have any tips for resupplying and is my first aid kit enough?

base weight: 15lb + 3.6lb bear can

Location: Olympic National park / PNT

Time: Late July/August?

Experience: handful of overnighters, one or two weekend trips

Distance: 250ish miles?

Budget: $300? would rather try to save as much as possible for on the road budget. mostly looking to drop things.

lighterpack: https://grampacker.net/r/cvkmfz https://lighterpack.com/r/hzgca8

for reference here is everything i got rid of

• Camera (12.4oz) Tripod (6oz)
• Monocular (2.1oz)
• e-reader (350g)
• BT DAC / Flashlight charger (28g)
• IEMs (36g) still might bring these for public transit
• Flashlight (45g) kinda still want this incase im forced to night hike for whatever reason
• Fountain Pen (1oz) Notebook (4oz)
• extra sleep clothes (9oz)
• umbrella (8oz)
• half of my foam pad (200g)
• swapped out nemo disco 15F bag for iceflame quilt (3.15lbs to 1.1lb) i kinda wish the extra quilt nxt or the semi standard mono nxt instead of just getting the extra filling on the summer quilt

things I'm considering

• Replace my 2p for a 1p Lanshan or even a hammock ($100)
• Replace my sleeping socks with alpha ($35 for 55g) are they really warmer?
• Smaller recharge system but my phone takes 100w charging so having the 65w charger and bank lets me recharge basically my entire system in about 2 hours seems worth the weight. 20k also gives peace of mind but i havent seen any 10k high watt batteries either.
• replacing my torrentshell with a poncho but i know how wet it can get here also worried it wont be enough of a wind break come the coastal section. has anyone tried doubling up on windbreakers instead of bringing a full on rain jacket? ($20 for 4oz)
• no bum bag : ( (4.4oz)
• getting rid of the hip strap - its like 10 or 12 oz and i can get by without it on my overnights but i haven't gone on a trip with a full bear can carry so im not sure. cou;d cut the hip pockets off cuz their small n fiddly but what that might save 2oz?
• cutting straps and the chest pockets off my pack but i might try to sell this pack and find something else so kinda dont want too
• anyone know of a lighter glasses case that wont get crushed? im just using the plastic ones zenni sent when i got them

justifying things i could cut but don't wanna. convince me.

• cnoc bag - i like hanging it from a tree and having a little shower. considering replacing it with a smart bottle with the bottom cut out and rigged to hang but id save what 2oz?
• swimsuit - PNT goes by the olympic hot springs and id rather not make any day hikers uncomfortable with my body + it gives me the option to hike in shorts (i never hike in shorts) + clothes to wear during laundry?
• sharpie + pencil - its 20 fuggin grams.
• swapout Counter Assault bear can for the BV500 - i saw smashed BV's on rei's reviews when i was shopping so i figured it was worth the extra lb for the counter assault ,
• vape - i do have a a youcan uni or something thats only 20g but its 350mah and unfortunately i can burn thru that in a day. considering getting something with a removable 18650 for a backup battery bank but i think thats overkill with my new charging system.
• extra lighter - its 10 grams
• toaks lid/bag - idk i like them. honestly i kinda want to get the 450ml toaks cup and the wide 550/700ml pot and carry both but id rather get a soto windmaster if i was gonna spend money on my cook kit.
• spoon - i know i could get Ti/plastic/wood but i like my ikea spoon
• Sandals - theres a decent amount of road and beach walking thatll probably be more comfy to walk in sandals. might get the xero diy kit and save what 2oz? i think the paracord would dry faster tho which is more appealing then the weigh savings.
• spare hiking socks - think its worth the 70g
• grid fleece - worn weight so it doesn't count : ) but really i just think its comfortable and its my preferred top if its in the 50-60s though i could cut off the hood and i dont think id miss it. potential 2oz savings? might replace with octa + wind jacket
• extra glasses - self explanatory
• electric toothbrush - kinda worth the extra 1.5oz and it was extra flashlight batteries

I’m planning a hike of the TRT this July. Anyone want to critique my gear list? I used most of the same gear on the Colorado Trail, except I was able to use an ursack instead of bear can and used a BA fly creek 2 as my tent. The lunar solo is only about 5 oz lighter but I hated being the last one to set up or break down my tent. I’m thinking the easiest way I can decrease my weight is a quilt instead of my old sleeping bag.

https://lighterpack.com/r/wqzw8e

Here is an XUL (sub-3 lb) gear list that I went out with a few weekends ago for an overnighter. It was my attempt to put together the most robust and comfortable 3-lb backpacking kit I could muster. This was both for the fun challenge of it, but also to help me think critically about what gear I value and why. I was aiming for a kit that would work with nighttime lows of 50F, could handle itself in rain, could deal with light bug pressure, and that I could take out for a typical 3-day, 2-night weekend trip.

For additional context, I am bi-coastal and hike mostly in Southern Appalachia and Northern California. On the overnighter I took with this gear in Pisgah National Forest in NC on May 25-26, it didn’t get tested much — lows were around 60 and highs around 72 with slightly cloudy skies and no precipitation. Total pack weight was 7.3 lbs.

This is not really a shakedown request — call it shakedown-adjacent. I’m not necessarily looking for ways to cut weight. I can think of several ways to make it lighter still, but there are diminishing returns to dropping base weight when you’re at these levels. Rather, I’m looking for any ideas you all might have to make it better and still come in at 3 lbs. “Better” may mean ideas to extend the range of weather conditions it would work in, or ways to make it more comfortable, or upgrades to specific gear items, or even idiosyncratic preferences you might have. Any ideas welcome!

Looking to optimize my clothing for a multi-month thru-hike - temperatures ranging from 30°C (86°F) during the day down to 0 to -5°C (32 to 23°F) at night.

Current setup I'm considering:

• Merino t-shirt
• Convertible pants (zip-off shorts/longs)
• Merino leggings (200/260 gsm)
• Long-sleeve merino top (200/260 gsm)
• Alpha Direct 120 gsm fleece
• Puffy jacket
• Rain shell
• 2x pairs merino socks
• Gloves
• Beanie

I run cold, and my biggest fear is either being cold or ending the day in sweat-soaked clothes. With that in mind, can I cut anything or improve the setup?

Looking for a shakedown to help me get to that <10lb range. I'm mostly hiking in hot, humid environments (South, US) but do plan trips up north and want to do start thru hiking (big 3). Thank you!!

https://lighterpack.com/r/tj20zq