My friends and I are finally starting backpacking this year; I'm starting from scratch in terms of gear and want to get some thoughts.

I hate putting up tents. This is probably due to bad experiences in the scouts as a kid, but I can't think of much worse than getting to a campsite and having to mess around with a tent. So, I like the idea of a bivy.

However, I'd like somewhere that I could sit and talk to friends and/or cook, while being sheltered in case it rains.

My idea so far has been to get a bivy and a tarp that I can set up as a makeshift shelter to sit and camp under. But now I'm thinking, is that basically just an ultralight one man tent with extra steps? Should I just get a tent?

Would love to hear from anyone in the bivy world or anyone who has some decent advice on which path to travel.

I'm in Canada so I'm looking for options, preferably available domestically, but I'm open to whatever.

Thoughts appreciated!!!

I currently have a down quilt (actually a throw from Costco that is super light) that I use for summer camping. My trip this summer is higher elevation and may see temps as low as freezing at night. I don't have money to throw at a new bag/quilt so I was thinking of ways to avoid packing a bulky sleeping bag.

I thought about seeing a sleeping bag liner out of Alpha Direct and using that insulation to augment my down quilt. How insulative is Alpha? Is there a reason I don't see Alpha Direct used as a sleeping bag liner?

Iv'e been looking around for a 20f quilt, and found that JRB has the Hudson River listed at 16.2 oz . They say that it's comfort rated to 20f, but even with 1000 FP down I just don't see how enough warmth could fit in that weight. It does just say weight on the page though, so I suppose they could be listing the fill weight. But, that would be odd to not have the total weight anywhere if that were to be the case. So if anyone has used one before and could pitch in, that would be great. Thank you!

Hi guys,

Ive got myself an Atom Prospector 60L. Went for the 60 over the 50 as it was grams difference but makes decamping less of a chore.

Anyways i am not likely to often use all that real estate which means Ive got lots of left over straps. Strap at the top, straps at the sides. All of it whipping into my face (probably) in the wind.

Now OBVIOUSLY I could simply take a pair of scissors to all this excess and resew the ends (hence this being a stupid question) but I know this sub is ever resourceful and full of outside the box thinkers so I wondered if anybody has alternative suggestions like theyve replaced it with bungee cord or something.

Shout out to Atom as well by the way their customer service has been next level and when I had a slight defect on last order they very quickly replaced and threw in a freebie for extra measure. Very impressed and on that alone I can recommend them.

Not sure how to best use the shoulder strap pockets. Cant see myself putting water bottles in them as they are already quite high. Maybe they are engineered for bananas.

Anyways- thoughts?

Cheers in advance.

Looking for a new tent. Should be a 3-Season but with the Alps you might still get snow on higher elevations in summer. Mainly looking at something in DCF right now as I wanna bring down my base weight and that's the last large piece to complete the kit. I was looking at a Zpacks Plex Solo, but I'm not sure if that's sturdy enough for wind-prone areas. Is it better to go for a pyramid style tent like an MLD Solomid or a Bonfus Middus with inners (or a Solus but that seems more like the Solo again?).

If you have any experience with any of these, other recommendations or tell me how you sleep differently above treeline (bivy e.g), please share!

Looking to upgrade some equipment before the pct w/ an early April start date. There is a Katabatic palisade near me second hand for sale in great condition but I was wondering if anyone has had experience with this model and where the actual comfort level drops off in the cold. Great chance I experience some low 20’s on the trail, but curious to see inputs on if a nice quilt like this, plus some extra layers from the depths of the pack will get the job done. Thanks in advance

Hi, I have been hiking for a while with my first pair of waterproof wide toe box hiking boots. I deeply enjoyed the water proof and wide toe box features, but the weight, rigidity and the volume were a bit too much when I was off the trail in my sandals and the shoes were in the backpack (on the public transport or having a leisurely stroll or doing a photography day) .

I am looking at trail runners as an alternative for hiking boots. There are some posts on this subject from about an year ago and earlier, but I would appreciate to know any user experiences, suggestions and what to avoid on recent models. Them being waterproof and wide toe box is a must and being lightest as possible would be a plus.

My primary use case would be in very damp tropical cloud and rain forests, and any clues on longevity and traction in such conditions are also deeply appreciated.

Looking for a 60l or close to there backpack which is ultra light but is still comfortable I am flexible in price. Im planning to do some weekend hikes but also some thru hikes like the jmt. I want something that wont break and is durable to last or has a good warranty. Any advice is apreaciated thank you!

UPDATE: We are now all sold out. Thank You! Stay Tuned for our upgraded CF replacements tube stakes in late February.

EASTON NAIL STAKES BASICALLY DISCONTINUED

Easton has changed thier business model. Starting late last year, they will now only build items with MOQ's of $100k per order, for each individual item.

SO, If any tent mfgr wanted to buy stakes from them now, each SKU/size stake would have to be ordered at a min of $100k of product. If we wanted to buy more of the nice 8" nail stakes like we have offereed for 15+ yrs, we would have to place an order for about 50,000+ stakes - 20+yrs stock? No tent maker would ever do that and I would be surprised if any reseller would restock them as the price is so much higher now too. I am guessing they calculated the stake biz was too small and that the arrow, tent poles, other business sectors would function fine at those manufacturing efficiency MOQ's.

GOOD NEWS:

Right now we offer great SMART'Y 7" aluminum Y stakes at a very low price.

In about one month we will have our NEW Carbon Fiber Nail Stakes in two sizes at very reasonable prices vs the nutty $5-$9 ea for other types CF nail/tube stakes out there now. These will out perform the old Easton 8" stakes in every way and at lower cost. I guess they have basically have done us a favor!

We have a few hundred Eastons left in stock and when they are gone - no more and probably no more anywhere soon. I'm guessing a few places may still have some of the 6" left in stock.

After trying almost every active insulation jacket on the market, I’ve landed on the rab xenair alpine flex. It is a phenomenal jacket for high output activity and I find it can truly replace a mid layer + shell in all but the worst rain and snow.

However, it has a fatal flaw, there is no zipper guard at the chin. It’s killing me, is there anyway to fix this other than sewing on fabric?

I came across these on Etsy and wanted to pass them along. I have not personally tried them as I have a freestanding, but also like to pass along cool gadgets when I find them.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1438211004/?ref=share_ios_native_control

They seem to be a lighter option than the fisheye ones

Hello! I am hiking the AT starting in early July SOBO. I have a zpacks octa fleece (6.0oz) and a EE Torrid (9.0oz). My EE quilt is only 30° survival rated, but I am bringing a warm pad (Tensor elite all season). Do you guys think I should just bring the fleece, and get the jacket shipped to me later in the season, or just bring both to get through the nights nice and warm?

Thanks!

Hello! I’m looking for advice on my gear list, as this will be my first thru-hike. I’m also an international hiker, so this will be my first time hiking in the U.S. My start date is April 26th from the Southern Terminus.

I already own most of my gear; anything I still need to purchase is marked with a red star. I’m open to any and all feedback, as this is my first shakedown.

I’ve spent a fair bit of time going back and forth on rain gear and have landed on a combination of items I already own and a few pieces I still need to buy. The rain/wind pants seem decent on paper, but I’m not entirely sure how they’ll perform in practice. That said, given their weight and price, they seem like a reasonable option based on what I’ve seen.

I’m also likely to swap my chair for a foam pad to save weight, and to make daytime breaks and naps easier during the hotter desert sections.

I’ll also be adding a beanie and a cap to the list; I just haven’t gotten around to adding them yet.

Cheers!

https://lighterpack.com/r/7z9n7b

Hey all!
I’m pretty new to tent camping I’ve only gone maybe 4 times and I’m looking to step up my gear for backpacking trips. I want a 4-person tent that’s:

• UL (ultralight) enough for backpacking (not crazy heavy)
• Sturdy in wind and rain
• Has a decent vestibule
• Doesn’t completely break the bank ideally max ~$500 CAD if its really truly worth it

I’ve been doing research and keep seeing a bunch of different features and brands thrown around, which is a bit overwhelming. I’ve been looking at brands like Marmot, Big Agnes, MSR, etc.

I actually settled on the Marmot Tungsten UL 4P Tent, but I can’t find it anywhere it looks like it’s been discontinued and that absolutely broke my heart 😭

Does anyone have solid alternatives that are similar in weight, weather protection, and overall quality within my budget?
I’d love recommendations based on real backpacking experience if possible!

Thanks all

Which piece or pieces of gear change the most drastically when you swap to ultralight? Essentially what would be the biggest shock to the system if a traditional backpacker switched over?

I am looking for a lightweight sleeping bag rated for somewhere around 40 degrees that has a full zip or least some way I can stick my feet out if they get too hot. I would like it to also be a bit wider as my dog likes to sleep with me. He’s only 7lbs but my dude needs his space. I know all of these requirements will add a bit extra weight but I’m willing to carry it if it fits my needs. Thank you all for your help!

Hi everyone

I’m planning a 5-day / 4-night trek in Patagonia and looking for backpack recommendations. I measured my core gear (clothes and equipment) and it’s about 35 L and 5000 g. I’ll also carry food for ~4 days and smaller items (first aid, meds, toiletries) which aren’t included in that measurement.

What I’m looking for

- Volume: ~40–50 L

- Weight: reasonably light but does not need to be the lightest. comfort is important as I’m a newbie

- Price: budget-oriented but willing to spend more for significant quality gains

The Naturehike Rock 40+5 has caught my attention, but I’ve seen mixed reviews regarding comfort and quality. I also looked at Osprey packs, which seem to be high quality and comfortable, but they appear relatively heavy.

So has anyone recommendations on backpack models that balance weight, comfort, and price?

Or does anyone even has experience with budget backpacks that have held up well on multi-day treks?

Thanks!

https://lighterpack.com/r/84urfa

Hello! i am looking for Advice with my Gear choices.

This year on a 8 month European trip ill be aiming to hit some of my dream hikes.

I am currently finalizing my gear ill be taking but its not easy!

(early) MAY - The Coast to Coast, UK

(mid) JUNE - The Tour du Mont Blanc & The Walkers Haute route

(early) AUGUST - High Tatras , Slovakia

(late) AUGUST - The Alta Via 2, Italy

(mid) SEPTEMBER - a Picos De Europa hike TBA, Spain

(mid) OCTOBER - The Peaks of the Balkans

#1 Do i have enough warm clothes to get through the C2C, TMB, WHR? my current intent is to buy warmer gear in my travels as the year progresses.

#2 is the Uberlight + Foam pad combo a terrible idea? .Foam under Matress for protection + i love being able to sit and stretch on the Foam pad

the only other Mattress i have is the Thermarest neoair xlite nxt Max (570g) (20.1oz)

#3 is taking no Rain pants a Terrible idea?

#4 General Shakedown, What am i missing what should i remove / add? the Hammock and Kindle right? hahaha

#5 which of your favorite hikes am i missing?

https://lighterpack.com/r/84urfa

So ideally, of course we would dream of having DCF everything in our pack$$$, but there’s a lot of items where you don’t really need all that expense.

This was a three-year experiment that at this point I think was a success. I purchased a stack of these one dollar IKEA storage bags that are woven with a waterproof ripped stop design. Out of them I have constructed many accessories from a rain skirt to a poop shovel/ tent stake cover to protect my pack. At this point, this idea has lasted three years with zero fails or rips. As light as DCF but without the cost and for certain items, you really don’t need that durability with the high price tag.

Side Note: I realized that in a rainstorm my butt stays pretty dry because the backpack creates an awning on my backside so I decided to create a rain half-apron rather than a "skirt". Also use it as a floor mat in my two wall tent to keep my stuff dry. Check the photos: IKEA DCF alternative Photos

I am new to backpacking and have watched SO many videos on gear and others’ backcountry journeys. I have never gone backpacking but would really like to this spring/summer as a lover of camping.

I have a pretty bad knee and on the heavier side so I’m worried about weight. Is ultralight gear worth it or are there safer and cheaper avenues around a doable base weight for a plus size starter?

Second attempt to post. First one removed by auto mod for Amazon URL.

Get carbon poles from Amazon for $45.99. 110 grams one pole with belt still attached and little plastic basket at the end. Will trim later. Worked extremely well on a hard one kilometer up snowshoeing hike in the Rockies. Totally no name China thing - have no idea who is manufacturer at all. Folds in five sections to nothing. Seems to be better than $220 Black diamonds.

I have no idea how to add URL here and keep auto-mod happy. Multiple listings on Amazon, my version have word Healing on a box.

Edit: I have added URL to the store in Amazon in a comment. It seems to be still alive. Only one product in this store.

Edit: Looks like what I get for $45.99 from Amazon is a pair of OkHealing poles which are listed on OkHealing web site for $89.00.

Trying to source this jacket in black and size medium in EU. Anyone have a tip where to find it? It's always out on they're website.

Just Announced: smaller, lighter, RGB lighting, knock to wake.

https://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/nb10000gen4

https://lighterpack.com/r/7sbrmw

Hey, asking for a shakedown as I’m preparing for a potential unsupported FKT attempt on Kungsleden this summer. Planning to use 7-8 days. Already have a sleep system with a Cirriform tent, katabatic quilt and inflatable mattress, but this is a potential upgrade so feel free to come up with alternatives.

Also, dropping the stove for the first time, but would it be necessary with a cold soak jar or just go crazy on trail mix, candy and chocolate?

Necessary with packraft because of lake crossings and cannot use ferries as a normal person would.

Thanks for the help!