Solid gear. I'm about to hit the A.T. at the end of March for my first Thru and I'm trying to drop another 3 lbs so I'm taking notes. I'm at 12 lbs now but that includes my GoPro and base layers. I know I'm packing some of my fears b/c I hate being cold and the mountains are so unpredictable. I've still got 2 months to dial it in some more. Thanks for posting. (Subbed)
Really dialed system. In the dead of summer swapping in an alpha fleece (senchi, farpointe, etc) for the torrid could save you volume and a few ounces. Great system either way, thank you for sharing.
@@Cara_roams_wild Another summer option is the Outdoor Vitals Ventus Hoodie. It weighs 7 ounces I believe and vents really well but also that extra bit of insulation for those low 60s summer mornings. Alpha fleece is a real pain to try to find in stock right now.
Nice and simple loadout. I have a Duplex as well and its a great tent. My back will hurt so I find it necessary now to take a chair. Just sitting in that chair relieves a lot of ache. Not sure if you'd ever thought about that for your back. I'm still under 10lbs down to 30ish degrees.
@@Cara_roams_wild Helinox chair zero. weighs 1lb. Funny thing about that too is I'm a stander most of my everyday life. Even at work I stand at my desk.
Nice gear review.I am departing NOBO from Springer Mt on Feb 26. So, I have a few more items of warmth than you in addition to stove and fuel. See you out there...Lazarus
Nice set up. I sit at around 12lbs (5.5kgs) but I lean on a few luxuries (camp shoes, dual zlite/ xlite mats for redundancy, 3oz knife, framed pack with an Atom Mo etc). How does the frameless go with say 4 days food +1L water?
Thank you! I actually have a Mo 40 from Atompacks. I think the SWD carries more comfortably when it’s fully packed because of the much more padded shoulder straps. So far I’ve taken it out with about 3 days of food and 2 liters of water and I absolutely loved it. I did buy a LiteAF minimalist padded belt for when I want to throw in a longer food carry, but I haven’t had to use it yet.
@@Cara_roams_wild I just saw your Mo in a different video, and hilariously we went with identical color schemes! Black with white accents and logo strip, and olive pockets! I was looking at a SWD pack myself (the Longhaul) because I'm not quite dialed in enough for frameless, and doubt I ever will be (every time I leave the flip flops, double mat, camp pillow and 2lbs of luxuries behind, I regret it!). Bout to take the Mo on her maiden voyage on the Cape to Cape here in Western Australia. Take care mate!
This pack has a one inch webbing belt that is removable. I did buy a minimalist padded hipbelt from LiteAF to clip on if I’m carrying a heavier load. That does make a bit of a difference comfort wise
@@Cara_roams_wild Thanks again. I am a small woman whose back isn't very strong and with a bad neck. 😅🤦♀️👵So am trying to go as light as I can but at the same time as comfy as possible. An interesting challenge. I am up for it.
Thank you! For this kit I just filled the stuff sack with extra clothes and wrapped my buff around it to create a makeshift pillow. I just put out a video of my new kit for 2024 and in this one I have a Zpacks pillow bag. It’s a dry bag with a layer of fleece on one side. Basically the same concept, but this one was made specifically for use as a pillow and a clothes bag.
I didn’t see anything like a poo/pee kit, cloth. Also, no sunscreen, chapstick or pants? Looks like a light load, I still need what I just mentioned, plus a sit pad or sit cloth and head bug net. Guess it depends on where you are going.
Yes! Every piece of gear is carefully selected. Would just replace one piece of your gear because of questionable sponsoring decisions of the manufacturer. Hightaildesigns on the other hand combines functionality with highest build quality and exceptionally great styling. Was lucky enough to get one of the Alpha hoodies. The build quality is absolutely the same or even better compared to luxury outdoor brands who cost double as much but who feel like a plastic bag in comparison.
You've obviously thought this out and mentioned your back injury but having gotten cold/tremendous condensation several nights in WA on Section J of the PCT in early August last your clothing does not seem adequate-just sayin. I live in Alaska, so I am always thinking about staying warm at night. Anyway, great video and good luck.
Solid gear. I'm about to hit the A.T. at the end of March for my first Thru and I'm trying to drop another 3 lbs so I'm taking notes. I'm at 12 lbs now but that includes my GoPro and base layers. I know I'm packing some of my fears b/c I hate being cold and the mountains are so unpredictable. I've still got 2 months to dial it in some more. Thanks for posting. (Subbed)
Thanks for watching! And good luck on the AT!! 12 pounds is a pretty awesome base weight especially for a March start.
@@Cara_roams_wild yeah it's not bad but I'm kinda lazy so.....lol Thanks Cara
@S M thank you Turtle!!!
I’ve been backpacking for over forty years and yes, you did teach an old dog some new tricks! Thanks fora great vid!
Thank you! I’m sure I could learn a lot from you as well! My goal is to always try to learn something new.
Great video. After I herniated several discs I started cutting my base weight as well.
Great kit! Thanks for sharing!
Really dialed system. In the dead of summer swapping in an alpha fleece (senchi, farpointe, etc) for the torrid could save you volume and a few ounces. Great system either way, thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the tip! I’m definitely in the market for an UL fleece. The torrid is amazing, but definitely overkill for summer trips.
@@Cara_roams_wild Another summer option is the Outdoor Vitals Ventus Hoodie. It weighs 7 ounces I believe and vents really well but also that extra bit of insulation for those low 60s summer mornings. Alpha fleece is a real pain to try to find in stock right now.
Awesome setup!!! I’m trying so hard to get under 10 lbs, but I’m being stubborn about a few *luxury* items 😅
Thank you! It took me a few years to really get my setup as minimal as possible. Luxury items can totally be worth the weight though!!
Nice gear choices. Well done. I haven’t tried the Superior Wilderness packs. New follower here. Happy hiking! Crow✌️
Thank you! I was new to SWD packs, but I’m really impressed so far. And their customer service is amazing.
110% impressed. I like idea of Apex Jacket since I am not a fan of down. So I am subscribing. Thank you
Thanks for sharing!
Nice kit.
Thank you!
Nice and simple loadout. I have a Duplex as well and its a great tent. My back will hurt so I find it necessary now to take a chair. Just sitting in that chair relieves a lot of ache. Not sure if you'd ever thought about that for your back. I'm still under 10lbs down to 30ish degrees.
Thanks! I’ve never thought about bringing a chair along. Which one do you have? Or recommend?
@@Cara_roams_wild Helinox chair zero. weighs 1lb. Funny thing about that too is I'm a stander most of my everyday life. Even at work I stand at my desk.
Great gear loadout!!! UL for sure. Thanks for sharing (new friend and subscriber) take care
Thank you!!
Impressive weight pare down.
Thank you!
Nice gear review.I am departing NOBO from Springer Mt on Feb 26. So, I have a few more items of warmth than you in addition to stove and fuel. See you out there...Lazarus
Thank you. Good luck on your thru!!
Best of luck on your journey and I think it is so awesome that you are setting out on this!
Nice set up. I sit at around 12lbs (5.5kgs) but I lean on a few luxuries (camp shoes, dual zlite/ xlite mats for redundancy, 3oz knife, framed pack with an Atom Mo etc).
How does the frameless go with say 4 days food +1L water?
Thank you! I actually have a Mo 40 from Atompacks. I think the SWD carries more comfortably when it’s fully packed because of the much more padded shoulder straps. So far I’ve taken it out with about 3 days of food and 2 liters of water and I absolutely loved it. I did buy a LiteAF minimalist padded belt for when I want to throw in a longer food carry, but I haven’t had to use it yet.
@@Cara_roams_wild I just saw your Mo in a different video, and hilariously we went with identical color schemes! Black with white accents and logo strip, and olive pockets!
I was looking at a SWD pack myself (the Longhaul) because I'm not quite dialed in enough for frameless, and doubt I ever will be (every time I leave the flip flops, double mat, camp pillow and 2lbs of luxuries behind, I regret it!).
Bout to take the Mo on her maiden voyage on the Cape to Cape here in Western Australia. Take care mate!
Loved this video! I’m a gear head! Assumed you had like 40k subscribers; you will soon! 👏🏻🙌🏻
Thank you so much!! 40k sounds like a good goal now!
Nice setup! Got a link to that little flashlight?
Thanks! This is to the exact one I bought.
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0839HJ194?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
@@Cara_roams_wild thanks!!
You are impressive and make me look like a comfort seeking mall walking squishy grandpa 👴.
Great no nonsense gear. Are you doing a thru hike?
Thanks! I’m planning on section hiking the AT over the summer break, but I’d like to do the Wonderland trail or the Lone Star hiking trail
Thanks. I have a back injury too and simply cannot carry much. Does your pack have a hip belt? I understand they help enormously.
This pack has a one inch webbing belt that is removable. I did buy a minimalist padded hipbelt from LiteAF to clip on if I’m carrying a heavier load. That does make a bit of a difference comfort wise
@@Cara_roams_wild Thanks again. I am a small woman whose back isn't very strong and with a bad neck. 😅🤦♀️👵So am trying to go as light as I can but at the same time as comfy as possible. An interesting challenge. I am up for it.
Great video. Do you have a video that shows how your clothing bag becomes a pillow? Did you hack this or did you purchase it as such? Thanks.
Thank you! For this kit I just filled the stuff sack with extra clothes and wrapped my buff around it to create a makeshift pillow. I just put out a video of my new kit for 2024 and in this one I have a Zpacks pillow bag. It’s a dry bag with a layer of fleece on one side. Basically the same concept, but this one was made specifically for use as a pillow and a clothes bag.
thanks@@Cara_roams_wild
is the tooth powder container still rolling it was really moving there
That little thing made it across the room and under the baseboard. Maybe toothpaste would be less problematic lol
I didn’t see anything like a poo/pee kit, cloth. Also, no sunscreen, chapstick or pants? Looks like a light load, I still need what I just mentioned, plus a sit pad or sit cloth and head bug net. Guess it depends on where you are going.
Total is over 10 pounds in the itemized list… Am I missing something?
Hi. The itemized list totals right under 122 ounces. I have listed the individual weights and above each section is the total for that gear category.
Dig the video just can't hear you very well.
Working on better audio for the new videos
Yes! Every piece of gear is carefully selected. Would just replace one piece of your gear because of questionable sponsoring decisions of the manufacturer. Hightaildesigns on the other hand combines functionality with highest build quality and exceptionally great styling. Was lucky enough to get one of the Alpha hoodies. The build quality is absolutely the same or even better compared to luxury outdoor brands who cost double as much but who feel like a plastic bag in comparison.
Thanks for the comment! I’m definitely trying to buy more products from small cottage companies. And I’m always looking for suggestions!
You've obviously thought this out and mentioned your back injury but having gotten cold/tremendous condensation several nights in WA on Section J of the PCT in early August last your clothing does not seem adequate-just sayin. I live in Alaska, so I am always thinking about staying warm at night. Anyway, great video and good luck.