When filling a water bottle directly from a stream you should point the opening away from the flow so you don't get as much stuff that isn't water. I suppose you fill the bottle faster pointing it upstream but the current carries everythingbit is carrying into the bottle along with the water.
yeah, and use a cloth to filter out twigs, debris and bigger particles. A small piece of cheesecloth or handkerchief weighs nothing and goes a long way.
Im in a country with very clean streams, NZ, and the tips I heard from the outdoor pros was to find the least flowing spot possible then place it as close to outflowing rapid section as possible, put your water bottle in line with flow of the water. Cause the only major threat is particulate this works very well.
I'm turning 74 this year and do long day hikes to stay in proper shape. Although I live in canoe tripping country I prefer to watch these ultra light hiking videos because I'm concerned with efficiency, though not necessarily at the expense of comfort. At my age I need to avoid being concerned about speed and more about long slow days, whatever it takes to get to my destination, which usually isn't too far away.
I also live in canoe country. I'm not an ultralight hiker by any means, but I do find there's an advantage to having everything in one pack. But when trips are usually while under a mile with a pack, I'll err on the side of comfort. But as long as you aren't in an area that suffered from a forest fire, one lighter weight solution I've found is a hammock instead of a tent. I found it very comfortable as a sleep system.
👍 .. Yep, after 73 Summers, comfort is now a priority. I have a forest almost on my doorstep with others, including Alpine Areas, an easy commute using the superb Swiss Transport Infrastructure. No need to trek for miles to 'get out there'.
LOL - I like that you and Stephanie are contemplating getting "older". I'm turning 60 this year and still backpack with some consecutive days of 18 miles. I DO keep my pack as lite as possible. Keep on trekking you two.
I’m 86, no longer a backpacker. I camp from a canoe and motorcycle. I gave up on air mattresses. I use a 3/4 length foam pad. Very reliable. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
@@cybersecurity_7704 everyone, including ultra light backpackers is allowed one luxury... 🤦🏻♀️ 🤷🏻♀️ 🙄 It's not deprivation/martyr backpacking, and his total pack weight is still excellent for his preferences. Stop judging and just hike your own hike. 🙆🏻♀️😅
@@GypsyGirl317 Im not judging or telling anyone what to do, I'm just poiting out the whole philosphpy of UL is to literally take as little as possible while still being 100% efficient. I thought with a 5lb pack he'd have to be brutal but his pack decisions but he seemed somewhat comfortable, good for him
@@ingridlynch2716 One of the benefits is protecting the bottom of tents, alot of ultra-light tents are more fragile to pokey stuff in the ground. Water on the ground/pooling from rain is another thing to consider! Can also treat a ground sheet with bug treatments to kill bugs trying to crawl to you while you sleep
I regularly walk long through hikes. This allows me to walk long distances at 72 years of age. Longer distance per day and more fun in the process. My one luxury is my ZPack Duplex. It is an amazing tent. I am a Scot so I have used the duplex on wet and cold conditions. Set it up properly and it keeps you dry. Plus it does not absorb water which again reduces weight as you walk. Thanks for posting
Last year I walked Oban to St Andrews, the Fife Coastal way, and the John Muir way, and yeah, you Scots definitely know about rain! haha I had about a month straight of it! Had a great time in your country!
If you’re gonna use such a delicate sleep pad, it makes sense to bring a footprint for it. Having to clear debris every camp is a huge pain after a long day. Maybe a piece of tyvek or a diy piece of Cuban fiber.
Compromises, personal tolerance, and planning. These are key. This is a really good video and an amazing kit for fair weather with still some allowances for significant variation in temperature between day and night. That quilt looks amazing !
I think that some of the UL crowd takes things a bit far but there is definitely things we can learn from people who really test the limits. My setup isn't truly ultralight but I think I've done a good job with my budget. Basically for me to save weight now it's a matter of dropping some real money on my tarp, pad, quilt and pack. My shelter and sleep is 3.3kg and my pack is 1kg. I did go for a bigger tarp though as I'm 1) new to tarps so a bigger one gives me more margin for learning how to set one up 2) I live in a wet and windy country.
My tent is 2.2lbs and I got a 4oz ground sheet. 3 season tent. Seriously why would you allow bugs and scorpions into tour tent in a desert environment ?
They shouldn’t be on sale still. The design is clearly faulty because so many of them leak badly, or the baffle seams fail, making them almost impossible to sleep on.
Trekking pole tents aren't much heavier than tarp tents, but they are cramped. With a built in floor and bug net it's going to be way less trouble for you in the long run. Hammocks are also an option but the lack of versatility is something to beware. Instead of a pillow just keep your spare clothes in a pillow case. An inline sawyer filter is a good water system. Carry with tablets too just in case it breaks. Cooking food really isn't a priority depending on the length of your trip. You can survive just fine without $25 freeze dried mac and cheese. The ultimate ultralight experience is bushcraft. John Muir walked into the woods with a metal cup, a wool blanket and a knife. Nature provides the rest... with a little work.
in a really ultralight setup there aren't spare clothes, you wear everything you have at night, extra clothes add a lot of weight so you just wear the same thing every day.
I think this just goes to show that an extra 1-2 lbs of more functional gear would setup well for a thru-hike as long as you're staying close to a ~10lb pack weight
Pro audio tip, attach a fluffy little windsock over your mic, even if its just a built in camera mic, it will totally kill the wind noise, otherwise use a High Pass Filter to take out everything below 80-100Hz, it's quite distracting.
I feel like around 10-11 pounds is the sweet spot (for me). I have sleep clothes, extra socks, a pillow, a heavier charger, but the rest of my set up still has lighter gear and is simple even with the few extra "luxuries." I did the PCT last year. I never felt like I needed anything else, nor that I had anything extra. All the gear I had got put to good use, and I was still super comfortable.
If you’ve never tried them, there are several manufacturers of water bottle pockets that attach to the front of the pack straps. Mine weighs like 11g, it keeps the bottle in trivial reach, and it balances out some weight front to back. I love it - also, at 6’2”, none of the pack water bottle pockets work for me (even on the Flash 55).
I've always been a fan of military-style webbing belt and braces, the ALICE or PLCE stuff, mainly. It adds a bit of weight, but distributes it nicely, meaning you can carry a couple of flasks and put your heavier things into a buttpack or two kidney pouches. Anything you might want quicker access to can go in pouches at the front, and your rucksack can just contain your shelter and spare clothes. Plus you can get sets for not much money, which is great if you're on a bit of a budget.
My backup water filter is a liner sock over my wide mouth bottle to filter out anything big, then a small dropper bottle containing Clorox (2 drops per quart - 30 minutes to kill bacteria & virus). U could use a coffee filter + rubber band as a pre-filter on that bottle U have.
I'll take comfort and a slower pace over a load out like that. Don't get me wrong I like lighter gear and stuff that packs smaller when possible but not at the expense of functionality and comfort. My goal is to get out and spend time in nature not trek through it as fast as possible. I enjoy the camping part of backpacking as much as the backpacking itself. 30 years ago I carried an almost 40lb pack at Philmont but equipment wasn't as light as what you can get now and I don't think UL even existed as a thing.
I feel you amn i almost don't understand some of these guys om youtube who almosy jogg on trails with 1000$ + ultralight setups. To each their own i guess, i like my two person tent to myself and my wide mattress.
I've noticed alot of people especially the ultra-light crowd never pay attention to the pack, just the gear inside. 10kg in a pack that has no structure or rigidity to the hip belt saves weight sure, but will feel like a 30kg pack by the end of the day, with your neck and shoulders searing with pain, then add poor sleep ontop of that and your in a war of attrition with your own body putting strain on parts of your body not meant to be stressed. where as if you take a pack with a frame and struts that connect to the hip belt like the Tatonka Lastenkraxe yeah it weights 2.7kg on it's own but load it up with 25kg of gear and water it feels like a 10kg pack with the weight being supported on parts of your body meant to support your weight. Another way to put it, you can go to the gym for 5 days a week working out hard, lifting weights, come home and get good rest and be sore by the end of the week. You go two days without good sleep and a hike ontop of that and you will be stumbling like a zombie feeling miserable.
PUSH the water bottle up from the bottom of the pocket, you'll get the hang of flicking it up and out and catching it. bring extra caps, lol the pockets are angled so it assists making it fall forward into your hand, and putting it back into the pocket. For extra cool factor, go for a full bottle flip.
Very interesting! Glad you test the limits for us! I don’t think I could ever go that UL, but we can all learn from these types of videos to see where we can potentially cut weight for future trips!
million percent agree with fixing the water bottle issue and tbh i'd add a foam pad in case the thermarest popped because i would be to stressed at the thought of it popping and wouldn't get good sleep because of it. can't wait to see more durability testing on it!!
Very nice. I think its great to push limits with weight while also being aware of safety (as opposed to comfort). My tarp system is a zpacks 9x7 dcf flat tart and I throw in a 4 ounce borah bivy with a dcf bottom. It adds a bit of protection and warmth while handling backsplash if it rains or sleets. It also keeps the bugs off my face. my uberlite and quilt are both thrown into the bivy, holding the system in place as I sleep. The borah bivy is incredibly breathable on top, creating comfort without condensation. I found a zpacks regular width, short length, 30 degree quilt at just 12 ounces in the zpacks bargain bin about two years ago. It's been wonderful for summer and shoulder season and kept me warm even during freezing rain and snow storms within the tarp/bivy configuration. The great thing about a flat tarp is that you can create different configurations to handle changes in temps or conditions. The rest of my system is similar. I use a p'alante or a Nashville Cutaway, both of which have a bottom stretchy pocket (replacing the hip belt storage) and shoulder strap pockets for my garmin and a water bottle. My cook system is similar. I did just purchase some cool "pill box" stove tabs that absorb alcohol and are not consumed regardless of usage. They are created using the same material as a pizza stone. I hope to test these this summer. I'd say the biggest downside to using a tarp and bivy is that you can't really just "hang out" in a shelter to escape bugs. A tremendous advantage to a tarp, as I discovered on longer thru trails, is that when in a raised mode, it can cover a cooking or social area for a few people to gather in the evening, talking, telling stories, playing dice or card games. Then, it can be lowered or moved to be a comfortable sleep shelter. The versatility is wonderful.
I really agree with a lot of what you said. I’ve never gone SUL but I have taken out a kit with 7-8lb base weights using the same tarp. It’s fine in moderate weather. In rain the bathtub floor addon really helps mitigate some of the wind/splash. Thanks for sharing! Ps- you’re brave. I’ve never relied on just tablets for water purification. I think the befree is worth the weight 😊
I have instant solution to hikers heavy backpacks---- answer is do not pack, do not set up camp, do not walk any further than to the vehicle, and don't go backpacking. I used these solutions for myself years ago and have never worried about heavy backpacks again.
Add a tyvek ground sheet and that hiking pad will go the distance for negligible extra weight Peg the tarp down further on 3 sides and it will help keep the mozzies out by reducing the opportunity for them to come in, that and you can add a mosquito net for your face to stop them biting for negligible extra weight The brs1000 is light but it chews through the gas. It is ok for small trips but on longer ones you will want to conserve the gas - titanium twig stove works a treat in these scenarios as long as you have access to dry twigs to feed it
Great video. You may have to explore this some more. A polycro groundcloth would add 1 ounce and a lot of peace of mind. A head net or bug repellent could add significant comfort/safety for little weight. I like a water filter instead of tablets and you might still sneak in under the 5 lb limit. You might also consider a 20/30D quilt and no down sweater. It would cut down on flexibility, but the alpaca hoodie would probably meet most of your needs.
I was thinking same about groundsheet although I'd opt for tyvek. I use a bandanet for a sleeping head net if it's really bad but I've been a tarp camper for 20+ years and while netting is nice, it's often unnecessary depending on the site chosen.
@@BradyPatterson I use Tyvek myself, but it is significantly heavier than polycro. I was trying to keep him in the extreme ultralight category. Tyvek is practically indestructible, but relatively heavy. In fact, my 4x8 Tyvek sheet weighs more than my 8.5x10 DCF tarp. I also seldom need a bug net. But, since he said something about it, I mentioned it. I rarely need bug repellent. I think the Permethrin on my clothes also acts as a repellent. I have been a tarp camper exclusively for at least 15 years. Lighest, roomiest method I know and most flexible. Can’t see myself going back to a tent.
@@johngiesemann5293 Sure, but a sheet of Tyvek about the size of his pad isn't going to be 4x8 like yours. I should have been more specific about the size. I was just thinking of protecting the pad only.
@@BradyPatterson The nice thing about polycro: it can be large enough to double under a delicate pad, or wrap over you like a simple bivvy if the rain starts blowing/splashing around the edges of your tarp, all for an ounce or two of weight.
If you want to go lighter, buy a folding esbit stove. The x wing one works perfect with that toaks pot. With 3 tabs included your entire cook kit will weigh less than that fuel can. Wouldn't use it if you expect wind or need to melt snow for water though.
Only thing I could think about watching this video was sleeping on a sand bed in the desert under a tarp. There are A LOT of poisonous things crawling and slithering the desert floor at night. Mosquitos would be my last concern. Love the videos and it's always nice to see people come out to explore the Supes.
Would love to see repeated with a "superlight" setup at 7.5 base weight Ex: XLite NXT, + Altaplex tent + Katadyn water filter + Warmer quilt would add a ton of extra functionality for only a couple extra lbs
A hose sounds like a great idea to convert a bottle to a bladder. Great idea, but... a simple loop of paracord with a sliding knot ... use the loop to create a larkshead knot around your bottle neck holds it. The sliding knot keeps it from falling off. Now you can reach the cord and pull.
Good video. A couple of worthwhile add-ons: Zpacks water bottle shoulder pocket (16g), polycro groundsheet from Gossamer gear adds protection for your uberlite (cut to ~50g), thinlight foam pad from Gossamer Gear adds a bit of warmth and protection for the uberlite (76g). Of course, all these add a bit of weight. I also like using a 6x9 DCF flat tarp for the versatility, will pre-treat clothes with Permithrin and sleep with a bug head-net.
I wish I could get away with tarp camping here in Alaska, but the mosquitoes makes a full bug net nearly a requirement, and I often camp in places where you can't put stakes in the ground. I have a little 1p semi-freestanding tent and that's about the most minimal I can get away with. Mostly I use lightweight gear to make it easier to carry my videography equipment. I end up with a total pack weight similar to a traditional backpacker, but half of it is camera and audio gear.
The desert is about the only place you could get away with such a sleep system. It is also the one place you should NEVER count on finding water to top off.
Uberlite in the desert with no protection is a great recipe for failure. I’d have taken your Decathlon pad if not a Thinlight. I love cold soaking. Not having to worry about fuel or spending time cooking is amazing.
Love how to push the limits to see how things work. I don't think I would use all of those items, but would consider some, especially if the environment was appropriate.
Did you permethin your tarp? Might help with the mosquitos. This isn't for me, but my pack has been getting gradually heavier the last couple years and this does make me think about ways to drop that down.
I'm sure you know this... But a tip for others that are going to use the purification tablets: After about 5-10 mins turn your bottle upside down, slowly undo the cap until some water creeps out. That way, some of the tablet can get to the threads that touched the water when filling up the bottle! :D
I gotta have a sewn in floor in my tent, and I really wanna have bug proof mesh screens. The rest of that hike I can probably live with. It IS amazing just how light backpacking is getting.
I use a lot of ultralight gear. It allows me to choose the comfort items I really want without worrying about weight. I can hike a lot farther and faster the lighter my pack is but my ChairZero is non-negotiable 🤣🤣
I make my backpacking hybrid Just because it ultra I won’t sacrifice my comfort Take for instance what you said about cold soaking. I’m on board about freeze dried and chicken Alfredo is the best! Anyway, cold soaking sucks and it doesn’t save that much. I’m not going to lose enjoyment over crap food. The whole reason for me is grounding and enjoyment. Otherwise I could walk trails in a city
I'm seriously debating a lot of these options... I've always been a big pack guy, but some of these are tempting. I'm just so attached to the idea of being prepared for any situation...
Going ultra light is great but don't go extreme. You'll be way better off by using some of that weight savings on luxury like a Helinox chair etc. You'll feel better and 3 lbs of luxury items won't be noticed.
See I'm just not excited at all by a chair, and I guess that's just me and my styles. But my 2kg 1 person 4 season tent that will last 20 years? I can't let go of that kind of thing...
Love this trail in my home. It was awesome in the early spring this year due to the rains that blessed our land. You were here just before the furnace fired up for the summer. I still hike but usually very early in the morning or night with headlamps.
I can't believe you did not use some form of ground cloth under your mattress to add some protection for it. A good one is the 1/8 th inch thick foam pad from Gossamer Gear. Zpacks make a bathtub ground sheet for their tents which would work quite well with your set up.
I've found a 10 pound base weight gives just enough creature comforts for me to have a good nights sleep and good 25 to 30 mile days. I used to redline the 20% body weight rule, and I found that it was just too much to be continuously useful. The shoulder and leg pains from the load actually used to keep me awake and affect my sleep.
I use a tarp generally, mld 6oz bug bivy is the secret to no bugs! And wind is shockingly rarely an issue and always management with minimal thought about camp location
Lighter weight packs are safer on scrambles, ledges, and anything sketchy. I think that's an important point that gets omitted in "ultralight" conversations.
Those zpacks tents... what a freaking scam. 400$ for a piece of plastic that will tear at the slightest incident. Just buy Dyneema by the meter and some heat seal tape.
you make it sound so simple...then what? Buy the pattern for a tent...either become a professional tailor or pay someone else to produce this "tent" and then...you've spent the same amount of money and have an inferior tent.
Buying Dyneema will cost you about 50$ per square meter, so about 300$ for a small tent. Add all the little things you need to complete it, and you will reach the original price
@@somnia3423 a tarp and a tent are not the same thing...but if you are suggesting buying a sheet of dynema and sewing the outer edges and adding grommits..again this isn't as simple as it sounds. I did that exact thing making my first light weight silnylon tarp and it was harder and a whole lot more time consuming then I thought it would be.
With the Toaks (or any other titanium cup) the handle is hot to touch from waste heat from the stove, not from transferred heat from the cup/contents. Forget the sticks, just wait 15 seconds after you switch the stove off and you can pick it up by the handle.
With less stuff in the pack your keeping it tighter so it's harder to reach the water bottles. I'm interested in seeing an ultralight backpacking set up, that's just a tarp wool blanket piece of cardboard and a stove
Alpaca wool really is amazing if you have limited space or carry capacity or just want to be lighter. Even underwear I once wore for 3 days in a row and it did not smell at all or feel dirty or uncomfortable, highly recommended for longer hikes.
7:10 To combat armpit odors, I recommend before hiking: after washing, spray the shirt in the armpit area while it is still damp with Micropur classic dissolved in water and let the shirt dry. I always do this with all of my shirts, even in everyday life.
Almost all the packs I own weigh the better part of that entire system when they’re empty! I definitely have not embraced the ultralight trend, but do enjoy owning some ultralight gear to save on space and overall weight. I still don’t know why a pink titanium spoon would be better than any other titanium spoon. Mine is from Sea to Summit and weighs just a few grams (looks like the same length too).
Can't beat wool clothing, bamboo underwear also good, spray gear with Permethrin and a repellent, I'm mid 50's so save weight where I can, mainly so I can carry more beers and food, the kit these days is for the main, so much better than 40 years ago when I started going outdoors.
Enjoyed this vid and found useful as well. I’m also trying lighter and less but I’m landing around 8.5 lbs base. Some things I won’t hit the trail without.
Love seeing you trying a system like this. As Mike Clelland wrote in one of his books, food and warmth are all you really need to survive. I’ve gotten down to 6.5lbs on some trips. The added weight included a GG Thinlight pad under the Uberlite for puncture protection/backup/etc and polycryo ground sheet or ultralight bivy. On purification tablets, Chlorine Dioxide (like Katadyn Micropur and Potable Aqua) is the only type that are effective on giardia and cryptosporidium. Philmont uses MicroPur exclusively for thousands of people every year. And there’s lots of cattle and rodent contaminated water there.
A system i use for bugs in my tarp setup is to use the quilt itself as a barrier for my body, then get a treated S2S bug net for my head, wearing a hat to keep the net lifted off my face
Hi pal, I think I missed why you couldn't wear the backpack low as normal? Also there's some very light bottle pockets for rucksack straps out there, the mozzy net material looks good. Surely bringing an air bed without protection is counter productive? It could fail at any unexpected moment and quick, surely. Not even Tyvek? If it fails, there's no backup. That's why I consider ccr mata, they're good back support for backless rucksacks not like I have one, they're kinda light but waterproof and yes unfortunately bulky, though can be cut to size; If the sleeping bag was too hot,, going ccf would be ideal it appears, especially if you cut the mat to your preferred size and not use an air bed with it of course The tarp-tent (their name) is for expected mild weather or shelter if needed from particular weather phenomenon. Also with a lightweight (often tyvek again) bivvy bag which acts as most the shelter from rising ground water to rain, wind, nasty combos of the latter two. People also use polycro, or polyclyro, for a ground mat which is an insulating window film. It's not so strong in some ways but it's dirt cheap, extremely light and small packed, it's more rugged than dyneema..it sounds perfect for you, just watch for sharp things and forget about rough stones being a problem
had it rained this setup would have been a disaster. I prefer a tent with a floor and bug net because you never know what can happen. Ultralight is great, but there are just some things I can't sacrifice.
Not too far off my system just a lot lighter and more expensive. Add in a Borah Gear bivy and swap the stove for alcohol and it's pretty close to what I use. I like the tabs for sub freezing temps but stick with my Sawyer in warmer weather.
For my summer ultralight set-up I sleep in an 8oz Sol Escape Bivvy (breathable) and all my clothes on. No quilt taken! Cheap! I have taken it down to 6 deg Celcius in my hammock with a lot of clothes on, and was warm enough.
ive got a similar setup, but i use the katabatik pinon, almost a tent, 200g, protection from bugs and splash! also almost a bivy so it is a bit warmer, letting you use a sightly colder/light quilt
Switch out a water bottle & tablets for an OKO filter bottle. The bottle and filter cap are light and can filter a ton more than the tabs, a lot quicker, and with no weird taste. It's also one of the few filters that have been proven to remove viruses.
No doubt you'll pop that UberLite pad in the desert, I would definitely use a ground sheet under it. A tyvek sheet is great for the that, or if you want lighter, Polycro.
I use a ULA Photon as my only backpacking pack. It is 5 liters bigger than the Sub-Nero but I have found that I almost never wish for more room. I even carry a camp chair and fold-out table. It's amazing what you can fit in 35 liters.
I really need to try OneBottle system. At 6 4 i just cannot easily grab the water bottles from my UL packs - well I can grab them awkwardly but never get them back in the bungied pocket. Maybe I could reach if I bought one of those tempting LightAF packs, which are longer with more wide-open bottle pockets. But I like how budget friendly my wife and my Gossamer packs are (Kumo and Murmur) - the 36L size is about right for up to 6 days for us.
I've been working on getting my pack weight down, and cringe when I think of how heavy my pack used to be. But then again, I have nothing but fond memories of old trips with a 40lb pack (and big old leather hiking boots). The main thing is to just get out there and do it.
couple neat things to look at, alpaca wool... only thing id add is a small bottle of 100 deet. spray your finger and just rub around your cheeks and forehead a little to keep them off.
You might consider diy alcohol stoves if you want "extreme" lightweight stuff. Lots of people do not use a stove though, but high caloric cold food and gels instead
Nice job! I like seeing people testing different methods and see how it works. Maybe I'm too critical but I would reserve water cleaning tabs for emergencies only. I think it's not healthy to use it on a regular basis as your main method for cleaning water. A simple water filtration system doesn't weight much really. But I get it that you're going for the extreme options available here.
I'm having massive problems with the concept of dried food. It costs almost ten bucks per day which adds up pretty quickly. I could buy an ultra light pad once a year with the money I save on that. I can pick up non dried food in a bag for two bucks that will last me two days. Sure you walk around with food that contains some water but for a few days it's not more than an extra two pounds of weight. As an alternative I can use macaroni with cheese and in that case only the cheese contains water. The cheese will be okay for a few days and the few times that I hike longer I can visit a supermarket along the trip. For me it's the easiest thing to economize on.
Get a mosquito head net, weighs very little but with the quilt covering the body and the net up top where do they bite? I dunno if this is for everyone but unless I am dead tired I feel them land on me and it drives me nuts, can even keep me awake.
Seems like the only way you could use a set up like this confidently is with very accurate weather reports and familiarity with the area being hiked/camped in.
Great episode buddy. I have tried the SUL and while it was great, I’m turning 40 this year. After four deployments my helinox chair is a must. I personally love my duplex combined with the Xtherm and the 10F Zpacks quilt and strap. I’ve never had that system fail. For me, bugs and rodents are a no go. I’ve had too many field mice and random rodents wander right up to the tent, climb on it, etc. I’ve had too many scorpions and camel spiders crawl over me. No thank you. I’ll scream like a woman if a rodent gets in my quilt. I’m man enough to admit it. Lol 😂 I really enjoyed this episode. It’s always nice to see someone else take the SUL jump and articulate their experience clearly. Thanks!
Thank you for your service. I agree with you. I also don't want bugs getting in my sleep cocoon. My favorite months to camp are spring and fall for that reason. Hell, even winter is better than summer in Minnesota. I'll take my pop up 8x8 ice fishing shelter on land with a sled, a tarp for the floor, and a buddy heater to basically glamp in the winter to get away for a day or 2.
Great video. I wanted to watch your referenced video and hear what you had to say at the end, but the link goes away quickly since the video ends right after your last point. Thanks again.
When filling a water bottle directly from a stream you should point the opening away from the flow so you don't get as much stuff that isn't water. I suppose you fill the bottle faster pointing it upstream but the current carries everythingbit is carrying into the bottle along with the water.
yeah, and use a cloth to filter out twigs, debris and bigger particles. A small piece of cheesecloth or handkerchief weighs nothing and goes a long way.
@@swisswildpicsswp3095 I do the same
Im in a country with very clean streams, NZ, and the tips I heard from the outdoor pros was to find the least flowing spot possible then place it as close to outflowing rapid section as possible, put your water bottle in line with flow of the water. Cause the only major threat is particulate this works very well.
He also shouldn't be handling the tablets with his bear hands. Cut an x in the packet and pop it right it.
@@50ccCrazy I dunno, his hands looked a bit beary to me. HIs face was def beary.
I'm turning 74 this year and do long day hikes to stay in proper shape. Although I live in canoe tripping country I prefer to watch these ultra light hiking videos because I'm concerned with efficiency, though not necessarily at the expense of comfort. At my age I need to avoid being concerned about speed and more about long slow days, whatever it takes to get to my destination, which usually isn't too far away.
I also live in canoe country. I'm not an ultralight hiker by any means, but I do find there's an advantage to having everything in one pack.
But when trips are usually while under a mile with a pack, I'll err on the side of comfort.
But as long as you aren't in an area that suffered from a forest fire, one lighter weight solution I've found is a hammock instead of a tent. I found it very comfortable as a sleep system.
respect
👍 .. Yep, after 73 Summers, comfort is now a priority. I have a forest almost on my doorstep with others, including Alpine Areas, an easy commute using the superb Swiss Transport Infrastructure. No need to trek for miles to 'get out there'.
@@thomasmusso1147 Best wishes to you.
This is the right attitude no matter your age👍
LOL - I like that you and Stephanie are contemplating getting "older". I'm turning 60 this year and still backpack with some consecutive days of 18 miles. I DO keep my pack as lite as possible. Keep on trekking you two.
I’m 86, no longer a backpacker. I camp from a canoe and motorcycle. I gave up on air mattresses. I use a 3/4 length foam pad. Very reliable.
Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
5lb pack but you still carry a pillow, thats quite the luxary
Every ulterlitre deserves a little luxary
Can't compromise on sleep
@@miniveloman3642 that's the whole point of UL, to avoid luxuries and stick with the basics
@@cybersecurity_7704 everyone, including ultra light backpackers is allowed one luxury... 🤦🏻♀️ 🤷🏻♀️ 🙄
It's not deprivation/martyr backpacking, and his total pack weight is still excellent for his preferences.
Stop judging and just hike your own hike. 🙆🏻♀️😅
@@GypsyGirl317 Im not judging or telling anyone what to do, I'm just poiting out the whole philosphpy of UL is to literally take as little as possible while still being 100% efficient.
I thought with a 5lb pack he'd have to be brutal but his pack decisions but he seemed somewhat comfortable, good for him
I think a ground sheet and netting for protection from snakes are scorpions is essential. You were very vulnerable in the desert.
How does the ground sheet assist? Genuinely want to know - I’m going wild camping soon & might encounter snakes
@@ingridlynch2716 One of the benefits is protecting the bottom of tents, alot of ultra-light tents are more fragile to pokey stuff in the ground. Water on the ground/pooling from rain is another thing to consider! Can also treat a ground sheet with bug treatments to kill bugs trying to crawl to you while you sleep
I regularly walk long through hikes. This allows me to walk long distances at 72 years of age. Longer distance per day and more fun in the process. My one luxury is my ZPack Duplex. It is an amazing tent. I am a Scot so I have used the duplex on wet and cold conditions. Set it up properly and it keeps you dry. Plus it does not absorb water which again reduces weight as you walk. Thanks for posting
Last year I walked Oban to St Andrews, the Fife Coastal way, and the John Muir way, and yeah, you Scots definitely know about rain! haha I had about a month straight of it! Had a great time in your country!
If you’re gonna use such a delicate sleep pad, it makes sense to bring a footprint for it. Having to clear debris every camp is a huge pain after a long day. Maybe a piece of tyvek or a diy piece of Cuban fiber.
Compromises, personal tolerance, and planning. These are key. This is a really good video and an amazing kit for fair weather with still some allowances for significant variation in temperature between day and night. That quilt looks amazing !
I think that some of the UL crowd takes things a bit far but there is definitely things we can learn from people who really test the limits. My setup isn't truly ultralight but I think I've done a good job with my budget. Basically for me to save weight now it's a matter of dropping some real money on my tarp, pad, quilt and pack.
My shelter and sleep is 3.3kg and my pack is 1kg. I did go for a bigger tarp though as I'm 1) new to tarps so a bigger one gives me more margin for learning how to set one up 2) I live in a wet and windy country.
My tent is 2.2lbs and I got a 4oz ground sheet. 3 season tent. Seriously why would you allow bugs and scorpions into tour tent in a desert environment ?
Love me some aquatabs. Bring em on every trip in case the filter fails
The bravest thing here was taking an Uberlite into the desert without a groundsheet!
even with just sand?
Yup. To put it nicely, it's not a smart decision....at all. lmao
@@Gpray75 thats insane, I would expect ANY sleeping pad to be able to handle grass/sand
They shouldn’t be on sale still. The design is clearly faulty because so many of them leak badly, or the baffle seams fail, making them almost impossible to sleep on.
The one day a month it rains in a desert,.it pours, and it's cold......this tent can easily get you killed if there's wind blowing the rain sideways.
Trekking pole tents aren't much heavier than tarp tents, but they are cramped. With a built in floor and bug net it's going to be way less trouble for you in the long run. Hammocks are also an option but the lack of versatility is something to beware.
Instead of a pillow just keep your spare clothes in a pillow case.
An inline sawyer filter is a good water system. Carry with tablets too just in case it breaks.
Cooking food really isn't a priority depending on the length of your trip. You can survive just fine without $25 freeze dried mac and cheese.
The ultimate ultralight experience is bushcraft. John Muir walked into the woods with a metal cup, a wool blanket and a knife. Nature provides the rest... with a little work.
in a really ultralight setup there aren't spare clothes, you wear everything you have at night, extra clothes add a lot of weight so you just wear the same thing every day.
I think this just goes to show that an extra 1-2 lbs of more functional gear would setup well for a thru-hike as long as you're staying close to a ~10lb pack weight
Pro audio tip, attach a fluffy little windsock over your mic, even if its just a built in camera mic, it will totally kill the wind noise, otherwise use a High Pass Filter to take out everything below 80-100Hz, it's quite distracting.
I feel like around 10-11 pounds is the sweet spot (for me). I have sleep clothes, extra socks, a pillow, a heavier charger, but the rest of my set up still has lighter gear and is simple even with the few extra "luxuries." I did the PCT last year. I never felt like I needed anything else, nor that I had anything extra. All the gear I had got put to good use, and I was still super comfortable.
Love that you’re pushing the limits and showing us new options. Thank you!
Even lighter option than this is to leave the cooking stuff, hunt animals yourself and eating them raw. You're welcome.
That’s so funny.
If you’ve never tried them, there are several manufacturers of water bottle pockets that attach to the front of the pack straps. Mine weighs like 11g, it keeps the bottle in trivial reach, and it balances out some weight front to back. I love it - also, at 6’2”, none of the pack water bottle pockets work for me (even on the Flash 55).
I've always been a fan of military-style webbing belt and braces, the ALICE or PLCE stuff, mainly.
It adds a bit of weight, but distributes it nicely, meaning you can carry a couple of flasks and put your heavier things into a buttpack or two kidney pouches. Anything you might want quicker access to can go in pouches at the front, and your rucksack can just contain your shelter and spare clothes. Plus you can get sets for not much money, which is great if you're on a bit of a budget.
Just DIY a tiny string with a loop.
My backup water filter is a liner sock over my wide mouth bottle to filter out anything big, then a small dropper bottle containing Clorox (2 drops per quart - 30 minutes to kill bacteria & virus). U could use a coffee filter + rubber band as a pre-filter on that bottle U have.
I'll take comfort and a slower pace over a load out like that. Don't get me wrong I like lighter gear and stuff that packs smaller when possible but not at the expense of functionality and comfort. My goal is to get out and spend time in nature not trek through it as fast as possible. I enjoy the camping part of backpacking as much as the backpacking itself. 30 years ago I carried an almost 40lb pack at Philmont but equipment wasn't as light as what you can get now and I don't think UL even existed as a thing.
I feel you amn i almost don't understand some of these guys om youtube who almosy jogg on trails with 1000$ + ultralight setups.
To each their own i guess, i like my two person tent to myself and my wide mattress.
I've noticed alot of people especially the ultra-light crowd never pay attention to the pack, just the gear inside.
10kg in a pack that has no structure or rigidity to the hip belt saves weight sure, but will feel like a 30kg pack by the end of the day, with your neck and shoulders searing with pain, then add poor sleep ontop of that and your in a war of attrition with your own body putting strain on parts of your body not meant to be stressed.
where as if you take a pack with a frame and struts that connect to the hip belt like the Tatonka Lastenkraxe yeah it weights 2.7kg on it's own but load it up with 25kg of gear and water it feels like a 10kg pack with the weight being supported on parts of your body meant to support your weight.
Another way to put it, you can go to the gym for 5 days a week working out hard, lifting weights, come home and get good rest and be sore by the end of the week.
You go two days without good sleep and a hike ontop of that and you will be stumbling like a zombie feeling miserable.
PUSH the water bottle up from the bottom of the pocket, you'll get the hang of flicking it up and out and catching it. bring extra caps, lol
the pockets are angled so it assists making it fall forward into your hand, and putting it back into the pocket.
For extra cool factor, go for a full bottle flip.
Very interesting! Glad you test the limits for us! I don’t think I could ever go that UL, but we can all learn from these types of videos to see where we can potentially cut weight for future trips!
million percent agree with fixing the water bottle issue and tbh i'd add a foam pad in case the thermarest popped because i would be to stressed at the thought of it popping and wouldn't get good sleep because of it. can't wait to see more durability testing on it!!
Very nice. I think its great to push limits with weight while also being aware of safety (as opposed to comfort). My tarp system is a zpacks 9x7 dcf flat tart and I throw in a 4 ounce borah bivy with a dcf bottom. It adds a bit of protection and warmth while handling backsplash if it rains or sleets. It also keeps the bugs off my face. my uberlite and quilt are both thrown into the bivy, holding the system in place as I sleep. The borah bivy is incredibly breathable on top, creating comfort without condensation. I found a zpacks regular width, short length, 30 degree quilt at just 12 ounces in the zpacks bargain bin about two years ago. It's been wonderful for summer and shoulder season and kept me warm even during freezing rain and snow storms within the tarp/bivy configuration. The great thing about a flat tarp is that you can create different configurations to handle changes in temps or conditions. The rest of my system is similar. I use a p'alante or a Nashville Cutaway, both of which have a bottom stretchy pocket (replacing the hip belt storage) and shoulder strap pockets for my garmin and a water bottle. My cook system is similar. I did just purchase some cool "pill box" stove tabs that absorb alcohol and are not consumed regardless of usage. They are created using the same material as a pizza stone. I hope to test these this summer. I'd say the biggest downside to using a tarp and bivy is that you can't really just "hang out" in a shelter to escape bugs. A tremendous advantage to a tarp, as I discovered on longer thru trails, is that when in a raised mode, it can cover a cooking or social area for a few people to gather in the evening, talking, telling stories, playing dice or card games. Then, it can be lowered or moved to be a comfortable sleep shelter. The versatility is wonderful.
I really agree with a lot of what you said. I’ve never gone SUL but I have taken out a kit with 7-8lb base weights using the same tarp. It’s fine in moderate weather. In rain the bathtub floor addon really helps mitigate some of the wind/splash.
Thanks for sharing!
Ps- you’re brave. I’ve never relied on just tablets for water purification. I think the befree is worth the weight 😊
I only just use chlorine tablets. So much easier and faster than a filter. Although I'll prob need to try a different water filter.
I have instant solution to hikers heavy backpacks---- answer is do not pack, do not set up camp, do not walk any further than to the vehicle, and don't go backpacking. I used these solutions for myself years ago and have never worried about heavy backpacks again.
Porters are better. They might even do the cooking for you.
Add a tyvek ground sheet and that hiking pad will go the distance for negligible extra weight
Peg the tarp down further on 3 sides and it will help keep the mozzies out by reducing the opportunity for them to come in, that and you can add a mosquito net for your face to stop them biting for negligible extra weight
The brs1000 is light but it chews through the gas. It is ok for small trips but on longer ones you will want to conserve the gas - titanium twig stove works a treat in these scenarios as long as you have access to dry twigs to feed it
Great video. You may have to explore this some more.
A polycro groundcloth would add 1 ounce and a lot of peace of mind. A head net or bug repellent could add significant comfort/safety for little weight. I like a water filter instead of tablets and you might still sneak in under the 5 lb limit. You might also consider a 20/30D quilt and no down sweater. It would cut down on flexibility, but the alpaca hoodie would probably meet most of your needs.
I was thinking same about groundsheet although I'd opt for tyvek. I use a bandanet for a sleeping head net if it's really bad but I've been a tarp camper for 20+ years and while netting is nice, it's often unnecessary depending on the site chosen.
@@BradyPatterson I use Tyvek myself, but it is significantly heavier than polycro. I was trying to keep him in the extreme ultralight category. Tyvek is practically indestructible, but relatively heavy. In fact, my 4x8 Tyvek sheet weighs more than my 8.5x10 DCF tarp.
I also seldom need a bug net. But, since he said something about it, I mentioned it. I rarely need bug repellent. I think the Permethrin on my clothes also acts as a repellent.
I have been a tarp camper exclusively for at least 15 years. Lighest, roomiest method I know and most flexible. Can’t see myself going back to a tent.
@@johngiesemann5293 Sure, but a sheet of Tyvek about the size of his pad isn't going to be 4x8 like yours. I should have been more specific about the size. I was just thinking of protecting the pad only.
@@BradyPatterson The nice thing about polycro: it can be large enough to double under a delicate pad, or wrap over you like a simple bivvy if the rain starts blowing/splashing around the edges of your tarp, all for an ounce or two of weight.
If you want to go lighter, buy a folding esbit stove. The x wing one works perfect with that toaks pot. With 3 tabs included your entire cook kit will weigh less than that fuel can. Wouldn't use it if you expect wind or need to melt snow for water though.
Only thing I could think about watching this video was sleeping on a sand bed in the desert under a tarp. There are A LOT of poisonous things crawling and slithering the desert floor at night. Mosquitos would be my last concern.
Love the videos and it's always nice to see people come out to explore the Supes.
350$ for a piece of plastic with no bottom 😂😂
the magic of marketing , how to sell a basic painting tarpaulin for x300 it's value
Actually crazy, that thing is a garbage bag.
Just bought the z packs flat tarp. Not even shaped - just a flat piece of plastic at 350$ 🤮
Would love to see repeated with a "superlight" setup at 7.5 base weight
Ex: XLite NXT, + Altaplex tent + Katadyn water filter + Warmer quilt would add a ton of extra functionality for only a couple extra lbs
A hose sounds like a great idea to convert a bottle to a bladder. Great idea, but... a simple loop of paracord with a sliding knot ... use the loop to create a larkshead knot around your bottle neck holds it. The sliding knot keeps it from falling off. Now you can reach the cord and pull.
Good video. A couple of worthwhile add-ons: Zpacks water bottle shoulder pocket (16g), polycro groundsheet from Gossamer gear adds protection for your uberlite (cut to ~50g), thinlight foam pad from Gossamer Gear adds a bit of warmth and protection for the uberlite (76g). Of course, all these add a bit of weight.
I also like using a 6x9 DCF flat tarp for the versatility, will pre-treat clothes with Permithrin and sleep with a bug head-net.
I wish I could get away with tarp camping here in Alaska, but the mosquitoes makes a full bug net nearly a requirement, and I often camp in places where you can't put stakes in the ground. I have a little 1p semi-freestanding tent and that's about the most minimal I can get away with.
Mostly I use lightweight gear to make it easier to carry my videography equipment. I end up with a total pack weight similar to a traditional backpacker, but half of it is camera and audio gear.
The desert is about the only place you could get away with such a sleep system. It is also the one place you should NEVER count on finding water to top off.
The desert gets pretty cold at night though, shouldn't risk not bringing warm sleeping gear.
Footprint is crucial when using these kind of sleeping pads. Sand is basically small glass, I am pretty sure it would not last long like this.
Uberlite in the desert with no protection is a great recipe for failure. I’d have taken your Decathlon pad if not a Thinlight.
I love cold soaking. Not having to worry about fuel or spending time cooking is amazing.
Love how to push the limits to see how things work. I don't think I would use all of those items, but would consider some, especially if the environment was appropriate.
Did you permethin your tarp? Might help with the mosquitos.
This isn't for me, but my pack has been getting gradually heavier the last couple years and this does make me think about ways to drop that down.
Nice video.
A head bug net might be a nice addition at a low weight
I'm sure you know this... But a tip for others that are going to use the purification tablets: After about 5-10 mins turn your bottle upside down, slowly undo the cap until some water creeps out. That way, some of the tablet can get to the threads that touched the water when filling up the bottle! :D
that's pretty smart
Wait wait wait - did I miss mention of that Kula cloth on the outside of your pack?!
For drying up after bidet use! You need to come on the podcast to talk about defecation strategies when in the wild!
The only reason I actually clicked to watch. Wouldn't have thought to use it that way!
I gotta have a sewn in floor in my tent, and I really wanna have bug proof mesh screens. The rest of that hike I can probably live with. It IS amazing just how light backpacking is getting.
I use a lot of ultralight gear. It allows me to choose the comfort items I really want without worrying about weight. I can hike a lot farther and faster the lighter my pack is but my ChairZero is non-negotiable 🤣🤣
I make my backpacking hybrid
Just because it ultra I won’t sacrifice my comfort
Take for instance what you said about cold soaking. I’m on board about freeze dried and chicken Alfredo is the best! Anyway, cold soaking sucks and it doesn’t save that much. I’m not going to lose enjoyment over crap food.
The whole reason for me is grounding and enjoyment. Otherwise I could walk trails in a city
I'm seriously debating a lot of these options... I've always been a big pack guy, but some of these are tempting. I'm just so attached to the idea of being prepared for any situation...
Look at it as a way to be prepared to take it easy on your knees, legs, and back?
Going ultra light is great but don't go extreme. You'll be way better off by using some of that weight savings on luxury like a Helinox chair etc. You'll feel better and 3 lbs of luxury items won't be noticed.
See I'm just not excited at all by a chair, and I guess that's just me and my styles. But my 2kg 1 person 4 season tent that will last 20 years? I can't let go of that kind of thing...
$350 for a tarp is vile.
Love this trail in my home. It was awesome in the early spring this year due to the rains that blessed our land. You were here just before the furnace fired up for the summer. I still hike but usually very early in the morning or night with headlamps.
I can't believe you did not use some form of ground cloth under your mattress to add some protection for it. A good one is the 1/8 th inch thick foam pad from Gossamer Gear. Zpacks make a bathtub ground sheet for their tents which would work quite well with your set up.
I've found a 10 pound base weight gives just enough creature comforts for me to have a good nights sleep and good 25 to 30 mile days. I used to redline the 20% body weight rule, and I found that it was just too much to be continuously useful. The shoulder and leg pains from the load actually used to keep me awake and affect my sleep.
I use a tarp generally, mld 6oz bug bivy is the secret to no bugs! And wind is shockingly rarely an issue and always management with minimal thought about camp location
Lighter weight packs are safer on scrambles, ledges, and anything sketchy. I think that's an important point that gets omitted in "ultralight" conversations.
beautiful scenery. Where was this filmed
Cool to see Weaver's Needle in your video!
Those zpacks tents... what a freaking scam. 400$ for a piece of plastic that will tear at the slightest incident. Just buy Dyneema by the meter and some heat seal tape.
you make it sound so simple...then what? Buy the pattern for a tent...either become a professional tailor or pay someone else to produce this "tent" and then...you've spent the same amount of money and have an inferior tent.
Buying Dyneema will cost you about 50$ per square meter, so about 300$ for a small tent. Add all the little things you need to complete it, and you will reach the original price
Sea to summit tarps are pretty much the same in the end, about $150 here in Japan. They survive whatever you throw at them
@@NathanHassall a tarp
@@somnia3423 a tarp and a tent are not the same thing...but if you are suggesting buying a sheet of dynema and sewing the outer edges and adding grommits..again this isn't as simple as it sounds. I did that exact thing making my first light weight silnylon tarp and it was harder and a whole lot more time consuming then I thought it would be.
I'll take another 200g so my tent can have a floor 😂
Great video, with some interesting gear! Good to see it getting some serious views. Well done, Justin!
With the Toaks (or any other titanium cup) the handle is hot to touch from waste heat from the stove, not from transferred heat from the cup/contents. Forget the sticks, just wait 15 seconds after you switch the stove off and you can pick it up by the handle.
If it is a simple rectangle it is a tarp. If it has a "shape", like your thing, it is a tent.
With less stuff in the pack your keeping it tighter so it's harder to reach the water bottles.
I'm interested in seeing an ultralight backpacking set up, that's just a tarp wool blanket piece of cardboard and a stove
Alpaca wool really is amazing if you have limited space or carry capacity or just want to be lighter. Even underwear I once wore for 3 days in a row and it did not smell at all or feel dirty or uncomfortable, highly recommended for longer hikes.
What brand alpaca wool underwear would you recommend?
7:10 To combat armpit odors, I recommend before hiking: after washing, spray the shirt in the armpit area while it is still damp with Micropur classic dissolved in water and let the shirt dry. I always do this with all of my shirts, even in everyday life.
Almost all the packs I own weigh the better part of that entire system when they’re empty! I definitely have not embraced the ultralight trend, but do enjoy owning some ultralight gear to save on space and overall weight. I still don’t know why a pink titanium spoon would be better than any other titanium spoon. Mine is from Sea to Summit and weighs just a few grams (looks like the same length too).
Can't beat wool clothing, bamboo underwear also good, spray gear with Permethrin and a repellent, I'm mid 50's so save weight where I can, mainly so I can carry more beers and food, the kit these days is for the main, so much better than 40 years ago when I started going outdoors.
Enjoyed this vid and found useful as well. I’m also trying lighter and less but I’m landing around 8.5 lbs base. Some things I won’t hit the trail without.
Love seeing you trying a system like this. As Mike Clelland wrote in one of his books, food and warmth are all you really need to survive.
I’ve gotten down to 6.5lbs on some trips. The added weight included a GG Thinlight pad under the Uberlite for puncture protection/backup/etc and polycryo ground sheet or ultralight bivy.
On purification tablets, Chlorine Dioxide (like Katadyn Micropur and Potable Aqua) is the only type that are effective on giardia and cryptosporidium. Philmont uses MicroPur exclusively for thousands of people every year. And there’s lots of cattle and rodent contaminated water there.
Glad you mentioned Mike Clelland. I don't understand why his book is not read more. It is a classic.
A system i use for bugs in my tarp setup is to use the quilt itself as a barrier for my body, then get a treated S2S bug net for my head, wearing a hat to keep the net lifted off my face
Hi pal, I think I missed why you couldn't wear the backpack low as normal? Also there's some very light bottle pockets for rucksack straps out there, the mozzy net material looks good.
Surely bringing an air bed without protection is counter productive? It could fail at any unexpected moment and quick, surely. Not even Tyvek? If it fails, there's no backup. That's why I consider ccr mata, they're good back support for backless rucksacks not like I have one, they're kinda light but waterproof and yes unfortunately bulky, though can be cut to size;
If the sleeping bag was too hot,, going ccf would be ideal it appears, especially if you cut the mat to your preferred size and not use an air bed with it of course
The tarp-tent (their name) is for expected mild weather or shelter if needed from particular weather phenomenon. Also with a lightweight (often tyvek again) bivvy bag which acts as most the shelter from rising ground water to rain, wind, nasty combos of the latter two. People also use polycro, or polyclyro, for a ground mat which is an insulating window film. It's not so strong in some ways but it's dirt cheap, extremely light and small packed, it's more rugged than dyneema..it sounds perfect for you, just watch for sharp things and forget about rough stones being a problem
had it rained this setup would have been a disaster. I prefer a tent with a floor and bug net because you never know what can happen. Ultralight is great, but there are just some things I can't sacrifice.
Not too far off my system just a lot lighter and more expensive. Add in a Borah Gear bivy and swap the stove for alcohol and it's pretty close to what I use. I like the tabs for sub freezing temps but stick with my Sawyer in warmer weather.
For my summer ultralight set-up I sleep in an 8oz Sol Escape Bivvy (breathable) and all my clothes on. No quilt taken! Cheap! I have taken it down to 6 deg Celcius in my hammock with a lot of clothes on, and was warm enough.
NatureHike Cloud Trace (Ultralight Backpacking Double Wall Ten)
best tent I've used so far
ive got a similar setup, but i use the katabatik pinon, almost a tent, 200g, protection from bugs and splash! also almost a bivy so it is a bit warmer, letting you use a sightly colder/light quilt
hey Justin, love the channel! what weight is a good sweet spot for you in terms of keeping weight down but also packing the comfort you want? thanks!
Always like your videos, Justin. Thanks.
Switch out a water bottle & tablets for an OKO filter bottle. The bottle and filter cap are light and can filter a ton more than the tabs, a lot quicker, and with no weird taste. It's also one of the few filters that have been proven to remove viruses.
No doubt you'll pop that UberLite pad in the desert, I would definitely use a ground sheet under it. A tyvek sheet is great for the that, or if you want lighter, Polycro.
I use a ULA Photon as my only backpacking pack. It is 5 liters bigger than the Sub-Nero but I have found that I almost never wish for more room. I even carry a camp chair and fold-out table. It's amazing what you can fit in 35 liters.
I really need to try OneBottle system. At 6 4 i just cannot easily grab the water bottles from my UL packs - well I can grab them awkwardly but never get them back in the bungied pocket. Maybe I could reach if I bought one of those tempting LightAF packs, which are longer with more wide-open bottle pockets. But I like how budget friendly my wife and my Gossamer packs are (Kumo and Murmur) - the 36L size is about right for up to 6 days for us.
Put the bottle on your strap up front? 2 less lbs on your back might be nice idk
Use a bivy sack.
It helps to protects you from rain and wind and bugs
I've been working on getting my pack weight down, and cringe when I think of how heavy my pack used to be. But then again, I have nothing but fond memories of old trips with a 40lb pack (and big old leather hiking boots). The main thing is to just get out there and do it.
How can an air mattress be un-comfortable? It is the ultimate!
I think this loadout with the exception of subbing a proper tent for the tarp would be the sweet spot
couple neat things to look at, alpaca wool... only thing id add is a small bottle of 100 deet. spray your finger and just rub around your cheeks and forehead a little to keep them off.
Do you remember what dry creek you were camping next to? When were you out here? These creeks were all flowing back in march.
I really want to try and go SUL soon, this was an interesting perspective, thank you
You might consider diy alcohol stoves if you want "extreme" lightweight stuff. Lots of people do not use a stove though, but high caloric cold food and gels instead
ZPacks makes nice shoulder strap water bottle pockets.
Off topic, your voice is great for presentation. My volume was way down but it's still clear.
Nice job! I like seeing people testing different methods and see how it works. Maybe I'm too critical but I would reserve water cleaning tabs for emergencies only. I think it's not healthy to use it on a regular basis as your main method for cleaning water. A simple water filtration system doesn't weight much really. But I get it that you're going for the extreme options available here.
"Sand, everywhere ..." - Anakin Skywalker
I used the lighter version of that shelter for 2 years, made of the .34 dyneema and no doors, 3 oz. used fishing line for tie outs.
I'm having massive problems with the concept of dried food. It costs almost ten bucks per day which adds up pretty quickly. I could buy an ultra light pad once a year with the money I save on that. I can pick up non dried food in a bag for two bucks that will last me two days. Sure you walk around with food that contains some water but for a few days it's not more than an extra two pounds of weight. As an alternative I can use macaroni with cheese and in that case only the cheese contains water. The cheese will be okay for a few days and the few times that I hike longer I can visit a supermarket along the trip. For me it's the easiest thing to economize on.
Get a mosquito head net, weighs very little but with the quilt covering the body and the net up top where do they bite? I dunno if this is for everyone but unless I am dead tired I feel them land on me and it drives me nuts, can even keep me awake.
Seems like the only way you could use a set up like this confidently is with very accurate weather reports and familiarity with the area being hiked/camped in.
Great episode buddy. I have tried the SUL and while it was great, I’m turning 40 this year. After four deployments my helinox chair is a must. I personally love my duplex combined with the Xtherm and the 10F Zpacks quilt and strap. I’ve never had that system fail. For me, bugs and rodents are a no go. I’ve had too many field mice and random rodents wander right up to the tent, climb on it, etc. I’ve had too many scorpions and camel spiders crawl over me. No thank you. I’ll scream like a woman if a rodent gets in my quilt. I’m man enough to admit it. Lol 😂
I really enjoyed this episode. It’s always nice to see someone else take the SUL jump and articulate their experience clearly. Thanks!
Thank you for your service. I agree with you. I also don't want bugs getting in my sleep cocoon. My favorite months to camp are spring and fall for that reason. Hell, even winter is better than summer in Minnesota. I'll take my pop up 8x8 ice fishing shelter on land with a sled, a tarp for the floor, and a buddy heater to basically glamp in the winter to get away for a day or 2.
Great video. I wanted to watch your referenced video and hear what you had to say at the end, but the link goes away quickly since the video ends right after your last point. Thanks again.
Finally one of these channels with comments turned on.