Worth a look if you haven’t been thinking about alternate water bottles, or even if you have!

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2024/12/01/single-use-plastics-reuse-risk/

I'm wondering if there are any quality sleeping mats not pads out there? Quality as in not only durable but also potentially thick? I saw MLD has one but it's rather thin, intentionally so.

I'm wondering what other companies to be looking at? Kind of want to see if I can get away with sleeping on a mat rather than a pad but I think it depends on the surface hardness and mat thickness. I find i can sleep on a hardwood floor with a 1.5" yoga mat. (Never tried a military mat.)

Any experiences or first hand recommendations? Thanks.

Edit: thermarest ridge rest is .6" Nemo switchback is .9"

Currently using a 14yo Double Rainbow (silny, about 1200g without stakes) - it's cramped, but I like the small footprint - we've done at least 5 lonnng thrus with this tent and it's still going ok, but would love lower weight and maybe more space. So compared to this:

• X-Mid Pro 2 (Silny floor) - ~600g weight savings, probably long enough, roomyish... but expensive, bit narrower, big footprint, pinholes.
• X-Mid Pro 2+ - ~550g weight savings, bit wider, even roomier... but even more expensive, even bigger footprint, pinholes.
• Duplex - ~700g weight savings, roomyish... but expensive, narrower, potential head/foot impact in wind, pinholes.
• Double Rainbow Silpoly - cheap, vs my current Double Rainbow saves ~100g weight and a little roomier and sets up easier due to new top strut, doesn't need trekking poles, relatively less worrisome re: damaging, small footprint, a known tent to us... but quite heavier than the DCF tents, less roomy that the vertical-sidewall tents, smaller vestibules.
• Lanshan 2 Pro - much cheaper, vs my current Double Rainbow saves 300g weight and roomier, relatively resistant to abuse... but heavier than DCF, potential head/foot impact in wind, potential quality issues.

Obviously two different classes of tent, but it's still tricky! I keep freewheeling between saving weight vs the other pros, primarily I feel I could really use a $300 tent a lot less stressfully than a $700 tent!

Right now I'm leaning towards another Double Rainbow, but yeah, I feel a little like I'm missing out... Thoughts?

Next year in september, I intend to do solo hiking/camping for astrophotography in swedish lappland.

My plan is to hike away from the hostel to different spots, with a distance of roughly 15km between these spots and the hostel. I want to get lightweight camping equipment to stay the night. While an option, hiking back until early morning would likely suck. Near these spots there are emergency cabins open year round, but these should be a last resort.

Temperatures in late september tend to be around 0°C, which is far from the potential under -20° in deep winter, but still cold and potentially swingy. I assume I need a sleeping bag, ground insulation and some sort of bivy-tent. As I want to only sleep for one night at a spot and stay at the hostel otherwise, I don't want to go overkill with my equipment though. Any common recommendations for gear in this temperature range?

So what are you all using for a winter headlamp? I have the nitecore hc65 which gives me 400 lumens for 14 hours but weighs 5.36 oz. Any better recs? Minimum standard would be at least 300 lumens for at least 10 hours.

I’m basically looking to have a set up that I could use for both a ground shelter (tarp, bug net/floor, trekking poles) in exposed areas and a hammock and tarp set up for wooded, forest areas. Not necessarily for the same trip, but just having both ready to go.

I think the only thing these would possibly share is the tarp. Is there a go to option that would work well for both, especially for wind and rain exposure when setting up on the ground.

After deciding the X-Dome 1+ was not for me (nice concept, good pitch, but I will wait for the 2p) I find myself in the market for a replacement. The issue I always seem to have is that for a larger guy (both height and width :) using a thicker pad, the nominal online measurments listed don't really accurately reflect how much room one actually has, ie regarding 84", 86" lengths, etc.

Using a 78" Topo Luxe 4" 30" wide pad (previously) and now using a 78" Neo Loft 4.5" 25" wide pad, I'm trying to decide which of the above models would work the best. I am in Florida and while I love the lightness and simplicty of a Single Wall DCF tent, I am looking at Double Wall options due to the constant condenstation issues we have down here. I am also leaning towards one of the trekking pole tents (X-Mid 2, DiPole 2) as I do suspect I will be picking up an X-Dome 2 whenever they become available next year.

I haven't completely ruled out a Single Wall version, as I suspect the Pro/Li version of any of these will offer more internal space on all axis' due to not having a net inner. And, having a nice light single wall to go along with the Double Wall X-Dome 2 that I plan to buy later does appeal to me as well. But Double Wall just seems to be the common choice around here due to condensation as mentioned.

So, of those in the subject, which would lend itself better to keep from toe box rub or face in the netting :). I am a fan of Dan and the X-Mid series, And did have a 2 Pro I regret selling tbh, but I do find interesting the DiPole Strut setup, which somewhat expensively re-creates what we used to do in scouting back in the day with the old "use a stick to prop up the side guy-outs" trick to gain more intenal space on those ole cheap Eureka A Frames lol.

My 13 year old Mammut 1.7oz single AA headlight's switch is finally starting to get a little fickle so I'm in the market for a new headlamp. I want something that is a lightweight as possible - has a low light mode and/or a red light mode for use around camp.

Currently I'm looking at the following

Petzl Bendi

Nitecore NU20 Classic

Nitecore NU25UL

Black Diamond Sprint 225

What are your thoughts on the following?

My Sea 2 Summit eVent compression sack needs replacing (small, 10L). Use for a Western Mountaineering 10F Versalite. I have a new pack (SWD Rugged Long Haul 50) that is narrow (approximate width at the bottom = 14"). The Ultralitesack compression sack looks interesting but it's long and narrow so not sure it will compress small enough to have the bag stored horizontally at the bottom of the pack. Could go with the new S2S EVAC 13L, though bigger than needed. Wondered if anyone had an equivalent sleeping bag and what you use. If I'm forced to, I'll store vertically, but really like having the bag at the base.

Kia ora from NZ,

I'm looking at getting a new trekking pole supported tent to replace my 10 year old TT Stratospire 2 that is at the end of its functional life.

I prefer to buy NZ/Aus made stuff, as generally it is made well and for wet/hectic conditions that we are used to down here, as well as the crazy UV.

I love the look of this tent, especially the incredibly tough sounding floor on the inners! I'm a bit hesitant without hearing some first hand experiences. I'm also unsure which inner I would go for, the single or double. I usually tent solo, always hike with poles, mostly 3 season but need the peace of mind that it can handle getting stuck in a weatherbomb by a flooded river (not uncommon in NZ).

https://www.mont.com.au/products/hypermid-2-ultralight-pyramid-tent

Happy to hear about peoples experiences with similar mid tents, but ofc I really want to hear from anyone who has used one of these beauties.

So I’ve ordered this quilt and am doubting if I should have ordered the 30F. I’m a healthy male that isn’t skinny and doesn’t sleep cold. The quilt will mainly be used in summer, well above freezing temperatures. Probably mostly around 40F (5C) to 60F (15C). (Wondering if I would need long baselayers at 50F (10C))

Ideally I would like it to possibly go down to 32F (0C) while wearing extra layers (long merino baselayers) and perhaps puffy jacket. Just in case of a one off cold night at altitude.

Did I get the right quilt?

Edit1: my sleeping pad has a 4.8 R value

Edit2: I should have been more precise in formulating my question. Is the 40F actually a comfort rated 50F quilt?

I think I know the answer to one question. I've got some DCF stuff sacks and after washing and use, they're less like stiff paper, and softer like fabric. Does that happen with ultra grid too?

I hike a lot in the Catskills, but not really in snow winter conditions. I just don’t have the experience.

I’d like into start with just day hikes for now before venturing into overnight trips, but I’m just sort of lost on what gear I should buy separately or can reuse for day hikes.

Can anyone send me a gear list of what they use for hiking in that specific area? I’m focused mostly on the northeast for the most part of the US. Sorry if I’m a bit vague, I have a 3-season set up but not sure how to tackle winter weather and want to open myself up to that

Hi everyone,

Curious to get your thoughts on this Japanese pack. I'm looking at the yamatomichi mini - https://www.yamatomichi.com/en/products/mini

They say it's a roll top but it's actually a cinch closure that you can roll and then tighten with a compression top strap. While not the traditional definition of a roll-top, what do you guys think? Is it going to be just as effective? I personally prefer cinch closures over roll tops, but this is the first I've seen it being called a roll top.

Also, I know this bag isn't waterproof but I'm curious if there are other brands that are similar that have cinch-style roll tops but utilize dyneema like fabric completely. The Technoforce steel option on this pack looks cool but it's only on the front pocket.

I'm trying to decide between these two tents for my AT thru hike next year. My wife will join me for a few weeks but other than that I'll be using the tent solo, so the slimmer size of the Lite is appealing. I understand that the floor of the Lite is thinner than the classic. This has got me worried. I figure I can use a ground sheet but would that just negate the weight savings? Should I be using a ground sheet for the classic as well? I'm new to DCF tents.

Which would you recommend? Or are there other tents I should be considering with similar weight and size?

Am about to purchase these for about $60 (or whatever), to replace ratty old "pile" pants.

I'm certain that $300 would get a better product, but is there any real good reason to reasses? (I'll try to keep an open mind.)

Specifically, how much more, or less warm, are these vs heavy pile? And vs $300 brands?

Hey all,

I'm finally at the point where I'm ready to upgrade my pack and would like to get some opinions on what would work best. My current pack is a 50L Osprey Aura AG, and I'm leaning towards getting either the ULA Circuit in Ultra or the Durston Kakwa 55. I'm also open to other suggestions!

I like that the Circuit has the option for women friendly shoulder straps, but the price point is pretty high compared to the Kakwa.

I've linked my lighterpack for both my warm weather and cold weather gear below. I'm based in the Northeast US, and mostly hike in the White Mountains or Adirondacks. The two key features I'm looking for in a new pack are waterproof material and the ability to carry a bear can externally. My lighter pack lists don't include my bear can (Garcia, weighs 41 oz).

I'm 5'4" with a broad shouldered/athletic build.

Warm Weather Gear: https://lighterpack.com/r/hkf4aw

Cold Weather Gear: https://lighterpack.com/r/tv8bil

Thanks for your advice!

As all the Europeans know, backpacking quilts here cost a lot more than in the US. Zenbivy have quite a good black friday sale right now, Should you use the Zenbivy quilt as a standalone without the sheet or mat? and are the quilts as good a quilt competitors such as the Enlightened Equipment?

Currently it's discounted to £309, and is 538g for the large 25 degrees

https://zenbivy.co.uk/products/ultralight-quilt?variant=41303102226534

The EE is £380 in the UK for the regular wide and weighs 545g 30 degrees
https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/enigma-850fp-30f-down-quilt/

Does the valve seem too easy to spin? Out of all of my stoves, and all of the valves and petcocks I have experience with from work (which is a lot), I find the SOTO Windmaster way too easy to turn.

Curious if anyone has experienced this. It doesn't seem to leak but it's slightly loose and wiggles. It might be a design thing.

Thoughts?

Considering 2 available options - folded and rolled, I am into a folded one as more practical. I have however a question to the current users: can you roll a folded one, making it a tight roll if necessery?

I assume that the reverse concept - folding a rolling version that does not have horizontal embossing is a bit eccentric idea.

I have a small tent (Vango Starav 200) for me and my dog, but when I go out with the kids hiking and wild camping I use an OEX Jackal III tent - which splits into two, so works to a certain degree but also is fairly tight when you add the sleeping pads.

Any other ideas?

Hey there, I am looking to upgrade my cooking equipment from heavy, clunky camping equipment and wanted to see if anyone had tried the S2S Frontier Ultralight Pot.

I want to mainly be boiling enought water to rehydrate meals/make drinks for two people, so am leaning towards 1.3/1.4L capacity. The S2S really interests me as the lid looks quite sturdy, I like the look of the handle, and the ability to drain off water (in the event I make pasta) and it’s a very similar weight (SP 1.4L 210g/S2D 1.3L 212g). SP is more costly where I am but not by much. The S2S pot is an aluminium allow so not sure quite now that would impact heating.

Hello! I'm starting to look for the most ultralight setup possible to do 3-4 days trailrunning adventures (Going for max 25 pounds). I was pretty convinced to pick Ultimate Direction 20L until I discovered Kailas Ultra Gobi II. However, I didn't find any reviews or mentions for this bag anywhere. Did someone tried the Kailas? Do you think it's worth even if it's 200$ more expensive?

Moreover, if you have any takes about UD20 for my objective or other ideas of backpacks, I'm really down for it, that's pretty much the only item on my buylist that I'm not sure at all.

Thank you:)

Link to list - https://lighterpack.com/r/js31ut

Location/temp range/specific trip description: The Cambrian way Wales - 300 miles / 479 km, an elevation gain of around 15,300 m / 50,200 ft, April to May 2025

April: Max temp10.41°C min temp 4.09°C 

May: Max temp 13.61°C min temp 7.04°C

Likely rather wet and cold at nights.

Budget: Nothing set but I need to be careful, everything has been or has funds to purchase apart from the Chair and solar panel.

Non-negotiable Items: Rab Solar Eco 3 Sleeping Bag I sleep cold and it's pretty new, I want to get the use out of it.

Solo or with another person?: Solo

Lighter pack Link: https://lighterpack.com/r/js31ut

Total Kilo - 13.07Kilo - 28 lbs

This pack is very bulky, this will be my first big trek that I've done. Lots of day hiking and camping trip, nothing even close to this scale, will aim for about 23 days of walking. Plan to wild camp as much as possible, there are shops on the way to resupply but I will have quite a few stretches of not much being available. Water, Food and Fuel will add a fair bit so I do need to get this lighter, It's total coming to about 18% of my body weight

I'm struggling to find savings with Camping gear / cooking / wash kit / electronics, I think I can make some savings with the clothing as it's just what I have already day to day, so any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. If there are any recommendation for a different backpack or tent, I would love to hear. I've never used a trek pole pitch tent, will be pretty remove at times so unsure if it's suitable.

I do not sleep well, hence the Pillow and Mat.

If I remove the 3 starred items, that instantly save 1.8kilos, takes me down to 11.263Kilos total.

Solar charger I'm most willing to part with, then coffee and then the chair.

I’m looking to buy one ultralight 3 season jacket and was advised to take a look at cumulus inverse lady https://cumulus.equipment/us_en/women-down-jacket-inverse-lady.html

But its sizing seems tight except for chest size. I’m usually Patagonia sweater down jacket XS and it fits just about right. This cumulus piece XS chest size is 51 with center length 59. For comparison my Patagonia down jacket chest size is only 47 and center length 61. It seems cumulus is one size bigger in chest but some size shorter?

Any laddy owning this style can offer me some advice?

I'm planning a multi day hike of part of Kungsleden at the start of next summer, and I'm asking for a pack shakedown as early as possible so I can plan possible gear purchases over the next few months if needed. My expectations for temperature range would be somewhere between 5-10 celcius at night to 15-20 celcius during the day. I expect it to be about 4 days of walking.

I've weighed multiple pieces of clothing and have added it to my lighterpack as options, but am not entirely sure of how much rain clothing to go for. The montbell jacket with the rain skirt feels like potential overkill. Don't think going for the plastic poncho is enough for the rainy periods on Kungsleden. Maybe a Leve rain jacket would be enough by itself?

I've considered upgrading the trekking poles, the down jacket and adding alpha direct pants for camp insulation and as sleep clothes to go with the farpointe hoodie.

I also have a 38L backpack on the way which should reduce my BW by about a pound.

Goal Baseweight (BPW): Lighter than it currently is. I don't think a sub 9 lbs base weight is out of reach.

Budget: Not a ton of money per month, but I could see myself spending hundreds of euro on this over a longer period if it seemed like it would significantly improve my comfort on this and on future hikes.

I’m looking to: Upgrade Items OR see what I missed or can leave at home: See what I missed or what I can leave at home, but upgrades are absolutely on the table.

Non-negotiable Items: The 2P tent was a recent purchase and cost too much for me to want to buy another one. The Megapillow. I've experimented with a lot of different pillows and this is the only one I feel like I can sleep well on. The second larger roll of leukotape to stabilize an ankle with. As a side/belly sleeper a non-wide sleeping pad is a non-starter.

Solo or with another person?: Probably solo but I have a friend who might want to come along.

Other notes: I need a headnet for the mosquitos. Haven't weighed my bug spray yet but I believe the bottle weighs 6 grams and that it'd be about 18 grams fully loaded.

https://lighterpack.com/r/veguyu

Ok let me have it… tell me how much you hate my chair…. Just don’t ask to sit on it at dinner time….

https://lighterpack.com/r/145wx8

I live in Europe and unfortunately can't get the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants. I'm now considering the Patagonia Quandary Pants for hiking the South Island section of New Zealand's Te Araroa trail, NOBO, from late December to around February. Are they breathable and comfortable enough for this kind of trek during the summer months?

Hi everyone,

does someone have any experience on how much degrees of comfort temperature the Sea to Summit Reactor liner adds to a Sea to Summit Spark -1C? More precisely, will I be able to sleep comfortably up to 0C with the combination of the two? I'm not super sensitive to cold temperatures when sleeping and I would rather go with a combination of sleeping bag and liner due to the fact that a) I'm usually sweating at night and don't want to ruin my down sleeping bag, b) I need a liner anyhow as for some night in our upcoming Patagonia trip we will be sleeping in rented sleeping bags and c) the combination of the two is roughly the weight of the Spark -9C. As a sleeping pad I'm aiming for the Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated (R 3.1).

Thans a lot! :)

Hello, I am in the market for a PFAS free quilt, is there anything like that, especially considering I am EU based?

What are the brands which care about PFAS free finish?

So far I spotted very few some are Us based with stellar price of retail in europe and some do not convince me with their options or simply miss quilts at all.

To name a few Westermountainering Patagonia Nemo

Edit: Sea to summit is the last find which have some decent quilts and bags that looks good, quite expensive tho, I'm heading trough that direction so far.