Gila National Forest: 4+ hours South West of Albuquerque, 3.5+ North West of El Paso. March 1-7 2024. Three weekend warriors on our annual week long trip.

Lighterpack: https://lighterpack.com/r/narnak

Map: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/Kidus38jJkCmEmWjWHJy93oi/

Day 1 We flew into El Paso and drove to Silver City. Stopped at Sportsman’s warehouse in Las Cruces to buy fuel canister Dinner in Silver City at Jalisco: decent Mexican food. Silver City is an artists town with Airbnbs, CDT cuts through

Day 2 - Getting started High 83 Low 40 Breakfast at Roxy’s
1.5hr drive to Gila visitors center The visitors center doesn’t have maps. Bring one from home 1 mile loop to view cave dwellings; this is the National Monument Trail at 12:45pm going clockwise 8 mile day 27 water crossings; the best part of the day was the views from the water crossings

Day 3 - Hells Hole and out. High 88 Low 40 5 miles to hells hole. Slow hiking slower than normal pace. Look for cairns lots of river crossings Rough coming out of Hells Hole; 29 switchbacks The beauty of these 4 miles is the burned ponderosa trees and how they survived the fire.
Water was flowing at Prior Cabin

Day 4 - High 80s Low 28 Prior Cabin past Indian creek canyon Easy 4 from Prior to middle fork River The next miles were slow but the canyons were amazing. 20+ water crossing, a few miles had 10 each

Day 5 - High 75 Low 40. Indian creek to middle fork trail Another 453 water crossings. Slow miles Had time followed middle fork to the visitors center; added 3 miles Final 5 miles of River flew past Camped just short of the Wilderness border ~3 miles from where we started.

Day 6- High ?? Low 42. wake and out 3 miles Woke up 3 River crossings and to the car

What worked:

• hiking poles lots of river crossings
• Jolly Gear shirt with hood; love having the hood with the sun exposure. I didn’t like the integrated thumb holes and used OR sun gloves.
• 15’ tree straps; might have gotten away with 10’. thank you Jeff Myers! Great YouTube and cottage company
• Vegetable bags for feet coverings
• Re-packing freezer meals into qt ziplocks.

What didn’t work:

• Flip flops; prefer vegetable bags
• Forgot a wool hat
• Should have gone in shorts, pants were great for the on land but the water crossings would have been easier

Pictures: https://imgur.com/a/o2Ey0o2

Returning to backpacking after a longgggg reprieve. More or less, seems like gear is the same except some better materials (Ultra200x, etc.)

For shorter trips with better water access, it looks like the Durston Kakwa 40 could work really well for me. Still need to try it though.

But several of my trips will be 2-3 nighters in waterless rough regions (Arizona, Southern Utah, Joshua Tree). Therefore, am really considering a ULA Ultra Circuit or Ultra OHM. I know the OHM rec max carry is 30 lbs, but wondering if anyone has pushed it to 35ish and how that felt.

Few data points:

• Base weight = ~ 13 lbs
• Water carry could be for 2-3 days :/
• Want framed, and ideally U or curve one piece frame
• Will carry water for myself and sometimes my partner
• Ideally want something sooner than later, therefore long lead times aren’t ideal (e.g, the SWD bags look incredible but yeah)
• Would be nice to have decent back ventilation, but that seems like a mirage with most UL bags. Therefore, would be nice to have something that does not absorb sweat at all.

I should add, I know these bags aren’t the most ultra light. The Zpacks Arc Haul maybe ticks some boxes here. But it just too many straps and seems too delicate and extremely light for me.

Thanks y’all! Been mad helpful to me as I get back into this lifelong beautiful pursuit of gram counting!

So. I'm having trouble deciding on a good three season pad. I have an amazing winter pad but I can't stomach the weight for summer use anymore. I was planning on getting Nemo tensor because of weight but I layed down on it and now I'm questioning things because it wasn't amazingly comfortable. So my main question is. Is the ether lite xt comparable to the zen bivy in terms of comfort. Also the xt is 2 inches wider for the same weight as zen bivy which is kinda important because after a ton of testing I've found that 22 inches is the ideal pad width for me. But I can't tell if the ideal width is the best. Idk man, I almost feel like I'm rambling. What pad would you recommend for 2.5 season use. Nothing below mid 30s. Is the tensor more comfy once you get used to it? Idk. I'm slightly leaning towards ether lite but I can't help but wonder if the zen bivy is more comfortable since it is also warmer for marginal extra weight.

This August I’ll be thru-hiking the WA and OR sections of the PCT, and I already own 2 Nitecores NB10000 Gen 2. If my goal is to minimize time in town charging my devices, is there a better powerbank than the NB10000 for that? And what would be the best wall charger to get for that job? This topic is really knew and confusing to me, would really appreciate some guidance!

Hey fellow adventurers,
I'm currently in the market for a new backpack as I gear up for my upcoming trek on the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT), and maybe some high mountain expeditions. Given the rugged terrain and diverse conditions I'll encounter, I'm looking for a pack that ticks several essential boxes:

Requirements:
Capacity: Given the extended duration of the GHT trek and the need to carry gear for a variety of conditions, I'm aiming for a backpack with a capacity of over 70 liters. This should provide ample space for all my essential gear, including clothing, sleeping bag, tent, cooking equipment, and food supplies.
Durability: The GHT presents a myriad of challenges, from rugged terrain to unpredictable weather conditions, including winter activities. Therefore, durability is paramount. I need a pack that can withstand the rigors of long-distance hiking in remote mountainous regions without compromising on performance.
Ultralight Design: While durability is crucial, I also place a premium on weight savings. Every ounce saved translates to less strain on my body during long days on the trail. I'm aiming for a balance between durability and weight, prioritizing ultralight materials and construction without sacrificing essential features.

After researching extensively, I've narrowed down my options to two standout contenders: the Ferrino Instinct 65 + 15 and the Mountain Hardwear AMG.

• Ferrino Instinct 65 + 15: (https://www.ferrino.it/es/shop-es/equipo/mochilas/alpinismo/75655lww-backpack-instinct-6515.html#moreinfo)

The Ferrino Instinct 65 + 15 immediately caught my attention due to its lightweight design and versatile features. Constructed from Dyneema Composite Fabric, Cordura Nylon, and SuperFabric reinforcements, it strikes a balance between durability and weight savings. The external gear attachment system allows for secure carrying of essential equipment such as ice axes, crampons, and ropes. Additionally, the hollow back system provides excellent ventilation, crucial for long days of hiking in varying climates.

• Mountain Hardwear AMG (75L or 105L): (https://www.mountainhardwear.com/p/amg-75-backpack-1882261.html)

The Mountain Hardwear AMG series is renowned for its rugged construction and technical features, making it a compelling option for high-altitude adventures like the GHT. With a foam-padded hip belt, shoulder straps engineered to carry heavy loads comfortably, and a frame-integrated hip belt for dynamic carry, it offers exceptional stability and support. The durable 7000 series aluminum frame ensures the pack can handle the demands of alpine environments, while the multiple lash points and compression webbing provide versatile gear organization options.

Seeking Community Input:
I'm torn between the lightweight design of the Ferrino Instinct and the rugged durability of the Mountain Hardwear AMG. While the Ferrino offers weight savings that are highly appealing for long-distance hiking, I'm slightly hesitant about the Dyneema material and its long-term durability. On the other hand, the Mountain Hardwear AMG seems to excel in terms of robustness and technical features, but its heavier weight is a concern.

If you have firsthand experience with either of these packs or have alternative recommendations that meet my criteria, I would greatly appreciate your insights and advice. Your expertise could make all the difference in ensuring I select the perfect backpack for my epic GHT adventure.
Thank you in advance for your contributions, and may our collective wisdom pave the way for an unforgettable trekking experience!

Warm regards,

Looking for a sleep system under 400$ between 25-15° that weighs less then 3lbs (with a pad) I've never tried a quilt but I'm a side sleeper and heard they are more comfortable then a bag. Been looking at the Zenbivy light bed (530$ with the UL pad) and the Enlightened Equipment enigma (380$) but I'm still debating if I'd prefer a sleeping bag for it's comfort and maybe better price. Also can't decide what is the best option for a sleeping pad most of them cost about 200$ and that seems pretty steep.

TIA

Does anyone know how I can replace the bladder for my 3L Katadyn? I’ve looked casually and failed. Though perhaps I should try harder. I replaced the filter last year (or so) as my kids may not be very good at making sure they do not scoop crud when they get water (they now understand). So I replaced the filter.

Though ed of the year last year the water started getting funky. I have tried all sort of stuff to clean it. Soap. Bleach. Baking soda and vinegar (sometimes staggered). My last attempt took days and multiple iterations and things passed the sniff test. But I was out yesterday and when water was in there overnight, it had a funk.

So yeah. I am about to junk this thing and just buy new. I also have a sawyer and cnoc set up. But prefer the Katadyn.Q

I am looking into the DuoMid for backpacking the MASSIV (Norway) later this year. I am planning to get the DCF version of the outer tent. I am new to tarp tents and pole setups (coming from MSR Hubba), so I’m confused about a few things:

1. Pole - The specs say you need a pole that’s 140-145cm. I normally trek with one pole (Fizan Compact 3), but it extends only to 132cm, so I’m hoping to use the included 6” (15cm) pole jack to extend it to 147.

• Does the included pole jack actually extend a full 6in?

• Would you ever need a higher pitch than 145, and in what situations? Is that like when you can’t get the tent pitched tight to the ground because the stakes don’t go completely through the soil? In these sorts of terrains, shouldn’t you opt for a new spot entirely rather than pitch higher, because you’re risking the tent blowing away with a stake that’s not fully driven into the ground? Or is it more when the ground is uneven/slanted?

• If a higher pitch may be needed, what should I do for the pole? Any recommendations for longer poles or should I just use my Fizan and buy a longer MLD pole jack? I only hike with 1 pole, so bringing two to connect / extend is not a good solution for me.

2. Innernet - Thinking to get the silinylon SoloMid XL as the inner for the DCF DuoMid outer. Reason being I am a small solo hiker, and the weight difference between silinylon vs. DCF SoloMid XL is only 30g.

• Is there any advantage of DCF inner besides the lower weight? Seems like silinylon inner would actually be more durable.

• Any reviews/experience with this combo? Not sure how much smaller the SoloMid XL innernet actually is.

I emailed Ron already and he was helpful, but didn’t get detailed explanations. For this pricey a purchase, would love to understand more, esp. given I’m in EU and won’t be able to test/return to change any part of the system I’ve ordered. I also don’t have a ton of time to try many different pole configs since it’ll probably be a few weeks between getting the tent and starting the hike.

:)

Hi all! I’m currently looking for a summer quilt for backpacking in the High Sierra.

I currently have a Cumulus Panyam 600, which has a comfort rating of 21°F, and a limit rating of 9°F. I don’t think I will need such a warm bag for July-August backpacking in the Sierra. Does anyone with experience backpacking in the High Sierra recommend a 20°F limit rating quilt or a 30°F one for those months?

I would like to find a quilt that cuts my sleep system weight down, since the Panyam weighs 34oz.

Budget: $350

Thank you!! Please let me know if there’s any more information I should provide!

I have an Ibex baselayer that I received as a gift around 2008. It's men's black, size medium, quarter-zip. I believe that it is 100% merino. It is incredibly thin. It weighs 187 grams. My brand new Ibex Woolies Pro Tech (same size, quarter zip) weighs 153g. The new baselayer is noticeably thicker (and presumably warmer, though I haven't tested it yet).

Does anyone have any idea what it could be? The printing at the neck is completely unreadable, and Ibex couldn't help me when I emailed them. I was also unable to find an old Ibex catalogue, and using the Wayback Machine to look at their website circa 2007-2009 was unsuccessful.

Anyway, I'm looking to check the SPF on this garment, and maybe to also buy a 1:1 replacement. I had hoped that the Ibex Pro Tech would be that 1:1 replacement, but it seems to be a bit warmer. It could just be that the difference in thickness and all is just due to 15 years of (admittedly occasional) use.

Thanks for any insight you might have!

Hello. I know the Reddit community is always passionate and full of first-hand experience.

I am trying to renew my trekking gear and I need some opinion.

Context and reasoning:

I have always been an occasional/recreational hiker I have the "80/20" gear set that you could find at Decathlon a few years ago (25 USD tent, 50 USD sleeping bag and pad), etc...

My current gear:

• Sleeping pad 1-R: 500g/17.5oz
• Sleeping bag 5*C/40F: 1200g/2lb10.3oz
• Self standing 3 seasons tent: , 2000g/4lb6.5oz)

I plan to trek the Laugavegur in Iceland, end of July 2024. I don't have the gear above with me currently because I am in the USA.

As (1) I am stuck with less bang for my buck for budget options and (2) I am reaching my mid-30s, I think this is an occasion for upgrade my gear for something lighter.

Goals:

• Getting new 3-season (1) sleeping bag, (2) sleeping pad - and maybe (3) a light tent for 2. This gear would be lighter than my current gear listed above. Maybe not "ultralight", but something close to a weight halving, for possibly no more than 3/4 times the price. The idea would be a versatile 3 seasons gear that I would take with me 90% of the time for the next 10 years or so. I don't enjoy hiking in the snow or below 0C/32F and so if/when the occasion presents itself I'll just rent or borrow to a friend.
• Have the gear do well for my Laugavegur trail. Historical temperatures an not going well under 40F so I want to feel comfy at this temperature. Weather can be capricious and so I want to be able to survive around 30F. This trek would probably be the coldest of the ones I'll do with this gear so would be a good test.

Profile:

- Male with narrow shoulders, 6.16"/188cm tall, side sleeper, sleeping warm outside of camping context, maybe average in camping context.

Examples of attractive options:

SLEEPING BAG

• Magma 30 Long Narrow: 30F (probably worse than that) for 1lb.9oz/700g. Having a 700g sleeping bag that can be this light feels very attractive. For 380 USD - 5 times my current one same rating - I'll have the wait for a sale. The only other doubt is whether or not 30F is "warm enough". But for a 3-seasons / "main" bag I think a focus on weight is a good bet.

https://www.rei.com/product/228707/rei-co-op-magma-30-sleeping-bag

• Feathered Friends UL 30: 30F (probably accurate/better) for 1lb.6.4oz/635g. It's more expensive than the REI but seems warmer and still has a full zip for versatility. Less sure about durability and very few reviews online.

https://featheredfriends.com/products/feathered-friends-hummingbird-ul-20-30-down-sleeping-bag?variant=20749594656822

I need to investigate more on those sleeping bags, but this seems to be one of the best weight/warms ratio that I could find. I don't feel I want to go heavier, nor more expensive. Waiting for a good sale.

SLEEPING PAD

• EXPED Ultra 3R: 2.9R value (closer to 3-seasons than my current 1R) for 12.9oz/365g. Not cheap, and no sure why this brand is the only one to be in the 3R category.

https://www.rei.com/product/222896/exped-ultra-3r-mummy-sleeping-pad

• THERMOREST NeoAir XLite NXT: 4.5R value for 13oz which is great. It is more expensive than the one above but would allow me to be more comfortable with a lighter sleeping bag choice. I am wondering tho if I could still bring that one during hot summer (does a higher R rating imply being warmer in the summer too or the opposite?)

https://www.rei.com/product/217082/therm-a-rest-neoair-xlite-nxt-sleeping-pad

I think 3-4R would be me sweet spot. Do you know any alternative ?

EDIT: In term of pads, I am actually starting to switch my search from "as light as possible" (Xlite NXT) to "best comfort/weight ratio" (with 3+ real-world R-value) so started looking at Big Agnes Zoom UL, NEMO Tensor 4-seasons and Ether Light XT to give some examples. Reasoning is that I am fine with 1lb/500-600g if I can gain in comfort (and noise cause sleeping with GF). Maybe those will come with slightly increased durability too.

EDIT2: After more research, I think I'll be looking for more comfort on my sleeping pad - but I still want lightweight and good R rating. I am now debating between:

A. NEMO Tensor All-Seasons: 5.4R, 13oz (17oz packed)

https://www.rei.com/product/228436/nemo-tensor-all-season-ultralight-insulated-sleeping-pad

B. Big Agnes Rapide SL: 4.8R (really?), 18oz (22oz packed assuming)

https://www.rei.com/product/228436/nemo-tensor-all-season-ultralight-insulated-sleeping-pad

The A has a better R rating and weight, while the B is more comfortable and maybe more compact.

TENT

• Nature Hike VIK series

https://www.naturehike.com/products/naturehike-vik-series-970g-ultralight-15d-nylon-single-tent-nh18w001-k

This is the category I did the least research. My poor old 25 USD Decathlon did very well in rain and wind in NZ. This contrasts with another tent that was not self standing and was leaking.

Ideally I'd like to find a self-standing tent that is waterproof (like all night cold rain waterproof) and windproof, while being as light as possible. Impossible trilemna?

I'll upgrade the post as I find more options, as maybe it will help others.

Who here has hearing instruments they need to wear regularly? How to you manage them on trail?

The charging component on mine is very large and bulky and not light. Does anyone have any solutions to be able to charge them other than the big bulky device?

I was looking around to find an ultralight tent here in Poland and there aren't really that many options. I want it to:

• be a tent (not a tarp)
• weight less than 1000g, all included (the less, the better)
• cost less than 250€ with shipping (again the less, the better)
• have enough space to sit inside.

From what I found, the best option would be GG The One, but with shipping and tax it's around 300€. Naturehike and mt900 weigh too much. Lunar solo and lanshan 1 pro look okay, but I have concerns about their reliability and they aren't cheap too (especially Lunar).

Are there other tents to be considered? Maybe used ones? What are your opinions on those mentioned above? Thanks for help!

Edit: I also like the assymetric shape of Featherstone Backbone 1P and Skyscape Trekker. How do they compare to Lashan?

Hey all! I'm a beginner overnight hiker but experienced hiker / trail runner. I want to go as light as I can on the trail without being to uncomfortable. Would LOVE if you guys could give me a pack shake down! Here's the link and down below is the trips i'll be bringing this list on! https://lighterpack.com/r/9fsyfp

Current base weight: 9.56 LB / 4.33 KG

Location/temp range/specific trip description: Blue mountains Australia - Coast line hikes NSW/VIC - Temp range is 20c/-5c 68f/20f - more just trying to do an all rounder list for 3 season hiking in au (doesn't really get that cold down here so this list could be used in winter)

Budget: Any

Non-negotiable Items: Snake bandage - bug spray - double wall tent - gaiters. (HAPPY to hear any opinion though or alternatives!)

Solo or with another person?: Planning to hike with small group of 6 people but wanting to do solo as I gain more experience

Additional Information: Not much to say haha

Hey guys, I'm just getting into the UL backpacking and would like to buy a pack. I bike pack quite a bit and my base volume for that is somewhere around 22L of gear depending on weather. I think I would like to get a bag that has about 40L of space. I also run and wouldn't mind trying a vest style pack as I love my Salomon vest for day trips. I sometimes get bad neck pain from riding bikes so I'm unsure if it will be best to go with a framed or frameless bag. I would also like to keep the cost around or below 300$ CAD. I am doing mostly 3-5 day trips in the mountains.

So far I have these on my list:

-Gossamer Kumo 36L

-Gossamer 4-20 42L

-Six Moons Flight V 50L

​

Location/temp range/specific trip description: east coast usa (maryland, va, pa, nc, sometimes ny adirondacks). this is specifically my warm weather kit (spring and summer)

Budget: $300

Non-negotiable Items: none besides backpack (just got it)

Solo or with another person?: for this kit, solo

Additional Information: i usually am hiking with my partner, splitting things up and i easily reach sub 10lbs. looking to achieve that on my own as well

Lighterpack Link: https://lighterpack.com/r/1zlku0

Thru-hiking the JMT in 6 weeks. I haven't decided on a backpack, yet, and here's some of my options. I estimate I'll need around 45L of space including my bear vault. I estimate my base weigh (including the bear vault) will be 12lb. Here's some pack choices.

I could LiteAF Curve 46L - two versions, an ecopak and ultraweave, not sure the difference. I'm guessing the Ultra 200x material is better, but it has a lead time of 4 weeks. Is that cutting it too close?

My Osprey Atmos 65L (has a frame)

My Frameless ULA CDT, not sure if frameless will be regrettable considering I'll have up to 18lb of food for 20lb of weight on my pack.

Any thoughts on the best pack to get with only 6 weeks until my trip? Sorry I was a bit irresponsible in lingering on my final pack choice before my trip.

Hi, so, check this out. I was looking for a lightweight solution for taking nice pic (better than phone) out when i hike. I thought i would use the mju ii but i cant afford em so. I went for the kodak funsaver.

This is how bb looks like I went in and removed the motherboard and flash n battery n the film counting thing. Also these camera are called disposable camera but they are not disposable. Reuse them. I put a new roll of film in side n roll it up manually. I taped around it to prevent light leakage n slightly more waterproof

So for under 30$ i got a camera that weights 61g +20g film. It has no flash but thats ok coz mountain got good light. It doesnt need battery, doesnt need to focus. And u get to play with the clicky wheel to wind the film up. 1/120 F10 400ISO film. Plenty enuff.

Soooo guys I need some advice!

I have the opportunity to purchase either of these great tents second hand, here in Scandinavia. The price is kinda similar and weight wise the SoloMid is a little bit heavier but not too crazy, even though I don't use trekking poles and will use a carbon fiber tent pole if purchased.

I want this tent to be my go to for most trips and conditions and I almost always go solo + small dog (which is why I personally prefer to hike without trekking poles. I always get tangled up in the leash).

My main concern however is general length and living area since i'm 6'5"/196 cm tall. Will i fit better in one or the other? SoloMid has a higher peak and slightly longer floor but mids slope much more, you guys know the drill. Maybe someone here have som experience with both these tents and wouldn't mind sharing some insight.

Thanks!

Hi Folks,

Been trying to find recommendations for a two person tarp (around 3x3 m) for heading out bivvying, but everything I seem to be finding is made by US companies and would be a pain to ship here. Does anyone have good recommendations for fairly lightweight tarps that can be purchased from EU based stores. Ideal budget would be about 150 EUR but happy for suggestions above or below :)

Is there a consensus (or any studies at all) in sports science literature with regards to the make up of fats and carbs in ones diet and its impact on endurance activities like backpacking? I imagine any studies done may be in the context of a keto diet. The general consensus in bodybuilding is that is has very little impact, but I haven't seen the same discussion around backpacking/fastpacking/ultra running.

I ask in the context that we all know that fat makes up 9 calories/gram and carbs are 4 calories/gram, so UL thinking would lead towards trading all carbs into fat. My rough math indicates you can save 0.5 lb per day by trading all carbs into fats on a 3000 cal diet with 155g of protein. But, does this inhibit long-distance endurance activity performance in any way (ie is the trade off actually worth it from a performance and feeling perspective)? Anecdotally, I've certainly felt terrible when trying this in the past, but I was also not near the shape I'm in now so there are other factors that may have caused that.

PS: I'm familiar with the Gearskeptic videos, but I only remember him saying 'it seems like the body uses fat more than carbs at the heartrate levels of hiking so you're justified in skimping on carbs'. And he extrapolated some existing studies pretty far from what I recall. Basically, I wasn't convinced in his rationale.

As I am from the UK and shipping fees are out of control (thanks brexit), the pad mentioned in the title is unaffordable to me. Even if it was affordable the folded variant is often out of stock.
So, I've taken it upon myself to make my own. I've got the correct foam but I've hit a bit of a road block. The foam does not fold easily.
I could just roll it up, but would prefer if it could fold along crease lines similar to the gossamer gear pad.

Now the question I pose to you, avid reader, is how do I get these crease lines?
I have a feeling heat is involved.

Any help appreciated.

Hi, I checked many threads but haven't found the answer to my question. Every thread was about the warmth and comfort of the Senchi clothes when hiking and moving. But what would you say would be the best one to mainly use to be comfortable and warm at camp or at the summit, not necessarily when actively hiking?

It would be really helpful if you could tell me in what temperatures have you used it in those situations

The tent sticks from my MSR Carbon Reflex 3 should be able to fit into each other, like "male-female" because of a silver smaller cillinder inside the black cilinder. Somehow that silver cilinder is gone now (while at other places it seems to be very tight and not movable), making it "de male-female". I have no idea what the part is called or how I should look for some kind of replacement. Can anybody help me with this?

What type of weather/temps and activities do you find yourself reaching for your softshell?

Does it tend to replace your midlayer or windbreaker?

Can it be worn under a hardshell or would it be swapped when the skies open?

I'm unsure when carrying this extra layer (with midlayer, windbreaker and waterproof jacket) would be ideally utilised.

It seems they would be too warm on milder days to replace a lw windbreaker, and apparently most are too non insulating for colder days.

Any help much appreciated understanding its correct usage!

TLDR Is getting 60% iPhone charge out of a new 5000mAh Nitecore battery bank to be expected? iPhone battery is 4400mAh, so roughly less than 50% efficiency. Thats a lot of transfer loss.

So I just purchased the NL2150RX in my search for the lightest 5K battery for 2-3 day trips. Initially I charged it up and tested it out on my iPhone 15 Pro Max with battery at 20%. I noticed after about 5 minutes of charging my iPhone was constantly reconnecting itself to the charger, about every minute or so. It continues to charge over the long term, but it seems a bit odd performance to constantly reconnect itself (this is similar to when I have my solar panel plugged into a battery bank while hiking).

I was only able to get about 60% additional charge on my iPhone before battery ran out, which was a bit surprising given iPhone battery is 4400mAh, I know there is a lot of efficiency loss happening but thats a lot more than expected.

Wanting some clarification, I wrote to Nitecore about the reconnecting problem, made them a video demo, and without giving much of any answer or explanation they just sent me a replacement unit. Well that came yesterday, today I charged, tested, and same exact performance :-/

The Nitecore power output reads as 5V 2A. I know iPhone 15 can accept a 20W fast charger input, though i've absolutely used low power output batteries before without seeing this reconnecting issue (I have the Nitecore NC10000 bank I've used with good results).

Are others getting the same sort of performance & total charge? Granted I still think this will be great on 2-3 day trips as I really just want to recharge my Garmin inReach, my phone should last for 3 days only using it as a camera & occasional GPS.

Currently on the PCT (well probably about to end it) and I’ve been dealing with pretty severe pain in my upper back while hiking since day 1. I spoke with Blaze Physio yesterday and she mentioned T4 Syndrome. Has anyone dealt with this and found manageable solutions?

I have the Atompacks Mo and have spoken with numerous people, including the company about the fit which seems fine but without fail I keep getting pain that starts around my C7 and spreads to my traps within the first mile of everyday. I’ve tried every manner of adjustments to the pack, feel most of the weight on my hips, tried no hiking poles (which actually seems to mitigate it) but by mile 5 everyday I’m miserable and just pushing through tremendous pain.

I thought maybe it was growing pains but it doesn’t seem to be getting better. Admittedly, I did not have time for a proper shakedown hike and at this point I’m ready to call it, seek out a more supportive pack, train better and really dial in gear for a NOBO attempt again next year or 2026.

I know everyone deals with pain the first couple hundred miles but I seem to be the minority with something like this. Just wanted to reach out to all resources and see what people think.

Not looking for medical advice just wanting to see opinions. Thanks.

I got the recommended height for the distance FLZ, but after fully putting them together, they seem really tall. Anyone familiar with the poles knows about the silver button that locks it when you pull them together. Is it necessary to go that far? Or can I assemble the pole by putting the different pieces together and hiking without extending it to the silver button? Thanks!

Trying to decide between a 30 or 20 degree UL hybrid quilt.

A few data points:

• Use will be 3 season in the Western US
• With lots of Summer use with occasional 7-8k’ and above elevations.
• For shoulder seasons, likely will stay in lower elevations for this quilt.
• Will be using with a Big Agnes Rapide SL pad (R = 4.8)

I really am struggling with relying on the fuss of straps for quilts, but really want the versatility of quilts and don’t need a hood (nor like hoods unless it’s Winter).

I’ve narrowed it down to EE Convert or Feathered Friends Flicker UL (Wide). Please feel free to share your experience with use of 20 and 30 degree quilts, especially if using hybrid ones that have a full zip.

https://enlightenedequipment.com/convert-sleeping-quilt/

https://featheredfriends.com/products/feathered-friends-flicker-ul-wide-down-quilt-sleeping-bag

Thanks!

Has anyone had luck with finding a lightweight sport bottle cap (fitting 28mm bottles) that is tethered to the bottle (like this one: CNOC Cap) AND is easy to drink from (like the SmartWater Cap, this design: Sport Cap). I have a bad track record with losing caps when I take them off to filter water. A lightweight cap that is easy to drink from AND is tethered to the bottle would be awesome.

I found a cap with this design: Silicone Cap, but it appears to be a little heavy.

Thanks in advance!