Tried out a buddies TNF verto micro hoodie while on a climb the other day, amazing! of course they don't make it anymore. Anything similar out there, essentially no insulation in the arms and light insulation in the core?

My gf and I are planning on doing the PCT together in a year or two (did the AT last year), and I’m trying to figure out a system where we could each have our own sleeping gear, but also have them pair when we’re together (ie not just a 2-person pad).

I’m wondering if there are any pads out there that could somehow mate together like sleeping bags, but still be standalone by themselves? Or any other options?

I am looking for some advice on changing my ice climbing approach layering system this upcoming winter. Temperature can vary greatly, but anywhere from -10F to 15F is relatively common before the sun has risen when making long approaches. My main problem tends to be how much I sweat as I find myself hot easily.

I usually wear patagonia cap air base layers for top/bottom. While not ultralight, I wear rab alpine ascendor pants for my outer pants as they function well for what i desire when climbing. While my legs do sweat some, it's mainly my top. Even wearing nothing but the cap air, I usually tend to get so sweaty that when I eventually stop moving I get cold. Especially my back from where my pack sits. A common approach on longer days may be in the realm of 5-6 miles with 2500ft of elevation gain. Last season I was just bringing a spare base layer top to change into, but it would be nice to avoid that if possible. Especially for multi-day backcountry trips.

I've seen people discussing the finetrack mesh and bryjne mesh as a layer to wear under the baselayer. Would something like that help to prevent getting quite as cold even if I get quite sweaty? Would alpha possibly make a better option as a baselayer over the cap air? I usually avoid other layers over top of the cap air when approaching as I tend to wet out those layers and then find them cold to wear when belaying. I tend to bring a proton lt as a midlayer/outer layer depending on temp and conditions, a gamma lt soft shell and then usually a big belay puffy as my extra layers.

Also considering possibly replacing the proton lt with another midlayer. Would alpha be the best bang for the buck for that? Possibly alpha with a shell attached to it or would I be better served with two separate pieces? I realize my layers could definitely be lighter but sometimes a few ounces is worth extra comfort or durability when climbing.

Hi all! Thinking of buying this type of tent. Anyone have experience pitching this tent or any similar single wall solo trekking pole tent on granite or other such surfaces where pegs hold poorly? I generally overcome this easily with my current standard pole tent by wrapping extended guy lines around medium sized rocks, but I fear this won’t work with the Lunar solo. I mainly do 3-5 night trips in the summer in the sierras.

What is warmer? Is the 80g too little for 800cuin?

I’ve been trying to upgrade from my frogg togg rain jacket and had my heart set on the montbell versalite after hearing so many good things. Recently i’ve come upon the Rab downpour light jacket and the price point and good reviews have me intrigued. It seems like it’s come out recently so while reviews are good there aren’t many of them. It weighs about an ounce more but doesn’t have pit zips. Does anyone have any experience with this jacket or any input on if pit zips would really be worth almost $100 more?

I just bought a new Thermarest NeoAir Xlite NXT RW, however the actual weight does not match the marketed weight.

Weight on the box and on Thermarest site = 450g (15.88 oz)

Weight on my scale = 476g (16.79 oz)

I weighed only the pad and controlled my scale by weighing water to make sure it’s accurate.

My RW is closer to the marketed weight of the large pad, 480g (16.93 oz).

How are yours?

Just got back from testing 6 tents in some pretty high winds. Using 2 anemometers, I measured a peak gusts of 72 km/h (45mph), which led to two of the six tents having poles bend (2 tents had already failed). Average wind speeds were 30-40 km/h (19-25 mph) with normal gusts hitting 50-55 km/h (31-34 mph).

One of the tents I was testing was the Zpacks Plex Solo. It's a tent I've seen written off for windy conditions because of how lightweight it is, so I wanted to test it out. The things I thought would help it perform in wind are the geometry, using a robust trekking pole for structural support (Costco poles), and all the guylines. The things i thought might fail were the guylines slipping or ripping off of the tent with too much load.

I set the tent up with the door on the leeward side of the wind. So the entire back panel was being hit. Overall, the tent performed very well. The pyramid shape dumped wind very effectively due to not having any steeper walls like on some of the tents with tent poles. Not having tent poles also reduced a significant point of failure for other tents. An all-in-one pitch makes a big difference when setting the tent up in the wind. I was also able to pre-stake out all the guyout points, which meant I had full guyline support for the tent very quickly after raising the centre pole. The testing showed that guylines are one of the most important factors for tent performance in wind and having 10 guyout points for such a little tent definitely helped the Plex Solo. Some of the guylines did slip a little and I had to lock the tension using a half hitch at the lineloc. The issue of linelocs slipping was happening across all the tents. The triangle line locks did better.

Edit: I pitched the tent on a sports field with good compressed soil and used a mixture of pretty robust stakes.

Good morning hikers! I want to upgrade my current sleep system which is ancient (20 yrs), overweight, and not warm enough for my comfort. The prices on modern quilts and bags are way out of reach for me. Does anyone have advice on something I could add to my kit, like a bag liner or blanket? Or a favorite well-priced alternative? Or is there a brand or website I somehow missed - mostly on GGG, REI, and Enwild?

I like using a poncho for rain as I just like it better than having a pack cover and rain jacket.

So I'm looking for a light but good poncho which is big enough for a 1.90m man to stay reasonable dry, while having the backpack under the poncho as well.

I currently have a 350g one that in emergency doubles as a tarp.

I have sadly not found one that is lighter and smaller.

The tarp function is optional as I luckily did not need to use it yet.( I carry a tent)

Additional I'm in the EU. So most of the high tech dynema companies are in the US and hard to get here.

Any recommendations?

As the title suggests I am currently deciding between the Sil Hexpeak F6a and Copper Spur HV UL3 Long (currently on sale), different tents, I know. I am still open for other options but can't find other tents that fit my needs. I am pretty tall (200cm/6'7) which makes it extra hard to find a that fits my length and I am looking for something to order within Europe. Ordering a tent from the USA would increase the price a lot (tax, duties, shipping). I am looking for a tent which can occupy two people with some room left for bags/stuff and is double wall.

My max budget is ~400 euros. Currently I am using the Vango Blade 200 (2.1kg) which is okay but my feet/head are touching the walls.

I will using the tent for my bike (packing) trips and it would be great if the tent would fit in my Ortlieb Backroller Classic which they both do (according to the dimensions).

Some details to compare:

The Copper Spur HV UL3 Long has less weight and seems to be more popular since it's a more known and bigger brand, and of course, they make good tents. The Hexpeak F6a seems to be heavier but packs smaller and can be compressed, the thing that currently bugs a bit me; it's really big, but I don't know if that really is a problem.

I am eager to hear your opinions on what you would do or your experiences if you have one of these tents! I am still open for other options.

Link

Hey all! I'm going to be hiking the three passes trek in Nepal from late April-mid May of 2025. I'm currently at a bag weight of 16.5 lbs without water and I'm looking for ways to cut weight. I'd also like to know if there's anything important I'm missing or things I should change out.

Items with an astrix mean that I have not bought it yet. I'm also planing on not bringing a sleeping bag since I'll be hiking later in the year and also not bringing treking poles since I've never used them before. Should I bring either of these?

A final note is that I'm planning on using my Osprey Fairpoint 40 that I already own. Should I opt to buy an actual backpacking backpack instead (my old one doesn't fit me anymore), or will the Fairpoint work out?

Any other advice is appreciated!

I've been lurking in this sub for several months to see gear recommendations. I always noticed that when someone asks about the best base layer for winter, the Mountain Hardwear AirMesh frequently gets recommended in the comments.

Honestly, I thought it was just hype. I figured all base layers were pretty much the same—how could a single base layer be as remarkable as everyone was saying?

Today, I went to my local hiking gear shop, and they had a few AirMesh layers on sale, so I decided to try one.

Holy sh*t.
First of all, they are so light—like featherweight. I barely felt the weight when I put one on. The inner lining is made of a fleece-like material, so it’s incredibly warm. As soon as I moved a little, I could feel the air ventilating through the fabric, cooling my sweat almost instantly. It was like the fabric was breathing.

Honestly, it’s the best Winter base layer I’ve ever tried. No exaggeration.

I did notice that when I wore it directly on my skin, it felt a bit itchy due to the fleece material. So, I wore a Fine Track Elemental layer underneath, with the AirMesh as a second layer.

The weather here today was -1°C, and I wore the following layers: Fine Track Elemental, AirMesh, Arc'teryx Proton LT, and Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody. I stayed warm, and the breathability was amazing. I usually get sweaty easily, even in winter, but this combination was perfect for me.

The AirMesh is the king.

Hey, I‘m looking for a tent to use on the Haute Route Pyrenees but can‘t decide if I should get a semi/freestanding or if a trekking pole tent is good enough. Some places on the trail might be exposed to the wind and the ground could be to hard to use all stakes. Since I have no experience with trekking pole tents I don’t know how suitable they are for such conditions. Have you got any suggestions for me?

I find it strange I can't find any Chinese brands / Aliexpress sellers selling tents or tarps made of 20D Sil-Poly. Anyone know of one or have a theory as of why not? I imagine it's just a matter of time.

Posting on this sub cause I know y'all will be honest with me lol.

https://lighterpack.com/r/gcwsq4

I flip-flopped the AT in 2022, my base weight was like 22 pounds then--yikes. Planning a PCT thru in 2025 and I am committed to a MUCH lighter base weight! Right now it's at 16.75 lb but I'd like to get it down to sub 15 at least.

Some things I think I could cut down for weight and my concerns: Pack--but I'm concerned that a lighter pack will be uncomfortable?

Clothes--I'm nervous about getting cold but think there must be a more lightweight solution

Electronics--I want to make sure I'll be able to charge quickly in towns but I don't think my current setup is optimizing weight with charging speed

I'm sure there's more that I haven't thought of!!

My non-negotiables are my cook system and bear canister.

I appreciate any suggestions!!

I'll be hiking in northern norway (lofoten) and the dolomites (alta via 1) next year. With Black Friday around the corner was looking to dial in my clothing system.

Was looking through the previous posts to find commonly used products that I could keep an eye out for during the sale and saw that the majority of people usually run either a sun-hoody/button-down/t-shirt.

Was wondering which ones do people most commonly wear and why?

My S2S pad couldn't hold air, so I decided to repair it. First, I located an invisible hole on the front, in the middle, right on the round seam (seam leak, is it a manufacturing defect? Not sure) and managed to repair it with the repair patch kit that came with the pad, but the pad kept leaking air. Finally I found out that the valve is leaking: the air is getting through between the rubber/elastic membrane and the plastic "cage" that is holding it. The air gets through on all sides, so this is not because the cage is deformed on the inside (tbh, everything looks like new there) or because the membrane is punctured. I tried to replace the membrane with a spare one (came with the pad) but it is leaking even more. What is going on and what should I do? Should I contact the manufacturer? Maybe I should add something between the membrane and the cage (some non-sticky silicone ring perhaps?) I have other pads, so this is not urgent. Any ideas, what would you do?

Gecko Gear Mini Crampons:

Obviously not out yet, but how y'all feeling about this? Seems very applicable for PCT'ers and CDT'ers, or anyone recreating in snow. Half the weight of Petzl Leopards, and bi-directional. Not sure if anyone has heard of them yet, or anyone has experience.

https://geckogear.co/?fbclid=PAY2xjawGftE5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABps7aaSrR9NOtSRCeR3h_w952DvAsuzS2xNw3ABDazIzqrLe-_1Ykeorg4Q_aem_B4sq-tQN2v_4LWOvGHiIOA

I run hot and my Dooy is usually perfect when moving, but there are times when the wind is really howling that I want a bit stronger air resistance. Seems like two of them would still about the same weight as many lower CFM options and give a more flexible system. Thoughts?

Last week I got a new down jacket and I felt like I couldve slept on the ground wearing just my clothing. Was near freezing all day in the canadian rockies. The jacket is more padded then a typical backpacking puffy, but weighs more. 600grams

I bought a fleece sleeping bag liner 745g. Paired with a regular bag liner i have 353g.

My current sleeping bag is a crap synthetic one. I got it as a gift 12 years ago and it spent 8 years in a compression bag. Has zero loft, i doubt the fleece is that much worse. 1740 grams. Saving 600g.

Also going to put my giant puffy jacket inside the liner with me. Sleep in my wool base and fleece midlayer. Bringing a 90g emergency blanket as a ground tarp but can stuff it in with me at night. Basically jerry rigging up a sleeping bag.

Im trying to geta new down sleeping bag soon for christmas, kinda broke. Also want a decathalon mt100 for a summer down jacket.

Ima go try it atleast. Im like steve wallis, high cold tolerence. Grew up in northern canada, was -50 C one halloween.

I am reviewing the Enlightened Equipment Torrid jacket here due to the fact that I *think* EE doesn't post customer reviews to their site. Correct me if I'm wrong. (Edit: the comments are just not visible for me on Firefox but work on other browsers...could be my settings.)

I recently bought a Torrid jacket and I was not disappointed (at first); I love this coat aesthetically and practically on almost every level.

However, the zipper is very light duty and after a few weeks of wear, the bottom part of the zipper separated while I was using the pockets to warm my hands. I was able to carefully coax the zipper pull back down in a way where I could rejoin the ends without breaking any teeth, but now that I know that the zipper has this weakness I am anxious about using the garment how it's intended (for through-hikes/camping trips), in case of it happening in a more troublesome context. I am also now cautious about using the pockets to warm my hands or putting heavier objects in them, which makes me think that the pullover torrid would be the superior choice for durability and peace of mind.

I have been in touch with EE, but so far they haven't found satisfactory reason to fulfill the warranty. If you have defective gear, be advised that they will be picky about the quality and level of detail of your photo documentation, so take the time to be meticulous! My photo was of the lower section of the jacket but they wanted a very close up image with more detail, which I didn't take before reconnecting the zipper, unfortunately. It seems I will have to wait until the gear malfunctions again to potentially receive a replacement.

(Edit: glad to get the feedback and recommendations (thanks!) and it sounds like EE will warranty the jacket down the line if the zipper fails more drastically.)

I was ready to click the purchase button on a Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket when Montbell revamped its entire website and increased all the prices, including those for purchasing directly from Japan. I don't know that I can bring myself to spend $200 on the rain jacket. Are there other alternatives that are good quality but not crazy expensive? Thanks in advance.

After researching a bit I found that, since based in Northern Europe, cumulus would probably be the brand for me. The question I have is if the Plancklite would be sufficient or I should go for the primelite pullover? For extra info I’m planning on bringing a wool mesh base layer, a sunhoody and a frog toggs. Thanks for the help!

First time backpacker here - planning solo and trips with friends…2 nights max. I was gifted a Big Agnes sleeping bag. Looking to buy a Rumpl as well as it gets awfully cold at night here in the Northeast USA. Going to REI to get fitted for a bag once I have all of my gear.

Looking for a suggestion for an ultralight 2 person 3 season double wall tent. Possibly 1P since I’m child-sized lol (mostly looking for 2P in case I bring one of my kiddos in the future or a friend).

I’m very petite (5’1” + 105lbs) so lighter is better for me.

Also looking for suggestions for sleeping pads & pillows. I have a herniated disc and some minor bulging discs in my neck. Sleeping wrong will nearly cripple me the next day so that is my only anxiety about backpacking. Looking at Nemo tensor or an inflatable. Higher R value. I’m worried about the foam pads because of comfort. But I suppose a decent pillow could help that?

Any other help and tips are appreciated. I’m overwhelmed by Reddit posts, YouTubers, Facebook groups. So. Much. Different. Information. I’d like to see what the majority votes are for these.

Hello,

I'm looking for an ultralight tarp or shade with Sun/UV50+ protection. The purpose for this shade is to stay out of the sun during my high noon break. I hike mostly in the Saudi desert. I hike during the early hours of the day and in the night, while I take break most or all the noon, depending on the trail and the weather. Sometimes I do not find enough shade to protect me from the sun during the break, so I thought a pack something that I can use.
The reason I'm looking for an ultralight solution is that I mostly carry water with me, about 9-10kg of just water. There are hardly any place to get water for three or four days. I get lucky when I pass by a random camels herder in the desert to generously share his water with me. So keeping my base weight bellow 6kg is important.

Any ideas or suggestions?

Hello,

I'm planning to buy hiking tent my main considerations are the price, weight and performance against rain and cold conditions mostly. I would like it if it can fit 3 people. Tight fit is alright.

At the moment I'm considering the

Lanshan 2 Pro https://3fulgear.com/product/ultralight-tent/lanshan-2-pro/

Cloud UP 3 People 3-season Camping Tent https://www.naturehike.au/collections/ultralight-tent/products/naturehike-cloud-up-series-20d-tent-for-3-person-nh18t030-t

Would appreciate any recommendations. Thank you very much.

Hi , I have a question about a jacket I just brought.I had a Rab microlight for the UK winter but wanted something warmer as I work outdoors and so just got the Electron pro.I have been using it a week and it's nice and warm but the arms are cold , I noticed that where I bend my arms under the elbow pits the down moves to the back of the elbow if that makes sense leaving absolutely no down at all on the top of the arm in that area, I can move it back I wish they adding some stitching on that section to stop it happening because it compromised the warmth of both arms.Is this a normal thing ,is there a solution or is it a defective jacket.Thanks.

On closer inspection it looks like that section under the elbow pits is a closed off section that has been purposely filled with less down it's the same on both sides , I assume so you can bend your arm ,but it's way too much as you can just feel the material the other side feel like it's empty and let's in far too much cold.Next time I'm in a shop I will see if others are the same.

Hi all!

I'm trying to assemble a very compact setup for 2-3 seasons outings. The critical part is sleeping bag/quilt volume, so I'm doing a survey of the most compact models on the market.

At the moment these are the best options I've found:

• https://cumulus.equipment/eu_en/down-sleeping-bag-x-lite-200.html 350gr, 200gr 900 cuin down, 1.7 litres, 4°C comfort, 355€ (hoodless sleeping bag)
• https://cumulus.equipment/eu_en/down-sleeping-bag-aerial-180.html 300gr, 180gr 900 cuin down, 1.7 litres, 4°C comfort, 275€ (false-bottom no-zip hoodless sleeping bag)

With only 180/200 gr of quality down is the comfort rating of these two sleeping bags realistic?

Am I missing other super-compact sleeping bags / quilts available in EU?

Should ideally be at least 5°C comfort rating and max 2 litres when closed.