Ultralight Backpacking Gear - Part 1

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Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• ultralight backpacking gear
• backpacks gear
• backpacking lite
• backpack gear reviews
• light backpacking list
• backpacker light
• appalachian trail gear list
• pacific crest trail gear list

[shaggzm4]

I've been looking at blown up sleeping pads for this summer, how would you rate their durability?

[blackwoodspress]

@shaggzm4 I use a Thermarest Prolite self-inflating sleeping pad. I have had them pop a few times over the years, but overall they are very durable. I carry the patch kit in case they need to be repaired, which only happens every 1,000 miles or so. You need to be careful when choosing a campspot to make sure there are not any sharp sticks or rocks underneath.

[EddieErion929]

hi,how do you stay dry if it rains hard with just a tarp,groung cover and a down sleeping bag?-thanks

[blackwoodspress]

@EddieErion929 As long as the rain is coming down from above the tarp does a fine job of keeping the rain off of me and my gear. It's much wider than a tent so it provides a lot of coverage. If the rain is being blown in sideways by the wind then I will pitch the tarp with the sides tacked to the ground and the ridgeline lower than usual, which makes a smaller opening for rain to come in. As long as I stay near the middle I stay dry.

[TheRussellEmerson]

being originally from the east coast (and now in canada, may come back) i have little knowledge of the pacific crest trail. are there shelters on that trail like there are on the A.T?

[blackwoodspress]

@TheRussellEmerson There are a couple of shelters on the PCT but they are very few and far between (only a few on the entire trail). So a good lightweight tarp or tent is essential. The good news is that the weather on the PCT is usually very mild, and many PCT hikers choose to cowboy camp out under the stars most of the time.

[borderraven]

@blackwoodspress, try inflating air matress to 45%,50% and 60%. You'll find once your body weight is distributed full-length your weight will be supported, and you won't strain the fabric. It will be more quite too. Experiment with a 1-quart ziplock bag and you'll see the concept.

As for the rubbing alcohol stinging. Mix 8 fluid ounces hydrogen-peroxide with 16 fluid ounces of rubbing alcohol (70% or 90%). Cleans eyeglasses, disinfects wounds, and diluted 50/50 in water cleans ears.

[limey3r]

Good vid, I'm trying to get together the right gear to go ultralight. Of course I go for the rocks when rather than tp lol

[redheadhikerbabe]

@blackwoodspress It took me a long time and many frustrating winter hikes before I finally landed on the idea that a vest and a high quality thermal shirt gave me freedom of movement but incredible warmth. It's sometimes a bit nippy in the early morning when you're first on the move, but mind over matter keeps me from focusing on the chill until my body heats up.

[redimixofmd]

Thank you for sharing.