For example, I've been debating what kind of pack to buy. Should I get a traditional backpack like a Gregory. Or should I get a lighter one like a Mytrailco backpack that weighs close to 2lb and doesn't have a full suspension frame.

Choices like that. Thoughts?

Consider what you are going to be using it for. Ultralite style packs don't last as long as traditional packs, and without a full frame you can't last as long either. I bought (had bought for me) a traditional expedition sized backpack Christmas of '98 last has just recently become worn out! Even when I was going out for just a day or two I would go ahead and carry it (just mostly empty) and never felt like the pack itself was too heavy or that I needed something lighter.

I think other ultralite items (tents, sleep systems, weather gear, etc) are worth the weight savings though. Are you willing to pay for that though?

do you intend to backpack someplace cold, or for 5 days or more? Or just weekend trips in TX? If just weekend trips a smaller pack would probably be fine though I'd still want something with a real frame/stay. 20lbs comes to mind as the limit for what you will can comfortably carry without a frame.

Regarding Mytrail, if you like to purchase conscientiously maybe read a bit about the demise of GoLite and see if that's where you want to spend your money.

Totally depends on what you will be doing. A multi day trip in the desert carrying 20+ pounds of just water will be miserable with an ultralight pack.

What's your current base weight? And probably more importantly what kind of pack volume do you think you need?

I'd worry about shelter / sleep system / cook system / clothing before pack.

Even with a base weigh of 10-12# depending on season, I mostly grab a framed pack these days. The weight difference of 1-1.5 lbs is worth it for comfort and packing flexibility.

A ULA Ohm or Gossamer Gear Gorilla clock in ~ 2# with a rudimentary frames, ULA Circuit comes in at 2.5# .

Make and post a Lighter Pack if you really want some feedback.

lighterpack.com

Also consider how LONG of a hike you will be taking. Are you hiking a few miles and setting up camp? Then a traditional pack and gear may work. Are you hiking 50+ miles? Then consider the weight/cost more heavily. This is why you would go ultralight - when you are hiking long distances and every ounce is multiplied over thousands of steps.

I'm going to Philmont next summer. So that's the biggest consideration.

I just got the Gregory Baltoro 70 from hiker direct. It's freaking awesome.

Was planning to use it for Philmont but that's not happening due to the fires.

Ultra light stuff is expensive.
I would slowly work into it instead of trying to purchase it all. The backpack would be the last thing that I would purchase. Get all your other stuff figured out and whittled down then you will be ready to purchase the pack.
For instance an ultra light tent can easily cut 3+ lbs. Whittling down all the little crap we carry can save weight. Getting all of that stuff dialed in first makes the most sense to me. Then when you have the weight down, put it in an ultralight pack.

I don't know what my base weight is. I have about 5 different kinds of stoves, but I assume I will probably try out the MSR pocket rocket my brother gave me (previously I have just used my MSR dragonfly). I know it's not the lightest variety of that kind of stove, but I'm not going to sweat 3 oz at this point. I have 4 different down bags to choose from, I'm not sure which is the lightest. But none are particularly ultralight. I need a breathable rainjacket. I want to get a lightweight down jacket. I have a klymit pad. I need a titanium cookpot.

Sounds like you're on the right path.

For a pack I would stick to Osprey or Gregory. You can get some ultralight packs/tents from ZPacks. I might consider the tent, but I wouldn't buy the packs. Like others said, you're paying more for less durability and you can get plenty light without sacrificing durability on the thing that is going to be carrying all your stuff.

I did see Osprey had an ultralight pack last week while I was at a backpacking store in Bishop, CA. Looked cool, but not sure how durable.

That's my 2 cents.

As for tents. I love Big Agnes. For solo hikers I'd grab a 2person copper spur or rattlesnake. For duos I'd get the 3 person copper spur. Just sold my 2person Rattlesnake for a 3person Copper Spur. It's about 4lbs.

Sleeping Bags: Check out Enlightened Equipment's quilts. I love them. Ultralite, packs really well, and it keeps me plenty warm.

shiftyandquick said:

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I don't know what my base weight is. I have about 5 different kinds of stoves, but I assume I will probably try out the MSR pocket rocket my brother gave me (previously I have just used my MSR dragonfly). I know it's not the lightest variety of that kind of stove, but I'm not going to sweat 3 oz at this point. I have 4 different down bags to choose from, I'm not sure which is the lightest. But none are particularly ultralight. I need a breathable rainjacket. I want to get a lightweight down jacket. I have a klymit pad. I need a titanium cookpot.

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Make your gear list, go over it and make sure it's complete. Go buy a postage scale. Weigh everything. Then decide where you can cut weight as you upgrade or swap out gear.

Ultralight is as expensive as you want to make it. The good news is Philmont isn't going to allow you to get real nerdy about it.

A couple examples: swap Nalgene bottles for Gatorade or Smar****er bottles. Almost two pounds saved depending on the model of Nalgene. $30 Ultra-light Frogg Toggs pack small and light comparable to some $100+ rain coats.

Post a gear list - we'll shake it down for you.

Thought we'd be in Philmont next year too, but still on the wait list. I would imagine any wait list spots that come open will be offered to 2018 crews, so here's to 2020.

Not a backpack, but I'm thinking about ditching the tent and going with some sort of bivy sack. Seems a lot lighter and less set up and take down.

Rei flash 65. I tried on probably a dozen packs before my last 2 week backpacking trip las summer. I ordered some light weight packs from gossimer gear but it never felt that sturdy and really didn't fit well once it was loaded up to 30 pounds. It tried heavier more classic packs but didn't like the heavy weight. I was trying to keep base weight under 20 pounds and didn't like the pack being 25%of that weight.
The flash is around 3.5 pounds and has all the space I needed and amazing pocket space. It also felt as sturdy as any pack I tried on.
I've included a link below. You can get this pack for less than $100! I rarely care enough about gear to recommend it, but I can't say enough how good my experience has been with this pack.

https://www.rei.com/product/893906/rei-co-op-flash-65-pack

Go light. They last hikers 4 months on th AT, PCT, and CDT. How many years will it take you to put that many days on a pack? I have a GG gorilla, ULA Ohm, and a Katabatic Helios. And have a more mainstream Osprey Hornet. All work well and are pretty durable for most trips. The hornet is my current day pack that i can also take on a simple overnight. The other three are better for longer trips or when I need a bear canister.

queso1 said:

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Not a backpack, but I'm thinking about ditching the tent and going with some sort of bivy sack. Seems a lot lighter and less set up and take down.

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Had a buddy do the same, but eventually converted back to a tent after a couple of rainy days on the trail. There just wasn't a way to unpack his gear and keep it dry. I'm sure there's another piece of gear that could remedy that situation like stringing up a tarp/cover...but in his case, we just didn't have anything to help.

I have a Big Agnes Seedhouse 2 that I bought maybe 14 years ago. Haven't used it very much. Obviously it's not very big for 2 people. But it's reasonably lightweight I think. I tend to like big spacious tents, but I also tend to car camp, lol.

I have a MSR miniworks EX water filter that is still in the box, never used. Is this hopelessly outdated product that I should just hold onto for non-backpacking emergency purposes?

Also, I am looking at the philmont gear list, seems they require you to cook and wash in very big pots. And recommend that stoves like the MSR dragonfly be used. So what's the deal here? How does cooking actually work. My friend told me he cooked the entire time with his jetboil. I guess a couple guys will be carrying these huge pots?

So does each crew only bring one stove? Two stoves?

Do I need to bother with buying little tiny titanium cook pots?

Also it says Philmont can provide tents for free?

http://www.philmontscoutranch.org/TrekPreparation/Shakedown/GearSelection.aspx

Trash bags always seem to work for me.

Seek Outside. I have one of their hunting packs with a removable packbag so it is heavier, but still lighter than MY FIL's Gregory Baltoro with more capacity and it's better at carrying weight. The fabric is waterproof, so you can seam seal your bag and not worry about a pack cover or liner.

They make models more oriented at backpackers that are sub 3 lbs but still will carry weight comfortably. They will cost more than most pack brands you'll find at REI, but you're also getting a better product.

Having to carry heavier food or water loads in a pack that doesn't do a good job of transferring weight to your hips sucks out loud very quickly IME.

FYI I picked up 3 down jackets from uniqlo for $29 per

Find a pack that fits you really well and comfortably carries your gear. Fit and comfort are way more important than weight, imho.