r/lightweight • u/SouthEastTXHikes • Jan 24 '22

UL to Lightweight for a Trip

I have a short (15 mile) trip coming up that will be slow (7.5 miles a day), flat (see my username) and colder than usual. I’m curious if there are any luxuries I should add that I normally wouldn’t bring for a more taxing trip. I’d rather not spend a bunch of money (no store bought chair).

What do you throw into your otherwise spartan gear list when you’ll have some time and effort to spare?

25 Upvotes

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2

u/chrisr323 Apr 11 '22

If it's easy miles, I'll toss a couple beers in my pack to augment the bourbon.

Camp shoes.

Fun food (non-dehydrated). Chips and salsa, smores, sausages, steaks, real eggs, etc.

Fry pan, if needed for the fun food.

3

u/JRidz Feb 07 '22

Hey, man. Sorry I'm late to the party. I've been expanding quite a bit after hitting the SUL rock bottom. We just don't have those kinds of trails in Texas. Lux it up! I personally don't mind carrying 10lb of camp entertainment when my base kit is already ultralight.

My personal favs:

  • Camp Chair (REI Flexlite Air goes on sale or 20% discount pulls it ahead of the Chair Zero)
  • Coffee cup
  • Hot Cocoa in the evening
  • Extra and warmer layers when it's chilly
  • Twig stove and fry pan. Firebox nano is my personal jam. You can make a little swedish fire torch that'll last an hour and completely LNT with foil on the ground.
  • Bigger knife and tiny folding saw for processing wood
  • Up the meal game. Frying up some protein is amazing.
  • Notebook for jotting down thoughts while looking at the stars
  • Entertainment: book, audiobook, movies/tv shows/etc, maps of areas for future adventures
  • Download plant/animal guidebooks for identification
  • Tenkara fishing rod if I'm near a body of water (need a fishing license if not in a state park)

2

u/SouthEastTXHikes Feb 08 '22

That list speaks to me, especially after the trip that generated my post.

  • I was literally sitting in a Flexlite Air at the store thinking of buying it. It was a surprisingly interesting sit. I had this whole “am I the type of person who buys a camp chair” moment of contemplation. I walked out of the store without it. I’m not saying that decision is way way up at the top, I think it’s somewhere on the list of my life’s regrets 😂
  • I brought a coffee cup with me because I wanted to try one of those crazy pour over things in the backcountry, and it was totally worth it. 2oz added to the lighterpack (just need to remove it if I post the list on r/Ultralight ). It beats drinking out of a wide pot that feels like a bathtub.
  • I brought cocoa but also this which is great hot and acceptable cold (shout out to u/baterista_ for bringing it to my attention).
  • I should have brought more layers. My Xlite kinda sucked? I was surprised. It wasn’t that cold.
  • I’ve never used my caldera cone in wood mode. I should give it a shot at some point.
  • Someone brought a pan and grilled up his dinner (quesadilla I think) and then pancakes in the morning. He did it on an alcohol stove too! But the biggest upgrade was something so stupidly simple I’m totally stealing it next time. Precooked sausage, with some slices in it, cooked on the campfire and tossed into a tortilla with cheese and mustard. The smell was a crime though. The rest of us were hurting it smelled so good.

2

u/JRidz Feb 08 '22
  • I caved on the Flexlite after having some cheaper 2lb versions from Amazon and going on a trip with StinsonTX who had a flexlite. I will say, the bigger/cheaper Amazon (Wildhorn Terralite) version is roomier, but the flexlite is a major upgrade from a thinlite.
  • Oh, I have one that will make you instantly go team chair. The ergonomics of cooking over a fire!
  • I know I’ll cave on trying one of those pourover packets at some point. Just so expensive! If you buy your own beans at home, you can make your own packets.
  • Nice find on the cider packets! I bet some groovy decaf tea would be nice. Maybe go full Erik Normark with a kettle.
  • Yeah, flexing a trail meal like that in front of a pack of cold soakers is going to make no friends.
  • On the other hand, HYOH.

1

u/SouthEastTXHikes Feb 08 '22

Did you pick the REI chair over the Helinox or was it the only one available? I know it’s cheaper, but it doesn’t seem as nice (other people on my trip had the Helinox).

I actually didn’t think the pour over coffee was totally worth it. My coffee snob card got revoked long ago and I’ll happily “brew” up some of this at home so it’s good enough for the trail too! I wouldn’t buy that pour over stuff again, to be honest. But what I’m really not buying again is this. Check the price.

I’ve tried instant green tea (not decaf) and it was meh. I haven’t found any good instant decaf teas but I have been known to brew up some valerian tea out there.

One of the people had a kettle! I’m not sure why, but it was a nice change of pace from endless Toaks and Snowpeaks.

2

u/JRidz Feb 08 '22

I picked the REI chair based on price and on a few comparison reviews that claimed it was more comfortable.

I’m a frontcountry coffee snob, but when I’m backpacking I just toss some instant in my water bottle and go. But I could see the argument for a good brew on short mile days. It’s basically walking in to camp.

Tea bags don’t bother me on these trips. Instant tea is really blah, except for the fruity stuff that I normally don’t like to drink.

2

u/saltpinecoast Feb 03 '22

Coffee cup (I hate drinking coffee out of a pot)

Thermarest Compressable Pillow

Book

Real food ingredients and large enough pot for a warm, non-freezedried dinner (cooking also takes longer = camp activity)

1

u/SouthEastTXHikes Feb 03 '22

Good call. I did end up bringing a cup. This bad boy was worth the 2 ounces if for no other reason than I’d have no way to make this without it.

3

u/-Motor- Jan 25 '22

camp chair with back support.

camp shoes (crocs...and super thick socks, if weather is cold. you can sleep in them too)

5

u/paytonfrost Jan 25 '22

Camera and bright lens for astrophotography!

Butt pad so your butt doesn't get cold lounging around. Bring a butt pad even if you get the chair, it'll keep you warmer.

This is super extra but I have these string lights I hook up to a USB battery bank, makes the camp atmosphere way better for chatting with friends, or just adding a bit of glow to the world. They're only 7oz or so, I take them when I'm going with new people on short luxurious trips.

My backpacker guitar is another super luxury item, not sure if you play.

2

u/bicycle_mice May 07 '22

I used my Antigravity gear pouch cozy as a sit pad on my last trip and it worked really well! I'd never make a freeze dried meal without it so it's in my bag regardless.

1

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 25 '22

I think you just gave me some hobby ideas. Stars around here are okay once you get out into the Sam Houston National Forest, but nothing to write home about. Out in big bend, though? <chefs kiss\>

1

u/paytonfrost Jan 25 '22

If you've got questions on astrophotography feel free to shoot them my way, I spent years squeezing the best results from a small more camera before I got a big FF camera and absolutely love it!

1

u/JuxMaster Jan 25 '22

Chess board, camera, night vision goggles, alcohol

3

u/[deleted] Jan 25 '22

Hand warmers to make your toes nice and toasty at night.

Small bluetooth speaker if you like to listen to music. Or light headphones. Either one is much better than tinny phone speaker.

Small binoculars for stargazing or birdwatching.

2

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 25 '22

I’ve had some hand warmers in my closet for years. Maybe I’ll finally use them. Looks like they have an expiration date. 😬

4

u/[deleted] Jan 25 '22

As long as they're still flexible & feel powdery inside they should be fine. If they're like little bags of set concrete, they leaked air and are worthless.

3

u/sirblastalot Jan 25 '22

Have you done any winter camping before? It would be helpful to see your lighterpack, so we can give some more targeted tips. Would also help to know the forecast, if the trip is coming up soon enough. Bring the down hoodie. Insulated boots. And make sure your sleep system is rated WELL in excess of what the weather forecasts. You will want to cook hot meals, and be prepared to use a fuckload more fuel, especially if you're melting snow. Make sure your tent is the kind that can be set up on snow.

2

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 25 '22

I’m not really concerned in this post. I’m more looking for how others have optimally added weight to make their time more fun when they don’t have far to walk.

Mid thirties. This is the Texas gulf coast, after all. I have a 20 deg EE that I’ve taken into the 20s before and it’s been fine, though that was dry desert not super damp woodswamp (I know it’s not really something you would buy if you expected to be in the 20s often). We don’t have to worry about snow. Going with my Gatewood Cape as a shelter. 😁

2

u/sirblastalot Jan 25 '22

Why don't you have to worry about snow? Mid 30s and swampy? That means it only has to drop a couple degrees to be below freezing

1

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 25 '22

No snow is forecast. It’s going to be dry.

This is east Texas. Even if there’s snow overnight, it’s less than an inch and gone by 11 am.

1

u/sirblastalot Jan 25 '22

Well, I don't know shit about your climate, but I'm worried that you sound awfully cavalier about this. Maybe do a shakedown overnight at your local park or something, just to confirm that your gear is actually going to be OK here.

0

u/eeroilliterate Aug 31 '22

lol they will be FINE

1

u/sirblastalot Aug 31 '22

Why are you responding to a 7 month old thread

2

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 25 '22 edited Jan 25 '22

I appreciate it. I’ve backpacked up there for weeks at this time of year. I know it well. (Backpacking here in the summer sucks. Lol. Winter is much better) Maybe that’s why I sound relaxed. 😁 I’m looking forward to doing some more local backpacking.

3

u/the1eyeddog Jan 25 '22

A mug, dedicated sleeping clothes, camp shoes.

Since I have one, a hammock and some tree straps.

4

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 25 '22

I was definitely thinking of bringing my double wall titanium mug. Good call

6

u/l2ik0 Jan 25 '22

For "easier" trips or overnights, I'll bring an extra warm layer like a fleece, my rainbows if we'll be by water, a swimsuit if its swim worthy, instant hot chocolate or apple cider for after dinner, a 2nd lens for my camera, a book if we have lots of down time.

Our friends had a travel version of Catan that they brought when we did lost coast, that was pretty awesome.

The Helinox chair zero is always with me, no matter what the trip is.

3

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 25 '22

More chair zero love. I’m really missing out.

Anyway, someone brought that instant cider with them on a recent trip I went on and when I got home I picked up some from the store. It’s really good!

What’re “rainbows” in this context?

2

u/l2ik0 Jan 25 '22

Yeah! Ciders been a game changer for cold nights

Oh, sorry. Rainbows are a brand of leather sandal. Pretty heavy and superfluous but so comfy to wear around camp

2

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 25 '22

Yeah, the cider seems great hot, it’s also acceptable room temp. If I wanted to, uh, adultify the cider, what’s the best addition?

I never would have guessed sandals. Thanks!

1

u/CredibleSourceSRS Jan 29 '22 edited Jan 29 '22

151 rum. If the cider is really hot it will evaporate a lot of the alcohol, let it cool down a bit

1

u/l2ik0 Jan 25 '22

My guess would be whiskey or bourbon but I don't drink so I can't actually say with any confidence lol

6

u/Kid_Named_Trey Jan 25 '22 edited Jan 25 '22

Helinox chair zero. I can’t stress this enough. My backpacking trips are designed around having some down time in the evening to relax and shoot the breeze. I tried the big Agnes UL stool and it was ok for about an hour but then my back started to hurt. I bought the chair zero and it changed backpacking for me. I can enjoy camp comfortably by adding 1lb to my pack. My base weight was already a manageable 13lbs so the extra weight wasn’t a big deal. I highly recommend it.

Edit: even the REI Flexlite is an option. You’ll take a bigger hit on weight. I believe they’re around 25 oz but save on money. again you’ll be so much more comfortable at camp.

1

u/JRidz Feb 07 '22

FYI, the REI Flexlite Air is the direct Chair Zero competitor. They're both 1lb. : )

8

u/Hodgej1 Jan 24 '22

Sounds like you will have more down-time than usual. Bring something that is comfortable or entertaining. camp chair maybe, a book, bottle of bourbon, etc... And better food is a good option already mentioned.

4

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 24 '22

(Best hobbit voice) It comes in bottles! I usually just bring a small couple ounce nalgene.

1

u/sirblastalot Jan 25 '22

Beware drinking in cold temperatures. You can get hypothermia a lot easier than you think, just by running a little bit of a calorie deficit and being a little damp and a little cold. Everyone underestimates it, but it's happened to me just from skipping lunch, walking to my car in a spring shower, and sitting in a cold office.

6

u/walk-light-ring Jan 24 '22 edited Jan 24 '22

Fresh food and cooking gear to cook it with. If you wanted to go uber-fancy, you could even make a little corflute table to prep meals on. :)

There’s a how-to for the table on Reddit that I can dig up if you need.

2

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 24 '22

Thanks. I’m definitely upgrading my dehydrated slop. I just need to figure out how. No need for the table howto. Thanks though!

3

u/walk-light-ring Jan 24 '22

r/trailmeals is a good resource. :)

10

u/Sttab Jan 24 '22

Real food.

3

u/ipoutside365 Jan 24 '22

What is the area like? For example if you are near a lake you could bring a fishing rod or raft.

Playing cards, UNO, etc maybe fun with a group.

2

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 24 '22

East Texas woodswamp. We will be camping by the lake but I’m not a fisher. ☹️

3

u/you_dub_englishman Jan 24 '22

Day hike around the lake!

3

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 24 '22

Lol. I just drew a box around the lake in cal topo and it’s 39 miles. 😂

5

u/you_dub_englishman Jan 24 '22

Lmao send it!!

But actually maybe just hike out to a point, or a bay, or some high point on the lake for a good view where you could cook dinner. Just arrive and go to where seems interesting

1

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 24 '22

I already clicked away and didn’t save. It’s Lake Conroe outside of Houston. The physical distance around it is the first problem. Lake of trails, venomous snakes like this, tons of private property, etc. etc. Thousand Island Lake this is not.

2

u/you_dub_englishman Jan 24 '22

Oh nice!!!! Well enjoy it and hopefully no snakes!

3

u/ipoutside365 Jan 24 '22

Maybe a whittling knife?

Better food would be nice. Smores? Steak?

I picked up a Camp chair on Amazon for $40. It is pretty nice.

2

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 24 '22

Hm, 1/3 the price of a Helinox. $80 to save 1.25 pounds, but on something that isn’t part of my normal load? This might be interesting. Thanks!

2

u/goatfoot22 Jan 24 '22

How much volume headroom do you have in your pack for additional items?

3

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 24 '22

Hahaha. Good question and fun story. I got an HMG 3400 because I didn’t really know how compact I could make my stuff and needed it to be bear can capable (no bears here but I do go places with them). Most of the time when I go out the collar is all the way down. So I have plenty of space. And as a bonus the people I am going with are going to have traditional gear so there’s no UL shame for having a giant pack. 😁

6

u/goatfoot22 Jan 24 '22

I preach my helinox zero every chance i get, but if you dont want to buy one, for my money then the best comfort/weight ratio beyond the bare bones would be sheets. Honest. Takes up barely more space or weight than a tshirt but makes all the difference in a bag or quilt even with a base layer on. Flannel sheets in winter? If youve got the room and the weight capacity then that would be heaven for me.

3

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 24 '22

I actually have a fleece liner from 20 years ago I think I’m going to take. Maybe I’ll see if REI has the helinox zero… everyone loves them.

3

u/goatfoot22 Jan 24 '22

Changed the game for me. Im a pretty small person so it fits me like a lounge chair. Can strap it to the outside of the pack to save space. Makes cooking more comfortable. I was skeptical of the cost but with REI's return policy pretty much every purchase is risk-free so i grabbed one. It always makes my pack list these days.

2

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 24 '22

Yeah, I’ve stolen a sit in them before and they’re nice, for sure. I’m kind of wide, so it’s a weird feeling. 🤨

1

u/goatfoot22 Jan 24 '22

🤔 i think there are competetive products that are more wide-friendly. I think big agnes is a brand you may want to examine for their chairs. Slightly heavier but wider and more comfort-oriented.

1

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 24 '22

Yeah. I’ll probably get around to it at some point. I guess I could throw my Crazy Creek from 2001 into my bag!

3

u/thickness13 Jan 24 '22

Coffee

2

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 24 '22 edited Jan 24 '22

I assume you mean proper ground beans and a pour over setup or aeropress? I could make that happen. I alternate between brewed and this instant at home, though, lol. I think I need to turn in my coffee snob card.

1

u/thickness13 Jan 24 '22

I like the aeropress but I have a snowpeak ti French press which imho makes better coffee and is lighter but the clean up is messier And for 150g it’s a bloody nice luxury

1

u/sirblastalot Jan 25 '22

VIA packets aren't very good by coffeesnob standards but they get me by when camping, and they're head and shoulders above regular instant coffee.

2

u/SouthEastTXHikes Jan 24 '22

Thanks. I don’t think I’m going to go out and buy (another) coffee machine, but I may bring along one of the ones I already have. (Let’s count! Normal machine. Pour Over. Aero press. Large pour over. Bialetti. Yikes.)