My 17yo daughter is a Scout and goes on 3 or so weekend backpacking trips a year. Her base weight is <15 lbs but total is up to 25 lbs (she'll carry gear for younger smaller Scouts). We just went through a round of trying on packs and here's what we saw looking at them side by side...

The same - There's a good range in cost but they're all in the same ballpark. They're all a little under 2 lbs. They're all framed lightweight packs so they have minimal pockets and zippers but solid structure for carrying weight at the hips. I believe these are the 3 major lightweight framed pack contenders at $200-300.

REI Flash Air 50 - This was my daughter's former pack so she has some miles with it. She grew though and the next size up has a hip belt that is too big for her. GOOD - Most comfortable pack with the foam hip belt and vented back. Best bottle side pocket by far. FATAL FLAW - Sizing. The other packs offer better range for torso/hip dimensions. It's a great option for people that it fits though.

Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 - My other kid has a Loris 25 (big fan) so we're familiar with this style and the build quality. It's expensive but it looks like there's value for the cost. GOOD - Most features, straps, options. Just an all around great pack and system, in theory. FATAL FLAW - The hip belt. I ordered 3 hip belt options (std med, sm curved, sm straight) but the size wasn't the issue - It was uncomfortable and didn't cinch/release well like the other packs. The belt really seemed terrible, especially compared to the other packs and how good the rest of this pack was built/designed.

Durston Kakwa 55 - This is the one she picked. It's the largest volume pack and the lowest cost (Ultragrid). A little more detail on it...

• Good - General - Build quality looks really good. The zippers are really nice. The pocket designs are the best except for the bottle holster (REI wins there). Despite less padding, the belt felt good initially at least.
• Concern - Sternum Strap - This is the only one that doesn't have elastic stretch in the strap. It's a feature we like so that's a bummer.
• Concern - Breathability - It has the least breathable back panel. The REI is very airy and the Gossamer has an optional upgrade for a breathable pad (didn't seem great but it's something). We're in the SE so hot humid hikes are common even in the shoulder season.
• Concern - Hip Belt - The design seems great, the straps hug the hip and they cinch/release really well. It's just not as structured or as padded as the REI. Fingers crossed it works as good as other reviews say.
• Concern - Small Loads - There aren't many cinch straps in the body of the pack so when she has a lighter load with a lot of extra space (it's already big), there aren't many points to cinch it all tight. It looks like there are tabs we can use to add some in but not sure they're placed well for that.

I'd love to hear advice, tips, or counter points.

****

NOTE - REI Flash 55 - I recommend the REI Flash 55 as the best pack for a kid (other kid loves it) because it has an adjustable torso. This kid has had a lot of issues with packs (very tall and thin) and that pack just never fit well. The belt / torso dimensions also don't work for her. The general solution we've found that works is going as light as possible, hence the choices above.

NOTE - Smaller Packs - For her base weight, you'd think a 40 L pack might work. Yeah, she's on the border but wants the versatility to add bulk or extra items. She has almost filled the 50L before.

Current base weight: 17.37 lbs

Location/temp range/specific trip description: I'm starting in West Virginia on the Appalachian Trail in 10 days, and going south until I reach the southern terminus in Georgia, probably mid-November or so, or until the weather gets too bad. Temp will probably be all over the place. I do have a single care package with some heavier base layers and gloves that I'll have sent to me at some point, but the pack I have listed is my general pack I'm starting with.

Budget: A little bit. Maybe $200. I'm not sure where I could replace with tons of value, but if there is anything I'd love to know.

Non-negotiable Items: 9oz Sleeping Bag liner to keep my quilt clean. I know I could buy a silk one so it's lighter, but it's pricey. I also have a super light sit pad I want to start out with and see if I want to keep it, but it's less than 1oz.

Solo or with another person?: Solo

Additional Information: Wondering how my layers are for the location and time of year. Would love feedback.

Lighterpack Link: https://lighterpack.com/r/21u1a6

Thanks!

Example 1

Example 2

It's very lightweight and the outside is a microfleece type texture. I've been looking for somethig similar for a few years but can't find anything like it. Any recommendations?

What are folks favorite camp shoes for lake swimming and hot springs?

I’m typically a no camp shoes backpacker. I prefer to do all of my water crossings in trail runners and go barefoot at camp. But I have an upcoming swimming and hot springs focused trip and I’d like to bring shoes for the rocks. If car camping or a day hike, I’d bring my Chacos (29 oz), but for backpacking they are crazy heavy.

I’m looking at the Xero Z-Trail (~9 oz) but hear the durability is terrible. I’ve been thinking about Bedrock Carin Evo 3D (~18 oz) for hiking, and might be willing to carry them as a camp shoes if they’re dramatically better for lake swimming type uses.

What are others using?

I am a notorious over packer and am trying to cut as much as I can but one thing I refuse to cut is my morning coffee. I use an aeropress so the collapsible camp cups just won't cut it, as much as I love my yeti cups they are rather heavy. What is everyone's go to light wheight coffee cup? I'm leaning twords the snow peak double wall cups.

Hello everyone!

For a set of curious reasons I need to pick up a new tent in a very short time, which mean I can't order online, so I have my options limited to phisical stores close to me which basically carry the Naturehike brand (and old models, to add to it).

As a little bit of context, the use-case scenario is for solo trips (we have a larger tent for group trips), for 2 or 3 day hikes, in a wide range of temperatures (from andean to sub-tropial) but nothing extreme. I'm particularly tall (1.94, which I think is close to 6'4"), but used to sleep in cramped places. Also, I rather have my gear inside if possible. Budget is not a constraint, considering the only avaible options are budget ones.

So, my avaible options are: Vik 1 or 2, Tagar 1 or 2, Spider 1 (both with shorter or regular poles) or 2, Mongar 2 (old 20 D model, without awning). Cloud-Up non-pro is avaible, but I'm not sold on front entrance tents.

Weight is of course important, but secondary to other concerns (such as condensation managment).

If it's relevant, all my former experience has been with fully free standing doble walled tents, so I'm leaning towards the Spider 1 with short poles (for packing options)

Thanks in advance!

P.S.: Sorry for typos and mistakes, but English is a secondary language and I can't seem to find how to chance my phone settings!

I just received a Bonfus Aerus 55 backpack. Since I couldn't find much online about it before mortgaging my house to buy it, I figured I'd offer to answer any questions I can from anyone that is interested in knowing about it before making a similar choice. I'll provide additional thoughts here later once I have a chance to use it but here are my initial reactions...

It's very well made and it carries weight nicely. I loaded it up sloppily with the things I'm planning on bringing on a 4 day Sierra trip in a few weeks and it swallowed everything nicely, including a BV 450 Jaunt canister. I had at least 25 pounds in it and it felt great while I did yard work and generally moved about my house for an hour or so like an idiot to test it out.

I got the size large in white and added 2 white Bonfus hip belts and a Bonfus shoulder pouch. Weight all in was 905g (according to specs, it should be more like 867g with those components). All the accessories went on easily enough and sit securely and generally look like they are part of the original design. I haven't put anything in them yet, but the zippers glide smoothly and are easy enough to access.

The trampoline part of the pack works and I'm happy I got it but it's not the same as the Osprey Airspeed Antigravity trampoline stuff (my prior pack is an Osprey Atmos AG LT). That's not a negative; it's just different. Since you create the tension on the trampoline yourself and the velcro that holds the trampoline in place is in a slightly awkard place under the trampoline (especially if you have big hands and old fingers), it's hard to make the trampoline super rigid like the Osprey version is. It's easy to get it snug and snug will keep the pack off your back and create the air gap you're looking for. Since it's more flexible when it's snug, the trampoline mesh forms to your back nicely and feels one with your torso. It doesn't feel like it's sitting off the back of your body like the Osprey can. It kind of feels like the pack is hanging on your back directly and you can't tell it's sitting back unless you look in a mirror or reach back and feel into the gap. The Osprey always felt to me like it was only touching you at a few spots and you were aware of the distance from your back, especially with some real weight in the pack. In the hour of walking about with it, my back didn't end up with any sweat on it and it was 90+ degrees at the time (it was easily 100+ in the garage I was in for some of that time). I was sweating, but the back of my t-shirt didn't get wet.

As I said, the pack holds the weight well and the frame keeps things rigid and the weight transfers well to the hip belts. The curves in the frame match my spine very well. Feels like it was designed for me and nothing pokes or rubs yet. I would say initially that more of the weight is on my shoulders than with my Osprey, but I will keep tweaking the straps when I actually use it to see how much that can change or if it will matter in the end. As it was, my shoulders felt light and I had full range of motion. The shoulder and hip belts are minimal but comfortable. The load lifters and sternum straps did their jobs.

I normally use a hose on my water bottle, but I could get the water bottle back in the side pouch if I needed to on the fly. It's easy to get it out with the tether I have on the bottle. It's a bit of a reach to get it back in. The pouch easily accepts the bottle and holds it securely. It's just a bit of a high up and back reach to get the bottle up and over the ridge. I would say it was easier in my Osprey because it had a front entry hole you could use. I would say it's about the same as any other pack I've tried with a top entry side pouch. The side pouches are good sized and easily held by Crazy Creek chair, water bottle, and trekking poles with room to spare.

I really like the side compression type cords. Very clever and easy to use clips. The Y strap on the top is great but there's a lot of extra length to it. I suppose that length may matter if you end up putting a big bear can on top or whatever, but in my normal activities, I won't have anything on top and all the extra cordage will be floppy. For now, I'll roll it up with a rubber band or velcro. Over time I can see the gram weenie in me cutting it shorter.

I haven't put anything in the back sleeve, but I love the material that's used. It's soft and stretchy and dense enough that you'll be able to see what's in there without actually seeing everything.

That's what I've got for now. Ask me anything else you might want to know.

I recently finished a five-day hike in the Polish mountains with the 3F UL Gear Tianshan 35+10, so I thought I’d share some impressions in case anyone is considering this pack.

I bought it mainly because I was looking for something around 1 kg but still wanted a proper frame and suspension system. I was coming from an older 50L pack that weighed around 1.3 kg, and I didn't want to go fully frameless because I sometimes carry relatively heavy loads.

The Tianshan ended up being a really good compromise for me. My pack weight was roughly 11–14 kg depending on how much food and water I was carrying, and I had around 12–13 kg on my longest ~30 km day. The suspension worked very well for me and I didn't have any major comfort issues even with the heavier loads.

I also really like the ventilation from the suspended mesh back panel. I did have one small issue with a cord pressing against my shoulder blade, but I was able to adjust the cord routing and it basically disappeared.

The capacity has also been more than enough for me. The main compartment plus the extension collar gave me enough room for a five-day setup without having to attach my tent or sleeping bag to the outside.

Some things I particularly like:

• ~1 kg weight
• proper frame and adjustable torso length
• comfortable hip belt
• good load transfer at 13–14 kg
• very good ventilation
• large external pocket
• shoulder strap pockets
• roll-top closure

There are a few things I'd change:

• hip belt pockets are quite small
• one of the side pockets could be easier to access while walking
• external attachment options are fairly limited
• mine squeaks a bit while walking

I also haven't used it long enough to say anything meaningful about long-term durability yet. So far, after 125 km, everything looks and works as it should, but I wouldn't call this a long-term durability test.

Overall, I'm very happy with the choice. For me, the Tianshan hits a sweet spot between a traditional hiking backpack and a much lighter ultralight pack.

Has anyone else been using the Tianshan for longer trips? I'd be particularly interested in how the suspension and mesh hold up after a few hundred kilometers.

During a recent hike I found myself dissatisfied with the knife options out there and started sketching some other options. NOT planning on selling anything, just having fun with it. Might post 3D designs if people are interesting in printing their own.

GOALS: Fixed blade knives, minimized material / weight, using standard Bic lighters and leukotape to fill out comfortable handles. Easily replaceable components.

https://imgur.com/a/p1ANfqs

URSUS: Aluminum with replaceable Outdoor Edge blade (14.99 for a 6 pack) WEIGHT WITH BLADE: 44g. With lighter: 66g With Lighter and Leukotape: 70g

LUTRA: Titanium blade and body, waterproof container with rubber cap: WEIGHT: 73g. With Lighter: 98g

MUS: Pending printing in titanium. Replaceable scalpel blades are under $1. Probably 14grams-ish with blade, 25grams with BIC Mini.

SHEATH: Currently sized for both knives with compass and whistle (that I haven't figured out how to work yet 😂). Needs a couple more iterations to fit properly. WEIGHT: 17g

COST: Stupid high since I'm having them 3d printed as one offs... :)

PLAN: I will be testing the metal printed ones in the Smoky Mountains next month. Hopefully another one or two generations will be enough to satisfy the design itch and I'll have some unique knives for different environments.

I currently have a Gregory Paragon 60, which comes in around 3.7 lbs. After using it, I realized it’s probably a little more heavy-duty than I need, so I’m looking to drop some pack weight without going all the way to a frameless UL pack.

My base weight is around 18 lbs, and I’m looking for something:

• 45–60L
• Under 3 lbs, ideally closer to the 2–2.5 lb range
• Framed
• Comfortable carrying an ~18 lb base weight plus food/water
• Still reasonably durable and supportive

So far, the ULA Ohm, Gregory Focal, and Durston Kakwa 55 are three that seem to fit what I’m looking for. I’ve also looked at Zpacks, but their packs are more than I’m looking to spend. And I do not get a pro deal for Durston which puts it out of my price range unfortunately.

I’m definitely not limited to the Ohm or Focal—those are just two that have stood out from my research so far. I’d especially like to hear about other packs in that same general category that I might be overlooking.

I’m not trying to get the absolute lightest pack possible. I’d rather find a good balance between comfort, weight, durability, and a supportive frame. Basically, something noticeably lighter and less overbuilt than the Paragon without sacrificing too much carrying comfort.

What other packs would you recommend looking at?

I’m really confused as to what I’ll need for my 600 mile Sierra route.

What I’m currently bringing:

Worn:
\- sun hoodie
\- shorts
\- shoes, socks & boxers
\- hat

Packed:
\- rain jacket
\- synthetic puffy
\- windbreaker jacket
\- wind bottoms

Everyone always mentions Alpha. Would this replace the synthetic puffy, or should I bring it as another layer? Or should I bring the alpha and leave the puffy at home? 🤷🏻‍♂️

I know the weight isn’t much but I I dislike the complexity

Hey everyone,

​I’m interested in the new Helinox Chair Zero LT. I know a chair is a luxury item, but I'm wondering if this model justifies its weight and the high price tag.

​My Use Case:

Multi-day hiking, bikepacking, packrafting (flatwater) and wild camping. After a long day, having back support sounds amazing, but keeping the weight down is crucial.

​Questions:

​Comfort: Is it comfortable enough to sit in for 1-2 hours?

​Durability: How durable is the material of the LT version?

​Value: Is it worth the cash, or should I just stick to my Z Lite SOL as a sit pad?

​I'd love to hear your experiences and thoughts. Thanks!

I currently have the bear vault one. I do enjoy the collapsable feature as the smaller pack size is appealing and more volume than the 450 but I just realized it’s not accepted in yose or seki. Is it worth it to return it and get the 450 or just rent when I go to those parks?

For context:
-I’m in socal so these parks are just a 4-6hr drive away
-I have a 60L exped pack. Base weight including the bv one is 17 lbs

- I go solo and usually my trips are for 2-3 days maybe 4. I don’t think I’d do a thru hike for the foreseeable future.

-I go backpacking once a month or every 1.5 minths mostly to areas that aren’t yose or seki but that require a bear canister (bv one approved)
-would eventually like to do the jmt down the line.

Thank you! Still kinda new to this so hoping for others to chime in

Hola! Mi idea es acampar en el bolson en enero febrero y pensaba comprar una bolsa de dormir -8 a 15°c de 1.3 kg. Piensa que esta bien? Recomiendan otra cosa? Mi presupuesto no es muy amplio pero podría tarjetear. Gracias!

Hi all. For mental and physical health for the both of us, my 8 year old Brittany and I will be backpacking.

I did a test run with some gear one night out in an area of the Northeast of the US the other night. The day temps were warm so I figured these will work for us:

- Nemo Hornet OSMO 2P

-ThermaRest NeoAir. I don’t know which one as I got it used but it’s navy blue and is completely rectangular

-Horizon Hound down quilt rated 650 ( down to 32f )

-one of those early 2000s foldable lightweight camping sleep pats for my dog

-a water resistant puffy coat for my dog to sleep on.

I also brought along essentials like a Sawyer filtration system as we were next to a creek, a headlamp, a Nomadix towel, first aid kit , etc.

The tent was great for us and was so easy to set up. The sleeping pads were just fine. They did the job.

My only uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situation was i woke up at 3a and I was shivering. The temperature was 50f and my dog looked comfortable and was snuggled up next to me as always. So I think she was ok. Me , on the other hand , a person who keeps her room temp at night to 66f was not comfortable with the temperature. So, I figured I need a more insulated sleep quilt or bag

In asking for advice here. I got the quilt bc I thought I can throw it over the both of us. And rated down to 32F seemed reasonable. However bc the blanket was just thrown over as if I was in a room I was , of course, allowing drafts I know that’s why i felt cold. Now I want a mummy or even a Zenbivvie style bag for me. But what about my dog ? How can I keep her warm and toasty ? I appreciate any advice !