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Nice. Where's the ibuprofen? View Quote ROCK6 |
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Please, feel free to critique...I'm not expert and always open to constructive criticism.
Some items I know I could do without: Sandals I have four lighters and I could cut two of those out My FAK needs to be minimized a little more Do I need that Sea to Summit cup since I have the small 300ml Ti cup? Drop one of the bandanas? Drop the extra Gossamer gear sit pad? Do I really need the glove liners for above 45 degrees? For clothing (right now), I have: REI brand zip-off pants (I may just go exclusively with shorts) Merino wool T-shirt Ex Officio drawers Merino wool socks Salomon hiking shoes Ball cap What will likely spend more time in the pack: Craghopper long-sleeve shirt Arc'Teryx lightweight down vest OR rain jacket Nylon web belt The rain jacket is a staple and can add both wind resistance and a little heat containment if needed. The long sleeve shirt is the most second most valuable behind the rain jacket. It's pretty wind resistant, dries fast and is usually what I wear cooling down with my hiking gear drying out overnight and in the cooler mornings. The vest is simply awesome if it's chilly on the trail (keeps the core warm) and when in the hammock as added core insulation. I may drop it, but for now it's on the list. EDC is pretty sparse (although I do consider my Kit Bag as EDC 1.5): Burt's bees chap stick Fenix RC05 AA LED light Bic (with the awesome Bunkerbuster lighter caps!) Spyderco Dragonfly folder Marathon GSAR watch Oakley sunglasses ROCK6 |
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Have you done the math on if you're actually saving weight with the alcohol setup compared to a pocket rocket (or equivalent) with a 100g canister(should be enough in between resupply points, right?)
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I recently picked up some of those "sleeves ", instead of wearing a long sleeve shirt.
You can put the on and take them off without having to remove your pack or other layers. Attached File |
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Have you done the math on if you're actually saving weight with the alcohol setup compared to a pocket rocket (or equivalent) with a 100g canister(should be enough in between resupply points, right?) View Quote 9oz alcohol fuel + mini-bull stove = 10.7oz 110gram canister + Snow Peak Giga Ti stove (my wife gave away my Crux stove to my daughter) = 10.5oz The only reason I prefer the alcohol stove and fuel is that I can really get more accurate measurements for use. I typically just take the larger fuel bottle as we have done 6-7 day sections before resupply and we rarely carry more than 8-days of food without a planned resupply. Efficiency likely favors the iso-butane stove, although I've always found it harder to judge capacity. Still, it's a valid point. If you prefer simplicity and speed of boiling water (something most alcohol stoves suffer), there isn't much of a weight trade-off. You could probably make a similar argument about stove construction; most alcohol stoves are simple, but likely more prone to damage (I've never had that issue), whereas most iso-butane stoves do have more moving parts and a necessary gasket, but they are pretty robust design-wise. Of course the most important factor is the multipurpose aspect of the fuel. With grain alcohol, you have an efficient fuel, antiseptic, and morale booster all wrapped up in one little plastic bottle!!! I know what I could do with 4-5 ounces left in my alcohol fuel bottle that I couldn't do with iso-butane fuel the night prior to the last day on the trail ROCK6 |
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I recently picked up some of those "sleeves ", instead of wearing a long sleeve shirt. You can put the on and take them off without having to remove your pack or other layers. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/271537/IMG-2649-188650.JPG View Quote ROCK6 |
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My wife and I did a short 8 mile hike yesterday up at a familiar spot near Toccoa, GA. It's the first time I've seen another hiker with an HPG Kit Bag...we had a good talk and he said the same thing as me..."I don't go anywhere outdoors without it..."
ROCK6 |
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OP,
You've got a nice setup, and some good gear. I just started backpacking this year, so I'm still a bit of a grom. I know you're not in charge of the menu, but do check out Pack It Gourmet, if you haven't already. Click me! No affiliation, but they're local to me. Some of their meals look pretty legit, and on my list. |
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OP, You've got a nice setup, and some good gear. I just started backpacking this year, so I'm still a bit of a grom. I know you're not in charge of the menu, but do check out Pack It Gourmet, if you haven't already. Click me! No affiliation, but they're local to me. Some of their meals look pretty legit, and on my list. View Quote ROCK6 |
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How big is your hammock tarp?
Sorry I did not see a second magazine for your firearm. All so, I saw the re-charge packs. But no solar charger? Why? PITA45 |
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How big is your hammock tarp? Sorry I did not see a second magazine for your firearm. All so, I saw the re-charge packs. But no solar charger? Why? PITA45 View Quote Backup magazine. I've gone back and forth on this and strictly for distance hiking, I've opted to only carry the one magazine. Not an easy decision, but I've had to make this decision after assessing numerous distance hikes. I do have an excellent horizontal sheath that rides on the outside of my Kit Bag. If I carry an extra magazine (usually on hunting trips, shorter hikes, etc.), that's been the most optimal area when wearing a backpack. I have considered carrying a J-Frame revolver instead of a semi-auto because of the one magazine. It's an hard decision that is easy to troubleshoot, but at the end of the day, it's a decision I've had to make based on my own risk assessment. Very perceptive of you...most don't even inquire (especially other backpackers who don't even like seeing a handgun). I have some excellent solar chargers, but it's almost impossible to take advantage when you're hiking under a canopy most of the day. I did take my solar charges when hiking out in Utah, but the AT isn't solar friendly. The battery charger is pretty solid and with 13,000 mAh, I can keep my phone solidly charged for 4-5 days if I stick to conservative use. My phone is really only used for the camera, navigation app once or twice during the day and the Kindle app at night. I do have a compact AC adapter and USB cord so I can charge the battery when we pick up our resupply. Some tough decisions, but every single item gets scrutinized (and weighed). For lightweight backpacking, you focus more on multiuse items then redundancy; it's literally the polar opposite to what my whole military career was focused on. More risk is taken, but I've found it takes some strict discipline to avoid packing the "what if" stuff in your pack which often ends up adding several pounds. Where you balance out the lack of redundancy and backup is with better planning and smart decision making. These are our vacations, so we do want to keep weight to a minimum and enjoy the hike with just enough comfort while mitigating contingencies with smart planning and decisions vice more gear. Thanks for the questions... ROCK6 |
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Thanks whomper! That site is quite nice...I'll pass on to Mrs. Menu Planner Those entrees mirror much of what we prefer. We pack a lot of tortillas. They hold up well when packed, serve as a plate that you can roll up the left-overs in and eat like a burrito. We also just use the simple nut butter (my preference is the chocolate hazelnut butter) spread on a tortilla for lunch. We really only do a hot meal in the evening, everything else is eaten on the trail. ROCK6 View Quote I've done 50 miles, so far, this year on overnight trips. My meal plan has certainly evolved! I'm probably going to buy a few of their Ramen Rescues and dump everything in a freezer bag. I like some of the mountain house meals, but it gets expensive & adds up quick! I'd rather be throwing that money towards lighter gear. |
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Hope it helps! I've done 50 miles, so far, this year on overnight trips. My meal plan has certainly evolved! I'm probably going to buy a few of their Ramen Rescues and dump everything in a freezer bag. I like some of the mountain house meals, but it gets expensive & adds up quick! I'd rather be throwing that money towards lighter gear. View Quote Since we hammock camp, we can often push on from most shelter sites where you can get too many other backpackers. We will often stop at the shelters and tank up on water and it's also were we can add water to our dehydrated dinners and when we push on a few more miles setting up camp at any location that's look nice we have enough water and partially hydrated dinners that just need a little more boiled water to fully reconstitute. My wife did skimp on cheaper Ziploc bags which were pretty disastrous; I pick up the heavy duty freezer bags for use now. My favorite dessert is simply powdered vanilla pudding with a the same ratio of powdered milk in a small snack-sized bag; add water, knead and set aside until after your dinner... ROCK6 |
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Looks good!
My girlfriend and I are slowing ramping up for a PCT thru hike in 2019. Seems far away, but it really isn't. We will be on the AT a bit starting later on this year. Weight is one of those things for me that I think really comes down to personal preference. Being military guys, we are not afraid of a little weight--kinda used to it in fact. And we will carry a little bit more without complaint; as long as that item is useful. I think that you could pare down the lighters (your wife should be carrying two, right?) and maybe the cups/hankies. I didn't seem any rain pants/shorts--are you going to get wet from the waist down? I hate rain pants myself, but I took a pair of $20 FroggToggs from Walmart and turned them into shorts. If your long sleeve shirt has thumbholes you might be able to ditch the gloves too. I am excited to see how the trip goes for you guys! |
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Looks good! My girlfriend and I are slowing ramping up for a PCT thru hike in 2019. Seems far away, but it really isn't. We will be on the AT a bit starting later on this year. Weight is one of those things for me that I think really comes down to personal preference. Being military guys, we are not afraid of a little weight--kinda used to it in fact. And we will carry a little bit more without complaint; as long as that item is useful. I think that you could pare down the lighters (your wife should be carrying two, right?) and maybe the cups/hankies. I didn't seem any rain pants/shorts--are you going to get wet from the waist down? I hate rain pants myself, but I took a pair of $20 FroggToggs from Walmart and turned them into shorts. If your long sleeve shirt has thumbholes you might be able to ditch the gloves too. I am excited to see how the trip goes for you guys! View Quote Rain pants. I've been back and forth on this. For the weather, they're really not needed. Additionally, most of the heavy rain is typically those late afternoon thunder showers. We've been caught in them a couple times, but that is the reason we get the majority of our hiking down in the morning and usually get the camp setup before the late afternoon showers. The only issue when soaked are my socks, which get changed often if they're soaked. Shorts and drawers dry overnight. Although it goes against my typical planning, I've stopped packing rain pants for our summer hikes here in the SE. However, for future use, I'm going to splurge and invest in a pair of Luke's Ultralight Micro10 Rain pants that only weight 3 ounces. It's really less about rain protection and more about wind-resistance if the temps drop some when you're wet. Rain pants are one of those items like a spare tire; you will likely never need them, but when you do, you really appreciate them. Every other season right now, I have a pair of eVent pants that get packed. ROCK6 |
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What are those silver stuff sacks you used? View Quote ROCK6 |
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Great post - as usual.
Some random thoughts as a Carolina boy who really cut his outdoor teeth out west: After years of never unpacking my gloves, even liners, unless it's full on winter I stopped carrying them. Hiking with poles gets my hands warm pretty quickly. Up on the AT, maybe, just maybe I'll carry a slightly thicker spring weight glove during the shoulder seasons if Wx is looking iffy. I've seen quite a few HPG chest packs here in WNC, perhaps one of them was you? As much as I want to try one, I've spent the better part of my career carrying Bendix King brick radios and other SAR gear on my chest and recoil at the thought of doing so recreationally. If I find one for cheap I may pick it up though. Nonetheless, due to it's sheer versatility I might recommend a Vanguard type kydex trigger guard holster with about 10" of pcord to your BC set up of choice. Depending on the situation, I can carry my S&W Shield in either an M-4 size mag pouch MOLLE'd to a pack waist belt, stuck in a surplus ball bag, loose in my pocket around camp or in my tent or hammock. The pcord is simply secured to a drain hole or belt loop or strap. I try to keep the gun oriented in a standard position for consistency of draw. Attached File Hope the trip went/goes well! That section of the AT is nice, especially at this time of year. |
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Quoted:Great post - as usual.
Some random thoughts as a Carolina boy who really cut his outdoor teeth out west: After years of never unpacking my gloves, even liners, unless it's full on winter I stopped carrying them. Hiking with poles gets my hands warm pretty quickly. Up on the AT, maybe, just maybe I'll carry a slightly thicker spring weight glove during the shoulder seasons if Wx is looking iffy. I've seen quite a few HPG chest packs here in WNC, perhaps one of them was you? As much as I want to try one, I've spent the better part of my career carrying Bendix King brick radios and other SAR gear on my chest and recoil at the thought of doing so recreationally. If I find one for cheap I may pick it up though. Nonetheless, due to it's sheer versatility I might recommend a Vanguard type kydex trigger guard holster with about 10" of pcord to your BC set up of choice. Depending on the situation, I can carry my S&W Shield in either an M-4 size mag pouch MOLLE'd to a pack waist belt, stuck in a surplus ball bag, loose in my pocket around camp or in my tent or hammock. The pcord is simply secured to a drain hole or belt loop or strap. I try to keep the gun oriented in a standard position for consistency of draw. Hope the trip went/goes well! That section of the AT is nice, especially at this time of year. View Quote I can fully understand the reluctance to have anything on your chest. I’ve done the IOTV and chest rigs in 100+degree temps enough to know it sucks. I’ve found this Kit Bag (my backpacking one is the smaller “original Snubby”) a smaller footprint, easy way to carry and quickly access my CCW and a handy place for a few trail essentials. Or, I’ve just developed tolerance for discomfort and I’m completely ignorant. The Vanguard is a must; I have about a half dozen for various pistols I carry in my Kit Bags. Not only is it a little added measure of safety by covering the trigger guard, I did have one good reminder that they also provide retention insurance. I’ve used Kit Bags when fly fishing in some smaller mountain streams and having the main compartment open as a tray-shelf to access my fly gear, I accidently had my firearm compartment about halfway open and when I bent down to unsnag my fly, my handgun slipped out. The Vanguard just served as pseudo retention lanyard and I would definitely recommend one for very active outdoors sports such as trail running, kayaking, or mountain biking. We’re just under a month out, so finishing up final preps. We’ll mail off a couple resupply boxes after Memorial Day. Our workouts are getting a little more extreme so I’m looking forward to getting on the trail for relaxation and sleeping in! We’re up every morning at 0330 doing our workout routines; despite the physical aspect of backpacking, we really get our batteries recharged. Ironically enough, the day after we get back from knocking out that 130 mile section, my wife literally turns around the following day and is taking three other women back up to hike 50 miles south back into Hot Springs, NC. ROCK6 |
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cant read all the posts toooo long buuut
where is the spare m2 mags or 1 spare mag and a small box of extra ammo ???????? iam sure i missed it didn't I 1texan |
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cant read all the posts toooo long buuut where is the spare m2 mags or 1 spare mag and a small box of extra ammo ???????? iam sure i missed it didn't I 1texan View Quote ROCK6 |
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@ROCK6 Update? View Quote ROCK6 |
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damn ultralighters... making me feel like a fatass with my 35lb pack
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We are now in the FL Keys warming up?? traded packs in for kayaks and snorkel gear. We might have a few days later in July between Arny retirement and next job. Wife and I might try and finish that 70 miles to Damascus. Water will be the only concern... ROCK6 View Quote |
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I walked the TN91 to Damascus section the other day and water was plentiful. I'm trying to get back into backpacking after a ten year hiatus. Problem is-my shit is too heavy now. . I enjoyed your informative posts as I am trying to get lighter. Also, I live a few miles outside of Damascus if you need anything at all. View Quote ROCK6 |
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Today I saw a fella outside of Mt. Rogers outfitters in Damascus with a HPG kit bag. What made me take notice was the hiker standing a few yards away with a drop holster/maxpediton-ish bag. I thought to myself: "Those guys must be arfcommers-because they look nothing like the usual crowd." Was it you ROCK6? Lol
I have a question about your Circuit pack if you don't mind. I have agonized over what brand/type of pack to get. My trusty old pack weighs over 6lbs in "stripped down mode" So...after wayyy too much research I've decided on a ULA but I can't choose between the Circuit and the OHM 2.0. I can't "get both" as I am dropping some serious $ to get my gear both lighter and updated. I will mostly be section hiking on the AT. I usually like to only go for 3-4 days tops in between resupply, but I have gone longer in the past. Hopefully my new base weight will be around 12lbs. Less, if I update my tent and a few other things. Do you feel the Circuit is too large for shorter trips? Or do you find yourself needing more room? The ohm is somewhat lighter and more compact, so I don't know if I can make everything fit comfortably without getting poked in the back. And lastly If you had to get a (any brand)new lightweight pack today, what would it be? Everyone else feel free to chime in. I feel like I'm starting over again from scratch. |
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Today I saw a fella outside of Mt. Rogers outfitters in Damascus with a HPG kit bag. What made me take notice was the hiker standing a few yards away with a drop holster/maxpediton-ish bag. I thought to myself: "Those guys must be arfcommers-because they look nothing like the usual crowd." Was it you ROCK6? Lol I have a question about your Circuit pack if you don't mind. I have agonized over what brand/type of pack to get. My trusty old pack weighs over 6lbs in "stripped down mode" So...after wayyy too much research I've decided on a ULA but I can't choose between the Circuit and the OHM 2.0. I can't "get both" as I am dropping some serious $ to get my gear both lighter and updated. I will mostly be section hiking on the AT. I usually like to only go for 3-4 days tops in between resupply, but I have gone longer in the past. Hopefully my new base weight will be around 12lbs. Less, if I update my tent and a few other things. Do you feel the Circuit is too large for shorter trips? Or do you find yourself needing more room? The ohm is somewhat lighter and more compact, so I don't know if I can make everything fit comfortably without getting poked in the back. And lastly If you had to get a (any brand)new lightweight pack today, what would it be? Everyone else feel free to chime in. I feel like I'm starting over again from scratch. View Quote The Ohm would likely work just fine as they recommend a base weight of about 12 pounds and maximum of 30. To be honest, if I was buying a new pack, it would be the Circuit again. Not sure why, but it fits me well and is just the right size for trips as short as 2 days or as long as 7-9 days. The only challenges other than keeping weight down, is bulk. The Circuit (and the other ULA packs) compress well and adjust to your load size to keep them from getting floppy or out of balance. I'm happily satisfied with my base weight between 13-15 pounds, so the Circuit fits me perfectly (I like the multicam option as well). Where I think the Circuit has more flexibility is shorter, cold weather trips, extending the usefulness of the pack. It will expand for the additional insulation bulk necessary for colder temps. Believe me, I'm constantly on the search for new gear, to include packs. The fit, the simple design, the pockets (and their handy size), all make the Circuit really hard to beat for me... ROCK6 |
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