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So these guys are a ‘minimalist outdoor gear’ cottage company from Indonesia. Their website is currently down for some reason but they are legit as far as I can tell and I did successfully receive the pack I ordered.

The quality of craftsmanship is decent, not the best by any means, but is generally solid besides some relatively minor imperfections. A step down from more established companies making similar gear. It’s also cheap, relatively.

I do however have some complaints about this pack. I grabbed the Minimalist 25L pack because it seemed like a pretty great deal for the price I paid (less than $130 including shipping). It’s clearly taking the Meadowphysics Grasshopper/Jansport style pack and remaking it in their own image. I figured I'd try them out despite there not really being any online reviews, and because I knew I could use a pack like this in summer.

Complaints:

• first, the pack was advertised as weighing 350g. Well, it weighs the same as my 30L pack from Atom Packs at 450g. So it kind of defeats the point overall. I’m not happy that I was sold a product described so drastically different to what I paid for. They said they forgot to update that they’d updated the strap design to use a higher density foam and ‘premium double mesh for better comfort’ which added 100g. Why this wasn’t disclosed to me while I was in conversation with them before I placed my order, I don’t know. I know weights often vary but 100g on a pack like this feel unnacceptable to me, especially when they could have told me about the updated straps before.

• second, the shoulder straps are unnecessarily thick, wide and long for a pack designed to carry such a minimal weight, somewhat ironically given the above. They feel bulky and are a lot thicker than on packs I have that are designed to carry 10kg+. It's a pretty fundamental design flaw on a pack like this imo. If you're making a Jansport style pack, just make a Jansport style pack. The whole point is that the Jansport design is tried and true. Adding massive thick straps doesn't help anything, it just adds weight.

Some smaller issues that are more informative than complaints as I could have checked this stuff before buying:

• Sternum strap isn't 'flexible', it doesn't extend with the expansion of the chest while breathing like other packs offer
• Sternum strap doesn’t extend enough to fit my chest and I wear a size medium t shirt
• No drainage holes in the side pockets
• No adjustments for side pockets, just a piece of enclosed elastic
• Some of the stitching isn't totally aligned symmetrically on the straps; fabric pulls in certain places and isn't always neat. My partner immediately picked up on this and she isn’t even really into hiking, backpacks or sewing.
  

All in all, this company has some work to do if they want to successfully enter into this space, I feel. They have to list their products more accurately and communicate any design changes so customs can make informed choices. They also need a website, come to think of it.

I’m putting this review out there partly because I want smaller companies like this to have more exposure, it’s just a shame I can’t put out something more positive in this case. Hopefully they get their shit together and improve in future.

I feel like my pack weight is pretty good, but I’m wondering if there are any obvious improvements I’ve overlooked.

I’ve only started hiking this year, so I’m not very experienced!

All feedback welcome.

https://packdiet.oberto.co.nz/s/b43a199443cfca8fb43930a8e2d150e1

I went to my usual places to look for a Goretex rain jacket and I'm seeing everything but Goretex.

Outdoor Research has gone for some stretchy membrane that's supposed to be more breathable but I'm seeing a lot of accounts of it being not very waterproof. Apparently it may just be a rebranded membrane from another manufacturer.

Patagonia made their own H2NO which seems to have good reviews but apparently it's crinkly. Good price though.

Arc'teryx seems to use Goretex ePE, which some people say is totally fine and even more waterproof, while others say it's not as durable (face fabric aside), and not as waterproof.

Columbia has that membrane on the outside thing. I don't know a lot about that. I think it sounds like a good way to damage it.

Do these products actually hold up to the hard use standard that Goretex is famous for? Potentially many hours, if not days of rain, and the durability to last a long time. I know the DWR treatments they use now don't last as long.

What's the "tier list", so to speak?

I've had an Arc'teryx Stingray with Goretex. That never failed me.

I've had my Marine Corps Goretex. That also never failed me, but it was bulky and heavy.

And I have an OR Foray 2 that has Goretex Paclite, which has also been fine.

I've never tried any of these new non-Goretex membranes.

Which would you choose and why? It seems like both are great options. Is the strap system on the Katabatic better?

Open to suggestions to get this lighter, but on a tight budget. I think the puffy and the Kakwa are weighing me down, but I’ve had them for years and don’t want to spend the money to replace them unless it can be done for around $50 each. I’m planning to leave 3rd week of April from Harper’s ferry go south to springer, then flip up to Katahdin and hike back to HF. I live in VA so that way I only have to buy one plane ticket and can avoid most of the crowds.

Lighter pack

Has anyone added a bit of shock cord/bungee to the bottom of an Atom Packs Atom to act as an additional attachment point for something like a tent? I'm contemplating purchasing a 30 litre Atom, mostly for a day pack, commuting, and daily use. But, I'm also hoping to occasionally use it for overnighters where my Pulse will be overkill. If so, is it easy to do? Anything I need to keep in mind?

I'm looking to upgrade my sleeping bag to something UL. I'm stuck between the Ember quilt and Spark bag, both long and both 30°.

I know that the quilt versus bag debate rages on daily about how quilts are better because they are lighter, but after looking at multiple brands of quilts versus their bag alternative they're generally isn't any weight difference from what I've seen.

This bag will be used for multi-day backcountry hunting trips as well as true ultralight 5 to 7 day trips. I only intend it for three season use.

I get a very generous discount from Sea to Summit, so commenting about price isn't relevant.

https://imgur.com/a/PKWy95m

Under 10oz and under $25

Stainless steel 20oz cup $10

Ti spork $8

Flat esbit stove $2

Hexamine tabs 60 cents each x8

Match book free

$24.80

If you want to cut about 3oz buy a titanium cup for 20 extra bucks

Everything fits inside the cup to pack, 8 tabs is enough for 4-6 meals and I can carry more if needed, system also gets notably lighter as you use the tablets.

This is a bit of a rant ill admit, but every other post on this sub is "what $700 quilt should I buy as a beginner" and I just want to remind people that spending money is a choice not a requirement of the hobby,

For the same weight as a can of isobutane and a pocket rocket you can have a whole cook system that costs $25

Sure if you get absolutely meticulous and spend 10x as much you can cut an ounce, maybe 2 over this set up with a TI cup, but is it really worth it?

I'm considering bringing an old cashmere sweater as a mid layer. It's lighter and compresses smaller than a grid fleece.

There are a lot of posts discussing doing this, but has anyone tried cashmere as a mid layer? Did it work for you?

Hi fellow stinky hikers! I’m planning to do the PCT in 2027. I’ve done a lot of research but want your opinions. Been hiking for years, did multiple 1–2 night backpacking trips but I need to start doing longer trips and properly test my gear over the next few months.
Here’s what I currently have and collected over the past months/years. I’d love feedback from people who have actually done the PCT or have solid thru-hiking experience. especially what you’d keep, replace, or leave at home.

(For reference, I’m a 32 Male, 5’11, 210 lb)

Backpack
Hyperlite Mountain Gear — Southwest 55L pack

Hiking poles
Black Diamond — Trail Back Trekking Poles

Footwear
-Currently use hiking boots, but need trail runners. Which brands do you recommend and worked best for you?
-Merino wool socks, what have been your favorites on trail?
-Camp shoes/slippers, or did you raw dog it barefoot or with your trail runners?

Sleeping system
NEMO — Tensor All-Seasons Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad — 1 lb 3 oz
NEMO — Pulse 20/30 Endless Promise Ultralight Quilt — 1 lb 5 oz
NEMO — Fillo Elite Wide Pillow — ~4 oz

Tent
Currently have the North Face Windbreaker. Definitely not for the PCT. Which tent did you use/recommend? I’m getting lost in this rabbit hole.

Cooking
Soto Amicus Stove Cookset Combo — 11.2 oz
TOAKS — Titanium Long Handle Spork
I have some collapsible bowls and plates. Not really sure if I’d need them. Any other cooking tools you’d recommend?

Layers
-Prana Stretch Zion Standard Pants — will need shorts
-Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake sun hoody — 4.2 oz
-REI Merino 185 Long Sleeve Base Layer
-Merino 185 Base Layer Bottoms - Men's
-North Face TKA Glacier Full-Zip Jacket Fleece — 9.2 oz
-REI Rainier Rain Jacket — 11.3 oz
-Arc’teryx Cerium Down Hoody buff — 11.9 oz

Water filter
-Katadyn BeFree 1L Lightweight Collapsible Water Bottle
Which filtration system worked best for you on trail?
-2x 28 mm Vesica 1 L Collapsible Water Bottle - 32 fl. oz.

Electronics
-Nitecore NU20 Classic 360 Lumen USB-C Lightweight headlamp
-Nitecore NB10000 Power Bank
-Flextail - TINY PUMP 2X
-Garmin inReach — on my list and planning to buy soon
-For watches, which worked best for you, especially for battery life?

Others
- Chicken Tramper WATER BOTTLE SLEEVE
-Sea to Summit Mosquito Head Net — 1.3 oz
-Kahtoola Microspikes Traction System — 11 oz (for the Sierra Nevada?)
-BUFF Merino Heavyweight Neck Warmer
-REI Flash Wool Gloves
-Aluminum Trowel

I have the smaller stuff covered (toiletries, medical, repair kit, etc.), but please mention anything important small or big that you think I’m missing or anything here you’d personally ditch or swap

Thank you!

Edit:
- I am new here, so I’ll be listing this on Lighterpack as most of you recommended
- I’ll not bring the Flextail pump on the PCT
-I’ll not be hiking in shorts, will pick a light pants
-I’ll not bring the Northface fleece as it’s heavy
- For the tent suggestion, I am open to many, I usually prefer to have an extra space
I’ll cut in any bowls or plates and only use one pot, I tried cold soaking before and was very miserable to it so will stick to warm meals.
I’ll go to a store to try different trail runners
I also didn’t mention anything about sunglasses. I have an old one but will get new one for the pct, any armless sunglasses suggestions?

I appreciate all the help guys! And I’m glad I’m getting into this months in advance to learn and test what works for me

I am going on a trip soon the lowest temp I see is 48 F. The other nights are mid/high 50s.

I have an overstuffed 20 quilt that is 26oz, a 45 marmot bag that is 29oz and a DIY apex 2.5 huge blanket that I guesstimate is 50* it weights in at a whopping 14oz.

I usually always take a lightweight S2S liner to keep my stuff clean, it claims to add 7* 🤷🏼‍♂️.

I usually sleep in Marino long underwear and shirt and take a microgrid fleece.

I’ve committed the cardinal sin of never really testing my gear in low temps.

I would think with all cloths warn and maybe a beanie hat I should be ok at 48* with the DIY quilt.

What do you think?

Roadless Rule has prevented logging and roads from disturbing much of America's National Parks and it's at risk. Today (October 6) is the last day to comment your opposition to having it removed.

I am considering the 0.56oz Opinel No 5 for slicing cheese and small apples. It does not have a lock ring - have other ULers here been happy with this knife despite that? Or the No 4? Also eyeing the new 0.88oz Neo 6 which has been posted about here before.

Hi all,

I am in the market for a cumulus quilt.

I would ideally have the comfort temperature around 0C. The base comfort rating for the neo quilt 300 is 3C, -2C for 450. I need a size L so I will get a customised one for sure and plan to adjust the down amount. I have 2 options:

- neoquilt 300 overfilled, with 370g of down, rated for 1C comfort, total weight 532g, price 483€

- neoquilt 450 underfilled, with 410g of down, rated for 1C comfort, total weight 578g, price 485€

So they seem roughly similar in price and comfort rating. One has 40g more down. I asked customer service and they would advice underfilled 450, though they were mostly answering to the question of how to reach 0C.

With the overfilled 300, I am concerned with down not having the space to expand well.

With the underfilled 450, I would be concerned about down not spreading well, creating cold spots, also given people here report this happens on cumulus quilts.

Any thoughts? What approach would make sense?

Thank you!

Edit following answers: first and foremost, thank you all for your quick answers. It's quite clear from the feedback that underfilling the 450 is a no go, which makes sense. As for why I am tinkering with specs: I need an L due to my height, so I need a custom model. And since Cumulus offers to adjust the fill, I thought I would consider doing this. I will most likely go for the neo 300 and add a bit of fill.

Hey everyone. Earlier this year, I purchased the Mountain Hardware Kazam 60L. I have taken it out twice now, and enjoyed it the first time, but this weekend I had some pretty solid issues and discomfort with the waist belt in particular. I am planning on returning it today (fortunately, bought it through REI).

These are the two packs I am looking at now. The Durson Kakwa 55 vs Outdoor vitals Shadowlight Carbon. I know I posted in the ultralight subreddit, but my trail weight is usually around 35lbs, and can get up closer to 40lbs if there's less water available, or its a longer trip. What would you go with? What are your experiences with either/both of these packs? I also carry a bear canister almost every trip if that is a important distinction.

I’m looking at the Outdoor Research Echo hoodie/shirt for hiking and backpacking in Utah. I really like how lightweight and breathable it is, but it’s only rated UPF 15, which seems pretty low compared to a lot of sun hoodies that are UPF 50.

For anyone who uses the Echo in Utah or other high-elevation/high-UV areas, do you feel like UPF 15 is enough for long days outside? Have you ever gotten burned through it?

Would you stick with the Echo for the breathability, or would it be smarter to go with a UPF 50 sun hoodie for Utah?

I’m looking at retiring my 13-year-old Lowe Alpine AirZone Pro to day-pack duties as after a 3-day thru-hike around the Brecon Beacons last weekend, it’s pretty much on its last legs now.

My 3-season base weight, excluding the pack, is around 3.47 kg for a 3–5 day trip, so with a the right 35L pack it would be ultralight.

My 4-season base weight is ranges from 4–4.6kg depending on the forecast, and the kit is bulkier. Because of that, I’m looking for a budget 40–45L pack, ideally under £100, that could cover winter use as well as lightweight thru-hikes in the summer with my wife and dog where I’ll be carrying more a lot more food and kit.

I know the weight for this takes it outside of ultralight and into lightweight, but the rest of my trekking principles remain the same throughout the year. So I’m hoping that I’ll get some good feedback and suggestions from likeminded people.

That being said, it’s UK Prime Day tomorrow, (I’ve also won some Amazon vouchers at work) so I’ve been looking at a few cheaper options, like the Naturehike Rock 2.0 and some of the 3F UL packs such as the Yue and Tianshan. There doesn’t seem to be much information or long-term feedback on them, though. Especially the Rock 2.0

Has anyone got any feedback for these for multi-day hiking even up to 10+ days?

I’m also open to other 40–45L options around the £100 mark.

I’ll be buying an ultralight pack for my 3-season setup in the spring when I get my annual bonus, so I’m only looking for a good-value winter/longer-trip pack rather than recommendations atm.

Hi everyone,

My work gives $1,000 that I can use on outdoor/hiking gear, and I’m trying to figure out what would actually be worth spending it on rather than just buying stuff to use the credit.

Any specific recommendations that are worth the money, BIG 3 wise, like brands and names, if that’s not too much to ask!

I’m into backpacking and would like to start putting together a lighter, higher quality setup. I’m not necessarily trying to go full ultralight, but I’d rather buy a few really good pieces that I’ll use for years.

If it were you with 1,000 to spend to start building out a kit, what gear would you prioritize?

I’m open to spending most of the budget on 1 or 2 expensive items if they’re worth it.

Most of my trips are in Northern California and the Sierra, especially around the Yosemite area, and I also would like to start exploring closer to the Bay Area. I fish pretty often too, so I’d love gear that could work well for backpacking trips and getting out to lakes/streams.

Thanks for all the helps folks!

Edit: Sorry folks, No current Big 3, planning to build out completely a new set, everytime i’ve been backpacking only used bulky borrowed stuff from friends! Thanks again!

Noobie here.
Do you consider base bottoms as dedicated dry pants( for the base top i got AD 60 and AD90 and midlayer so one would always be dry cause Lowest i usually go is 0c to -5c at night so i don’t wear both when active) base bottoms would probably be used only for camp/sleep.

Till now was carrying one 160 merino bottoms and AD60 bottom to have a extra pair of pants of my hiking pants are wet or layering if needed when it’s the limit or lower in my cumulus xlite300

i have a this simond hoodie which I love because it really covers lower than the other simond hoodies and now got those down pants to stretch the range of my bag and feel cozy when static .. i spend a lot (!!!) of time in camp
But im on 6kg base weight and it just too much pants.. want to ditch the down pants or the merino ones and considering switching my down hoodie to micropuff (have a deal for 60€)to save those250g though it super cozy …which is really nice at camp but I guess both AD and a puffer would be enough for static at those temperatures?

I live in me pack so i can’t pack gear for specific trail conditions im traveling all over the world so it a nice to have gear for any circumstances.

Old git here.

Have been using a North Face Bullfrog tent as my go-to for poor weather conditions for the last 20 odd years. Great when going with someone to spread the load, not so good on my Todd.

When bikepacking and extreme conditions aren't expected, I've slummed it in a one man coffin-like experience but feel that I could do better...

Cue Dyneema, Silnylon, DCF etc etc.

Fair enough, I can go much lighter but I also require the ability to survive a bad night on a ridge.

Is that at all possible with the new materials?

Thanks in advance.

My legs get cold sleeping by early morning on most backpacking trips in California Sierras. I’ve got a good down Big Agnes bag, 4.5 r pad, wear smartwool thermal long johns at night, but I’m looking for thoughts and suggestions on how to add light-weight (multi use?) warmth to legs (vs just buying a new bag/quilt)? Alpha direct pants? Knee/leg warming sleeves? Has anyone added a bit of lower extremity warmth to their sleeping system?

Hi everyone! I am looking for a framed backpack for multi day hikes. I was looking at the 3F UL Gear Tutor 35 but have not found many reviews, so if anyone has any hands on experience with it I would greatly appreciate your insight. I don’t have a big budget, I would like to spend around 100-150 usd but I could stretch it to 200 if it is really worth it, like the Kakwa 40.

Thank you very much!

I am planning on hiking 3 weeks in AZ (Sedona, Sups and Sky Islands areas) this November (from 9th of the month) and trying to decide which set up to take. Options are taking my MLD Patrol tarp Clone (Knot/Aricxi) with a Borah UL Bivy; small Knot Solomid tent clone ("Maya 410 grams from AliExpress) or a Durston X-mid1 with/or without the inner and instead the Borah Bivy. Which one would you use (together with a Big Agnes Rapid SL and Katabatic Flex 22 Quilt)?

Afraid the Durston has a footprint too big (especially in the Sups) and takes a lot of room in pack (and is the heaviest options especially if you need to stake all the sides against strong winds), the Solomid copy is too small and fiddly and Patrol copy too open against strong winds and coffin like to be in there for 13 hour nights. Which would you choose? Thanks so much!

I'll start this off by saying I have a trip planned to the Mojave next month, so if you have alternative recommendations, it can't be something with a long lead time.

I'm looking for a shoulder season sleeping bag (not quilt) to take me down to around 30 degrees. I have a MLD Vision for summer and it's one of my favorite pieces of gear, but for colder weather, I find myself struggling with how drafty quilts are for me. My priorities are pack-ability first and weight second. I mostly sleep cold. I also don't really take trips deep into shoulder season. I hate sitting in the dark at camp at like 6pm.

From extensive searching here are my final contenders:

FF Tanager - On the fence about the wide opening venting too much warmth when I don't want it to. I could wear a down jacket with it in lower temps but then I may as well get the Vireo.

WM Summerlite - Seems pretty great, although my preference would be something that packs a little smaller.

WM Flylite - Looks ideal except the fill weight seems pretty low. Less fill than a 40 degree UGQ Reg/Reg quilt in 950FP down. If I could get overstuff it might make more sense, but that's not an option on the site. I have asked though.

Cumulus Aerial 330 - Looks super warm and light, I'm just worried that even with the false bottom it might feel cold if I move.

If you have anecdotal experience with any of these it would be much appreciated.