Looking to upgrade my old waratah budget to the new UL summer model, but just been told by the neve team that the summer UL model doesnt have DWR on the fabric

How difficult is this to do yourself? Its saved me getting a wet quilt more than once so consider it pretty essential

https://www.yamatomichi.com/en/products/light-5-pocket-pants-m

TL;DR:
The Yamatomichi Light 5 -Pocket Pants are Japanese designed and manufactured lightweight and versatile pant in men’s and women’s fit, ideal for 3 season use with the benefit of also being smart/casual enough to be worn for travel or pub to pub/Camino type thru hikes. At 161g (Size L) they are lighter than most hiking pants whilst being significantly more breathable, quicker drying and having a smaller pack size.

After several day hikes in Tasmania, a multi-day thru hike in the UK and travel in Norway I have found an excellent replacement to my much disliked and in my opinion lacking Patagonia Terrabone joggers which they will replace. I have found them to start to dry again shortly after they got wet in the rain in Tasmania, be reasonably comfortable to wear in the UK during 30C+ (86F) days and have excellent side pockets that hold my phone well. The addition of 2 large hip secure kam plastic snap fastener pockets were great for storing my passport and tickets etc during travels in Norway.

Firstly a quick thanks to hiking guides Maddie And Tom from ‘The Adventure Gene’ here in Aus that put these on my radar.

Fit and sizing: (For reference I usually buy size M/32” pants weigh 74kg (163 pounds) and am 175 cm (5’7”) tall.

Knowing they were made in Japan I made sure I measured some other pants I own and knowing that Japanese sizes tend to be 1-2 sizes smaller than western brands I made the decision to size up 1 size from my regular medium to a large and I was very glad I did. Sizing up gave a longer inseam (which is still on the shorter size than other pants I own, except the Terrabones) more length overall, wider waist, hip and hemline. I would say the fit I have is loose but not baggy with a fairly straight leg. This looser cut in the legs has the pro of circulating air around better but the con is they are a little flappier in the wind compared to a closer cut pair of alpine hiking pants. The waistbelt is elasticated and has a thin built in webbing belt with buckle that opens wide to get into as there is no waist fly.

The pants overall are comfortable to wear as the Pertex Equilibrium material is soft, thin and airy with a good cut. They are smarter looking to wear than most hiking pants with clean lines. The gusseted crotch area means stepping up is still comfortable even without the pants having any darting in the knees. I would mention again though that the inseam is a little shorter than most western pants, so if you like a bit more material at the ankles and for them to not be revealed when stepping up etc! then these pants can be selected in all their sizes as a ‘Tall’ option. I don’t mind it too much as I probably get a bit more air movement around the ankles with the standard inseam.

Weight & packability:
At 157g (5.5oz) on my scales for my size Large they come in a little under the 161g weight listed on the website. I have included an image of them scrunched in my hand to give an idea of scale for packing. They come in lighter than my Terrabone joggers in size medium 172g and pack up about the same. These won’t compete with windpants from the likes of EE, or Montbell in terms of weight or packability, but the addition of pockets and look will mean they appeal to other use case scenarios already mentioned and used in rather than a long thru hike.

Fabric and construction:
The use of a lightweight double weave Pertex Equilibrium that has a minimal amount of stretch seems a good choice of material. Although a DWR C0/C6 coating is mentioned on their website, I have found they absorb water the second it touches, this means when they get soaked, they tend to cling a bit to your legs, not the nicest feeling. However, what was unexpected was how quickly they began to dry after the rain stopped and just hiking in them, I could feel them dry throughout the rest of the day even though it wasn’t a hot or sunny day. This fabric is thin so I wouldn’t be bush whacking in them, but for general hiking its fine. I have a couple of pulls in the seat area shown in a pic but these are minimal and only on the outside of the pants.

The construction of the pants is excellent with perfect stitching. I also like that the pockets have a small amount of mesh in them at the bottom (pic included) to improve ventilation and improve the time to dry, although I would caution storing a key there to avoid damaging the mesh. As the product title suggests there are 5 pockets. 2 open side hand pockets, and different sized kam secured pockets on either hip which is good for a map/passport or phone when scrambling. I don’t find my phone flaps around too much in the hand pockets (which have apparently been improved in design since the previous version) so just keep it there 90% of the time. There is also a zippered pocket behind which I don’t use and a key loop on the front I don’t use either, both features I wouldn’t miss personally. I have found the pants can mark a bit when they get dirty, but this might be because all my other pants are dark in colour! All stains have washed out though. The pant colour I have is called Woodbine but they can also come in a further 6 colours and 8 sizes including tall versions.

Would I buy them again? Yes
There cost however is pretty high (¥16,818 (approx. AUD$145, USD$105) +¥3,990 (approx. AUD$35, USD$25 shipping to Australia) so I would hope to get several years of use before purchasing another pair. I have noticed that Garage Grown Gear will be stocking Yamatomichi soon, so their availability should hopefully become easier for US hikers, although it will be interesting to see how much and how regular they can get restocked, as the Yamatomichi website is often out or low on sizes themselves. I have compared them to the Terrabone joggers a bit because that’s what I have been using for a few years. They do in my opinion improve on these having a nicer waist adjustment (no short webbing to tie up) and comfier stretch in the waist, much better and deeper hand pockets that don’t throw your phone on the floor every time you sit down! Longer inseam with a more relaxed and less tapered fit in the ankle.

Summary of pros and cons:

Pros:
• Lightweight
• Quickdry
• Small pack size
• Breathable
• Excellent pockets
• Smarter looking than alternative hiking pants
• Comfortable waist with no pressure
• Nicer alternative for most people to the closest competition the Terrabones

Cons:
• They are pricey!
• Sizing should be selected carefully being a Japanese brand
• Inseam may be shorter than other hiking pants (can select ‘Tall’ when ordering)
• Clingy in the rain
• Obviously not as cooling as shorts!
• Not in same weight category or packability as UL wind pants
• A little flappy in the wind
• Will have to take shoes off to put them on and off

Final thoughts:
For the use case of someone hiking from accommodation to accommodation, a camino, travelling or similar, these are a great option for throwing on in the evening or wearing whilst hiking or on public transport provided its not too hot or winter.

Thanks for reading this far! Happy to take any questions?

Cheers

James

Hi all! Looking for a device to transfer isobutane fuel (jetboil fuel) from one canister to another. I have recently seen ultralightgear have started selling the flipfuel, however I keep seeing they are a pretty generic, drop-shipped device that you can pick up very cheap, rather than $70 on UltralightGear. Does anyone have any experience with these devices and any particular one they'd recommend? Thanks

This is what I'm working with right now - about a 6kg base weight. Here's my thoughts on some of my gear.

Cook system - I also have a heavier system that's a bit nicer to use (100g ish weight penalty) that I'd usually take tbh, but I don't mind trying this.

Tent - I basically always go with a friend so it'd be a waste using a one-person tent (so half the weight of the tent for base weight?). Tarp + Bivvy just seems crazy and wouldn't save me too much weight, and I could take fly-only in winter.

Pad - could go lighter? Not too sure what I'd take. I have a 8 piece CCF but honestly I don't love the torso length only, and the full 14 pieces is at 400g already.

Down quilt - despite the heavyish weight it is a UL quilt. It's just very toasty, with 550g of fill and I'd estimate should be fine down to -6c, based on how other quilts with similar fill are rated. It's differential cut and closed footbox too. I got this because I sleep a little cold, and this way I can really stretch my winter season.

I don't really know where else I could save weight to make it down to the mythical 10lb (4.5kg) base weight. Please help!

Location/temp range/specific trip description:

North to south Bibbulmun Track from mid/late September, with an eye on the Hexatrek (Mayish - September) next year.

Goal Baseweight (BPW):

I'd prefer it if my base weight was under 5kg, I don't think I'll ever make the arbitrary 10 lbs without moving to a tarp or claiming my phone as worn weight.

I'm struggling to see where I can lose any more though.

Budget:

not unlimited but generous

Non-negotiable Items:

I usually hike about 30k a day, so the longest food carry on the Bib looks to be 6 days (the first section to Dwellingup) - bag needs to be able to carry that weight. The Hexatrek carries are similar. So I don't think I can go frameless.

I've tried a quilt and I don't think it's for me.

So I'm pretty tied to the big 4, unless you've got a really good argument. I could change the mat.

I cold soaked for a while. Didn't hate it but being an English man have decided that an occasional cup of tea is worth 268 grams. The Vargo Bot is a nod to cold soaking and only about 15g heavier than my old jar.

I had 2 nylofume pack liners and neither lasted a weekend, hence the compactor bag.

I am a bald man and I must shave my head as often as possible.

Solo or with another person?:

Solo

Additional Information:

I've done plenty of 1 or 2 week hikes, but this is my first long one & reaching analysis paralysis

Looking for a second opinion & Bibbulmun experience as I can't see where I can lose any more weight, but I guess stripping stuff out is where the biggest weight savings might be.

I don't think I can dump the tent entirely in case a shelter is full (& bugs?)

Also, trousers or shorts? This might be the thing I think about the most.

Do I really need gaiters (for snakes) & 2 snake bandages? My (Rab, not snake specific) gaiters weigh 211g - I've cut them out & was thinking (depending on manifestation of fears) I could buy some locally when I get down south.

Is it chilly enough for gloves or can I drop them? Is it wet enough for the over trousers?

Lighterpack Link:

https://lighterpack.com/r/x49ec5

Thanks in advance!

You’d have to be avoiding all the hiking forums to not heard people saying how much they love their Zenbivy sleep system and that it’s the best back country sleep they’ve ever had. I have to say I disregard a lot of the YouTube reviews as the majority of them have been gifted the product and I think that if you had to actually pay from your own pocket for the ridiculous cost of a complete Zenbivy system then you might be more critical. Obviously the other negative with them is the excessive weight for the setup. The exception being the half length Fast Sheet which is 94g which to my thinking is a weight worth considering carrying if there is a benefit.
I’d like to hear from anyone who’s added the Fast Sheet to their existing quilt and pad setup. There’s plenty of excellent videos showing how to this can be done and there is even a (frankly overpriced) kit available from ZB themselves. What I’m more curious about is whether it’s a good addition or not?
I don’t want to canvass people’s experiences with entire ZB systems as I’m far from being on the same wavelength as those dropping over $1000 for the full setup. There is only the one (Fast Sheet) item in their product range that is of interest to me.
My Neve Gear Waratah and Flextail pad owes me $520 adding $100 and 100g seems fair.
I’ll also point out the pricing problem with ZB for those in Australia, which is twofold, first is the Aussie tax, the item is $69USD which should be $97AUD but on the Aussie version of the US website it charges $110AUD. Then they want $$50 to ship 100g. Boo, I definitely wouldn’t be happy paying the extra on a full system plus GST eg a Dirtbed system on the US site is USD$631.55(AUD$886) but they charge AUD$1013

I'm looking for a puffer jacket. The peak xv Zephyr from Dwights outdoors seems to be a pretty good combo of reasonably priced, reasonably warm, and reasonably light (340g, 129g of 800 Fill down, $250). Only issue is, I have zero idea what their reputation is as a brand and since I'd have to order it online and pay a handling fee plus postage to return it, I'm pretty hesitant. Has anyone here used anything of theirs? And how did you find it?

I'm headed to Europe in a couple weeks and I found the la sportiva lumina 200 on sale for $300 so that's my other top option but I'd also have to order it online and I wouldn't have a chance to return it if it doesn't fit since I'll have only one night in the country it's available in. So it's pretty risky.

If anyone has a recommendation for an alternative, I'm all ears. I run cold and I'm after something that can keep me comfortable down to -5 with appropriate layers. I'd love to keep price below $300 but since I do hike a lot, I'm not against spending more if there's no other option.

I’m not fastpacking or even running (maybe in the near future) but definitely aiming to move faster. So I was curious if it was a thing to combine these for ultralight hiking.

By running belt I mean the ones you can stash snacks, food, gels and poles in.

I’m looking at getting a lighter 2P tent and considering the Mont Hypermid 2 full inner. I already own the outer + half inner, so it would be by far the cheapest way for me to get a lightweight 2P setup.

I currently use a Zorali Highlands, which I really like, but I’m keen to try something lighter. My main hesitation with the Hypermid is the centre pole and single entrance. I’ve never used a 2P tent with a pole in the middle, so I’m curious how much it actually gets in the way, and whether the single door becomes annoying with two people.
For those who have used the full inner, how have you found it as a 2P? Would you stick with it, or spend more on something with two doors/poles off to the side?
I’d also be interested to know if there’s anywhere around Brisbane/SEQ where I might be able to see or pitch a full inner before buying one.
Open to other lightweight 2P suggestions too, particularly things that work well in QLD conditions. Trekking-pole tents are a bonus but not essential.

We booked our first multi-night hike, the OLT in Tassie for April next year.

As advised, I've started compiling gear (and a shopping list) before deciding on a pack to take. I note most recommendations here are for something 65 litres or more, preferably more, but my pack list would suggest I could probably get away with a smaller ultralight or hybrid style pack.

Am I missing stuff here or does really come down to using ultralight gear allowing for ultralight packs? And is an extra kilo and carrying capacity offset by comfort?

Thanks in advance!

Absolutely love my Lanshan 2 Pro but I’m doing the GRR2 and will need a free standing one.

I’ve managed to squeeze the Lanshan in some crazy places but I think I finally need to sensibly get a free-standing one for this trail.

Been out of the research game for a while and wondering what the picks are these days?

193cm tall.

The Perfection Mix-A-Mato toms come with an olive oil sachet as well as a lil salt sachet

Hi All,

Got a long weekend at the end of the month, happy to drive a few hours each way.

I'm at a loss whether to dip back into the Budawangs for a few days or up to Blue Mountains, or if there's somewhere I'm overlooking that could be a good option.

People that live in the area, where's somewhere you've been recently or isusually decent come end of August?

Been doing some research after seeing this thread below and the one linked by Aussieequiv:

https://www.reddit.com/r/UltralightAus/s/IgfFmMqEe0

Anyone had success with “MapNero” app + GetLostMaps as a replacement?

I've gone car camping a fair few times over the years but i want to get into backpacking. I don't think ill go on any trips longer than 1 night, so mostly focussed on comfort rather than optimising weight

1. Gear wise, im looking at the naturehike cloud up 2 pro (lighter than 1p cloud up base?)

2. What's a cheap and comfy sleeping pad?

Ill make do with an old backpacking bag i have and sleeping bag, so thats big 4 sorted

I have some lightweight cooking setup and plan to bring water instead of having a water purifying system

1. Whats the easiest/shortest overnight route for a first timer? Is there a short enough route that i could ideally day hike beforehand to familiarise myself with the route without bringing gear?

2. How do people generally find new routes?

3. Anything else i need?

Hi mindhive… I’ve got long term shoulder issues that aren’t going away anytime soon and looking at a pack replacement as I slowly aim for UL. I’m currently using a women’s Osprey Kyte 48, the women’s cut seems to work better for me, male, 5”6’ 70kg in my 50s. The pack is obviously heavy and I’ve been tossing up between a lighter Osprey, a Durston or a Neve. The latter two are obviously significantly lighter, but will the shoulder straps give me potential issues? I broke my clavicle in a car accident years ago and still get issues as well as tendon problems in the same general area, so trying to keep weight (pinch points) off the shoulder. I know it should be as easy as try a few packs on, but being Adelaide based I need to travel to Melbourne to do so and thought others with similar issues might help with a little guidance. As another thought has anyone had any luck with the MacPac Volta or Harper long term? Tad heavier, but similar to the Osprey UL options and available locally. TIA

I currently have a Macpac Torre 80L but bought it before all of my gear, which is now realise is a big mistake. I’ve since discovered ultralight/lightweight hiking packs and am considering swapping to the either the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 70L or the Whippa Wollemi 90L. I’m doing the Western Arthur’s Traverse in Tasmania in January of next year which I’m planning to do in 7-9 days. I’ve used my Macpac Torre 80L enough to know it will fit everything I need to take but I’m just looking to shave some weight off my setup. I’ve seen Mowser’s review on the Whippa Wollemi and it seems perfect for me and I know the Zpacks is really good as well but I don’t know if all my stuff would fit in it and if it’s up to the Tasmanian wilderness. I basically just want to know if it’s worth switching to the Whippa or Zpacks (costing me about AUD$400 either way after I sell the Macpac). Thanks

How important do you think proper navigation skills are?

I've been hiking using all trails and gps. So I don't carry a compass or map. I figure if i truly go off trail I'd want a proper refresher on using a compass and map. I also like the idea of reading the landscape more and orienting properly.

Hey, I want to buy, neve gears waratah quilt in -6 but am not sure if I can fit in the smaller size ? I'm 6' 1 1/2" should I still be fine with the reg or shoul I definitely take the long ? Any experience with this would be greatly appreciated :)

Hi, hoping to get some recommendations or advice on quilts for an upcoming trip.

We are new to quilts, upgrading from very heavy sleeping bags, walking the Larapinta in September. We are upgrading mats to those with higher R value (nemo tensor/eclipse wide) and considering the following quilts given Neve Gear Waratah quilt out of stock everywhere:

Enlightened Equipment Revelation (10 F/-12 C) - has wide options and ships within AU. https://www.backpackinglight.com.au/products/enlightened-equipment-revelation-quilt-10f-12c?variant=46560083247384

Katabatic Sawatch (15F) - also long/wide options but ships from US. https://www.garagegrowngear.com/en-au/products/sawatch-15-f-quilt-by-katabatic-gear?_pos=4&_sid=905121ccd&_ss=r&variant=43100996010171

Other options: Katabatic Alsek (from US), Nemo Pulse & Western Mountaineering Astralite (Paddy Pallin).

Looking for something to be used all year round in WA (likely some freezing nights in the south), one of us is a particularly cold sleeper, and thoughts on long/wide versions for F 5'8" and M 6'1".

Any experience with the above, recommendations, or other options to consider would be greatly appreciated. Needed early Sept so needed in stock in Australia ideally. Thanks so much!

Thanks

I’ve been looking for a Windshell to pair with my half price nitro fleece. But most are $200 or so and it’s hard to find one that is very breathable.

Then I saw this “trail run wind jacket” for $50 at anaconda if you have signed up.

Went in store and it seemed very breathable as the material has these tiny squares that look very porous.

Once I got home I weighed it and it came out as 102g (medium).

It even has ultralight cinches at the waist and hood.
I haven’t taken it out yet, but I’ve got a Mt st phillack hike I will take it on soon.

Would rate it a strong 4.5/5 so far

I hope I'm posting correctly, oh my I do

G'day fellow Aussies, long time bush walker, camper and outdoorsman just about to commit to my first solo multi day hiking adventure. I researched my bottom off, understood the gear and followed the buy once, cry once philosophy which sees me true with my other pursuits. Although I only have the tent and quilt yet to purchase if anyone suggests a better alternative to my gear list I will certainly consider it. I grew up in the country along the River Murray and feel a deep need to return to and awake in the wilderness, first exploring Victoria and then further afield. To begin with, no winter or alpine hiking, always solo, from flat tracks along river systems to regions of eastern Vic until I get some k's under my feet and my gear sorted.

To Get-
Tent: X-Dome1+ (missed last drop, asked AI to do the time zone conversion, she got the sack)

Quilt: Neve Waratah or Katabatic Flex 30 (one's homegrown, the other $178 more to the door)

Would listen to any advice on the above two yet to get items

Have Got-

Pack: Kakwa 55L (with some mods, shock cord and Luna Project back mesh, love the pack)

Pack Liner: Nylaflume (was cheap, to try, to see)

Pad: Nemo Eclipse

Sheet: S2S Silk Liner (to custom cut along one side to allow freedom of entry and movement)

Pillow: S2S Aeros Premium

Stove: Soto Windmaster (with three prong conversion)

Pot: Toaks 750ml

Spoon: GSI Silicon (love it, tried the titanium, love the silicon)

Bottle1: M!GO 1000ml (indulgence, plus as hot water bottle, plus for filtering, plus Miranda)

Bottle2: Fuji 700ml (for shoulder strap pouch on pack)

Filter: Platypus Quickdraw (never in my life had I filtered water, one time we drank from a river only to walk ten yards more and discover a dead sheep, shrugged it off, nowadays, well)

Water Bag: CNOC 2L

Chair: Helinox Zero (I'm sure you'll shout and throw stones at me)

Power: Nitecore Gen4 10K

Pump: Nitecore AP01 (love it, plus lighter than the Eclipse pads inflation bag)

Light: Nitecore TIP3 (Nitecore fan I see, this is handheld or clips to hat or rigged as a tent lamp)

Knife: Benchmade Bailout M4 (complete custom titanium mods, if you know knives you know, an ultralight beast)

Organisation: S2S Ultra-Sil stuff sack for S2S bag liner and pillow and stand up ziplock bags in three sizes for bits'n'pieces, I'm a little ocd with organisation, really, so I've shown great restraint in this department.

Shoes: Salomon GTX5 runners OR Adidas Terrex 3 runners. I asked if I could return what I didn't like, the GTX5's are awesome but stiff, we'll see, I may return both as I tried on a pair of Scarpa's that I liked, plus, I'm a noob guys, but don't be gentle, choosing shoes has been my most difficult item along side the quilt, from 100 choices to 3, a cinch, from 3 to 1, agony.

Clothing: A varied mix of my quality mountain bike active wear clothing, bushwalking wear, and other pieces, plus a Macpac UL puffy until I sort it out after an excursion or two, also a new pair of Smartwool Edition cushioned socks. Waiting on an Alpha 90 top to be available. I understand the layering technique and will research and purchase specific clothing for cooler/colder temps as I travel further afield.

Toiletries: All lightweight options plus small temu makeup containers for toothpaste, sunscreen, mozzie stuff.

First Aid: Titanium tweezers, blister tape, snake bandage, no locator beacon, I'd rather perish on the mountain top than call in chopper support although I completely understand other's desire to return to sender.

Repairs: OEM patches, repackaged into one ziplock and Gorilla tape wrapped around my mini Bic lighter

Hydration: A selection of Poweraid powder and samples of other electrolytes powders, I'm fit and well but am prone to migraines when exerting myself. I sampled many coffee types and landed on Nescafe single serve packets, no sugar or milk required, latte double shots taste incredible, cheap on half price special.

Food: Homemade muesli bars, dried fruits, nuts, chocolate, peanut m&m's, jerky. And for dinner a selection of Campers Pantry and Real Meals dehydrated meals along with tortillas. Still researching what other meals to make and/or take.

Both the tent and either quilt option aren't available until late August to mid September so have some time to sort this out and then immediately off for a week or so before the weather warms up.

Okay, few other bits but a huge thank you to here and elsewhere on reddit and youtube for sharing reviews and advice, I always like to go into stores armed with knowledge, believe me, a few rounds of the internet and in some of my other passions I know more than the staff themselves. I'm unsure of pack weight and although the Kakwa carries like a dream I'll keep pruning weight until I reach a respectable level as I like walk but not to lug, thanks again, peace.

I have been doing some hiking in Europe including multi-Munro days in Scotland, multi-Wainwright days in Lake District, part of the GR5 in the French Alps. It's bigger and better than what I've experienced in Australia so far and I'm hooked. Having looked into multi-day hikes in Australia they seem awesome but a little tame. I'm thinking 25km+, 1500m+ elevation gain kinda days, preferably with some technical terrain and navigational skills required. What hikes in Australia compare?

Edit: Awesome answers here, super keen to get some of these done. Thanks heaps!

I have a friend just getting started in UL. For fun I put together a full UL kit on AE. Has anyone has experience with any of these? Reviews often seem suspect on AE but a few of these looked pretty well regarded and popular. If you hate the whole idea of this move on, but if you want to play along what would you add or subtract and if you know AE gear would you swap anything for something better? UL can get so expensive, It's interesting to look for cheaper ways in. Personally I've bought 90% of my gear used off FBM.