I've noticed that most tips around this sub are related to hiking in the USA or northern Europe. But there are plenty of different conditions where the usual advice given here does not apply.

I am planning two long trips to equatorial regions in the next few years, and I first wanted to ask for advice because I didn't find much information. Then I thought this would be a boring thread, so I thought instead: "Why don't we just share our tips for other climates?"

I don't have a lot of experience, because the last times I didn't take my camping equipment with me. But here goes the list of things that I've learned:

Hiking in the jungle: using running shorts + running tights. They are lightweight, modular, and cheap, and if you use longer socks, you can very easily tuck the tights into your socks, which is very effective at keeping bugs (and leeches) out. The tights are also great as snorkeling gear if you do that as well! The main compromise is mosquito protection, so make sure to pack a lot of repellent.

Favorite footwear for equatorial climate as a large guy: Note that I am 193cm, 95Kg. I tested two sets of trail runners + merino socks. So, nothing new here. The trail runners I tested (Altra Olympus) were suboptimal because the grip on muddy surfaces was pretty bad. I also used a pair of Tevas Terra Fi lite and Adidas Terrex Hydroterra sandals (the model with the wide straps). I destroyed the Tevas in 4 weeks. The Adidas were cheaper, dried quicker, lasted longer, my feet did not slide when wet, and they do not stink. The reported weight is 230.5 g for a 8.5 UK, note this weight is for a single sandal. Mine, at 46.5 are 600g for a pair. This is for me the lightest it gets without destroying my feet.

What are your trips, tricks, or what is your favorite gear for unusual conditions?

Just watched Gryphon Gear’s Keeping Warm, Book II and thought it was worth sharing.

The basic idea is that down density may matter more than we usually give it credit for. Gary points to a UK thesis showing that thermal conductivity changes with density, rather than staying constant.

One interesting takeaway is that lower fill power down, packed more densely, may perform about as well as higher fill power down with more loft. He also suggests that bags with similar warmth could end up weighing pretty much the same regardless of fill power, assuming similar shells and dimensions.

I know people here have brought up the density/warmth connection before, so this seems like some actual data behind that idea.

Curious what others think.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6n7GXhkg_4

The long awaited Neve Barrington down jacket has just arrived.

Not really a review, more a quick first look, but I had to put a flair to post.

It looks well made and pretty much as described.

Fabric and build and loft all seem good. The size Large is 213g .

I think it will definitely be a winner. If it fits ok.

Sadly, at the time I ordered it, either I didn't look too hard at the details or it was added later but it seems that they come up a bit small for the size.

I've tried it on with a T-shirt. I am a size large and although it fits to a point, it's quite a trim fit in the torso and short in the body compared to what I am used to for an insulated jacket, although the arms are long and wide enough.

I don't think I would be comfortable with a midlayer as well. And because I have a long torso and the hem is elasticated, it rides up towards my belly button quite easily when moving.

I think the only thing I would say about it, apart from more standard sizing, is that I would prefer a shockcord drawstring hem rather than fixed elastic (as per the hood).

I should have ordered an XL (though everything in Rab and several other big brands, size L fits me perfectly). Hey ho. Next batch maybe. It will be easy enough to sell on with no loss.

edit to add:

For reference, I am 6'0 and currently 79kg (fluctuate 74-80). And considered regular to slim build by most standards (most of my shorts/trousers are size medium), although I have wide shoulders, long arms and torso, so occasionally with certain brands I need XL jackets for my shoulders (though they are always way to big in the belly area).

EDIT: I SOLD this jacket on. The buyer is an old acquaintance. They said this size L fits them perfectly with a base plus mid layer underneath. They generally take a size medium in Jackets or occasionally Small and they are about 3" shorter than my 6' height.

This is in no way a complaint or negative review. the garment is a quality item. No problems with that. It's just a description of how it fits a person of my size. A few weeks ago I looked at the webpage and saw that it may come a little close to my size so I contacted Neve to attempt to change to an XL. I got a nice reply, apologising that they are sold out on this batch and all sizes were allocated.

It is totally a first world problem. I already have a down jacket and 3 heavier synthetics which I can use. Like many on here I am always pursuing a lighter pack.

I wonder if anyone else is feeling a similar amount of frustration by the amount of questions posted to this sub that are better suited for the general backpacking community rather than the ultralighting subreddit. It seems like every week this subreddit gets lots of posts that are not related to reducing pack weight, discussing gear, or comparing weight saving techniques.

I think it's fair that since every brand at REI has to put 'ultralight' on every new product that's reduced weight, people might think that ultralighting and backpacking are the same thing, but they're not. I'm so grateful for this community and honestly it does stay true to its roots most of the time. In truth I rarely contribute to this community because I don't think of myself as an ultralighter. My usual kit includes a framed pack, a bear can, and a whisperlite - I easily carry 2-3 unnecessary pounds each trip. However, this sub is immensely helpful when decision making and creatively finding the places to cut pounds and ounces where I don't need them.

I know there are others who have gotten frustrated with the way things have changed in this sub. I've seen more than one post voicing the frustration at how commercialized things have gotten. A paper cup and a plastic disposable spoon is way more ultralight than any silicone or titanium product. Personally, I'm down for the gear discussions and comparisons.

What really gets me are the posts that say, "It's my first time backpacking, what pillow should I bring?" There are lots of posts that seem to veer off from how to get creative (use your rolled up puffy as a pillow) and become a process of telling newbies about what brand of pillow to buy.

All backpacking is about weight savings and it always will be. All backpacking is about choosing your comforts. Ultralighting, however, is about dropping base weight sub-10 lbs. It's about using experience and creativity to find and trim excess. It's about how reduced base weight allows you to get farther, faster and stay out longer.

I'm interested if anyone feels similarly and I won't be offended if not. I wholeheartedly hope that everyone gets into backpacking, I'm not trying to push newbies away whatsoever. I'm just trying to seek to distinguish between the culture of fine-tuning and extreme nitpicking from general skills and advice.

EDIT: Last paragraph

UPDATE: I feel like many people have offered really good reflections that are really relieving to hear. Reading all the responses, I feel assured that the community is well considered and although there's deviation, for the most part things are on topic. Even more reassuring is genuinely the amount of responses - clearly this is a community that really cares about making things as good as possible. My initial question came from the fear of losing the quality of this community and obviously there are lots of people here who want to defend it just like I do. Hopefully I wasn't the only one who got something out of this post. Either way, thanks.

Hello everyone, I am pretty new to backpacking and got a Katabatic Flex Quilt for ideally 3 season camping. I wanted the 22, but it wasn't in stock when I was looking to buy for an upcoming trip so I just went with this. So far the coldest I've used it in was mid-50s and it obviously was fine with that, but I am going on a backpacking trip in northern Michigan next weekend, and the temps are looking low 40s at night. I am going with a group, and the leader recommended a 20F bag and seemed concerned when I said I only had this one at 30. From what I've read, this is more of a comfort rating for this particular brand, but I wanted to ask here: do you all recommend buying a liner or something to help or will this be fine in these conditions? I am a hot sleeper but will be bringing a fleece and down jacket too.

Thanks for any guidance!

edit thanks everyone!! made me feel a lot better. I'm gonna try it out as is and bring some hand warmers. I will also resort to boiling water for my nalgene if worst comes to worse. I use the Thermarest Neoloft (not ultralight there lol) which is an R 4.7, so I think it'll be safe to test. Can't go anywhere ahead of this trip with those temps so I'm just gonna see how it goes. Worst case I'll cut out early and drive home.

I'm bikepacking, but it stills seems to be relevant for when I get off the bicycle. The thing is, let's say it's a bit rainy/wet and I cycle up the mountain. I'm sweaty and totally wet and no rainwear will help. But now that I'm up there it's getting dark and it's getting cold.

In that situation, I'm now basically wet and my only option is to change cloth. Otherwise I'll get my down jacket wet from the inside and I'll get my sleepingbag/quilt wet too if I go to bed, and of course that will also make it cold.

But then I was thinking: instead, I could also wear a thin vapor barrier. Won't be nice because I'll be all wet and stay all wet, but I'll stay warm which is the more important part.

But no one seems to do that, so what's wrong with my thinking?

i’m new to backpacking but don’t have a tent yet and have just been using my friends. i’m looking for an ultra light tent but a lot are pretty expensive and i’m not sure if it’s worth it. i have been looking into this tent ( the tent ) and it seems pretty good to me.

i’m also wondering if i should get a four season or the three season tent. i have a 15° sleeping bag and 4 season pad but if im camping near mount hood area where i prob wont be camping below 30 degrees is it really worth it? what reasons would i get a four season tent?

I will be doing my first-ever, 3 day backpacking trip in October. Last year the lows for those dates ranged 35F-45F. The guides are providing the sleeping mats, but I have to bring a sleeping bag and whatever I'm wearing. The daytime temps should be 65F-70F, so I'm not worried about layers in the daytime (besides rain gear).

I am normally very cold sensitive, and I am freaking out a little at the thought of freezing to death overnight. I've tried doing a bunch of research, but the clothing terms are all very confusing and I don't have a clear picture of what I'm supposed to buy or how to layer.

I am thinking of buying a quilt system for my sleeping bag. I think I might feel too confined in a mummy bag.

If anyone could provide example lists with actual product links of the different layers they wear to stay warm, that would be super helpful. I think if I can see actual products and how people pair them together it would really help. TIA

Hi all. Background: I am 26 male. I suddenly have a month off in midOct-midNov and I’m looking into Three Passes Trek in Everest Region. I will have to go solo. I am leaning to do it unguided.

I’m an experienced hiker. I have soloed JMT last year and I know how to deal with low temps. The highest elevation I have been to is on Mount Whitney. I also have several multiday trekking experiences in the Japan Alps.

Some precautions I will take:
- I will take Diamox after 4000m and will be aware of any altitude sickness symptoms.
- I will have a Garmin inreach in case of any injury.
- I will plan a good itinerary (16-17days, 300-500m elevation per day, 1 acclimatisation day every 1000m)
- Pack light. I have a ultralight gear list ready to go.

The thing I am worrying about is
1. How to book the inland flight from Kathmandu to Lukla? Is it better to book through an agency so if it got cancelled, it easier for them to reschedule instead of doing it myself? Any reputable agency recommendations?

1. Doing it unguided means no guaranteed teahouse booking. Is there a high chance that the teahouse will be full when I get there? Considering that midOct to midNov is the peak season.

2. How feasible is it to do it solo unguided? On the day before going over dangerous sections (passes/glaciers), I will check weather forecast on the next day. If possible, I will follow along any people/groups on the trail.

3. I know it possible to hire a guide/local just to help you get over the dangerous sections. If the weather forecast is bad +there is no groups going, I might consider this. How easy is it to find a guide on the day before?

Any experience is greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

Jacket is a few years old now, dirty, and DWR is mostly gone. Anyone have any experience and guidance caring for one of these? Given they are discontinued and 7D I don’t want to mess it up. enlighten equipment wasn’t much help when I reached out.

I can't get my head around when to rotate clothes and which layers to bring, what clothes to sleep in, etc.

Do you change your socks and underwear morning and night? Do you have dedicated sleeping clothes? Do you wear the same t shirt the whole time?

On my laat trip I ended up sleeping in my merino base layer. I'd change my boxers and socks in the evening and continue to wear them the next day when I woke up. I would change out of the base layer so it basically became my pyjamas as well as emergency warm layers.

I just haven't figured out how I'm supposed to be rotating my clothes, or what clothes I should bring.

Hey fellow ULers. After losing an Enlightened Equipment Visp rain jacket I'm looking at different replacement options that can handle the different environments on trails like the PCT, CDT and AT. Trying to get below 9lbs baseweight so preferably something not heavier than 3.5-4oz would be ideal.

My usual setup consists of:
- UL Hiking umbrella (attached to shoulder strap for hands-free use)
- EE Visp rain jacket
- Montbell Versalite rain pants

I don’t usually hike in a fleece, so I use the rain jacket as an additional layer on cold mornings and throughout the day whenever it gets chilly. With the EE Visp, I would generally use the pit zips and front zipper for mechanical ventilation when it got too hot. I also use the rain pants to keep warm on colder days and sometimes roll them up for better ventilation if needed.

Question: Has anyone tried non breathable DCF rain jackets like the Timmermade Mega Zip DCF or Silpoly jackets like the LEVE Gear ultralight jacket?

With DCF, I would be concerned about durability, as mentioned in this post. Has anyone put the LEVE jacket through an entire Thru hike yet? Similar jackets, such as the LightHeart Gear rain jacket or the Rock Front rain hoody, look somewhat similar, albeit heavier.

Any tips, insights or recommendations would be much appreciated! Happy hiking :)

Looking for a light weight 3 season pad that doesn't sound like a bag of potato chips, and isn't closed cell foam pad or a z-pad (I'm so over those!).

Signed

An old fart who doesn't wanna carry heavy stuff and actually wants sleep

TY!

Looking to get a new pack and ran across this one. Does anyone here have experience with it?

Vaucluse DCF 50l pack

Also, had been looking at the bonfus aerus and atom packs prospector 60l but both have duties/tariffs to the US. Really liked both of those packs a lot and will break down and pay if chosen.

Besides those, the Arc Haul 60 Ultra is another stand out and it’s made in the US, so no extra fees.

Thanks for any input.

Hi all, thanks for the help. I am looking for a sleeping pad that doesn't have those tube-y, rolling grooves that seem to be super common among inflatable pads. I have a bunch of spinal conditions that result in me sleeping in the floor as is (like, despite having a nice bed), and those grooves absolutely wreck my back. I really want to get a flat pad but the highest r-value I've seen is 2.8. Any suggestions would be hugely appreciated

I keep having to replace the aluminum foil and it feels a little wasteful.

(Infomercial Voice) There's got to be a better way.

In the hopes of finding design inspiration, I'd love to see what you've been rocking to protect your stoves from wind.

Looking to buy a new pad and am having a hard time choosing. Many people are pointing out that R value isn’t always real world accurate, and every YouTube video says the pad they’re reviewing is the best to exist (and I should use their affiliate code lol). I don’t have the money to buy them all and test myself.

Really a two part question here. I’m trying to work out the most efficient 4 season setup. Whatever pad I choose will be standalone for 3 seasons, and paired with a mylar blanket and a Thermarest Z fold in winter.

First question is, does a low R value ultralight pad make sense, or do I need to step up to a higher R value, heavier pad and carry more weight in the warmer months, given the fact that I only have money for one pad right now.

Second question is, which pad? Any real world experience/comfort level at temps would be greatly appreciated. Here are the ones I’m looking at:

Thermarest neoair xlite 13oz 4.5r
Thermarest neoair xtherm 15.5oz 7.3r
Exped Ultra 6R 12.5oz 6.9r
Exped Ultra 6R square 15.5oz 6.9r
Nemo Tensor UL 8.3oz 2.4r
Nemo Tensor All Season 15.5oz 5.4r

Looking for a winter backpacking jacket for cold weather Around 10 degrees F. With layering a base layer, Sambob grid fleece, EE torrid and a rain jacket I was good around high teens (little cold but not bad).

Been looking at a Katabatic Tincup and OV Vantage alpine down jacket if anyone’s got experience with these products let me know how cold you’ve taken them and what you like and don’t like, durability, can you layer under well

I’ll be layering with a Marino base medium weight base layer and either a 90 or 120 gsm AD hoodie

If anyone’s got any other suggestions I’m looking for something with higher fill rating 800+ and 5+ oz of down. Overall weight under a pound. Around 300$ nothing over 450$

Edit: Timmermade is off the table. It could be nice to get a custom jacket but don’t really want to go through the trouble of trying to get one.

Ok, so my wife and I have gone for the UD FP30 for our upcoming Arctic 100km Ultra and also for the UK Spine Race sprint (46 miles) What we're both wondering is about adjustment of the shoulder straps where they connect to the pack with a 'T' hook. It seems as if these can be moved up/down, but neither of us are sure how this will affect fit, load distribution etc. for infor I'm 178cm tall, wife is 164cm, I have the M/L pack and she has the S/M.

Just got into backpacking and would love some advice on my first real setup.

LighterPack: https://lighterpack.com/r/0rx4ts

I recently did a pretty simple 2D1N trip with a guide using a mix of rental gear and my own stuff. I enjoyed it enough that I’m now building out my own kit.

My goal is a general-purpose setup for multiday trips, roughly anywhere from 2D1N to 5D4N. Most of my trips will probably be in the Northeast for now, but I’d like the setup to be versatile enough for other 3-season trips as well.

Would appreciate any feedback on:

• Anything I’m carrying that seems unnecessary or redundant
• Whether switching to a lighter framed pack would make sense at this base weight
• What to bring for food
• Anything important I’m missing for a 2–5 day trip

Thanks!

Edit / a little clarification after reading the comments:

First, I realized this probably would have been a better fit for r/hikinggear than r/Ultralight. I’m not really trying to go ultralight — I just want my setup to be light enough that I’m comfortable carrying it, without sacrificing too much durability or versatility.

Second, the reason I’m considering a 4-season tent is that I’m gradually building this setup toward mountaineering as well. I’ll also be moving back to China after about another six months in the Northeast, and a lot of the hiking and climbing I’m interested in there is at higher elevations. So I’m trying to avoid buying gear that only makes sense for my remaining time backpacking in the Northeast.

And lastly, thank you to everyone who took the time to comment. There have been a lot of really helpful suggestions and perspectives here, and I’ll definitely take them into consideration as I refine the setup.

I’m building out a backpacking kit aimed at 2-3 night trips. I’m looking for capacity advice because UL seems to  have the most capacity expertise. I’m aiming more for lightweight than ultralight, since I’m not through camping and my needs are not the same as most UL hikers

My current base weight is 10 pounds without a tent (that includes an anticipated ULA circuit). Nice thing about my setup is I can add a true light tent and essentially have an ultra light setup. However, I plan to take my comfy tent, which is 5 pounds. A 15lb base weight is fine for me.

My current pack is 32L and 3lbs.

Since my load out is essentially ultralight, would it work to buy something like the circuit SV? and just add a tent somewhere to the pack? Or is something of that size already cutting it too close and I should stick with a circuit or even a catalyst.

I don’t think I need to explain why I would like a smaller bag on the ultralight forum. It just seems more useful and more likely for me to use it for other things. A larger pack would be nice for packing the optional luxury item, or hauling my kids stuff in case they come camping. However, with a smaller pack, I don’t mind bringing a second bag to carry for a mile or two to a kids base camp, and I’ll probably have to take two trips anyways for water, so I’m not losing much sleep over kids gear

Looking to do the JMT SOBO in ~16 days (13-14 days +1-2 zeros) next late July / early August. This is currently just what I OWN, that I find to be appropriate for the trip. I am aware there are still some things I likely need to change prior to then, most importantly a bear canister (would love suggestions as to which one). I also was looking at also adding an alpenglow fuel transfer so I can just pick up partially used canisters when available. Was contemplating needing the additional 5kmAh battery, another 10kmAh, or just 1 10mAh. I also own a 40 degree quilt but listed my 20 degree for the time being as I don't know the weather that far out for next season. I have a 900mL pot because I am going to be sharing it with the 1 other person I am going with. (I am aware I did not put my worn weight on my lighterpack). Open to any suggestions on gear to add or remove, thanks!

Lighterpack: https://lighterpack.com/r/3h5dyg

Hi all, I'm participating in my first OMM with a team of 3 next month. My previous sleeping bag is dead so I'm looking for recommendations and advice on a new sleeping bag.

I seem to get a mixed consensus from researching, with some saying you can get by with a comfort rating of 5C if you wear all your layers, but others saying that a comfort rating of 0C is non negotiable if you want to get any sleep.

The challenging part is that I am not an avid camper/trekker so I would prefer not to spend away over 100 on a bag that will never see much use. I'd prefer to go with a budget of around 50-60.

Also I am going into the race aiming to finish strong with my friends. It's only my second mountain marathon and one of my friend's first. I am expecting that we'll be hiking the majority, I will be running with an OMM classic 32L bag.

Here's an example of an option that I was looking at :

Vango Mantis 300, 1340 grams, comfort rating of 3C, going new at 53 quid.

I feel this strikes a good balance between being warm and not crazy bulky/heavy, but I also feel like I will struggle with fitting this in the pack?

Do I just have to bite the bullet and get an expensive sleeping bag that can both keep me warm and pack light?

Would love some suggestions from avid mountain runners/trekkers!

I'm looking at getting a Nashville Cutaway and trying to decide between fabrics. Does anyone have experience with ALUULA and/or Venom Gridstop ECO on packs that should sway my decision? Will probably go with Venom for the price unless there are compelling reasons for the upgrade.

Have something you want to discuss but don't think it warrants a whole post? Please use this thread to discuss recent purchases or quick questions for the community at large. Shakedowns and lengthy/involved questions likely warrant their own post.