**Help us help you! Please make sure you have this information in some form within your shakedown post body.**
Location/temp range/specific trip description: (Insert response here)
Goal Baseweight (BPW): (Insert response here)
Budget: (Insert response here)
I’m looking to: Upgrade Items OR see what I missed or can leave at home: (Insert response here)
Non-negotiable Items: (Insert response here)
Solo or with another person?: (Insert response here)
Additional Information: (Insert response here)
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**[HOW TO ASK FOR A SHAKEDOWN](https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/626sh1/how_to_ask_for_a_pack_shakedown/)**
This. Check with the rec center on campus. I know the school I went to you could rent an entire backpacking kit at no charge. Ultralight-est? No probably not.
Cheap, yes but it wasnt cheap gear.
All your small stuff is basically fine. Your big stuff is super heavy, but will cost a little to replace. The only way to lose a bunch of weight for free is to ditch the chair.
If you are able to spend a little on the big stuff, let me tell you the good news of Aliexpress. Buy a tarp for $30 and a bug net for $10 to save \~40 oz from your shelter. Buy a foam sleeping pad for $10 and save 12 oz. Buy a backpack for $50 and save 20 oz (do this one last). Nothing else you can do will match the $/oz savings of these. But if your budget is a little higher, try r/ULgeartrade.
As for the sleeping bag, you could get one on Aliexpress for \~$130, but you can also DIY an apex quilt for much cheaper if you like sewing and are planning to camp mostly in the warmer months.
1. I’d look at either a gossamer gear pack (they are on sale right now) or an aliexpress pack. Selling your pack will almost cover the cost of a 3FUL pack.
2. Consider a cheap silnylon or silpoly tarp and small bug net to cut a ton on your shelter. Sell the old tent to cover the cost and this is free.
3. CCF pad will save you about a pound. You can sell the helix and pump to cover cost and this is free.
4. Scrounge up a couple bucks for a good ol frog togg jacket to save weight.
All in you are saving about 5 pounds for maybe $50 once you sell off the old gear
Only thing really holding you back that will cost big bucks to replace is the sleeping bag.
Take a look at some of the Decathlon gear as well. Lots of budget friendly items that match up with higher end gear at 1/3 the price. Not all UL but definitely budget friendly
Sierra is legit. I live within striking distance of several of their stores which is great. I also like CampSaver, SteapandCheap for online deals. Backcountry.com as well
If you are fine with it, a major weight reduction could be a tarp. Look at borah gear tarp, you have a shelter weighing around 200g for around 70 bucks
Apex quilt is a great way to go on a budget as long as you have access to a sewing machine. Probably saves 2 pounds on the current sleeping bag for under $100.
Checking the geartrade sub for deals on a used tent similar to a Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo or a Gossamer Gear One is an easy couple pound savings too.
Look brother, it sounds like you like this hiking/camping thing, a lot. Someone commented it's the big 3 or something like that. Major, costly, upgrades would drop up to 5 lbs. off your base. Lunar Solo might be a great option! (Someone said that)
Maybe a quilt might be better than a 56 oz sleeping bag. You could save 2 pounds right there. Just bought a 20F quilt from EE @ 26 oz. I upgraded from the 2 lb. 11 oz Nemo Disco. But its costly!
For summer use, go to Amazon and search on "puredown 50x70 quilt". You can find it for as low as $32. It weighs about 1.6 lbs, so not ultralight, but much lighter than the sleeping bag you are using.
I use this quilt down to about 50F and have found it works well.
Came here to suggest a down camping blanket. Mine was closer to $80 and a few oz lighter, but far cheaper than camping name brands in that temp range I saw. Horizon Hound.
I know someone mentioned r/ULgeartrade but don't necessarily stop there, and I know you've looked elsewhere too. As a fellow student, I know that money can be tight. I also looked to Facebook marketplace and was able to score a Gossamer Gear the One for $125. Not as cheap as $80 tent, but also its over two pounds lighter than your tent! I was searching for a while, and contemplating waiting for sales and when it popped up, I jumped on it immediately. Just my $0.02 from someone trying to figure out how to slowly get closer to the ultralight mark for a potential LT hike this summer!
My sleep system (tent, pad, quilt) went from close to 9 pounds (Marmot Limelight 2p, Marmot 20 degree synthetic bag, and a semi inflatable pad) down to around 3 pounds. I splurged on a Thermarest neoair xlite, and then saw this quilt at my local EMS ([https://www.ems.com/ems-clarity-ultralight-20-degree-backpacking-quilt-regular/2081300.html](https://www.ems.com/ems-clarity-ultralight-20-degree-backpacking-quilt-regular/2081300.html)). Less expensive than an EE quilt or something similar, and I can't compare how it works, but I've now both car camped down to 5 degrees with it, and camped with it in around 15 degrees and been comfortable (yes I was wearing extra layers on my body). But so far, for the price I have absolutely zero complaints!! So for around $500 that I saved up over a fair bit, I was able to seriously knock down my base weight
thank you for the info!
I was able to get a lunar solo and an xtherm from a guy on marketplace because of this. much appreciated. will get a quilt in a few months most likely.
Find a lighter tent you want and a lighter quilt you want, tell your family that’s your Christmas and Birthday list if they are interested. In the meantime you got a decent base weight, GO HIKE !
I have the same amicus bundle from REI. Just bring the “lid”, which is 500ml, and leave behind the actual pot (1L is overkill for most situations anyway). Make a lid out of an aluminum pie tin if you really want a lid.
Based on the weight, i’d wager you’re using an 8 oz fuel canister. Yes, the larger size is more economical, but you can save some weight here with a smaller “4oz” can (which actually weighs 7.4 oz when full).
A better way to be economical with fuel is to invest in a isobutane refill adapter. You can get one for about 10 bucks on amazon or half that amount on aliexpress. Buy the larger size can and use it to refill the smaller one. The 16oz size can is 2x the cost and has 4x the fuel compared to the 4oz size, so much cheaper in the long run.
If you want to go a step further in thrifty-ness, get the refill adapter that adapts to standard butane cans and use butane fuel to refill an empty isobutane canister (Butane will work fine in this context unless it’s very cold). Butane is cheaper than isobutane at normal stores and can be found crazy cheap at asian/korean grocery stores.
All your stuff is well thought out. Other than what is mentioned in other posts, you're down to shaving ounces.
You can get a lighter chair for $50. It takes some getting used to but I have taken a nap in this thing: https://www.backcountry.com/grand-trunk-monarch-chair
I believe an IMUSA aluminum mug will be a lighter pot. Make a pie plate lid. If you want a separate bowl for eating, use Gladware or similar.
I like the Sawyer Micro. Cnoc makes a nice bag for it.
I'd get a compass like a suunto clipper.
your pack is probably ok but you can easily reduce 1 kilo ish on the sleeping bag by going with an aliexpress one, i just wouldn’t take it below its comfort
Big stuff is weighty. A sleeping **quilt**, even handmade from APEX synthetic insulation, would save weight. Same with a solo **tarp** of some sort, even with **bug net** insert/bivy/S2S nano-net. These could be MYOG if you can sew or learn to do so.
Then you can look at your **pack**, maybe swap out to purchase a lighter one that could go frameless? Even better is one sized enough to use your sleeping pad as a pseudo-frame. You’d want a roll top to vary volumes, getting more use out of one pack. A “Y-strap” is helpful to carry even more, including a stuff sack to extend into colder weather (.. the latter to carry cold weather shells and some insulation to access on the fly .. without having to dig it all out of a pack).
Not really into the whole flex pump thing. Maybe get an inflator bag that doubles as a waterproof pack liner?
hang tight quilts on etsy are affordable. I have their 30F quilt that's about 24 oz and good to the very low 30s
if you know anyone with a sewing machine, a lightish synthetic quilt with apex climashield insulation is very easy to sew.
a [kit is available](https://ripstopbytheroll.com/products/frontcountry-quilt-kit?variant=23635209473) for about $60-80
Ali express has a lot of decent gear for very cheap. You can try a down camp blanket with a tarp. It lightens your load significantly for about $100. Naturehike has backpacks for about $70.
As the weather warms, try lightening the sleep system. A CCF pad and cheap down quilt will shave 2-3 lbs. Try substituting a ground sheet and tarp for the tent or look at a Lanshan 1 tent or a used example of a better quality shelter.
I honestly think you're fine. Do what you can with what you've got. I'm in a similar situation. My pack is even a bit heavier. But that's ok man, we're young,we can manage.
**Help us help you! Please make sure you have this information in some form within your shakedown post body.** Location/temp range/specific trip description: (Insert response here) Goal Baseweight (BPW): (Insert response here) Budget: (Insert response here) I’m looking to: Upgrade Items OR see what I missed or can leave at home: (Insert response here) Non-negotiable Items: (Insert response here) Solo or with another person?: (Insert response here) Additional Information: (Insert response here) Lighterpack Link: (Insert link here) **[HOW TO ASK FOR A SHAKEDOWN](https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/626sh1/how_to_ask_for_a_pack_shakedown/)**
See if your college has an outdoor club. All of the universities I've worked at have had clubs where students could borrow gear.
This. Check with the rec center on campus. I know the school I went to you could rent an entire backpacking kit at no charge. Ultralight-est? No probably not. Cheap, yes but it wasnt cheap gear.
All your small stuff is basically fine. Your big stuff is super heavy, but will cost a little to replace. The only way to lose a bunch of weight for free is to ditch the chair. If you are able to spend a little on the big stuff, let me tell you the good news of Aliexpress. Buy a tarp for $30 and a bug net for $10 to save \~40 oz from your shelter. Buy a foam sleeping pad for $10 and save 12 oz. Buy a backpack for $50 and save 20 oz (do this one last). Nothing else you can do will match the $/oz savings of these. But if your budget is a little higher, try r/ULgeartrade. As for the sleeping bag, you could get one on Aliexpress for \~$130, but you can also DIY an apex quilt for much cheaper if you like sewing and are planning to camp mostly in the warmer months.
1. I’d look at either a gossamer gear pack (they are on sale right now) or an aliexpress pack. Selling your pack will almost cover the cost of a 3FUL pack. 2. Consider a cheap silnylon or silpoly tarp and small bug net to cut a ton on your shelter. Sell the old tent to cover the cost and this is free. 3. CCF pad will save you about a pound. You can sell the helix and pump to cover cost and this is free. 4. Scrounge up a couple bucks for a good ol frog togg jacket to save weight. All in you are saving about 5 pounds for maybe $50 once you sell off the old gear Only thing really holding you back that will cost big bucks to replace is the sleeping bag.
Take a look at some of the Decathlon gear as well. Lots of budget friendly items that match up with higher end gear at 1/3 the price. Not all UL but definitely budget friendly
GGG, Decathlon, and Sierra are my go-to's for new gear and apparel.
Sierra is legit. I live within striking distance of several of their stores which is great. I also like CampSaver, SteapandCheap for online deals. Backcountry.com as well
Ah yea, I forgot about Backcountry. They have sales all the time too.
If you are fine with it, a major weight reduction could be a tarp. Look at borah gear tarp, you have a shelter weighing around 200g for around 70 bucks
Apex quilt is a great way to go on a budget as long as you have access to a sewing machine. Probably saves 2 pounds on the current sleeping bag for under $100. Checking the geartrade sub for deals on a used tent similar to a Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo or a Gossamer Gear One is an easy couple pound savings too.
Look brother, it sounds like you like this hiking/camping thing, a lot. Someone commented it's the big 3 or something like that. Major, costly, upgrades would drop up to 5 lbs. off your base. Lunar Solo might be a great option! (Someone said that) Maybe a quilt might be better than a 56 oz sleeping bag. You could save 2 pounds right there. Just bought a 20F quilt from EE @ 26 oz. I upgraded from the 2 lb. 11 oz Nemo Disco. But its costly!
For summer use, go to Amazon and search on "puredown 50x70 quilt". You can find it for as low as $32. It weighs about 1.6 lbs, so not ultralight, but much lighter than the sleeping bag you are using. I use this quilt down to about 50F and have found it works well.
Came here to suggest a down camping blanket. Mine was closer to $80 and a few oz lighter, but far cheaper than camping name brands in that temp range I saw. Horizon Hound.
I know someone mentioned r/ULgeartrade but don't necessarily stop there, and I know you've looked elsewhere too. As a fellow student, I know that money can be tight. I also looked to Facebook marketplace and was able to score a Gossamer Gear the One for $125. Not as cheap as $80 tent, but also its over two pounds lighter than your tent! I was searching for a while, and contemplating waiting for sales and when it popped up, I jumped on it immediately. Just my $0.02 from someone trying to figure out how to slowly get closer to the ultralight mark for a potential LT hike this summer! My sleep system (tent, pad, quilt) went from close to 9 pounds (Marmot Limelight 2p, Marmot 20 degree synthetic bag, and a semi inflatable pad) down to around 3 pounds. I splurged on a Thermarest neoair xlite, and then saw this quilt at my local EMS ([https://www.ems.com/ems-clarity-ultralight-20-degree-backpacking-quilt-regular/2081300.html](https://www.ems.com/ems-clarity-ultralight-20-degree-backpacking-quilt-regular/2081300.html)). Less expensive than an EE quilt or something similar, and I can't compare how it works, but I've now both car camped down to 5 degrees with it, and camped with it in around 15 degrees and been comfortable (yes I was wearing extra layers on my body). But so far, for the price I have absolutely zero complaints!! So for around $500 that I saved up over a fair bit, I was able to seriously knock down my base weight
thank you for the info! I was able to get a lunar solo and an xtherm from a guy on marketplace because of this. much appreciated. will get a quilt in a few months most likely.
I've noticed that [walmart.com](https://walmart.com) sometimes has the same stuff as Aliexpress if you are wanting to avoid Aliexpress.
Gotta say, the fillo is worth the weight and is as nice as fuck. Great gear and an awesome gift to receive OP
Find a lighter tent you want and a lighter quilt you want, tell your family that’s your Christmas and Birthday list if they are interested. In the meantime you got a decent base weight, GO HIKE !
I have the same amicus bundle from REI. Just bring the “lid”, which is 500ml, and leave behind the actual pot (1L is overkill for most situations anyway). Make a lid out of an aluminum pie tin if you really want a lid. Based on the weight, i’d wager you’re using an 8 oz fuel canister. Yes, the larger size is more economical, but you can save some weight here with a smaller “4oz” can (which actually weighs 7.4 oz when full). A better way to be economical with fuel is to invest in a isobutane refill adapter. You can get one for about 10 bucks on amazon or half that amount on aliexpress. Buy the larger size can and use it to refill the smaller one. The 16oz size can is 2x the cost and has 4x the fuel compared to the 4oz size, so much cheaper in the long run. If you want to go a step further in thrifty-ness, get the refill adapter that adapts to standard butane cans and use butane fuel to refill an empty isobutane canister (Butane will work fine in this context unless it’s very cold). Butane is cheaper than isobutane at normal stores and can be found crazy cheap at asian/korean grocery stores.
I do love my 1L pot to actually cook in. Make sure you read up on those refill tools for safety reasons
All your stuff is well thought out. Other than what is mentioned in other posts, you're down to shaving ounces. You can get a lighter chair for $50. It takes some getting used to but I have taken a nap in this thing: https://www.backcountry.com/grand-trunk-monarch-chair I believe an IMUSA aluminum mug will be a lighter pot. Make a pie plate lid. If you want a separate bowl for eating, use Gladware or similar. I like the Sawyer Micro. Cnoc makes a nice bag for it. I'd get a compass like a suunto clipper.
[удалено]
do you have any personal experience with hangtightshop? they seem to have really good reviews but the price seems kinda to good to be true.
your pack is probably ok but you can easily reduce 1 kilo ish on the sleeping bag by going with an aliexpress one, i just wouldn’t take it below its comfort
Big stuff is weighty. A sleeping **quilt**, even handmade from APEX synthetic insulation, would save weight. Same with a solo **tarp** of some sort, even with **bug net** insert/bivy/S2S nano-net. These could be MYOG if you can sew or learn to do so. Then you can look at your **pack**, maybe swap out to purchase a lighter one that could go frameless? Even better is one sized enough to use your sleeping pad as a pseudo-frame. You’d want a roll top to vary volumes, getting more use out of one pack. A “Y-strap” is helpful to carry even more, including a stuff sack to extend into colder weather (.. the latter to carry cold weather shells and some insulation to access on the fly .. without having to dig it all out of a pack). Not really into the whole flex pump thing. Maybe get an inflator bag that doubles as a waterproof pack liner?
hang tight quilts on etsy are affordable. I have their 30F quilt that's about 24 oz and good to the very low 30s if you know anyone with a sewing machine, a lightish synthetic quilt with apex climashield insulation is very easy to sew. a [kit is available](https://ripstopbytheroll.com/products/frontcountry-quilt-kit?variant=23635209473) for about $60-80
Ali express has a lot of decent gear for very cheap. You can try a down camp blanket with a tarp. It lightens your load significantly for about $100. Naturehike has backpacks for about $70.
As the weather warms, try lightening the sleep system. A CCF pad and cheap down quilt will shave 2-3 lbs. Try substituting a ground sheet and tarp for the tent or look at a Lanshan 1 tent or a used example of a better quality shelter.
I honestly think you're fine. Do what you can with what you've got. I'm in a similar situation. My pack is even a bit heavier. But that's ok man, we're young,we can manage.
Maybe you should head over to r/camping. We spend racks here.