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teknix
𓂀⟁𓅢𓍝𓅃𓊰𓉡 𓁼𓆗⨻


Registered: 09/16/08
Posts: 11,953
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Best Ultralight Gear?
#14173445 - 03/23/11 11:42 PM (12 years, 10 months ago) |
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I am looking for the best ultralight pack/tent/sleeping bag, price be damned.
I have been looking at this tent.

Located here. http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3856540
I'm just not sure of the durability of it with air.
I am also planning on getting a fishing pole and carbon bow and going on a nice journey. Where I'll end up I have no clue. I just want to be prepared to survive in nature for a while whatever may come up.
I have roughly $3600 to spend on my gear.
Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks.
Edited by teknix (03/23/11 11:53 PM)
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PDU
travel kid vs.amerika



Registered: 12/03/02
Posts: 10,675
Loc: beautiful BC
Last seen: 8 years, 4 months
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: teknix]
#14177481 - 03/24/11 05:49 PM (12 years, 10 months ago) |
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No comment on the gear you requested, however - "go lite" is a notoriously good ultra light company, and i have an extremely light weight "pac light gore tex" rain shell that i absolutely totally love.
-------------------- GO OUTSIDE.
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ifoundwaldo


Registered: 09/28/10
Posts: 8,389
Loc: Denver, CO
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: PDU]
#14177517 - 03/24/11 05:56 PM (12 years, 10 months ago) |
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Yeah, I've been researching on gear to get. Best ultralight backpack companies from all the reviews I've read: Granite Gear and GoLite. GoLite even offers large frameless packs if you want to go ULTRAlight.
Myself, I'd rather have some comfort and an extra 1-3 pounds.
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teknix
𓂀⟁𓅢𓍝𓅃𓊰𓉡 𓁼𓆗⨻


Registered: 09/16/08
Posts: 11,953
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Well, I found my pack. going with the Osprey Exos 58 L - 196.94
I'm considering this tent now. - MSR Carbon Reflex 2. Only tent I have found that uses Carbon Fiber poles.
Capacity: 2 person Floor area: 29 square feet Vestibule area: 14 square feet Interior peak hight: 40 inches Minimum weight: 2 pounds, 13 ounces Packaged weight: 3 pounds, 4 ounces
$350
Cant seem to find the footprint in stock for the 2 man anywhere =-/
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Shroomism
Space Travellin



Registered: 02/13/00
Posts: 66,015
Loc: 9th Dimension
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: teknix]
#14179619 - 03/25/11 12:06 AM (12 years, 10 months ago) |
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MSR is a good brand and make some really good stuff. No personal experience with their tents, but I have heard good things. Nemo also makes a very good tent. If you are looking to stay with a lightweight tent I would also check out: Big Agnes SL2, Black Diamond Megalite, Marmot, Mountain Hardware.. and if money is no object.. check out Hilleberg
If you aren't completely set on a tent.. you could go even lighter with a TarpTent or hammock shelter, offering you even more flexibility. Tons of options there.
http://www.sixmoondesigns.com - Awesome Tarps/TarpTents http://www.lightheartgear.com/LightHeart_Gear/Duo.html - Super Ultralight Tent http://www.tarptent.com/ - The original tarp tent http://www.granitegearstore.com/Tarps-C6.aspx - Granite Gear makes nice tarp shelters http://www.golite.com/tents - GoLite makes very excellent lightweight gear as well, tarps and tents. Golite sells a wide variety of high quality ultralight gear.
http://hennessyhammock.com/ - Hennessy Hammocks my personal favorite
As for packs, my favorite is Granite Gear. I own a Nimbus Meridian and absolutely love it. Granite gear packs are top freaking notch. Vapor Trails are/were? one of the top favorites of a lot of AT thru-hikers and ultralighters. Mad respect to Osprey, Arc'Teryx, GoLite and Gregory in the pack category as well.
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RedSnapper
nuerosonic



Registered: 12/29/10
Posts: 3,107
Loc: Endless marshlands
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: Shroomism]
#14180889 - 03/25/11 08:27 AM (12 years, 10 months ago) |
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I own two Gregory packs. The Teton model I mainly use has got to be over 12 years old, and I have never had a problem with it. I upgraded to an ultralite Z-Pack a few years ago. I still grab the Teton over the Z-pack for most of my trips. Its got some comfort features the ultralite packs usually lack like a stiffer sheet frame and more "Cadillac" padding and suspension. Which when putting in serious mileage or elevation gain can really make a difference, especially if you don't provide and extra padding your self like me.
Look in to the newer Therm-a-rest models too. They're making some lighter full length models. your body will thank you for carrying this little extra weight at the end of the day, fosu..
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Shroomism
Space Travellin



Registered: 02/13/00
Posts: 66,015
Loc: 9th Dimension
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: RedSnapper]
#14181773 - 03/25/11 12:09 PM (12 years, 10 months ago) |
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My very first pack was a Gregory and that thing was pimp Those guys have been doing it right for a long time. The extra padding/good suspension makes a huge difference I agree. That's one of the reasons I love my Granite Gear pack so much.. even though it's a lightweight pack, it does NOT skimp in the padding/suspension department, excellent stiff but flexible framesheet, amazing padding and suspension, perfect fit.. I can carry 40 lbs all day with that thing without even noticing it. That good back support really can make all the difference.
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teknix
𓂀⟁𓅢𓍝𓅃𓊰𓉡 𓁼𓆗⨻


Registered: 09/16/08
Posts: 11,953
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: Shroomism]
#14182266 - 03/25/11 01:50 PM (12 years, 10 months ago) |
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This will by my 1st true pack. I am going with the osprey because it has a net that rests on your back increasing ventillation, which will be very helpful in the summer. I can also put my platypus in the net area in the winter so it will be against my back to keep it from freezing in the winter.
I did look at the agnes seedhouse 2 man. It is nice that it is free standing, but a bit smaller and heavier.
The tarp tents don't have enough area imo, and really arent any light when you consider the wieght of the trekking poles which are required to set it up. I don't plan on using a trekking pole, I will find a stick if I need it then ditch it if I don't.
I think the through Hikers of the AT have an advantage of shelters along the trail as well as rangers patrolling and shops to refill along the way?
That is a bit different that what I'm going for.
Here is the Exos, it seems to have really good ratings by everyone who bought one.

This will be my knife. It is a Buck 119 special.

This is going to be my bow.

Just not quite sure how I can pack it or strap it to me for travelling, or if I even will yet.
I am also going to take a fishing pole. I have heard that in survival situations that you don't really need a hunting liscense or fishing liscense?
I am planning on building a raft and floating down the river, and making it as long as I can. I will have a cell phone and money to get a ticket home. I will probably have enough dehydrated food packed for a week, and am going to take some salt with me as well, so that I can cure/dry any extra food I get. Does anyone know of a good process for doing this in the wild?
I may end up just going to the AT, but it doesn't seem as fun to me for some reason.
Thanks for the reply's.
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teknix
𓂀⟁𓅢𓍝𓅃𓊰𓉡 𓁼𓆗⨻


Registered: 09/16/08
Posts: 11,953
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: teknix]
#14182283 - 03/25/11 01:54 PM (12 years, 10 months ago) |
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I love your avatar Shroomism!
Didn't we both sell our WoW account a couple years back at about the same time?
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Shroomism
Space Travellin



Registered: 02/13/00
Posts: 66,015
Loc: 9th Dimension
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: teknix]
#14184722 - 03/25/11 11:23 PM (12 years, 10 months ago) |
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Yep! I netted a cool 5k for my dual glaive T6 rogue 
Looks like some awesome gear choices!  I too have heard good things about the Exo
Let me know what tent you end up going with... I'm in the market for a new tent for backup/camping with the woman. That MSR tent looks nice
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Grok
Has Been a Bad Boy


Registered: 12/03/03
Posts: 1,262
Loc: Greener Pastures
Last seen: 9 years, 4 months
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: Shroomism]
#14188915 - 03/26/11 08:29 PM (12 years, 10 months ago) |
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I rock the GoLite Pinnacle pack. Works great for me, but it does not tolerate monster loads. Tent-wise I would push for a MLD Duo-mid.
If you want a good, lightweight raft, get an Alpacka raft (5lb). They're the shit, I love mine, and so does everyone else I know who's got one. You can run class III whitewater with your pack strapped on the front, no prob. Then the boat folds down to the size of a small tent and you can stuff it in your pack inconspicuously, like a champ. You can expect to shell out a third of your budget for one though.
-------------------- Entropy is increasing. To send me a PM, go to my journal
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teknix
𓂀⟁𓅢𓍝𓅃𓊰𓉡 𓁼𓆗⨻


Registered: 09/16/08
Posts: 11,953
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: Grok]
#14189758 - 03/26/11 11:59 PM (12 years, 10 months ago) |
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Here is my list so far. If I am missing anything or being too excessive with stuff please let me know! Thanks.
Backpack - osprey exos 58 L - $200
http://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Exos-Ember-Orange-Large/dp/B001QUB7FU/ref=sr_1_5?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1301011142&sr=1-5
Tent - MSR Carbon Reflex 2 Person - $500
http://www.amazon.com/MSR-Carbon-Reflex-2-Person-Tent/dp/B001QWIS82/ref=sr_1_2?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1301024076&sr=1-2
Tent Footprint - $50
Knife Buck 119 Special - $50
Fishing Pole
Reel - Shimano® Stradic® CI4 Spinning Reel - $200
Rod - 5'6" ugly stick - 2pc - $30
bow - Hoyt Carbon Element 32" / Carbon Matrix Plus 35" - $1200
arrows / accessories - $300
Books - National Audubon Society Field Guides
Mushrooms - $14
Plants - A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: Eastern and central North America - $12
Katadyn Combi water filter - $200
Sleeping bag - Vaude Sioux Ultralight 100 - $50
sleeping pad - Big Agnes Air core - $50
Texsport Pak Lite Foam - $10
Vargo Titanium Spork - $8
Snow Peak 1-Person Trek 900 Titanium Cookware - $50
Swedish firesteel - $20
Tinderquick - $10
FroggTogg - $7
Storm proof match kit - $7
Platypus 2l $20
Platypus 1l $13
Katadyn Hiker - $60
Multi-tool - Leatherman - $30
Wire saw - Proforce Commando Wire saw - $5
Ditty sack - Outdoor Research set of 3 - $30
Radio - Ambient Weather / Eton 160 - $30
New Balance 910 GTX Trail Shoes - $100
Fire Fuel/ denatured alcohol / heet lighters rope toiletries antibiotic bandaids baking soda tylenol toothbrush dehydrated food peanuts, oatmeal, tortilla, ramen, tuna/chicken, salt, pasta, stuffing, potatoes, mac n cheese, olive oil, hot sauce, drink packets, coffee Bandana headlight soap hand sanitizer whistle wet wipes candles Bug repellent (deet/repel/campmoore neverbite, jungle juice) Compass Map sunglasses Sunscreen/lotion duct tape
(I rounded some prices up for leeway)
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teknix
𓂀⟁𓅢𓍝𓅃𓊰𓉡 𓁼𓆗⨻


Registered: 09/16/08
Posts: 11,953
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: Grok]
#14189769 - 03/27/11 12:03 AM (12 years, 10 months ago) |
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Quote:
Grok said: I rock the GoLite Pinnacle pack. Works great for me, but it does not tolerate monster loads. Tent-wise I would push for a MLD Duo-mid.
If you want a good, lightweight raft, get an Alpacka raft (5lb). They're the shit, I love mine, and so does everyone else I know who's got one. You can run class III whitewater with your pack strapped on the front, no prob. Then the boat folds down to the size of a small tent and you can stuff it in your pack inconspicuously, like a champ. You can expect to shell out a third of your budget for one though.
Thx for the info on the Alpacka, I can't seem to find anyone selling them online.
Edit, nvm found it!
Edited by teknix (03/27/11 12:13 AM)
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Shroomism
Space Travellin



Registered: 02/13/00
Posts: 66,015
Loc: 9th Dimension
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: teknix]
#14190192 - 03/27/11 02:02 AM (12 years, 10 months ago) |
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Good gear choices my friend.. especially on the Frogg Troggs... those are some high quality lightweight raingear. You won't regret them one bit Just make sure to take care of them, watch out for sharp branches and thorns and such, be very careful when bushwhacking.. it is pretty durable for silnylon... but it is still silnylon. But if there's a better lightweight raingear for backpacking, I haven't found it. Everything else I've tried either leaks in certain spots, or is completely non-breathable and you sweat. Frogg Troggs are neither. Perfect balance of waterproofness with breathability.
Katadyn also makes some top quality water filters. Might I suggest a leatherman micra to save some weight? All the basic tools you need in a leatherman, 1.8oz in weight. Ideal leatherman of choice for the ultralighter Also fuck DEET. It may work but so does a lot of other stuff, it's a poison. I'd avoid it. But that's me! Are you planning on going backcountry/wilderness style? If so a good lightweight axe might not be a bad idea. I rock one of these bad boys I also bring a sven folding saw Not exactly 'minimalist lightweight'.. but I'll take the extra 2 lbs for unlimited extra ease of wood processing especially for a survival situation. When I go backcountry I have my trifecta of primary tools: Knife, Axe, Saw. Each tool excels in different areas.. a tool for every job.
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teknix
𓂀⟁𓅢𓍝𓅃𓊰𓉡 𓁼𓆗⨻


Registered: 09/16/08
Posts: 11,953
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: Shroomism]
#14192364 - 03/27/11 01:40 PM (12 years, 10 months ago) |
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Cool thanks! The leatherman Micra is cheaper as well as lighter. The hatchet is also a good idea, but I need to slow down on some costs if I'm going to get the Alpacka.
I am a bit over-budget with it, but I may be able to squeeze it in. I really want to get the bow, but maybe I'll just get a decent handgun in replace of it.
As for the saw I probably will stick with the wire-saw because it's lighter/cheaper. I am not sure what advantage the sven would have over the wire-saw?
Thanks for your help!
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ToTheSummit
peregrinus



Registered: 08/22/99
Posts: 9,126
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: teknix]
#14192487 - 03/27/11 02:01 PM (12 years, 10 months ago) |
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A quick scan through your list and I saw:
Quote:
Storm proof match kit - $7 lighters
May I suggest also that you get a firesteel or magnesium block starter rather then relying on lighters or matches. Theres a few threads here about them and you'll never look back once you get a truly weatherproof firestarter in your kit! Lighters and matches will fail you when you need them most.
-------------------- You invented the wheel....You push the motherfucker!!
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ToTheSummit
peregrinus



Registered: 08/22/99
Posts: 9,126
Loc: Las Vegas
Last seen: 1 day, 11 hours
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And yes, even "storm-proof matches" will fail in bad conditions.
-------------------- You invented the wheel....You push the motherfucker!!
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PDU
travel kid vs.amerika



Registered: 12/03/02
Posts: 10,675
Loc: beautiful BC
Last seen: 8 years, 4 months
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I have the same buck knife, good choice.
One comment about the tent - My first tent was a single person MSR barely bigger than a bivvy. It used these tiny aluminum stakes with a tiny clip on the end, rather than being candy cane shaped like tradional stakes .. anyways, these stakes bent easily, were extremely hard to push into the ground and we're hard to keep track of once in the ground. At the time, i thought it was a shitty design and would have preferred more traditional aluminum stakes.
I also remember the zipper was finicky. MSR does get good ratings, although in my experience i prefer both my sierra designs 2-3 man and my marmot 1-2 man more. The marmot EOS is an absolutely fantastic light weight 3 season tent in my opinion and a fantastic value. I can vouch for their warranty service aswell.
If you switched to a marmot EOS you would save ALOT of money too. It might be too small for your liking though and definitely is not adequete for cold weather camping.
-------------------- GO OUTSIDE.
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teknix
𓂀⟁𓅢𓍝𓅃𓊰𓉡 𓁼𓆗⨻


Registered: 09/16/08
Posts: 11,953
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: PDU]
#14193638 - 03/27/11 06:16 PM (12 years, 10 months ago) |
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Quote:
ToTheSummit said: A quick scan through your list and I saw:
Quote:
Storm proof match kit - $7 lighters
May I suggest also that you get a firesteel or magnesium block starter rather then relying on lighters or matches. Theres a few threads here about them and you'll never look back once you get a truly weatherproof firestarter in your kit! Lighters and matches will fail you when you need them most.
The Swedish Firesteel is on the list 
Quote:
PDU said: I have the same buck knife, good choice.
One comment about the tent - My first tent was a single person MSR barely bigger than a bivvy. It used these tiny aluminum stakes with a tiny clip on the end, rather than being candy cane shaped like tradional stakes .. anyways, these stakes bent easily, were extremely hard to push into the ground and we're hard to keep track of once in the ground. At the time, i thought it was a shitty design and would have preferred more traditional aluminum stakes.
I also remember the zipper was finicky. MSR does get good ratings, although in my experience i prefer both my sierra designs 2-3 man and my marmot 1-2 man more. The marmot EOS is an absolutely fantastic light weight 3 season tent in my opinion and a fantastic value. I can vouch for their warranty service aswell.
If you switched to a marmot EOS you would save ALOT of money too. It might be too small for your liking though and definitely is not adequete for cold weather camping.
Thanks for metioning the Marmot EOS, I am deff going to look into it!
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Shroomism
Space Travellin



Registered: 02/13/00
Posts: 66,015
Loc: 9th Dimension
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: teknix]
#14195546 - 03/28/11 12:01 AM (12 years, 10 months ago) |
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Quote:
teknix said: As for the saw I probably will stick with the wire-saw because it's lighter/cheaper. I am not sure what advantage the sven would have over the wire-saw?
one main reason... 20x easier and less effort than a wire-saw...faster, easier cuts. Thing will chew through wood like butter. You have a good solid grip and tons of leverage, with a wire saw you are expending/wasting a LOT more energy to get the exact same cut. my sven saw packs into a compact stick it folds into itself about 1 1/2 feet long weighing about 1lb total. Packs small and lightweight. And the teeth are razor sharp and retain their edge for a very long time, excellent design. What takes a wire saw 20 minutes of grueling labor to process, the sven will chew through it no problem in 4. Less unnecessary energy expenditure = more energy for survival. Simply put, the wire saw is good but the folding sven is a hell of a lot better at the same job. When you REALLY need the right tool for the job you will appreciate having the superior wood processor. A good saw will save you a lot of energy.
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Shroomism
Space Travellin



Registered: 02/13/00
Posts: 66,015
Loc: 9th Dimension
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: teknix]
#14203477 - 03/29/11 12:21 PM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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P.S. - Leatherman Micra Rocks!!!
I used to carry one of those big ass bulky 50-tool leathermans, thing probably weighed 2lbs. Overkill like a mofo, I winded up never using 90% of the things it had. Dead weight. Someone on the trail suggested a Micra to me instead... at 10 (useful) tools at a total of 1.8oz.... the weight-to-usefulness ratio is through the roof! It has everything I need that my regular repair/tools don't have (including some overlap), and nothing I don't need.
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Hobbs


Registered: 04/11/09
Posts: 520
Loc: Va
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: teknix]
#14205671 - 03/29/11 08:00 PM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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Quote:
teknix said: Cool thanks! The leatherman Micra is cheaper as well as lighter. The hatchet is also a good idea, but I need to slow down on some costs if I'm going to get the Alpacka.
I am a bit over-budget with it, but I may be able to squeeze it in. I really want to get the bow, but maybe I'll just get a decent handgun in replace of it.
As for the saw I probably will stick with the wire-saw because it's lighter/cheaper. I am not sure what advantage the sven would have over the wire-saw?
Thanks for your help!
For a good trail gun you might look into the Kel-Tec PMR-30. At 19oz fully loaded with 30 rounds of .22 Magnum it fits in with your ultralight theme, they're really fun to shoot too and the ammunition is affordable. (A big factor nowadays)
I also second the Alpacka raft. I've had so much fun with mine since I've gotten it a few weeks ago, and you're just in time for the 2011 model. 29 more days til I get to go on my whitewater trip I have planned.
-------------------- External control, are you gonna let them get you? Do you wanna be a prisoner in the boundaries they set you? You say you want to be yourself, do you think they'll let you? They're out to get you.
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Grok
Has Been a Bad Boy


Registered: 12/03/03
Posts: 1,262
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Last seen: 9 years, 4 months
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: Hobbs]
#14206387 - 03/29/11 09:55 PM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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Nice! Another Shroomerite with a packraft
-------------------- Entropy is increasing. To send me a PM, go to my journal
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Hobbs


Registered: 04/11/09
Posts: 520
Loc: Va
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: Grok]
#14206430 - 03/29/11 10:02 PM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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Actually, I'm pretty sure it was your posts I saw that made me aware of their existence. Took me a bit to save up, but worth every penny!
-------------------- External control, are you gonna let them get you? Do you wanna be a prisoner in the boundaries they set you? You say you want to be yourself, do you think they'll let you? They're out to get you.
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teknix
𓂀⟁𓅢𓍝𓅃𓊰𓉡 𓁼𓆗⨻


Registered: 09/16/08
Posts: 11,953
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: Shroomism]
#14254190 - 04/07/11 04:33 PM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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Quote:
Shroomism said: Yep! I netted a cool 5k for my dual glaive T6 rogue 
Looks like some awesome gear choices!  I too have heard good things about the Exo
Let me know what tent you end up going with... I'm in the market for a new tent for backup/camping with the woman. That MSR tent looks nice
Going with the Sangri-la 5.

Just need to figure out which paddle would make an ideal pole and paddle.
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest



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Posts: 8,118
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Re: Best Ultralight Gear? [Re: teknix]
#14371288 - 04/29/11 05:45 AM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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If you can go with that shelter, then you can easily go much cheaper with a decent tarp instead. For much cheaper.
In all my back country experience, I only found one limitation to a tarp for a shelter. And that was mosquitos. Barring that, Ive found that a tarp beats all. You just need to know how to use it.
On a side note. If you know which gear to pick, and how to use it efficently, your pack should not weigh more than about 30-35 lbs.
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Shroomism
Space Travellin



Registered: 02/13/00
Posts: 66,015
Loc: 9th Dimension
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You can get mosquito no-see-um netting to use for your tarp.. weighs practically nothing
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