Anywhere obvious to save some weight?

midlifewhatnow

midlifewhatnow

Summit Camper
I'm still quite new to lightweight backpacking. I come from a trail-running background and having done a couple of marathons, I intend to do some Ultras in the next couple of years (although my fitness has dropped after an injury last year). Maybe one day I'll be able to progress to multi-day, self supported events, but who knows...

I started fast-packing this year and basically made do with a lot of what I already had either from trail running or with ancient kit from when I was doing more mountaineering (worked out my NorthFace Canyonlands 1p tent must be over 20 years old, but it's still holding up well).

I've since bought some new stuff, having seen how much lighter and better the newer kit is, and have worked out what I think is a decent starting point for a weekend fast-packing load out.

Are there any obvious weight savings to be had?
The camp slippers do seem like a luxury, but it's not unusual for me to do 20-30 miles a day and being able to take the shoes off and let the tootsies spread somewhat, without the confines of a trail running shoe is more than just a luxury so I'm not getting rid of those! :D

The compression sacks aren't the lightest, but I've worked out if I use those, I can get the tent and sleeping bag small enough that I should be able to fit them into my larger running vest which is significantly lighter than my 35L sack.

 
T

Tread-Lite-Gear

Trail Blazer
Have you considered a lighter tent set up. Not sure how you like to roll but something like a dcf khufu with a ul bivy bag will save you 300 ish grams. I pair an ee recon bivy with a dcf khufu for 545g. Its a big bivy and doesn't feel too contained. Could probably dump the pack for a bigger lighter one which would let you drop some weight on compression sacks too.
 
M

mjh

Trail Blazer
If you’re just talking about one overnight then I’d probably ditch the camp slippers (despite your like of them!).
I’d ditch the water filter unless you’re really sure you need it. Either drink from clear streams high up or use chlorine tabs.

Do you need a phone, gps and watch that duplicate some functions? Ie could you ditch the gps and use the phone/watch instead.

Consider using something like a light alcohol (or solid fuel tablet) stove.
 
midlifewhatnow

midlifewhatnow

Summit Camper
The watch only has a simple line navigation to follow, it doesn’t include any topo info.
I’d be more inclined to lose the watch and just use the gps as that has inreach, but then I’d probably take a larger power bank to ensure the gps can get a charge which immediately puts back the 80g I saved by leaving the watch behind.

I don’t like using the phone for navigation alone. It’s not as accurate as a dedicated device and is less effective in very wet conditions.

i suppose I could leave the phone behind but it’s a more effective communicator than inreach when it has a signal and I’ll often listen to an audio book in the evening.

While this is a one nighter for now, I wouldn’t envisage taking much more for a longer trip other than more socks and pants, and more food.
 
midlifewhatnow

midlifewhatnow

Summit Camper
Tread-Lite-Gear said:
Have you considered a lighter tent set up. Not sure how you like to roll but something like a dcf khufu with a ul bivy bag will save you 300 ish grams. I pair an ee recon bivy with a dcf khufu for 545g. Its a big bivy and doesn't feel too contained. Could probably dump the pack for a bigger lighter one which would let you drop some weight on compression sacks too.
Click to expand...
I don’t get on with bivvy bags. I find them too claustrophobic and I find inclement weather is also more tolerable with a “proper” tent.

I’ll have a look at packs. That’s one area that I’m stil “making do” with.
 
ADz

ADz

Thru Hiker
midlifewhatnow said:
I don’t get on with bivvy bags. I find them too claustrophobic and I find inclement weather is also more tolerable with a “proper” tent.

I’ll have a look at packs. That’s one area that I’m stil “making do” with.
Click to expand...

I think you're confusing the type of bivy bag. Paul isn't referring to coffin shelter types. He's referring to using a UL bivy. It's simply as an inner/groundsheet/bag protector. The shelter would actually be the DCF tarp he mentioned.
 
T

Tread-Lite-Gear

Trail Blazer
midlifewhatnow said:
The watch only has a simple line navigation to follow, it doesn’t include any topo info.
I’d be more inclined to lose the watch and just use the gps as that has inreach, but then I’d probably take a larger power bank to ensure the gps can get a charge which immediately puts back the 80g I saved by leaving the watch behind.

I don’t like using the phone for navigation alone. It’s not as accurate as a dedicated device and is less effective in very wet conditions.

i suppose I could leave the phone behind but it’s a more effective communicator than inreach when it has a signal and I’ll often listen to an audio book in the evening.

While this is a one nighter for now, I wouldn’t envisage taking much more for a longer trip other than more socks and pants, and more food
Click to expand...

midlifewhatnow said:
I don’t get on with bivvy bags. I find them too claustrophobic and I find inclement weather is also more tolerable with a “proper” tent.

I’ll have a look at packs. That’s one area that I’m stil “making do” with.
Click to expand...
Ee recon has a big mesh panel and gable ends so its very roomy but locus gear do a full inner for 260g so 595g for double skin. Its very much a proper tent. Ive been out in hideous wind and weather and its rock solid.
 
M

mjh

Trail Blazer
midlifewhatnow said:
The watch only has a simple line navigation to follow, it doesn’t include any topo info.
I’d be more inclined to lose the watch and just use the gps as that has inreach, but then I’d probably take a larger power bank to ensure the gps can get a charge which immediately puts back the 80g I saved by leaving the watch behind.

I don’t like using the phone for navigation alone. It’s not as accurate as a dedicated device and is less effective in very wet conditions.

i suppose I could leave the phone behind but it’s a more effective communicator than inreach when it has a signal and I’ll often listen to an audio book in the evening.
Click to expand...
Personally I’d ditch the gps unless you’re really remote and need the Inreach facility. Topo info you can get from a map (paper or phone).

Navigating off any electronic device I find a bit of a distraction compared to a quick glance at a paper map. Some multi day events at mountain marathons often won’t let you use a gps (or anything electronic other than an altimeter) if that is something you want to try in the future. Teaches you to read the terrain and hone your navigation very well!
 
Balagan

Balagan

Thru Hiker
I am very much a slow packer so take the following comments with a spade of salt.

Just a few areas where I think you could gain a little without a major change (e.g. changing pack, sleeping bag or tent, stove fuel):
- Water filter: the MSR trailshot is pretty heavy at 140 gr, have you considered a Katadyn Befree or Salomon XA filter and a 600 ml soft flask that would weigh 60-70 gr overall?
- Tent: have you tried your High Route without the inner? If you are in a midge-free area, you'd drop the weight to 480 grams plus some sort of light groundsheet. Sleeping without an inner isn't for everyone or all conditions but it's worth trying. I've read your answer above while typing this so YMMMV. :wink:
- Your cooking system is a bit heavy but the stove is a decent one. Without changing much, you'd get quite a big bang for your buck if you replaced the pot with a 78 grams Toaks 650-L with lid and handles (L is for light and is important because there is a heavier one around). That should bring your cook kit to 150 gr or thereabouts. You could change the stove to a BRS-300T (100 grams with the 650-L pot though I wouldn't recommend the stove) or something like the Fire Maple FMS-116T (120 grams with the 650-L pot). If very motivated you could switch to alcohol or Esbit...
- Not much weight involved but still... The gloves are heavy, about the same as the thick Rab Power Stretch gloves which I only use in winter. Since you have a lightweight pair of waterproof mitts that can be opened, you could probably get by with some thinner touch sensitive gloves (Decathlon and Saucony have some at 35 gr) and wear both pairs if it gets cold. Or maybe just make do with the waterproof ones?
- Electronics: the phone+GPS+watch combo is on the heavy side but they're all expensive items you probably won't want to ditch without a good reason. But you have three GPS gadgets, two of which will give you weather warnings which is a bit redundant. Keep the iPhone and replace the GPS with an InReach Mini? Lose the iPhone, grab a Nokia dumbphone and learn to enjoy FM radio and MP3 again? Works with a more basic smartphone too but there is less weight to be gained. Lose the watch, forget about tracking and navigate with your map & compass, using the phone GPS to check when needed? But if you leave the watch behind, you probably won't notice any weight gain, it'll just get you a lighter list...
- Dram: switch to dehydrated Dalwhinnie Winter's Gold? :wink:

For a bigger change, you would definitely save on weight and very much on bulk if you switched to a down bag but it's hard to say how much since your bag has no temp rating. What temperatures do you typically use it for?
 
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TinTin

TinTin

Thru Hiker
Whisky is a consumable, not part of your base weight. I never carry my poles in my pack they are worn weight IMO.

The ideas @Balagan suggested on filter and cooking pot/stove will save a bit of weight without massive expenditure.
 
midlifewhatnow

midlifewhatnow

Summit Camper
TinTin said:
Whisky is a consumable, not part of your base weight. I never carry my poles in my pack they are worn weight IMO.

The ideas @Balagan suggested on filter and cooking pot/stove will save a bit of weight without massive expenditure.
Click to expand...
I hadn't considered the whisky as a consumable as it's about 50/50 liquid/container so was erring on the side of weight rather than not.
And I'll often carry my poles on my pack if the route involves some scrambling or even longer stretches of paved surface, so again, carry or use, they could go 50/50.
But valid points all the same
 
C

Corvair

Ultralighter
Same rule applies for your gas - circa 101g for the canister is base, rest is consumable. I refill mine to what I need for each trip, no point carrying a full canister for one overnighter.

I wouldn't recommend the Fire Maple FMS-116T as I've had bad experiences with severe uneven burning on one side. Not tried the BRS.
 
dovidola

dovidola

Thru Hiker
midlifewhatnow said:
I hadn't considered the whisky as a consumable as it's about 50/50 liquid/container so was erring on the side of weight rather than not.
And I'll often carry my poles on my pack if the route involves some scrambling or even longer stretches of paved surface, so again, carry or use, they could go 50/50.
But valid points all the same
Click to expand...
Consider buying your whisky at cask strength (usually between 55% and 60% alcohol by volume). Dilute to your preferred drinking strength at camp. Not quite dehydrated Scotch, but a step in that direction, with the reduced amount carried giving a proportionate saving in weight.

Also, from your 50/50 comment I'd deduce you're using some chi-chi hip flask or suchlike, doubtless loaded with sentimental value but also with grams! I use a Treadlite Gear drinks pouch for my Scotch - only 10g and 35cl (i.e. a half-bottle) capacity. I'd include a link but their website doesn't appear to be showing many products currently. This kind of thing though:

When I wrote into The Great Outdoors magazine some years ago with my weight-saving cask strength whisky tip, they graciously awarded it 'Letter of the Month'. Guess what they gave me as the prize?
 
Rog Tallbloke

Rog Tallbloke

Thru Hiker
dovidola said:
I'd deduce you're using some chi-chi hip flask or suchlike, doubtless loaded with sentimental value but also with grams!
Click to expand...
I'll not be parted from my Ti hipflask. For one thing, looking at the price here, it's appreciating in value!

www.ebay.co.uk

200ml Pocket Hip Flask Liquor Bottle Pot Flagon Drinkware Travel Party BBQ | eBay

1 Piece Hip Flask. We'd like to settle any problem in a friendly manner. Well designed, compressive strength, corrosion resistant. It's just take you 1 minute. Because the unpaid dispute will not be closed automatically, and we may ignore it.
www.ebay.co.uk
 
midlifewhatnow

midlifewhatnow

Summit Camper
George387 said:
😮😮😮People have been shot at dawn for lesser crimes! Dilute Good scotch whisky!! NEVER 😮😮😮 🤣
Click to expand...
To be fair, I do tend to drink mine equal parts whisky and ambient temp water. It dilutes some of the concentrated esters, bringing out their flavour and sweetness. It was suggested to me to drink it this way by a couple of friends who were biochemists, one at the Scottish Whisky Research Institute and the other in 'Flavour Development' for Grants.
 
Seòrsa

Seòrsa

Section Hiker
midlifewhatnow said:
To be fair, I do tend to drink mine equal parts whisky and ambient temp water. It dilutes some of the concentrated esters, bringing out their flavour and sweetness. It was suggested to me to drink it this way by a couple of friends who were biochemists, one at the Scottish Whisky Research Institute and the other in 'Flavour Development' for Grants.
Click to expand...
Many an argument & punch up, has started over Dilute / Dont Dilute with fellow Scots folk in pubs & at Bothy's all over scotland on this topic 🤣, personally for me not the done thing, waste of good scotch. 🥃 a decent dram needs nothing added 👌
 
midlifewhatnow

midlifewhatnow

Summit Camper
I'm just going off what the guys who make the stuff suggested. I'd find it hard to argue with how they are 'designing' them to be drunk for best flavour :D
 
Seòrsa

Seòrsa

Section Hiker
midlifewhatnow said:
I'm just going off what the guys who make the stuff suggested. I'd find it hard to argue with how they are 'designing' them to be drunk for best flavour :D
Click to expand...
you will never get a straight answer from any whisky drinker, but its hilarious sitting in Bothy's miles from anywhere watching grown men arguing over the subject, especially when they are worst for wear & have to get up early in the morning🤣🤣
 
T

Tread-Lite-Gear

Trail Blazer
dovidola said:
Consider buying your whisky at cask strength (usually between 55% and 60% alcohol by volume). Dilute to your preferred drinking strength at camp. Not quite dehydrated Scotch, but a step in that direction, with the reduced amount carried giving a proportionate saving in weight.

Also, from your 50/50 comment I'd deduce you're using some chi-chi hip flask or suchlike, doubtless loaded with sentimental value but also with grams! I use a Treadlite Gear drinks pouch for my Scotch - only 10g and 35cl (i.e. a half-bottle) capacity. I'd include a link but their website doesn't appear to be showing many products currently. This kind of thing though:

When I wrote into The Great Outdoors magazine some years ago with my weight-saving cask strength whisky tip, they graciously awarded it 'Letter of the Month'. Guess what they gave me as the prize?
Click to expand...
Im on holiday till 20th July but i dont sell drinks bags anyhow :)
 
Odd Man

Odd Man

Thru Hiker
midlifewhatnow said:
I'm just going off what the guys who make the stuff suggested. I'd find it hard to argue with how they are 'designing' them to be drunk for best flavour :D
Click to expand...

Trick is to have 1 or 2 of the first drinks the best quality you can afford, then after that go for the supermarket's own brand after losing the taste buds...

same works for wine too. Have the expensive bottle first and save the cheap plonk last.

:hilarious:
 
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