Lightweight Backpacking

“Yes, in northern Wisconsin it gets below freezing. But the important thing to remember is that it only gets below freezing at night, which means I can slip on a sleeping bag. Oh, and I also have a 0 degree bag if I'm expecting really really cold weather.”

“jardan what time of year are you talking about? Are we talking about fall and spring? Cause Im in Southern WI and its below freezing for most of the winter day and night”

“Okay. Maybe you’re for real. You have to excuse us for being suspicious of the newbie as we get one or two a week who are just looking to yank our chains.

How do you like that Helios jacket? I’ve been thinking of getting that or the Volant jacket but wonder if they would be warm enough for sitting around in really cold weather (like below zero). Half my fun is in camp so I don’t really want to have to crawl into my sleeping bag before I’m ready but I really don’t want to carry an expedition parka either.”

“No, you're absolutely correct. I also live in southern WI. What I meant was that when you're hiking, your body produces lots of heat, thereby not making it feel like freezing. I've never had a problem (but once again, I like being cold). I said northern because that is where I go alot.

Violin, the helios jacket is my prize possesion. I love it. It's extremely lightweight (I forgot how light, look on the website). I have used it many times in below 0 weather and have had absolutely no problem. I keep nice and warm in it. Expecially if you get 800 fill down and overfill it with a couple of more ounces of down. The jacket has the coolest pockets in the world. The pockets are lined with extra down for you to put your hands in. They will keep your hands warm in any weather. The volant, obviously, will be even warmer than the helios, but heavier as well. You just got to look at HOW cold you will be going. I've seriously just sat around in extreme cold weather with just that and a coolmax shirt on and I was just fine. (Oh, and pants too). Remember though that they don't come with a hood. But that's fine, just either buy a down hood or something else. But seriously, I love my helios jacket I think more than anything else (except my ff sleeping bag). (I LOVE DOWN!!!!!!)”

“!”

“What Buddur said.”

“Two questions:

Does anyone have the REI Kilo - 2.1 lbs 20 degree down bag?
(in the market for a lighter weight bag)

and

What is the argument pro/con for the lightweight packs.

Been looking at mountiansmith, seen the GoLite - and am hesitant because some people say that they are uncomfortable becuase there is less padding and suspension system.

I still need a 5000 backpack and I don't get under.”

“. . . 40 lbs.”

“If you can't get your packweight below 40 lbs you won't be comfortable in one of those packs. They're just not designed for it. There are ways to pack them and little 'tricks' for making them more comfortable and ride better but they won't work with anything much over 30 lbs IMHO.”

“What scullcap said.”

“I got the Golite pack. It's worth buying (a.k.a not uncomfortable) if you can get your pack weight down to below 30 (like everyone else said). It's even more super better if you can go below 20 because then they suggest that you don't even wear the waist belt (aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh)”

“Recently picked up some Trail Running shoes (NB 804) and the Frogg Toggs W/B rainsuit. I am ready for most any 3 season lightweight trek. Not really prepared for winter yet. Need to add some sort of middle layers - thinking about Polartec 200. The options are endless though.

Besides $150 - what is the difference between fleece at Patagonia and fleece at Campmor? I know there are differences but doubt they will be that different on the trail.”

“It's lighter, warmer and more durable. Worth the bucks in the long run but I doubt you can go wrong with the cheaper stuff either.”

“either way you will get fleeced?

8}”

“It also is sized better and so doesn't bind or flap loose as you move. In other words, it's more comfortable.”

“Patagonia fleece seems to be a more furrier fleece compared to yer "typical" fleece, ath least that's what the R2 jacket which I got my dad is like.”

“M$M, Backpacker magazine did a test on that REI bag in their last issue. Also if you're looking for a lightweight pack designed to carry up to 40 pounds check out McHale's Speed bump pack or POP packs. These packs aren't cheap around $250 to $350, but will outperform anything else. These are the only light internal frame packs I've read about that can handle that much weight and not crumble.”

“I decided against the Campmor fleece pants when I tried them on at the store and the drawstring broke when I pulled it tight. My fleece pullover from them is fine but lacks pit zips. The material 'pills' more than Polartec.”