Newbie

[mtn scout]

Hey folks. thanks for having me. found lots of good info. Would like some suggestions from those who have a lot more miles than me..

ok guys i have been about 60 miles on the trail and am trying to get my gear to achieve mac performance and be pretty light. what i am looking for is opinions on what i have and what i can change. i have 2 packs right now that i cant decide on to use. i have carried them both but they have their differences.

Gregory z pack 3300ci

go lite jam 3000ci



my gear currently in use

shelter:2lbs

HH asym UL with stock tarp

WM blue pad

reflectix barrier



Sleeping bag: 3.25 lbs

marmot 25 syn

homemade fleece liner



cook system: 8 oz

SP 700 Modified handles and jet boil lid

homeade stove, screen, stand



first aid: 8.0z



clothing depends on weather usually runs around 3-4lbs

food usually 3-4 lbs

water 4lbs



i always carry these items:

pocket torch

gerber mini saw

matches

gerber mini tool

sewing kit

50 para cord

dri ducks poncho

small travel bible

i will add thing later if i remember what i have forgotten. i am thinking about making my own tarp so i can have a larger one. i am looking for and reccommendations and any opinions. you wont hurt my feelings. ususally the max is 4 days on the trail for me. i am still learning every time out. i do have a question about the reflectix stuff. its very similar to the sun shades at local auto parts store. is this the same stuff?? also thinking about making an UQ

[Veto 65]

What the...nobody welcomed you to the forum, I am sorry about that. Welcome to the hammock forum.

As far as your gear goes to me and my unprofessional opinion it looks good, that is basicly what I had. I saved my nickles and dimes and bought a 3 season under quilt from Arrow Head Equipment for just below freezing (20° F), very comfortable. The WM pad was light but very bulky and for me hard to pack. Next purchase is going to be a top quilt but my 20° mummy is good enough for now, and for the summer I use 2 poncho liners for a top quilt which are more than warm enough.

[MaxM]

Hey there, and welcome from Seattle.
There are people more qualified than me to judge your situation, but it seems like you are at a 20-25 pound pack out the door, which is perfectly respectable for 3+ days if your primary focus isn't to have UL status. I agree with Veto, you are doing pretty good. You could EASILY lose a pound in the sleep dep't by converting to down instead of synthetic. Most decent 3 season bags run under 3 pounds and lots are 2lbs or less. Syn is bulky and heavy, converting will save you tons of space too. If you are serious about hiking, you might as well jump on the down train now. It is, as of yet, unmatched.
If you are carrying a blue pad loose the reflectix. The pad is an insulating and vapor barrier, you don't need both. And yes, it is very similar to sunshades.
Other than that, your biggest losses will probably be in the clothing dept. Invest in poly and acrylic clothes, cotton is heavy. Layer, and get some down garments too.

Good luck out there!

[KerMegan]

Rain gear, one base layer, one insulating layer, (mix and match for various weather situations)
one sleeping set, then all you really need is clean underwear for each day.
(this works best if you are solo hiking, and/or do not like doing wash along the way.)
KM (who has been know to wear the same shirt/pants for more than one or two days...not yet for a whole week, tho'!)

[Shug]

Looks good to me ....pack loads seem to morph all the time....
a Whoooo Buddy Welcome to ya'.
Shug

[ShadowAlpha]

welcome from NW GA here!

[mtn scout]

thanks guys. i am saving up for a down bag. any thoughts on this one

http://www.rei.com/product/808558

[mountain_man_mike]

A hearty west coast welcome to you scout. The gear seems well in order and there are many great folks here that can help you out, poke fun at you and in general make you feel like family.



Happy Trails

[Fronkey]

Looking good. Welcome to HF!

Fronkey

[MadRacDad]

Hey didn't they shoot "Deliverance" in the Ga. mountains? Just kidding, nice gear list. Welcome from a mountain stater that is also, a noob.