First UL Trip a Success

[MDSH]

Went to Arkansas for younger daughter's graduation from UCA and went backpacking for the first time with my new UL gear set. My younger son went, too.

We followed a logging trail for 1.5 miles then bush whacked through 6-800 yards of briars and grapes to Lake Nimrod and then along the shore for while, camping in an oak grove.

Going UL because of injuries from a boating accident, left leg amputated above the knee. Only fell once and my gear worked perfectly, especially the UL UQ that I finished just last week in time for this trip.

A gaze of raccoons came by the lake shore so hung our food.

The first night was cool in the 50s and I woke up chilled about 4 am but wrapped my head shemaugh-style with my giant silk bandana.

The second night was a little warmer and I slept right through.

Though sore from a first hike in a long, long while I'm very encouraged by overall results of the trip.

Various from Back Up Disk 006.jpg

[youbet]

Awesome!! What was your weight for the trip?

[MDSH]

Don't know exactly, youbet, because of last minute additions such as my Kindle and the food we chose but it was probably 10-15 pounds. Two quarts of water added 4 pounds, right?

The base weight was 7.63 ounces by my spreadsheet.

Can say definitively that pack weight was not an issue, which was my goal in switching to UL, thanks to finding and studying this site. So many here have been helpful and supportive.

Anyone would benefit from the discipline of UL, I'd think. A low base weight allows for flexibility in other things. Could have taken a Tenkara fishing system, for instance. My camera was obvious along with us.

[nuttysquirrel]

The base weight was 7.63 ounces by my spreadsheet

pretty sure thats a record! glad your trip was a succsess!

[breyman]

Anyone would benefit from the discipline of UL, I'd think. A low base weight allows for flexibility in other things.

Exactly this. When folks ask why UL or even Lightweight are worth it, this is one of my main selling points. Give yourself flexibility to bring a luxury item or two and still be feeling good on the hike in.

Sounds like a great trip - congrats on making the conversion. It's awesome to hear true success stories like this.

[Cranky Bear]

Glad you trip was a success, would love to hear what you took and how each piece functioned and performed to your expectations.

[AaronMB]

Exactly this. When folks ask why UL or even Lightweight are worth it, this is one of my main selling points. Give yourself flexibility to bring a luxury item or two and still be feeling good on the hike in...

Agreed!

Good stuff, Mike. Glad you had a good trip.

Tell us a bit about your DIY UL UQ!

[Mountain Gout]

Congrats!! I'm gettin real itchy to get out myself.. Glad you had a good time..

[MDSH]

pretty sure thats a record! glad your trip was a succsess!

Thanks, nutty.

Exactly this. When folks ask why UL or even Lightweight are worth it, this is one of my main selling points. Give yourself flexibility to bring a luxury item or two and still be feeling good on the hike in.

Sounds like a great trip - congrats on making the conversion. It's awesome to hear true success stories like this.

Thanks, breyman. It was a good feeling. When I get in the woods the tension just melts out of my bones and soaks into the ground.

Glad you trip was a success, would love to hear what you took and how each piece functioned and performed to your expectations.

Thanks Yoda.

Everything worked perfectly.

Need to put longer suspension on my DIY UQ because it did not let down far enough during the warm part of the day when I tied to take a nap. Needed a breeze to cool off and the UQ blocked it -- but that is an easy fix.

The CF tarp will need to be supplemented with polycro peak beaks. That minimalist cover leaves a lot of exposure. And I have yet to figure out how to use the CF rain cape for UQ protector. There was no rain in the forecast so didn't sweat it before leaving. Here's the list with weights:


Pack 11.4
Tarp 6.0
Stakes and Things 1.1
Hammock 5.2
Structural Ridge Line 0.4
Suspension 4.1
Bug Net 3.6
Under Quilt 9.0
Ground Cloth 4.7
Stakes 0.4
Pad 3.0
Top Quilt 12.7
Water Filter 4.6
Water Bottle 1.5
Water Bottle 1.5
Water 0.0
Fire Kit 5.4
Fuel Bottle 1.1
Fuel 0.0
Cook Kit 9.4
Ti Sierra Cup 1.3
Al Long Spoon 0.4
Knife Sharpener 1.5
Bear Bag/Food Bag 1.9
Food 0.0
Headlamp 2.8
Sun Glasses 1.2
Reading Glasses 0.6
Poncho 3.0
Clothes 8.4
Shave Kit 5.1
Toilet Paper 0.0
First Aid Kit 5.0
Shop in a Bottle 4.7
Donning Sock 1.1

Base Wt. Oz. 122.10
Base Wt. Lbs. 7.63

Agreed!

Good stuff, Mike. Glad you had a good trip.

Tell us a bit about your DIY UL UQ!

Thanks, Aaron.

The UQ shell is made of Argon fabric from Dutch, 2 ounces of down left over from my Marmot full length mod, and 3 ounces that I bought from (I forgot). It came in (3) 1-ounce bags, which made it very easy to dump into the tubes. It is sewn through, 44x55". I used the differential cut calculator. The suspension is a combination of shock cord and tarred nylon (bank line).

DIY UL UQ 004.jpg

Congrats!! I'm gettin real itchy to get out myself.. Glad you had a good time..

Thanks, Mountain.

I had pretty good back up. My younger son is 6'-5" and 220 pounds.

Various from Back Up Disk 027.jpg

[SkyPainter]

===> Sounds like an awesome trip! Dad/Son outings are always a memorable thing - for both of you! And everyone should at least consider lowering pack weight to increase endurance and enjoyment on the trail!

Thanks for the TR, MDSH!

~ SkyPainter