Help build a shopping list for LD bikepacking gear

[deadeye]

Shug has great hammock-specific info. Checkout Darwin's (Darwin on the Trail) YouTube channel for bikepacking info.

[cmoulder]

I forgot about Darwin... excellent suggestion. Good one here, which is fairly recent.

[FLTurtle]

Insulation wise, I just acquired a UGQ 20F Bandit TQ and am starting to eye UQs... With a fair bit of sewing experience, this is a tempting project. However, the modular SLD Trail Winder is pretty appealing if I decide on non-down. Given the normal temperature ranges I'm exposed to, I think a 30 or 40F would pair well with the TQ. Thinking that the extra bulk/weight of a UQP would make sense for nasty weather and to increase the temperature range a bit. Along a similar vein, a sock seems like overkill but am interested in them for next Winter. Thoughts?

If you're looking at down underquilts, Hammock Gear is having a 15% off sale. If you're planning on using the 20F TQ, I would at least match the rating for the UQ, or like some folks do: have a lower temp rated UQ. It's easier to insulate the top with more clothes, but anything underneath you will get compressed and lose some insulation value.

I'm not entirely sold on a UPQ providing more insulation value...but I can see how it would help in windy conditions where the UQ is exposed to the wind and gusts blowing out the built up warmth. You mentioned that you have a WB Superfly tarp. If you pitch it low, that should do a pretty good job of blocking the wind.

If you were using something skimpier, an UQP would make more sense. IMO, I'd rather have more tarp than having another piece of gear to help out a lesser tarp. Looking at the HG UQP, they weigh in around 6-7 oz. Adding an UQP is more weight and bulk, so why not just size up the tarp?

[cougarmeat]

Nothing for nothing, but “… I can see how it would help in windy conditions where the UQ is exposed to the wind and gusts blowing out the built up warmth." that’s what “insulation value” is. I’m not talking about the R rating. I’m talking about the value of the UQP in keeping you warmer.

Let’s say you have a tarp without doors; they’re out there. If the wind shift - and it does - it might come right in parallel to your tarp. it’s happened. If you are alone and setting up your UQ. you can’t see how well it fits and be in the hammock at the same time. The UQP, makes that setup a little less critical. But hopefully you got that all sorted out at home before the trip.

If the ground is wet and you are taking down your hammock, and the slippery suspension (whoopie sling) slides out of your cold frozen hand, the UQP will keep the UQ cleaner. If you need an handy temporary pocket to drop something, like light clothing in, the UQP is there.

But yes, if you have a SuperFly with doors, and rig it low to the ground with doors shut, you’ll be as snug as a bug in a tarp.

The sock is sort of in the same area - a beefed up UQP for winter. And it also has decreased value if you have one of those house-o-nylon (or silpoly) that A SuperFly, Winter Palace, etc. provides.

I love a big tarp for bad weather. And even if I know I’m going to have very little probability of rain, I still more some protection overhead - more things fall from the sky besides rain. And I still want wind-shift protection. So a small fly and a UQP are a great combo for that. In another post today, someone mentioned their comfort in Washington rain - which is spelled RAIN - with just a MiniFly and UQP. I asked him to comment more on how dry he was with the MiniFly.

Again, if I knew there was a real chance of rain, I’d use a larger tarp. Because I like a dry area besides just the hammock itself. But in the summer, the view and ventilation you get from a MiniFly/UQP is great.

[rmcrow2]

I am bikepacking the CT and doing a 1000 mile self supported this year.

For long term living on the bike you want to pick your bike, then gear, then bags.
I don't want to fiddle at the end of a day.

Kit that is simple, adjustable but stays adjusted.
Bags that put bulk and weight out of trouble.
As little to loose or break as possible.

Be happy to chew over specific mistakes I have made in different areas. A bit rushed now.

我宁愿在山上。

[jakev383]

You mentioned that you have a WB Superfly tarp. If you pitch it low, that should do a pretty good job of blocking the wind.

But yes, if you have a SuperFly with doors, and rig it low to the ground with doors shut, you’ll be as snug as a bug in a tarp.

I'm the one who mentioned I had the SuperFly - the OP has a 10' (mostly square) Amazon tarp at the moment.

[Ldog]

Hi All, I've been itching to upgrade my daily driver hammock for some time, finally leading me to joining the forum and now buying a TQ. Guess it is time to start that shopping list...

Been honing my kit since I started hiking the AT in 2012. Did it in 5 sections over 4 years, Hiked 100 miles of the NCT thru Michigans Upper Peninsula, and will finish the last 70 miles of Vermont's Long Trail this summer. Been using the principles of UL/Lightweight backpacking the whole time, tempered by the realities of long-distance backpacking, vs weekend jaunts. I also had lots of time to reevaluate each and every item multiple times. I use the same stuff for bikepacking.

Having said all that, most of this stuff is quite old, but works. The lighterpack link leads to a free site that lets one build a database of the gear they own (or want), and to build packing lists for different trips. And to share it with others so they can evaluate it. It's free, and a good idea to use something like it to help evaluate what you got, or what you may want to buy. The LaughingDog link leads to a blog I started that went thru my deep dive into lighter backpacking.

I will say this. Most experienced long distance backpackers don't carry ANY superfluous stuff. The only "extra" clothes in my pack are a couple pair each of socks and underwear. I carry a light base layer to sleep in, a puffy and a rain shield. My pack is heavy by some standards. But it's what I need for shoulder season hiking in the east coast mountains.

Be aware that "ultralight" packs are designed for people who have their total pack weight way down. They achieve their weight, in part, by using little to no suspension. Carrying a load above their specified weight limits is a miserable experience. The pack on my list is such a pack, and I tend to push it's designed load specs. But I've learned how to pack my gear so as to transfer the weight from my shoulders to my hips.
As for my "Shelter," I carry Dutch's 11' Half-Zip Hammock (Hexon 1.0) w/ 8" cont. loops & fixed ridgeline. I use whoopies larks headed to tree straps. My tarp is a HammockGear DCF Hex. My sleep system is HammockGear quilts and UQP, an Exped Air Pillow UL M, and I carry a Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad - Short For when I want to stay in a trail shelter, a hostel, or otherwise go to ground.
I'll be following this thread to see if there are new, lighter options I want to explore. And I'll certainly look at what you are. But I'll probably be hiking this summer with what's on this list ...

L Dog


https://lighterpack.com/r/38fgjt
www.laughingdog.com

[cmoulder]

Been honing my kit since I started hiking the AT in 2012. Did it in 5 sections over 4 years, Hiked 100 miles of the NCT thru Michigans Upper Peninsula, and will finish the last 70 miles of Vermont's Long Trail this summer. Been using the principles of UL/Lightweight backpacking the whole time, tempered by the realities of long-distance backpacking, vs weekend jaunts. I also had lots of time to reevaluate each and every item multiple times. I use the same stuff for bikepacking.

Having said all that, most of this stuff is quite old, but works. The lighterpack link leads to a free site that lets one build a database of the gear they own (or want), and to build packing lists for different trips. And to share it with others so they can evaluate it. It's free, and a good idea to use something like it to help evaluate what you got, or what you may want to buy. The LaughingDog link leads to a blog I started that went thru my deep dive into lighter backpacking.

I will say this. Most experienced long distance backpackers don't carry ANY superfluous stuff. The only "extra" clothes in my pack are a couple pair each of socks and underwear. I carry a light base layer to sleep in, a puffy and a rain shield. My pack is heavy by some standards. But it's what I need for shoulder season hiking in the east coast mountains.

Be aware that "ultralight" packs are designed for people who have their total pack weight way down. They achieve their weight, in part, by using little to no suspension. Carrying a load above their specified weight limits is a miserable experience. The pack on my list is such a pack, and I tend to push it's designed load specs. But I've learned how to pack my gear so as to transfer the weight from my shoulders to my hips.
As for my "Shelter," I carry Dutch's 11' Half-Zip Hammock (Hexon 1.0) w/ 8" cont. loops & fixed ridgeline. I use whoopies larks headed to tree straps. My tarp is a HammockGear DCF Hex. My sleep system is HammockGear quilts and UQP, an Exped Air Pillow UL M, and I carry a Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad - Short For when I want to stay in a trail shelter, a hostel, or otherwise go to ground.
I'll be following this thread to see if there are new, lighter options I want to explore. And I'll certainly look at what you are. But I'll probably be hiking this summer with what's on this list ...

L Dog


https://lighterpack.com/r/38fgjt
www.laughingdog.com

I'm pretty sure I've said this before, but your gear list and your excellent explanations of the rationale behind all your selections is one of the best 'out there' ... a complete list that doesn't skip or 'hide' anything. Great for beginners learning about real- world UL, not some ohhh-wow super low number trying to impress anyone.

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