Super lightweight hiking gear. Tourist traditions and stereotypes

This is my list of lightweight equipment and clothing for summer (April - October) solo hiking trips in the mountains with overnight stays above the forest line, lasting the autonomous part 3-10 days. Designed for day and night temperatures above zero degrees.

With some modifications it can be adapted to more difficult or easier routes. I would like to make my backpack lighter, but it all comes down to overnight stays above forest level (>1500 m) - you need a safety margin for bad weather and low temperatures. I like to walk without being tied to the infrastructure, so I carry all my food with me. Typically, this is about 500 g per day, i.e. for a week - 3 kg (without breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last).

Purpose: solo hiking trips in the mountains with overnight stays above forest level in the warm season in changeable weather with rain.

Target: Lighten your backpack so you can walk further and with a greater margin of safety, and get less tired. The equipment is not tied to any specific route, i.e. For a specific trip, you can and should change something. If possible, the equipment should be universal so that it can be used on other hikes, mountaineering trips, or in the city.

Limitations: constant day and night temperatures above zero degrees, lack of technical sections (no ice ax, crampons, rope, system, iron).

Possible changes:

• for hikes with 1A passes - an ice ax, sneakers with hard soles, flashlights to avoid falling under rocks.
• for lower temperatures - a quilt-condenser for a sleeping bag, warmer shoes, softshell pants instead of those indicated.
• Hiking in a group - another tent and a burner with a boiler/boilers.
• for hot hikes (night temperatures are above 15 degrees, daytime temperatures are above 25) do not take warm and rainy clothes, a lighter sleeping bag, a sun hat and a long-sleeve T-shirt.
• for spring hikes in the High Tatras (snow above 1200 m waist-deep in some valleys until May) - a backpack 45 l, 1114 g, with a pocket on the back, an avalanche shovel for digging places for a tent, full shoe covers for snow porridge, an ice ax, crampons, trekking boots with membrane.

Reserves for making existing things easier:

Fresh city T-shirt and socks, ~110 g. If orienteering is not difficult, you don’t need to take GPS and spare batteries, ~280 g. If the temperature does not drop below +10 degrees, don’t take a warm jacket, ~450 g. Kemelback for 3 liters, so that you can spend the night in places without water (185 g, minus a 2 liter PET bottle - 135 g). If you walk on dirt trails, use lighter sneakers, ~300-400 g. In principle, you can have a lighter backpack, ~500 g.

Of course, the cheapest way to lighten your backpack is to leave unnecessary items at home. But, if everything unnecessary has already been left behind, you need to change what is there. From this list, if you try, you can relatively painlessly cut out about 2 kg on a week-long hike.

An example of how to carve out a kilogram from this list: a light backpack.

In this version, the dry weight of the backpack (without food, water, a minimum set of clothes, shoes and trekking poles) is 7.5 kg. With food for a week and 0.5 liters of water, you will get about 11 kg.

The weight of all items in the list for size L, shoes - 45, weighed with scales with an accuracy of 1 g.

We are somehow accustomed to the fact that a hike is a heavy or very heavy backpack, tired legs getting stuck in moss, lush grass, river silt or sand, a test of endurance and will. And going out into the forest without everything you need is not even serious... But there is even a trend in tourism - easy movement, where the main condition is the minimum weight of equipment, due to which a high speed of movement is achieved, and at the same time an impressive reserve of endurance allows you to go oh how far. But it’s not easy to be a light sailor - you need to compensate for the minimum equipment with your skills and abilities. In fact, the so-called “survival trip”, when all you have in your pocket is ease of movement.

But first things first. To walk lightly, admire nature and enjoy long routes, you need to know...

100 rules for easy driving

001. To get started, buy a small digital scale or a digital steelyard. A load capacity of up to 10 kg is quite suitable. Now you can confidently take your precision instrument to the store and weigh what you buy. Don't be afraid to scare the sellers, and don't let them scare you anymore, now everything is under control!

002. The most reliable and affordable way to lose equipment weight is. Losing a few kilograms is not at all difficult, and the lightness and endurance that you will gain is irreplaceable!

Source: http://verwandert.de/alexika/

Last year I started looking for a new tent. Timo and I spent a long time using an igloo tent that we bought in one of the cheap supermarkets during our next trip, but it wasn’t much fun. It is clear that for one night in nature in the summer it was enough, but this tent did not tolerate rain at all.

It's time to get the right gear because I've been frustrated with my sleeping bag or yoga mat that I've been using as a camping mat for sleeping in the wild.

I went on my next trip to Saxon Switzerland with the following Alexika equipment:

Super Light 2 tent

Extreme travel mat Expert

Alexika Super Light tent in practice

Somewhere and sometime the assembly instructions left us, and during the first test assembly of the tent at home, I had a question: “Where should I insert the poles?”

This lasted until I decided that the poles should not be on the outside, but that they should be installed from the inside of the tent. Then it comes together really quickly, and you can actually put it alone.

The tent doesn't look big from the outside. It’s understandable, because it weighs only 1.45 kg and is packed into a compact case as much as possible. However, there is enough room for two inside.

In general, I found three main drawbacks in the tent:

1. If you are lying in a tent together, there will be no free space left. Even one backpack won't fit inside. This makes it so light.

2. Tent length - 2 meters. This seems like a lot, but for tall people it is not enough. Timo was unable to lie fully stretched out in the tent.

3. To set up the tent, it must be opened. Therefore, in the rain it can get wet from the inside.

Advantages of Alexika Super Light:

1. As already mentioned, it is very light, so it is convenient to travel with it on foot.

2. Its installation requires a minimum area.

3. The tent has 2 entrances, which, in my opinion, is very convenient. Both doors can be opened only halfway, leaving the mosquito net closed, and then in the evenings you can enjoy contemplating the moon.

4. You can sit in a tent! It's very practical!

5. The workmanship is excellent.

Since this is the only super lightweight tent I've tried, I can't compare it to other similar tents. So far this tent seems like a great choice to me and is suitable for year round use.

Self-inflating mat Alexika Expert - the best choice

I already wrote in the title: I am delighted with this rug and can happily recommend it to you!

The Expert self-inflating mat weighs only 0.5 kg, and when packaged it is a very compact barrel. I even lost it in Egon's saddlebag a couple of times because it was hiding somewhere under my things.

The mat can be inflated very quickly. Despite its thickness (only 2.5 cm), it is very comfortable. For all 10 nights of the trip, I slept on this rug as if it were a full-fledged mattress.

The length of the mat is only 1.73 cm, but despite this, I would recommend it for tall people. Feet don't have to sleep on soft stuff!

In short: this rug earns my highest recommendation!

Femalesleeping bagAlexika Mountain Compact

Women's sleeping bag? Is this really necessary? Every time I ask myself: why should I carry an extra 10 cm of sleeping bag with me that I don’t use? I only needed a sleeping bag one size smaller than usual, because the Alexika Mountain Compact sleeping bag is designed for people whose height does not exceed 1.78 m.

At the moment I have discovered the following shortcomings:

1. Before this, I used a fairly spacious sleeping bag, so I had to get used to the cocoon design of the sleeping bag. This shape didn’t quite suit my legs; they didn’t like being squeezed in this position.

2. The sleeping bag weighs 1.7 kg, and it is quite spacious. I couldn't manage to stash it in Egon's saddlebag, although that would have been ideal.

At the same time, the Alexika Mountain Compact sleeping bag also has advantages:

1. It's lovely, soft and warm. I'm freezing, and one night the temperature dropped to zero, but, nevertheless, I slept comfortably!

2. The material is very pleasant to the touch.

3. The hood of the sleeping bag is very comfortable and fits well. You can tighten it so that only the nose sticks out.

Conclusion about the tested equipment

I believe that with the tent we did not fully understand each other yet. Perhaps an awning or tent would be more suitable for me. I'll experiment with this some more.

From now on, the self-inflating mat will now always and everywhere be with me.

I haven't decided on a sleeping bag yet. Perhaps I won’t be looking for an alternative sleeping bag for a while that would be just as warm, but have less weight. However, this sleeping bag is very comfortable and I will be happy to use it in the future.

What super lightweight gear do you use for overnight camping trips?

I discovered a lot of interesting things. The US outdoor market is very different from ours. Those brands that we directly associate with the concept of “high-quality American equipment” are known there to a much lesser extent than in Russia, and the favorite brands of American travelers are completely unknown here. But this is quite logical and natural. But it’s not just the outdoor market that’s different, it’s the equipment itself. Actually, the site is dedicated to ultra-light equipment. It consists of reviews, tests, comparisons of this equipment. Many things that are considered the norm for camping use in the US are not even known here. These are exactly what I would like to talk about.
Not-mommy slipping bags: Topbags, blankets and throw-on sleeping bags
Here is a traditional, ubiquitous sleep system.
1. A layer of waterproof fabric (floor of a tent or bivy pack)
2. Insulation mat
3. Breathable outer fabric of a traditional sleeping bag
4. Sleeping bag insulation compressed under body weight
5. Breathable inner fabric of a traditional sleeping bag
6. Layer of clothing for the sleeper (thermal underwear and other clothing)
7. Breathable inner fabric of a traditional sleeping bag
8. Uncompressed sleeping bag insulation
9. Breathable outer fabric of a traditional sleeping bag
10. A layer of waterproof fabric (tent, awning, bivy pack)

In total, we get ten layers that protect a person’s peaceful sleep.
Now let's move on to non-traditional sleep systems. These are a top-bag, a quilt and a wearable sleep system.

For topbags (Fig. 2B), layers 3, 4 and 5 are replaced by a single layer of breathable fabric. And in the case of blankets (not to be confused with what we call a sleeping bag-blanket), these layers do not exist at all. Those. A topbag is a sleeping bag in which the “bottom” is simply a pocket for a rug, and the blanket has no bottom at all. As you know, it is not the insulation of a sleeping bag that retains heat, but the volume of air that this insulation creates. Under the influence of the weight of the sleeper, that part of the sleeping bag that is at the bottom is compressed, and the entire volume created by the insulation disappears. Accordingly, the “bottom” of the sleeping bag practically does not retain heat; it is retained by the insulating mat. In total, in a system based on the use of a topbag, 8 layers of materials remain, and in a system based on a sleeping bag-blanket, only 7.

Replacing several layers with one or eliminating them altogether significantly saves the weight of the sleep system without significant damage to temperature preservation. For example, the Speer Hammocks Top Blanket with a comfort temperature of +7 degrees Celsius weighs 410 g (down insulation), and the Mountain Laurel Designs Devotion 40 topbag with a comfort temperature of +4.5 degrees Celsius weighs only 310 g. For comparison, a down cocoon sleeping bag Bask HIKING 780 FP M with a comfort temperature of +4 degrees, weighs as much as 990 grams.
In case of wind or very low temperatures, non-traditional sleeping systems are supplemented with a bivy pack made of lightweight membrane fabric. In any case, it is rational to use them in spring, summer and autumn. In winter, the problem of condensation formation is especially acute, even if a bivac pack with good breathability is used. Therefore, there are no topbags and blankets designed for a comfort temperature below - 7 degrees Celsius.
A wearable (or rather wearable) sleeping bag is an interesting alternative to all previous types of sleep systems. It is designed to be wearable, i.e. you can put on this sleeping bag and move around the camp, cook food, then go to the tent and go to bed, get up in the morning, and pack your things without getting out of this sleeping bag.

This is what it looks like in action:

This sleeping bag is used together with insulated clothing and shoes.
Of course, such sleeping bags are not without their drawbacks. Topbags restrict movement. It will not be easy to turn over in such a sleeping bag, and if you sleep on your side, the insulation at the point of contact with the body will shrink and, accordingly, lose its properties, as well as large cavities between the sleeping bag and the body (painted black in the picture).

These problems are solved in the design of blanket sleeping bags, but they also have a significant drawback - the fundamental absence of a hood. And wearable sleeping bags are generally a rather specific thing. Judging by the site's forum, they have both ardent fans and irreconcilable opponents.
Ultralight backpacks

What does the weight of a backpack consist of? Personal belongings, public equipment, special equipment (hardware for climbers, boats for watermen, etc.), food, fuel, all sorts of small items, packing weight. But don't forget about the weight of the backpack itself. So, in addition to the payload, you are carrying from 2 to 6 kilograms of the backpack itself. It's good if all this weight is useful, and you use all the pockets, loops, straps and zippers of your backbreaker, and you are completely satisfied with the ratio of the strength of the fabric to its weight. But personally, as a water driver, I absolutely don’t need a attachment for an ice tool, a carabiner for keys in the valve, a “mouse hole” entrance and a partition inside the backpack, and it would be nice to replace the bulletproof Cordura 420D in unloaded places with something lighter. Look, my beloved Basque Python would weigh not 2.5 kg, but at least 1.5. I personally watched as one of my comrades, reluctantly, tore off all sorts of mules from the brand new Tatonka Katanga and cut off the lines that were too long. What is all this for? Moreover, there are no light backpacks on the Russian market. Many people would be satisfied with a backpack, which is a bag made of thin but durable fabric, with the necessary minimum of pockets and hangers, with a simple but comfortable hanging system and back. There are such backpacks in the USA.
How much can a 40 liter backpack for hiking weigh? He can weigh 170 grams!!! Fanatic Fringe Alpine Trail:

Or another miracle: Fanatic Gossamer Gear G5:

Volume 55 liters, weight 201 grams.
What's the secret? In refusing the unnecessary. Most ultralight backpacks have a non-height adjustable back, i.e. the manufacturer refused to create a universal product for everyone.

These ultra-light backpacks are sized like clothing. If you are 185 cm tall, take size L, but if you are 160 cm tall, then S will suit you. Also, all of these backpacks either do not have a waist belt, or it comes as an option. This is quite logical, because... The average volume of an ultralight backpack is 45-55 liters, and the weight stated as comfortable to carry is between 10 and 15 kg.
A lot of extra grams are saved on fabric. The main thing here is to find the ideal strength-to-weight ratio. Some backpacks come in different options, for example the Fanatic Fringe Alpine Trail comes in a 6 oz (lighter), 7 oz (more durable) option. When creating ultra-light backpacks, the following fabrics are used: Ripstop Nylon (density 65 g/sq.m.), Silnylon (37.5 g/sq.m.), Spinnaker Cloth (33.8 g/sq.m.), Cuben Fiber (20.5 g/sq.m. . m.).
The last thing where grams are saved is the all-various weight. These backpacks either have no pockets at all, or just one large mesh pocket. As add-ons, there are additional accessories that are either fastened or sewn to the backpack at the request of the buyer.
Backpakinglight included five ultralight backpacks in its review, which means that there is such a niche in the market, and at least five manufacturers are vying for leadership in it. Such a niche also exists on the Russian market, but I have never seen a single backpack weighing less than half a kilo.
Do it yourself
Before I met www.backpackingkight.com, I thought that homemade equipment was created exclusively in the USSR, not because of a good life. I was wrong. Almost a quarter of the articles on the site belong to the Make your own gear section, or translated as “Do it yourself.” Even a more developed equipment market than ours cannot satisfy all the needs of customers, and they make backpacks, sleeping bags, awnings and even burners on their own. Here, for example, is how to make transparent brass with your own hands:

and here are photographs of the creation of carbon trekking poles:

This section of the site is full of patterns, recipes, instructions, and tips for making your own gear, just for you. It would be great to see the same section on, I think we haven’t run out of craftsmen and kulibins yet. Share with each other information on how to make equipment in the kitchen that will put all manufacturing companies to shame.
Another topic indirectly related to homemade equipment is custom clothes, or things made to order. Here, for example, is a backpack designed jointly by R2 and Will Rietveld:
project

embodiment

The fact is that not all things can be sewn on a home sewing machine, and it is also impossible to take into account all the nuances of creating equipment without experience. Therefore, a service for creating custom equipment has been developed in the USA. The production model is taken as a basis, and the customer makes changes to it. These can relate to everything from the type of fabric to the overall design. As a result, the client receives the equipment of his dreams, made by professionals using industrial equipment.
If I personally have some doubts about the feasibility of unconventional sleeping systems, then I would be the first in line for an ultra-light backpack. Well, a service like custom tailoring of equipment would be my favorite. I think not only mine. Russian companies are slowly starting to provide similar services, which is good news. However, for now they are not available to all those people who know exactly what they want from equipment and are willing to pay for the creation of custom-made gear. Well, let's hope that the domestic equipment market will someday grow to the American one.

The other day I saw a video about ultra-light equipment from CAMP in the context of an IMB layout.

The topic of reducing the weight of equipment has been of interest to me for a long time. As part of this idea, I have already replaced almost all winter clothes, giving preference to things with primaloft insulation, as they are more specifically warm. I also bought a GoLite shangri-la 3 tent weighing only 2 kg.

In general, there is a common opinion that ultra-light equipment, as in the presented video, is distinguished by the fact that for the sake of maximum weight reduction, strength and, very often, the comfort of using things are sacrificed.

I contacted the CAMP company and they borrowed equipment from the video (just so I could return it before IMB).
Now I can form impressions about her based on my own experience, and not through the prism of someone else. Many thanks to the CAMP people for this))

The main direction of weight loss is the big three:
1) backpack
2) tent
3) sleeping bag

In principle, you can add food to this list. There is no point in making it easier; I have already achieved excellent results using homemade sublimates and various bars, reducing the food layout to 0.5 kg. in a day.

1) Backpack from the title photo - Camp trail pro
I will not dwell on it in detail now. There will be a separate big review.
I will indicate the weight - 475 grams. Volume - 20 l.

In principle, it is convenient to use, the straps are moderately rigid. The only thing I would like to note is that there is almost no load-bearing belt made of thin sling; the entire load has to be carried on the shoulders.

What is the “warmest” insulation we have now? Naturally fluff. This means that a lightweight sleeping bag should be down. The result is a very light and compact sample.

I was pleased with the weight of 420 grams, and the packing size literally shocked me. I've never seen anything like this before.

As for use: I slept in it two nights in a row. At first it was warm +10. which is confirmed by the declared comfort temperature of +8C for the male body. On the second night, the temperature dropped to +3 and was very cold, so I had to warm myself in Polartek underwear and a hat.

And if I have no complaints about the functionality, and the weight and dimensions are frankly pleasing, then a certain comfort is definitely sacrificed.
I have one comment - about the lightning. It is short, only up to half the bag. It is not possible to unfasten the part at the bottom for ventilation. She is very small. The lock is also small and not very grippy. It does not turn inside, you can only fasten it from the outside.

They also gave me the mat light inflatable mat to test.

I really liked it for its extremely compact size when folded.

I was completely satisfied with the comfort and softness. Actually, this is my first time using a fully inflatable mat. I really liked the weight and dimensions, much more compact than self-inflators. Now I want to buy a similar one for permanent use. Although it will be short for people taller than 175 cm, their legs will have to be tucked into the backpack.

The package also included a silicone poncho. The thing is amazing in its size and weight.

5) germa with documents and first aid kit
6) Evernew pot with gas cylinder and burner + titanium spoon and mug

All together pulled 6.5 kg

As a summary, I will say that lightweight equipment pushes the limits of hiking quite a lot, both in distance and in speed of movement. A light backpack is much more pleasant to carry and you can carry it faster and further.

At the same time, you need to understand that the strength of such things is reduced and they can be easily damaged, so you have to use things with caution.

Comfort, to some extent, is also limited. Mainly due to the size of the products. Lightweight gear tends to be shorter/narrower/lower than its regular counterparts.

For many, such restrictions will not be justified. For me, it was a very useful experience and I will definitely take something into service.

Once again, many thanks to CAMP.

That's all, thanks for your attention!

UPD 01/22/16 Photos added from alpine training in Crimea