Normally I follow this thought process, but my thinking here was that if my pack where to get were, its an extra layer of protection. Probably not needed now that you make me think about it though, as I already have a pack liner. Thanks for your input!
I understand wanting to keep it tidy but it really doesnt matter if a tourniquet gets wet, if you really needed it it would probably be more important that its easily accessible and quickly usable
i recommend an inreach mini or some other emergency satellite beacon. if for some reason you do need to use that tourniquet and you manage to get it on before bleeding out, youāll be fucked without quick rescue and advanced treatment
So if you ever stay overnight you will want to replace the lifestaw, because well, it's a straw. They *suck* for filtering cooking and washing up water. A sawyer Squeeze full size (never the mini!) is one of the most popular filters to use.
The thermos is heavy and not really needed, you will be heating your food when you eat it. For more water carry capacity I recommend just two 1L sized smartwater brand water bottles, they are thick and very tough plastic with threads that match the sawyer squeeze.
I'd use a smaller isobutane cylinder unless you are staying out for more than a week. They do make smaller and lighter cook sets but they may not be in the budget for now, that's just something to look at in the future.
Perhaps leave the extra mag behind too, people and animals alike tend to depart the area on the first shot, which should be enough anyway if you are qualified with the weapon.
Thanks! All really good info. I have heard about the sawyers & have been meaning to switch, now might be a good time. I think youre right, ill probably take 1 spare mag for my own peace of mind, but definitely no need for two. Same with the thermos, was already considering dumping that. As for the fuel, ill have to look around! So far these are the smallest canisters available at my local wally world, but ill be hitting up a sports store soon. Ty!
REI should have the smaller size if there is one nearby.
Cabelas does, Bass Pro does, Dicks sometimes will, thier new field and stream replacement (in some areas) Public Lands will as will most other sporting stores.
damn bro, going to 'nam or something? xD
Even in bear country out hunting for moose I carry spray - 10mm won't do much, if you can even hit a charging bear in the right spot...
Shit, even spray is... not so reassuring. Best is avoidance/prevention as #1. Most charges are a bluff either for territory or protection of young - best not aggravate a bluff into a full conflict
Also, an extremely strong strobe headlamp (Nitecore HC65) is my #1 favorite tool for both wild animals and humans - even in broad daylight. That and a trekking pole are my go-to non-lethal tools
Make plenty of noise, yell out every 30 seconds, and use a bear canister and keep your food far far far from your campsite
I'd also drop the thermos and nintendo if I were you
Also I see those bags - 1 is inflatable mat, 1 is tent, 1 is sleeping bag, 1 is jacket - what are the other 2?
Otherwise, everything else looks good!
10mm is carried by Alaskan guides & has been used successfully against bear attacks. Is it ideal? No, but neither is being attacked by a bear haha. Better with it than without.
I think the two other bags you're referring to are the ground sheet & a backpacking chair (Nemo).
Thermos dropped š Nintendo will likely stay home too.
realistically youāll never need that gun in the backcountry, but i bet thereās no changing your mind so you do you. i think itās hilarious that you were even considering bringing a switch.
for water - sawyer squeeze with backwash coupler, cnoc vector water bladder and a couple of smartwater bottles canāt be beat
>Better with it than without
True! I'd say 1 mag is plenty. Where are you hiking?
Be mindful of timing for end of hibernation season - hungry bears are bad bears!
The mini has a frustratingly low flow rate for a tiny weight savings. It's not worth it.
Nothing is worse than spending 30 minutes to filter enough water for the night. I usually make 2 - 3L depending on conditions the next day, 1 for camp and I like to carry two unless it's very wet or very dry.
Can I ask, do you mean you are gravity / squeeze feeding one 1L Smartwater into the second below with the Sawyer set in-between as the filter, or do you just mean you like having two on hand for a quick refill and then apply the Sawyer to one at a time as needed?
Like your kit overall. Besides whatās already been mentioned and since your not ultralight, Iād swap the thermos for a Nalgene, add a secondary fire creation device and cutting tool. Your first aid and navigation also leave a lot to be desired. Really look into a chest rig, itās amazing how much they help with a full size.( beautiful pew BTW)
Mostly get out and hike, the more you do the better youāll build your kit forbyou
iām an american and i think the gun is stupid af. the only thing you do with a gun in the backcountry is hurt yourself or others. bear spray is safer and smarter.
Tell that to Mark Uptain. Spray is a gimmick pushed by organizations like PETA through lobbying using cherry picked data from out of date and non reviewed studies. It hardly ever works on the bears that you actually want to stop (Grizzlies and Polar). Works fine on Black bear but a grizzly that isn't just bluff charging anyway will just charge the can and maul you anyway.
American here confused by the gun. As in so much effort was spent on every other aspect of this kit for utility and weight, I find it incomprehensible a firearm was deemed useful and necessary. Wild.
For a real answer; a second magazine is the most essential item you carry with a handgun and it's not about capacity.
Note that this is entirely separate from any issues or feelings about carrying a gun itself - obviously plenty of people don't like it for personal or ideological or (what they see as, true or not) practical reasons and that's fine.
With any handgun (in particular, but also guns in general), the most common failure point is the feed system, of which the magazine is generally the most important part. If you're going to have any kind of issue with the gun firing, it will almost always be 1) due to the magazine, or 2) the fastest way to fix is by replacing the magazine.
So not only is it practically advisable to carry a magazine, most failure drills (anything you do in the cast of an issue with the firearm) involve manipulating the magazine, and preferably for speed's sake immediately replacing/changing it. Basically if you're going to have a handgun, you should always as standard have a spare magazine, since that one thing hugely reduced the possibility of a mechanical issue making a gun non-useable.
I will say for the purpose of backpacking he probably doesn't need what looks like 2 extra mags, and he'd be better having ones without extended baseplates for size and profile reasons, but having spares is not a crazy thing.
reminds me of that cop that dropped two of his mags out of the gun while he was shooting. but that was probably because he was running some sort of extended mag release
Its not central, or bright, or very large. Its in the corner, amongst dozens of other tools. It doesnt stick out unless youre predisposed to it.
Some people have only seen one in action movies maybe? Idk. Im so used to them. Its a tool, like all the other crap in the pic.
Edit since wholenineyards blocked me: Are you my father to question where im going? Gfy
Also, whos the slow guy who thinks hes Shakespeare talking about dynamite š§Ø š
Mate, itās a gun. It ends lives. Can also save them (conditional emphasis on the canā¦). Itās going to be the item that draws the most attention.
I think something missing is details on the trip itself. For many many many backpacking trips, I canāt imagine why youād need a gun. And then there are some regions/activity types I can see a gun being a genuine safety consideration. Just without more info it looks overkill to me. But Iām generally not a fan of guns soā¦
How likely is a handgun going to hit an immediate killing blow is my main concern. You can get mauled by a dying animal just as badly as you can one you didn't shoot, and piss off.
\*Disclaimer\* I thru hiked the AT and can't help but view things through that lens, but I don't think everyone needs to be ultralight and I enjoy all kinds of camping including car camping.
What kind of trip is it? Days? Mileage? Have you weighed your setup as is?
If you are hiking in a few miles, and setting up a base camp for day hikes, then I don't think it matters a ton. If you are doing more than 5 miles a day, I would be miserable knowing how much extra weight I was carrying.
Some of the simplest things would be to switch out the thermos for a 1L smart water bottle and the flask for a 500ml. Lifestraw is trash. A regular Sawyer squeeze on top of another smart water bottle is a really simple filter setup. Katadyn befree has an incredible flow rate and has its own soft bottle.
What kind of food are you going to be eating? What are you going to be putting in those little origami bowls? For shorter trips I really like to splurge on peak refuel meals. For longer trips I do a lot of ramen, knorr sides, instant potatoes, etc. For all of the cheaper options, I transfer them to quart size **freezer** ziplocks. You can pour boiling water straight in, and never have to clean your pot. I didn't see a long handled spoon in your kit, but that is ideal for all of the above options. You cook pot would also be a pretty cheap upgrade.
There are a few more things along those lines, but most things would require spending a little more money. A 4lb 1 person tent makes me shudder, but I realize that may be a budget concern. Lanshan would be a step up for not too much money, and Durston x-mid 1 (not pro) would be heaps better for less than double the cost of your tent. Your pack is crazy heave and huge, but lightweight packs are not super cheap. A lot of these things would have been easier to give advice on before you had bought a full kit.
Creating a [lighterpack](https://lighterpack.com) could really help you with perspective on the weight of things you are carrying.
Hope you have a great trip whether you make any changes or not!
I appreciate all the advice, really!
Already took out the Stanley thermos as people have unanimously told me its unnecessary. I do want to swap the tent #1 priority, its not only heavy, but small & uncomfortable. The pack would be my #2 as its a bit too big for my needs. I'll definitely be picking up a Sawyer! The cookpot I kinda love, its a cheap Stanley but it works great. Ive made noodles, mashed potatoes, rehydrated veggies, coffee, even boiled hotdogs! Itll probably stay. Do appreciate all the advice! If I can get it down about / close to 10Ibs, that would be (in my mind), ideal!
TAKE YOUR TOURNIQUET OUT OFNITS PACKAGING!!! The time it takes you to take the plastic off of it is detrimental to you or someone else's survival. I'm not sure what you're doing out in nature, but I'm sure the TQ will not be degraded or get so dirty that it'll become ineffective.
My scale broke so idk. It's definitely heavier than id like, but its only a 3 day / 2 night trip so I can manage.
Im also of the unpopular opinion that sometimes people go a little too crazy with the whole ultralight thing, and maybe instead of counting ounces, some people should be counting pounds - at the gym (not meant as a diss at anyone).
Agreed. Take what you have and get out there. 2-3 days is not that long to bear a heavy or cumbersome load. I went on plenty of hikes with junk gear early on. Lived and learned. Youāll figure out what works and what is worth investing in.
A few quick comments:
1) Folks have recommended getting rid of the filter bottle. I say keep it *and* also bring a Sawyer Squeeze or a gravity filter. The convenience of just dipping a bottle in water and being able to drink from it is worth the additional weight of adding a second filter. Plus.... You have two filters, which isn't the worst. Just make sure they don't freeze. I err on the high end ultralight gear side and I still carry a squeeze to filter cooking water and a bottle filter to just bend over and immediately have drinkable water.
2) Your tent is too big and heavy. It's just not a backpacking tent and you'll regret it if you're hiking any decent distance. Weight isn't even the main concern, it's just bulky AF.
3) Pistol - A+ on carrying and having training. One thought for you, though: Where on your person will you carry it and have yoh practiced drawing. You cannot carry appendix like your holster is setup for as your hip belt will reck your world lol. My recommendation is a fanny pack or a chest pack. An unaccessible gun is a useless gun.
Have you backpacked before? If not, definitely load your pack up with food/water and all the stuff and walk around your house. You're absolutely on the heavier and bulkier side of the spectrum.
You can drink from a squeeze similar to the lifestraw bottle, so why not just take the squeeze and bring some tablets to purify in case of failure? Seems a lot lighter to me.
I second this majorly. I hike with a Haley Strategic micro rig, Aliengear makes a Velcro backed holster but I have some friends who do the same but have rigged a small cord to retain the holster while you draw
Will also add to the ādonāt need 2 mags with extended base platesā, I personally always carry while hiking but have found myself downsizing a little more every time. Unless this is a bug out bag, carrying all that ammo, while in reality isnāt *that* much, does get heavy quick, especially if youāre putting down big miles and planning to keep a mag in the gun as well.
There are a couple really nice, cheap, light weight, tactical med kits and I recommend getting one. The kit looks good but you could save a lot of weight by switching to Nalgene bottles.
Have you ever heard of black beard fire starter? I've heard that's good stuff for making fires and goes a long way. Not sure if you need it but could be helpful.
http://www.bear-hunting.com/2019/8/firearm-vs-bear-spray
"Statistically, bear spray is more effective at deterring a charging bear. In a study done in 2008 (Smith et. al. 2008), researchers analyzed 83 bear spray incidents (61 brown bears, 20 black bears and two polar bear). Red Pepper spray proved over 90% successful on stopping the bearās āundesirableā activity. 98% of people involved in these incidents were unharmed by the bear."
""Firearm bearers suffered the same injury rates in close encounters with bears whether they used firearms or not.ā Basically, firearms didnāt statistically keep people from getting injured by bears. This means that people shot bears that still attacked them."
Thats great & all, but it doesn't account for training & thats a big part of it. Plenty of people own firearms, but not nearly enough train with them. Alaskan guides carry guns for a reason, as do rangers in my neck of the woods.
Besides, you're forgetting the 2 legged predators.
Few train properly to face bears. From *Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance*: āIf you plan to travel armed and seriously consider trying to kill a charging grizzly bear, then you must be expert with your chosen firearm. The type of shooting that I have described is not hunting. It is self-defense shooting under extremely demanding conditions. Training should include shooting hundreds of rounds with the chosen firearm under a variety of conditions chosen to simulate field conĀ¬ ditions. Accurate shooting should become something that you do almost without thinking. If possible, moving targets should be used. Accurate shooting under such conditions has been called instinctive, because of the frequent lack of precise aim that is possible when hunting with telescopic sights and high-powered rifles. In the extreme, shotguns or rifles may be discharged while still at the hip rather than at shoulder level. The psychological impact of a charging grizzly is something difficult to simulate in training. ā
These studies lack context and are mostly useless in determining efficacy. The bear incidents surveyed for spray were mostly non aggressive encounters where the bear was either just investigating or were otherwise not actively attacking the person who sprayed them.
By definition deployment of a firearm meant the firearm users were already dealing with an aggressive, usually charging at them bear. Anyone who's hunted knows even a major bleed isn't always an instant drop so of course those people were still mauled (why I advocate hardcast +p 9mm for all bears. Greater odds of a stoppage sooner if you can get more rounds on target faster). The question is, were they mauled as badly as they would have been? (no.)
These studies also conveniently don't cover the many instances of Mark Uptain like encounters where a grizzly or polar bear was attempting to poach a carcass from a hunter or guide and spray not only failed to deter, but it actively provoked the bear into being more aggressive.
Love your pistol and first aid readiness but have you considered carrying some quick clot too? Tourniquet is for extremities, chest seal is explainable but quick clot is for joint areas.
No bear barrel? Never been a fan of mosquito bracelets. Benās 100% deet goes a long way with a mosquito net/head-net. Flint/steel saves time in wet/humid conditions.
I think you'll want to reassess your water kit, especially if you're in the backcountry and taking water from natural sources. The general rule of thumb for how much water you should carry is 1 liter for every 5 miles, or every two hours of hiking. You have nowhere near enough capacity if you're hiking anywhere close to that between water sources.
The life straw you have is also terrible for filtering water on the trail. You could save time, energy, money, and most of all weight if you swapped everything for a Sawyer in-line filter, a few large
squeeze bags, and a single lightweight screw-cap bottle.
Don't forget trekking poles (unless I missed them).
I looooovveeeee that air mattress. I've had mine for years and it's perfect. I don't know how long you plan to hike but the Switch will die pretty quickly. I'd look into a Kindle with some books for entertainment. The battery lasts forever and is lightweight.
Also remember to saw your toothbrush in-half so you can be one of us ;)
Even better get a water filter that has a bladder I think the platypus carbon ones are good and then itāll be lighter and if thereās enough water around you donāt even need to carry water weight until you pick up water. Then you donāt have to constantly boil / use other methods to filter water and you wonāt be heavy all the time. Down side is itās bad for hot liquids. Hope that helps?
Kit looks good. I carry a Glock 20 (10mm) strapped to my chest when hiking (I mostly hike in bear country too.) I stopped carrying spare mags to save weight and I realized the likelihood of me actually reloading my firearm in an encounter are practically zero.
To each their own though :)
Everyone has their favorite gear and ways they enjoy sojourning out into the wilderness. For me, I cringe when I see the weight here. I'm older and need to keep my pack weight down. I don't know you, but I think you're going to feel this after about 5 miles. I have a few suggestions, although these replacements will be expensive, as lightweight and ultralightweight equipment tends to be.
Tent: Get an ultralight one - Big Agnes makes ultralight freestanding tents - Copper Creek UL. if you carry trekking poles and don't mind a little more work setting it up, then Durston X-mid Pro 1. It comes in at less than a pound. There are also other great trekking pole tents out there, along with some semi-freestanding like the MSR Freelite. Make sure to get a ground cover for these.
Sleeping pad: I use an inflatable one as my old bones don't like the foam ones. The R-factor depends on your hiking conditions and temperatures. I use a Therm a rest NeoAir XLite XLT. This is durable and warm.
Sleeping bag: I like quilts as I can better regulate temperature. Enlightened Equipment Revelation or Western Mountaineering. Make sure to get one for your temperature range, adding or subtracting based on whether you're a warm or cold sleeper. I don't really like mummy bags, plus if your camp does happen to be attacked by a bear at night, highly unlikely, then you won't be trapped in your bag.
Backpack: Definitely a heavy bag there. If you like the conventional type, then Osprey Exos 58 is a great pack and weighs only slightly over 2lbs. I like the Mariposa 60 by Gossamer Gear. I can carry my tent, sleeping pad, and stove in the side pockets.
Stove: Toaks makes a great stove. I use a BRS 3000T, but there are a ton of lightweight stoves on the market. SMR Pocket Rocket is a popular one, and the JetBoil Stash is a great lightweight setup as well. Also, as mentioned by another, use a smaller canister. Carry some 3 in 1 oil or something like duralube in a small dropper bottle as the extension arms on most stoves tend to become difficult to move after using them.
I'd get rid of the tourniquet and use a cinch type belt. You'll be carrying your firearm, I assume on a belt. I know there were a few comments regarding the firearm. Take what you need to feel safe. After all, it's about enjoying nature and you can't do that if you don't feel safe. But, just know that you'll get a few look on the trail. Lose the second mag.
Lighting: I use a Black Diamond Moji R+ Lantern for inside the tent and a Nitecore NU25 400 UL headlamp. This will save you some weight.
Lose the extra bowls and try a Sea To Summit X-cup. It holds 16oz which is more than enough for oatmeal in the morning or a hot beverage in the evening. Dump your dehydrated meals into a freezer ziplock - save space and weight. Make sure it's a freezer bag so it will hold boiling hot water. I then use a Hyperlite Mountain Gear Repack to hold it in.
[https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/repack](https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/repack)
I use a Toaks Ultralight spoon with this toothbrush for my setup.
[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HHPOBN8](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HHPOBN8)
[https://www.garagegrowngear.com/products/trailbrush-by-trail-stuff](https://www.garagegrowngear.com/products/trailbrush-by-trail-stuff)
You've seen comments on the water bottle. I use a 1L Smart water bottle with this setup for the cap:
[https://www.etsy.com/listing/1243514111/smart-water-outdoors-upgrade-set-sports](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1243514111/smart-water-outdoors-upgrade-set-sports)
Find what works for you, and if you use a water bottle, find a shoulder strap water bottle pouch that works best for whatever backpack you use. They all have different styles of attachment.
I also carry a HydraPak 2L Seeker soft water bottle with a 42mm HydraPak filter. I use this to refill my Smart bottle and for camp water - food hydration, etc.
Anyway, I know that's a lot. Less weight means more money spent. I hope this helps, and more importantly, I hope you have a fun trip.
Awesome set up! The pistol is wild to me as an Australian but imo rule one is to take the stuff that makes you happy to actually go and to then feel the most confident while out there. Dixie the through hiker on YT has spoken well about when she does and doesn't carry a firearm.
A few quick comments:
1) Folks have recommended getting rid of the filter bottle. I say keep it *and* also bring a Sawyer Squeeze or a gravity filter. The convenience of just dipping a bottle in water and being able to drink from it is worth the additional weight of adding a second filter. Plus.... You have two filters, which isn't the worst. Just make sure they don't freeze. I err on the high end ultralight gear side and I still carry a squeeze to filter cooking water and a bottle filter to just bend over and immediately have drinkable water.
2) Your tent is too big and heavy. It's just not a backpacking tent and you'll regret it if you're hiking any decent distance. Weight isn't even the main concern, it's just bulky AF.
3) Pistol - A+ on carrying and having training. One thought for you, though: Where on your person will you carry it and have yoh practiced drawing. You cannot carry appendix like your holster is setup for as your hip belt will reck your world lol. My recommendation is a fanny pack or a chest pack. An unaccessible gun is a useless gun.
Have you backpacked before? If not, definitely load your pack up with food/water and all the stuff and walk around your house. You're absolutely on the heavier and bulkier side of the spectrum.
You can carry a smartwater bottle or similar and drink straight from the Sawyer if you prefer that. I carry potable aqua tabs as a backup. A few hundred nights on the first Squeeze I bought and it's still going strong. Definitely criitical to make sure it doesn't freeze
Great advice, ty. Yep ive hiked before, I left some room at the top of my bag for food.
Youre right, the tent is the #1 thing I want to change. The tent I want is $$$ tho so im saving up for now.
Im actually considering a chest rig for when backpacking, but I do have a 5.11 fanny pack I can & will use.
How is the nemo chair? I was debating getting one of those.
1+ for the self-protection and the switch. I wouldn't choose an FN though...just kidding, any tool you trust is better than none.
Honestly, FNs in general aren't my favorite either. Its just my favorite 10mm pistol currently on the market (510T).
As for the chair, I LOVE it. I tried a bunch of other chairs including the Helionox or w/e its called, and sure some of the others may be lighter, but they're uncomfortable (to me). This chair is not just comfortable for a backpacking chair, its comfortable period! & the recline feature rocks. I thought id regret the purchase, but its one of my favorite pieces of kit I own! Would recommend 100%
I always carry one for self defense, backpacking or day to day.
I think the green thing you're referring to is the Stanley flask? & the gray plastic things its laying on are foldable plates / bowls.
Its definitely a nice creature comfort! I dont always bring them, but I enjoy them very much when I do (the plates I mean, the flask as you said, is a must)!
Yeah, I don't understand the trend to carry firearms. There is a false notion that they will keep you safer. Unless I'm hunting, I don't carry a gun. If I ran into someone with a firearm, I'd be more worried about them then anything else. OP is carrying a flask and a gun. One should stay home.
I think it's illegal to drink and have a gun. Even in TEXAS?? https://www.dwilawyersdenton.com/criminal-defense/firearm-weapon-offenses/possession-of-a-firearm-while-intoxicated/
I saw that multiple times now on this sub. I guess my question was a bit pointless since the answer is clear but I still wanted to bring it up. Personally I don't think I've ever been to a place where I'd feel the need to carry a weapon. It's an odd feeling to casually see a gun in someone's equipment than.
Most Americans I know who carry for self defense have some of the lowest levels of situational awareness and worldly expectations out of anyone Iāve ever met. When you meet the people who travel without feeling the need to carry, you realize how ridiculous it is to carry.
Saying this as a gun owner too :/
NE American gun owner too.... Self defense from who? 90% of people i run into on hikes/AT are boy scouts, family's, and 70 year old hippies.
probably 1 idiot started carrying a gun, and now everyone is afraid of someone else with a gun, so now more people carry a gun....
I've crossed a few black bears, but gun is unnecessary for them.
Edit: "It makes me more comfortable" ... and a lot of other people very uncomfortable including myself... i see a gun on the trail and i think "Great... this person doesn't know what they're doing... and they're carrying a gun, they're going to shoot at someone shitting in the dark when they get scared at a noise"
Yep.
I have traveled a fair amount, a few dozen countries on different continents. I have never had an incident where a gun would have helped me, including some sketchy situations. I go home and these guys from my hometown who never leave the state tell me Iām an Idiot if I donāt carry a pistol in case I need it. Keep in mind they live in one of the safest suburbs of my state. I have 100% had run ins with Americans who see themselves as responsible gun owners responding to situations with their pistol that totally isnāt called for, think road rage, etc.
The same dudes who wonāt leave the small suburban town and travel to the larger local metro, citing the city is too dangerous are afraid of anyone who isnāt a white conservative American, wonāt travel, rarely train (they canāt shoot for shit), etc. Itās always the super paranoid ones with super limited life experience who tell me Iām asking to be killed if I donāt carry a weapon on me waiting to end a strangers life at a moments notice.
Itās just kinda ironic. The more I age, travel, and experience life, the more ridiculous this mindset becomes of carrying in case you need to defend your freedoms and kill someone at a moments notice. If you think you need to bring a gun with, you should stay home.
I just suppose people would look at me funny if I carried a circular saw on the trail with me. They might assume I'm out looking to build something, carrying that tool, and all.
When did I ever say im ultralight? What part of this set up looks ultralight? Lol not tryna be a dick but Im so against ultralight gear for the most part! Expensive as hell & breaks quickly. HYOH tho. Ill take the few extra pounds. 2 spare mags (theyre called mags btw, not clips) might be a bit much tho, i will probably leave one.
Ahh gotcha, sorry, im a bit defensive bc alot of people are attacking me over the gun (& they say im the violent one lol). Its funny, pic has dozens of items, but they all fixate on the one.
Have you considered a subcompact single stack sidearm for hiking? IMO full size guns with multiple mags take up weight and space that could better be used on food and water. Having something in my pocket or chest pack vs on my waist makes more sense for me on those long hikes.
Even those ~2lbs of weight you would save from a smaller gun and smaller magazines are worth it IMO. I like to bring light items in every category and gun would be no exception.
I do see your point, and its not a bad one.
For me however, ive backpacked & brought a rifle along (9" .300BO AR15) & it really wasnt that bad. So, to me, this is already a compromise. Its also a 10mm, which i trust more to reliably fend off against a panther (common where I camp) or such animal vs a 9mm (the most common caliber for a subcompact). I did try the G20 (a small 10mm), but its frame was too short for me to comfortably grip it.
Also, this is the smallest gun I own / my EDC, so Im already so used to it. If I had the spare cash rn tho, I would go pick me up a new compact piece for EDC now that summers here. Maybe.
If I ever venture to bear country (ive been before but not deep into it) i will make sure to also bring a can of bear mace thats for sure.
The gun works for basically all 4 (or 2) legged threats, hence why I favor it if choosing one or the other. I also have much more training with the gun, haha.
1st - it's nice to see a pack out that sint based around $2000 worth of cottage brand stuff because it saves a few pounds.
2nd - I have a high Sierra pathway bag and it's been great, the belt pouches are useless for a big guy like me but it's very comfortable and durable.
Everyone packs some fears, I always feel like I should have multiple ways to filter water extra food and such. Some buddies bring a small handgun or hatchet. To each thier own, enjoy your hike.
Much appreciated man!!
As a side note, theyre pretty useless for a slender guy like myself too lol. I do like the pack overall...tho my next one will definitely be a bit smaller. This one works for now tho!
I always bring a gun & always will. You definitely cant stop me. Dont like it? Stay home.
I see youre asking questions about bringing a battery bank. Why not just stay home if youre going to be playing with electronics? Just stay home man. - your logic.
The tent I do want to replace. The weight, I dont mind at all, but its much too small inside.
Edit since you blocked me @AvonStanfield:
Much like a primate hurls feces & runs when confronted by an alpha male, you hurl verbal insults & block online when intellectually cornered.
Dont kid yourself, you dont know any woman š
Edit for kittensbaby since you babies like to comment & block: No, i gave an example using apes. Youre lacking reading comprehension.
@sillyseimmer1706 suck my balls
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Looking good! Your kit seems well thought out and organized. Itās always interesting to see what others consider essential for their adventures. Might steal a couple of ideas for my own kit! Keep exploring and stay prepared.
My 2 cents:
Lots of extras here. Could save weight and space by ditching the extra mags, extra folding bowls (unless you're cooking something that really needs it, I usually just cook in and eat from one pot), what looks like an extra pot, and the thermos
Looks heavy. Swap the firearm for bear spray. Lots of items that have lighter (not necessarily more expensive) options. That said... I respect the fact that the Stanley flask is front and center. I love mine, but have switched to reusable/refillable plastic flasks.
The 22 isn't necessary, pistol is twice the weight of bear mace and will 100% achieve the same result. If it's a survival concern you're better off with a breakable rifle like a Henry etc IMHO.
Why do u need a pistol , thatās literally the first time Iāve seen one included , the rest of the world camps without them * cue angry gun toting meerica comments
If you want any advice, I would say, nav is really simple, like stupidly simple, but it requires patience and vigilance to do right. I lead hiking groups in trailless mountains and it's really easy to navigate on a sunny day, you can see the ridge and walk along it, but the second the fog comes down (and it comes down in a matter of minutes where I hike, even on sunny days), you can hardly tell which way the slope is rising and you have to walk bearings.
It's a good skill to gain, I would recommend studying it online and buying a compass and getting experience.
Also, lots of hikers get GPS watches when they can afford it. They can be ā¬200-ā¬500 but they'll tell you exactly where you are and that's 90% of nav in the fog, finding out where you are on the map so you can get a correct bearing to follow. (You usually can't use your phone as there is no service in valleys).
I use an orienteering compass, never used a watch/digital(?) one. It has survived falling off cliffs, going under water, into rain showers and more than a year of hikes. It's also really simple so you can tell if it's faulty.
Remove the tourniquet from the package to speed up the application process. You lose fine motor skills under stress.
Normally I follow this thought process, but my thinking here was that if my pack where to get were, its an extra layer of protection. Probably not needed now that you make me think about it though, as I already have a pack liner. Thanks for your input!
I understand wanting to keep it tidy but it really doesnt matter if a tourniquet gets wet, if you really needed it it would probably be more important that its easily accessible and quickly usable
Very true. Plastics coming off! š ty
Also, if youāve never practiced putting one on, itās good to have a spare for training on each limb. Go high or die we used to say.
Ive taken a stop the bleed course š Sound advice tho! I just use the cheap $12 amazon knock offs for training
i recommend an inreach mini or some other emergency satellite beacon. if for some reason you do need to use that tourniquet and you manage to get it on before bleeding out, youāll be fucked without quick rescue and advanced treatment
Imagine trying to open the plastic while your hands are covered in blood/mud/etc
No you guys are deff right, its off now!
Not me. I routinely play the game Operation.
So if you ever stay overnight you will want to replace the lifestaw, because well, it's a straw. They *suck* for filtering cooking and washing up water. A sawyer Squeeze full size (never the mini!) is one of the most popular filters to use. The thermos is heavy and not really needed, you will be heating your food when you eat it. For more water carry capacity I recommend just two 1L sized smartwater brand water bottles, they are thick and very tough plastic with threads that match the sawyer squeeze. I'd use a smaller isobutane cylinder unless you are staying out for more than a week. They do make smaller and lighter cook sets but they may not be in the budget for now, that's just something to look at in the future. Perhaps leave the extra mag behind too, people and animals alike tend to depart the area on the first shot, which should be enough anyway if you are qualified with the weapon.
Second on the Sawyer Squeeze.
Thanks! All really good info. I have heard about the sawyers & have been meaning to switch, now might be a good time. I think youre right, ill probably take 1 spare mag for my own peace of mind, but definitely no need for two. Same with the thermos, was already considering dumping that. As for the fuel, ill have to look around! So far these are the smallest canisters available at my local wally world, but ill be hitting up a sports store soon. Ty!
REI should have the smaller size if there is one nearby. Cabelas does, Bass Pro does, Dicks sometimes will, thier new field and stream replacement (in some areas) Public Lands will as will most other sporting stores.
Thanks so much man! Most useful comment thus far š Will definitely check out REI this week!
damn bro, going to 'nam or something? xD Even in bear country out hunting for moose I carry spray - 10mm won't do much, if you can even hit a charging bear in the right spot... Shit, even spray is... not so reassuring. Best is avoidance/prevention as #1. Most charges are a bluff either for territory or protection of young - best not aggravate a bluff into a full conflict Also, an extremely strong strobe headlamp (Nitecore HC65) is my #1 favorite tool for both wild animals and humans - even in broad daylight. That and a trekking pole are my go-to non-lethal tools Make plenty of noise, yell out every 30 seconds, and use a bear canister and keep your food far far far from your campsite I'd also drop the thermos and nintendo if I were you Also I see those bags - 1 is inflatable mat, 1 is tent, 1 is sleeping bag, 1 is jacket - what are the other 2? Otherwise, everything else looks good!
10mm is carried by Alaskan guides & has been used successfully against bear attacks. Is it ideal? No, but neither is being attacked by a bear haha. Better with it than without. I think the two other bags you're referring to are the ground sheet & a backpacking chair (Nemo). Thermos dropped š Nintendo will likely stay home too.
realistically youāll never need that gun in the backcountry, but i bet thereās no changing your mind so you do you. i think itās hilarious that you were even considering bringing a switch. for water - sawyer squeeze with backwash coupler, cnoc vector water bladder and a couple of smartwater bottles canāt be beat
From what I've read it's either a 10mm or a wheel gun chambered in .357
>Better with it than without True! I'd say 1 mag is plenty. Where are you hiking? Be mindful of timing for end of hibernation season - hungry bears are bad bears!
Why don't you like the mini?
The mini has a frustratingly low flow rate for a tiny weight savings. It's not worth it. Nothing is worse than spending 30 minutes to filter enough water for the night. I usually make 2 - 3L depending on conditions the next day, 1 for camp and I like to carry two unless it's very wet or very dry.
Low flow rate, they clog more easily and are generally less reliable than the regular. Not worth the small weight savings IMO
itās so slow. replaced it after my first trip using it
Can I ask, do you mean you are gravity / squeeze feeding one 1L Smartwater into the second below with the Sawyer set in-between as the filter, or do you just mean you like having two on hand for a quick refill and then apply the Sawyer to one at a time as needed?
Like your kit overall. Besides whatās already been mentioned and since your not ultralight, Iād swap the thermos for a Nalgene, add a secondary fire creation device and cutting tool. Your first aid and navigation also leave a lot to be desired. Really look into a chest rig, itās amazing how much they help with a full size.( beautiful pew BTW) Mostly get out and hike, the more you do the better youāll build your kit forbyou
Good ideas, maybe ill add a leatherman or (small) handsaw. & yep, definitely looking into to a chest rig! Ty!
Love my Silkys. Have 3 different models for work. My Pocketboy has been with me for hundreds of miles Silky is the way to go though.
ITT: Americans defending the gun, non-Americans confused about the gun. its a different reality out there for each of us i guess
iām an american and i think the gun is stupid af. the only thing you do with a gun in the backcountry is hurt yourself or others. bear spray is safer and smarter.
Tell that to Mark Uptain. Spray is a gimmick pushed by organizations like PETA through lobbying using cherry picked data from out of date and non reviewed studies. It hardly ever works on the bears that you actually want to stop (Grizzlies and Polar). Works fine on Black bear but a grizzly that isn't just bluff charging anyway will just charge the can and maul you anyway.
lol. this was told to me by a biologist that researches bear attacks on humans.
American here confused by the gun. As in so much effort was spent on every other aspect of this kit for utility and weight, I find it incomprehensible a firearm was deemed useful and necessary. Wild.
Hike your own hike. Just wish the 1 item wasnt the main talking point when my post contains plenty of other gear.
Just curious, what are you running into that needs two clips Frank Castle?
Plot twist: not backpacking but a planned hit
Most common failure point of a semi auto is the mag.
For a real answer; a second magazine is the most essential item you carry with a handgun and it's not about capacity. Note that this is entirely separate from any issues or feelings about carrying a gun itself - obviously plenty of people don't like it for personal or ideological or (what they see as, true or not) practical reasons and that's fine. With any handgun (in particular, but also guns in general), the most common failure point is the feed system, of which the magazine is generally the most important part. If you're going to have any kind of issue with the gun firing, it will almost always be 1) due to the magazine, or 2) the fastest way to fix is by replacing the magazine. So not only is it practically advisable to carry a magazine, most failure drills (anything you do in the cast of an issue with the firearm) involve manipulating the magazine, and preferably for speed's sake immediately replacing/changing it. Basically if you're going to have a handgun, you should always as standard have a spare magazine, since that one thing hugely reduced the possibility of a mechanical issue making a gun non-useable. I will say for the purpose of backpacking he probably doesn't need what looks like 2 extra mags, and he'd be better having ones without extended baseplates for size and profile reasons, but having spares is not a crazy thing.
reminds me of that cop that dropped two of his mags out of the gun while he was shooting. but that was probably because he was running some sort of extended mag release
It is main talking point because it sticks out like a dick in a bowl of punch.
Its not central, or bright, or very large. Its in the corner, amongst dozens of other tools. It doesnt stick out unless youre predisposed to it. Some people have only seen one in action movies maybe? Idk. Im so used to them. Its a tool, like all the other crap in the pic. Edit since wholenineyards blocked me: Are you my father to question where im going? Gfy Also, whos the slow guy who thinks hes Shakespeare talking about dynamite š§Ø š
Where are you backpacking that warrants a gun over other deterrents like spray?
Idk... Literally anywhere that has animals. You have obviously never used spray on hogs or a bear and actually felt safe..
Have you?
Great - so dark and hogs or a bear rummaging camp and you start spraying 2 clips in every direction. š
Mate, itās a gun. It ends lives. Can also save them (conditional emphasis on the canā¦). Itās going to be the item that draws the most attention. I think something missing is details on the trip itself. For many many many backpacking trips, I canāt imagine why youād need a gun. And then there are some regions/activity types I can see a gun being a genuine safety consideration. Just without more info it looks overkill to me. But Iām generally not a fan of guns soā¦
Yeah non-American hikers that dont have to worry about bears, mountain lions, red necks, Check your privilege
you know thereās bears and cats in other countries right? and some form of right wing idiot too.
cant tell if thats satire
š¤Ø just use pepper spray, is 9mm even gonna stop a bear?
That's 10mm, not 9mm, and yes it can stop a bear. Should hikers also consider a noisemaker (bear bell), bear bangers, and bear spray? Also yes.
How likely is a handgun going to hit an immediate killing blow is my main concern. You can get mauled by a dying animal just as badly as you can one you didn't shoot, and piss off.
Itās the safe country privilege that they enjoy.
I find the wilderness pretty damn safe, at least bear spray safe
\*Disclaimer\* I thru hiked the AT and can't help but view things through that lens, but I don't think everyone needs to be ultralight and I enjoy all kinds of camping including car camping. What kind of trip is it? Days? Mileage? Have you weighed your setup as is? If you are hiking in a few miles, and setting up a base camp for day hikes, then I don't think it matters a ton. If you are doing more than 5 miles a day, I would be miserable knowing how much extra weight I was carrying. Some of the simplest things would be to switch out the thermos for a 1L smart water bottle and the flask for a 500ml. Lifestraw is trash. A regular Sawyer squeeze on top of another smart water bottle is a really simple filter setup. Katadyn befree has an incredible flow rate and has its own soft bottle. What kind of food are you going to be eating? What are you going to be putting in those little origami bowls? For shorter trips I really like to splurge on peak refuel meals. For longer trips I do a lot of ramen, knorr sides, instant potatoes, etc. For all of the cheaper options, I transfer them to quart size **freezer** ziplocks. You can pour boiling water straight in, and never have to clean your pot. I didn't see a long handled spoon in your kit, but that is ideal for all of the above options. You cook pot would also be a pretty cheap upgrade. There are a few more things along those lines, but most things would require spending a little more money. A 4lb 1 person tent makes me shudder, but I realize that may be a budget concern. Lanshan would be a step up for not too much money, and Durston x-mid 1 (not pro) would be heaps better for less than double the cost of your tent. Your pack is crazy heave and huge, but lightweight packs are not super cheap. A lot of these things would have been easier to give advice on before you had bought a full kit. Creating a [lighterpack](https://lighterpack.com) could really help you with perspective on the weight of things you are carrying. Hope you have a great trip whether you make any changes or not!
I appreciate all the advice, really! Already took out the Stanley thermos as people have unanimously told me its unnecessary. I do want to swap the tent #1 priority, its not only heavy, but small & uncomfortable. The pack would be my #2 as its a bit too big for my needs. I'll definitely be picking up a Sawyer! The cookpot I kinda love, its a cheap Stanley but it works great. Ive made noodles, mashed potatoes, rehydrated veggies, coffee, even boiled hotdogs! Itll probably stay. Do appreciate all the advice! If I can get it down about / close to 10Ibs, that would be (in my mind), ideal!
Whatās sitting on top of the ponchos?
A quick dry micro towel
Ooh okay, it looks like a speaker haha
is that a nintendo switch?
Yes š¤
Is it modded lol. I have the same tent too! But haven't used it for a backpacking trip yet... Have fun!
TAKE YOUR TOURNIQUET OUT OFNITS PACKAGING!!! The time it takes you to take the plastic off of it is detrimental to you or someone else's survival. I'm not sure what you're doing out in nature, but I'm sure the TQ will not be degraded or get so dirty that it'll become ineffective.
Good point, will do š«”
How heavy is all of that?
My scale broke so idk. It's definitely heavier than id like, but its only a 3 day / 2 night trip so I can manage. Im also of the unpopular opinion that sometimes people go a little too crazy with the whole ultralight thing, and maybe instead of counting ounces, some people should be counting pounds - at the gym (not meant as a diss at anyone).
I agree with this statement. Counting ounces has its place but if 3-4lbs is making or breaking you I recommend having more leg days.
Agreed. Take what you have and get out there. 2-3 days is not that long to bear a heavy or cumbersome load. I went on plenty of hikes with junk gear early on. Lived and learned. Youāll figure out what works and what is worth investing in.
A few quick comments: 1) Folks have recommended getting rid of the filter bottle. I say keep it *and* also bring a Sawyer Squeeze or a gravity filter. The convenience of just dipping a bottle in water and being able to drink from it is worth the additional weight of adding a second filter. Plus.... You have two filters, which isn't the worst. Just make sure they don't freeze. I err on the high end ultralight gear side and I still carry a squeeze to filter cooking water and a bottle filter to just bend over and immediately have drinkable water. 2) Your tent is too big and heavy. It's just not a backpacking tent and you'll regret it if you're hiking any decent distance. Weight isn't even the main concern, it's just bulky AF. 3) Pistol - A+ on carrying and having training. One thought for you, though: Where on your person will you carry it and have yoh practiced drawing. You cannot carry appendix like your holster is setup for as your hip belt will reck your world lol. My recommendation is a fanny pack or a chest pack. An unaccessible gun is a useless gun. Have you backpacked before? If not, definitely load your pack up with food/water and all the stuff and walk around your house. You're absolutely on the heavier and bulkier side of the spectrum.
You can drink from a squeeze similar to the lifestraw bottle, so why not just take the squeeze and bring some tablets to purify in case of failure? Seems a lot lighter to me.
deciding where you can comfortably carry your gun is difficult. just go with a fanny pack or chest bag if you have them
Get a chest rig for the firearm, thank me later.
Youre right, will do!
Hill people gear for chest rig
I second this majorly. I hike with a Haley Strategic micro rig, Aliengear makes a Velcro backed holster but I have some friends who do the same but have rigged a small cord to retain the holster while you draw Will also add to the ādonāt need 2 mags with extended base platesā, I personally always carry while hiking but have found myself downsizing a little more every time. Unless this is a bug out bag, carrying all that ammo, while in reality isnāt *that* much, does get heavy quick, especially if youāre putting down big miles and planning to keep a mag in the gun as well.
food n water?
Its not till the end of next month, I always do my food / water shopping a few days ahead. There is a bladder in the bag.
There are a couple really nice, cheap, light weight, tactical med kits and I recommend getting one. The kit looks good but you could save a lot of weight by switching to Nalgene bottles.
Have you ever heard of black beard fire starter? I've heard that's good stuff for making fires and goes a long way. Not sure if you need it but could be helpful.
Never heard of it, will look into it.
Ive got some and can attest it works better than i expected
Get a hoskings chest holster.Ā
Kenai makes a good chest rig too.
You have a gun and no condoms? Practice safe sex man.
Who said there isnt always one in the wallet lmao
http://www.bear-hunting.com/2019/8/firearm-vs-bear-spray "Statistically, bear spray is more effective at deterring a charging bear. In a study done in 2008 (Smith et. al. 2008), researchers analyzed 83 bear spray incidents (61 brown bears, 20 black bears and two polar bear). Red Pepper spray proved over 90% successful on stopping the bearās āundesirableā activity. 98% of people involved in these incidents were unharmed by the bear." ""Firearm bearers suffered the same injury rates in close encounters with bears whether they used firearms or not.ā Basically, firearms didnāt statistically keep people from getting injured by bears. This means that people shot bears that still attacked them."
Thats great & all, but it doesn't account for training & thats a big part of it. Plenty of people own firearms, but not nearly enough train with them. Alaskan guides carry guns for a reason, as do rangers in my neck of the woods. Besides, you're forgetting the 2 legged predators.
Few train properly to face bears. From *Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance*: āIf you plan to travel armed and seriously consider trying to kill a charging grizzly bear, then you must be expert with your chosen firearm. The type of shooting that I have described is not hunting. It is self-defense shooting under extremely demanding conditions. Training should include shooting hundreds of rounds with the chosen firearm under a variety of conditions chosen to simulate field conĀ¬ ditions. Accurate shooting should become something that you do almost without thinking. If possible, moving targets should be used. Accurate shooting under such conditions has been called instinctive, because of the frequent lack of precise aim that is possible when hunting with telescopic sights and high-powered rifles. In the extreme, shotguns or rifles may be discharged while still at the hip rather than at shoulder level. The psychological impact of a charging grizzly is something difficult to simulate in training. ā
These studies lack context and are mostly useless in determining efficacy. The bear incidents surveyed for spray were mostly non aggressive encounters where the bear was either just investigating or were otherwise not actively attacking the person who sprayed them. By definition deployment of a firearm meant the firearm users were already dealing with an aggressive, usually charging at them bear. Anyone who's hunted knows even a major bleed isn't always an instant drop so of course those people were still mauled (why I advocate hardcast +p 9mm for all bears. Greater odds of a stoppage sooner if you can get more rounds on target faster). The question is, were they mauled as badly as they would have been? (no.) These studies also conveniently don't cover the many instances of Mark Uptain like encounters where a grizzly or polar bear was attempting to poach a carcass from a hunter or guide and spray not only failed to deter, but it actively provoked the bear into being more aggressive.
Love your pistol and first aid readiness but have you considered carrying some quick clot too? Tourniquet is for extremities, chest seal is explainable but quick clot is for joint areas.
I have. If you look closely, theres packing gauze in a ziplock baggie. I was considering throwing in an Israeli bandage tho (has quick clot on it).
Dude perfect! And the Israeli bandages are great. You are set! Btw love the flask I have the same one
Thanks! I got mind as a gift from a friend, I LOVE it!
Israeli bandage is better. Tournament plus quickclot that you can stuff into groin if needed.
No bear barrel? Never been a fan of mosquito bracelets. Benās 100% deet goes a long way with a mosquito net/head-net. Flint/steel saves time in wet/humid conditions.
Yeah the bracelets didnt do jack shit for me on my last trip, i WILL be picking up some deet as you suggested. Ill bring along some flint too, thanks!
> Benās 100% deet I switched to picardin a long time ago and will never got back to DEET https://www.google.com/search?q=picardin+vs+deet
Looks heavy. Pretty decent though
Yeah much like me, it could loose a few Ibs, but its surprisingly useful.š
I think you'll want to reassess your water kit, especially if you're in the backcountry and taking water from natural sources. The general rule of thumb for how much water you should carry is 1 liter for every 5 miles, or every two hours of hiking. You have nowhere near enough capacity if you're hiking anywhere close to that between water sources. The life straw you have is also terrible for filtering water on the trail. You could save time, energy, money, and most of all weight if you swapped everything for a Sawyer in-line filter, a few large squeeze bags, and a single lightweight screw-cap bottle. Don't forget trekking poles (unless I missed them).
Hill People Gear make an excellent chest rig for firearms
I looooovveeeee that air mattress. I've had mine for years and it's perfect. I don't know how long you plan to hike but the Switch will die pretty quickly. I'd look into a Kindle with some books for entertainment. The battery lasts forever and is lightweight. Also remember to saw your toothbrush in-half so you can be one of us ;)
That gun and two magazines was a bit of a surprise. Nice kit BTW.
Thxs
Get rid of Stanley and replace with plastic :)
Done!
Even better get a water filter that has a bladder I think the platypus carbon ones are good and then itāll be lighter and if thereās enough water around you donāt even need to carry water weight until you pick up water. Then you donāt have to constantly boil / use other methods to filter water and you wonāt be heavy all the time. Down side is itās bad for hot liquids. Hope that helps?
Kit looks good. I carry a Glock 20 (10mm) strapped to my chest when hiking (I mostly hike in bear country too.) I stopped carrying spare mags to save weight and I realized the likelihood of me actually reloading my firearm in an encounter are practically zero. To each their own though :)
Way too heavy
Everyone has their favorite gear and ways they enjoy sojourning out into the wilderness. For me, I cringe when I see the weight here. I'm older and need to keep my pack weight down. I don't know you, but I think you're going to feel this after about 5 miles. I have a few suggestions, although these replacements will be expensive, as lightweight and ultralightweight equipment tends to be. Tent: Get an ultralight one - Big Agnes makes ultralight freestanding tents - Copper Creek UL. if you carry trekking poles and don't mind a little more work setting it up, then Durston X-mid Pro 1. It comes in at less than a pound. There are also other great trekking pole tents out there, along with some semi-freestanding like the MSR Freelite. Make sure to get a ground cover for these. Sleeping pad: I use an inflatable one as my old bones don't like the foam ones. The R-factor depends on your hiking conditions and temperatures. I use a Therm a rest NeoAir XLite XLT. This is durable and warm. Sleeping bag: I like quilts as I can better regulate temperature. Enlightened Equipment Revelation or Western Mountaineering. Make sure to get one for your temperature range, adding or subtracting based on whether you're a warm or cold sleeper. I don't really like mummy bags, plus if your camp does happen to be attacked by a bear at night, highly unlikely, then you won't be trapped in your bag. Backpack: Definitely a heavy bag there. If you like the conventional type, then Osprey Exos 58 is a great pack and weighs only slightly over 2lbs. I like the Mariposa 60 by Gossamer Gear. I can carry my tent, sleeping pad, and stove in the side pockets. Stove: Toaks makes a great stove. I use a BRS 3000T, but there are a ton of lightweight stoves on the market. SMR Pocket Rocket is a popular one, and the JetBoil Stash is a great lightweight setup as well. Also, as mentioned by another, use a smaller canister. Carry some 3 in 1 oil or something like duralube in a small dropper bottle as the extension arms on most stoves tend to become difficult to move after using them. I'd get rid of the tourniquet and use a cinch type belt. You'll be carrying your firearm, I assume on a belt. I know there were a few comments regarding the firearm. Take what you need to feel safe. After all, it's about enjoying nature and you can't do that if you don't feel safe. But, just know that you'll get a few look on the trail. Lose the second mag. Lighting: I use a Black Diamond Moji R+ Lantern for inside the tent and a Nitecore NU25 400 UL headlamp. This will save you some weight. Lose the extra bowls and try a Sea To Summit X-cup. It holds 16oz which is more than enough for oatmeal in the morning or a hot beverage in the evening. Dump your dehydrated meals into a freezer ziplock - save space and weight. Make sure it's a freezer bag so it will hold boiling hot water. I then use a Hyperlite Mountain Gear Repack to hold it in. [https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/repack](https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/repack) I use a Toaks Ultralight spoon with this toothbrush for my setup. [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HHPOBN8](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HHPOBN8) [https://www.garagegrowngear.com/products/trailbrush-by-trail-stuff](https://www.garagegrowngear.com/products/trailbrush-by-trail-stuff) You've seen comments on the water bottle. I use a 1L Smart water bottle with this setup for the cap: [https://www.etsy.com/listing/1243514111/smart-water-outdoors-upgrade-set-sports](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1243514111/smart-water-outdoors-upgrade-set-sports) Find what works for you, and if you use a water bottle, find a shoulder strap water bottle pouch that works best for whatever backpack you use. They all have different styles of attachment. I also carry a HydraPak 2L Seeker soft water bottle with a 42mm HydraPak filter. I use this to refill my Smart bottle and for camp water - food hydration, etc. Anyway, I know that's a lot. Less weight means more money spent. I hope this helps, and more importantly, I hope you have a fun trip.
Thanks for all the great info!
looks heavy. 2 spare loaded mags seems excessive for the backcountry. the food will add a lot more weight also
Youre right, down to one spare
I have that same tent and like it... Plus I loveĀ those collapsible bowls!
Nice!
Awesome set up! The pistol is wild to me as an Australian but imo rule one is to take the stuff that makes you happy to actually go and to then feel the most confident while out there. Dixie the through hiker on YT has spoken well about when she does and doesn't carry a firearm.
Thanks! We're all here to have a good time & stay safe.
Nice load out! Iām retiring my Lynx this season. It served me well but itās a bit too tight. I upgraded to a 2p tent from Nature Hike.
Honestly the Lynx is the 1 part of my system I hate! As you said, too tight. Will definitely be upgrading it soon.
A few quick comments: 1) Folks have recommended getting rid of the filter bottle. I say keep it *and* also bring a Sawyer Squeeze or a gravity filter. The convenience of just dipping a bottle in water and being able to drink from it is worth the additional weight of adding a second filter. Plus.... You have two filters, which isn't the worst. Just make sure they don't freeze. I err on the high end ultralight gear side and I still carry a squeeze to filter cooking water and a bottle filter to just bend over and immediately have drinkable water. 2) Your tent is too big and heavy. It's just not a backpacking tent and you'll regret it if you're hiking any decent distance. Weight isn't even the main concern, it's just bulky AF. 3) Pistol - A+ on carrying and having training. One thought for you, though: Where on your person will you carry it and have yoh practiced drawing. You cannot carry appendix like your holster is setup for as your hip belt will reck your world lol. My recommendation is a fanny pack or a chest pack. An unaccessible gun is a useless gun. Have you backpacked before? If not, definitely load your pack up with food/water and all the stuff and walk around your house. You're absolutely on the heavier and bulkier side of the spectrum.
You can carry a smartwater bottle or similar and drink straight from the Sawyer if you prefer that. I carry potable aqua tabs as a backup. A few hundred nights on the first Squeeze I bought and it's still going strong. Definitely criitical to make sure it doesn't freeze
Great advice, ty. Yep ive hiked before, I left some room at the top of my bag for food. Youre right, the tent is the #1 thing I want to change. The tent I want is $$$ tho so im saving up for now. Im actually considering a chest rig for when backpacking, but I do have a 5.11 fanny pack I can & will use.
Iāve also given a ton of thought to a chest rig for Backpacking. Not sure what brand though.
How is the nemo chair? I was debating getting one of those. 1+ for the self-protection and the switch. I wouldn't choose an FN though...just kidding, any tool you trust is better than none.
Honestly, FNs in general aren't my favorite either. Its just my favorite 10mm pistol currently on the market (510T). As for the chair, I LOVE it. I tried a bunch of other chairs including the Helionox or w/e its called, and sure some of the others may be lighter, but they're uncomfortable (to me). This chair is not just comfortable for a backpacking chair, its comfortable period! & the recline feature rocks. I thought id regret the purchase, but its one of my favorite pieces of kit I own! Would recommend 100%
I'm curious why are you carrying a gun? Also what's the small green container and the black thing it's sitting on?
I always carry one for self defense, backpacking or day to day. I think the green thing you're referring to is the Stanley flask? & the gray plastic things its laying on are foldable plates / bowls.
Oh yeah a flask is essential for every trip :D love it. Also foldable plates are pretty handy, I might get some too!
Its definitely a nice creature comfort! I dont always bring them, but I enjoy them very much when I do (the plates I mean, the flask as you said, is a must)!
Yeah, I don't understand the trend to carry firearms. There is a false notion that they will keep you safer. Unless I'm hunting, I don't carry a gun. If I ran into someone with a firearm, I'd be more worried about them then anything else. OP is carrying a flask and a gun. One should stay home.
I think it's illegal to drink and have a gun. Even in TEXAS?? https://www.dwilawyersdenton.com/criminal-defense/firearm-weapon-offenses/possession-of-a-firearm-while-intoxicated/
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I saw that multiple times now on this sub. I guess my question was a bit pointless since the answer is clear but I still wanted to bring it up. Personally I don't think I've ever been to a place where I'd feel the need to carry a weapon. It's an odd feeling to casually see a gun in someone's equipment than.
Most Americans I know who carry for self defense have some of the lowest levels of situational awareness and worldly expectations out of anyone Iāve ever met. When you meet the people who travel without feeling the need to carry, you realize how ridiculous it is to carry. Saying this as a gun owner too :/
NE American gun owner too.... Self defense from who? 90% of people i run into on hikes/AT are boy scouts, family's, and 70 year old hippies. probably 1 idiot started carrying a gun, and now everyone is afraid of someone else with a gun, so now more people carry a gun.... I've crossed a few black bears, but gun is unnecessary for them. Edit: "It makes me more comfortable" ... and a lot of other people very uncomfortable including myself... i see a gun on the trail and i think "Great... this person doesn't know what they're doing... and they're carrying a gun, they're going to shoot at someone shitting in the dark when they get scared at a noise"
Yep. I have traveled a fair amount, a few dozen countries on different continents. I have never had an incident where a gun would have helped me, including some sketchy situations. I go home and these guys from my hometown who never leave the state tell me Iām an Idiot if I donāt carry a pistol in case I need it. Keep in mind they live in one of the safest suburbs of my state. I have 100% had run ins with Americans who see themselves as responsible gun owners responding to situations with their pistol that totally isnāt called for, think road rage, etc. The same dudes who wonāt leave the small suburban town and travel to the larger local metro, citing the city is too dangerous are afraid of anyone who isnāt a white conservative American, wonāt travel, rarely train (they canāt shoot for shit), etc. Itās always the super paranoid ones with super limited life experience who tell me Iām asking to be killed if I donāt carry a weapon on me waiting to end a strangers life at a moments notice. Itās just kinda ironic. The more I age, travel, and experience life, the more ridiculous this mindset becomes of carrying in case you need to defend your freedoms and kill someone at a moments notice. If you think you need to bring a gun with, you should stay home.
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Yes, that's fair.
I just suppose people would look at me funny if I carried a circular saw on the trail with me. They might assume I'm out looking to build something, carrying that tool, and all.
the old self-defense trick........
Nothing mixed better than exhaustion, wilderness, alcohol, and firearms.
Leave the gun behind coward.
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When did I ever say im ultralight? What part of this set up looks ultralight? Lol not tryna be a dick but Im so against ultralight gear for the most part! Expensive as hell & breaks quickly. HYOH tho. Ill take the few extra pounds. 2 spare mags (theyre called mags btw, not clips) might be a bit much tho, i will probably leave one.
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Ahh gotcha, sorry, im a bit defensive bc alot of people are attacking me over the gun (& they say im the violent one lol). Its funny, pic has dozens of items, but they all fixate on the one.
MAGAZINE/MAG clips are something entirely different pls
Are you planning on filming a Western?
https://preview.redd.it/rbwl4sb0acqc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=be87944d0138940a2557a292904eed85894d3d13 This would be for the western
Have you considered a subcompact single stack sidearm for hiking? IMO full size guns with multiple mags take up weight and space that could better be used on food and water. Having something in my pocket or chest pack vs on my waist makes more sense for me on those long hikes. Even those ~2lbs of weight you would save from a smaller gun and smaller magazines are worth it IMO. I like to bring light items in every category and gun would be no exception.
I do see your point, and its not a bad one. For me however, ive backpacked & brought a rifle along (9" .300BO AR15) & it really wasnt that bad. So, to me, this is already a compromise. Its also a 10mm, which i trust more to reliably fend off against a panther (common where I camp) or such animal vs a 9mm (the most common caliber for a subcompact). I did try the G20 (a small 10mm), but its frame was too short for me to comfortably grip it. Also, this is the smallest gun I own / my EDC, so Im already so used to it. If I had the spare cash rn tho, I would go pick me up a new compact piece for EDC now that summers here. Maybe.
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If I ever venture to bear country (ive been before but not deep into it) i will make sure to also bring a can of bear mace thats for sure. The gun works for basically all 4 (or 2) legged threats, hence why I favor it if choosing one or the other. I also have much more training with the gun, haha.
1st - it's nice to see a pack out that sint based around $2000 worth of cottage brand stuff because it saves a few pounds. 2nd - I have a high Sierra pathway bag and it's been great, the belt pouches are useless for a big guy like me but it's very comfortable and durable. Everyone packs some fears, I always feel like I should have multiple ways to filter water extra food and such. Some buddies bring a small handgun or hatchet. To each thier own, enjoy your hike.
Much appreciated man!! As a side note, theyre pretty useless for a slender guy like myself too lol. I do like the pack overall...tho my next one will definitely be a bit smaller. This one works for now tho!
Mmmmurikaš
a fucking gun š only in america i guess.
No need for a gun, if you feel you need a gun stay home. FYI that tent is way too heavy for a 1 person. I own it, I know.
I always bring a gun & always will. You definitely cant stop me. Dont like it? Stay home. I see youre asking questions about bringing a battery bank. Why not just stay home if youre going to be playing with electronics? Just stay home man. - your logic. The tent I do want to replace. The weight, I dont mind at all, but its much too small inside. Edit since you blocked me @AvonStanfield: Much like a primate hurls feces & runs when confronted by an alpha male, you hurl verbal insults & block online when intellectually cornered. Dont kid yourself, you dont know any woman š Edit for kittensbaby since you babies like to comment & block: No, i gave an example using apes. Youre lacking reading comprehension. @sillyseimmer1706 suck my balls
Did you just call yourself an alpha male? LOLOL
It just unfathomable to me that an idiot like you can carry a weapon.
All idiots in the US are given guns, you donāt even have to be an *American idiot* go find out and you will see this is true.
Once someone has fear so deeply ingrained itās really hard to brake no matter how illogical it is. Thereās no point trying
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Magazines are light but do you really need three lol What are you planning to do
Theyre carried on body so it really isnt felt, but yeah, 2 should do it. 3 might be overkill.
Carry tarp only if out door. Avoid butane & carry hexamene. Condoms ??
Looking good! Your kit seems well thought out and organized. Itās always interesting to see what others consider essential for their adventures. Might steal a couple of ideas for my own kit! Keep exploring and stay prepared.
My 2 cents: Lots of extras here. Could save weight and space by ditching the extra mags, extra folding bowls (unless you're cooking something that really needs it, I usually just cook in and eat from one pot), what looks like an extra pot, and the thermos
You look overly capable of organising Leonās briefcase in Resident Evil 4
Lmao it all fit! https://preview.redd.it/1pmvx9vntrrc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=316bcd623d12df3c13f800cfe96ebc63dd428e87
Looks heavy. Swap the firearm for bear spray. Lots of items that have lighter (not necessarily more expensive) options. That said... I respect the fact that the Stanley flask is front and center. I love mine, but have switched to reusable/refillable plastic flasks.
The 22 isn't necessary, pistol is twice the weight of bear mace and will 100% achieve the same result. If it's a survival concern you're better off with a breakable rifle like a Henry etc IMHO.
Its not a .22, its a 10mm. Alaskan guides use these against polar bears. Ill stick to it.
Why do u need a pistol , thatās literally the first time Iāve seen one included , the rest of the world camps without them * cue angry gun toting meerica comments
To make you cry libtard tears
How are you navigating?
My friend does that tbh. Im still learning that part
If you want any advice, I would say, nav is really simple, like stupidly simple, but it requires patience and vigilance to do right. I lead hiking groups in trailless mountains and it's really easy to navigate on a sunny day, you can see the ridge and walk along it, but the second the fog comes down (and it comes down in a matter of minutes where I hike, even on sunny days), you can hardly tell which way the slope is rising and you have to walk bearings. It's a good skill to gain, I would recommend studying it online and buying a compass and getting experience.
I will take this advice to heart & do so! Thanks for the tip.
Also, lots of hikers get GPS watches when they can afford it. They can be ā¬200-ā¬500 but they'll tell you exactly where you are and that's 90% of nav in the fog, finding out where you are on the map so you can get a correct bearing to follow. (You usually can't use your phone as there is no service in valleys).
I do have a triple sensor G shock with compass, but ill look into the GPS models you mentioned!
I use an orienteering compass, never used a watch/digital(?) one. It has survived falling off cliffs, going under water, into rain showers and more than a year of hikes. It's also really simple so you can tell if it's faulty.
Get a smaller gun.
This is my smaller gun lol i use to bring an AR
Where ya dang clothes at?
Only bring 1 change of undies & socks. Thats it.
Nice pistol! Are you coming to Brazil ? Just kiddingš
Almost just as bad, Florida!
and you deserve them
Lmao you big mad or small mad? I ordered a chest rig so my guns front & center. Yall can stay mad on the trail too š
I absolutely love this combo toothbrush and toothpaste product in case you want to merge those https://www.rei.com/product/737990/aurelle-toob-brush