Titanium Pot - 28 oz savings ($35)

Drop The mug, just use your pot - 4 oz savings (free)

Trowel instead of shovel - 16 oz savings ($20)

Drop the solar panel (doesn't really work well on the move) - 10-ish savings (free)

Sawyer Squeeze instead of Katadyn - 8 oz savings ($30)

Dance Pants instead of packed pants - 14 oz saved ($18) although you probably dont need these since you're wearing zip off pants

I would add a puffy to your clothing, it will get pretty cold - 10 oz gained (can be found on sale for $40)

Leave the extra shirts at home - 12 oz saved (free)

Just bring one extra payer of underwear and socks - 6 oz saved (free)

Leave campshoes at home - 23 oz saved (free)

I really don't know what the survival kit contains, but it can probably be paired down or eliminated

Don't know what the carabiners are for if you're hanging stuff outside your pack you're bringing too much - 4 oz saved (free)

Don't know what the tarp is for the sierras, you already have a tent

125 oz saved or almost 8 pounds. Coming in at a cost around $150.

I would start here and then look at replacing your bigger items. The easiest one to save the most weight would be your pack.

Hope this helps!

Sawyer Squeeze is only $20 on amazon right now https://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP129-Filtration-Squeezable/dp/B00B1OSU4W?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAI2TWEDSMJWGPXOQQ&tag=camelanonalerts-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00B1OSU4W

Sawyer Squeeze Water filter. You will be tempted to get the Sawyer mini instead, and save a few dollars and a miniscule amount of weight. Don't. Get the Squeeze instead.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B1OSU4W/ref=twister_B01MY8CBXB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

1. Huarache sandals. Runners and shower shoes and passable with a dress, all in one lightweight and compact package. Add wool toe socks in cold weather for an extremely fashionable 4-season look.
   
2. Evernew 2L Water Carry and Sawyer Squeeze filter. Enough storage capacity for most backpacking trips, and surprisingly durable and effective for 124g combined.
   
3. Vargo Titanium BOT 700 + neoprene cozy. Useful as a pot, water bottle, travel mug, or small item storage. It's nice when my backpacking gear isn't just dead weight.
   
4. Montbell Breeze Dry-Tec Sleeping Bag Cover. It's a basic waterproof-breathable bivy that actually performs, and allows me to have a full summer sleep system (bivy, quilt, air mattress) in a tiny package that weighs only 1.46lbs.
   
5. Aeropress + Porlex Mini grinder. Good coffee is worth it.
   
6. This hair brush/comb that came in a business class care package. Only 12 grams! I continue to be smitten by it.
   
7. Silk dress shirt. Lightweight classiness that doesn't get wrinkled.
   
8. Prana Halle Pants. Heavy, but I feel like I can do anything in these pants.
   
9. Peak Design Everyday Sling. Fits my mirrorless camera set-up and a Surface Pro in a decently small package.
   
10. Penny board. Great for cruising around town when you don't want to deal with a bike.

Posted this in the Nov 19th chat just yesterday, but figured it's worth reposting here since that thread closed almost immediately after I posted:

1. Old navy has fleece grid hoodies for $24 on sale. 92% polyester 8% elastic
   In-store picture of the green: https://imgur.com/a/81bZk. If you're crafty, you can also buy Old Navy/Gap giftcards for about 20% off to further reduce the price.
   
   
2. Old navy also has some travel/hiking pants ($27) that are 100% polyester that could be a cheap option:
   
   
3. Sawyer squeeze original is on sale at Amazon for $20 (normally $30). Lowest price camelcamelcamel has listed.
   
   

For water filtering, check out sawyer squeeze. They also have a mini version, but I'd say the squeeze is worth the extra money & weight for increased flow rate and less clogging.

The klymit static v sleeping pad is on massdrop right now.

The brs 3000t stove is often recommended a super light canister stove.

Or if your just boiling water and not actually cooking meals on your stove then a lot of redditors love their jet boils.

For 29$, you could get a Sawyer Squeeze water filter and save ~13oz

For ~150$ you could get a Hammock Gear Burrow Econ 30 to replace your sleeping bag and save ~24oz. A lot of people recommend the wide quilts, as Hammock Gear standards are designed for hammock sleeping.

A lot of people here will recommend not bringing a second pair of clothes. Just hike in the same clothes every day. Could save ~25oz.

If you install Gaia GPS on your phone, you could drop the delorme and save ~7oz. Not sure if its an InReach that you're using to keep in touch with people when you don't have service. Another personal call.

*Edit: Fixed weight savings for quilt.

No worries at all on the questions, i hope i can help.

​

>How much extra gear do you find yourself carrying for your little man?

Not all that much actually. Extra sleeping bag and pad, children's versions of all the normal first aid meds i carry, a little extra food, his blanket that he sleeps with, and a couple of books for bed-time stories.

>What are you guys doing for water?

Sawyer Squeeze water filter. That thing has been great. A side note that will probably not apply to you when taking a small child out: if you are going to be out in below freezing temps take special care not to let your filter freeze. When the water freezes and expands it will break the ceramic filter media and while water will still flow through it it will not necessarily be safe to drink.

> How did you prep him for the long days and potentially scary nights?

We've been on day hikes of varying lengths before and the nice thing about backpacking is its kind of self-limiting; you go as far in a day as your least capable team member then stop and set up camp. As far as scary nights i've found, for my son anyways, that as long as i'm relaxed and comfortable he will be too so it really wasn't an issue.

> What expectations do you have for your pace?

This first trip we did about 5 miles with no complaints at all. I'm planning a trip this fall and am expecting that we can make 10 miles a day. Again, though, if we get out there and find that this is too much we will just stop at the nearest site and set up camp rather than pushing on to the shelter.

> What do you expect your son to carry?

This first trip he was almost 6 years old and all he carried in his pack was his water bladder, a change of clothes, his toy binoculars, and his blanket. Probably came out to 2 or 3 pounds. Later this fall i'm hoping i can bring that up a little bit and let him carry some of the food. His little coleman backpack is very small and with as quickly as he's growing i'm not really ready to buy him a nice pack yet that will only last him a year or two.

​

Hopefully we'll see you and yours out there in a few years; happy trails!

You only need to filter drinking and cooking water which comes to about 2L/p/d.

For personal hiking/camping use, I have something like this that'll last most of a lifetime:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B1OSU4W/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_5?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Check out the Sawyer Squeeze. I had a lifestraw at first, but found the Sawyer Squeeze to be infinitely more useful. You can attach it to smartwater bottles and filter as you go. It is better in both day to day use and emergencies.

The Sawyer Squeeze is the reason the Mini is called the Mini -- it's a larger version of the same filtering concept. I use a Mini with absolutely no complaints when I'm out by myself or one other person. If I'm out with more than that I use an older Sawyer 3-Way in a homemade gravity rig so I can just leave it run itself.

Honestly, I can't think of one possible scenario where I'd rather have a LifeStraw than a Sawyer. Also, that Massdrop is only a two bucks cheaper ($18 shipped) if you've already got Amazon Prime, making it barely worth considering.

Most long-distance and wilderness hikers would recommend the sawyer squeeze. Make sure to get the full size on and not the mini. Should last several years at least with proper backflushing.

Some of the basics are:

• Tent (or hammock) - MSR Tents are quality and will give you an idea of what you get for your money. If I had to pick a free standing 3 season tent today it would be the GoLite Imogene, although their Wolf Creek shelter is cheaper. About $300.
  
  
  
• Sleeping Bag - quilts are light and comfortable. Therm-a-Rest Alpine blanket is reasonable, but I would go with an Enlightened Equipment quilt for the price - $250.
  
  
  
• Sleeping Pad - The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir - $160 - is ideal for me. or a cheap closed foam pad - $45.
  
  
  
• Backpack - $100 for the GoLite Jam 50 is an incredible deal. I love mine.
  
  
  
• Stove - MRS MicroRocket is -ultralite, but $60. A cat food can stove is cheaper to make.
  
  
  
• HeadLamp - Black Diamond ReVolt - $60, Storm - $50, and Spot - $40 are all quality purchases.
  
  
• Water Filtration - Sawyer Squeeze - $35 is my current choice although Aquamira, iodine tablets, steripen, and the traditional pump are all fine options too.
  
  
• Wool Socks - SmartWool and Darn Tough are high quality and worth $20 a pair.
  
  
• Puffy Jacket - Feathered Friends makes amazing down items ~ $200.
  
  
• Shoes - trail runners or boots depending on conditions ~ $150
  
  
• Hiking Poles - requirement for me. Leki - $140 work great for me, but Black Diamond is coming out with some quality options too.
  
  
  
• Water Bladder - Platypus and CamelBak both make quality 2-3 liter bags for about $35.
  
  
  /r/myog items:
  
• first aid kit
  
• fire starter
  
• ground cloth / tarp
  
  Other random items in my pack
  
• microspikes
  
• sunglasses
  
• hat, buff, bandanna, beanie
  
• dry bag(s) (or 1 large trash compactor bag)
  
• gloves
  
• long sleeve sun protection
  
• rain jacket
  
• multi tool
  
• cup
  
• long handle spoon
  
• lighter
  
• gps + map
  
• bear bag rope
  
• dog gear (booties, bowl, leash)
  
  -FOOD

I would go with a squeeze or gravity fed filter instead. They'll be lighter and usually cheaper than a pump filter, too. Most people prefer the Sawyer Squeeze or the Sawyer Mini.

Here's the Amazon link . I am also in Toronto, and bought this in April. It arrived fairly quickly, and has no import duties. It says it comes with one pouch, but mine came with two bags, and the hanging pouch and adapter/tube for gravity filtering. I wasn't expecting that! I may have lucked out, or it's listed incorrectly. It was cheaper than buying it in store in the States, with the exchange rate.

I think there are a couple of questions you should ask yourself first.

1. How do you plan to treat water? Sawyer Squeeze (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B1OSU4W/), Aquatabs (https://www.amazon.com/Aquatabs-AQT100-Water-Purification-Tablets/dp/B077737MBN), bleach, etc.?
   
2. How do you plan to carry that much water? Does your bag and gear accommodate the space and weight?
   If you are using the Sawyer Squeeze, you could use something like 3L CNOC bags (the thread on top matches the Squeeze, unlike other bags), and the 3L CNOC bag is 3.7oz each ($23 https://www.amazon.com/Cnoc-Outdoors-Vecto-Container-Orange/dp/B07F1BBWHC). Good lightweight construction. If you plan to use Aquatabs, Aquamira, or bleach, you could use something even more lightweight like the Platypus 2L bags at 1.3oz each ($9 https://www.amazon.com/Platypus-2-Liter-Ultralight-Collapsible-Bottle/dp/B000J2KEGY/). Those do not match the Squeeze threads, but if you're not using Squeeze anyway it wouldn't matter. Both the CNOC and Platypus bags roll down to nothing when empty, and are easy to travel with. You could carry 2 of the CNOC or Platypus bags + 2 1L Smartwater bottles (again, the threading on these matches Sawyer Squeeze) for a total of 6-8oz, without using that much space, and without costing that much money. Just remember that water itself is pretty heavy, which is why most people try to camel up and drink a lot at water stops, and then not have to carry as much all day.

You will be happy i found a bargain of $33!

http://amzn.com/B00B1OSU4W

I can tell you that almost every thru-hiker (hiker who does >1,000 miles continuously in ~3-5 months) on the Appalachian Trail uses a Sawyer Squeeze filter ($30) for their water purification needs and they use it daily to purify water from back country sources like streams and creeks and it works reliably for thousands of gallons with some periodic backflushing (equipment provided). Most thru-hikers carry 2L of water or less (for weight) and just frequently refill at water sources they cross. During my section-hike, I carried a Sawyer Mini and had some issues with the gaskets separating from the unit, causing leaks of the dirty water but only onto the ground - you will know if dirty water has leaked to the clean water side. The hikers I encountered told me that this was less of an issue with the Sawyer Squeeze. Highly suggested. Scroll down on the linked page to read about the technology, filtration efficiency and limitations.

Still, two is one and one is none - so I also carried Aquamira liquid purification drops.

So, I think you are a bit crazy on the water treatment. I know a bunch of people who don't treat their water at all - lighter pack weight, less things to keep track of, no hassle with getting water. Besides, drinking untreated water is how people lived for all of human history, minus the past hundred years. Millions of people still drink untreated water regularly, and while this is a significant cause of death in developing nations, in most developed nations (and developing nations if you have money) you will not die from a water borne illnesses as long as you reach definitive medical treatment withing a reasonable time frame.

That said, I do still treat my water. Sawyer filters are all the rage now. 1 million gallons guaranteed, and for $35. No laborious pumping, no scrubbing a ceramic filter when it clogs, no replacing filter cartridges. It also fits on the most universal bottle threading, so you don't even need to use the bag it comes with - you can screw it on a smart water bottle, a pepsi bottle, or even put it inline with the tube on a platypus bladder. Oh, and you can force water through any way you want: squeezing, sucking, or gravity. Only downside: you can't let it freeze, which also applies to ceramic filters.

Sorry if this sounds like an ad for Sawyer. I just like them a lot.

I have a good eye :)

Apologies for the wall of text, but I tend to ramble on topics that I'm passionate about, hopefully some of the ramble below will help.

Which Inflatable pad do you have, I'm guessing you're a side or stomach sleeper like myself?

I have the Klymit kings static V inflatable pad, I like that it packs really small and it's very light weight, but it's not entirely comfortable for side sleeping or stomach sleeping. I did once camp with my tent on sand and this was comfortable, but on regular dirt it's not.

I then tried the REI camp bed 3.5 self inflating pad. It's a self inflating pad which is a hybrid between a foam and an inflatable. At 3.5" thick, it's incredibly comfortable for side & stomach sleeping, but the drawback is weight (~5lbs) and it does not pack down small, I have to strap it to the outside of my pack.

If you are a similar sleeper like myself, you may want to check out hammock camping. I picked up an ENO double nest for just relaxing around camp or in the back yard at home and found it to be the most comfortable naps I've taken outdoors. While I can't sleep on my stomach, side sleeping is very comfortable and I actually fall asleep on my back which is unheard of. I'm not saying to run out and buy a full hammock camping set up, but maybe at the next REI garage sale, see if there is a really cheap ENO double nest and straps and give it a try in the back yard, you may want to convert afterwards :)


-----------------------------------


Headlamps? As in more than one? + a lantern? If I may suggest an alternative / weight savings..... This year I switched over to using a Olight S1 Mini baton because I always hike with a hat and the double clip allows it to slide right on the brim. It's also incredibly light weight and has several light levels. The back cap is also magnetic, so when tent camping, it sticks to the tent poles, for hammock camping I just hang it on the ridge line by the clip. The lowest level is 5 lumens I believe, which is dim but more than enough to see your foot placement on the trail at night. It also has the strobe setting which can come in handy if you find yourself in trouble to disorient an individual or an animal. (your post above mentions the fear of being a solo hiking woman, so this would be a good tool in conjunction with a decent knife). While it doesn't have a red filter, there are tons of youtube videos on how to make your own red filter cap for night vision savings.


------------------------------------


A Camelbak is always a must have for me, I get dehydrated quickly, so I carry the 3L version. I also carry a smart water bottle on the exterior side pocket of my atmos. Reason being is they are significantly lighter than a nalgene or other plastic bottles on the market and they're very very cheap to replace. Also, you can use this bottle for water enhancers such as Mio, crystal light, or a hydration powder, without risking an issue to your Camalbak. I've found having Mio on a trip is a great mental pick me up when it's hot and I'm tired.


I have not used a life straw, but for any overnight or distance trip, a must have for me is my Sawyer filter and 1 squeeze bag. I went with the Sawyer because it will allow me to refill the giant 3L Camelbak with this adapter without digging out the Camelbak, (see the 4th picture down). The squeeze bag is for dirty water only, so I do not have to worry about dirty water contamination with other items. Lastly, with this adapter I don't have to bring the syringe to clean it, this adapter's threads will fit the smart water bottle, or a coke bottle, and allow me to flush out the filter. While I've yet to have to flush it on a trip, it's a good thing to have for after the trip and cleaning things.

------------------------------------

I used to have a few must have items, but recently I've been weeding them out to save weight. Most of them are comfort items and I am the individual who packs with the mindset of "what if this happens.....", so I tend to pack things I rarely use. I really love having a warm meal, so my Jetboil is usually a staple. Since it is a gas burning stove, I could (in a survival situation) use it to boil water or start a fire to keep warm. However, foods can be re-hydrated with cold water, it might take longer and not be as delicious, but it saves the weight of the jetboil and I have the sawyer for clean water anyway, and a small bic lighter is a fraction of the weight, so I've done without it on the last few trips.

I've moved on to the mentality of packing items that are multi-purpose, try to cut out any redundancies to save weight. While I am no where near being considered ultralight, I've started incorporating their ideals into my packing to help out. You may want to check out their subreddit.

My buddy Scott is the one I always go to for questions related to backpacking/ hiking, he's been doing it far longer than I have, and seems to always be ahead on the new gear or techniques. He started a blog recently on his findings and tips/suggestions, it may be worth a look: Hack your pack

Hopefully this ramble helps!

LifeStraws are shit.

They should have gotten Sawyer filters. They come with a bag you can fill with water then you screw the filter into it and drink it. Much better.

https://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP129-Filtration-Squeezable/dp/B00B1OSU4W

Sawyer Squeeze is only 20.69 right now.

I'll be updating my setup with the bigger sawyer filter and adapter to increase the flow rate. The mini works fine but takes probably a minute to get 2 cups into my pot. Here's what I'll be buying:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B1OSU4W

https://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Inline-Adapters-Screw-Filters/dp/B0118BBKNA/ref=pd_sim_468_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=31Bex5mURoL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=R60R76W4Q5BNH9GSF9JG

Have you tried a water filter? I use my Sawyer for water pretty much anywhere that isn't the town in which I live. They're small and pretty cheap.