Erik the Black is a well known cartographer and American thru hiker. We used his lightweight map and guide book on the JMT Trail - thoroughly recommended - it's all you need.
Anyhow, he has compiled a fabulous document on just about all the backpacking shelters available - both commercial and cottage industry.
Naturally I would encourage you to scroll to the bottom of each section (two person or solo) you search in - lightest weight.
Still can't beat Zpacks Hexamid and soloplex! The Six Moons Deschutes (if you could get it in Cuban Fiber) would be interesting.
Go to:
http://blackwoodspress.com/blog/27746/ultimate-guide-backpacking-shelters/
Enjoy your research - Rob
This blog is designed to exchange ideas about how to dramatically cut your gear weight to make tramping (hiking) trips less strenuous, but still remain safe and sensible. Subscribe, make comments, ask for advice, or share your lightweight gear experiences with our community. The header photo features me on McKellar Saddle. The pack is the 45Lt Zpacks Arc Blast, hiking poles Helinox FL120, Dirty Girl gaiters, Spalms sunsleeves and Altra Lone Peak shoes
1 Sept 2016
Macpac Verses Zpack
Just returned from Hiking the Larapinta Trail in Central Australia (pictures on trip page). Thought you'd like this 'end of trail' picture. Guess which one is the 'lightweight guy' ?
1 Aug 2016
Yak Wool Hiking Clothes
A few weeks back I posted a blog about Kora, a company that manufactures hiking clothing made out of Yak Wool. They make some pretty bold claims, that if proven true by consumers, could give icebreaker a run for their money. But speaking of money, they are very expensive!
I live in Icebreakers 150 half zip tops (got three of them!). I think winter down here in Wanaka could be a good testing ground to checkout Kora's 230 weight - same design as Icebreaker. Here's a picture.
As usual they are using a model build like very few of their customers! This makes it difficult to understand fit. I mean is this a pic of a muscle man in size small? Plus they do not state and weights .
To check out their site go to https://hikelighter.com/2016/07/31/kora-shola-230-zip-top/
I live in Icebreakers 150 half zip tops (got three of them!). I think winter down here in Wanaka could be a good testing ground to checkout Kora's 230 weight - same design as Icebreaker. Here's a picture.
As usual they are using a model build like very few of their customers! This makes it difficult to understand fit. I mean is this a pic of a muscle man in size small? Plus they do not state and weights .
To check out their site go to https://hikelighter.com/2016/07/31/kora-shola-230-zip-top/
9 Jun 2016
Carry Less, Visually Check Gear in Total
Last night I had the pleasure of giving a 'lightweight gear talk' to the members of the Upper Clutha Tramping Club. I took along most of my gear for members to view. One of my first suggestions was to buy scales, weigh all current gear and start up a spread sheet.
This week's Backpacking Light blog post from Ryan Jordan reminded me of another suggestion. He said, "One of the most effective ways to see how much unnecessary crap makes its way into your pack is to lay it out in a small space so you can see it all at a glance. When everything is visible, it's easier to evaluate whether or not you need it than by just looking at a gear list or spreadsheet.
I usually do this on the bed in the spare room a few days before a trip, frequently wandering in to make adjustments. Try it. It may help to get more weight down.
Remember, you are an adventure in paradise, not a pack horse!
This week's Backpacking Light blog post from Ryan Jordan reminded me of another suggestion. He said, "One of the most effective ways to see how much unnecessary crap makes its way into your pack is to lay it out in a small space so you can see it all at a glance. When everything is visible, it's easier to evaluate whether or not you need it than by just looking at a gear list or spreadsheet.
I usually do this on the bed in the spare room a few days before a trip, frequently wandering in to make adjustments. Try it. It may help to get more weight down.
Remember, you are an adventure in paradise, not a pack horse!
8 Jun 2016
Helinox Walking Poles
I have posted in the past how great these poles are. I have tried many poles over the years and it's difficult to find ultralight collapsible poles that have a degree of strength. In ultralight gear, there is always a compromise between these two continuum's.
Helinox poles have proven to be a good balance over the last couple of years and I have only had one breakage. This happened a couple of weekends ago on an overnight trip. The track (if you could call it that!) was muddy and slippery. I was coming off a drop and slipped. I used my right pole to break my fall and fell on heavily. braking the lower section.
I contact Helonix in Australia to ask if they provided spare sections and at what cost. To my utter surprise they replied with, 'yes, we have shipped one to you at no cost'. Covered 'under warranty' they said!
Is this customer service, will I be screaming their praises from the roof tops (and my blog), yes!
10 out of 10 Helinox - I hope you can feel the love all way from Wanaka NZ :-)
Helinox poles have proven to be a good balance over the last couple of years and I have only had one breakage. This happened a couple of weekends ago on an overnight trip. The track (if you could call it that!) was muddy and slippery. I was coming off a drop and slipped. I used my right pole to break my fall and fell on heavily. braking the lower section.
I contact Helonix in Australia to ask if they provided spare sections and at what cost. To my utter surprise they replied with, 'yes, we have shipped one to you at no cost'. Covered 'under warranty' they said!
Is this customer service, will I be screaming their praises from the roof tops (and my blog), yes!
10 out of 10 Helinox - I hope you can feel the love all way from Wanaka NZ :-)
12 Mar 2016
Yak Wool
OK us Kiwis are really 'sold' on Merino. But I came across a so called better product made out of Yak wool. Lighter, warmer but more expensive! This is a British outdoor company. Check out their gear at www.kora.net
Love to get your feedback.
Love to get your feedback.
27 Feb 2016
The Te Araroa Trail
It's arrived. The new 'coffee table' photo expose of the TA Trail.
What a stunning book! Mark has done an excellent job at capturing trail shots from different vistas than we normally see. I have include photos of the cover, plus a couple of internal page shots to give you an idea of the format.
What a stunning book! Mark has done an excellent job at capturing trail shots from different vistas than we normally see. I have include photos of the cover, plus a couple of internal page shots to give you an idea of the format.
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