Thanks, I appreciate it. The gear worked great and helped lead to a successful though hike. I plan to make a post-trip gear review in the near future talking about how each thing did.
Awesome setup, I love my Cutaway too! I had to stop storing pieces of clothing in the bottom pocket though, my back sweat always drips down there and everything gets soaked 😅works great for snacks and trash though if I'm eating while hiking
I've used a flat tarp on a few shorter though hikes in the past and I'm excited to try something this light that is more "tent like." I'll be sure to share how it works out for me.
Great gear list, thanks for sharing. Hope you have a wonderful trip! Would love to see a video comparing the Timmermade SDUL 0.75 and the 1.5 you have in terms of the warmth, loftiness, showing how they fit whether you layer underneath them or not, and what sizes you got on both. It’s been difficult to find more info about these sweaters from actual users.
I really like it. I agree, nearly all camping pillows aren't thick enough. Sizing it to hold some clothing you already bring with you is a great way to get more value of those warm layers while you sleep. Plus this pillowcase keeps those layers from poping out the sides.
On a normal sized 2" mat sometimes I can fill it from flat to full in 2 big bags. Normally for my wide width mat it takes about 3.5. It works surprisingly well. I have a video on how to make it.
@@LynxOutdoors686 thank you I watched your other video and subscribed! The system reminds me of the old bean shooters. My sleeping pad needs a male piece I’m using your idea but with a rubber trekking cap that fits my pad fill port!!
Hey Lynx, what’s your plan right now as far as what snow gear you’re bringing and for what sections? I’m starting the PCT 5/17 (my inaugural thru) and was curious to hear your perspective now having the CDT under your belt
I've been keeping a close eye on the Postholer dot com snow reports for the PCT and the snow is already shown as slightly below average. We both have late starts and 740 miles to go before we get to the Sierra. As of now I just plan on bringing my Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Whippet Ready trekking poles (my trekking pole of choice even if there isn't any snow) and plan on mailing myself the Whippet screw on head and a pair of Black Diamond Distance Spike winter traction devices to Kennedy Meadows if there is still significant snow. I tend to lean towards the "better safe than sorry" side of things and would likely carry an ice axe and micro spikes if there was even a slight chance of wanting them for the snowy sections. If the snow levels or reports show there is still a lot of snow there when I'm close to arriving I may consider mailing myself thick waterproof socks and a couple pairs of thin crew height merino wool liner socks. If you're not familiar with any of those, I have them in my Post CDT gear review video here: th-cam.com/video/vgJ-djoWetk/w-d-xo.html
Sweet gear setup. If you want to add the mosquito meeting, just order a 3 oz. Netting for baby carriages - worked great on the PCT and super inexpensive. Alternatively, you can splurge on a Borah Gear bivy. I’ve used that as well with my poncho tarp. Love the Senchi. What are you using for rain gear? I would add a bug net - even in desert black flies are vicious.
I forgot to include my rain jacket in the video because I had sent it out to have pit zippers added. I took a little bit of footage before mailing it out but forgot to include it when editing. It's a Timmermade DCF rain jacket. I've never found any of my rain jackets to really breath well in the past, so I decided to try a nonbreathable but very waterproof one. We'll see how it goes. Thanks for the advice on the bug net. They are so small and light its certainly worth having.
@@LynxOutdoors686 I wanted their DCF rain jacket, but it was out of stock at the time. Will check again. Great company. Bug net also is a great scrubbie to get dirt off when washing! I end up using 1 oz. rain ponchos on the PCT as they breathe well, but the Frogg Toggs keeps me warmer than a down jacket and packs lighter.
Your videos have been super informative, thanks for the time and effort to share all this with the hiking community. I’d appreciate hearing your thoughts regarding your experience with the Soto Windmaster stove. I’ve had a BRS 3000T for a long time now and it’s the only stove I’m familiar with using. It’s sufficient when there is no wind but if there’s even a small breeze it requires some kind of wind break to function and this can be a hassle to deal with. I’ve heard the recessed design of the Windmaster burner head makes it a little less susceptible wind. Have you ever used the BRS 3000 and are you able compare it with your Soto Windmaster?
I'm glad to hear that they've been helpful. I've never used a BRS myself, but I do know they are very popular for their cost and weight. I've used quite a few canister stoves over the years. The AT was a soto micro compact, then a few years with the MSR pocket rocket 2, then switched to the Pocket Rocket Deluxe. The wind master performs the best in the wind out of all of them. It also has some of the fastest boil times both in the wind and in while its calm. The major reason I like the wind master is for it's fuel efficiency. There are some very interesting videos that show how much less fuel the Wind master uses than other popular stoves. It is currently the best stove I've used to date overall.
That super pillow is next level! I love my Senchi clothes for their warmth to weight ratio. They have replaced my base layers/sleep clothes in colder temps. I really want to try a Timmermade jacket but I'm confused by the sizing measurements and the return policy doesn't exactly make me want to take a chance. Are you usually large with more traditional clothing manufacturers?
Thanks, I love it. It is my first real MYOG/DIY piece of gear. Same, there was a time when I carried merino wool base layers, then moved to lighter synthetics, and now it's all Alpha Direct. Super light, dries crazy fast, and very soft/warm to sleep in. You can have one made to your exact measurements, which there are instructions on how to measure yourself on their website. In most things, I wear size medium. Shorts/shirts/jackets. For larger outer shells for skiing/ice climbing I go up to a large to accommodate layers. Since the Timmermade garments don't have zippers, I wanted something I could slip on and off more easily. The large fits me great. It has a nice long cut that covers everything down to my upper thighs. If you email Timmermade, Dan (the owner) is a great resource and has been very helpful when I've reached out to ask questions in the past.
Awesome to hear. So far, I'm quite happy with everything. Now that it's getting a little more pleasant to be outside, I hope to get in a bunch of local overnighters to try stuff out. I'll be sure to review the things from this list and share the good/bad. I love the versatility of using just the ground sheet for cowboy camping, or just the tarp for cooking in.
Great loadout. I would definitely recommend to replace the carbon stakes with MSR groundhog minis. The ground in the desert is such that you'll often need to hammer the stakes in with a rock. The Wren looks nice but it would be way to warm for me personally for a start date after April. Thanks for the video
Thanks, and I appreciate the advice. I was super happy with the full sized groundhogs on the CDT and did manage to bend and brake other brands of stakes. I should just pick up a bunch of the mini's. I was cold quite a bit on the CDT with my Timmermade Serpentes, so I wanted something warmer than it, hence the Wren. If I do find the nights to be too warm, I'll have my wife mail me the Serpentes. I'm fortunate to have a lot of gear at home that I can swap out to as the conditions change.
@@LynxOutdoors686 Sweet! No doubt you'll figure it out. I did OR and WA frameless and hipbeltless and was fine. Not sure I would have been able to do it in the Sierra just because of the bear can and longer carries (longest was 7 days I think). But the mail is delivered to KMS and eventually also handed out to the recipient.🙂 Happy trails
Definitely worth the extra weight for half zip on the senchi alpha direct. I love alpha direct, it’s a game changer, but you’ve got to dump that heat occasionally
I'm trying out a frameless pack for the first time so we'll see how that goes. Worst case scenario, I can mail myself the proven pack and shelter from the CDT. My permit lets me start on 5/18!
It has some awesome features, for sure. It'll be my first long distance trip with such a lightweight and frameless pack and I'm excited to see how it works out for me.
Great gear, very similar to the purchases that I plan to make later this year. I’m particularly interested in feedback on your Timmermade Wren on warmer days. Do you turn the sleeping bag over, get inside, and what is usually the bottom is now the top which vents well? For super warm nights, just use the whole thing like a blanket? I’m considering a Newt style Serpentes for increased ventilation options, versus the wren. Also interested in your Timmermade DCF jacket mentioned on Lighterpack, but not mentioned in the video. Did you get the pullover, jacket, or megazip? How do you like it, and have you noticed any holes developing in the jacket from abrasion from your pack or pack straps?
I'll admit I'm a little spoiled when it comes to sleeping bags. I have at least 10 of them, including a Timmermade Serpentes 20F that I used for about 2/3's of the CDT last year. I currently plan to swap out the wren for the serpentes after finishing up the Sierra. One thing I found with the Serpentes is that it's easier than a mummy bag to vent and to sleep with your arms out of the bag. You can slide the bag down to only cover part of your chest, similar to blankets at home in bed. I would image you could sleep with the false bottom facing up to reduce the insulation, though I haven't tried that yet myself. You're correct, I completely forgot to include the rain jacket in the video. I do have footage of myself wearing the jacket that I meant to include in this video. The jacket is actually back at Timmermade having large pit zippers added at this very moment. I love the fit and the hood, but mistakenly assumed it had pit zippers by default. Dan has always worked very well with me and told me for a fair price he could add pit zippers before the trip. Mine is the full zip. I've forgotten to include items I plan to swap out to in this video as well, so I am going to make a short Part 2, showing what items I plan to swap to and things I have in mind if the current stuff I bring isn't working out.
Great minds think alike! It's my first through hike with a frameless pack so I'm a bit nervous. I can always swap it out if it doesn't work for me as I loved the SWD Long Haul I used on the CDT. I'll be sure to share my thoughts and how it worked for me, good or bad. The CDT is amazing. I'm a little concerned that the only trail that will live up the CDT's level of enjoyment for me is doing more CDT through hikes.
I have a Nashie cutaway and use the bottom pocket for snacks, while the front big ones get used for 2 water bottles. Balances the weight nicely. I also don't use a hip belt - I tried it and unless I am running I don't find it useful.
I will certainly give that a try. It's a new type of pack for me. I went from a 70l osprey for the AT, to a 50l SWD pack for the CDT, to my first frameless pack for this trip. I have a lot to learn about maximizing it's benefits and I look forward to plating around with it on this trip.
Great timing! I actually just put a video up yesterday of me showing how to make one from start to finish. I hope it might be helpful: th-cam.com/video/vYu1bGit24o/w-d-xo.html
It's a very snug and stretchy material. Unless you put something significantly heavy in there, like maybe a battery bank, I doubt it'd ever fall out. Your lower back helps hold the thing closed too, but the material is almost spandexy.
Really interesting UL gear list! Loving all of the custom gear. Will you be doing weekly uploaded videos on your PCT? I'll look forward to watching if so! 😀👍 Greg
I likely won't be uploading more than an occasional check in during the trip, but will be putting together a longer series once I'm back home after. I did 13 parts for my CDT trip, so I expect to have roughly a similar amount of content for the PCT if all goes according to plan.
@@LynxOutdoors686 I found there's enough towns with wifi to upload videos during the PCT - I used libraries while my nb10000 was charging, you can even stash a power bank on charge behind a plant or bookshelf at a library while resupplying and doing laundry in town, but it IS a bit of a rush, video quality definitely suffers, plus I didn't have many zeros towards the end. Anyway I'll keep an eye out in case you do put up videos. What's your start date? Nobo I assume? Hope you have good luck!
I'm not looking forward to lugging one around. I've used them for shorter trips in Yosemite and the Sierra. Heavy and hard to pack. I might have to switch out packs for that section. Thanks!
Good kit. I was curious about the rationale for using Alpha direct for sleeping pants and sleeping socks. I use Alpha direct when I’m moving because it gives me an opportunity to retain some warmth and dump heat, but when I’m sleeping, I want something that traps heat. What am I missing?
For me, I love how warm alpha is for its weight. It does trap heat well, but even a light breeze helps dump it because it has virtually zero wind resistance. When I'm sleeping in it, I'm hopefully in my sleeping bag in a good site out of the wind. The tent/tarp or natural wind blocks make it so the heat isn't blown away. I think of it sort of like how warm alpha is with a rain coat over it. It's also lighter and dries faster than the baselayers I've used in the past. Plus it's very soft and fluffy on the skin. That's my take on it at least.
Can I ask how that false bottom sleeping bag works for you on the hot nights? That's what I like about a quilt is to throw it off me or stick a foot out to dump heat...
Certainly. I haven't used the new Wren 10 enough yet as I just got it over this winter. I used my Setpentes 20 false bottom for the 2nd half of the cdt last summer. It was a pretty cold trail in general but when I was too hot I'd usually pull it down to just my waist to fall asleep and pull it up to my shoulders if it cooled down before dawn. In theory you could sleep false bottom up instead, but I haven't tried it myself. I'm spoiled with many sleeping bags/quilts so if it was constantly above 40f I'd mail myself an EE quilt.
Mine is 5/18. I was hoping for some time around the 10th but I had horrible luck during both rounds of the permit lottery. The first one my time was in the last literal 4 minutes of the range, and the 2nd was still in the last hour. Getting a day within a week of my preferred start point is pretty fortunate considering my unlucky times. I just did the CDT last year in the 4th highest CO snow year and I don't hate the thought of letting a bit more snow melt this time around. The conditions look pretty normal on the PCT right now for snow though.
Good call, I completely forgot to add a few different items. This includes a bug net, my rain jacket, snow traction/ice axe, and warmer weather sleeping bag. I am going to make a very short Part 2, showing items I plan to swap to during the trip, as well as some items I'll have at home on standby incase this UL setup isn't working well for me.
On the PCT there are long, heavy water carrys in the desert (5-6L) and in the Sierra you have to carry a bearcan and my need to carry 7-10 days of food on the longest carry (depending on snow and pace and resupply tactics).
I'm concerned about how a frameless pack will handle the 4-6l of water in the desert section. It's detachable and only 2.1 ounces so if I find it isn't helpful I'll just send it home. For me, it's one of those "better safe than sorry" items. I'm new to the hip beltless/frameless packs for through hiking so it's just precautionary!
@@LynxOutdoors686yeah, that’s why I train with the same pack and use a small bear canister filled with food. The pack feels good to me up to 17 lbs, and it’s ok up to 20 lbs for me. I don’t see the hip belt as being capable of providing much help other than a placebo effect if you go more than the weight at which the pack is good for you to carry (w/o a hip belt). The physics of load bearing comes into play. If you haven’t already, maybe train without the hip belt at the max weight with your pack. I’m thinking of switching to my zpacks arc haul only for the Sierra. It’s a big question for me and why I train with a Cutaway and bear canister inside, to see if it works. Of course, you’ll need more winter gear stuff for the Sierra, and more weight, so the question will be how your cutaway works for you up to +25 lbs. I’m working on diet and nutrient dense foods (a la Gear Skeptic, but keto) to get my total weight down (esp food weight). All this to see if I can get away with a Cutaway in the Sierra with a bear canister and winter gear. That’s the real challenge. I don’t see how the hip belt helps (it would help if the pack is bouncing around, but not for load bearing). Hence my question/comment. Your set up looks awesome and I’d be curious to see how you manage the Sierra with the Cutaway, as that’s my biggest challenge in preparing.
@@dcaudwellI’m aware, which is why I’m concerned about how the Cutaway will hold up with a 10 lb base weight. Maybe if he cuts the base weight down to 7 lbs, and he’d be better off than just adding a flimsy hip belt which doesn’t seem able to transfer load. OR- don’t use a cutaway or any frameless hip beltless pack in the Sierra and maybe the desert too. Adding food/water and a bear canister and winter gear means total weight over 25 lbs which is a tough ask for this pack. I love it under 20 lbs, not so much above it, and def not over 25 lbs.
@@RC-qf3mpI couldn’t agree more! This year I’m taking a KS50 with carbon fibre frame-stays and a base weight of under 8.5lb. I find the KS50 good to 25 and OKish to 27-28lb. I’m counting on bigger miles so I never need to carry more than 4-5L and I should always be under 25lb TPW.
What sizing do you go for with the OR Echo out of curiosity? I'm 5'9 / 29 waist with an athletic build, debating between S and M. The gear is looking amazing! I'll be heading out mid-May on the PCT.
Mine is a size medium. I'm 5'11 and about 165lbs. I'm usually around 32" in the waist. The fit is fairly loose on me. I think it's likely either size could work for you. I absolutely love the OR echo. If there was one piece of gear from my CDT through hike that I'd award a Gear of the Trip award, it'd be it. So breathable, so light, dries crazy fast, and I never got burnt through it.
@@LynxOutdoors686 quick follow-up to this, have you had any longevity issues with the Echo? Just got mine today, and it feels fantastic, however after one short trail run (with a small pack on) the fabric already seems to be fraying on my upper chest which is concerning to me
@@brianpotts622 The one I wore every day on the CDT finally had a sleeve rip on the shoulder about 10 days from the end of the trip. I didn't have any real fraying or tears, just the shoulder ripping where the backpack strap wore it thin from 2,700 miles of backpacking and it eventually tore when I was unshouldering the pack one day. I was impressed it made it that long. It is a very thin fabric, but certainly not something that should fray on day one. I bet OR will take care of you if you reach out to them.
It's made by a company called Respire. I started out with a much less expensive one from my dentist (around $400) that I used for a few years that worked but wore out and broke eventually. This one is made out of much more comfortable and durable materials. The first one used rubber bands which had to be replaced every 30ish days and I slept very poorly if I forgot to change them. This one uses mechanical screws to lengthen or shorten hard plastic stops instead. I like it a lot more overall, but it did require me going to a specialist and it cost $1,600. I like to joke, truthfully, that it's the most expensive piece of equipment in my kit.
I've just touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to making my own gear. I went out and bought my first sewing machine mainly to try to make that pillowcase. I have roughly 4 or 5 failed attempts before getting the one that I have currently. As I continue to get better with making things, I'll certainly try to make some videos showing how I create my gear but I'm certainly not there yet.
I’ve tried the UL but are they any items that you have considered trading solely for increased comfort? With today’s pack support, carrying moderate weight is not strenuous or uncomfortable. Also, is that piñata approved for sierras? I thought I had to have the bear vault or similar? Did they change the regs? Thank you.
There are a few things that I still bring that I could save weight on. Firstly is my sleep system. I'm using a 10F sleeping bag which is warmer than most folks bring. My air mat is far from the lightest option as well. Some folks don't bring a pillow at all and use their clothing in stuff sack. I also bring the 3L cnon bladder which weighs almost twice as much as a soft platypus bladder, but I like how fast and easy it is to fill up. My electronics kit is also a bit heavier than it could be, opting for a faster charging wall charger and battery bank over the Nitecore stuff. So, I do think there are a few places I currently already do trade some extra weight for comfort/convenience but that line is a bit subjective and different for everyone. I think the backpack is the number 1 thing that might be worth the weight for the extra comfort on heavy resupplies with long water carries. The DCF Pinanta bag is not Sierra approved. It doesn't offer any critter resistance. It's just a water resistant and light food bag. I plan on buying a hard sided bear canister for the Sierra, and switching back to my lightweight food bag after.
The reason in this case is because when it's full length it ends up folding up a bit too thick to comfortably use as a back panel. It was very hard to get in and out of the shock cord sleeves on this pack when full size too. Also the full 20" width stuck down too far and obstructed the access to the orange bottom pocket. It was roughly 90% to improve the ease of on/off and comfort while wearing the pack. The last 10% was to save weight and because I mainly use it as a seat when at camp. I do put it under my air mat while I sleep but it's purpose as a break seat and dinner seat is my prime cause bringing one.
If it gets down into the teens, I'd rather be in the Wren. The Alpinelite is a great bag, but I'd be very cold below about 25. Besides the possible cold snap, if I expect the temps to dip that low, I'd switch to an even warmer bag, such as my Mountain Hardwear Phantom Torch 3.
It is super warm for it's weight, and the option of wearing the hood or not makes it possible to be even lighter if you don't need the hood for the conditions. It sure is pricey though, but its the warmest garment for the weight I could find! To me, it's worth it. And I really love using the same hood for the sleeping bag and jacket.
It just keeps track of the last 24 hours. I find the cold temperatures it shows to be pretty accurate, but it is easily messed up by direct sun. I really just like to look at it in the morning to see how cold it got down to. For the 10g's, I like to have it. There might be apps for it that allow it to keep more info, but I haven't come across one het.
I store my food in a DCF food bag. I plan on buying a bear can when I get to the Sierra as it is required. I cook in a Vargo Bot 1l titanium pot/mug. My stove is a Soto Windmaster. I didn't show examples of the types of food I usually resupply with though.
Very true and hopefully I won't regret the lack of mesh at first. I do plan on switching out this setup for my Durston Xmid Pro 1 once the bugs arrive. The main draw to this system for me is that the floor and tarp can detach so I can hopefully spend most nights under the stars and leave the tarp in the pack. I spoke with multiple people while I was through hiking the CDT last year that said they pitched their tarp less than 5 times the entire PCT. Thats hard for me to imagine, but fingers crossed!
Oh boy, I'm really not sure. Definitely on the high end though. The sleeping bag, down jacket, and pack were all custom made and pricey. Maybe totaling in the 4 or 5k range, but just a guess.
Ok, thanks for mentioning gloves. I'd certainly rather have some to use than wish I had some. I found I didn't wear my gloves often during the desert stretch on the CDT last year. I have a few options in the gear closet that I'll consider starting with. I certainly plan to mail myself warmer ones for the Sierras.
It's made by a medical company specifically for sleep apnea. Because of this, it was annoyingly difficult to get. I had to go to a certified dentist that works with the company, have him take high tech digital image scans of my mouth, have that sent out to the European manufacturer, then return to the dentist to have it test fitted afterwards. It fits great but was very expensive. Sure beats trying to bring a portable electric CPAP machine though.
@lynxoutdoors8192 I'm sorry to hear that. I continuously feel my teeth freezing 🥶 when I sleep in the mountain, I thought "mouthguard boxing" can help me to treat it. Thanks for your reply 👍
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i swear that "false bottom" crap is the dumbest thing i have ever heard . doesnt have the functionality of a quilt to open out as a blanket , and neither gives u coverage of a regular bag giving cold spots without any control. these idiots think they are so genius its quite hilarious
I have quilts. I also have mummy sleeping bags. If I thought either of those would be what would serve me the best on this trip that is what I'd bring. In the small chance you're actually interested in why I like using them it is because I toss and turn too much for a quilt to work well for me. Your body squishing the insulation in a sleeping bag under you provides very little warmth, which is something quilt fans are well aware of. This system works well for me by being lighter and packing smaller than a traditional sleeping bag while being warmer and less drafty than a quilt.
You are the 1st person to present a complete load-out item list, a profile wearing the gear and the tent pitch in one video. Well thought out.
thanks! glad you liked it.
Very impressive setup. So efficient and organized. Well done! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you! Its been working out great.
You are absolutely dialed in my man. Well done and awesome video.
Thanks, I appreciate it. The gear worked great and helped lead to a successful though hike. I plan to make a post-trip gear review in the near future talking about how each thing did.
Excellent load out. Thanks for sharing. That pack is interesting for sure!
I really like it's unique features like the extra organization and access to stuff while wearing it.
Nice break down and have a awesome hike! Look foward to seeing on the PCT!
Thanks, I can't wait!
Awesome setup, I love my Cutaway too! I had to stop storing pieces of clothing in the bottom pocket though, my back sweat always drips down there and everything gets soaked 😅works great for snacks and trash though if I'm eating while hiking
This is my first big trip with a frameless pack so I have a lot to learn. I'll certainly keep that in mind!
Nice kit 👍🏾. The hexamid looks really cool!
I've used a flat tarp on a few shorter though hikes in the past and I'm excited to try something this light that is more "tent like." I'll be sure to share how it works out for me.
Great gear list, thanks for sharing. Hope you have a wonderful trip!
Would love to see a video comparing the Timmermade SDUL 0.75 and the 1.5 you have in terms of the warmth, loftiness, showing how they fit whether you layer underneath them or not, and what sizes you got on both.
It’s been difficult to find more info about these sweaters from actual users.
Thanks! I do plan on making more content with the Timmermade gear I have since there is very little info out there.
Love the pillow and sleeping bag!! wow
The pillow is extremely plush for under 2 ounces!
I think I’m going to try that pillow setup. I have been unable to find a thick enough pillow and yours looks thick.
I really like it. I agree, nearly all camping pillows aren't thick enough. Sizing it to hold some clothing you already bring with you is a great way to get more value of those warm layers while you sleep. Plus this pillowcase keeps those layers from poping out the sides.
the diy nyloflume air pump is so cool makes me want to size up on the bag and one bang the air up lol
On a normal sized 2" mat sometimes I can fill it from flat to full in 2 big bags. Normally for my wide width mat it takes about 3.5. It works surprisingly well. I have a video on how to make it.
@@LynxOutdoors686 thank you I watched your other video and subscribed! The system reminds me of the old bean shooters. My sleeping pad needs a male piece I’m using your idea but with a rubber trekking cap that fits my pad fill port!!
The bear piñata is hilarious 😂 nice gear
Haha thanks. It cracked me up when I first saw it too.
For this to be most perfect super duper load out video I’m only missing your packing process. Well done 👍
Thanks. Ill be sure to make a post trip video showing how I packed everything. Im 900 miles into the PCT right now!
Nice pillow! Lot of nice gear!!
Thanks. Im quite happy with how my kit is working out. Im 900 miles into the PCT.
@@LynxOutdoors686 That's awesome. Have fun out there!
Hey Lynx, what’s your plan right now as far as what snow gear you’re bringing and for what sections? I’m starting the PCT 5/17 (my inaugural thru) and was curious to hear your perspective now having the CDT under your belt
I've been keeping a close eye on the Postholer dot com snow reports for the PCT and the snow is already shown as slightly below average. We both have late starts and 740 miles to go before we get to the Sierra. As of now I just plan on bringing my Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Whippet Ready trekking poles (my trekking pole of choice even if there isn't any snow) and plan on mailing myself the Whippet screw on head and a pair of Black Diamond Distance Spike winter traction devices to Kennedy Meadows if there is still significant snow. I tend to lean towards the "better safe than sorry" side of things and would likely carry an ice axe and micro spikes if there was even a slight chance of wanting them for the snowy sections. If the snow levels or reports show there is still a lot of snow there when I'm close to arriving I may consider mailing myself thick waterproof socks and a couple pairs of thin crew height merino wool liner socks. If you're not familiar with any of those, I have them in my Post CDT gear review video here: th-cam.com/video/vgJ-djoWetk/w-d-xo.html
Sweet gear setup. If you want to add the mosquito meeting, just order a 3 oz. Netting for baby carriages - worked great on the PCT and super inexpensive. Alternatively, you can splurge on a Borah Gear bivy. I’ve used that as well with my poncho tarp. Love the Senchi. What are you using for rain gear? I would add a bug net - even in desert black flies are vicious.
I forgot to include my rain jacket in the video because I had sent it out to have pit zippers added. I took a little bit of footage before mailing it out but forgot to include it when editing. It's a Timmermade DCF rain jacket. I've never found any of my rain jackets to really breath well in the past, so I decided to try a nonbreathable but very waterproof one. We'll see how it goes. Thanks for the advice on the bug net. They are so small and light its certainly worth having.
@@LynxOutdoors686 I wanted their DCF rain jacket, but it was out of stock at the time. Will check again. Great company. Bug net also is a great scrubbie to get dirt off when washing! I end up using 1 oz. rain ponchos on the PCT as they breathe well, but the Frogg Toggs keeps me warmer than a down jacket and packs lighter.
Your videos have been super informative, thanks for the time and effort to share all this with the hiking community. I’d appreciate hearing your thoughts regarding your experience with the Soto Windmaster stove. I’ve had a BRS 3000T for a long time now and it’s the only stove I’m familiar with using. It’s sufficient when there is no wind but if there’s even a small breeze it requires some kind of wind break to function and this can be a hassle to deal with. I’ve heard the recessed design of the Windmaster burner head makes it a little less susceptible wind. Have you ever used the BRS 3000 and are you able compare it with your Soto Windmaster?
I'm glad to hear that they've been helpful. I've never used a BRS myself, but I do know they are very popular for their cost and weight. I've used quite a few canister stoves over the years. The AT was a soto micro compact, then a few years with the MSR pocket rocket 2, then switched to the Pocket Rocket Deluxe. The wind master performs the best in the wind out of all of them. It also has some of the fastest boil times both in the wind and in while its calm. The major reason I like the wind master is for it's fuel efficiency. There are some very interesting videos that show how much less fuel the Wind master uses than other popular stoves. It is currently the best stove I've used to date overall.
That super pillow is next level! I love my Senchi clothes for their warmth to weight ratio. They have replaced my base layers/sleep clothes in colder temps. I really want to try a Timmermade jacket but I'm confused by the sizing measurements and the return policy doesn't exactly make me want to take a chance. Are you usually large with more traditional clothing manufacturers?
Thanks, I love it. It is my first real MYOG/DIY piece of gear. Same, there was a time when I carried merino wool base layers, then moved to lighter synthetics, and now it's all Alpha Direct. Super light, dries crazy fast, and very soft/warm to sleep in. You can have one made to your exact measurements, which there are instructions on how to measure yourself on their website. In most things, I wear size medium. Shorts/shirts/jackets. For larger outer shells for skiing/ice climbing I go up to a large to accommodate layers. Since the Timmermade garments don't have zippers, I wanted something I could slip on and off more easily. The large fits me great. It has a nice long cut that covers everything down to my upper thighs. If you email Timmermade, Dan (the owner) is a great resource and has been very helpful when I've reached out to ask questions in the past.
Nice kit man, my weight is very similar, around 10lbs. Also using the same tarp and groundsheet system
Awesome to hear. So far, I'm quite happy with everything. Now that it's getting a little more pleasant to be outside, I hope to get in a bunch of local overnighters to try stuff out. I'll be sure to review the things from this list and share the good/bad. I love the versatility of using just the ground sheet for cowboy camping, or just the tarp for cooking in.
Great loadout. I would definitely recommend to replace the carbon stakes with MSR groundhog minis. The ground in the desert is such that you'll often need to hammer the stakes in with a rock. The Wren looks nice but it would be way to warm for me personally for a start date after April.
Thanks for the video
Thanks, and I appreciate the advice. I was super happy with the full sized groundhogs on the CDT and did manage to bend and brake other brands of stakes. I should just pick up a bunch of the mini's. I was cold quite a bit on the CDT with my Timmermade Serpentes, so I wanted something warmer than it, hence the Wren. If I do find the nights to be too warm, I'll have my wife mail me the Serpentes. I'm fortunate to have a lot of gear at home that I can swap out to as the conditions change.
@@LynxOutdoors686 Sweet! No doubt you'll figure it out. I did OR and WA frameless and hipbeltless and was fine. Not sure I would have been able to do it in the Sierra just because of the bear can and longer carries (longest was 7 days I think). But the mail is delivered to KMS and eventually also handed out to the recipient.🙂
Happy trails
Definitely worth the extra weight for half zip on the senchi alpha direct. I love alpha direct, it’s a game changer, but you’ve got to dump that heat occasionally
I agree, also makes putting it on/taking it off inside a smaller shelter that much easier.
Definitely cool to see what you’ve switched up from the cdt! When(ish) is your start date?
I'm trying out a frameless pack for the first time so we'll see how that goes. Worst case scenario, I can mail myself the proven pack and shelter from the CDT. My permit lets me start on 5/18!
That pack has peaked my interest...
It has some awesome features, for sure. It'll be my first long distance trip with such a lightweight and frameless pack and I'm excited to see how it works out for me.
Great gear, very similar to the purchases that I plan to make later this year. I’m particularly interested in feedback on your Timmermade Wren on warmer days. Do you turn the sleeping bag over, get inside, and what is usually the bottom is now the top which vents well? For super warm nights, just use the whole thing like a blanket? I’m considering a Newt style Serpentes for increased ventilation options, versus the wren. Also interested in your Timmermade DCF jacket mentioned on Lighterpack, but not mentioned in the video. Did you get the pullover, jacket, or megazip? How do you like it, and have you noticed any holes developing in the jacket from abrasion from your pack or pack straps?
I'll admit I'm a little spoiled when it comes to sleeping bags. I have at least 10 of them, including a Timmermade Serpentes 20F that I used for about 2/3's of the CDT last year. I currently plan to swap out the wren for the serpentes after finishing up the Sierra. One thing I found with the Serpentes is that it's easier than a mummy bag to vent and to sleep with your arms out of the bag. You can slide the bag down to only cover part of your chest, similar to blankets at home in bed. I would image you could sleep with the false bottom facing up to reduce the insulation, though I haven't tried that yet myself. You're correct, I completely forgot to include the rain jacket in the video. I do have footage of myself wearing the jacket that I meant to include in this video. The jacket is actually back at Timmermade having large pit zippers added at this very moment. I love the fit and the hood, but mistakenly assumed it had pit zippers by default. Dan has always worked very well with me and told me for a fair price he could add pit zippers before the trip. Mine is the full zip. I've forgotten to include items I plan to swap out to in this video as well, so I am going to make a short Part 2, showing what items I plan to swap to and things I have in mind if the current stuff I bring isn't working out.
You're set up is almost identical to mine. I am very interested in your opinion on the Nashville cutaway pack. I am hoping to do the CDT next year.
Great minds think alike! It's my first through hike with a frameless pack so I'm a bit nervous. I can always swap it out if it doesn't work for me as I loved the SWD Long Haul I used on the CDT. I'll be sure to share my thoughts and how it worked for me, good or bad. The CDT is amazing. I'm a little concerned that the only trail that will live up the CDT's level of enjoyment for me is doing more CDT through hikes.
I have a Nashie cutaway and use the bottom pocket for snacks, while the front big ones get used for 2 water bottles. Balances the weight nicely. I also don't use a hip belt - I tried it and unless I am running I don't find it useful.
I will certainly give that a try. It's a new type of pack for me. I went from a 70l osprey for the AT, to a 50l SWD pack for the CDT, to my first frameless pack for this trip. I have a lot to learn about maximizing it's benefits and I look forward to plating around with it on this trip.
nice setup! have fun out there!
Thanks! This will be the 2nd 2,500+ mile through hike for the DCF food bag and its still going strong.
Awesome video and kit, thanks for making this. Do you have any info on how you added the valve to the nylofume bag? I would like to do that...
Great timing! I actually just put a video up yesterday of me showing how to make one from start to finish. I hope it might be helpful: th-cam.com/video/vYu1bGit24o/w-d-xo.html
Haha that was great timing. That was really helpful. Thanks a ton. Looking forward to hearing how the PCT goes. @@LynxOutdoors686
That middle bottom pocket seems super handy, but I think I'd be too paranoid about dropping stuff and not noticing, did you experience this at all?
It's a very snug and stretchy material. Unless you put something significantly heavy in there, like maybe a battery bank, I doubt it'd ever fall out. Your lower back helps hold the thing closed too, but the material is almost spandexy.
Really interesting UL gear list! Loving all of the custom gear. Will you be doing weekly uploaded videos on your PCT? I'll look forward to watching if so! 😀👍 Greg
I likely won't be uploading more than an occasional check in during the trip, but will be putting together a longer series once I'm back home after. I did 13 parts for my CDT trip, so I expect to have roughly a similar amount of content for the PCT if all goes according to plan.
@@LynxOutdoors686 I found there's enough towns with wifi to upload videos during the PCT - I used libraries while my nb10000 was charging, you can even stash a power bank on charge behind a plant or bookshelf at a library while resupplying and doing laundry in town, but it IS a bit of a rush, video quality definitely suffers, plus I didn't have many zeros towards the end. Anyway I'll keep an eye out in case you do put up videos. What's your start date? Nobo I assume? Hope you have good luck!
I hated the bear can on the PCT. Have a great hike!! Last one to Canada wins.
I'm not looking forward to lugging one around. I've used them for shorter trips in Yosemite and the Sierra. Heavy and hard to pack. I might have to switch out packs for that section. Thanks!
Good kit. I was curious about the rationale for using Alpha direct for sleeping pants and sleeping socks. I use Alpha direct when I’m moving because it gives me an opportunity to retain some warmth and dump heat, but when I’m sleeping, I want something that traps heat. What am I missing?
For me, I love how warm alpha is for its weight. It does trap heat well, but even a light breeze helps dump it because it has virtually zero wind resistance. When I'm sleeping in it, I'm hopefully in my sleeping bag in a good site out of the wind. The tent/tarp or natural wind blocks make it so the heat isn't blown away. I think of it sort of like how warm alpha is with a rain coat over it. It's also lighter and dries faster than the baselayers I've used in the past. Plus it's very soft and fluffy on the skin. That's my take on it at least.
Inside your quilt alpha traps tons of heat as (hopefully!) there’s no breeze - it’s a great sleep material!
Can I ask how that false bottom sleeping bag works for you on the hot nights? That's what I like about a quilt is to throw it off me or stick a foot out to dump heat...
Certainly. I haven't used the new Wren 10 enough yet as I just got it over this winter. I used my Setpentes 20 false bottom for the 2nd half of the cdt last summer. It was a pretty cold trail in general but when I was too hot I'd usually pull it down to just my waist to fall asleep and pull it up to my shoulders if it cooled down before dawn. In theory you could sleep false bottom up instead, but I haven't tried it myself. I'm spoiled with many sleeping bags/quilts so if it was constantly above 40f I'd mail myself an EE quilt.
@@LynxOutdoors686 Ok, thank you. Seems like the false bottom might be good compromise for the shoulder seasons.
When is your start date? I start May 1st.
Mine is 5/18. I was hoping for some time around the 10th but I had horrible luck during both rounds of the permit lottery. The first one my time was in the last literal 4 minutes of the range, and the 2nd was still in the last hour. Getting a day within a week of my preferred start point is pretty fortunate considering my unlucky times. I just did the CDT last year in the 4th highest CO snow year and I don't hate the thought of letting a bit more snow melt this time around. The conditions look pretty normal on the PCT right now for snow though.
@@LynxOutdoors686 You’ll probably catch up with me. I have to get off trail in Tehachapi for about a week.
Nice one. Only thing I would change is the amount of electronics, battery and cords. Atleast get shorter cords 😊
Not bad ideas. A pretty high % of my weight comes from the electronics.
Did I miss a head net for sleeping ?
Good call, I completely forgot to add a few different items. This includes a bug net, my rain jacket, snow traction/ice axe, and warmer weather sleeping bag. I am going to make a very short Part 2, showing items I plan to swap to during the trip, as well as some items I'll have at home on standby incase this UL setup isn't working well for me.
Nice set up. But why the hip belt attachment w/the Cutaway?
On the PCT there are long, heavy water carrys in the desert (5-6L) and in the Sierra you have to carry a bearcan and my need to carry 7-10 days of food on the longest carry (depending on snow and pace and resupply tactics).
I'm concerned about how a frameless pack will handle the 4-6l of water in the desert section. It's detachable and only 2.1 ounces so if I find it isn't helpful I'll just send it home. For me, it's one of those "better safe than sorry" items. I'm new to the hip beltless/frameless packs for through hiking so it's just precautionary!
@@LynxOutdoors686yeah, that’s why I train with the same pack and use a small bear canister filled with food. The pack feels good to me up to 17 lbs, and it’s ok up to 20 lbs for me. I don’t see the hip belt as being capable of providing much help other than a placebo effect if you go more than the weight at which the pack is good for you to carry (w/o a hip belt). The physics of load bearing comes into play. If you haven’t already, maybe train without the hip belt at the max weight with your pack.
I’m thinking of switching to my zpacks arc haul only for the Sierra. It’s a big question for me and why I train with a Cutaway and bear canister inside, to see if it works. Of course, you’ll need more winter gear stuff for the Sierra, and more weight, so the question will be how your cutaway works for you up to +25 lbs. I’m working on diet and nutrient dense foods (a la Gear Skeptic, but keto) to get my total weight down (esp food weight). All this to see if I can get away with a Cutaway in the Sierra with a bear canister and winter gear. That’s the real challenge. I don’t see how the hip belt helps (it would help if the pack is bouncing around, but not for load bearing). Hence my question/comment. Your set up looks awesome and I’d be curious to see how you manage the Sierra with the Cutaway, as that’s my biggest challenge in preparing.
@@dcaudwellI’m aware, which is why I’m concerned about how the Cutaway will hold up with a 10 lb base weight. Maybe if he cuts the base weight down to 7 lbs, and he’d be better off than just adding a flimsy hip belt which doesn’t seem able to transfer load. OR- don’t use a cutaway or any frameless hip beltless pack in the Sierra and maybe the desert too. Adding food/water and a bear canister and winter gear means total weight over 25 lbs which is a tough ask for this pack. I love it under 20 lbs, not so much above it, and def not over 25 lbs.
@@RC-qf3mpI couldn’t agree more! This year I’m taking a KS50 with carbon fibre frame-stays and a base weight of under 8.5lb. I find the KS50 good to 25 and OKish to 27-28lb. I’m counting on bigger miles so I never need to carry more than 4-5L and I should always be under 25lb TPW.
What sizing do you go for with the OR Echo out of curiosity? I'm 5'9 / 29 waist with an athletic build, debating between S and M. The gear is looking amazing! I'll be heading out mid-May on the PCT.
Mine is a size medium. I'm 5'11 and about 165lbs. I'm usually around 32" in the waist. The fit is fairly loose on me. I think it's likely either size could work for you. I absolutely love the OR echo. If there was one piece of gear from my CDT through hike that I'd award a Gear of the Trip award, it'd be it. So breathable, so light, dries crazy fast, and I never got burnt through it.
@@LynxOutdoors686 quick follow-up to this, have you had any longevity issues with the Echo? Just got mine today, and it feels fantastic, however after one short trail run (with a small pack on) the fabric already seems to be fraying on my upper chest which is concerning to me
@@brianpotts622 The one I wore every day on the CDT finally had a sleeve rip on the shoulder about 10 days from the end of the trip. I didn't have any real fraying or tears, just the shoulder ripping where the backpack strap wore it thin from 2,700 miles of backpacking and it eventually tore when I was unshouldering the pack one day. I was impressed it made it that long. It is a very thin fabric, but certainly not something that should fray on day one. I bet OR will take care of you if you reach out to them.
What brand us your sleep apnea mouth guard and how do you like it? Have you tried other before this one?
It's made by a company called Respire. I started out with a much less expensive one from my dentist (around $400) that I used for a few years that worked but wore out and broke eventually. This one is made out of much more comfortable and durable materials. The first one used rubber bands which had to be replaced every 30ish days and I slept very poorly if I forgot to change them. This one uses mechanical screws to lengthen or shorten hard plastic stops instead. I like it a lot more overall, but it did require me going to a specialist and it cost $1,600. I like to joke, truthfully, that it's the most expensive piece of equipment in my kit.
Video on how you made that pillow case?
I've just touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to making my own gear. I went out and bought my first sewing machine mainly to try to make that pillowcase. I have roughly 4 or 5 failed attempts before getting the one that I have currently. As I continue to get better with making things, I'll certainly try to make some videos showing how I create my gear but I'm certainly not there yet.
I’ve tried the UL but are they any items that you have considered trading solely for increased comfort? With today’s pack support, carrying moderate weight is not strenuous or uncomfortable. Also, is that piñata approved for sierras? I thought I had to have the bear vault or similar? Did they change the regs? Thank you.
There are a few things that I still bring that I could save weight on. Firstly is my sleep system. I'm using a 10F sleeping bag which is warmer than most folks bring. My air mat is far from the lightest option as well. Some folks don't bring a pillow at all and use their clothing in stuff sack. I also bring the 3L cnon bladder which weighs almost twice as much as a soft platypus bladder, but I like how fast and easy it is to fill up. My electronics kit is also a bit heavier than it could be, opting for a faster charging wall charger and battery bank over the Nitecore stuff.
So, I do think there are a few places I currently already do trade some extra weight for comfort/convenience but that line is a bit subjective and different for everyone. I think the backpack is the number 1 thing that might be worth the weight for the extra comfort on heavy resupplies with long water carries.
The DCF Pinanta bag is not Sierra approved. It doesn't offer any critter resistance. It's just a water resistant and light food bag. I plan on buying a hard sided bear canister for the Sierra, and switching back to my lightweight food bag after.
As a newer hiker to more ultra light set ups, why cut down the gossamer pad? Just saves a little more space and weight and full length is redundant?
The reason in this case is because when it's full length it ends up folding up a bit too thick to comfortably use as a back panel. It was very hard to get in and out of the shock cord sleeves on this pack when full size too. Also the full 20" width stuck down too far and obstructed the access to the orange bottom pocket. It was roughly 90% to improve the ease of on/off and comfort while wearing the pack. The last 10% was to save weight and because I mainly use it as a seat when at camp. I do put it under my air mat while I sleep but it's purpose as a break seat and dinner seat is my prime cause bringing one.
So, for teen degree nights, Alpinlite or wren? Thanks!
If it gets down into the teens, I'd rather be in the Wren. The Alpinelite is a great bag, but I'd be very cold below about 25. Besides the possible cold snap, if I expect the temps to dip that low, I'd switch to an even warmer bag, such as my Mountain Hardwear Phantom Torch 3.
Nice down sweater! 5oz of 1000 fill is toasty!$$$
It is super warm for it's weight, and the option of wearing the hood or not makes it possible to be even lighter if you don't need the hood for the conditions. It sure is pricey though, but its the warmest garment for the weight I could find! To me, it's worth it. And I really love using the same hood for the sleeping bag and jacket.
How is the garmin tempe? Does it keep a historical record or just a rolling 24 hours?
It just keeps track of the last 24 hours. I find the cold temperatures it shows to be pretty accurate, but it is easily messed up by direct sun. I really just like to look at it in the morning to see how cold it got down to. For the 10g's, I like to have it. There might be apps for it that allow it to keep more info, but I haven't come across one het.
Of course, always carry a towel.
A million and one uses.
Lynx, you are one dialied-in frood who really knows where his towel is! Douglas Adams would be proud.@@LynxOutdoors686
Did I miss what you do for food?
I store my food in a DCF food bag. I plan on buying a bear can when I get to the Sierra as it is required. I cook in a Vargo Bot 1l titanium pot/mug. My stove is a Soto Windmaster. I didn't show examples of the types of food I usually resupply with though.
For less than 12oz hikers can get the Z Tent and not have to worry about the buggies.
Very true and hopefully I won't regret the lack of mesh at first. I do plan on switching out this setup for my Durston Xmid Pro 1 once the bugs arrive. The main draw to this system for me is that the floor and tarp can detach so I can hopefully spend most nights under the stars and leave the tarp in the pack. I spoke with multiple people while I was through hiking the CDT last year that said they pitched their tarp less than 5 times the entire PCT. Thats hard for me to imagine, but fingers crossed!
"Thermorest" 😊
I think I've pronounced it wrong since I was a kid and still constantly mix up the "o" and "a".
Total price?
Oh boy, I'm really not sure. Definitely on the high end though. The sleeping bag, down jacket, and pack were all custom made and pricey. Maybe totaling in the 4 or 5k range, but just a guess.
A buck 50
You are going to need some gloves my man. Nothing fancy, sub one oz fleece work great. The "desert" is often quite cold.
Ok, thanks for mentioning gloves. I'd certainly rather have some to use than wish I had some. I found I didn't wear my gloves often during the desert stretch on the CDT last year. I have a few options in the gear closet that I'll consider starting with. I certainly plan to mail myself warmer ones for the Sierras.
Is it night guard kit 13:36 made for mouthguard boxing ?
It's made by a medical company specifically for sleep apnea. Because of this, it was annoyingly difficult to get. I had to go to a certified dentist that works with the company, have him take high tech digital image scans of my mouth, have that sent out to the European manufacturer, then return to the dentist to have it test fitted afterwards. It fits great but was very expensive. Sure beats trying to bring a portable electric CPAP machine though.
@lynxoutdoors8192 I'm sorry to hear that. I continuously feel my teeth freezing 🥶 when I sleep in the mountain, I thought "mouthguard boxing" can help me to treat it.
Thanks for your reply 👍
pinata for bears 😆
Still an undefeated bear pinata hanger!
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shut up
2nd video when I found it.
i swear that "false bottom" crap is the dumbest thing i have ever heard . doesnt have the functionality of a quilt to open out as a blanket , and neither gives u coverage of a regular bag giving cold spots without any control. these idiots think they are so genius its quite hilarious
I have quilts. I also have mummy sleeping bags. If I thought either of those would be what would serve me the best on this trip that is what I'd bring. In the small chance you're actually interested in why I like using them it is because I toss and turn too much for a quilt to work well for me. Your body squishing the insulation in a sleeping bag under you provides very little warmth, which is something quilt fans are well aware of. This system works well for me by being lighter and packing smaller than a traditional sleeping bag while being warmer and less drafty than a quilt.
I think they make a lot sense if quilts don’t work for you … turner or sleep cold etc …