A place to chat about gear and the philosphy of ultralight. Ultralight bushwalking or backpacking focuses on carrying the lightest and simplest kit. There is still a good focus on safety and skill.

Forum rules

Ultralight Bushwalking/backpacking is about more than just gear lists. Ultralight walkers carefully consider gear based on the environment they are entering, the weather forecast, their own skill, other people in the group. Gear and systems are tested and tweaked.
If you are new to this area then welcome - Please remember that although the same ultralight philosophy can be used in all environments that the specific gear and skill required will vary greatly. It is very dangerous to assume that you can just copy someone else's gear list, but you are encouraged to ask questions, learn and start reducing the pack weight and enjoying the freedom that comes.

Common words
Base pack backpacking the mass of the backpack and the gear inside - not including consumables such as food, water and fuel
light backpacking base weight less than 9.1kg
ultralight backpacking base weight less than 4.5kg
super-ultralight backpacking base weight less than 2.3kg
extreme-ultralight backpacking base weight less than 1.4kg
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Re: UL Sleeping Bag Recommendation

Mon 16 Dec, 2013 9:15 pm

Someone was asking about the Zpacs 20F bag. We have one, it's great but I'd be cold in it at -7deg C alone. However, I am a cold sleeper, so use a good R rated mat, down balaclava hood and a light down sweater in which to sleep in winter.

Re: UL Sleeping Bag Recommendation

Sun 22 Dec, 2013 11:02 pm

Strider wrote:
Allchin09 wrote:simonm and icefest - I have considered a quilt, but I currently only use a close cell foam roll as ground insulation. Would that be warm enough to use with a quilt or would I have to get an inflatable thermarest style bed roll?

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I can't see it making much of a difference as a sleeping bag provides essentially zero insulation for the part you're laying on anyway. That said, a warmer mat is probably the most important way of increasing your comfort under cold conditions.


Why I love my Macpac Neve, no down underneath, just right round to the low sides, and the full sleeve under for tapered Thermorest.
Just had it fully rejuvenated after near 15 years of use, and topped off with down (only need 20g to bring back to specs) for Nepal last year, and some extra down in the internal foot bag :)

Warm as toast at -17c, in a Black Diamond Megamid at 5200m, but did use Goretex bivvy as well.
Last edited by Walking_addict on Mon 23 Dec, 2013 1:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Re: UL Sleeping Bag Recommendation

Mon 23 Dec, 2013 1:26 pm

PS. I know it's a really old OP, but for his plan to use a 2 / 3 season bag and a liner, yes it can work.
I use a Macpac Firefly down booster, great for warm trips used alone, but use it with a regular bag and you can get down to 3 / 4 season solution with a good mat.
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