Classic Burrow 20°F

Buying a new pack first is not great advice, especially if they're transitioning to owning lighter stuff over time. The pack is one of few places where weight and comfort really do go together and it's not crazy to be careful. Recommending a frameless pack here is...spicy as well. Plus where are they supposed to put their 2lb+ sleeping bag, 5.4lb tent, and whatever else they aren't upgrading in their frameless pack while they save up for their next purchase(s)? If you have a 15kg (!!) base weight, the problem isn't just heavy stuff. It's bringing the kitchen sink. Stop it. Saws, steel pans, 4oz knives, 12 ways to start a fire, a half-pound first aid kit, piles of soap, deodorant, showers, chairs, tables, and so on aren't needed. I don't know what you actually have, but I do have a hunch. 33lbs is a lot of stuff. Also: I bet you're taking too many clothes. Be safe, though - don't drop your rain stuff if you could be in danger without it, etc. If you made a particularly heavy choice for water purification, you could very well get some AquaMira and save pounds. If you're already under a hundred grams or so for water, I'd leave it for later. Once you've dropped all the unnecessary stuff and got a new pad, make a lighterpack/packwizard/whatever. A new 20º quilt from hammock gear is \~24oz (though you can do better with more money). A new tent is under a kilo, and right around a pound if you do a Borah tarp+bivy. My KS Omega with a sit pad shoved in the back is \~24oz. With that in mind, just search around for the biggest weight savings you can make for the least amount of money. I encourage you \_not\_ to post your lighterpack until you legitimately don't know what to cut, though - if you look at it for a couple minutes it tends to be pretty obvious.

Tarp and bug net for shelter with stakes and lines should be around 24 oz with careful choices. I bet most people can put together a cheapish kit for around 8lbs if you are really concerned about weight. I only care about weight so I can bring comfort items to make the trip more enjoyable for me. I have a 20 degree Hammock Gear quilt that I got on sale and love. They regularly have deals worth checking. For pads I combo an accordion foam pad that is off brand and cost $12 on amazon and a Gossamer Gear 1/8 in foam. Never gotten cold and gives me enough padding.

I have looked at numerous sites and posts on recommendations for a quilt and I’m starting to develop information paralysis. Here is what I am looking for: I am a 5’0” middle aged woman, so ideally, I’d like a short quilt. I am a side sleeper as well as an active sleeper so a wide quilt is needed. My current quilt is a Hammock Gear 20 degree stock quilt that weighs 24.5 oz. I’m trying to cut weight to make hiking more enjoyable as I get older. I am willing to spend more now to get something that will last. I live on the east coast and the majority of my hiking takes place there. My internet search took me to Backpacking Light’s quilt market survey and gear guide [ https://backpackinglight.com/ultralight-down-backpacking-quilts-gear-guide/ ](https://backpackinglight.com/ultralight-down-backpacking-quilts-gear-guide/) This guide lead me to look at a custom EE Enigma but I’m seeing conflicting information on various sights for the long term usability of this brand when it comes to down moving/compressing. Is there some short wide ultralight quilt out there I am not aware of? Most offer regular/wide but the short/wide that is lightweight is proving difficult. TYIA!

I need to get the new tent first since that will be my biggest weight savings. I’m ok waiting a little longer for the quilt since it isn’t saving me a ton of weight. At this point, I’m looking at it as a more efficient warmth purchase since I’m 5’0” using a regular length quilt rather than saving weight. This discussion has made me realize my current quilt isn’t horrible weight-wise but it doesn’t fit my short body right.

I wouldn’t get a cheaper sleeping pad. The tensor is great and don’t get the normal one as it will run colder. However I would reccomend a tent from Durston (best tents that happen to be light, or light tents that happen to be good (depending on how you want to look at it)). Definitely get a better sleeping bag. Some products in the top of my head is the REI magma bags (stay away from the 30, not enough insulation so there’s dead spots and cold). enlightened equipment quilt if you can afford it, hammock gear burrow for a bit heavier but is still great. After all that you should be at a similar price for better products that are also lighter.

I run a quilt with a solid R-value sleeping mat. There’s some studies that say compressed down has barely any insulating value, so the part of the sleeping bag you’re lying on isn’t doing much, it’s wasted space in your pack. Remember that the temp rating of a bag is the “not gonna die” number and not “super cozy” number. Really thick wool socks and a cozy hat don’t take up much room and help a lot with warmth. Eating before bed keeps you warmer too. I got my quilt from HammockGear and it’s lasted 4 years so far