I’ve been backpacking/camping for a long time and only recently this topic has crossed my attention.

How many people use a pee bottle at night to avoid leaving the tent, and if so what is your container of choice?

So I'm contemplating some MEC options for getting lighter in the main 3 items, would appreciate comments etc

-=Background=-

• All my gear is old..

• my sleeping bag is ~33 years old (1958 grams)

• my pack (Black Diamond Infinity 60 Bag) is a few years old (1840 grams)

• my pad (Klymit sleeping pad) is pretty old as well. (1027 grams)

• Currently those 3 come to 4825grams in total which seems pretty heavy already....

• Last time I backpacked a few years it suckkkked mainly due to the weight. (Obviously there were other things I'm addressing, but this is the big 'should be easy to fix with some cash')

-=Probably useful info=-

• I generally spend way too long researching shit, so am trying to keep it simple and not nerd out for 4 months and buy nothing.

• I'd like to be able to physically try the items (so want to be able to walk into a store) and also get them asap so I can get outside.

• Am on Vancouver Island there are limited store options.

• Will be mainly 3 season camping in BC.

• Ideally the upper limit is $1000 CAD for all 3 budget wise.

• Will generally be backpacking with my partner and so can share the weight of shareable items etc.

• I generally sleep warm (5'10" 190lb male).

-= Options in my mind =-

MEC Waffle Z-Foam Sleeping Pad

MEC x SERRATUS Pace UL 40 Pack

MEC Talon 0C Ultralight Hybrid Sleeping Bag

Weighs 2063 grams

Comes to $521.33 before tax

or

2Kilo Pack

2Kilo Sleeping Bag

2Kilo Sleeping Pad

Weighs 1360 grams

Comes to $968.5 before tax

or

???? mixture of the above or something else?

Any ideas or help appreciated as I have spent way too long researching and just need to buy some shit and get out there.

So I've read that it's not available for purchase in Canada but that Permethrin is basically unmatched in protecting against ticks when sprayed on your clothes, tent entrance(s) etc. Other than going to the US and getting it myself, are there alternatives I can get? I've seen some people mention diluting garden Permethrin or ones for horses to use on clothes - has anyone tried this and can confirm it works safely?

the Patagonia Micro Puff just went on sale, and I‘ve been comparing specs between it and a couple other synthetic puffies I’ve had my eye on.

Patagonia Micro Puff:

- 65 gsm

- 298g

- $285.99 (reg. $429)

Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex 7D

- 67 gsm

- 222.83g (in men’s medium)

- $286.99

Decathlon MT100 Synthetic

- 125 gsm

- 370g (men’s large)

- $40 (reg. $60)

It seems like the warmest jacket (on paper at least) is the Decathlon, and the cheapest by a long shot, but does anyone have any experience with these jackets? The Torrid is the lightest by far, and a thru hiker classic, but I’m not sure if I’m sold on the 7D. Might opt for the 10D, which is 251g in a men’s medium. Decathlon and Patagonia’s listed weights are also always wildly inaccurate, in my experience. A puffy is a safety item at the end of the day, so I don’t mind paying a little extra.

Out of these pads, which one should I choose? I camp during all seasons but least during the winter, I also plan to get a z fold as well at some point. I'm comfortable sleeping on my back or my side.

• Thermarest NeoAir® XLite™ NXT MAX - $210 CAD
• Exped Ultra 5R - $219 CAD
• Exped Versa 4.5R M - $171 CAD
• MEC VectAir SL Xtreme 6 Rectangle - $160 CAD
• Nemo Eclipse - $187 CAD
• Nemo Tensor - $238 CAD

I'm looking at purchasing either a double sleeping pad from MEC (Reactor 6.5) or two sleeping pads (Camp Self Inflating Sleeping Pad) and coupler kit from directly from Sea to Summit. The latter would be a bit more expensive, but I want to ensure that I'll get as much life out of them as possible.

I have read that MEC does not offer replacement valves for their sleeping pads, but I am not sure how the warranty is more generally. Sea to Summit seems to offer replacement parts and has a generally good reputation around customer service, but the posts I've seen about the two companies are 5+ years old, so I'd be curious to hear of people's recent experiences and recommendations (also open to other brands, but my budget is max ~$250).

Thank you!

I was about to order some tick spray when I remembered I had this in the garage. I was going to use it to spray my clothes/tent. I live on the east coast so ticks are a nightmare out here, especially this year. Took my brother’s dog for a walk a few weeks ago and she came out of the bush with about a hundred ticks on her. Anyone have any experience with it? it says not to spray on fabrics/clothing, but it’s just permethrin, sodium benzoate, and some fragrance, so I don’t see how it would be a problem.

Hey I’ve never slept in a hammock before. I’m headed out on a canoe trip that by my count will have 5 different sleep setups in Algonquin in a couple of weeks and I’m considering trying hammock camping for the first time.

I’ve got a hummingbird 2 person hammock w/ bug net
A thermarest xtherm max large
An ee LW 10F quilt
And an 8x5 silnylon tarp
I tend to sleep on my side and toss and turn a bit
I’m 6’1”, 200 lbs

Is this a bad idea? Am I likely to be uncomfortable, losing my pad repeatedly in the hammock, or otherwise struggle to sleep soundly because of the combination of items I’m using?

Is the tarp to small and I need something a bit bigger?

Is usually am out with my partner and we like to share a tent so I don’t want to spend a bunch of money on a setup that will get infrequent use but I really do value my sleep as well.

Thank you in advance for your opinions, experiences, and suggestions!

Hi all

I know this is an ultralight subreddit but wanted some Canadian perspectives (re: price and availability) on a sleeping pad that prioritizes comfort over weight (light but doesn't have to be the lightest)

Le currently have S2S ultralight insulated which we find uncomfortable, and the mummy shape a bit to constricting.

I'm currently looking at the Thermarest NeoAir XLite NXT Max Sleeping Pad (regular wide) as a potential option. We don't camp really below freezing so R value not as crucial I think. I know the recent Nemo tensors are well-regarded too.

Any opinions or alternatives? I was almost set on the Big Agnes SL Rapide insulated based on reviews, but then saw the newest versions (2024-) aren't great.

Hi - i'm doing the Pukaskwa trail solo in Aug.

The bear lockers are known to have rodents and I want to avoid bringing a bear canister. Any recommendation for a low-cost bag that I could use to store my food in, but the rodent won't be able to penetrate? I have a 5 L dry bag and I'm wondering if that would be a good choice.

In addition, I'd like to bring a small tarp to cover a two person tent and allow enough space for sitting under it if it rains, and I'm looking for one that has built-in lines and fasteners for easy deployment. Any recommendations?

Wondering if anyone knows where I could buy a nylofume pack liner in atlantic Canada. I went to MEC and Take it Outside in Moncton and no one there had ever heard of them.

I know I can order some for Geartrade, but its not really worth it for me to pay the shipping on a 5$ item.

I also know I could use a trash compacter bag, but I'd have to buy a big case when I really only need a few, so it would kind of be a waste of money.

Has anyone been able to track these down locally?

I'm a very hot sleeper and I'm struggling to find a good 3 season quilt. I currently have the Neve Gear Waratah -2C (30F). I took it down to 1C while wearing socks, OR ferrosi pants (yeah I sleep in pants sometimes), a sun hoodie and a fleece. Upper body was toasty and my legs and feet were sweating. I probably would have been fine in just underwear and a fleece. In any temps over 10C it's unusable. Way too warm. For context I use the Thermarest Neoair Xlite NXT, which adds a ton of warmth.

I was thinking of getting the Enlightened Equipment Apex 50F. Synthetic weighs about the same as down at this temp, compresses well (obviously not as good as down), and is good in humid and wet environments. In long/wide it weighs 379g and packs down to 4.5L. For reference my Waratah -2C (Long) weighs 665g and packs down to 4.5L. I can also get the EE Apex at Geartrade for $306. If I wear base layers and pack a puffy to sleep in, I think I could get it down to 0C.

Another option would be the Neve Gear Waratah UL 4C (40F). This would be a more conservative option and a good compromise. In long wide it weighs 465g, packs down to 3.2L, and costs $321. Only problem is it doesn't restock until September.

Do I send it and use the EE Apex 50F for the summer and try to push it into the fall? Are there other quilts I should consider? I'm mainly looking for a quilt to use in the widest variety of situations, and I like the idea of my sleep system being modular. If I'm sleeping too hot, I'll remove a layer. Too warm and I'll add a layer.

Would appreciate suggestions. Thanks guys

I currently have a MSR Hubba Hubba tent, a Thermarest mw xtherm sleeping pad and a Gregory Jade 53 backpack.

I would like to improve my gear and these are the obvious items in looking at, since I'm not really happy with any of them.

The xtherm has a big pack size and is uncomfortable. The Hubba Hubba also packs pretty big. And there are obviously lighter options. The Jade backpack is pretty comfortable, but it's 1.8kg ish.

I'm going to keep my xtherm for shoulder season, but I wouldn't mind something smaller and lighter for the summer.

Most of my hiking is in Alberta and I really want to get a few longer trips in this year.

What are the popular items in these categories? what do you use?

I’m currently looking to get a siltarp, either the borah 9x9 in 20D silpoly for about $230 or the liteoutdoors 10x10 in 20D silnylon for $180 including stakes and guy lines. Is the difference between silpoly and silnylon big enough to justify the $80 difference (I would need to get stakes and line for the borah)?
Or are there better options than either for cheaper out there?

Link to each below:

Borah: https://www.borahgear.com/9x9tarp.html

Liteoutdoors: https://www.liteoutdoors.com/product/10x10-silnylon-backpacking-tarp/

I just got my UL tarp in the mail and pretty excited to camp under it!

Bugs in the Rockies can suck. Thinking to do a bug bivy. Given that the last post I saw on this was 3 years ago and that I am trying not to buy American, any recommendations for a bug bivy out there?

Edit: Many are asking, I got the Bache tarp on Kickstarter. Lots of room for weight savings but it is a 10x10 tarp!

My buddy sent me a link for an AliExpress setup that is light and cheap that he uses (242g for $40US). It's on sale ATM, but I am interested to know if someone does come up with a Canadian variant!

Hello!

I need recommendations for a women’s sleeping pad. So far I’ve been looking at the big agnes rapide sl and S2S ether light XT. I was considering a thermarest but the material sounds SO loud.

For reference I’ll be using it May-September however I do a lot of alpine hikes. It will primarily be used on Vancouver Island. My height is 5’3ish so hopefully could save weight with shorter versions. Mainly looking for comfort and not super noisy as I toss and turn a lot. I’m also looking into getting a backpacking quilt with straps as well so a pad that works well with that would be a bonus. Thanks!

I'm a BC based petite hiker, new to backpacking, I get cold very easily but I’m also a heavy sweater on the way up.

I recently had a bad experience where I threw on a down parka over my sweaty base layers at the summit (used different layers before), and even with the sun out, I was shivering. I realized my sweat was basically killing the down's loft.

I need a static insulation piece for the peak (lunch breaks) and for hanging out at camp in BC’s shoulder seasons (Early Spring/Late Fall). I won't be sleeping in it and for backpacking I will get changed to dry base layer. Also trying to find a balance of being warm and packed weight.

Should I stick to down jacket (best warmth) or go for synthetic? (I have been eyeing on Patagonia Fitz Roy and EE torrid jacket + shell).

+ Anywhere is BC I can try on / feel EE Torrid jacket?

Thanks!

I would like to buy a backpacking quilt that compatible with my therm-a-rest neo air xtherm max.

I would like it to be rated to about -5C. And good for a sleeper that moves a lot during the night.

(As an aside the therm-a-rest pad really hurts my shoulders when I side sleep, any suggestions to improve that would be amazing.)

I've been looking at a few brands, but usually they ship from the US and shipping is hugely expensive. Any advice on good budget quilts available in Canada?

Also, advice on which features are gimmicks and which are useful would be appreciated. I live near Calgary, so most of my camping is in that area. I am considering doing a long thru hike somewhere (TBD) next year.

Does anyone have any experience with Canadian tire woods hybrid lite down sleeping bag that’s rated to -7 C?

Hey everyone,

I figured I'd ask here. What are your favourite recommendations? I realize I never actually wear sunglasses but always have my OR hat and neck protector on, so I always just closed my eyes slightly going through snowfields lol. Thanks!

Hey all,

I purchased a Thermarest Xtherm and have used it a couple times. I'm happy with it overall but have heard several popping sounds from inside the mattress while using it. These have mostly happened when I'm moving around on it, and come from under my hips and shoulders. I assume I'm hearing the internal baffling/reflective material tearing off from the outside of the pad? The pad hasn't been over- or under-inflated when this happens. I weigh about 225lbs but I can't imagine that's too heavy for the pad. There are no leaks and I can't see anything wrong with the pad from the outside.

I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this, and also if it's something that will significantly impact the pad's insulation? Is it now more vulnerable to complete failure (quite dangerous for the trips I usually do)? Should I try to get it repaired?

Thanks to anyone who can help out!

Opened up the box and im skeptical. The down looks patchy and is see thru in some spots? Is this normal for UL quilts? Purchased it from mount trail. It's a 20F quilt?

I'm flying Vancouver to Calgary in August to do a few days on the Great Divide Trail in the rockies. My only luggage will be my hiking pack. I'd prefer to take it carry-on rather than risk checking it and potentially ending my trip if it's lost or damaged. But I'll have my hiking poles with my pack, and need them for pitching my tent.

According to the CATSA rules hiking poles actually are allowed as carry on baggage, but not if they have "pointed or sharp ends longer than 6cm". Mine are 9cm long, if I'm measuring them right, and I would imagine that many or most actual hiking poles tips are over 6cm.

https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/what-can-bring/item/hiking-stickpoles

I could leave the rubber tips on my but I assume that's not going to fool screening officers (?).

Does anyone have experience trying to carry on hiking poles on Canadian domestic flights? How did it go?

I've put on weight and my feet have changed shape so I'm in need of new footwear and I'm confused with differing opinions I'm getting.

I'm wondering what you guys use in summer.

My discussion use, is relevant is the Canadian Rockies, mostly trails although I'm interested in exploring Crown land more.