i need y'alls help!!! MY PACK IS TOO HEAVY | colorado trail FKT gear list update #1

I need your advice on what to bring/not bring for the CO Trail!!!
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(This video is about: ultralight, ultralight backpacking, tara dower, backpacking, nashville packs cutaway, colorado trail thru hike, appalachian trail, thru hike, colorado trail, appalachian trail ultralight)

[@Nightlight7]

Swap out trash bag for nylofume Swap out Rei Puffy for ghost whisperer or something like that Ditch the base layer bottom Swap out rain jacket for frogg toggs or enlightened equipment visp Sleeping pad you could swap out for an x lite/Uber lite as it would save pack space, or a minimal foam pad like the gossomar gear You could go with a z packs tarp that would be a lot lighter, though pricy, and they sell bathtub floors as well that you could get if you want Tyvek could be swapped out for polycro If you want you could bag cold soak instead of the talenti jar, which would be lighter and less bulky Ditch the bear can for an op sack You probably don’t need the Fanny pack since the Nashville has all those nice shoulder strap pockets Unless you are going to be going a long ways between resupply you could probably just use a 2000mah battery if you conserve Cut your toothbrush in half.

[@shanksmare]

Just my 2 cents, likely worth the cost. Start weighting everything in grams. You are only as precise as your unit of measurement. Cut off (or shorten) un-needed straps/labels etc. No cook is less fussy than cold soak. Eat on the run and almost no clean-up. No jar and no spork saves ~65g. Consider a bidet over TP. Less fuss, cleaner, and no use TP to deal with (if you are in a pack it out area). Do you expect 26K mAh to last without recharge? If not get a fast charger and hi-speed charging cables. Three 10000mAh Nitecore gen2 power banks weight 456 grams. That would save you ~43 grams (1.5 oz), give you more stored power, and provide redundancy. It would require a three port charger and three usb-c cables if you wanted to minimize the charging time. Luekotape and Duct Tape. Do you need both? Didn't see a knife. Do you lance blisters? (also one of the 10 essentials) Did not see hand sanitizer. Just going to wash with soap instead? It appears that the cutaway has loop on the bottom of the pack. Maybe your pad will have to be attached that way. An Ursack Allmitey is 10 liters and weights ~270g (9.5 oz), that would save ~249g (or half a pound). Corse they can take on water if you tie them to a tree in the rain. IDK what to say about the shelter questions... Maybe just get a MLD FKT Event Bivy. Weights 280 grams and should be good enough for three hours of sleep each night. Good luck! Have an amazing trip!! Run your ass off!!! ~S

[@adventuresofpineappleshort4600]

Strap your pad to the top of the pack. Ditch toothpaste for exact toothpaste tabs, ditch liquid soap for powdered soap. Stick with the tarp but add emergency blanket and use as ground cloth but then wrap it around you and your bag. 🤷‍♀️ Cheering for you!

[@garyaaron8425]

Hey there. I'm about 10 min away from Waterton Canyon, so holler if you need anything. My daughter and I watch your challenges and dig them all. Though, you'll probably be far away pretty quickly. 😊

[@taratreks]

I might take you up on a ride or two before we begin if that’s okay

[@kelly_turney]

Oh! And nitecore makes a battery bank as well, and I think it may be lighter than the anker!

[@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867]

You can save 15oz if you drop the current shelter and tyvek. You and use a Hexamid pocket tarp with doors (6.1oz), DCF ground sheet from Zpacks (3.5oz) and Sea to Summit Nano net (2.5oz). This will give you several different set up options which will lead to faster camp set up and tear downs. No rain or bugs just use ground sheet. Chance of rain just use tarp or tarp and ground sheet. Bugs and no rain use ground sheet and net. Very quick, light and easy set up. I love, love love this set up and use it all the time. If you dont want to mess with multi parts another set up I use is the Borah cuben bivy and Zpacks pocket tarp with doors for 10-11oz total. You can save one more oz if you get the Borah Cuben Bug Bivy and use it with the Hexamid with doors.

[@bhill3369]

The sleeping pad is 20" wide, if you can sleep on a 16" wide pad cut the width down to 16" and it can strap to the back of your pack where you can strap it as a make shift frame sheet and then free up pack space and you won't catch things on trail with it sticking out the sides if you strapped it on top.

[@jaimeserrano1234]

I have top of the line gear. Ultra light everything , but I'm one of those hikers that likes to bring everything because I also feel like I'm forgetting something.. Decisions .Decisions. Sounds like a exciting challenge. Good luck and enjoy yourself out there.

[@hilaryyoung5290]

You’ve got this! It’s been very rainy in Colorado this summer, much more than usual, and more bugs than usual! Although the bugs mostly go away once the sun is down, so bug net prolly not needed. Lots of thunderstorms and hail! Can is way way not needed, especially if you are NOT sleeping/camping in areas where there are lots of people ( and following LNT best practices ). Consider some down/puffy pants, so warm and light. Bring snacks, tuna, tortilla, ramen can be nice for added rehydration of yourself and salts. So excited for you!!

[@mitchellcrane7551]

I wish you best of luck Tara! I wish I could be there to support you!! love you cousin 🤟

[@scotbotvideos]

Use the tarp, but also use a poncho with a poncho liner as your sleep system. Can always add a light weight ground sheet (an el-cheapo tarp) underneath.

[@garyaaron8425]

Oh, weather here in CO has been pretty wild. I recommend a tent with tub.

[@miken7629]

My cold breakfast is milk & cereal, 1 & 1/4 cup bran flakes, 1/4 cup coconut flakes (for fat + 200 calories), 1/4 cup dried blueberries, 1/3 cup NIDO, 2 packets stevia, add water to top, shake, instant milk & cereal. My cold snack is 1 pound Walnut halves (3000 calories a pound, no cook, mostly protein & fat. Usually have salami & cheese for supper.

[@kelly_turney]

I recommend a ursack bear bag instead of the canister. You can tie it to a tree. Packs easier and is lighter!!

[@miken7629]

Bring you tarp but for floor, bring SOL "Heavy Duty" Emergency Blanket (5 x 8 feet .41 pounds $15.46 Amazon), still use your pad and quilt, lay on half and pull other half over you. Keep the fold pointed towards rain side. Great when cowboy camping cause it gives dry ground & dry cover.

[@Pacman259]

If money isn't a problem I would go for nature valley peanut butter wafer bars instead of ramen. Better nutrition and calories for the weight. I ate mostly snacks and ramen on the AZT this year and my daily energy level dipped significantly throughout my time on trail. Also, your cutaway doubles as a stuffsack pillow. I stuff all my extra gear into mine and cinch it down by wrapping the y-strap around the pack. Just something else to consider. I would use a rain jacket in place of the puffy. If you are moving you wont be wearing the puffy, and if you stop it will be because you are in bed. Add a cam snap at the top and the bottom of the rain jacket, and you can wear it over the front of you and regulate heat. I did this with my Visp and it has worked well for me so far. I think you could take a few more panels off the zlite, this would save a little weight and create a little more room in the pack body. I prefer to carry my z-lite in the y-strap and use my quilt to protect me from my bear can. For your tent, I think it comes down to your budget and how much you are willing to suffer. If you decide to take a tent and insert, I would think about an option from zpacks. I think you could get the same coverage but drop 7oz. If you are willing to chance having to suffer a little more, go with just the gatewood.

[@LionessHiker]

I have watched a lot of hikers who brought just a tarp. Most are looking for a shelter when it rains! Bring the tent. I use a Durston XMid pro 2 which is under two pounds.

[@aurih2o]

I think that putting the sleeping pad as extra support on your back is a good idea! I have seen a lot of other people with ultralight backpacks and a bear vault that do not like how it feels against their back! I think it's great to use the sleeping pad to help with the comfort!👍Thanks for the video! It helped for ideas for myself too! Excited to see it all in use on your trip!

[@saraspolrich7841]

Gear list looks good! I think your layering system will be crucial for the temp swings. I've found myself in all my layers on the CT in July more than once. Like others have said, the bear vault isn't necessary and you could use opsak w/ UL stuff sack for a simple critter hang- that's what I typically do out here (CO). Friendly bear visits aren't as common as on the AT, but do what feels most comfortable for you. Could probably skip the nut butter tube, I'm not sure cal/oz works out and with PB packets you can toss them on the way when you empty trash. Cold soaking will be lighter than only snacks- but not eating because you don't want your food will end your trip too. If cold oatmeal isn't palatable, stick with energy dense breakfast bar you like. You probably know this already, but try to keep your food weight at minimum 100cal/oz. As far as the rest of your gear weight trimming, aside from cutting straps I don't know how much you can shave. Sure you could spend all the $$ for UL everything, but what's going to get you from Denver to Durango is you!

[@maubeecat2910]

Good luck! I’ll wave and cheer as you fly by me!

[@crucialharpy101]

Take everything you showed on your video, especially the tarp and screen tent for added protection from the elements. On long hikes, you want to stay warm and dry and also personal hygiene is a must.👍

[@matthewberry3055]

Your bear vault is listed as 500 grams. It weighs 800. Your pack is listed at 300 grams. It weighs 500 (with the straps).

[@billtidey]

I used the Gatewood Cape on the CT in 2018. Had no problems not using a bathtub floor with it. Just don't set it up in a dip in the ground. I would also consider just using the Gatewood as your rain gear too. The rain jacket is kinda heavy and could just get switched out for a 2-3 ounce wind jacket.

[@taratreks]

Thank you for the information!

[@paddle_hike]

Think you got it covered pretty good. You can cold soak ramen in freezer ziploc bags... if it can help.

[@shayzoo2]

If the snacks you’re bringing are heavier than the Talenti jar, or heavier than the food that you would be bringing to use with the Talenti jar, then the weight savings is negligible, in which case, I believe you should just bring whatever food appeals to you, More.

[@Adamnealvelez]

Do you need the pillow or could you use anything from your bag to use? Ditch the clip for the spork. Can you trim the sleeping pad to make it narrower too?

[@jakeva9802]

Tah-Len-tee. Cut the lite narrow wise.

[@taratreks]

😅😅thanks for the pronunciation

[@KrizAkoni]

Hmm, 22oz for the cape and net is heavier (save 6oz) than a netted tent like zpacks altaplex or HMG mid1 or Durston PRO1…and you could also ditch the tyvek (4.5 oz). Contractor bag is heavier than a nylofume bag. I’d keep the 20 degree bag. Not a lot to trim…

[@justjonoutdoors]

For the bear canister - the Bearikade Scout is only 28 oz.

[@hikerbikerclutz8377]

Ditch it all and just take the painting in the background cause it's awesome, I dunno, I'm definitely not ultralight. Hope this helps 😁

[@direwolf_adventure]

Skip the toothpaste. You really only need to brush. Be sure to drink city water sometimes, for the fluoride. I have that quilt, and it seems happy laid in the bottom of my bag. I don't put in a stuff sack. If you are running with someone, do you both need 2 gps trackers, or is 1 each enough?

[@zackasaurr4285]

Will the gatewood cape be used as rain protection as well as a shelter? Definitely agree about wanting the tub, and if you already have a rain jacket, do you really need another 11oz for redundancy? That bear vault is so cute and tiny! The 10L ursack is 9.5oz and you just have to tie it to the trunk of a tree, but you definitely can’t beat the efficiency of just dropping the vault on the ground! That’s one hefty power bank! I also have a lot of electronics that I charge, not sure if the nitecore NB20K will fit your needs, but it’s 11oz (I just upgraded from my anker 20k and really like it). Ive also been debating if I should take my 10 or 30 degree quilt 😂. I’m starting my CT hike in 2 weeks, hope I get to see y’all and good luck!!! (I’ve only hiked the pct and long trail so I don’t have too much experience, especially with ultralite, but it really looks like you’ve got things dialed in!)

[@mistytrails11]

I think your pack looks great (would you be able to put your pad on the outside on top?) but as you can imagine I wish mine was that weight right now! your a rockstar girl! good luck❤

[@wineberryred]

My 3 cents are take the 20 degree bag because most of the trail is at 9 to 10 thousand feet and it's cold. I would replace the bear can with a bear bag that you also don't need to hang but half the weigh

[@vibelife5133]

Go Tara!

[@richardross7219]

Cutting weight is taking chances. You have it pretty well covered. I'm an old soldier and survived okay with a poncho as my rain gear and as a tarp. A poncho liner(aka woobie) worked well as a blanket or to convert the poncho into a sleeping bag. If you are going to have a buddy with you, you could share a shelter and some gear. My first 10 years camping(in the 1960s) we didn't have bottoms in our tents and just had to be careful to pick well drained sites. A sheet of the poly for insulating windows has no weight and can help you have a drier tent inside. You are going to be in some dangerous areas so, I hope that you are carrying a survival kit on yourself (packs get lost in falls). A water proof neck pouch with a Heetsheet Emergency blanket(bigger, tougher, and quieter than mylar), a couple of tealight candles, 25' of strong string, and a book of matches in a doubled ziplock bag can be a lifesaver. The heatsheet can help a lot if it just gets too cold at night too. If you put a neck hole in the poncho liner, you could then wear an insulated poncho if you get caught in a storm. You'll need the string to tie it to you. Happy Trails. Good Luck, Rick

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

.. You are an experience hiker ,, do what you know ... Ct is largely % over 10 K ft. ,, Get acclimated before start ,, altitude sickness is real ,, plan on more than normal water carry , extra running will deplete reserves ... don't forget electrolytes .. Rest is key ,, Stay with warm clothes in mind ,, there may still be patches of snow cover and nights can be cold ... simple cook system can be key for body function (warm food/drink) ,, good calories needed as you will be demanding extremes from your body .. on good days high elevation and excess sun can be rough ,, stay with long sleeve base layer and use sunscreen .. using tarp as cover ,to minimize wet sleep ,, trench perimeter to keep water away from sleep system ..... .. under 12lb. base weight and call this TOO HEAVY ?? Wow ..

[@Nightlight7]

You forgot to include the weight of the Nashville straps, you only included the body with straps it’s like 15 ounces I think, but depends on fabric and added attachments

[@cameronsimonton2515]

I’m not a hiker (but interested in learning as my car camping starts to increase). What about insect repellent ? A lightweight option could be citronella wrist bands. Good luck! And safe travels.

[@zackasaurr4285]

Not a bad idea, although Sawyer makes a sprayable permertherin that you can treat your clothes with before hiking and they say it lasts for 6 weeks or 6 washes.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

@@zackasaurr4285 .. that's for clothing and gear ,, not body flesh .. lots of water this year brings lots of bugs ..

[@Grizzly907LA]

Good luck with your hike.

[@leahstancliff951]

Ditch the talenti jar and ramen. Less water you have to carry too

[@lindak2877]

Like the picture behind you. Where is that?

[@taratreks]

The nicest grandma ever made it for me

[@petergrant9259]

Men's sleeveless muscle shirts are the best......no to sun shirts....people Don't get that bare skin works tons better at cooling.😊

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... Realize that biggest % of CT is over 10 K FT. .. sun burn is very real ...

[@FrankOldfield]

👍

[@BattShytKuhraezy]

Lacking expertise. . Titanium Carbon & similar stuff saves weight tho

[@panhandlejake6200]

A big change that could save about 10+ oz - use a solar panel and 3200 mAh battery bank. Lixada has a 10W 5V (but actually more like 5W) which does an adequate job. This is a big change and should be tested - is there time to do so? The panel is 3 oz and the battery bank is just over 3 oz. You will need a longer USB cable. I tie it to the top of my pack using a few feet of light cord. The bank will very easily charge the headlamp and watch. The InReach has a long battery life but it may be worthwhile to keep it topped off - alternate nightly charging in camp between phone or Inreach. Try to keep some charge on the bank in case you have a day of prolonged rain where you may not be able to fully charge the bank - so that you can still charge your headlamp and watch. Regardless of which power option you go with, be sure to unplug each device from your battery bank once fully charged as continuous charging can unnecessarily leak power from both batteries. Using a 10,000 mAh battery bank may be a consideration but the power limitation will be the panel charge rate. The panel will charge the 3200 mAh bank over several hours of direct sun. It will charge significantly more slowly when shaded so this needs to be carefully considered. You could skip the battery bank altogether and charge each device directly (not recommended), which is much more hassle - requiring that each device be charged during the day. The panel has a cover over the USB port that is glued on using hot glue (very cheaply done) - it will release when the panel gets hot during normal sun exposure. Use silicone seal (more waterproof) or your favorite glue to re-adhere the cover before your trip. The rest of the panel appears to be well made. Lixada also has a 20W (5V) panel - specs state actual output power is 7.8W. 5 oz and larger area but no experience with it.

[@PittPacks]

What month are you headed out

[@taratreks]

July!

[@PittPacks]

@@taratreks damn, imma be out there in August. Good luck and I'm looking forward to part 2

[@thomashall7315]

if you get too lite you may consider just taking nothing . LOL

[@onwardwithOmi]

Don’t bring a hairbrush😂 Bring my Rainbow

[@maubeecat2910]

Omi are you coming out? If so I’d love to hike with you!

[@onwardwithOmi]

@@maubeecat2910 unfortunately no, but maybe another time

[@fightingwords8955]

Super Hot 🔥🏃‍♀

[@omgBort]

good luck on your FKT attempt, you’re gonna need it. based on the questions you are asking and gear you are bringing, i am genuinely concerned for you. many hikers you will encounter on the CT will have a much lighter base weight than you, and they are not even going for an FKT! the elevation is truly formidable, please give yourself time to adjust. especially if you have only been training at sea level. why even bring a shelter if you are only planning on ~3 hours sleep per day? just cowboy camp. if it’s raining keep hiking. precipitation will most likely be predictable afternoon thunderstorms. same with a bear can, just leave it if you are only planning to nap a few hours per day. i might be wrong, but you would probably be the first person ever to carry a bear can while attempting a FKT, maybe they should start a new category for that. for context, i have hiked the AT, CT, and CDT and live in Colorado. good luck, seriously! go kick some butt or fail spectacularly! 🫣🍿 edit: just realized there is no hip belt on that pack. 12 pounds plus food and water all on your shoulders, yikes.

[@taratreks]

I guess I have ways to go lighter but not the funds to get there. I can’t buy all the top gear. Bringing a shelter is part of the 10 essentials. I’ll never not bring one on a trip. But thanks for your concern. I guess we’ll see how I do. I feel pretty confident