Ultralight Alpine Gear List 2019 - 4kg/8lbs - Full comfort at altitude.

Here, I go through what I typically use here in the European Alps predominantly at altitude, whether it's an overnighter or a multi week hike, it's essentially the same.
My base weight is around 4kg (8lbs). This does not include water, food and fuel. Nor does it include the clothes I am wearing. Keeping my pack light enables me to cover more ground each day with greater comfort.
There's not a lot here that will surprise you, but I hope it might help someone who is looking for a little guidance as to what is actually needed (and possibly more importantly NOT needed) here for hiking and wild camping in Europe on our high routes.
It is what I consider 'full comfort'. By this I mean I have a pillow, inflatable pad, an umbrella, a full cookset and everything to make my life comfortable on any length trip at altitude.
I go though my pack, show you whats in it and give a little commentary as to why I have made these choices.
It's fucken riveting stuff.
You can see the complete list, along with their weights here: lighterpack.co...
Main gear I mention in this video:
0:39 Atom Packs Atom 35
2:00 Hydrapak Seeker
2:00 Katadyn BeFree filter
5:34 TNF HyperAir Trail GTX
7:13 Zpacks Plexamid
9:13 Patagonia Capilene Thermal
9:51 Patagonia Capilene Air
12:57 Sea to Summit Aeros Premium pillow
13:17 Cumulus X-Lite 300
14:26 Cumulus Primelite Pullover
15:18 Thermarest Neo Air X-Lite
15:55 Thermarest Prolite
16:46 Atom Packs Roo
17:48 Nitecore NU25

[@HighWealder]

Interesting and well chosen

[@pngit1]

I went down the same route as yourself. Switched from an xlite (which I couldn't get on with) to a thermarest prolite. I opted for the small version and also carry a 1/8th inch full length foam pad to go with it. If I do ever get a puncture I still have the foam inside the pad, plus the thin pad.

[@AJ_B_]

Interesting sleeping bag choice. I didn't know the brand. It could be a good option for me. Nice to see some one hiking and buying gear in Europe and giving good advice on ul gear. Helpfull watched your video twice...

[@alpinekiwi]

Cheers man. Cumulus is a great company and a good choice for those here in Europe...

[@Umbi1523]

Great gear list! The fruit pocket and the little xmas lights are both very nice ideas!

[@alpinekiwi]

Umberto Cairello cheers man! Those little lights are like 2€ for 10 on eBay. They’re strung out and last ages. Nice to get those lit tent at night shots. And they give a nice glow for tent stuff rather than a head torch. It weighs perhaps 4g.

[@jameshenry1285]

This is very helpful. I'm looking to try some winter backpacking this year and I like your presentation. Cheers!

[@ridesoutheast]

"Some assorted steaks..." - Liked, Subscribed, Bell Icon hit.

[@markjowen66]

Amazing to watch, mate. Great stuff. Good to hear your comments about sleeping bag vs quilt.

[@stijndeklerk]

Cool setup, mine is very similar but much more colorful, big fan of alcohol stoves, Cumulus and a DCF trekking pole tent. I've always loved the ProLite pad, just a shame it's so heavy. Nice backpack, I'll look it up.

[@alpinekiwi]

Ha, yeah my gear is all the same shade of black 😀

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

You have a great channel. Great choices in gear, definitely ultralight. Awesome video. Subscribed ✌️

[@Rabbagazten]

Absolutely brilliantly telepathic message. Everything is just spot on, and superbly dialed in. May I ask if you are using any crampons if it is icy? I think I saw you using it in one of the videos? Thanks a bunch!

[@vanCapere]

Nice video - crazy how many neat tiny things we have in common haha. E.g. the micro towel tablets. Some suggestions though: Why not use the headnet as clothes bag? Why not ditch the cook kit stuffsack and use a rubber band for fixation? :)

[@alpinekiwi]

Cheers! I don't feel the headnet is tough enough to use as a clothes bag. I'd hate to reach for it when there are bugs around only to find it's been ripped or a hole torn in it due to misuse. As for the cook pot stuffsack, I dunno. I used to use a rubber band, but I sometimes use the pot on an open fire and the supplied stuffsack keeps the soot off everything else. I also stuff the empty ziplocks in it with the pot holding them all in so I can reuse them when I get home. I just keep it, it doesn't weigh enough to think too much about.

[@raymondlogister6828]

great review. Thank you. specially the atom pack is great. I go for the Atom+ (40)L

[@alpinekiwi]

Hope you like it!

[@soerenjordan]

Great ultralight gear list, finally one from somebody hiking in the french alpes, the through-hikes in the US are different in altitude and conditions, so this was very informative for me, since I plan to do a similar hike like the TMB in June (Tour des Ecrins). What clothes were you wearing? Thx for the great content, many of my gear choices were kind of confirmed in this video : )

[@KB-re4ku]

I had the same issue with a 20-inch xtherm pad, now using a reg/wide XLite and much better arm comfort.

[@alpinekiwi]

Yeah I looked at getting one, but the NeoAir's horizontal baffles are a big part of the issue I think. They don't give any side support and nothing to stop you rolling off. Vertical baffles will help I think, but I saw the Prolite on sale and thought to give it a go. So far so good. It is thin enough that arms off the sides isn't that big a deal - they don't have far to fall... I would like to try a Nemo Tensor, but as it stands, I have 6 different mattresses already 😂

[@KB-re4ku]

@@alpinekiwi I’m interested in the tensor too. Just can’t beat the weights on the thermarest products for their r-value it seems. But true, if it gives one a better sleep.

[@alpinekiwi]

@@KB-re4ku I just got back from a winter camp. Top of a mountain, deep snow. I had a 4mm CCF matt (torso length), a Z-Lite (6 panels) and my Prolite (which is a short, so stops at knees). I dug a shallow trench in the snow for my bed and was super warm. I could have left the Z-Lite, but I'm not into risk taking in the high alps 😀I'd rather take it and not need it! Winter at high altitudes isn't the time for UL for me!

[@KB-re4ku]

@@alpinekiwi yeah unless you’ve been in a true winter experience, you may not realize that warmth is more essential than a low base weight. Alberta , Canada here. I’m a double sleeping bagger in winter. Down inner, syn over again.

[@zwright28]

Man I

[@JoshArchers]

Give the sea to summit ultralite insulated sleeping pad a try. A few of my mates use them and they swear by them. We do disaster response work, so off around the world responding to hurricanes/earthquakes etc etc. It's tough enough to survive that but super light and really comfortable. It deflates much faster and is quieter, plus it's thinner than the thermarest but still comfy if your a side sleeper. Definitely worth a look over thermarest.

[@alpinekiwi]

Josh Archer I wish I could! But I already own four inflatable pads and two foam pads! If the new Thermarest Prolite doesn’t work out I’ll definitely look into your recommendation. What I like about the Prolite is that it has a foam inner, so that even if you bottom it out it should still feel comfortable enough. My local camping store has a section of climbing wall that you can lay on the floor to test the different pads out on. Comparing the Xlite and the Prolite, the Prolite was easily more comfortable. It’s a shame to add around 150g to my base weight, but a good night sleep on trail means a lot! Your job sounds great!

[@AJ_B_]

I bought the Nemo Tensor Insulated, i saw good reviews on this pad lately on youtube. That pad can also be an option.

[@Mcnab2004]

Hey Mate, I really enjoyed your Haute Route movies - great editing. I’m fairly new to going light but love the benefits. Def going to invest in a Atom. Your lighter pack has been a great resource for me. Can I ask what food you took. Was it augmented with hut meals?

[@alpinekiwi]

Cheers man, I enjoyed making them! I didn't eat in any refuges, but sometimes stopped in for a beer if I passed one near the end of a day. I carried all food with me. I'll make a video about food sometime, but basically it's all premade dehydrated meals that you just add water to, except lunches which are mostly wraps with dehydrated hummus, avocado and cheese. I've always got cheese and saucisson on me too.

[@Mcnab2004]

Hey Damian, I hate to impose but... I’m going to try to make a stove like yours for this trip and wondered if you would help with the design. I’ve got me Guinness can and I’ve made a couple of penny stoves during lockdown so I think I can knock something up that’ll work but the vids on KZbin don’t seem as light or elegant. I want it just right if poss

[@alpinekiwi]

@@Mcnab2004 I tried a few different designs myself. They all had some issues. The one I settled on is the typical 'Fancy Feast' stove with a tomato paste can nestled in the catfood can with a fibreglass wick between the tins. It is perfect, but a little heavier than the single catfood can style ones (which didn't work well for me). It is silent, boils water fast and you can easily budget your fuel for each trip.

[@Mcnab2004]

Alpine Kiwi i’ll give that a crack thanks man. Looks like my Haute Route 2020 plans are screwed until next yr. Still, could be worse eh. Thanks for the advice pal 👍

[@stergiosk]

Great video. It's nice to find some European products suggested. Quick question about the tent, how does it stand in windy weather? Not sure but I seem a bit hesitant getting a trekking pole tent for alpine camping.

[@alpinekiwi]

Hey Stergios, pyramid style tents like the Plexamid, Aeon Li and Lunar Solo shed wind and snow fantastically due to their shape. They are a great choice for the Alps.

[@wio2189]

Hey, thanks for the video. What's the verdict on the ProLite?

[@holiday7068]

Giraffe are probably the biggest problem I have too...

[@trytheoutdoors]

Outstanding. Subbed. Thank you.

[@luboyanev]

Thanks for sharing! How has been the switch from the framed Arc blast to the frameless Atom pack. Did you have any issues with the Arc blast?

[@alpinekiwi]

I love my Arc Blast and keep it for heavier carries like winter trips. The Atom carries well when you have lighter loadouts and being hipbelt-less allows the bag to move with you way better.

[@luboyanev]

@@alpinekiwi Thanks for the reply! Been also considering getting a framless pack. Have the Arc Haul and thinking about the Nero

[@romidumitrescu]

Hey! I see you're using the Exped Schnozzel pump sack as your pack liner and I was wondering how it works with the neoair pad. As far as I know they are not compatible. Or this applies only to the newer xlite? browsed reddit if no luck so I came here to ask. Thanks a lot!

[@alpinekiwi]

Hi, yes you can get it to work with an adapter. You can either buy one, or make one out of the pump bag that comes with the mattress. I lost my adapter on my last TMB round and I'm using one of those small Flextail pumps now. They're pretty light and simple to use...

[@romidumitrescu]

@@alpinekiwi i've looked further into it and it appears Exped itself makes a 3g adapter but before ordering I'll try to use the one from the thermarest pump as you suggested. Flextail looks sweet too, doubling also as tent lantern, neat. Thanks!

[@trytheoutdoors]

Hi Can you tell us how you get on with your walking pole tent in high winds, above the tree line? Love the idea of a 500g tent but can you wild camp high in the mountains in poor weather? Rgds Imran

[@alpinekiwi]

Good question. The pyramid shape of the tent makes it perfect for alpine conditions. It handles strong winds very well and snow doesn't build up on it. I've had snow on it a few times, but never a huge dump, so can't attest to that. But 1cm or so that I have had is absolutely fine. The single pole is very sturdy and I'd rather weather a storm in this mid-style shelter over any of my older style shelters. Hope this helps.

[@trytheoutdoors]

Thank you so much for your reply. I have watched your kit video several times and marvel at your approach. I am a middle aged male in the U.K. training for my mountain leader exam and need a strong but light weight tent for mountain wild camping and I am also planning some long distance hikes so am looking for a super light weight tent. Can I find one tent for both of these needs? I have a Dan Durston trekking a 2 trekking pole tent (900g), and a lanshan 1 trekking pole tent 900g) But I was of the view that any trekking pole tent could not face up to high winds (and a mountain leader I know was quick to dismiss them). So I was on the verge of getting an expensive terra nova tunnel tent or a tarptent scarp1 tent. Is it perhaps the quality of the z pack pole tent that makes it ok in high winds in your view?..But the price is also very high....although I'm of the view - pay once, cry once! Thanks-

[@alpinekiwi]

@@trytheoutdoors It's the design of the shelter that makes it so good. Before the Packs Plexamid, I had a Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo which is a similar design, but a lot cheaper. I have been in some horrendous storms in both shelters and they both took the wind well. The angular walls allow the winds to travel over a lot better than tube style tents in my opinion. The tent stakes are as important as the shelter design. I use a full size MSR Groundhog for the main line, two Groundhog Minis for the back two corners and the rears are titanium shepherds hooks. I have found this combo to be rock solid. I passed one night at around 3200m in an insane storm (high winds, driving rain and lightning striking all around me). I had placed rocks over all stakes and the shelter stayed solid. I hear good things of the Dan Durston tent...

[@trytheoutdoors]

Thank you. Really appreciate the time you gave to this. Great channel. Power to your elbow, sir!

[@janicsuhran]

i like yout UL gear :)

[@PerfDayToday]

Great review.. this convinced me to order the 35l Atom pack. #steaks #giraffes 🤣🤣🤣. Btw, what material did you spec for the lower side pockets and main pack material?

[@alpinekiwi]

Great stuff, you'll love it! I think Tom specc'd the VX21 for the pockets and the main bag is in VX07. I have just returned from doing the Tour Mont Blanc and this bag held up well with full food bag and all kit. There was one or two days I used the Roo waist bag as a hipbelt, but mostly kept it beltless.

[@PerfDayToday]

Alpine Kiwi nice!!

[@Datsyzerberg]

Love it, subbed

[@forloveofthegain]

What about food? Your pack seems quite full at the start of the video. How many days can you pack in this setup?

[@alpinekiwi]

I have just finished the Tour du Mont Blanc using this same setup. I was able to pack three days of food as well as seven days worth of protein powder, coffee dried hummus, protein bars. I also carried microspikes. There was enough length in the roll top to roll it down a few times and clip it shut. It was smaller by the end obviously.

[@WanderingBackpacker]

loved the backpack! I don't think they ship to India?

[@alpinekiwi]

Send Tom an email, he's great at communication...

[@foaly8]

how is the bag that light…

[@alpinekiwi]

It has no hip belt and no framing. When you have an already light baseweight, a frameless/hipbeltless bag is still super comfy. I did make a small adjustment to the beltbag (fannypack/bumbag whatever you call it where you are) so it can clip to the main pack in case I have a heavier than usual food or water carry. But basically a hipbeltless bag is ace.

[@alexhonken]

down to what temp would you say the cumulus bag keeps you warm? torn between the 350 vs 450 quilt, or maybe even a bag.

[@clarabrarurerr2065]

Its probably too late now but ive been pretty cold camping at 2°C with my cumulus 350 (custom made to be a couple grams lighter)

[@kevans2337]

Can you please tell me about your waterproof mitts ?

[@alpinekiwi]

I first had some CAMP waterproof mittens (67g) that were fine, but then I found some Forclaz waterproof mitts (51g) from Decathlon for around 10€. I tested both of them by wearing one on each hand and submerging in a bucket of water. They both stayed completely dry. I find that a glove system consisting of a warm fleece inner glove (again, decathlon sells these for 2€!) and a waterproof/windproof mitt outer shell works fantastically in most conditions and temperatures.

[@turkeyphant]

Can you show how the magnets works instead of the normal Atompacks snaps?

[@alpinekiwi]

Hi Jon, maybe in a future video... Basically I had Tom sew 3 sets of neodymium magnets in the same spots as the snaps. He was a bit reluctant due to concerns of compass interference, but I have no problems with them and magnets just rule. So much simpler than finding and closing the snaps...

[@turkeyphant]

@@alpinekiwi sounds ideal. Do you know if they are much heavier than the snaps and why Tom doesn't offer it any more?

[@alpinekiwi]

@@turkeyphant I guess they do weigh more than plastic snaps, but one pair of the magnets weighs 2g. I'm not bothered. He never did offer it as an option. I asked him to do it for me. I made a few custom changes to this bag.

[@HerbalistGuybrush]

This looks like the 40 not 35. It is massive! You mean 35L internal volume or total?

[@alpinekiwi]

It's the 35l with an added couple inches of collar. On Tom's website he states the internal volume is 30l with 5l of external. I reckon with the added collar length, this maybe adds a couple litres to the internal.

[@HerbalistGuybrush]

@@alpinekiwi I was recently checking all the packs on his insta and yours was statet as the 40 on there. It also looks much bulkier than the 35 in this vid. I want to get the 35 myself soon, and i would be dissappointed if that was the pack, since it is intentended for sub 8 lbs and the A.T. with short resupplies. Are you sure it is no simply the 40?

[@alpinekiwi]

@@HerbalistGuybrush No, I'm not sure now! I ordered a 35 with extended collar, I wonder if he measured it as a 40l or just made me a 40l... If you want, I can check with him.

[@user-xt5cz8el7p]

what is the name of that tent?

[@alpinekiwi]

It's a Z-Packs Plexamid

[@ghost89parkour]

how did you insulated the handles of your pot?

[@alpinekiwi]

Silicone tubing slid over the Ti handles. It works well, but I think it will need replacing after each season, the silicone gets crumbly after being heated so much. Still a good idea though, you can just grab it without needing a rag.

[@ghost89parkour]

@@alpinekiwi thanks:) i wait for other erupean ultralight gear

[@adopancia7445]

Hi, may I ask you about your high and weight? This is for trying to understand the correct size for me on the Cumulus Pullover... thanks in advance.

[@alpinekiwi]

I am 182cm (6ft), 95kg and 118cm around the chest. I returned the XL for the XXL and it's perfect.

[@Masterplauser]

@@alpinekiwi How was the length in XL? I'm a bit taller than you but thin as a twig.

[@alpinekiwi]

@@Masterplauser I can't recall the length, which makes me think it was ok. I would have noticed.

[@LuckyTown77]

👍🇨🇦

[@slippery999]

Don’t know if you’ve come across a British company call phdesigns.co.uk they make very light down products. Very expensive but very light.

[@alpinekiwi]

How do they compare to the Polish company Cumulus? I have a few pieces from them and they are all well made, great materials and well priced...

[@slippery999]

@@alpinekiwi I’ve not seen Cumulus products so can’t make a like for like comparison. PHD however do use the best materials and are one of the few companies that use a 1000 fill power, they have made kit for Arctic expeditions, 8000m peaks and they provide a custom service so you can design your own sleeping bag to how you want it. The only “down” side is price, they’re not the cheapest. The old adage of “lightweight, cheap, warm - pick two” often applies.

[@Maryland_Kulak]

4 kilos my ass.