Ok, I’ll say it. Planning gear is half the fun of the actual adventure. Especially if you’re a gram-counter like me, debating which pair of socks weighs the least.
My next long distance trail attempt is a 298 mile traverse of Wales along the Cambrian Way; a tricky balance of long miles, remote mountain terrain, and unpredictable Welsh weather. It’s summer, but the wind chill can feel like winter at times. I need to pack enough to stay safe, but pack light enough to manage long days on my feet. Every piece of kit scrutinised for its durability and weight… oh yes, I have a spreadsheet.
The Big Three: Backpack, Shelter and Sleep System 2081g
Going lightweight means I can opt for an ultralight, 40L frameless backpack, because I won’t need a lot of the load supporting features that come with traditional backpacks. I’ll line this with a 22L Exped drybag, and stuff my sleeping bag in loose - saving a few grams from the stuff sack and allowing it to fill the gaps around bulkier items, whilst providing cushioning against my back.
My sleeping bag is a SeaToSummit Spark -1 women’s down sleeping bag. Quilt fans can shave off a few grams, but I’ve always loved being cocooned in a comfy sleeping bag like a human burrito. It pairs perfectly with the SeaToSummit Ether Light XR insulated sleeping mat and Aeros pillow.
For shelter, I’ve opted for the ZPacks Plex Solo Lite. It’s a trekking pole tent, and since I’ll be taking trekking poles anyway, I can save weight there. I’ve added a nifty little trekking pole extender, so my pole is the correct height for the tent.
Cooking and Hydration 312g
I haven’t fully embraced ultralight camping by cold soaking ramen yet. Hiking is meant to be fun, not punishment… and I look forward to a hot meal at the end of the day. So, I’m packing an ultralight stove, titanium pot and spoon. A 3g piece of sponge acts as handle holder, dishcloth, and stops everything from rattling around in my pot.
I’ll be filtering my water along the way with a 1L Katadyn BeFree AC filter, with a spare plastic bottle, in case a longer water carry is needed.
Packed clothes (not counting worn clothes) 1129g
It’s summer, but I daren’t risk not taking warm clothes. I have merino base layers to sleep in, insulated jacket, waterproof overtrousers, and a waterproof jacket - not a flimsy running waterproof, I learnt that lesson the hard way on the West Highland Way! Plus two spare pairs of underwear, two spare pairs of socks - one for walking, one for sleeping in.
Worn clothes will comprise of shorts, sun hoody, hat, Altra Lone Peak trail runners and gaiters.
Electronics 631g
Keeping it simple with a power bank, headtorch and Garmin InReach Mini. I’ll also be wearing my Suunto GPS watch.
Hygiene 206g
Embracing the stink is part of the fun but I am packing a tiny 13g pack of soap leaves this time! I’m also packing a menstrual cup, Kula cloth, deuce trowel (and emergency dog poo bags - IYKYK). And yes, I’ve cut my toothbrush in half.
Everything else 452g
Mostly maps, first aid and repair kit, suncream, glasses, camping knife and my favourite non-essential but incredibly useful camping item, a tiny SeaToSummit airlite towel. Handy for wiping down a wet tent, drying off after a wild swim… and the unlikely chance that I’ll actually have a shower #hikertrash
That sets my total base weight (everything on my back minus consumables - food, water, fuel) at 4kg, 811g.
Let’s hit the trail.
