Planning Lightening my load

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Woody girl

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Mar 31, 2018
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That's OK then. As I say not a lot of experience using army gear and your set up. But if it works then that's fine. If you have done it before your judgement is all that's needed. If you are wrong you'll soon learn! That's how I've learned on many occasions... being wrong! Boy do you ever learn! .. like forgetting my sleeping bag once and only ever once! Always first item in the pack now.
 

Van-Wild

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Feb 17, 2018
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Yup. Once forgot my goretex clothing. In Scotland. In October. It was a rough 5 days. But I did learn all about changing out of wet clothing into dry clothing morning and evening... every cloud eh...

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Woody girl

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I still always carry an emergency blanket even in my handbag. That weekend without a sleeping bag was saved with one. I've used one while dealing with an old boy who fell while getting out of his disability buggy and broke his hip. It was pouring with rain so it kept him warm and dry untill the ambulance came. And then there was the winter evening the bus broke down and we had to wait over an hour for rescue. No heating in the bus and the bally stupid driver went off for help and a phone as there was no mobile reception leaving the dam doors wide open!!! You never know when one will come in handy.
 
Jan 13, 2018
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Rural Lincolnshire
The reflective car windscreen sheild under your mat is a brilliant and cheap idea too. It realy works. It protects the mat from punctures and adds quite a bit of warmth by reflecting the warmth from your body that you might loose to the ground back to you. You need to insulate yourself from the ground as effectively as possible.

Whilst the car windscreen 'mat' may give some protection I doubt it will be as much as you think.

You will get no 'reflected' heat from it as you will be lying on it and squashing it - you only get reflected heat if there is an air-gap, such as when you drape a foil blanket over the shoulders and it is a 'loose fit'.

You will get very little 'insulation' from the mat as it is not designed for that, and you will lose a lot (most) of your body heat by conduction as the cold-ground suck your heat away.

There are 3 primary methods of heat (cold) transfer :

  • Radiation (similar to heat leaving a woodstove). ...
  • Conduction (such as heat loss from sleeping on the cold ground). ...
  • Convection (similar to sitting in front of a fan or having the wind blow on you).
You will get no radiated (reflected) heat back from you silver window 'mat'
You will suffer from losing a lot of heat via conduction to the cold ground
The only convection will be cold (cool) air convection due to draughts.
 

Woody girl

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It goes under the thermorest so there is a "gap" between your body and the windscreen cover. It does work. I've used it in my hammock and on the floor. Try it and see. It's only a pound from poundland and you can use it on your car windscreen if you don't think it's any good.
I use it as a layer between the groundsheet and mat so I'm not lying directly on it which I agree is fairly ineffective .
It's a cheap way to improve the R value of a self inflating mat.
 
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nobby8126

Nomad
Oct 16, 2010
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Isle of Wight
Been on a load lightening mission myself in prep for the C2C, mangaged a weight of 9.5 kilo including 1.7l of water and eve meal and breakie. Plenty of trail mix aswell. I know there are lighter options but compared to my "bushcraft" kit it's a revelation. Found a really affordable light bivi with a tiny pack size only problem is it's white (will be dying it) and a cheap ul tent from aliexpress, even managed to get it in green. Tested it all out last weekend in proper howling weather and it seemed to hold up great. If you're interested let me know and I'll drop you the YT link, didn't want to post as not buschcraft
 
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Van-Wild

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Been on a load lightening mission myself in prep for the C2C, mangaged a weight of 9.5 kilo including 1.7l of water and eve meal and breakie. Plenty of trail mix aswell. I know there are lighter options but compared to my "bushcraft" kit it's a revelation. Found a really affordable light bivi with a tiny pack size only problem is it's white (will be dying it) and a cheap ul tent from aliexpress, even managed to get it in green. Tested it all out last weekend in proper howling weather and it seemed to hold up great. If you're interested let me know and I'll drop you the YT link, didn't want to post as not buschcraft
Sounds cool. What is your base kit weight? (Minus food and water?) Is your kit choice different from mine? I'd be interested to know if there are similarities. IIRC to be classed as 'lightweight' my base weight should be about 5kg, but I'm up for being corrected on that! My usual load for bushcraft must be somewhere in the mark of 12-15kg although I have never weighed it.....

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nobby8126

Nomad
Oct 16, 2010
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235
Isle of Wight
Not hugely different to yours, about 7kg without food and water but I do carry a few things like power banks as I'm preparing for multiday hikes.
Doss bag is a cheap down
Bivi is tyveck
forclaz 50l pack
poncho and rain kilt (poncho doubles as tarp with clips)
Cheap pocket rocket knockoff
Cheap lightweight cookset
swiss army knife
first aid kit
lidl sleep pad
Down Jacket
Buff
2 x 850ml smart water bottles
lanshan1 tent
walking poles
Titanium long handled spork
usb rechargable light
wet wipes
plastic trowel
Helium pillow
gloves
collapsable cup

Will have to add water filter, couple of pairs of socks, wash kit and no doubt a few things have slipped my mind tonight for c2c.
my bushcraft weight is monstrous as my kit is bulletproof and any spare space taken up with steak and beer.
 
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Van-Wild

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Thanks Nobby. We have similar loads. My bushcraft gear is also heavy. But also as you say, bullet proof. Very rugged. So not the lightest..... my aim is to go as light as possible this time just to try it out. I wander how I will fair. I so wish I had a down sleeping bag but I simply cannot afford it.

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nobby8126

Nomad
Oct 16, 2010
373
235
Isle of Wight
Thanks Nobby. We have similar loads. My bushcraft gear is also heavy. But also as you say, bullet proof. Very rugged. So not the lightest..... my aim is to go as light as possible this time just to try it out. I wander how I will fair. I so wish I had a down sleeping bag but I simply cannot afford it.

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Mine was really cheap off ebay think I paid about 25 quid brand new, seen the same ones on there for about 40. It's made by whitewolfe, Ali express also does some good value ones
 
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Woody girl

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Van wild I have a millets down bag I never use. It's not an expensive one. But if you'd like it you are welcome to it. I'm not selling it to you. I'm happy to gift it. Get in touch with an address I can send it to.
It's a eurohike down 500 four seasons mummy bag comfort rating to minus 4 degrees Celsius red and black
 
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Jan 13, 2018
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Rural Lincolnshire
Van wild I have a millets down bag I never use. It's not an expensive one. But if you'd like it you are welcome to it. I'm not selling it to you. I'm happy to gift it. Get in touch with an address I can send it to.
It's a eurohike down 500 four seasons mummy bag comfort rating to minus 4 degrees Celsius red and black

A very generous offer.
 

Van-Wild

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Feb 17, 2018
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Van wild I have a millets down bag I never use. It's not an expensive one. But if you'd like it you are welcome to it. I'm not selling it to you. I'm happy to gift it. Get in touch with an address I can send it to.
It's a eurohike down 500 four seasons mummy bag comfort rating to minus 4 degrees Celsius red and black
That's very generous of you! I am genuinely appreciative of your generosity. I will pm you, thank you so very much. I will trade you for it though, one good turn deserves another.

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nobby8126

Nomad
Oct 16, 2010
373
235
Isle of Wight
Van wild I have a millets down bag I never use. It's not an expensive one. But if you'd like it you are welcome to it. I'm not selling it to you. I'm happy to gift it. Get in touch with an address I can send it to.
It's a eurohike down 500 four seasons mummy bag comfort rating to minus 4 degrees Celsius red and black
That's awesome
 

Erbswurst

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Mar 5, 2018
4,079
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The combination of Snugpak jungle bag and Special Forces bivvy bag works well till perhaps 8*C, with merino base layers probably till 5*C.

The Jungle bag is very light and compact, down bags usually aren't lighter or more compact.
But the cut of the Jungle bag is made for temperatures between 10*C and 25*C. Air can float around in it, if you don't close it totally.

Instead of the Jerven bag you could use a Defcon 5 Poncho, 400g, 50€, original Italian army stuff.

A good cheap light pot is the Tomshoo 750ml pot:
https://www.tomshoo.com/p-y6549.html

Of course the cheapest and lightest stuff is the equipment that stays in the shop.

I wouldn't take an emergency blanket with me, and no car windscreen thing. I find that is idiotic stuff, if carried additional to bivvy bag and insolation mat.

A Victorinox Compact is all you need for hiking. Even the ultralight Opinel Carbone No7 is enough for a week end.

Have a look to 1 litre Volvic wide mouth bottles in the super market.

Bic mini lighter.

Beer can stove videos you will find in the internet. To make them costs you 1€ and fife minutes work.
A beer can stove weights only 10g.
Prosecco aluminium cans with a smaller diameter fit better to small pots until 1 litre volume. Don't take iron cans, which are marked with FE, aluminium is marked with AL and not magnetic. Only spiritus stoves made from aluminium cans work well.

Aluminium foil from a cake or fish package gives a good ultra light windscreen. It's lighter than the fuel it saves.

A 30x40cm microfibre cloth from Lidl can replace a larger towel. Just wring it out, when it's whet and continue drying yourself!

You can dry toothpaste to little tabs and store them in a small zipp lock bag from a jewellery shop.

One way orange Wilkinson razors are light but tough. A folding tooth brush would be my choice.

Original Toppits Zipplock freezer bags are surprisingly tough, they are offered in 1 and 3 litre sizes.

Currently we discuss a Swedish army 25 (or 30?) litres ruck sack without frame in this forum, which is currently offered for 15€.
I guess it is very light, perhaps we will get the information about the weight later.

The original german army mountain troop rucksack in Cordura, 34 Litres, weights only 775g and costs used between 25 and 30€.

With only 510g this 30 litres ruck sack from Decathlon is very light and cheap.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/arpenaz-30l-hiking-backpack-dark-green-grey-id_8332414.html

The Solognac 50 litres hunting ruck sack with only 1kg would be a bigger light and cheap option. A bit to large for a week end perhaps.

The Decathlon Rain Cut jacket is very light and cheap and waterproof enough if you carry additional the Defcon 5 poncho.

Decathlon offers a cheap down bag I don't own. 800 cuin down for this price is outstanding cheap.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/sleeping-bag-trek-900-10-feath-id_8492707.html

I do not use down bags. Snugpack sleeping bags with plastic filling are nearly as light and compact as down bags and I can wash them in the washing mashine and don't have to care to much for them. In my opinion they are the better option for Britain, France or Germany.
 
Last edited:

Woody girl

Full Member
Mar 31, 2018
4,543
3,478
65
Exmoor
I
The combination of Snugpak jungle bag and Special Forces bivvy bag works well till perhaps 8*C, with merino base layers probably till 5*C.

The Jungle bag is very light and compact, down bags usually aren't lighter or more compact.
But the cut of the Jungle bag is made for temperatures between 10*C and 25*C. Air can float around in it, if you don't close it totally.

Instead of the Jerven bag you could use a Defcon 5 Poncho, 400g, 50€, original Italian army stuff.

A good cheap light pot is the Tomshoo 750ml pot:
https://www.tomshoo.com/p-y6549.html

Of course the cheapest and lightest stuff is the equipment that stays in the shop.

I wouldn't take an emergency blanket with me, and no car windscreen thing. I find that is idiotic stuff, if carried additional to bivvy bag and insolation mat.

A Victorinox Compact is all you need for hiking. Even the ultralight Opinel Carbone No7 is enough for a week end.

Have a look to 1 litre Volvic wide mouth bottles in the super market.

Bic mini lighter.

Beer can stove videos you will find in the internet. To make them costs you 1€ and fife minutes work.
A beer can stove weights only 10g.
Prosecco aluminium cans with a smaller diameter fit better to small pots until 1 litre volume. Don't take iron cans, which are marked with FE, aluminium is marked with AL and not magnetic. Only spiritus stoves made from aluminium cans work well.

Aluminium foil from a cake or fish package gives a good ultra light windscreen. It's lighter than the fuel it saves.

A 30x40cm microfibre cloth from Lidl can replace a larger towel. Just wring it out, when it's whet and continue drying yourself!

You can dry toothpaste to little tabs and store them in a small zipp lock bag from a jewellery shop.

One way orange Wilkinson razors are light but tough. A folding tooth brush would be my choice.

Original Toppits Zipplock freezer bags are surprisingly tough, they are offered in 1 and 3 litre sizes.

Currently we discuss a Swedish army 25 (or 30?) litres ruck sack without frame in this forum, which is currently offered for 15€.
I guess it is very light, perhaps we will get the information about the weight later.

The original german army mountain troop rucksack in Cordura, 34 Litres, weights only 775g and costs used between 25 and 30€.

With only 510g this 30 litres ruck sack from Decathlon is very light and cheap.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/arpenaz-30l-hiking-backpack-dark-green-grey-id_8332414.html

The Solognac 50 litres hunting ruck sack with only 1kg would be a bigger light and cheap option. A bit to large for a week end perhaps.

The Decathlon Rain Cut jacket is very light and cheap and waterproof enough if you carry additional the Defcon 5 poncho.

Decathlon offers a cheap down bag I don't own. 800 cuin down for this price is outstanding cheap.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/sleeping-bag-trek-900-10-feath-id_8492707.html

I do not use down bags. Snugpack sleeping bags with plastic filling are nearly as light and compact as down bags and I can wash them in the washing mashine and don't have to care to much for them. In my opinion they are the better option for Britain, France or Germany.
I'm so glad you find my tip about the windscreen shield idiotic . I'll be sure and tell the homeless people I try to help out that this is so. Also I will never take an emergency blanket out with me again as it's such an idiotic idea to be prepared for an emergency. Each to their own opinion but please don't rubbish others opinions. It's rather rude. Has anybody rubbished your many opinions? If you don't want to use my ideas that's fine by me, but I'm not getting a good vibe from you when you publicly tell everyone that an idea I've put out for those who maybe cannot spend as much money as you on gear is idiotic! Sorry folks if I'm out of turn here but I don't like implications that I'm an idiot. Love and peace.. .....grumpy guts.
 
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Erbswurst

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Mar 5, 2018
4,079
1,767
Berlin
May be I didn't express myself properly.


I mean:
An emergency blanket is better than nothing.
A cheap emergency bivvy bag is better than an emergency blanket.
A Snugpak special Forces bivvy bag, that he just owns, is better than everything else.

Every cheap foam mat is better than such a wind screen thing.

And to take the better stuff and additional the bad ultra cheap solutions if lightweight is the idea is in my opinion idiotic, sorry.
 
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