The Big Four

Posted by: Jim M

The Big Four - 06/06/22 02:01 PM

I was writing on a slightly related subject when it occurred to me that "the big four" might be an interesting topic.
I recently made up a new "summer good weather" overnight list and found that my "Big Four" weighed 6.9 pounds. I have, in the past, found beginners trying to reduce pack weight too often still carry many extra pounds in this area. For summer I certainly wouldn't carry more than 4 kg (8.8 lb) in that category.
Shelter - 24.0 oz SilNylon REI 9x9 Tarp
Backpack 70L - 40.0 oz My Trail
Sleeping bag - 28.2 oz Lafuma 800
Sleeping pad - 19.0 oz Big Agness
TOTAL 7.0 lb

What does your summer "Big Four" weigh?
Posted by: DustinV

Re: The Big Four - 06/06/22 06:16 PM

Most folks call it the Big Three, with the sleeping system as a combination of the bag and pad, but Big Four is valid, either way.

Pack: 40 oz SD Flex Capacitor 25-40L - overbuilt, but comfy
Shelter: 18 - 22 oz - Gatewood Cape + bivy or net tent
Quilt: 19 - 22 oz - Katabatic quilt or Drop blanket
Pad: 19 oz - Klymit - I like the dimensions, just comfy enough
TOTAL: 96 - 103 oz/ 6# - 6# 7 oz

I think my base weight is somewhere in the neighborhood of 12#, so L, but not UL.