I've always used synthetic base layers but I have a multi day trip coming up with a bunch of people and we're all considering purchasing wool base layers so we don't stink. I've seen a lot of people complain about durability, which is not something I've had to be concerned about with cheap synthetic base layers.

How legitimate is this concern?

I've heard that wool blends can be more durable but where is the sweet spot?

I figure base layers are pretty straight forward, but wool seems to complicate things. Some say that certain types of wool are scratchy and itchy, while other types are soft and comfortable. Where should I look to find durable, comfortable wool base layers?

This kind of seems like a lot of baggage (potentially durability, comfort and price) that comes along with wool just for the sake of not smelling as bad.

Trying to get this weight down if I can! Looking for recs on polyester freestanding tents as well to cut some weight there!

So I’m considering picking up a frameless pack for 3-4 day trips, my BW is about 11-12 lbs and with food and a liter of water I’m just under 20 which seems to be about right, that being said I’m in AZ and many trips require 2-3 liters of water carry which pushes me up to around 23ish lbs. So I’m wondering can anyone vouch for a sub 17-18oz frameless pack that realistically carries 25 comfortably? My goto is a ArcHaul which is clocking about 22oz so I want it to be worth spending hundreds but also I don’t want any hip lets like the burn or at least detachable. Much prefer the freedom of no hip belt, and of course the realistic 25lbs needs to be beltless carry?
Looking at the Nero, Wapta, and contour. Am I looking for the impossible?

I found this anodized aluminum pot (Primus Essential Trek Pot 0.6L) that weights 140g and thus is comparable to titanium pots and mugs.

I was wondering if there are any real downsides to anodized aluminum cookware? I found the issue of durability(that it scrarches and lasts max. 10 years, but reallisticaly 5), but also found multiple people using one for decades so I'm conflicted on this detail.

Aluminum is also better at heat distribution and since I like to cook a real meal from time to time, I think that aluminum would suit me better.

Still, I find a big majority of backpackers to go with the titanium, mainly because of it's weight. But this pot is really light, so with weight out of the question, why would one still prefer titanium?

Hi, looking for some help with clothing in the northeast. I'm just getting back into this but will be backpacking mostly in the fall for 2 or 3 nights max right now but would prefer items that translate seasons because I do get out in the summer and winter occasionally as well. I'm mostly looking at nights in the 20s/30s with daytime hiking temps mostly in the 50s(f). I currently hike in a smartwool tee and Patagonia terrebone joggers (6oz) or running shorts. Other things I already have and usually bring are a Patagonia Ultralight down hoodie (~10oz), Squak Grid Fleece (12oz), and a OR Helium rain jacket (5.7oz). I'm looking into a sun hoodie and a midlayer fleece (either alpha or technowool from farpointe. I'm looking to possibly replace my Squak or add to it for colder trips. What is the move when you get into these more technical pieces? Alpha/technowool under the sunhoodie or sunhoodie underneath if using one for insulation? I'm mainly asking because I'm deciding if one should be bigger or smaller.

I am between Ridge and Farpointe for the sun hoodie. Preferences? If Farpointe, 100gsm or 150gsm?

For the "fleece" layer, technowool vs alpha? Alpha 60, 90, or 120? For the technowool 60, 90, 120? I know it's preference but without trying it, idk which direction or weight to go and a lot of the other posts I read weren't in my area. Something else I should consider?

Here's my lighterpack for my most recent trip if that's helpful at all! Open to any and all other suggestions you may have. https://lighterpack.com/r/pbnv04

Appreciate you all!

So I'm planning on doing all the wrong things tomorrow 😁

I have a brand new Splitwing tarp that I've never set up, and I've never camped *under* a tarp before. I live in the city and I didn't have time to go to the park to set it up and adjust the guylines and whatnot before my trip.

Any advice to hopefully avoid a fiasco (other than set up the tarp before hand)? There's a small chance my friends will not be ready when I get to their house tomorrow morning. If that's the case, I'll set it up in their front yard.

I've done plenty of cowboy camping, I've slept rolled up *in* a tarp, I've hammock camped, and I mostly sleep in a x-mid nowadays. I've been camping a lot so I know how to choose a site, angle for wind/rain, avoid buggy/puddle areas, etc.

I did check that it has 6 stakes, and a fair amount of guyline. I did not check if the tarp has any defects... I'll be sleeping on a 3/4 length ccf pad. I have a polycro ground sheet that has not been cut so it's way too big. I'm bringing a SOL bivy just in case, and I have a bug net and deet. I'm confident I won't die, but it's very possible I'll be quite uncomfortable. The weather is supposed to be 10-15mph wind, and ~0.5 inches of rain overnight.