Reddit mentions: The best camping pillows

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THINGS TO BRING:

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Next thing on the survival menu: make sure you have enough cash and convert it to Canadian before you leave. I normally suggest you bring about $150 - $200 depending on how early you plan on getting in. The cash machine can run out and I don't know how well it works with American bank accounts. ( $50/day early iirc ) Food also can get expensive.. Be ready for that

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There are a few places you can get food along the way, Kelwona is good, Castlegar is great ( No frills sells cheap food.. vegis can be meh, but for dirt cheap thats where I hit up ) Nelson is out of the way but has a "membership free bulk store" called Wholesale club.. It works but might be too large for one person

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Canadian tire will sell cheap coolers ( styrofoam etc ) so you can pick that up drop some ice in and go. Personally i hate suggesting styrofoam but you do what you need to.

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To pack your bag to save the maximum space, ROLL your clothes then push them into ziplock freezer bags. you can easily fit 2 - 3x the amount into a bag, depending on the size of your backpack and how long you will be there it can make it much easier to fit everything. Also bring a bathing suit in a spare bag. Toss it into the bag before tossing it into your backpack as you leave so it won't stink up everything.

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For clothing, shorts and tshirts work great, Lots of people love to dress up with costumes.. Now, it does get a bit chilly at night if you are not at the stages. A pair of pants and a hoodie is a good idea, ALSO KNOW, there is always a chance it could rain. so be ready for that. Normally it doesn't last long but you could get wet.

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( I will link my basic hiking setup at the bottom, I've collected this stuff over years but I can make it about 5-7 days with this, obviously you don't need everything but thats what I take hiking )

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Make sure to bring a GOOD pair of shoes for walking. When it gets dark, the paths become.. Sketchy. during the day sandals works but I always perfered my walking shoes. Water shoes are also AMAZING. The river is rockey.. Well.. only rocks.. So having something you can walk though it is super nice. You can do it bare foot and I have many times but its not always the most comfortable of things.

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1. Get a good backpack, On the cheaper side, get a Amazon Basics Note, 75lr could put you over the 50lb mark at the airport so be prepared for that -- SIDE NOTE. Ask the person at the flight desk for a bag to put your backpack into and tape it up. Makes flying 9000x better with a backpack because it won't get caught
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B06Y5M3D4P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
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2. get a hiking sleeping bag aka, very light weight and compact.
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00TZRPQFI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
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3. Camping Chair
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/NiceC-Ultralight-Portable-Backpacking-Festival/dp/B07F1Z4W6T/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=camping+chair&qid=1562387249&s=sports&sr=1-5
   
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4. water pack
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/Camelbak-1122001900-Hydration-Backpacks-HydroBak/dp/B01L8JENFO/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=camelback&qid=1562387280&s=sports&sr=1-3
   
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5. stove kit **MAKE SURE YOU DO YOUR RESEARCH AND CAN GET TANKS THAT FIT**
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/TOMSHOO-Cookware-Piezoelectric-Ignition-Backpacking/dp/B01JLMM0YG/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=hiking+stove&qid=1562387297&s=sports&sr=1-4
   
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6. Foamy ( foams are lighter than inflatables every lb counts )
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/Mountain-Warehouse-Roll-Mat-Lightweight/dp/B00FB6D06Y/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=camp+foam&qid=1562387485&s=sports&sr=1-9
   
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7. hiking pillow ( takes up 1/10th the space )
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/Sports-ComfortLite-Self-Inflating-Comfortably-Backpacking/dp/B009L1MF7A/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=hiking+pillow&qid=1562387513&s=sports&sr=1-5
   
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8. hiking towels
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/BOGI-Microfiber-Travel-Sports-Compact/dp/B077VK4TDW/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=camp+towels&qid=1562387529&s=sports&sr=1-2
   
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9. SUNSCREEN!!! Very important unless you enjoy being a lobster. The sun is VERY STRONG out in the valley the first year I went, I watched a guy go from well tanned construction worker to lobster to a walking talking blister. Not fun
   
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10. dollar store tarps and rope ( probably $10 combined so don't feel bad trashing them after )
    
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11. FLASHLIGHT, The roots are killer at night.. I swear, the trees are alive and will try and trip you
    
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12. eating utensils.. I got a kit from the dollar store for $10 then just eat out of my pots.
    
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13. TENT: I got a greer top hiking tent.. Its gone from amazon.. a 2man tent is your best bet get it as light as possible.

Many sleeping bags can pair together. You'll buy one with the zipper on the left side and one with the zipper on the right side.
That way they work separate, but also together.
In my experience - they'll quickly discover that sleeping together inside 1 sleeping bag is overrated. This type of solution will allow them to zip into their own cocoons after the realization that being jammed together all night in a mummy bag is not as sexy as it sounds.

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For example, The North Face Cat's Meow 20F

• https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/equipment-sleeping-bags-5f-25f/cats-meow-cf7c
  
  This is a popular bag in a versatile temp rating. Price is reasonable too.
  
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  If you want to go higher quality, consider a quilt. They are light, packable, comfortable, and super high quality. My girlfriend and I each have one and love them.
  
  They make a double:
  
  
• https://enlightenedequipment.com/accomplice/
  
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  Any good sleeping bag / quilt needs a good sleeping pad. If you are getting them a full sleep system - don't skimp on the pad(s).
  Therm-a-Rest is a top brand (not cheap). Klymit makes some more budget friendly options I also recommend.
  
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  There are tons of pillow options on the market. Check out REI for a big selection.
  
  A backpacking inflatable pillow like this is popular:
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Trekology-DREAMER-COMFORT-Ultralight-Inflating/dp/B071FQJV82
  
  If they are just car camping - I'd probably buy them something nicer/bigger. I even have a fancy Memory Foam one my mom made a fun cover for that I love for camping.

I just finished 300 miles of the mountain to the sea trail in North Carolina.

I did it in just under a month.

I had an amazing time, and I would definitely do a long hike like that again. I think I will be more selective about the region I hike next time. I look forward forward to my next adventure!

I used injini toe sock liners underneath darn tough wool socks, and I believe this is why I didn’t have any blister/foot problems. Even after hiking with wet feet/socks/shoes for 4-6 days at a time. I highly recommend these to hikers and also to anyone doing long distance running.

I liked my backpack just fine. It’s balance when off my back was annoying. Like setting it down, it would always feel lopsided and lay on the ground in a frustrating way. But while wearing it, it was comfortable and seemed great. I grew quite fond of it.

For parts of the trail, a bear canister was required and this was a challenge with my pack and gear. Very ungraceful and will make me be more thoughtful in the future about trails I choose. I am happy not to have to deal with that canister every day now that I am done.

I used trekking poles the whole time and loved them.

I brought a kindle ereader with me and was happy to have something to wind down with in the evenings. I was able to read several books while on the trail!

My favorite pieces of gear:

accordion style seat pad

injini toe sock liners

sunscreen stick


Pack:
Osprey lumina 45

My sleep system:

Therm a rest neoair xlite torso pad

tekology inflatable pillow

I also used a synthetic quilt. I don’t have a link for it

My shelter:

single person tent

I used winter window cover treatment plastic for my footprint and was VERY IMPRESSED!! After a month, still done have any rips or noticeable wear.

Cooking system:

A lightweight cup for boiling water
Stove

A sawyer squeeze for water filtration paired with a couple smart water bottles

Great experience. Loved all my gear!

I do a lot of motocamping. I prefer to stay in camps with bathroom facilities--a hot shower and a modern toilet are great after riding twisty roads all day. I did the primitive thing when I was in my early 20s.

The foundation of my motocamping setup is my riding suit and gear. I often spend more hours riding than sleeping/camping. My suit is the Aerostitch Roadcrafter. In addition to crash protection, this suit really helps you deal with wet and/or cold conditions, while still being bearable in the hot, southern summer. When motocamping, I always take both my mesh summer gloves and my waterproof winter gloves regardless of location or season. I have a Shoei Neotec helmet and Cardo G9 bluetooth headset. I don't listen to music much, but audible GPS prompts and rider-to-rider communication are helpful in unfamiliar territory. Finally, I wear Dainese Nighthawk boots because they are all-season comfortable and waterproof.

• Aerostitch Roadcrafter
  
• Shoei Neotec
  
• Cardo G9
  
• Dainese Nighthawk Gore-Tex Boots
  
  Now in terms of actual campsite gear:
  
  
• Kelty Gunnison 2.1 This tent packs small and light, but is very long when setup. I'm 6'1" and I can sleep without my toes or head touching the tent walls. It also has two vestibules which are handy for gear storage. I purchased the optional tent footer as well. I usually grab some 7 mil plastic sheeting at Walmart for less than $2 to put under the footer--it keeps sand and dirt off your tent and therefore out of your luggage.
  
  
• I prefer mummy-style backpacker sleeping bags. They pack very small and keep you warm, but are fine in warmer climates when left unzipped. Mine is a Kelty Light Stalker, but options abound online. I also use a Thermarest inflatable sleeping pad--essential in cold weather to prevent the ground from making you cold.
  
  
• Browning makes a very comfortable camping pillow that packs fairly small. It's worth the space in my opinion. 10 years ago, I would use my clothes for a pillow, but these days I prefer a pillow.
  
  
• A headlamp is essential. When you arrive at a campsite after dark, a headlamp gives you vision and two free hands at the same time. I prefer this model because it has a red-light mode that will preserve your night vision and is less obstructive to other campers.
  
  
• Always take a knife and a multitool. My multitool of choice is the Leatherman.
  
  
• I carry two JetBoil cooking systems. I take a canister for each. That lets me boil water for food and coffee at the same time, and gives me a backup if one of the stoves breaks. I can santize water if needed with these, and I know I can have a hot meal anywhere.
  
  
• I use Starbuck Via instant coffee. I've done the french press thing, but the via packets are smaller and ready faster.
  
  
• I take Mountain House freeze-dried food packs. They pack very small, and are easy to prepare.
  
  
• Two plastic coffee mugs and some plastic utensils are always in my pack.
  
  
• If cold weather is expected, I take a jacket and a fleece sweater with a neck on it. Layering these with the RoadCrafter keep me comfortable on the bike all the way down into the 20s.
  
  
• I always take a cargo net. That way I can pack my wet towel outside the bags and let them dry while I ride.
  
  
• Likewise, I always take a 60L and 30L dry bag. They are absolutely tiny when empty, but give you options if your bags get full or you have to pack in a hurry. They can always be strapped outside your bag.
  
  
• I have both hard luggage and soft luggage. I very much prefer hard bags due to better fuel economy and improved handling. My hard bags are the Honda OEM bags for my bike. My soft bag is this one. It comes with a lot of straps, and mounting options.
  
  
• Take a first aid kit.
  
  This is all off the top of my head, so I'm sure I'm forgetting something.
  
  Here's an imgur album with a few of these things visualized.

I’m also a side sleeper and struggle to sleep well through the night. The issue for me has been that my head didn’t sit high enough, and was so tilted that whatever arm I was sleeping on would quickly fall asleep and I’d wake often through out the night. Trying to stay light, I tried a few pillow options (Cocoon, stuff sack of clothes.. hated that one!) I went cheap on several recommendations and bought the Trekology pillow on amazon and I love it! It’s under $15, super light, easy, and really comfortable! Can’t recommend it enough!

I went a step further and used kamsnaps to attach a freebie buff to my sleeping pad, which doubles as a pillowcase and keeps my pillow from shooting out from under me during the night. It works really well, although, occasionally a snap will pop during the night.. it’s an easy fix though if I wake up; just needs to be snapped back in place.

The other BIG suggestion I have is to place something under the head of your sleeping pad, whether it’s your shoes, some clothing, your sit pad. It can add a few inches of height to your head making it MUCH more comfortable. I’m pretty confident in saying, for me personally, this last hack serves as the greatest factor in my comfortable lightweight sleeping setup..

One rule to remember with tents is that lighter tent means thinner fabric means less durable.

If you are just car camping and not hiking, then just get a coleman sundome. It's all taped, triple stitched, the floor is industrial strength tarp material, and it's really quick to put up, doesn't need a footprint. The desert floor won't damage it and the bathtub floor is extremely waterproof in the northern states. And its like 65 dollars. If anything starts wearing out, you can buy 5 sundomes for the price of one REI tent.

I recently upgraded to the ALPS Koda tent, I think they still have some at SteepandCheap for under 100 dollars and its a great inbetween car camping and backpacking tent. 75d taffeta is very durable but not as bombproof as the coleman. Very similar to the Half-dome 2 in specs. Can't go wrong with either of the alps or the rei.

Don't get the hut/cabin style tent. They just don't hold up as well in my experience. The wind catches the really tall tents and starts snapping poles. Tents are rounded and shorter for a good reason, tent material is basically a sail and the wind will catch it. Also its 12 lbs and the size of a small suitcase when folded. If you travel, you will have to check it as a separate bag. Being able to stand in your tent is neat, but it makes everything else about it less convenient.

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For sleeping pads, check out the Thermarest Venture. It's got the same tech as the high-end thermarest pads, but it's square and has no insulation built in which makes it much cheaper. It IS however a 2inch inflatable pad made of high quality very tough materials and unless you are pitching your tent directly over snow, it's plenty warm. It also folds down to the size of a nalgene bottle and weighs about a pound.

I would also seriously look into getting a good pillow. No camping gear is going to be as supportive as your bed at home, so you really want a good pillow. The Trekology is an amazing deal for 13.50 right now. I went with a Thermarest airhead becaus I like a little padding. But seriously, Nobody regrets having a good pillow.

Sleeping pads are just so personal and there are a million different kinds for everyone. Really it's just going to depend on how much you are willing to spend and what makes you feel comfortable.

For packs: 50l is a big pack. I carry everything I need to live for four days in a 48l pack. Depending on the design it may or may not be considered a carry-on.

Most certainly. I used to be able to fit everything into 1 pack. Nowadays I check 2 bags, 1 being a cooler stuffed with some things.

My pack is 65L Gregory Baltoro. Big Items I have are: Tent(REI Half Dome Plus), sleeping pad, backpacking chair, backpacking pillow, extra pair of shoes, and canopy. Keep in mind most of my stuff is all lightweight-ish backpacking gear.

Its usually plenty warm at night that I don't bring a full sleeping bag, just a sleeping bag liner.

In the bottom of the pack where the sleeping bag would usually go I pack the sleeping pad (usually a lil extra room down there to stuff some socks or undies). Then I take my tent poles and canopy poles and slide them on the inside of the bag along one of the sides. Chair goes in vertically alongside it, along with pillow. Then fill in with my clothes. The Baltoro is awesome cause it is both top loading and front loading so I have access to everything as if it was a suitcase(but the packing should be near the same if you have just a top loader.

I try to pack as minimal as I can with clothes. For a 3 day music fest I usually have 5-6 shirts(some are pretty light linen type shirts, 2-3 pair shorts, 4 sock, 4 boxers, and hoodie/lightweight windbreaker. Fashion has never been my strong suit.

Pack all that in there. Once all that packed, just cram your tent in from the top pushing it in every nook and cranny you can. Bunch it in every crevice. You'd be surprised ho well it can fit in a backpack when you don't worry about folding it. Then I would dod the same with the canopy. Usually still had enough room on the top for a pair of size 13 shoes too. All my toiletries/headlamp/etc could fit in the lid pockets and front pocket.

I also would have a small cooler bag I would take as my carry-on bag that way at the fest I could keep some food/drinks somewhat cold plus it gave me extra room to throw clothes/ water bottle/book etc for on the plane. I also have a packable backpack similar to this that I throw in there then use inside the festival.

Nowadays, since I get 2 free checked bags(Southwest or Alaska) I can take a few more luxury items like a blanket to lay on, some fun lil toys and trinkets for fest,andf I cram those and the canopy into a full size cooler and duct tape that up and count that as a checked bag. AS long as its under 50lbs its the same as any other bag and I have a full cooler of drinks and food.

I buy almost all of my meals inside the venue. Most of the food I have at camp is just snacks type things like trail mix, meat cheese crackers, etc. that I pick up from the store on my way out to venue along with beer and plenty of boxed wine. Thesecollapsible pouches barely take up any room and can hold a bunch of wine to sneak in!

All in all, I'd say lay out everything you WANT to take and do a test run to see how much you can fit in your bag. Then if its a lil tight, take it all out and eliminate 1-2 things that you might be able to do without. My 1 luxury item is my chair. It feels so good to be able to sit in a chair vs the ground after standing or sitting all day in the fest.

My first couple times trying to pack everything I couldn't fit it, but after restructuring things around a few times I was able to get it all in, albeit heavy and uncomfortable, but I wasn't;'t hiking in so just was just uncomfortable for the small times i was lugging it in.

Hope that helps. I'm happy to answer any more questions you may have too. Thats just the stuff off the top of my head.

Thanks! I’ll check out that trail. I’m hoping to do a few hikes through the spring/summer to prep for the hike and go from there to see if I’ll be confident in doing the hike.

I plan on doing at least 2 over night hikes to test my gear... which I have yet to buy but will purchase the things I need in the new year (you never know I may change my mind and that’s a lot of gear to buy)... I found the following online...

sleeping bag, pillow, tent, cook set, backpack , and cooking stove

Of course I’ll have my clothing, food and toiletries. I’m hoping to be as lightweight as possible. Any gear suggestions would be great, I’m also ok with crossing the boarder to get a good deal... I’m a Winnipeger after all, I’m cheap! Lol

I've got this pillow and it's frankly awesome. I'd use it at home if I wasn't afraid of our cats clawing it. I've used it on airplanes, during trips, etc. and it's really really comfy (and packs up tiny!).

Tarps work, but they're heavy and take up lots of room. The actual hammock rain-flys aren't all that much quieter really, but they do help you go further while carrying a pack. Honestly, a tarp would probably be more useful for a range of things (since you can throw it on the ground and walk on it, use it to move leaves, or drag/cover firewood, etc).

But most of my experience is just multi-day hiking, so I haven't had much experience trying to set up camp with a tarp outside of car camping. They work great for that! Though the only time I've had an opportunity to use a hammock while car camping, I've always also had an ez-up so I just drag that over the hammock because I'm lazy and like the extra room.

hey man welcome to bushcrafting so far you have a pretty decent list but i'd like to give you suggestions from what I learned throughout the years.

knife- good choice for chopping and batoning but too much blade to use whittling and making small cuts. generally you want to use either large blade/small blade or axe/ small blade combos.

backpack- 65L is very overkill unless your doing 5 day+ with clothing for every day. I would suggest something in the range of 45L max.

compass- do you know the area your going to or do you really know how to use it? I know every person says to just have one just in case but if they already know their terrain or dont even know how to use the dang thing its just wasting space.

ferro rod- generally stay away from things like multi use gear. also just from my experience you want a long rod (5"+) for more surface area to generate more sparks for an easier chance to catch fire.


pillow- I would not use hammock pillows for on ground sleeping. they're extremely small and have almost no support on the count of your body is in a curling position in a hammock. I would suggest something like an inflatable pillow for you to adjust for your support and then covering it with something like a shemagh or t-shirt.


first aid- your going to get more cuts, scrapes and burns so I would buy extra of that stuff, but I would also add some quick clot just for the off chance of having a serious injury out in the field. and also some moleskin for your feet and pain relievers. and dont forget sunscreen.


now for some additions for your gear loadout.

saw and stay away from those stupid hand chainsaws


cooking vessal


cowhide gloves


Again; welcome and I hope you enjoy yourself and grow with your errors out in the field.

Where do you sit when there aren't stumps and rocks? How do you illuminate your campsite when you can't build a fire? If you're a side sleeper and a light packer, where do you put your head?

A shovel serves very little purpose when the same can be done with a stick. You're making a poop hole, not a fox hole. I've never seen someone bring a shovel hiking for that purpose.

This is my electric lantern. It's less than 4" tall and puts out a lot of light. With cordage, you can hang it over your campsite and have an overhead light. Especially useful when camping where there are fire bans (which is very common for me). I don't think another tool can recreate this, so it's a necessity imo.

An inflatable pillow like this weighs less than 3 oz and packs up to the size of a shot glass. Pretty much non-existent in a pack and is a must-have for me.

A camp chair is certainly a luxury item, but the one I use weighs about 1 lb. I am able to squeeze it where trekking poles would go if I packed them. You make a fair point about this one, but if there isn't anything to sit on where you camp, then it's a pretty necessary thing to have. It's a little redundant since I bring a hammock, but there's no guarantee I'll be able to find trees that I can hang a hammock on in camp. And you'd be very lucky to stumble across a few perfect sitting stumps or large rocks at a backwoods campsite.

Those items hardly even compare to a shovel in terms of bulk and usefulness.

Do it!!!! Take advantage of this amazing opportunity. But take care of yourself.

I recently went on my first vacation since my accident and had the same worries and similar travel times. I did mounds of research (so many hours) on what to use to get more comfortable. Here are my top fave products. I used them all. All deflated or rolled super small and my husband loved them too. I didn’t look like a freak with too many airplane gadgets. Good luck!!!

Obligatory disclaimer: this is all my opinion, not trying to push products, I don’t benefit from this in any way.

butt cushion
neck pillow
multi use pillow thingy

Hey! So I found my scrappy little pack list I had before I left. Hope this helps at all :)

• Bring strapless bra
  
• Underwater camera!!!!!!
  
• Download Hola (hola.org) this one!!! This is GREAT for watching shows abroad
  
• Health Insurance - World Nomads
  
• Power of attorney
  
  
• Berry Plus Laundry Detergent
  
• 4x (2 boxes)
  
• Contact Solution
  
• Tampons (lots)
  
• Lancome Mascara
  
• MAC powder
  
• Revlon Eyeliner 2x
  
• Eye drops
  
• Watch (you don't want to be pulling out your phone to tell the time)
  
• Electrolyte packets
  
• Tennis shoes
  
• New sandals
  
• Gear Ties
  
• Clothing line
  
• Universal Sink Stopper
  
• Deck of cards
  
• Journal
  
• Packing Cubes
  
• Kindle
  
• Adapters
  
• Quick dry towel
  
• Memory cards
  
• Ear plugs
  
• Sleep Mask
  
• SF refrigerator magnets for hosts
  
• Alarm clock (Don't use your phone - not good to leave out)
  
• Headlamp
  
• Bamboo utensils
  
• Carabiner
  
• iPad with Logitech keyboard case
  
• Good head phones
  
• Anti-malaria pills
  
• Pepto bismol
  
• Cipro
  
• Advil
  
• Pink eye eye drops (you never know!)
  
• Sleeping pills
  
• Small brush
  
• Toilettry Bag
  
• Rain jacket
  
• Fleece
  
• kleen canteen
  
• Combo padlocks (combo better than key - if you lose the key you're screwed)
  
• Sun dress
  
• New Tivas? - Take old tivas to cobbler
  
• Bottle opener
  
• Scarf
  
• Combo+wire cord to tie the backpack to a bed
  
• Sea to Summit Mini Backpack
  
• Manicuring scissors/file/tweezers
  
• Steripod Toothbrush cover
  
• Toothbrush
  
• Mini First Aid Kit
  
• Razors (gotta stay fresh!)
  
• Shampoo & Conditioner
  
• Flats
  
• Mini Sewing Kit
  
• Hand sanitizer
  
• Epipen
  
• Neosporin
  
• Ziplock baggies (big and small)
  
• Face lotion (x3)
  
• New Bra/undies
  
• Flip flops for showers (old navy)
  
• Super glue
  
• Cliff bars
  
• New Jeans
  
• Backpack - Osprey Waypoint 85
  
• Backpack rain cover
  
• Mini umbrella
  
• Dry Bag
  
• Stuff sack for laundry
  
• Shoe bags
  
• Grocery Bag
  
• Leather strap over purse
  
• Kleenex
  
• Q-tips
  
• Deoderant
  
• Hair ties
  
• Shower gel
  
• Pajamas
  
• Travel Pillow
  
• Sleep sack
  
• tent?
  
  
• Check contact prescription
  
• New glasses
  
• Check up
  
• Get immunizations - yellow immunizations card!
  
• Get a youth card through STA (see 13 ways link above)
  
  
• India
  
• Vietnam
  
• (Dual citizen to Spain - don't need visa for Brazil)
  

• (-13.65oz, free) Drop the sleeping bag liner. If you do need one and have cash, silk liners weigh roughly half of the cotton one.
  
• (-16.58oz, free) Mark the trekking poles as worn provided you use them while walking.
  
• (-8.29oz, free) Switch the tritan water bottles for smart water bottles (roughly 1.5oz each).
  
• (-2.19oz, free) Mark the hand sanitizer as consumable. Also, consider taking way less. One ounce should be sufficient for a few day trip.
  
• (-0.25oz, free) Chlorine tablets should be consumable provided you use them throughout the trip.
  
• (-2.58oz, free) Sunscreen should be consumable provided you use it throughout the trip. Also consider how much you need for a 3-4 day trip.
  
  With this, your base weight has been reduced by 44.55oz (2.78lbs) for free.
  
  If you have cash, consider these changes (all USD):
  
  
• (-1.17oz, ~$12) Switch the camp pillow to a Trekology UL Dreamer. The Big Sky Dream Sleeper UL Pillow is also a lighter option, though more expensive.
  
• (-2.69o, ~$17) Switch that plastic trowel for a Deuce of Spades. Note, some colors are cheaper than others.
  
  = 3.86oz for $29.
  
  Additionally, cutting on your big 4 will have huge weight savings.
  
  
• The backpack could be converted to a 16oz Mountain Laurel Designs Prophet 48L which would save roughly 2lbs alone.
  
• The tent could be converted to a Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape and a Serenity innernet for 21oz. Even less if you go with a bivy. This would save ~26.73oz with the tent + innernet.
  
• The sleeping bag could be switched for a quilt from enlightened equipment, UGQ, or other distributors. This could easily save between 1-2lbs.
  
  Also, what clothes are you wearing? Mark those as worn if they are already in lighterpack!

Here are a few suggestions to get lighter - I've tried to put them in order of how easy/cheap they are:

Don't Bring This Stuff

1. Reduce cookware. Many people rehydrate meals, eliminating the need for cutting boards and knives etc.
   
   
2. Sleeping bag liner
   
   
3. Spark firestarter
   
   
4. Phone and charger (this one is a personal choice, I find I can do without)
   
   Replace This Stuff
   
   
5. Replace Kleen Kanteen with Smartwater bottle - $1 for ~7oz savings, cheap plastic water bottles are more durable than you'd think, and you've got a backup in case you have problems. I'd eventually replace the vapur with a lighter softbottle, too, to save another 2.5 oz.
   
   
6. Replace pillow with lighter version, like [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Naturehike-Portable-Inflatable-Pillow-Protective/dp/B01C6YXJ0A) $10, 7 oz
   
   
7. Your pot set is also quite heavy. I'm not sure how many people you're cooking for, but if it's just you, I'd get a 500mL-1.0L titanium pot (there are many brands) for $35, saving ~25 oz
   
   
8. If you're looking to go very light, I'd recommend making an alcohol stove. This will weigh about 1 oz including windscreen and fuel storage, so a savings of 9.6oz for $1 plus some time to punch the holes
   
   
9. Get some lighter sweatpants (or don't take them unless you need them)
   
   Big 3 - Now things start getting more expensive
   
   
10. Replace the pack with something that's about 2 lbs (there are a million recommendations on this) $175 - 40 oz saved. If you do mostly weekend trips, and you're also going to get a new shelter/sleep system, you could try this bag which is a clone of the REI flash 30, for $30.
    
    
11. Replace your shelter with a tarp system - there are many choices here, will save you about 24oz for $150-250 depending on what you choose. You should ditch the footprint now, even if you stick with the same tent
    
    
12. Replace your sleeping bag with a quilt (Enlightened Equipment are well-reviewed, but there are other good options as well). $250, 12oz savings
    
    
13. Replace your sleeping pad with a Neoair Xlite, $100, 7oz savings
    
    I don't think the last two are worth doing, especially given your current system.

I'm doing my first camp in a long time next week with the scouts too. We are in Utah, but expect 30s overnight.

I am taking a cot, with an insulated sleeping pad, and a 0° bag. My son is fine in his 0° bag in a hammock, he's done a few at this temp without being too cold (even without an underquilt or pad).

I'm also a side sleeper, and feel too tight in mummy bags. I picked up a Teton Sports Polara bag, it was a little cheaper a month ago when I bought it. It's really nice. I tested it out with the cot and insulated pad, and it was very comfortable. It has a built in fleece liner that won't get all twisted because it clips and zips into the bag. They unzip fully, so you can get 2 and make a double bag. You can remove the fleece liner for warmer weather.

I will also be trying out an inflatable pillow for between my legs instead of a body pillow.

Check with your local REI store, see if they have a garage sale between now and the camp. You can get lots of stuff at about 70% off. I got my insulated stratus pad for $20 that's normally $100. Klymit makes a decent one that's well reviewed on Amazon and cheap.

Because I am rusty with camping, and getting involved with the local scouts, I will be camping more in the future, but have little to no supplies. I'm building my new supplies now. I have been reading a lot of Outdoor Gear Lab reviews, I like their reviews, they compare different brands instead of just reviewing one product at a time. That's what lead me to the Polara sleeping bag. They also usually have a budget pick.

I have the Sea to Summit Aeros and the nature hike knock off this one Honestly the knock is pretty decent, the blow up valve and the covering are not as nice as the seat to summit but other wise it's perfectly adequate and still light weight at 3oz.

I loved using just a tarp on the PCT for 2017. I cowboy camped unless weather was rolling in or if it was super cold. I had no bivy and never felt the need for one, my 8’x10” tarp was plenty! I had a EE 20 degree revelation and was toasty, perfect quilt for the PCT. I’d consider picking up sea to summit bug net shelter only 3oz. I used that when the bugs came out as a stand alone. I’d cut the pad in half, then you can get the other half sent when the first one is flatted out, two for the price of one! Good luck on trail! http://www.seatosummitusa.com/product/?item=Nano+Mosquito+Pyramid+Net+Shelter&o1=0&o2=0&o3=131
Light pillow idea, just slide buff over it
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00Y4TVJCG/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Agreed - one of my daughters and I have Trekology's and they've worked great for a few years, not to mention they're $15 (if they're not on sale) and 3.4 oz. I bought a different brand for a "Lightning Deal" on Amazon and it lasted for two trips, so the Trekology's seem to have better QC.

I did branch out and buy a different pillow for my daughter whose off-brand pillow failed. It has a fuzzy covering on one side for a slight weight penalty, 4 oz. total. She loves the comfort, so we'll see if the durability is any better: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BTKDBCD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Besides an improvement in speech did you notice an improvement in running or anything?

Do you think this one would be good?

http://smile.amazon.com/Super-thick-Flocking-Fabric-Inflatable-Portable/dp/B00Z5FJB14/ref=sr_1_1

What are those percentages?

Thanks!

Well, not quite under 2 oz but this one is super cheap and quite comfy. The surface is decently comfy but stick a Buff over it and it's even better.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071FQJV82/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Just wanted to say that naturehike makes a good inflatable pillow. I own it and have used it about 15 nights in the last year and love it. cost me 13 dollars and with prime shipped free.

https://www.amazon.com/Naturehike-Portable-Inflatable-Pillow-Protective/dp/B01C6YXJ0A

Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow
Love this pillow. I've got wide shoulders and I'm a side sleeper. I have the large and it fits me great.

Super awesome lightweight inflatable pillow.

The MSR HH NX is a very nice tent, very well made and livable. It is kinda narrow though. Overall, I really enjoy using it when conditions aren't right for a hammock.

2015 Wishlist:

TAR Xtherm

Osprey Exos 58

MH Ghost Whisperer

STS Aeros Premium Pillow

Geigerrig Hydration Bladder

Also in the market for a decent camera if anyone has any suggestions?

NO WD-40! Breakfree CLP is your best bet cause you can get it almost anywhere. I use Froglube or Seal nowadays and they both work great.

I use

Trekology DREAMER COMFORT Ultralight Inflating Travel / Camping Air Pillows (green) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071FQJV82/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_-rLVAbDJESMR5

It's pretty cheap $15 and only 2.75 ounces. I've only used it twice, but I really like it so far

I've never used the wipes. You may want to buy them here to try them for less:

http://www.bladehq.com/item--FrogLube-CLP-Wipes--15888

On amazon, I think this is the jar I have:

http://www.amazon.com/Frog-Lube-Liquid-Bottle-4-Ounce/dp/B00579HNK4

I mostly use the stuff on firearms, but it seems to work great on knives and it's food safe.

Edit: whoops, screwed up a link, I'll find the right one.

Trekology DREAMER COMFORT Ultralight Inflating Travel / Camping Air Pillows (orange) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072M4M4VT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1zPWAbVZV5T5S

These often go on lightning deal for $11-13. Good pillows and comparable to higher end versions.

I use the FlexAir from Litesmith. $7 for a three pack. It weighs 0.88 oz on my scale. I use the pillow stuffed into my empty clothes stuffsack and throw my puffy in there as well. The down jacket combo on top makes the pillow less "bouncy" and is nice and soft. Only used this setup a couple times but I like it more than the knockoff S2S from Naturehike I used to use.
Edit: added weight

This one has worked really well for me. I initially bought it for my wife when she went to Peru this summer and I've used it on several backpacking trips already this fall. It is light and packs down pretty small.

Dear Sir, I would like to talk to you about our Lord and Savior, FrogLube... It's expensive but everything it touches will smell minty fresh and you won't attract any unwanted attention - at least from the neighbors.

Your wife might steal some to use as hand lotion.

I use this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071FQJV82/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I had bought a cheaper inflatable pillow but it was just uncomfortable. Your mileage may vary, but I refuse to sacrifice a good nights sleep to save an ounce or two. I also have the Nemo Disco sleeping bag which is made for side sleepers over the traditional mummy bag. It weighs a little more, but I can toss and turn, roll over on my stomach, or sleep on my side.

I can’t camp without my trekology pillow! Only 2.8 oz and amazon has it for $13 right now!

In the spirit of ultra-light, this camping pillow just weighs 4 ounces!

Leisure Co Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow -

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BTKDBCD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XjWIBbP68FQ5A

I recently was intrigued by the trtl pillow, although I haven't tried it yet. linky

Currently I have this one and I like it because it's super compact, but I'm not sure how effective it is for sleeping on coach.

You can actually order one from Amazon now: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072M4M4VT

But but Kek...

https://www.amazon.com/Frog-Lube-14706-FrogLube-Liquid/dp/B00579HNK4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1492252705&sr=8-2&keywords=frog+lube

https://www.amazon.com/Frog-Lube-14706-FrogLube-Liquid/dp/B00579HNK4 I use this about once every 6 months and then open and close it like 20 times and wipe up and mess.

https://www.amazon.com/Therm-a-Rest-6434-Travel-Cushion/dp/B00HANW9FY/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=therm-a-rest+seat&qid=1556067571&s=gateway&sr=8-5

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072M4M4VT/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/FROGLUBE-Brand-PREMIUM-Lubricant-Liquid/dp/B003ZW0LXQ 4oz liquid and 4 oz paste for under $35

EDIT: cheaper
http://www.amazon.com/Frog-Lube-Liquid-Bottle-4-Ounce/dp/B00579HNK4
http://www.amazon.com/Froglube-Paste-Cleaner-Lubricant-Protectant/dp/B004FOV89E

Sea To Summit Aeros Premium Pillow

I run into the same problem.

I bought the NatureHike knock-off of a Sea-to-Summit Pillow but supplement it with my pack brain underneath.

For reference: at home I sleep with two very firm pillows stacked on top of one-another.

No stuff sack or rolled-up piece of clothing is going to have the density to be a pillow substitute for me.