Light and Cheap, under $20
Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2018 12:13 am
Since there's been a few threads lately on gear and weight, I thought I'd start a thread to share ideas. I'd like to focus on simple, creative ideas and keep the "under $20" in it and avoid a broader discussion of (expensive) ultra light gear--there's plenty of that all over the web. So here's some of my favorites to start:
- Polycro ground cloth, 1.5 oz for a 2 person tent. It's the window shrink film insulation you can get at a hardware store. Doesn't last forever, but you should be able to get at least a few trips out of one if you're careful. Quiet, unlike Tyvek. $7.50 for 62x210" will get you 2, maybe 3.
- Polycro tarp, 4 oz for 5x7'. Used the included double-sided tape along the edges, then taped wide nylon washers to the corners and centers for grommets/tie outs (used wide reinforced 3M packing tape). Worked well when staked out over a line and stood up to a moderate breeze. Was also great as a clear windbreak in a shelter without blocking the view. I can't find the site I used, but if you search polycro tarp you'll get ideas. I've only used it on 1 trip, so can't say how long it may last, but I was impressed with how sturdy it felt.
- Lightload Towels for towel and washcloth, .5 oz for 12x24". Kinda like a reusable paper towel, but super absorbent and very quick drying. I've dried my 6' 200+ lb body with a 12x24 (mostly, barely, good enough for me) after a dip in the lake. $6.25 for 3 - 12x24, but they do come in different sizes including a beach towel size. They can be washed and reused, but again won't last forever--2 or 3 trips for me. Also great for wiping down condensation and supposed to work as emergency tinder.
- (re)Fillable cosmetic tubes or tottles for small quantities of liquids or lotions. I got frustrated trying to find small tubes and bought a bunch of 1/2 oz refillable tottles. Have used for camp soap, vaseline (fun to fill
), suntan lotion, bug dope, ibuprofen, etc. when I want smaller quantities than you can buy. I bought a whole bag of 20 or something years ago for < $10--didn't want the actual cost to be less than the shipping! Mine weigh <.5 oz with a screw on flip cap.
- Pill pouches, like the tottles, great for small quantities of pills in the first aid kit, spices, and anything small and easy to lose. Basically a micro zip-lock. $1.50 for 50.
- Nite Ize #0 S-Biners, 2 gms. I use them everywhere, on anything I want to hang, and I like to string a line and hang everything. Smaller than the #1 size you can buy alone, I buy them as a key-ring set, $9 for 8 stainless biners. Not sure about the specs, but have shown no sign of failing with a couple pounds (don't hang my water bladder with them). They also have plastics ones, but I wouldn't trust them with any weight. Can be a little awkward because they're so small, but I'm OK with that.
- Firesteel and striker, 1 oz. Not necessarily a weight saver, but more reliable than matches, piezo lighters, and Bics--always works, can get wet, and doesn't run out. Use it exclusively for the stove. Have successfully started a fire once, just practicing (I do bring a small Bic too). $15 (Light My Fire Scout 2.0).
Go for it, love to hear your ideas!
- Polycro ground cloth, 1.5 oz for a 2 person tent. It's the window shrink film insulation you can get at a hardware store. Doesn't last forever, but you should be able to get at least a few trips out of one if you're careful. Quiet, unlike Tyvek. $7.50 for 62x210" will get you 2, maybe 3.
- Polycro tarp, 4 oz for 5x7'. Used the included double-sided tape along the edges, then taped wide nylon washers to the corners and centers for grommets/tie outs (used wide reinforced 3M packing tape). Worked well when staked out over a line and stood up to a moderate breeze. Was also great as a clear windbreak in a shelter without blocking the view. I can't find the site I used, but if you search polycro tarp you'll get ideas. I've only used it on 1 trip, so can't say how long it may last, but I was impressed with how sturdy it felt.
- Lightload Towels for towel and washcloth, .5 oz for 12x24". Kinda like a reusable paper towel, but super absorbent and very quick drying. I've dried my 6' 200+ lb body with a 12x24 (mostly, barely, good enough for me) after a dip in the lake. $6.25 for 3 - 12x24, but they do come in different sizes including a beach towel size. They can be washed and reused, but again won't last forever--2 or 3 trips for me. Also great for wiping down condensation and supposed to work as emergency tinder.
- (re)Fillable cosmetic tubes or tottles for small quantities of liquids or lotions. I got frustrated trying to find small tubes and bought a bunch of 1/2 oz refillable tottles. Have used for camp soap, vaseline (fun to fill
), suntan lotion, bug dope, ibuprofen, etc. when I want smaller quantities than you can buy. I bought a whole bag of 20 or something years ago for < $10--didn't want the actual cost to be less than the shipping! Mine weigh <.5 oz with a screw on flip cap.- Pill pouches, like the tottles, great for small quantities of pills in the first aid kit, spices, and anything small and easy to lose. Basically a micro zip-lock. $1.50 for 50.
- Nite Ize #0 S-Biners, 2 gms. I use them everywhere, on anything I want to hang, and I like to string a line and hang everything. Smaller than the #1 size you can buy alone, I buy them as a key-ring set, $9 for 8 stainless biners. Not sure about the specs, but have shown no sign of failing with a couple pounds (don't hang my water bladder with them). They also have plastics ones, but I wouldn't trust them with any weight. Can be a little awkward because they're so small, but I'm OK with that.
- Firesteel and striker, 1 oz. Not necessarily a weight saver, but more reliable than matches, piezo lighters, and Bics--always works, can get wet, and doesn't run out. Use it exclusively for the stove. Have successfully started a fire once, just practicing (I do bring a small Bic too). $15 (Light My Fire Scout 2.0).
Go for it, love to hear your ideas!
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