If even more "lightweight" is the goal for cold and colder weather, I would purchase the 850-fill down Nunatuk Arc Edge, for example, to pair with a hooded "belay" down jacket, and, if cold wet weather may be anticipated, I would pair a MontBell U.L. Thermawrap Jacket or warmer with an enLIGHTened equipment Provident quilt or Epiphany XP quilt if colder weather is anticipated.

The "ultralightweight" sleeping system I would choose, would be to pair one of the enLIGHTened "top bag" quilts with a JRB "Down to Earth" Pad Converter and Cascade Designs NeoAir Medium and add the Gossamer Gear ThinLight insulation pad and the Suluk46 folding plastizote Padded Frame Sheet under it all in cold, and in colder weather with the addition of a PolarWrap PolarPad or two.

If "minimalism" is the goal at temperatures down to 40° F, I pack a REI travel pocketable shoulder sling bag in a Lowepro Inverse 200 AW or Lowe Alpine Mesa Runner beltpack.

My "minimalist" gear inside is the Adventure Medical Kits Thermo-Lite 2.0 Bivvy and a merino first layer, to be used with the hiking clothing I wear every day.

I also put in my warm hat and "extra socks" for warm dry socks.

I also have room for the MLD Caldera UL Compact and MLD 850 ml Pot with UST WetFire Tinder, a mini BIC lighter and packets for hot or cold meals.

I have a thin woolen bicycling jersey, for the long zip, high neck, and back packets where I can put two "hand warmer" packets if I could get dangerously cold. I have not had to use the "hand warmer" packets, but I have them.

I do use my synthetic fill vest and I wrap my knees loosely with my jacket. If not wet, I wear everything I have. I cover my head with my beanie hat.

I have the PSolar mask because it takes up little space in my pack. It does not restrict my breathing, even with exertion.

If I feel really cold, I use one of the rebreather masks so my warmth does not escape with each breath, add condensation moisture inside the bivvy, tent, or tarp shelter, or get any part of my sleep system wet.

If you like, choose the PolarWrap Warm Air Mask or Full Head Cover or ExchangerII.

The Adventure Medical Kits Thermo-Lite 2.0 Bivvy may also be used as effectively a reflector of a small warming fire instead.

I did say "minimalist". This "minimalism" is survivalism.

The 2.5 oz Heatsheets Emergency Blanket could be a warming fire reflector, as well.

I wear my beltpack anyway. It is Lowepro Inverse 200 AW camera bag. I have an inexpensive very small digital camera inside. I also have the Lowe Alpine Mesa Runner beltpack.

Either way, with everything together I do have the essentials and food and water to be outside overnight in 40 F weather, wind and rain or wet and cold, with reasonable comfort and reasonable safety.

The ultralight gear has improved so much, you might as well be more comfortable and use the best ultralight gear, instead of the minimalist "emergency gear" and have the pack at the workplace and in your car in a duffle or even in a pilot's sturdy "helmet bag".

I would still use the same items, except I would have an enLIGHTened equipment Epiphany XP down quilt and a small NeoAir air mattress, because they pack small. I would still bring the Adventure Medical Kits Thermo-Lite 2.0 Bivvy because it opens at the feet, for ventilation, and it would provide shelter from wind and rain.

Many of the tarp shelters designed recently may be more comfortable, however, in a terrific storm a bivy or a snow cave will provide a more certain shelter.

I regard my tarp shelters and tents as refined luxury, not one of the essentials of shelter. Of course, I like all of my lightweight luxurous shelters. They provide a camping-out experience that is enjoyable.

I have my pack ready-to-go in a zippered "station wagon" bag in my vehicle.

My tarp shelter, or one of my tents, are readily available as an "option".

For kayaking, I have kayak appropriate clothing consisting of dry-jacket and 4-way stretch lined neoprene bottoms, a lined neoprene cap and I use Warmers gloves or pogies to protect my hands, in addition, of course, my Type III kayak rescue life vest, helmet, paddle leash, safety line, safety strobe and "dive knife".

I like Pearl Izumi Amphib tights for the chance of cold water immersion on hot days on the water, and Patagonia's rated Wetsuits perform as advertised. I would rather rely on a full dry suit and separate insulating layers for the coldest temperatures.

For canoe or kayak camping, if trees are convenient, I would try a hammock sleep system, starting with a relatively inexpensive Grand Trunk UL Travel hammock and adding the JRB Mt Washington 3 Convertible underquilt system one piece at a time.

I would not use a hammock system for backpacking. I have been following the forums with interest, reading every word. One person purchased all the most highly recommended gear for lightweight and for the temperatures, and decided to carry tent, pad, and sleeping bag, instead, because it was more lightweight and easier to carry than the weight and bulk of the hammock system. Then, I ran into a conflict over asking questions about a more lightweight system and that person refunded the money before I could get answers. He even made a comment he is so busy with orders. I bet he is. I wonder: will they be told they are "cold sleepers"? At any rate, I will not be able to give a report about a promising new system: the IX UQ except to say people are not providing sufficient facts. When there is any substance whatsoever, it seems the people involved think they need to add more to fix the problems they encounter with it, and seem not concerned with their expenditures of time and money, nor weight and volume for backpacking.

I am saying, I am not convinced hammocks are more lightweight and warmer. In fact, I am convinced hammocks allow cold air and air movement all around you, requiring more insulation, more gear, and more layers of protection from the elements.

That said, a hammock system does have a place in my gear for kayaking rocky shores (with trees) and for rough terrain.

I have recently taken up bicycle touring, many years since the last. I don't need to pack as much gear, now, and I can pack much more food.

All of these things are discussed in more detail, along with more examples of products, on other pages. There are over 100 printed pages here, with many pages of information hiding in text links.

The Site Map is a help.

I have started a new page with pictures of the gear I carry.