I’ve had an absolute overkill vault for years and intend to switch to a sack (obvs unless the area has aggressive bears and/or the park specifies vaults are required).
What would you add as a luxury item to take up the newly available weight and volume? Currently leaning towards a lightweight backpacking chair. Getting up off the ground and having a backrest after a long days backpacking sounds great.
I have a 36L bag, so the vault takes up A LOT of the volume. And I shoot for midweight, say <20lbs dry weight.
Option 2, but vetoed by my frequent adventure buddy, was harmonicas for some nighttime jams. I can’t play harmonica, so backwoods camp seemed like a good place to practice.
I would just enjoy the less weight, enjoy the hike more. You already have everything you need.
I’m all about enjoying less weight, but I agree also with looking into a backpacking chair from helinox or equivalent. I have an REI brand chair and it’s totally worth the weight for me. Absolute luxury in the trial!
Enjoy having a lighter pack or get a https://www.rei.com/product/148036/rei-co-op-flexlite-air-chair or https://www.rei.com/product/158004/helinox-chair-zero. They are essentially the same but sit slightly different so if you have the option it’s worth trying them out in store.
I love my Helinox chair! My husband loves his Big Agnes chair.
An ultralight chair, since you no longer have a heavy round one.
I always recommend a chair for comfort. I carry one and a bv500. I use the bv to prepare my food on like a little table when I sit in my little sportneer chair.
