The seed for Dennis Radermacher’s love for the outdoors was planted during childhood vacations in the European Alps. In his mid-20s he rekindled this passion in New Zealand, and has been exploring the backcountry ever since. Challenged now by the indignities of middle age, Dennis has been trying to reduce his pack weight so it fits comfortably and he stays healthy in the great outdoors.
His pack base weight, including camera gear, is 9.3kg.
Pack
My Aarn Featherlite Freedom Pro with a capacity of 55L plus additional Balance Pockets provides my gear with a waterproof home. While it isn’t the lightest pack, it is comfortable and has saved me from a lot of pain over the years.
Footwear
Recently, I decided to give trail runners a chance. My Scott Supertrac 3 have surprised me in many ways, and I’m a lot less hesitant to wade through rivers now. Shoes dry out, boots don’t!
Clothes
I have recently added a Montbell Versalite rain jacket (190g), a Montbell Plasma 1000 down jacket (262g) and a Brynje Super Micro mesh undershirt. Combined with a Rab hoody, I am comfortable in a wide range of temperatures and have very little skin exposed to the sun.
Camera
I carry a Fujifilm X-T5 with a versatile XF16-55/2.8 lens, a 50cm tripod and radio remotes.
Navigation
I use my phone and a Garmin Epix II watch with Topo4GPS maps, and carry a backup map in my pack.
Safety
With a PLB, basic first-aid kit and SOL Emergency Bivy Bag I feel prepared for most situations.
Electronics
I carry a Nitecore NB10000 G2 power bank, which allows phone charging for reading and navigation, as well as giving my watch, camera and headlamp a boost.
Tent
The Durston Gear X-Mid 1 Solid hiking pole tent provides two vestibules, top vents, and an innovative asymmetric design for increased peak height. These are astonishing comfort features for a tent weighing under 1kg. I really enjoy how its Sil-Poly fly does not stretch when wet, and it’s surprisingly strong in high winds.
Sleep system
A Big Agnes Rapide SL 20 pad allows me to wake up refreshed rather than sore. Paired with a 950FP Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt rated to -6°, I get a lot of comfort per gram. These and my inflatable pillow together weigh 1360g.
Chair
My cheekiest item is a Helinox Chair Zero. I cannot begin to describe the joy of being comfortable while eating and enjoying the views. It’s worth its 550g weight in gold!
Cooking
The tiny, cheap BRS-3000T (25g) is sufficient for my needs. Combined with a 650ml titanium pot (73g) and a 3D-printed adapter that mounts a custom 50g gas canister to my tripod, my cooking system weighs next to nothing.
Hydration
I love my Hydrapak Shape Shifter 3L for the versatility it provides. An ultralight Befree water filter connects directly into it through a 3D-printed adapter.
