6—What region and seasons do you usually hike in? Do you have any trips planned that don't fit that mold? Pacific NW from Southern OR to Olympic National Park and everything in between, three-season hiking. No out-of-the-norm trips have been planned.

8 - Do you have any anxieties or uncertainties about ultralight gear (e.g., tarps instead of tents, quilts instead of mummy bags, etc.)? How big a plunge are you willing to take? I'm not willing to sleep in a manner that could have me wake up with rodents pulling out my hair for nesting material or squirrels using me as part of their running path. I'm a little nervous about being in the pitch black dark in the middle of the forest with no one around. I am considering taking some LED lights to calm my nerves on the first night out there.

Location/temp range/specific trip description: (Insert response here) Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon / 47-73 F Sunny and primarily clear evening at 4,000 ft elevation/ Up to a 7-mile hike out and back. 2120' start elevation up to 3,960 maximum elevation. This hike is entirely in the forest. Most of it winds along a small river with several creeks that flow into it. I've heard the trail may be overgrown with a down tree or two. I'm very familiar with the first 1.4 miles of the trail. I have not gone beyond that. There are seven small stream crossings. There are also a couple of great swimming holes in the river that the trail runs along.

My goal Base weight (BPW) is 5 lbs. BPW would be awesome eventually, but less than 8.99 lbs. would be exciting without going stupid light. Next spring, my goal is to be able to trail run and go fast packing.

Budget: $100 before my next trip out. $1,000 before next spring to reach 5 lbs.

Non-negotiable Items: Any personal hygiene or safety item, Garmin, Shower to Go, Dawn dish soap (it removes bear spray)

Solo or with another person?: solo at first, w/later hike in a group and with others

Additional Information: This is my first overnight backpacking trip. There are many spots to fill up and filter water on this hike, so I will not need a third liter of water storage. My first aid kit is yet to be put together. Still, II will be taking Leukotape P, gauze, tape, tums, anti-diarrhea, benedryl, Flonase, antihistamine #2, inhaler x 2, spacer, tweezers, safety pin, personal meds x 1, 10-gram ziplock back to put it all into. Maximum weight limit on this med kit will be 4 oz.

Lighterpack Link: https://lighterpack.com/r/m311sn