Multi-day Sleeping Bag/Tent System... lightweight

I'm planning to switch my sleeping bag/tent system for week-long mid winter ski trips and get a set up that's lightweight. I ski in the Coast Mountains and North Cascades. Just wondering if people have used any of this stuff and have comments or have alternate suggestions.<br><br>Thanks,<br>Matt<br><br>The goods:<br><br>Marmot Lithium Sleeping Bag -18°C/0°F<br>Therm-a-Rest ProLite 4 sleeping pad<br>5 mm Yello Ensolite Bivy Pad from MEC (to bring R value up to 3.88)<br>Inegral Designs MK1 XL (light floor option, carbon poles, eVent fabric option)<br><br>This will bring my sleeping system weight up to 2770 g (splitting the tent weight between two people)<br><br>I could also switch the MK1 tent for:<br>Black Diamond Mega Light<br>Mont Bell Breeze Dry-Tec Ultralight Bag Cover<br><br>But the sleeping system weight would be 2486 g (splitting the mega mid weight between three people). It's not much of a weight saving and there is quite an increase in set up work.<br><br>I'm not planning on getting the vestibule for the MK1 so there will be the downside of difficulty cooking in stormy weather. I also have a slight concern regarding condensation in the MK1 given the maritime climate here and heavy, wet snowfalls, but I think I can make it work for me. Obviously the Mega light weight would be a bit lighter with 4 people.

The only thing I can give an opinion on is the Therm-a-Rest Pro lite 4 pad. I have had mine for a little over a year and love it. It's way more comfy than my Mt Hardware pad. <br><br>Aaron <br><br>

Matosan-<br>Here's a link to some info that may help you decide what you want.<br> www.turns-all-year.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB...splay;num=1118076639 <br><br>This is a good time of the year to do that shopping. Most online and store retailers are dumping their stock.<br> <br>I have yet to commit to my tent purchase.<br>Finalist are:<br>BD Lighthouse-Light Tent for single efforts and couples. Still a little costly.<br><br>REI Gimme Shelter is offered at $80 for a shelter w/floor.<br><br>Hilleberg-Nallo GT 2-3 Person for the group effort. Great tent at 5.5 to 6.5 lbs. It is not freestanding, but offers loads of space in the vestibule. Especially cool to snow camp and create a living space in the vestibule. Price is a factor vs. amount of use for me.<br><br>Good Luck<br>Joe<br><br>

After three years of hemming and hawing I bought the Lithium bag this past spring. I've only had it out a few times, as spring quickly turned to summer and it became too hot for such a steamy bag. That said, I'm rather pleased with the purchase. It's half the weight and pack-down size of my old cold-weather bag, and yet warmer with its 900-fill down. This is certain to come in handy in these colder months given I'm a cold sleeper. On top of it all, I find it rather comfortable - though admittedly my hulking 6', 140lb. frame doesn't max out its dimensions. <br><br>While there's cheaper, only slightly heavier alternatives, I don't think you'd be unhappy with it in the least.

REI Gimme Shelter is offered at $80 for a shelter w/floor.<br><br>Hilleberg-Nallo GT 2-3 Person for the group effort. Great tent at 5.5 to 6.5 lbs. It is not freestanding, but offers loads of space in the vestibule. Especially cool to snow camp and create a living space in the vestibule. Price is a factor vs. amount of use for me.<br>

<br><br>I have the Gimme Shelter. It's a pretty good deal compared to a BetaMid. Basically you get the floor and sil-nylon material option for free. I have no expereince with it for long term camping ... I think it would be pretty stuffy, but it sure is light and packs small. I would have preferred a shape more like an old school pup tent, with poles at either end instead of in the middle .. it's easy to knock into them when you're moving around inside.<br><br>For a tunnel tent like the Hilleberg, check out the Exped Sirius. They have it at the OR factory store on 1st, near the Starbucks building. Retails for ~300 (350 for lightweight version) and fits 2-3 people comfortably.