>>855061I am U.S. Army Ret. bullet catcher who has been camping and bivouacking for about 30 years; all over the globe. Your 'What Grinds My Gears' assessment is pretty spot on, especially with regard to the military equipment. The military is amazingly good at throwing money at things that are amazingly inefficient then ordering everyone around them to suffer. Generally, issued equipment is over engineered, poorly selected materials, awkward and heavy. Examples would be essentials: tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, backpack/ruck sack.
I have four tents; two that are 4-season and two that are 3-season (all are less than two years old). One 4-season sleeps three and the other sleeps two. One 3-season sleeps two and the other sleeps one. This one person tent is a U.S. Army issue tent that is supposed to be high speed and frankly is as heavy as my 4-season tent that sleeps three- I'm glad I didn't pay too much for it...
Sleeping pads and sleeping bags...you must purchase the absolute best you can afford; it really makes a difference. Do you want to lay awake all night fighting to stay warm or do you want to zonk out and drool on your pillow? I find myself using Exped mats (light weight models to down insulated) and I have three North Face Summit Series bags that range from -20C (and water proof) to +15C (and water resistant).
Backpacks are critical because if they fit poorly, the 25lbs you speak of will absolutely destroy your shoulder muscles and you'll be all knotted up after hiking most of the day (which may take more time to recover). I'd recommend Arc'Teryx because they fit well, are light weight for what they are, have an outstanding warranty and some come completely waterproof. If your pack fits well and you have it properly loaded, you could ruck 40 to 50lbs without much issue. Use trekking poles if you must- they are very helpful. Side note: They also have a MilSurp line of packs and severe weather clothing, but poorfags beware.
