Its no secret that the "light and fast" backpacking movement is gaining popularity in the united states and abroad. The reasons behind it are sound less weight on your back = more fun! So with all of the advertising of expensive outdoor gear these days what do you really need and what can you leave behind? Remember John Muir used to walk into the woods for days with nothing more than a rucksack and some bread and cheese. Maybe he was on to something.
Begin by taking everything you plan on carrying and laying out in a broad area like your living room floor or backyard. Systematically weigh everything and think to yourself.....is there a lighter option. It may be simple things like not taking a whole tube of toothpaste or leaving that comb behind. If your shopping for gear most things these days have the weight clearly marked. Weigh your options and go with the lightest simplest set up.
Beware of durability! Or lack thereof as a lighter thing may not hold up as well. It may be worth it to carry the extra ounce or two for something you can use longer. It may require a little thinking outside the box! For example if you are carrying a lighter pack you can probably hike in a stout pair of trail runners. Remember the Pyramids were built in flip flops! Give it a try see what you can lose and post it here lets shoot for the lowest backpacking weights! The lighter, the further, the funner!
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I like John Muir's way myself if just going out for a day hike or a non-technical weekend hike, e.g., carrying in fresh food, a blanket to spread on the ground (even though I am wearing my waterproof, gortex pants), my I-pod, a baguette, charcuterie, etc. In the spirit of John Burroughs 'In the Catskills'!
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, if I am going out for more than 3 days or on a technical hike (terrain, ascents/descents, lower mountaineering grades, winter conditions), then I am all about stealth and lightness. Although I am still challenged to find moderate-priced lightweight, durable gear for these conditions.
What do you make of the whole Go-Lite phenomenon?
I would also be interested in light-weight, but tasty food options that are fresh (not freeze-dried). Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHey Chloe, Thanks for stopping by! I think that the Go-lite phenom was just a natural progression and may be a double edged sword. With the increase in technology materials and the availability of information at internet speeds it coaxes people to venture into the wilds more readily. This may allow more people to see the value of their public lands by instilling awe and introspection through grandeur. It may also allow people to stray from a comfortable or safe level of exploration with the hopes of the satellite phone or spot messenger to bail them out. I am glad that more people are seeing the wilderness but I hope that the level of respect for the wild places doesn't decline in the clouds of the "light and fast" mind set. People who went heavier were more committed because you had to really want to go out there to carry all of that heavy equipment. Heres hoping that commitment will never diminish.
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