Disclaimer: You possibly can have great experiences within the backcountry with out specializing in pack weight. On this publish I’ll share my very own journey to ultralight backpacking and why I’ve chosen to go this route for many of my adventures.
For the final a number of years I’ve consciously labored to scale back my base weight. From a 50 pound way-too-heavy pack on my first in a single day to this yr’s sub-10 pound base weight, it’s been a journey to get right here. However why ultralight? What’s the motivation behind obsessing over each gram? What does “ultralight” even imply?
Ultralight backpackers try to have a base weight (the burden of their gear minus consumables) below 10 lbs. One merchandise will usually have a number of makes use of. Lighter is comfier and means that you can hike quicker. Eradicating unused straps, reducing down toothbrushes and typically even eradicating hip belts are all widespread weight-saving methods.
My Ultralight Journey
I discovered rather a lot on my first backpacking journey. So many issues I introduced didn’t even make it out of my pack. I fell into the entice of packing my fears. As a substitute of unburdening myself (the literal function of your entire journey), I made it a lot more durable than it needed to be.
Persistent ache has been a lifelong challenge for me, which made carrying a heavy backpack difficult. Whereas it’s true that you’ll probably be sore it doesn’t matter what, the pressure of carrying extra weight than you want can–and typically will–pressure you to make selections. This was very true for me.
I discovered that my enjoyment of the path was instantly associated to the burden of my pack. Ever since that first journey I’ve made it my mission to have a lighter base weight with out sacrificing an excessive amount of in the way in which of consolation. I’ve but to really feel like I’m depriving myself, so I assume that’s progress.
Duplicates & Luxurious Objects
These are typical areas to take a look at if you wish to shed some weight. Attempt to keep away from packing duplicates should you can. Having 3 or 4 pair of pants and several other shirts aren’t actually needed. You’re going to be soiled and smelly anyway. Many issues might be discovered or changed alongside path.
Luxurious gadgets are extremely subjective. One particular person’s luxurious merchandise is one other’s necessity. My luxurious merchandise is a often a stuffed mountaineering buddy that sits in my pack. To another person, my camp pillow would even be a luxurious merchandise. I attempted the stuff sack with my garments in it as a pillow, however as I’ve a neck harm that makes sleeping troublesome, so I convey an inflatable pillow. For me, it’s a necessity.
I additionally carry a second, collapsible mug along with my titanium cookpot as a result of I like having espresso on the similar time I’ve my breakfast. I do know individuals who carry frying pans, camp chairs and inflatable kayaks. To every their very own. It’s concerning the expertise you wish to have.
Does Ultralight Equal Extremely Costly?
Not all the time. There are lots of good, light-weight backpacking gadgets that may be discovered on Amazon or at Wal Mart. My BRS range is an effective instance. Not solely is it lighter than my MSR range, it’s considerably cheaper. Identical with my silicone mug. I received one at Wal Mart of their tenting part for $5. An almost an identical one from Sea to Summit prices about $22. It may take a little bit of digging and analysis, however there are bargains available.
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 $50 & 2.6 oz. BRS Range $16.95 & 1.44 oz.
When you go along with cottage gear firms, usually the lighter the merchandise the larger the worth. There’s a complete trade constructed on this. Many cottage gear firms are very small operations and make hand-made, top quality gadgets. I’m an enormous fan of supporting small enterprise, so when you’ve got the funds to commit to some high quality handcrafted gear, you’ll probably treasure it for years to come back.
Tailor Your Gear To Your Journey
You will want totally different gear relying on the season and terrain. For a journey just like the PCT, this implies you will have heat climate gear and–relying on the circumstances and site–winter gadgets like microspikes and an ice ax. All the time verify the circumstances earlier than you go. Some folks will elect to hold all the pieces from the beginning, preferring to not cope with transport bins to themselves or worrying about acquiring gear in cities alongside the way in which.
In my expertise multi-day backpacking is a balancing act between being ready for something however not carrying a lot additional that you just’ll by no means presumably use it. technique is to look at movies of parents who’ve finished what you are attempting to do, and see what they introduced. Watch pre and publish path gear movies to be taught what has and hasn’t labored for others.
What I’m Carrying
Most of my PCT gear listing is set. Some issues are nonetheless up for debate and I’m presently tossing round a couple of totally different gadgets. My package for the desert part is sitting round 8 lbs and for the Sierra round 11. I’ll do a publish later breaking down precisely what I intend to hold. My Huge 3 (backpack, shelter and sleep system) include a 30L frameless pack, a trekking pole shelter and a quilt paired with an inflatable sleeping pad. I’ll even be utilizing a fanny pack so this can assist with gadgets that I wish to hold shut by. I usually hold my energy financial institution and some different electronics in there, as this takes a few of the heaviest gadgets off of my again.
What do you usually keep on a backpacking journey? When you’re doing the PCT this yr, what are you carrying? When you have finished it and want to share your ideas on gear, I’d love to listen to what labored and didn’t be just right for you on the market.
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