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mykdavies

Good definition of ultralight/minimalist method for gear selection

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Quote Originally Posted by Tom Murphy View Post
I have posted this before but here goes

Lightweight Backpacking
The concept of Lightweight Backpacking is based on the idea that a lower pack weight will make the time spent hiking on the trails much more enjoyable. The trade-off is a reduction in the camp comforts.
· Weigh all gear and record so that accurate comparisons can be made
· List what gear are you bringing and why you are bringing it
o Don't pack anything you don't plan on using
o The exception is safety-related gear
· Safety-related Gear vs. Safety-related Skills
o Safety-related gear is required, but each item needs to be examined and justified
o Don't fear nature and the outdoors, you do not need to have a piece of gear for every possible contingency
o Many times, skills are the best contingency plan rather than a piece of gear. Use your brains, the best equipment you have.
o Don’t use the ten essentials as an excuse to over pack; for example, you do not always need sunscreen
· Enjoy nature and the time spent with your companions
o Leave the home entertainment system at home: cell phone, I-pod, kindle, radio, cribbage board, paperbacks
o When allowed by the local regulations, a very small campfire is a great backcountry TV
o Have a good story, or three, to tell
o Limit camp time by hiking longer/farther or by enjoying the “scenic stops” made along the way longer
· Match your clothing, shelter, and sleep system to the local conditions
o Be realistic about the expected temperature range
§ Consult the short term & long term weather reports
§ Look up the average annual temperatures
· Match your consumables to the length of your trip
o You don't need 8 ounces of bug spray for an overnighter
o You don't need a bottle of Advil for an overnighter
o Be realistic about the amount of food you will need
· Limit your carried water weight
o Avoid high water content foods or eat them first
o Camel-up [drink a ton of water] at the trailhead and while breaking camp in the morning
o Camel-up at every water source
o If you know the area or trail well, it is ok to plan to run out of water before you reach the next water source
· Seek out the lightest, highest performance gear that match the expected conditions
o The big three are the first and easiest place to lighten your pack weight
§ sleeping bag
§ shelter
§ backpack
o Next Up: footwear, stove, cooking gear, sleeping pad, clothing, water/hydration
o Applicable to every single piece of gear you bring, even the ten essentials, but there are diminishing returns
· Apply multiple use gear wherever possible
o Single purpose gear is often required, but each item needs to be examined and justified
o Examples:
§ Incorporate extra clothing into the sleep system
§ Use hiking poles as part of shelter system
§ Sleeping pad and duct tape can made into a splint
· Personalize your gear list to your style of backpacking
Enjoying your entire trip is still the first priority, not your pack weight
o Bring a thicker, heavier sleeping pad if that is what you need to get a good night sleep
o Bring a GPS if tracking your route adds enjoyment to your trip
o Bring extensive cooking gear and food if making elaborate meals in the backcountry is your thing
o Bring a paperback if you would rather read than talk to others (or to yourself)
o Example - the less technology I bring, the more I enjoy my trips
§ I bring a map and compass rather than a GPS
§ I bring a candle rather than a battery lantern
§ I bring a fire-steel rather than matches and/or bic lighters
§ The only battery operated device I bring is my headlamp (safety)
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