LightBackpacking.com

On one hand, you can argue that if you forget to take something, you’ll be lighter on the trail. But you may also be sorry. I have a detailed backpacking list. Yet, sometimes you need to check and double check. On my recent trip to the John Muir Wilderness, I found that I had left behind my spork and stove. Luckily, my backpacking pal, Wild Bill, was willing to break his plastic spork in half and give me the spoon half and he didn’t forget his stove. How did this happen?

Well, we were car camping first, had all our stuff out of our packs and all over the back of the car, then the next morning we were trying to pull everything back together. I should have pulled out my list and done a quick check. A a few extra minutes to check your gear before heading into the wilderness is a simple, but worthwhile habit to follow.

Be light. Be safe. Be one with the pack.