Lucky you. If you’re just starting into backpacking, you will find a large number of lightweight bags (less than 3 pounds) that will keep you warm in some very cold conditions and pack down small, taking up little space in your pack. Not so, just a few years ago. In 1997 I purchased a huge [...]
The ultralight philosophy certainly comes into play in choosing a shelter. Will it be a tent (3 pounds), bivy sack (2 pounds) or tarp (1 pound)? Perhaps a hammock (1 pound, 4 ounces) or a hybrid tarp/tent (1 pound, 12) from GoLite. The Tarp An ultralight backpacker will likely choose one of a growing number [...]
Outfitting yourself for backpacking can feel like an overwhelming task. There are so many choices. Too many, I think. So how do you start? Using one of two criteria, “light” (under three pounds) or “ultralight” (1 pound or less), you can reduce the number of choices by 80-90 per cent. Backpacker Magazine, either the hard [...]
This is the first in a series of posts to put the beginner on the road to becoming an ultralight or lightweight backpacker. The experienced backpacker who wants to abandon their big, heavy pack and embrace the hike-light philosophy might also benefit. I'll share my mistakes and experience to help you achieve the goal of [...]
My lightweight backpacking philosophy I believe that either the “pack is the one” – the weight is all you can think about — or you’re “one with the pack,” gliding unburdened through the wilderness enjoying the sights, sounds and smells. My quest to join the ranks of the backpacker started in 1997 with months of [...]
