Category Archives: Uncategorized

Best Apple iPhone Apps for GPS-Led Adventures

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I’ve experimented the past few years with all kinds of electronic gadgets I thought I might make good trail companions.

The iPod nano was a favorite: a little more than an ounce with a video camera and music. My iPhone 3 offered books to read after dark. Then my iPhone 4 provided the total package of still camera, video camera, books and Apps to guide you in the wilderness. Battery life is an issue, but now they’ve got solar chargers.

With all the interest in smart phones, it’s no wonder Backpacker Magazine’s Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011 features “the three best hiking Apps” for iPhone (all three are made for the iPhone, one for the iPad and one for Android). I own an iPad2, but can’t see myself carrying it into the wilderness — too much weight and too expensive to replace if is gets dropped.

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

Backpacker Bruce Alive and Well

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Blog are supposed to be a place to pour out your heart about things you love. I launched Lightbackpacking.com June 17, 2006 (hard to believe) with that in mind and have posted lots of information about gear, trips and tips for going light and ultralight on the trail.  This year, mainly because of my work schedule, I’ve gotten out only twice, thus a dearth of posts about anything worthwhile to add to the conversation. However, I am constantly looking for new “stuff” and idea to help you go lightly and not be burdened by the pack. Luckily manufacturers have embraced the ultralight philosophy (not so in 2006), which makes going light or ultralight much easier.

If you want to share your tips or ideas for best of class equipment and technique for ultralight backpacking, I’ll be happy to forward them to my readers.

Osprey Hornet 46 Ultralight and Compact

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I own an Osprey Aether (no longer made) at 1 pound, nine ounces and an Osprey Atmos 35 (discontinued) at 2 pounds, 4 ounces and love both. The Atmos 35 is really solid with a frame, mesh net at your back and really stretchy pockets all around. You can go for a week or more in this 35-liter pack. Just when I thought Osprey had completely abandoned the ultralight market with many packs at 4-5 pounds (not ultralight), I was pleased to discover the Hornet series at sub-two pounds. They have lots of choices for men and women. Worth a look at the company website.

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

The Full-size NeoAir Therm-a-Rest Sleeping Pad Weighs Just 14 Ounces

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I own three Therma-a-Rest pads (2.5 pounds, my original; 1 pound, four ounces (full size) and a 3/4 body version at 15 ounces) and a Downmat 7 (filled with down and really warm) that comes in at a little over two pounds. Of course, the 3/4 pad would be the first choice for the ultralight backpacker. But the lightness comes with a trade-off:  you  sacrifice comfort and warmth by having your lower legs and feet hanging off the mat. If the weather is warm, it’s not a problem. But now you don’t have to settle for less comfort to get the advantages of fewer ounces.

I was at REI last week just checking out gear when I came across the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir.

The new NeoAir pad is full size, a couple of inches thick and packs down really small — about the size of a one-liter bottle. It’s worth a look.

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

Duct Tape – The ‘Miracle Cure’ for Injured Backpackers

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I’ve heard it said that if you were stranded on an island, aspirin would be the one essential drug in your first aid kid. You might say that duct tape plays a similar role for those of us who venture into the wilderness. You can use it to repair broken poles and patch tents, sleeping bags and pants. Or create a sling for a injured arm. Backpacker Magazine this month sent me a link to “101 First Aid” tips and they demonstrate how to stabilize a sprained ankle with the versatile tape.It’s worth a look.

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

Teva Illums – Ultralight Backpacking Flip Flops with a Guiding Light

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Teva illum Flip Flops with LED

I just did a video on ultralight backpacking camp shoes — shoes that make steam crossings easier, give you more comfort around the campfire. A email from Backpacker Magazine highlights the new Teva Illums, $50 flip flops (a lot of money) with a light built in.

Backpacker says they are “made with the outdoor enthusiast in mind–massaging footbeds, illuminating LED lights, sturdy straps, and rock-solid arch support are just some of their sporty features.” They give the weight as 12.4 ounces for a woman’s size 8 (why do they always choose small size). I’m guessing maybe 15 ounces for the men’s version. It’s worth looking at. After injuring my achilles on a 10-mile first day backpack on  California’s Lost Coast because of poorly broken in boots, a alternative pair of shoes can be important.

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

Extra Trail Shoes for Ultralight Backpackers

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My hiking shoes are waterproof Keen “tennis” shoes. But after walking across too many streams barefoot on sharp rocks — and an achilles injury from new boots — I decided to carry a second pair of shoes. Extra shoes, of course, means extra weight. This video shoes three alternatives. I encourage you to share other options with my readers.

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

First Aid for the Fingers a Good Backpacking Companion

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Finger protectorsIf you’ve read my blog, you know that I love to find little stuff — call them quality of life items — that don’t cost much, don’t weigh much and yet can add a lot of comfort.My latest find are rubber finger protectors for cuts, burns, scrapes. They look like condoms for your finger and come in three sizes. They are available at CVS or other pharmacies.

Sierras Thick with Snow

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Yesterday afternoon on a flight from Atlanta to San Francisco, I flew over Mammoth Ski Resort and the John Muir/Ansel Adams Wilderness area. It was incredibly beautiful, but I can attest to the fact that no one will be getting onto these trails early this year. The entire Sierra is covered in thick snow — lakes frozen with no evidence that thawing will come anytime soon. If you have a suggestion about where to go backpack early this year while waiting for the trails and passes to thaw, let me know.Be light. Be safe. Be one with the pack.