I’m teaching a class tonight at REI about lightweight vs traditional backpacking. It’s a bit of a mock battle between me (representing lightweight) and a very experience backpacker Mike Little (representing traditional weight). I’m planning on printing out my notes and then trimming off the unnecessary paper. Gimmicky, no?
Here are my notes for the class, and I wanted to thank the online community for teaching me so many things.
Ultralight Backpacking
Go farther faster with less effort
The principles behind ultralight backpacking
Creativity – Multi-use objects
Simplicity- Pack only what you need
Awareness- Know your surroundings
Empowerment- You are in control of your gear. Change it or make your own.
System focus- Look at your decisions holistically
Community- Participate in a larger conversation
Benefits
Enhancement of the experience- Women, older individuals, and those with mobility difficulties will most readily feel the change.
Protection of your body- Prevent common injuries. Danger zones: your back, your knees, and your feet.
Freedom and privacy. -Allows you to get farther into the backcountry. Ever want a trail to yourself?
Natural extension of backpacking ideas
Ultralight backpacking has pushed the industry to lighter options. You are already used to giving up certain things. You leave things behind to go car camping. Leave more things behind to go backpacking. Extend this process to go ultralight.
Steps to lightening your pack
1.Get a scale that shows lbs and ounces.
2.Lighten up your big three: shelter, sleeping bag, backpack. In that order. Shoot for under 6 lbs.
3.Consider tarps. Quilts. Frameless backpacks.
4.Pursue multi-use objects whenever possible
5.Other elements- When was the last time you used x? Do you really need it?
6.Last step- Footwear.
7.Consider volume as well as weight
Shelter
Consider tarps or tarp hybrids. Multi-use- hiking poles eliminate the need for tent poles.
Sleep system
The insulation under your body is compressed and loses it’s warming ability. Consider quilts. Do you need the insulation under your body?
Backpack
How many liters do you really need? Lighter weight options out there. Trim unnecessary features.
Consider frameless packs. Multi-use- use a single cell foam pad as your suspension.
Stove
Alcohol or Esbit fuel stoves. Lightweight and simple.
Use pot as bowl instead of bringing an extra bowl.
Clothes
Bring only what you need. Use synthetic and wool options.
Footwear
Last step- do this after lightening your whole system. Don’t carry a 50lb pack and wear sneakers.
The biggest impact for comfort.
Extra ounces per step.
Multi-use options
Waterproof gear as a vapor barrier at night. Stuff sack for pillow and backpack for under your feet. Bandana instead of toilet paper. Duct tape solves everything.
Resources
Trail Life by Ray Jardine
Lightweight Backpacking and Camping edited by Ryan Jordan
Strong online community. Join the conversation!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I am thinkin’ no on the bandana, but really cool you are teaching classes enlightening hikers. Backpacking does not have to be a grueling and painful experience. Hey, you really need to teach a class to Boy Scouts and their leaders! I always feel so sorry for those poor little boys with bear canisters, sleeping bags, and all kinds of paraphernalia hanging from their packs!
I know! Those poor Scouts! Although I have not turned down any extra food or filtered water they offered me.
You two should set your battle up like one of those spoken-word rap throwdowns. Put the rhyme into backpacking!
Totally! I think I won a lot of people over by the end, but I’m sure some rap would have sealed the deal.
Great class last night Ady. You make it look and sound easy. Great blog too! Keep it up!