GEAR DUMP
- REI backpack (it’s amazing) with detachable daypack and J-zipper so you can get into the bag from the middle (and not just the top and bottom)
- 3L water bladder
- Cap
- Buff
- 50 ft. Paracord with prusik knots and mini Bic lighter on Spool Tool
- Toilet paper
- Stuff (night light, bug repellant wipes and…)
- Toiletries
- Electronics (wires, charger) & fire starters
- Rain cover
- Platypus water “bottle” x 2
- Hammock, tarp (in snake skin), straps, gear storage, bug net, ridge line organizer
- Sleeping bag 15 degree
- Under quilt
- Stakes
- REI Flexlite chair
- Compression bag (to act as a dry bag)
- Socks and underwear
- Folding bowl
- Gloves
- JetBoil Mini Mo
- Trowel
- Folding saw
- Compass
- Energy gels
- Head bug net
- Alleve and salt pills
- Snacks in odorless bag
- Life Straw (water filter)
- Camp knife – Buck reaper
35 lbs. including water so about 29 lbs. without. Like hiking carrying a 16kg kettlebell. Notice that I’m missing food and a first aid kit. And no SPOT gps. Also, no camera in the pic. I need to condition myself more if I’m going to do this more than once a year. You definitely feel the weight. It’s work. I wouldn’t mind shaving 10 lbs. off of here, but I like to go plush. Base weight is all of the stuff except for consumables and what you’re wearing.
- Below 20 lbs. is considered lightweight backpacking.
- Below 10 lbs. is ultra lightweight backpacking.
- 30 lbs. is … backpacking.
- 40 – 60 lbs. is packing for two or 20 to 30 years ago.
Trade offs, y’know.
PACKING YOUR FEARS
If you want to go light, you’re not supposed to pack in terms of “what if”. Someone said it’s called “packing your fears”.
What if there aren’t any good trees for hanging a hammock? I’d better bring the longer (heavier) straps. What if other people don’t bring xyz? I’d better take super extra water.
There are lessons to be learned: knowing one’s limits, comfort, goals, skills, and companions (or lack thereof).
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