Ultra light backpacking incorporates a high fitness level along with a need for supplies designed to be light enough to carry essentials while keeping weight under 15-20 pounds. The main idea of going ultra light is to cover a good amount of distance each day (my goal being 20-25 miles). A lighter pack helps you achieve this by reducing the strain on your body of a heavy pack (30-70 pounds of weight certainly makes a slow go of hiking). My personal weight goal is 15-17 pounds (including food) on the first trip. To attain this goal many new items must be added to a normal campers pack, replacing heavy or bulky items they once found essential. The list below contains the items I deem essential to backpacking and survival if necessary.
Itinerary:
GoLite Jam Pack
Sog Seal Pup Elite knife
Jetboil foldaway fork, spoon and spatula
Fozzils fold-up bowls
Smith’s knife sharpener
Alps Mystique One person tent
Sleepcell Mummy sleeping bag (which I would like to trade out for a lighter bag)
Brooks Cascadia 5 running shoes
Mountain Hardwear weather resistant convertible pants
Icebreaker T-shirt (merino wool)
bandana
Alcohol stove w/fuel
Rain shell
Sun/rain hat
Titanium cup
70% Wool/30% synthetic socks (two pairs)
Point and Shoot Camera
Compass
Lighter
Magnesium striker
Waterproof matches
First aid/survival kit (detailed list coming soon)
These items all add up to around 12-13 pounds. The addition of food should put me around my target goal. I feel this list will be adequate for at least my first excursion. I may find I need more but for now I believe I am ready to go!
Have you heard of Vibrams? Would they be good for ultralight packing?
ReplyDeleteThey probably would. Not really a fan of them, though I've never worn them. I just think I would rather have a dedicated, trail-tested shoe running shoe like the Brooks Cascadia, plus they are made using recycled materials and will biodegrade much faster than other shoes when thrown away. Probably mostly preference, but that's why I love those shoes. However, one thing I always look forward to doing when I go into the back country is going barefoot. It's so freeing!
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