Pack Lighter ( Not Heavier) !
Most of us are accustomed to a certain living standard and comfort level.
When we begin backpacking, climbing, hiking, or whatever, in the backcountry,
we often attempt to take that standard and corresponding comfort with us.
Consequently, we each have our stories of laboring under heavy packs, and
hopefully, each of us has learned ways to shed some of that weight. If
not, or if you want to join me in shedding more weight, read on.
I have to laugh at myself. About 25 years ago, I spent four months traveling
around Europe and the British Isles. During that time I didn't carry much
in my pack--just enough to stay dry, warm, and nourished. After I returned
home, I quit backpacking for some years and, in that interim, forgot the
basic principle of traveling light.
When I began backpacking again, it didn't take me long to remember. It
was August, with temperatures in the high 90's. It was a six-day trip into
the Washington Central Cascades, Alpine-Lakes Wilderness, High Enchantment
Lakes. A long, gruelling, 12 mile climb, with over 6000 feet elevation
gain. My pack weighed 60 pounds ! I won't tell you what was in it, but
I will say that if I made that same trip today, that pack would weigh about
30 pounds, at the outset !
The primary message being conveyed at this website, is that traveling light
in the backcountry will increase your enjoyment level, significantly. A
light pack will allow for increased awareness & enjoyment of the surroundings
while enroute to your destination. Once you get there, you'll still have
energy to celebrate your arrival, as well as to explore further. Also,
a light pack decreases the risk of fatigue-related injuries (from falling,
heat-exhaustion, etc.) and injuries from undue stress on back, legs, knees,
and feet.
The "Packlight Philosophy" emphasizes a never-ending
commitment to (1) scrutinize packing
habits in order to fine-tune minimum packing needs and (2)
aggressively seek out the smallest, lightest-weight, highest-quality gear
available to satisfy those needs.
In these pages you will find information about lightweight (and ultralight)
gear; weight-reducing tips; gear that can be used for multiple purposes;
general packing information; gear checklists; backcountry ethics; and much,
much more.
This website is always desirous of suggestions and, most importantly, reader
contributions.
Also, I don't want to be redundant, so I won't reprint it here, but
don't forget to read the PackLight Weight-Reducing CREED. You'll
find it on the Pack Weight-Reducing Tips page.
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