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I first encountered the concepts of ultralight backpacking in 1994, in an article in now-defunct (and much-missed) Backpacker journal. It was titled “Much less is Extra,” by Mark Jenkins. (I nonetheless have a PDF copy I scanned years in the past.) Jenkins wrote a couple of lengthy journey throughout Europe and Africa. By the top, he and his touring associate shed all of the gear they thought they wanted, save what they had been sporting, their down jackets, and a few spoons.
Whereas I had no need to have all my gear stolen as Jenkins does as at one level in Africa, the concept of carrying much less to journey farther, quicker, and lighter, struck a chord. Not simply with me, however with a great deal of different individuals. Jenkins’ article is broadly credited with beginning the ultralight backpacking motion.
On the time, there wasn’t a lot light-weight gear out there. A lot of the early ultralight motion was pushed by a DIY ethos. I constructed my very own alcohol stoves out of discarded tuna cans, made pot cozies out of Reflectix, and original windscreens from heavy aluminum foil. In consequence, my prepare dinner equipment weight dropped by 14 ounces.
In the present day, ultralight backpackers are extra frequent than traditionalists, at the least judging from the individuals I meet on the path. However precisely what is ultralight backpacking? And the way do you shed all that weight with out giving up the consolation?
Ultralight Backpacking, Outlined
For the sake of all being on the identical web page, I’ll outline “ultralight” backpacking as a base weight of 10 kilos or much less. Meaning all of your gear, minus what you are sporting on the path, minus consumables (primarily meals), weighs at most 10 kilos.
If that sounds daunting, take into account that there are some who journey underneath the moniker “tremendous ultralight” who shoot for a base weight of 5 kilos or much less. On the different finish, there’s what I might name light-weight, which might be 15 kilos or much less. I’ve by no means tried a super-ultralight journey, however I’ve spent greater than a decade with a base weight of 10 kilos and have by no means felt like I used to be doing with out or struggling in any method. Fairly the alternative. It is a revelation, and you will by no means need to return.
Now that now we have our phrases outlined, how does one get to an ultralight base weight of 10 kilos or much less?
Earlier than we get into particulars of substances, know that an important factor you are able to do to make your pack weigh much less is to convey much less stuff. For most individuals the most important positive aspects (er, losses) can be in what you do not convey fairly than what you do.
Once you’re contemplating what to convey, ensure you want it fairly than simply wanting it. I really like making espresso on a moka pot however not sufficient to lug one into the backcountry. I do not want it, so I depart it at house and make Turkish espresso on the path. Undergo the whole lot you ever convey on the path and actually ask your self: Is that this one thing I would like?
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