Ultralight Backpacking...

55 to 60 pounds over 7 days of mountain hiking becomes quite tedious.  In fact, by the 25% rule of thumb, my pack should weigh no more than 42.5 lbs.  After months of research I've decided to attempt to save my joints and enjoy the backcountry more by going ultralight.  The following is a list of my equipment.  I'll have to do some experimenting to change the configuration around, eventually finding the best weight/comfort ratio.  If you have any suggestions for me, please email them or put them in my guestbook.

My Equipment...

Worn...

Interchangeable items...

A word on footwear...

"A pound off the feet is like 5 off the back."  Some argue that with light loads, ankle support is no longer a critical issue.  Ditch the heavy leathers and get a pair of approach shoes?  I'll let you know after my next excursion.

07/02-

I used the above checklist on our July '02 trip to the High Peaks in Adirondack Park.  As you can see, I wore trail running sneakers instead of boots.  Trail conditions were wet and muddy, with miles of rockhopping on streambeds and short, unassisted rock climbs.  The sneakers held up well - no rips, holes, slips, falls, or blisters.  And whenever we made camp, I didn't even need to change out of them.  Of course I had to be extra cautious around ankle-unfriendly terrain, but it was well worth the comfort gain.

Highpack update, 06/02...

I let Highpack borrow some of my equipment for a 3-day solo trip in northern NJ.  He cut over 10 lbs off of his regular pack weight, and flew through the miles like never before.  He may become a convert!

07/02-

Highpack has officially converted!  Our ultralight excursion to the High Peaks has convinced him.  Many times during the hike, we could both be heard uttering, "This would've been miserable with our old gear."  You can catch glimpses of his gear in the new trip photos.  Notice that he felt uncomfortable packing such a small load on his back, so he strapped his sleeping pad atop his pack for nostalgic purposes.

Alaska, 2003...

Ultralight rules!  My two week pack weight including food but not water: 23 lbs!  And that's with four pounds of camera gear!  During the trip we only packed a few days of food at a time into the backcountry, and cached the rest at strategic frontcountry sites.  This kept the pack weights way down.  Stay tuned for a detailed packing list...