Backpacking with Buck

B

Brownwm

Joined
Jan 1, 2016
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283
I've been backpacking since my Boy Scout days. I'm 41 now and I love hiking and camping in the backcountry just as much now as I did then. However with every passing year my knees and back as less agreeable with my favorite hobby.
So, I'm always looking to shed some weight without sacrificing important tools or comforts. So, my two most recent acquisitions, I believe, are a perfect fit for me in the coming 2017 backpacking season.
We have the Buck Flip Stick for sharpening, the new aluminum framed Buck 110, and my new favorite, the versatile Buck Punk.
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All together I don't believe it even clocks in at one pound. Not bad!
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If you're an outdoor enthusiast, what will you be carrying into the backcountry with you this new year?



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Backpacking, I usually carry my 102. It does all my cutting chores and is very light. If I'm packing in to hunt, I'll carry my 102 and 119.
 
I carry my Selector. It gives me several options of different blades, I can use toward different task. Then I carry a light diamond plate for touch up sharpening. DM
 
Brownwm said:
I'm 41 now and I love hiking and camping in the backcountry just as much now as I did then. However with every passing year my knees and back as less agreeable with my favorite hobby. So, I'm always looking to shed some weight without sacrificing important tools or comforts.
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When you hit 55, you'll be looking to shed even more weight. :D


 
The Buck 102 is a fine back packing knife. It is slim and light weight, and yet still has a 4 inch blade. The knife is a svelte 4 oz. not counting the sheath.
 
TAH,
Not trying to side track the thread. Just a quick question. Ever consider getting a new ruck to shed some weight? I'm still using my Dana from the early 90's and it's definitely not light. Great pack, sad they're not around anymore.
 
Line Dawg said:
Backpacking, I usually carry my 102. It does all my cutting chores and is very light. If I'm packing in to hunt, I'll carry my 102 and 119.
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You and DocT both mentioned the 102 which I love. I've carried a 102 on many backpacking trips, it's the perfect size and weight for what I need, cleaning fish and cutting cord, etc.
I'm trying out the Punk this year just because it is a little more versatile as far as fire prep and whatnot but I may take the 102 in its place a few time too.
Good choice!

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Last edited:
Mtblair said:
TAH,
Not trying to side track the thread. Just a quick question. Ever consider getting a new ruck to shed some weight? I'm still using my Dana from the early 90's and it's definitely not light. Great pack, sad they're not around anymore.
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Mtblair,

That's a good question. Since I started backpacking in 1990, I have replaced almost all of my gear with something lighter except for my Dana pack. It is the only piece of gear that I will never replace. We've been on too many adventures together and it has never let me down - besides it is super comfortable even with heavy loads. About two years ago, the foam back pad deteriorated and flaked out. I called Dana Gleason's new backpack company, Mystery Ranch, and they sent me a new pad at no cost.
 
I haven't gone out hiking, just to hike, in years until this past summer; went for a short morning hike carrying this Bucklite 112. Nice and light, never felt it's presence. OH

Bucklite_112_and_Lensatic_Compass.JPG
 
Brown, it appeared in the 2008, 09, 10 & 11 year catalogs. Gone in 2012. I got mine at the Buck Collectors 20 year Reunion in 2008. I've taken it on camping trips and it's only lightly used. If I'm hiking or canoeing it's the only sharpener I take. If my pickup is close by I'll have a 2X8" Norton combination India stone in it. A workhorse stone. DM
 
TAH,

Thanks for the info. My Astralplane is still in great shape. Using it in a few weeks for some winter camping. Great to know Dana is still making packs. I'll bring my 112 paperstone to keep with the spirit of this thread.
 
Hunter, consider hiking in the light of a permanent life style. I'm sure you're in good shape but it's refreshing to just get out once or twice a week for a 3 mile hike. I carry some equipment to try out and hope I get lost. DM :smile:
 
TAH said:
When you hit 55, you'll be looking to shed even more weight. :D
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Boy Howdy! Ain't that the truth!!

MRI scheduled for Wednesday to deal with deteriorating knee. Just one injury after the next. Weight is my enemy.

I like a light folder with about a 3.5" blade and plenty of belly. Most of my use is for inglorious food prep like spreading peanut butter and cutting extra sharp cheddar. I carry a small fanny pack at the 12 o'clock position just below my hip belt and a folder is easy to carry there. Much more convenient for me than a fixed blade. In the past, I've carried a large Bucklite Max (died too quick) and will be getting a bigger Bantam at some point. I do wish they'd bring back the Ecolite.

I pair this with a small Leatherman PS4 Squirt, which has proven it's worth for gear repair and first aid work.

I rely on small stoves. For many years, I carried a Svea 123 but I keep pushing the Trangia deeper into the winter. Here we are brewing up hot chocolate on a ski tour this week.

Untitled by Pinnah, on Flickr

In the winter, I also carry a small wood stove and feed it with a small folding saw. That's my oldest keeping it going. She's in an outdoor leadership program at her college very proud of her and so cool to see the call of wild places taking root in my kids.
 
David Martin said:
Hunter, consider hiking in the light of a permanent life style. I'm sure you're in good shape but it's refreshing to just get out once or twice a week for a 3 mile hike. I carry some equipment to try out and hope I get lost. DM :smile:
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Good advice David, I'll try to get out more (but I'll try to not get lost!). OH
 
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