Hopefully not too controversial vids on backpack weight.

Runsalone

Runsalone

Joined
Oct 22, 2003
Messages
1,150
i like that he makes sure he has the basics and he seems to have a good attitude about ul not a preachy one
 
he has some good vids on the knife side of things as well, and he seems to have quite a few to choose from, some realistic ideas, even if some of us may disagree with some of what he says.
 
Thanks! I added that channel to my backpacking folder. Good work from what I have watched so far. I'll watch the rest during the forum shutdown this weekend.
 
Thanks for posting!

Sometimes I wonder how much people on here really backpack with all the threads looking for heavy, tactical backpack suggestions.
 
stingray4540 said:
Thanks for posting!

Sometimes I wonder how much people on here really backpack with all the threads looking for heavy, tactical backpack suggestions.
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Members here vary widely in age, physical ability, location, experience, interests and goals. This isn't a backpacking site, but fastpackers, ULpackers, traditional packers, dayhikers and back-yard adventurers are welcome. There may even be one or two confined to a wheelchair. All are welcome! :thumbup:
 
Interesting. I also came to the conclusion that I've always carried too much stuff, specially for short trips. I rethinked my whole packing strategy, and going light is my biggest concern today.
 
Codger_64 said:
Members here vary widely in age, physical ability, location, experience, interests and goals. This isn't a backpacking site, but fastpackers, ULpackers, traditional packers, dayhikers and back-yard adventurers are welcome. There may even be one or two confined to a wheelchair. All are welcome! :thumbup:
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Surely, I am aware of this. I guess it's just hard for me to grasp other people's gear choices sometimes. But I realize that that is personal preference.

I don't exactly think of myself a light backpacker, but there is a limit as to the amount of weight I'm willing to carry for 10 to 15 miles a day.

Of course, it's just my opinion, but I think that this sight tends to lean to heavily on tactical and ultra heavy duty gear with too many options. But like I said, that's my opinion, as there are a lot of people here who like to carry around big knives, while I personally prefer nothing larger than 4", and some people will still think that that is extravagant.

I am constantly temped to argue my point about things, but then there's no point in telling someone they should be using something other than what they are happy with. And, some people just need to go through the natural evolution of finding what works and doesn't work for them.
 
stingray4540 said:
...And, some people just need to go through the natural evolution of finding what works and doesn't work for them.
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I think you've got it! We all evolve over time as we gain life experiences. Our interests, knowledge, habits all change, as well as our access and willingness to try new gear (and knives). What works for me at my age would have been unthinkable when I was a Boy Scout. Or doing survival training. Or when I was thirty or forty. Now I am adapting my gear to newer interests, physical limitations, budget, etc.

UL equipment and techniques appeal to me at this phase of my life precisely because I can no longer carry substantial weight for any length of time. But it gives me a way to continue to enjoy woods time for a bit longer. It isn't for everyone. It's all good.

Hike yer own hike! :p
 
stingray4540 said:
...but I think that this sight tends to lean to heavily on tactical and ultra heavy duty gear with too many options.
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I also have that same impression, though I don't think there's anything wrong with that tendency. Let's face it, we are very gear-orientated here, so it's expected that most here pack a lot of gear. As I said above, I am or at least was guilty of "over gearing", with the mentality that I rather carry and not use it then not carry it but need it.

Right now I'm more selective about my gear, I still like to have all sorts of stuff at my disposal, but I will be more picky on what I carry or not.
 
Thanks for all the great comments guys! Its important to take into consideration that gear for long distance backpacking may take a little more scrutinazation than some for just a weekend or even a little longer trip. The idea that this stuff will be on your back for month after month really causes one to take stock of things LOL. If its just a weekend and 20 30 miles then you can rest sunday night before work. :p

Though on the other side of that statement folks have been thru hiking trails for a long time with heavy and light loads alike. It really all comes down to personal preference. and which part of your trip you wnat to be more comfortable...the hiking? or the camping. In my little bit of experience a respectable balance can be struck and still not be toting the kitchen sink down the trail. The principles I mentioned in the series were designed to help folks if they were trying to head that direction.

Appreciate yall checking out my comments and for all the constructive positive discussion!:thumbup::thumbup:
 
The only fastpackers, UL hikers, etc. that I don't have respect for are the parastic packers who resupply from trail magic caches or "Yogi" (beg) for food and / or shelter while they profess to be the upper echelon of trail trekkers.
 
Bumppo said:
The only fastpackers, UL hikers, etc. that I don't have respect for are the parastic packers who resupply from trail magic caches or "Yogi" (beg) for food and / or shelter while they profess to be the upper echelon of trail trekkers.
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i like the ones that carry twenty extra pounds of fat, but tell me i am stupid to carry 7 extra ounces of steel....

sitting meekly on your 1000 Denier pack while they scramble for a pad is the best revenge sometimes. :cool:


that said, there is a lot of wisdom in the ultralight sciences just as much as the durable/tactical side that takes so much heat.

failure to see the advantages of both is a failure to see IMHO.

our load-outs should always be re-examined and cross-examined, especially as we change though levels of fitness and age, and responsibility over others that come along - that last one being most primary to me.

vec
 
stingray4540 said:
Sometimes I wonder how much people on here really backpack with all the threads looking for heavy, tactical backpack suggestions.
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The vids are good, but from their perspective. I'd done the combat, heavy backpacking in Afghanistan to the ultra-light weight recreational backpacking.

Trail hiking is also different from bushwacking. I wouldn't make any comments towards somebody's choices as there are so many factors, years of experience, backgrounds, terrain, environment and numerous other factors that impact people's choices.

I like the ultra-light sites as they often come up with great ideas. As the years add up, getting to a lighter weight is a great target. However, I still pack a heavy pack for work a couple times a month.

The guy with a light load and a SAK Classic and now experience is just as stupid as the inexperienced guy carrying around a large bladed knife. It's not what they carry but their experience and comfort level...

I've found you can learn from both crowds and in-between if they have real experience.

ROCK6
 
ROCK6 said:
The guy with a light load and a SAK Classic and now experience is just as stupid as the inexperienced guy carrying around a large bladed knife. It's not what they carry but their experience and comfort level...
I've found you can learn from both crowds and in-between if they have real experience. ROCK6
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I totally agree.:thumbup:
 
I recently started lightening up a bit.35 to 40 lbs is the norm these daze.
Thank God for Vicadin and rum.;)
 
For me, The lighter the better. However, anyone who wants to Pack heavy sure has the right to do so. We all gottta do our own thing. Otherwise, why do it at all.

If one has to do things some other guys way, he just as well stay at work.:D
 
Very enjoyable vids. In his knife section, the guy also mentions the importance of knowing how to improvise shelter, regardless of what you choose to carry. He also briefly mentions cordage making. Obviously a skilled guy.

I'm in the enjoyable position of not knowing exactly how much my gear weighs right now, I've done the gram-agonizing for long enough and the result is a pack that I can forget I'm wearing.
I found (personally) that if I kept obsessing over how to lose another 100g off my baseweight, I wasn't enjoying the walk.
 
All I heard was something about not carrying big knives and you lost me :D


J/K :D Only watched the first part so far, but you have some good thoughts on clothing, it's definitely something I pack too much of sometimes...
 
Timely post. I recently had a conversation with my son about gear. I was explaining how in my youth I overcompensated for my lack of basic skills by carrying an insane amount of gear. As my skill set rose my pack weight dropped dramaticly. I really never made it to the UL standards as I've always been fond of big knives and millitary/tactical style packs. Preferences colored no doubt by my millitary SERE training (surviving with only a knife) and having a catastrophic pack failure at most inopportune time. Now I find myself placing a greater importance on comfort at the end of the day and my pack weight has increased a bit. I may not travel as far on a given day but, I enjoy my self more.
Allan
 
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