Too good! I dig that! My grandfather used to say "Our ancestors killed mammoths with sticks, we're all descendants of bad asses".
Certainly we're savages no longer
:thumbup:
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Show us the tools you actually carry backpacking or camping, to alleviate delusions.
- Thread starter JCKT
- Start date
Too good! I dig that! My grandfather used to say "Our ancestors killed mammoths with sticks, we're all descendants of bad asses".
Certainly we're savages no longer
:thumbup:For backpacking I only take a small lightweight folder. I have no use for tools, there is no equipment in my pack. I do take a splint for tent poles, and sometimes a needle and floss.
Chopping wood isn't "allowed" anywhere I go backpacking and rarely fires. My little zip stove is my pretend fire, on occasions that I take it. I do carry a lightweight revolver, a S&W 642.
I'll post pics later. Of actual backpacking.
Chopping wood isn't "allowed" anywhere I go backpacking and rarely fires. My little zip stove is my pretend fire, on occasions that I take it. I do carry a lightweight revolver, a S&W 642.
I'll post pics later. Of actual backpacking.
Okay:
How did you intend this sarcastic statement to be read? I only have a college degree, but you appear to be saying that anyone camping/hiking/backpacking without a knife is either as foolish as or unlikely as a hiker with no shoes.
What did you mean, then?
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If I remember right, there was a poll about 12 years ago in Backpacker magazine as to what distances people would cover on an average outing on difficult terrain with a 50 lb pack. I think the average came to be about a leisurely 6-7 miles a day. We would do 17 miles day in the mountains of West Virginia, with me trying to keep up with some very fit individuals leading the way, and I have to tell you that every piece of gear comes with a price tag in pain and discomfort that you are willing to carry. A carbon steel CS master hunter and a SAK was the "back in the day" max for me.
Some backpacking stoke, to keep this thread in a happy place...
First snow of the year on Ethan Pond
Ethan Pond by Pinnah, on Flickr
Tarp camping. Alcohol or white gas stoves are my preference. Wood fires not allowed here and honestly, aren't practical. Laying in your sleeping back while cooking on the other hand, is practical. And easy.
Tarp at Ethan Pond by Pinnah, on Flickr
Run the dogs till they collapse. Pinnah's parenting tip #37. Fires are forbidden in the alpine zone here, and for good reason.
Above Randolph by Pinnah, on Flickr
Rocks, and lots of them. Weather in this shot is balmy. I've had to crawl this section before. See any wood for fires?
Descending Adams by Pinnah, on Flickr
Typical lunch break on a ski trip. I recall making tea on a Trangia stove that day. No fuss. No muss.
304 by Pinnah, on Flickr
Obligatory knife glamor shot.
Lunch by Pinnah, on Flickr
First snow of the year on Ethan Pond
Ethan Pond by Pinnah, on FlickrTarp camping. Alcohol or white gas stoves are my preference. Wood fires not allowed here and honestly, aren't practical. Laying in your sleeping back while cooking on the other hand, is practical. And easy.
Tarp at Ethan Pond by Pinnah, on FlickrRun the dogs till they collapse. Pinnah's parenting tip #37. Fires are forbidden in the alpine zone here, and for good reason.
Above Randolph by Pinnah, on FlickrRocks, and lots of them. Weather in this shot is balmy. I've had to crawl this section before. See any wood for fires?
Descending Adams by Pinnah, on FlickrTypical lunch break on a ski trip. I recall making tea on a Trangia stove that day. No fuss. No muss.
304 by Pinnah, on FlickrObligatory knife glamor shot.
Lunch by Pinnah, on Flickr
stabman
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Pretty good.
I like the Golok a bit more due to the handle, but the barong is not bad at all.
A slightly longer handle would make it even better.
stabman
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It's comments like that which make these threads get unpleasant.
whether it's people saying "Lift more weights bro!" in response to someone wanting to carry less, or your response that others are carrying their "toys" with them, it furthers intelligent discussion not at all.
It makes it into an emotional case of "Neener neener!" basically, or an argument as to who is rubber, and who is glue. :thumbdn:
Gathering water at pine mountain (I think)
Cumberland island national seashore. There are (was, I think it's changed) a few places to get water and it has to be filtered. I always bring too much stuff, not axes, but tarps and raingear, cause it always rains. The pack is so big because I have a mountain hardware lightwedge II tent and a silnylon tarp. You have to make reservations months in advance, I don't call of a trip because of rain. I've since lightened up a little.
I can't get all my flickr stuff to load or I would post more. I think the thread deteriorated because the doubters where insulted by the claimers of axes by "do you even lift bro".
Backpackers can tell lots of stories of getting a group together to backpack, thinking people had actual backpacking experience, then were unable to finish a trail because the ax carriers couldn't carry all their "gear" and canned chili. Some of the more gear oriented sites have "survival" and "prepping" forums full of advice for hikers, from people that hardly ever get off the couch. If you go to a forum for hikers, instead of gear, or if you actually backpack more than 3 miles to the picnic table, you learn that people are prone to exaggeration.
Not saying anyone in this thread is exaggerating, . . . well, yeah I guess I am saying that.
stabman
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Rocks, and lots of them. Weather in this shot is balmy. I've had to crawl this section before. See any wood for fires?
Obviously what you carry or use will depend on where you're going.
Here, there are no mountains.
There are, however, lots of trees and deadwood.
And plenty of moisture...lots and lots of moisture.
So around here, fire is good.
It gives warmth, it cooks food, and it gives you something to look at.
Mountains are a whole different ballgame.
Why is calling an unnecessary tool a "toy" such an insult/ Knives are necessary for many tasks - but not every task.
They are also a "hobby". If we can call a Ferrari a toy because we don't need it, is it really so insulting to call an unnecessary knife a toy when weight matters?
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stabman
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The insult comes in the dismissal of another individuals approach to the issue.
Whether you're calling someone a weak wimp or someone who plays with toys, you are setting them up as someone whose opinion you can safely ignore.
We can all do things our own way without having to be dismissive of the way other people operate.
It's a big world, and there's room for all of us...even those weirdoes who like Opinels.
(that was a joke...joke alert...joke alert...)I also don't think weight matters as much as some would say; I do have limits though.
My step-brother carries a pack that weighs 70 pounds to go to the woods...I kid you not.
For me, my back would scream at me as I fell onto the ground with a massive spasm.
I don't fault him for it though; it's how he likes it. And he does always have yummy food and all the things you could possibly want.
justsomedude
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I consider myself an "Ultralight" backpacker because my <1 week pack weighs only 10lbs (excluding food/water). However for me shedding weight is not a goal, rather it is a method of achieving a goal. The goal I'm shooting for is simply having as enjoyable a trip as possible!
I could get away with a Mora or less on 90% of the trips I take but choose to carry a Nyala, Ratmandu, Bushfinger or soon Mountaineer I because I get a lot of joy from using a fine tool made by a master craftsman. I also usually carry a book, fishing gear, frisbee or some other form of recreational item.
Usually I just carry the Nyala or Bushfinger (Mountaineer I will arrive this week!).
If I know I'll be building wood fires I'll add a folding saw.
If I'm going on a longer trip where I don't plan on building fires I'll bring the Ratmandu as a safety precaution because it will allow me to build a fire in a pinch.
I have never personally used an axe during a 'backpacking' trip and have yet to wish I did, but they can be really fun on 'car camping' trips when a bonfire is in order.
My general advice to someone getting into backpacking and looking for gear recommendations is as follows:
1. Bring everything you think you'll need to have a good time. Over time you'll find that some things went unused or didn't add enjoyment, ditch them. You'll also find yourself longing for some things, add them. In the middle there will be items that you consider necessary but that might have lighter weight alternatives out there, start researching.
2. Don't worry too much about emergency/survival items. When you're starting out you shouldn't be going on journeys that take you too far from civilization or into inclement weather anyways. When you start planning longer trips, then think of adding things you don't plan to use but wouldn't want to be without in an emergency.
3. Don't let yourself bring others down/plan as a group. As a caveat to point 1, if you are going with a large group don't bring so much that you slow the group down, likewise don't leave something behind because you assume someone else will bring it. Plan your trip with the whole group and be honest if you feel you've been assigned too much weight.
4. Research your trip thoroughly. You can often tell with near certainty whether or not you'll encounter rain, don't bring a rain shell if it's not going to rain! Many trails stay near fresh water sources for long stretches, even running directly alongside rivers. If you can stop for a drink whenever you want then you never have to carry water, which at 2 pounds per liter is likely the heaviest, most dense thing you will ever carry. If ground fires are illegal then don't bring a saw or axe.
My blade-specific advice:
1. If you want to be as light as possible bring a Mora. Fixed blades are generally better than folders and a Mora doesn't weigh any more than an Opinel.
2. For heavier wood processing you will want to add either an Axe, Saw or Batoning knife. A batoning knife can replace your lighter knife and therefore give you two tools in one but will not process wood as efficiently as an Axe or saw. I recommend a batoning knife when you want the option of processing wood but aren't necessarily planning on building a fire.
3. A folding saw will help you process wood to an extent and is lighter than axe or batoning knife but it's tough to split logs with one. A folding saw + Mora combo is great if you think small logs and sticks will be abundant.
4. An axe is the heaviest option but will process the most efficiently. It can reduce large logs to every size you might need. I recommend an axe only when planning to build large fires e.g. a large group trip where weight can be spread out and one person can carry the axe while another can forgo any sharp steel.
Regarding the cost of shedding weight, in most cases I say pick two of the following: Comfort, weight, cost. However with small items there are some pretty good cost-effect weight saving techniques and these do add up!
1. Use disposable water bottles instead of a Nalgene or metal bottle. If you use a Sawyer filter this kills two birds with one stone as the filter can be attached directly to most disposable bottles.
2. Carry lighter rope. A lot of people carry extra paracord with them but rarely use it for applications that require it's massive strength. Carry some 150lb test nylon instead and save up to 75% of the weight of paracord.
3. Use a kettle or mug to boil water and plastic containers to rehydrate/eat. I used to use 2-3 aluminum pots for cooking but now I have just one aluminum kettle and 2-3 plastic tupperware containers. Saved me a pound and a half and I can cook all the same meals I used to!
4. Ditch the pump filter! Most weigh over a pound when a Sawyer weighs 3 ounces and Aquamira even less. The Sawyer is actually a good example of balancing weight savings and comfort; it weighs more than chemical treatment but can be used immediately and doesn't impart any taste.
I could get away with a Mora or less on 90% of the trips I take but choose to carry a Nyala, Ratmandu, Bushfinger or soon Mountaineer I because I get a lot of joy from using a fine tool made by a master craftsman. I also usually carry a book, fishing gear, frisbee or some other form of recreational item.
Usually I just carry the Nyala or Bushfinger (Mountaineer I will arrive this week!).
If I know I'll be building wood fires I'll add a folding saw.
If I'm going on a longer trip where I don't plan on building fires I'll bring the Ratmandu as a safety precaution because it will allow me to build a fire in a pinch.
I have never personally used an axe during a 'backpacking' trip and have yet to wish I did, but they can be really fun on 'car camping' trips when a bonfire is in order.
My general advice to someone getting into backpacking and looking for gear recommendations is as follows:
1. Bring everything you think you'll need to have a good time. Over time you'll find that some things went unused or didn't add enjoyment, ditch them. You'll also find yourself longing for some things, add them. In the middle there will be items that you consider necessary but that might have lighter weight alternatives out there, start researching.
2. Don't worry too much about emergency/survival items. When you're starting out you shouldn't be going on journeys that take you too far from civilization or into inclement weather anyways. When you start planning longer trips, then think of adding things you don't plan to use but wouldn't want to be without in an emergency.
3. Don't let yourself bring others down/plan as a group. As a caveat to point 1, if you are going with a large group don't bring so much that you slow the group down, likewise don't leave something behind because you assume someone else will bring it. Plan your trip with the whole group and be honest if you feel you've been assigned too much weight.
4. Research your trip thoroughly. You can often tell with near certainty whether or not you'll encounter rain, don't bring a rain shell if it's not going to rain! Many trails stay near fresh water sources for long stretches, even running directly alongside rivers. If you can stop for a drink whenever you want then you never have to carry water, which at 2 pounds per liter is likely the heaviest, most dense thing you will ever carry. If ground fires are illegal then don't bring a saw or axe.
My blade-specific advice:
1. If you want to be as light as possible bring a Mora. Fixed blades are generally better than folders and a Mora doesn't weigh any more than an Opinel.
2. For heavier wood processing you will want to add either an Axe, Saw or Batoning knife. A batoning knife can replace your lighter knife and therefore give you two tools in one but will not process wood as efficiently as an Axe or saw. I recommend a batoning knife when you want the option of processing wood but aren't necessarily planning on building a fire.
3. A folding saw will help you process wood to an extent and is lighter than axe or batoning knife but it's tough to split logs with one. A folding saw + Mora combo is great if you think small logs and sticks will be abundant.
4. An axe is the heaviest option but will process the most efficiently. It can reduce large logs to every size you might need. I recommend an axe only when planning to build large fires e.g. a large group trip where weight can be spread out and one person can carry the axe while another can forgo any sharp steel.
Regarding the cost of shedding weight, in most cases I say pick two of the following: Comfort, weight, cost. However with small items there are some pretty good cost-effect weight saving techniques and these do add up!
1. Use disposable water bottles instead of a Nalgene or metal bottle. If you use a Sawyer filter this kills two birds with one stone as the filter can be attached directly to most disposable bottles.
2. Carry lighter rope. A lot of people carry extra paracord with them but rarely use it for applications that require it's massive strength. Carry some 150lb test nylon instead and save up to 75% of the weight of paracord.
3. Use a kettle or mug to boil water and plastic containers to rehydrate/eat. I used to use 2-3 aluminum pots for cooking but now I have just one aluminum kettle and 2-3 plastic tupperware containers. Saved me a pound and a half and I can cook all the same meals I used to!
4. Ditch the pump filter! Most weigh over a pound when a Sawyer weighs 3 ounces and Aquamira even less. The Sawyer is actually a good example of balancing weight savings and comfort; it weighs more than chemical treatment but can be used immediately and doesn't impart any taste.
Last edited:
The insult comes in the dismissal of another individuals approach to the issue.
Whether you're calling someone a weak wimp or someone who plays with toys, you are setting them up as someone whose opinion you can safely ignore.
We can all do things our own way without having to be dismissive of the way other people operate.
It's a big world, and there's room for all of us...even those weirdoes who like Opinels.
I also don't think weight matters as much as some would say; I do have limits though.
My step-brother carries a pack that weighs 70 pounds to go to the woods...I kid you not.
For me, my back would scream at me as I fell onto the ground with a massive spasm.
I don't fault him for it though; it's how he likes it. And he does always have yummy food and all the things you could possibly want.
I agree with you. Unfortunately, the dismissals in this thread were first leveled at the folks who happen to not use knives for backpacking. That's where a call for civility and respect might have made the most sense.
stabman
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Perhaps.
But it would have probably gone off track anyway; people tend to get quite emotional about choices.
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It all boils down to what you enjoy...if you enjoy carrying an ultralight pack and covering as much ground as possible go for it, I don't find pleasure In that style but I am certainly not knocking it. I work out and run 5-6 days a week and live a busy life. When I hit the woods it's not for exercise, that is covered. I prefer to hike 10-12 miles in and carry a few luxury items, stay at that location for a few days and hunt, fish, go on short hikes from camp then pack up and head in when I'm done.
I second this perspective. There are always gonna be different opinions and that's ok. It's all about what you enjoy. I love my fallkniven knives and love to sing their praises, however I can only tell my opinion and some people will differ and that's fine. Just don't go telling me how I should.do something. In my experience, people are gonna.do what they want, whether right or wrong until they learn for themselves. Most life lessons usually require a little pain before the lessons are headed. I say do what you want, use what you like and one way or the other you'll figure out the best way. Hopefully said lesson doesn't require lots of blood.
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Some backpacking stoke, to keep this thread in a happy place...
First snow of the year on Ethan Pond
Tarp camping. Alcohol or white gas stoves are my preference. Wood fires not allowed here and honestly, aren't practical. Laying in your sleeping back while cooking on the other hand, is practical. And easy.
Run the dogs till they collapse. Pinnah's parenting tip #37. Fires are forbidden in the alpine zone here, and for good reason.
Rocks, and lots of them. Weather in this shot is balmy. I've had to crawl this section before. See any wood for fires?
Typical lunch break on a ski trip. I recall making tea on a Trangia stove that day. No fuss. No muss.
Obligatory knife glamor shot.
pinnah,
I don't agree with you most of the time. But I gotta say, these are some great photos! Keep it up!
Ed
Was it sarcasm....or just a quote? Those little marks on either side of the phrase you seem so antagonistic about are called quotation marks. They denote the quoting of another person. So....
Ask your college for a refund if you want then read what I WROTE and try me again should you have further questions as to "what I meant."
If by chance you are talking about the "oo-rah" paragraph, it was a question. Did you want to supply an answer?
No, I am not on a circuit.
I've answered your question. Are you going to address why you think not carrying a knife is similar to not wearing shoes for a backpacker? Or do you just want to keep hurling the insults?
