Going lightweight

[rollinbat]

I just saw your post about going lightweight and I wanted to tell you about a great website that carries lots of easy to pack lightweight camping and hiking supplies. http://www.rvcampstuff.com
I don't know the rules on this forum, so I hope it's OK to post a website. Happy Trails!

[Branchwhipped]

bdavison, thanks for the photo of your gear. I need to find a lighter tent.

[whiteOak]

excellent advice, OP. its the only way to travel.

[The_Climb]

Ok.. My lightweight tip and it may not be suitable for all seasons... Is> Instead of buying an expensive lightweight tent (I had a Terra Nova and was dissapointed with it) buy a cheap tent (like the cheapest you can find) and literally only take the insides.. Poles, netting (not the water/windproof outside).. This drastically brings down the weight of the tent (to many lightweight packs) and if you find a sheltered place to sleep under it can really be just as good. Obviously not a technique for cold climates but I have hiked in many warm climates with this setup and its saved a lot of back pain..

[joepantaleo]

Great post! That definitely seems to have some great information for a lightweight hiking trip I want to do this summer. Going to do a week long trip on the Appalaican Trail.

[laabstract]

If you are going to go lightweight a great way to pack in alot of the things on your list is in a small survival kit.

Here is the kit
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...STRK:MESELX:IT

Here is the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG-Kdys-_Pc

[American Hiker]

Great information, definitely going to check into the Mountain House food.

[John13np]

AH, check the food threads also. Some good info and opinions on Mountain House in there. Mine is that it's a good, but others say it cost too much for what it offers. Great arguments for both sides

[American Hiker]

I have heard any of the dehydrated commercial foods are expensive. I suppose I could prepare my own but 'to thine own self be true' and I'm to lazy for that.
I love the concept of going lite but it brings a question to mind. I have been traveling heavy on purpose for my day hikes in hopes of conditioning myself for longer hikes, when and if I get the time. Any opinions on conditioning? Will the extra weight help or should I go lite and just log in more mileage?

[John13np]

The extra weight should help you condition your hips. However, I have hiked in 10-15 miles sometimes with a 75 pound pack on (I had to for work) and it was no problem since I followed the following:

One of the main things you'd want to make sure of is that your pack fits right. That is key. If you have too much weight on your shoulders, you're gonna have a bad time (I like saying that from a south park episode ). If you have too much weight on your shoulders, you're gonna have a bad time. Also, your boots are another key factor. If you have the wrong size or if they’re a cheap pair, you're gonna have a bad time.

To me, the weight is not the biggest deal. You can carry 50 pounds comfortably as long as you have the right size boots, and your pack is fitted right.

But to answer your question as a whole, I say you should carry more weight and hike further