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If you're a long distance hiker, Matt Shafter's video [1] is very useful. The sleeping bag, instead of going first thing in, kind of spreads _around_ the other
by helmholtz 4y ago
If you're a long distance hiker, Matt Shafter's video [1] is very useful. The sleeping bag, instead of going first thing in, kind of spreads _around_ the other heavier objects, which we try to keep close to the lower back / belly button level.
Having done my own share of hikes, though, I will say that going ultralight right from the beginning has been a gift that has kept on giving. Seeing people carry heavy tents and stainless steel cooking gear and ridiculously heavy sleeping bags makes me quake in my shoes. I just couldn't do it.
And then lastly, I really, really, cannot say enough good things about ease of access. I have shoulder pockets for compass/sunglasses. A bottom pocket in my backpack (Palante) for snacks and trash storage. Side pockets for water that I can reach without taking the pack off, and they're deep enough to not have the bottles fall out. A fanny pack for small items like chapstick, sanitiser etc. And finally _deep_ pockets in my shorts for my phone. NOT having to take my pack off makes me happy over and over and over again.
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ut4R4JMHEE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ut4R4JMHEE
- WastingMyTime89 4y ago> Having done my own share of hikes, though, I will say that going ultralight right from the beginning has been a gift that has kept on giving. Seeing people carry heavy tents and stainless steel cooking gear and ridiculously heavy sleeping bags makes me quake in my shoes. I just couldn't do it. I agree but as soon as you cross one week of autonomy, food starts to be the bulk of your pack and you just can’t be that light for the first few days.
- jhickok 4y agoGoing ultralight improved my hiking experience so much that I went from "if this is it I don't think it's for me" to "I kind of forgot I had a pack on; anyway what a cool hike". I know it's not for everyone but I cannot imagine bulking up with luxury hiking items anymore.
- alistairSH 4y agoI do a bit of both. A few UL items allow me to bring some luxury along without being overly heavy. For example, I’ll bring a hammock or Helinox camp chair. Both around a pound. Having a place to flop by the campfire at the end of a long day is really nice.
- jhickok 4y agoI actually added a Helinox this year as well. Straps just fine to the outside of my pack and the 1lb is worth it.
- secondcoming 4y agoI have a military backpack (Savotta) and you can buy additional MOLLE bags and attach them easily pretty much anywhere on it. Extremely useful.