If you aren’t up to Pyramids and tarps: Consider lightweight tents like the REI Quarter Dome 1 Tent, or the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 1 Tent. (If you want to save some weight, look at the Tarptents, altho these will not be from REI.)
Sources for Ultralight and Lightweight Backpacking Equipment This is only a small sample of the many sources for light equipment. Many other sources can be found by reading through the reviews and technique articles at Backpacking Light www.backpackinglight.com. You can also check out forums/discussions for advice: Backpacking Light.com Forums WhiteBlaze.net http://www.whiteblaze.net/ General Outfitters & Larger […]
“In locations where trees are readily available—nearly all of the eastern United States plus a fair amount of the Mountain West—hammock camping is likely your best sleep option.” This is the introductory post of a three part series Part I: Advantages and disadvantages versus ground systems Part II: Types of hammocks, and spec comparisons to ground […]
A three season (spring, summer, fall) Appalachian Trail Gear List This gear list is fine tuned to the climate and terrain of the Appalachian trail rather than the more generic 9 Pound – Full Comfort – Lightweight Backpacking Gear List which is intended to cover most of the lower 48. For instance, the AT Gear List suggests using a hammock […]
The Big 3 Look at The Big Three:1) Backpack, 2) Tent/Shelter, and 3) Sleeping bag (or quilt) You stand to loose a bunch of weight from these: as much as 10 to 12 pounds. Take a Backpack that weighs less than two pounds (see Recommended Backpacks) Take a Tent/Shelter that weighs less than two pounds (see Recommended Tents, Tarps and other Shelters) Take a […]
Looking for old trip reports? They’re likely here: We just launched an entirely new site. Some of the older trip reports (2008 and earlier) haven’t made it over yet. Scan through the list below and what you were looking for is probably there.
At under $700, this is a good example of how you can assemble a great kit of light gear for not too much money—even tho it’s over 10 years old. While much of the gear on this list not the latest model, there are current inexpensive analogs for much of the gear on this list. […]
2016 Update: I have redone this with a a new post “5 Pound Practical Ultralight Backpacking Gear List” which I believe is a far better approach to light on the AT. This new gear list is both light and practical. It can be used by many AT hikers to increase both their enjoyment and miles covered […]
Food and food storage: 6.5 lbs (5.2 lbs food, 1.3 lbs bear cans) The biggest weight savings of the trip and nobody went hungry. Again the greatest weight savings was in food. See below. Clothing: 5.5 pounds Less clothes, no Polarfleece, no camp shoes, lighter rainwear Packs: 5.2 pounds Heavy frame packs vs. ultralight frameless […]
“A heavy pack is never a highlight or happiest memory of a trip…” Disadvantages of a heavy pack It sucks the joy out of the trip… It will not keep you warmer, safer or more comfortable Slow, tedious hiking Exhaustion, irritability, and low morale on the trail Increased injuries – sore back, sprained ankles, blown knees, sore […]