High Sierra Topix

If you don't need it and don't want it don't carry it. But if you have to ask us if you need something then you may not be ready to remove it from your pack. There are many items (like a pack cover) that I select based on a variety of factors; it isn't always the same choice. And that's me, not you.

You really need to base your decisions on experience -- your experience.

I mean, I could pack your pack for you... but you wouldn't like it.

edhyatt wrote:I don't like carrying stuff. I run hot when hiking. I don't like camping, I 'bivvy'. I walk all day.

Jeez, did someone log-in as me?

I've been MYOG for a couple of years, and each off-season I think about ways to further streamline my approach. I saw a photo - like this one - of Scott Williamson (he set the initial PCT FKT) a few years back and noted his lack of hip belt:



Last fall, I got some 140 Dyneema with the intention of making my own super-minimalist pack sans hip belt. I've already made a few packs, including the one below from a few years back, but they've all had conventional hip belts & sternum straps. This one was made out of silnylon, and while really light, I was always patching it at the stress points.

(You can see my two water bottles up front - I use two so that I can treat one with bleach while the other is ready to go. I also like moving some weight forward to eliminate "drag ass". Water being the obvious choice due to weight/density + being available to "dip & drink" on the fly. Also, I always take two rods: fly for fun, spinner to catch fish in deep lakes when it's windy.)





Anyway, while I was mulling over my design ideas, it appeared that there was an social media underground movement among really fast thru-hikers, including "Handy Andy" who set the JMT FKT in 2014, to ditch the hip belt. The logic is simple: you don't need a hip belt if your weight is really low. By eliminating the hip belt, you're literally forced to take only the barest essential(s).

Here's a shot of Andy's pack design - you can see he's got his water bottle up front. While I certainly don't consider mine anywhere near original, I have a pretty good self-made stable rig that I use on my packs that lots of passing hikers have seen. (Also, the strap around his hip is not a belt, but a hip pocket that is filled with food so that he can eat without needing to stop.)



Now, it should be noted, that a pack of this nature is essentially good for only 3-4 day outings. It seems like that's the evolving PCT style anyway, which is to hike all day long for 3-4-5 days, then re-supply, gorge (and party).

BTW. for those who are interested, here's his account of the JMT FKT:

http://www.palantepacks.com/blog/pct

Hobbes wrote:[The logic is simple: you don't need a hip belt if your weight is really low. By eliminating the hip belt, you're literally forced to take only the barest essential(s).

Kind of like using a small plate to lose weight. Or setting the clock ten minutes ahead. If you have a need to fool yourself in this way it can be a useful psychological tactic. But it only works because you already know what you can get away with and approximately what sized pack is required for that.

Otherwise, the "logic" would suggest that by choosing a fanny pack that you could go even lighter.

I prefer to do it the other way around: figure out what I need and then choose the appropriate pack.

Water is the biggest killer for me. I tend to carry way more than is necessary. I'm always afraid I'll run out or won't be able to find any. But that would be the place you could achieve the greatest weight savings.

After knee surgery I experimented with going ultra-light and realized I really like feeling good at the end of the day, even if it means sacrificing camp comfort. Those things that you don't need, but are kinda nice to have, add up quickly.

I did a couple experiments to see what I really need on trips, but I'm sort of a masochist/type II fun kinda person so it's not for everyone. I went on a one night, then a two night trip and brought nothing but a space blanket and a knife (and a fishing pole for 2 nights). Sleeping on branches under a space blanket was better than I thought and I now use very light sleeping bags with a cheap space blanket overtop. You'll realize you really don't NEED hardly anything, then work your way up deciding what weight is worth the comfort. Last summer I did the Rae Lakes loop with a fanny pack and had a great time. Thinking surviving, not backpacking, is a good way to start. Then add to your list as desired.

I kind of cheat though because I have this list that I've used so much it's almost committed to memory. This and a fishing pole brings down the weight
The biggest gains in weight, that I think are unnecessary, are carrying any water at all, camp shoes, too much clothing, too much food, a filter, a bear can, and a tent. I've trained my stomach to handle chugging an entire liter at once so I don't carry water (with some obvious exceptions). It hurts for 5 minutes and then saves tons of effort.

A pre-trip enema is another way to shave a few pounds off of the total load, so to speak.

Yikes, I reread my last post and I sound like a crazy person.

Maybe just go through your pack separating everything into "need" and "want" piles, instead of sleeping on the ground as an experiment. Then see how much weight you can shave.

limpingcrab wrote:Yikes, I reread my last post and I sound like a crazy person.

Maybe just go through your pack separating everything into "need" and "want" piles, instead of sleeping on the ground as an experiment. Then see how much weight you can shave.

When i was young, my dad would take me on overnight trips like that. He was comfortable just sleeping under a tree in a flannel jacket with his feet up on his pack. We'd bring a small day pack with little more than fishing gear and snacks (dry salami, cheese and lemon drops).

Nowadays i like to have a versatile system but I dont need much, and i think its because of those trips. I think it could be a valuable experience for anyone to just head out for a night and conquer that fear of not having every possible need covered.

Safely of course... mid summer, near civilization.



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limpingcrab wrote:Yikes, I reread my last post and I sound like a crazy person.

Maybe just go through your pack separating everything into "need" and "want" piles, instead of sleeping on the ground as an experiment. Then see how much weight you can shave.

I like the "need" and "want" piles. And the sharing if with someone else. And, you might be crazy. Sleeping on the ground isn't fun.

You do learn a lot in those situations; Like don't. But air mattresses do go flat.

Cutting the bows for a bed isn't really great, but works. I've done it a couple times but only where it was necessary.

limpingcrab- for an overnight sleep is not even a "need". Just think how far you could go and what little you would need if you kept walking for 24 hours.