simple & basic

“ok what is -in yr view-the simple & basic gear-w/out all the fancysmancyhightech ways-im talkin old school-common sense simple & basic.gear
& also like on the clothes issue:
how much to bring of what ?
& the more universal the better of course-not liminted to warm or hot, humid or dry climates but stuff that essential works for all & combing stuff ect. for the fullest most universal uses?”

“Pack, tent or tarp, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cook pot, spoon, cup, stove/fuel (if above timberline) first aid kit, map and compass, extra socks, rain gear, hat, shades, duct tape, nylon cord.

Clothing in layers:

Polypro long johns
Nylon pants with zip off legs
Coolmax shirt
Fleece jacket and pants ( for cooler weather)
Waterproof rain jacket and pants
Wool socks
Coolmax sock liners”

“Balgair79, i would respond but I lost my decoder ring and cant seem to crack your riddle...LOL.”

“Water filter”

“Wind Walker's list about covers it. Here in Florida I also carry something for the bugs and I take a bandana for various uses.”

“Might want to consider gaiters.

If you get anything, try to get multiple use out of it. My favorite example is a blaze orange fleece shirt. 1) it keeps me warm 2) it serves for high visibility in emergency situations 3) folded and rolled just so and stuffed in a stuff sack, it works great for a pillow, and I'll know where it is for those chilly mornings.

The stuff sack; it's fleece lined (for my sleeping bag). Turned inside out, fleece out, is a really nice pillow case.

There's plenty you can do to economize on weight and not give up "personally required items".

Happy Trails”

“bed roll
canteen
pot
matches
beans

pants
shirt
shoes (optional)”

“Balaclava type headwear. That's my most-bang-for-the-weight/$ piece of gear. Cheap rag-wool gloves are close.

Currently the fad for good reason:

Petzl Tikka headlamp

Some quality stuff for which I wouldn't take a substitute:

Kelty No-bendium tent stakes

Thermorest Guidelite sleeping pad (the first self-inflator I've had that stays inflated all night)


I'm assuming you were trying to generate gear talk here. My appologies if that's not the case.”

“There's nothing simple or basic about that.”

“lol, gojo, depends on how back to basics you want to be.”

“To hike in hot humid weather as well as high mountains, short trips, and long trips, I would consider these items universal.


Sil tarp
knife
flashlight
first aid kit
map and compass
rain gear
hat
bandana
shades
Coolmax shirt
Coolmax underwear
Wool socks
Coolmax sock liners
common sense”

“On the "how much to bring of what" clothes issue. The more you bring the more you suffer carrying it. So you have to decide what's best for you perfectly clean clothes or shot knees and sore back. I ususally take:

One pair shorts (swap for polortech pants in winter)

One pair zip off pants

Three pairs socks

Two sets of polypro undies and bras

Two tee shirts (wicking)

One long sleeve shirt (wicking)

Rain coat

For winter ditch the tee shirts and through in a polartech or down (or both) jacket.

That's my standard 1 week+ packing list. Do laundry at camp and you'll be set. If you don't feel like doing laundry for a day or two then stink. :o)”

“I think Gojo hit the spirit of the thread. Universal basicness. A light pack, tarp, cook pot, matches, bumbershoot, thin wool socks, rice.”

“It takes some habit breaking to learn to wear dirty clothes. After a couple of days my shirt usually looks like it will never be clean again. I get food on it almost every time I eat, and the sweat/dust mix always looks real nice. You just have to get over it.

I like wool pants in the winter, along with polypro longjohns.”

“...a cool buzz and tasty waves...

Speaking of "simplicity" which goes hand in hand with the lightweight philosophy...has anyone read yet the article The Ultralight Report?”

“Don't forget your thick skin! (proves handy on TT too!)”

“Just think Buddur, he was willing to look like a complete moron so that Backpacker Magazine could satisfy it's advertisers. What a party line! I hope he got a big bonus that made it worthwhile.”

“Dorn got one thing right...he is a moron. The poncho WAS a mistake. The reader forced that one on him and it was wrong. Part of being safe and successful going light is knowing what to bring for the conditions. A poncho is not a proper choice for where he went. You DO NOT stick soaked clothes in your down bag...moron.”

“Exactly. They misrepresented it by ignoring all the skills that have to go with it. They also gave it a big buildup ahead of time that made it sound like it was dangerous (accompanied by a team of first aid experts). Like I said, I hope he was well compensated...”

“What about his comment: "...just check the weather before you go." Who here completely relies on weather forcast? You always have to prepared for anything.”

“I nearly died the last time I believed the weather forecast.”

“I'd've spent 2 out of 3 nights soaked and sleeping in the rain, or even worse, in my buddy's tent, if at the last minute I didn't opt to go ahead and bring my raingear and tent rainfly. I dug it, it was an awesome trip in WV's Cranberry Wilderness, unfortunately, he hated it.

And I almost brought a tarp to the top of Dix mtn in NY's High Peaks region...the wind and rain was insane that night, I was so glad I brought my tent instead...all 7.5 pounds of it.”

“I'm all for simplicity, just not stupidity.”

“I'm all for straightforward cogitations, just not platudinous ponderosities.”

“I'm all for sex with strangers just not crabs.”

“I'm all for crabs, just not the itchy kind.”

“should i do them at camp?”

“no, belgair,,,you should sneak off about 100 yards or so,,,,,the moans and grunts keep me awake at night if they are in a tent too close”

“Don't wear extra clothes if you wouldn't normally wear them.”

“Bring a restrained personality. Wear lots of brown and earthtone colors. Be respectful of others. At all costs, blend in. Don't let things get to you. Make deliberative, reasoned decisions.”