Ultralight Backpacking???

“So Mountain Roamer what outermost regions have you ventured to, that us mere lightweight mortals fear to tread? What a lame ass statement...Your talking out your ass buddy and have 0 evidence to support your rhetoric..Now sit down and shut up.......”

“Must...resist...temptation to respond to MR.

We're just another animal out there. Deer Gear.”

“Okay, I'll jump in even though I'm sure that MR is just someone creating a stir.

Those that have hiked with me, know I go pretty light. Also that I'm pretty good at getting off the beaten path. So as far as staying away from a challenge cause of my meager pack weight, that doesn't happen.

I go solo a lot too. I can only imagine the concern that must cause someone who says a 50 lbs pack is the only safe way to travel.

Knockin' on wood. In my 30 some years of backpacking through years of heavy packs and light packs, I've never had to have SAR come get me or been seriously injured. Oh, I've been in a few situations but since you see me posting, I must have lived through it. In every case it was not about how much gear I had with me but common sense and the "right" gear that got me out of trouble.

All the same, it's what ever floats your boat. If you need a ton of gear to make you feel comfortable with your ability to survive a given situation, go for it. 90% of survival and enjoyment for that matter is mental. So hey, do what feels good. Just don't put people down for having a different comfort level than you.

I'll make a generalization here though. Most of the people I encounter going light weight tend to be more experienced and savvy about the ways of the wilderness.

As all of us red blooded males have been brainwashed into thinking, it's not the size but what you do with it, right.”

“That's what it is all about... I've personally hiked over 2500 miles in my life -- put up first ascents in 3 continents, and spend more days in a tent each year than under a roof. Dangerous, possibly, but I have the knowledge, experience, and physical strength to not have to rely on gear. Recently I attempted a first ascent of a 6,500 meter peak solo -- I carried a whisperlite w/ liter of fuel, warm clothes, and a light bivy sack + some food. Yup that's right, no tent, no sleeping bag, no water (has to be melted from snow)... got caught in a storm at 6000 meters on a ridge... built a small coffin with rocks, and dug myself in for the night -- woke up with 10 inches of snow on my face, but relatively warm and alive. Experience... I knew what I was up against and was willing to take the risks of ravelling light.”

“My brother in-law was USMC, took him with me to Mineral King he said he had all the right gear ...when we got to camp he unloaded a full size camcorder + an SLR and lenses, a gold pan( metal )he was carrying a 357 mag( in a park where it's illegal to carry )a ton of fishing gear, and enough food to last 10 days ( 3 day trip) his pack probably weighed 60+ pounds and he carried it just fine...but he started pushing food at me right and left on the 2nd day :) My pack weighed about 28 lbs and I had a lot of stuff and more than enough food.

Nothing wrong with light loads and it takes plenty of green$$$ to get the lightest products ( in most cases )

I have never needed to carry 60+ Lbs...not even when I take my kids and shoulder more of the load so they can enjoy the trail more!

But whatever turns you on....go for it !!!”

“SnowDude & I spent 30 days in the Sierras last fall. We never got cold and we slept good, and only at the end, I felt I needed more snacks. We were prepared for rain, wind and snow. We got all of it.

We decided to do this trip 2 years ago, and worked on replacing the heavy gear. 2 years ago we carried 57 lb & 49 lbs for 8 days. On the 3rd day I couldn't put the pack on my hips.

This year we carried 43 lb & 38 lb for 10 days (our biggest resupply). It was so much more pleasant climbing up those passes.

The only other time I carried 49 lbs was the last time SnowDude got pulmonary edema. We had packed for 9 days (I had 39 lbs), he got sick on the third day, so I took 10 lbs of gear from him. 49 lb pack, 100 lbs (me at the time) = 49% of my weight. Not fun.”

“I'm heading out to risk my life and safty for the next 4 days in the scary woods with only a 24 pound pack.
Maybe I'll come back alive.

See ya,

WD”

“In the winter there is no such thing as ultralight backpacking at least to me.But when warm weather comes along I am all about it.My pack weights go down alot.Overnight trips are even lighter.

But if I must say you have to have all the things that you like to have.So if it adds weight so what bring it.

If you have been backpacking for some time your body gets used to it I know I have.So it does not matter to me.”

“I can't believe the stir this has caused! You'd think I was calling your religion a cult or something.

As for the gear I carry, much of it is specialized for my line of work, which keeps me out in the woods for extended periods and would not likely be recognized or understood by many of you weekend warrior types. I have put together a partial list of what I keep on hand everywhere I go. The list is complete for me to survive in the Temperate Zone indefinitely. This list is geared towards my experience & knowledge.

Large ALICE PACK
Wet Weather Bag (Mil Spec, OD)
Sleeping Bag (Gander Mountain, 0º, Mummy Style, Black)
Sleeping Mat (Thermarest, 72", OD)
Poncho Liner (Mil Spec, Camo)
Poncho (Mil Spec, Camo)
8-Bungie Cords (5', Camo)
Extra Clothes (1 Set BDU, 5pr Wool Socks, Wool Sweater, etc)
Zip Lock Bags (For Socks, Etc)
Para Cord (Mil Spec 550, 100', OD)
Personal Hygine Items (Razor, Soap, Toothbrush/Paste, Sewing Kit, Mirror, Etc)
Knife-Gerber BMF (Suvival Knife, Silva Compass)
Entrenching Tool (Mil Spec, Folding, OD & carrier)
Heavy Duty Waterproof Pouch (For Survival & Medical Handbook)
Colt AR-15 A2 Sporter Lightweight Rifle 5.56, Folding Stock- Aluminum, Sling (Pre Ban Legal)
Glock 17 9mm Pistol
Weapon Cleaning Kit (Compact, all calibers)
30 Day Supply of Survival Food (Survival Food Tablets, 2 Containers)
Binoculars (Pocket Size, 4x10)
Swiss Army Knife (Champion Model)
Gloves, Flight (Nomex, OD)
180 rds 5.56 (Sealed)
100 rds 9mm (Sealed)
Pistol Belt (Mil Spec, OD)
"Y" Harness (Mil Spec, OD)
Pistol Belt Padding (OD)
3-Magazine Pouches (Mil Spec, OD)
OD Canvas "Butt Pack"
2-One Quart Canteens (OD, Cover)
Canteen Cup (Stainless Steel, Mil Spec)
UM84 Bianchi Pistol Holster (Black)
Knife-Cold Steel Recon Tanto
Compass, Lensatic (Mil Spec)
Flashlight (Code 4 Jr, Red Lens)
Gloves, Flight (Nomex, Black)
SAS "Headover" (Wool, Black)
SAS "Wristovers" (Wool, Black)
Pistol Magazine Pouch (Black)
6-AR-15, 30rd Magazines
2-Glock-17, 17rd Magazines
Poncho (Mil Spec, Camo)
5-Bungie Cords (5', Camo)
Leatherman Survival Tool (Pouch)
Swiss Army Knife (Champion, Pouch)
Weapon Brush (Mens Shaving Brush)
D-Ring (Carbiner, Aluminum, Black)
2-First Aid Dressings (Mil Spec, OD)
Fishing Kit (Hooks, Sinkers, Line)
Lifeboat Matches
Magnezium Ribbon
Signal Mirror
Snare Wire (25', Sand & OD)
Water Purification Tabs
Small Vial of Regular Clorox Bleach
Pocket Knife (Multi Function Swiss Army Type)
Survival Saw (Not Cheap One)
550 Cord (10')
Small Compass
Safety Pins & Small Nails
Small Orange Marker Panel
Survival Blanket
Gauze, Forceps, Tweezers
Bandaids/Bandages/Closure Strips (Various Sizes)
Latex Gloves
Antiseptic, Etc.
Surgical Tape”

“Damn Dood, you could survive forever on all that...or at least till yer ammo runs out.”

“GGGGGEEEEEEEZZZZZZZ!!!!!

and I thought my Army set up was intense....... All that only weighs 65 lbs...Hmmm, me thinks not.

Me know thinks you be troll!!”

“Do you care if I ask why you need 5 knives (3 of them pocket knives), 3 compasses, and 2 mirrors? That seems a bit redundant and I'd be interested to learn the reasoning behind it. Also, you listed the bungees twice. Is there a reason for that or was it just a copy/paste error? Do you have a personal/general kit and a professional kit that have to be kept seperate and therefore the redundancy? Do you care to say what it is that you do for a living? I would also be interested to know where you backpack, how frequently you go out, and the duration of your outdoor stays. Also, you didn't list any food items other than the survival tablets. What kind of food do you pack and at what amounts?


BTW, it would be helpful if you ditched the condescending, holier-than-thou attitude. That is, if you truly are interested in having a real discussion. Although I find it interesting that the only times you've posted to this thread have been to revive it when interest in it has waned. And then only with insulting, inflamatory remarks interspersed in your posts.”

“So what do you do?”

“(I think he keeps the world safe from squirrels)”

“(And he's doing a dambed fine job of it, too. I haven't been attacked by a squirrel in years)”

“HPM -

I'm not supposed to laugh that hard at work!”

“And Biz thought I was going overboard because I insisted a good knife should be basic equipment, LOL. As for LNT, I think not, not with an entrenching tool on the packing list.

Even allowing for the redundant listing of several items, that is not a backpacking list. That is the gear for a long-range combat patrol, so this is all about yanking chains. Sgt. Rock, our resident active-duty in-the-field soldier and very dedicated lightweight packer, must be howling about MR.

And some dedicated ultra-lighter, like a Viet Cong or mujahadeen, will hear MR coming from a mile away and ambush his @$$ for that nice AR-15 and Glock.”

“It's him!





RUN ROCKY, RUN!!!”

“Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!

Good stuff! Congrats Mr. on a fine trolling job!! Maybe I'll run into you in the DMZ!”

“I guess it is easier to be small-minded and accuse me of being a troll than to accept that some people have a need for items that you would not carry. I can’t really go into much detail, but my work keeps me in trail-less wilderness for extended periods and incidentally pays quite well. I only published my list because TownDog was so interested, not to provoke more derision. This is my list for extended survival situations.

Here’s an idea. How about you ultralight crazies post your gear lists so I can come up with dozens of situations that would leave you woefully unprepared and crying into your cell phone for mommy?”

“That's the list of a totally clueless person incapable of surviving in the backcountry with any real woodsmanship or skill.

In short it looks like a totally inept newby list.

It also looks totally fake.”

“BTW, never trust someone, even a troll, who can't color-coordinate their web gear. That Bianchi UM84 holster comes in OD as well as black, and all the "mil spec" belts, harnesses and pouches on the list are OD. This from someone who cares enough to carry two shades of snare wire?

And which nomex gloves do you wear, the OD or the black... hmm... well there may be a "formal" assault along the way, so better bring the black, too.

Bet MR's Brigade Quartermaster catalog is well-thumbed.

(And to be completely forthright, I actually would like one of the UM84 holsters and matching accessories for my 9mm pistol, but I'm not going to claim it has anything to do with backpacking weight issues.)”

“Sorry Mr., don't plan on any backpacking trips through Somalia anytime soon.”

“This whole thread is the biggest contrived, boredom induced, piece of sh!t, ego strokin', chest thumpin', flame war I've ever seen.

I am secure enough and knowledgable enough with my kit that I don't have to justify it anyone I don't hike with.

Get some skilz Mt.Boner.”

“I agree MR is a total fake, a troll for sure.”

“Thanks for the flame war. My son and I have been enjoying this thread start-to-finish. (He is an ultralighter) It's been grand!”

“"I'm only making reasonable assumptions based upon the targets.

"Do you have a persecution complex? I never called you racist or reactionary."
Mountain Roamer
11:32:10 AM
01/24/02"

Somebody got busted on another thread...”

“I’ve been lurking for a while and have a serious question. Please don’t accuse me of trolling (whatever that means) I am sincerely interested in understanding something.




Please! This place is rank with Ice Tea's Newbie Guides. This is the fakest statement I've seen in a long time. (Sorry Violin, it's true.)”

“You guys were great! I only needed a few hundred more posts to qualify for troll of the month but over 100 replys in less than 24 hours will at least get me a t-shirt. I really though once I threw in religion and guns in one post, this baby would really heat up. Perhaps if I'd included dogs...”

“I can't that hook out of my lip!!!!

Good one Violin.”

“Oh, V, now you've gone and spoiled all the fun we were having. A good "chain yanking" now and then helps us practice our witty repartee skills.”

“V - chain yanker of the month-”

“I had a real good response to anyone who would post a gear list too:
"You must be smoking the cheap $3 crack!"”

“He's a yanker of some sort, but I wasn't thinkin' chains! LOL!

That's OK, my very own brother who doesn't backpack came on TT as Overloaded But Happy and trolled the hell out of me and everyone else. Peckerhead if I ever saw one. Should have seen my face when I was b!tchin' and complaining about some jerk on-line and my bro dropped the bomb!”

“When using a trolling persona it is a good idea to logout after each post. It's also a good idea to use a different password for each user name. While it gets to be quite a pain to keep logging in before each post, it helps prevent posting as yourself when logged in as a troll.”

“You sound like you have some trolling experience skullcap!”

“skullcap = Spock?”

“No, skullcap does not = Spock. Anything further is priviledged information. Proprietary secrets, you understand.”

“So there, nah! ¦ P
.”

“Tom and Penelope Cruze are sizzling in Vanilla Sky! That pairing is so hot, it's no wonder we haven't gotten any snow this winter. It made me a little sad that we only got half an inch of snow by Christmas. It's always been a tradition at my household to go out and make snow angels after a few dozen mugs of egg nog, but if I'd flopped back into that tiny an amount of snow, my Christmas present would have been a broken back! LOL! LOL! LOL!”

“I'm still chuckling at HPM's rendition of the now mythical Mountain Roamer.”

“Shoot for 150!

Tell us what a he-man you are again MR!

snicker”

“CC-

You sound like a cool dude to hike with.

I mean BP. whatever, you know what i mean”

“'That's what it is all about... I've personally hiked over XXXX miles in my life -- put up first ascents in X continents, and spend more days in a tent each year than under a roof. Dangerous, possibly, but I have the knowledge, experience, and physical strength to not have to rely on gear. Recently I attempted a first ascent of a X,XXX meter peak solo -- I carried a whisperlite w/ liter of fuel, warm clothes, and a light bivy sack + some food. Yup that's right, no tent, no sleeping bag, no water (has to be melted from snow)... got caught in a storm at XXXX meters on a ridge... built a small coffin with rocks, and dug myself in for the night -- woke up with XX inches of snow on my face, but relatively warm and alive. Experience... I knew what I was up against and was willing to take the risks of ravelling light.'

ICK

Go back to school man, who cares about your stats”

“oops, sorry that was mean

Uhm what is a nice way to say this?

No one on this website posts their mileage. That's what I like about it”

“Now that was funny!”

“Biz, I don't go for this either usually (see the Bag Nights in 2001 thread)but I think that once you get to a point of experience you don't have to impress others. I think Fluffer was giving the info to give examples that validate his style of hiking and climbing.

Of course if he was talking about how much education he has, how much he makes, or how many laundry mats he owned I might agree that he was being silly. 8)”

“and our spec-ops boys wonder why all sas/sbs are laughing behind their hands when they're seconded to them ...?”

“I was thinkin we'd found Eric Rudolph..posting on his laptop from the hills of N. Carolina..heheheh Nice one!!!”