Zapruda wrote:The contents of my pack (baseweight) can weigh anywhere from 2.5kg (height of summer) to 6kg (multi day winter ski tours) without food and water and depending on the season. Most often I am around 3.5- 4 kg. I spend most of my of time in the Alps and this can often mean snow, cold and wind and other extremes in weather.
It's a common misconception that going lighter means being uncomfortable and unsafe. I am always comfortable and never make any concessions when it comes to safety. I prioritise minimal packing practices rather than packing for all the "what-ifs" that people seem to think up before a trip. I put more emphasis on skills rather than gear. Having the skills to utilise lighter/less gear is often overlooked. As an example You can get away with a much lighter tent when you know where and how to pitch it correctly.
Packing light means I am more nimble and unencumbered. It means less injuries and fatigue. It means a greater connection to the environment.
Whenever I guide I encourage people to reassess the contents of their packs when they get home and really consider each item and what place it has. The best way to save weight is by simply removing unnecessary and redundant stuff from your pack. I am always shocked at all the extra clothing and cooking kit people bring along. Trying to recreate the comforts of home in the bush is futile in my opinion.
Ultimately, people should carry what makes them happy and enhances the their time outside. There is no right or wrong way.
Here are two excellent resources for getting in to a lighter mindset
https://www.reddit.com/r/UltralightAUs
https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight
wildwanderer wrote:I range from 3.7 kg baseweight(gear minus food/water/worn clothing) for my fair weather summer kit then it ranges to about 7kg baseweight for winter alpine.
However I've been doing this for a while and spent a fair amount of money on light weight gear etc. So don't feel if you're gear is heavier by comparison to other people you need to rush out and spend $. It's a evolutionary and individual process. With a bit of trial and error you will find that right style/weight of gear that works for you.
Crollsurf wrote a good guide if you're looking to lighten the load a bit.
viewtopic.php?f=58&t=30413
ILUVSWTAS wrote:Your friend sounds very reckless. I'd avoid any serious walks with him.
My weight used to vary between 12kg for short trips and 24kg for up to 2 week trips.
EGM wrote:I have no idea on base weight but my total weight is usually around 7kg total depending on how much water I take. I'm also always with my partner so we get to split up gear like tent and stove.
Btw Lamont Wim hof is a man who enjoys running around in the snow in his undies and fighting illnesses with 'will power'.
Tortoise wrote:I'm still a long way from UL, but usually carry about 10 kg for 2-3 days including food and water. Yeah, I should work out a base weight. I can do 10 days (Tasmanian alpine) with 14 kg all up, which is a major improvement on the 23 kgs I'd carry for a week a few years ago. I used to add luxuries for shorter walks, which meant I rarely got below about 19 kg. Now I enjoy the luxuries at home, and get to enjoy bushwalking even more. I can also do tougher walks in my senior years than I've done before. Shoulda gone lighter decades ago.
Joels wrote:Ah yes, I'm currently in the cull process...slowly getting lighter.
Tortoise wrote:Joels wrote:Ah yes, I'm currently in the cull process...slowly getting lighter.
Good stuff! Some things were easy to leave at home, some cheap to replace (a bit of orange net bag instead of a scourer, going with a pot that would triple as a bowl and mug etc). Bigger items took research and patience. I decided what I wanted, then waited. Some things I got second hand from good folk here, others I got new for half price, alerted to specials by good folk here.
Moving from a warm but heavy sleeping bag to a good quality quilt, and a better, lighter mat, helped save over a kg by going to a smaller pack.
Out of interest, what cooker do you use? I need my hot coffee and food too.Joels wrote:Yes, It's definitely just finding what works. It is a process, and everybody has things they would rather not sacrifice...even when it comes to weight. Mine is a cooker...I know some people just go with dry foods etc, but I need my hot coffee and warm food haha
Tortoise wrote:Out of interest, what cooker do you use? I need my hot coffee and food too.Joels wrote:Yes, It's definitely just finding what works. It is a process, and everybody has things they would rather not sacrifice...even when it comes to weight. Mine is a cooker...I know some people just go with dry foods etc, but I need my hot coffee and warm food haha
stry wrote:
I like to think I am well prepared, I will also, depending on weather expectations and altitude, carry mittens, spare gloves, balaclava. Only carried if I expect to need them, and usually not needed, but to not take them on those occasions would be foolish.
I have had to use my back up clothing to get a warm nights sleep several times this year, so I won't be leaving that out, or reducing it.
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