[at-l] Re: ultra light clinics and reintroduction

[dennis@bcontech.com (Dennis Gass)]

Have you read the articles at
http://www.backpackinglight.com/index/18/index.htm ?

I find this site to be a good primer because it helps define the
difference between three types of backpacking, not just two, and is the
first time I saw the topic of a middle weight formally introduced with
some specific examples.  The table at
http://www.backpackinglight.com/index/20/Table1.pdf clearly defines
ultralight, light and traditional.

I'm not an ultra light backpacker.  I will never plan on foraging for
any food on the trail, will probably not use a tarp, and some of the
things that I have read in other ultralight sources just don't seem to
apply to the type of backpacking I do here in the humid southeast US
with tight trails.  At the same time, I will not carry a 40 pound pack
again.

After I read the above referenced article I recognized myself as a
lightweight backpacker and I have been able to cut my pack weight to a
little less than 50% of what it used to be, I do not sacrifice any
comfort items and instead of feeling like I am less prepared the
additional research and thought I put into my gear actually leaves me
feeling much better prepared than I had been.

Dennis (advocate of everyone selecting their own method of backpacking
but a dedicated light weight backpacker himself)


-----Original Message-----
From: at-l-admin@mailman.backcountry.net
[mailto:at-l-admin@mailman.backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Rhw1214@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 07, 2002 2:10 PM
To: at-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: [at-l] Re: ultra light clinics and reintroduction

--
[ Picked text/plain from multipart/alternative ]
hi all.  i have been hiding out for too long!!  actually, i had some
medical
stuff to care for and was spending all my computer time doing research
for
that.  but i am back and feeling great!  well this topic caught my eye
on my
first day back to reading posts.  i live in CT any one know of any
clinics
like this around here?  even a long drive away is fine, you know 5 hours
or
so, but CA is a little far.

i'd also like to take this time to reintroduce myself to the group.  i
am
sure there are many new hikers around by now.  i am planning my first
thru in
2003.  leaving mid march i think going north bound.  i live in CT
currently.
i do not have a pertner as of yet but would feel more comfortable in
having
one.  will be going either way.  i do lots of hiking but never
longdistance.
small hiking and camping trips though.  my issue is that i am a very
small
person.  4 ft 10inch about 87-90 pounds.  so i will be going ultralight.
as
my ultralight pack will be full weight compared to most.  i can carry
about
20 pounds but would really like to get it down abit.  this is where the
having a pertner would do more fpor me than just company.  you know
carrying
a few shared items.  but i am a survivor so....
i have not purchased any gear yet.  i have a few little things but
nothing
really.  so advice is really what i want.  i was doing alot af research
before, but am now getting back to it and getting serious.  i need small
lightweigth gera that will hold up.  money is of course an issue bu ti
do
know that i may need to spend more to get what i really want and need.
so of
course it makes it worth it.

thanks guys and i really did miss all of you--regan--
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