[at-l] Re: 7.5 pound base weight

[krk@speakeasy.org (Kenneth Knight)]

Actually it is a good list for a minimalist backpacker. I know a couple peo=
ple that travel with base eights in this range and they're happy doing it.

While this doesn't work for me it does work for some. And the weight wouldn=
't go up that much once you add in TP, a lightweight alcohol stove, and mug=
 to boil water. At worst these probably bounce you up to 9 pounds.

One big area they save in is using the ID Silponcho for both shelter and as=
 rain wear. While I'm not a fan of this approach it works for some and you =
could argue works really well on the AT if you plan to use shelters most of=
 the time anyway. As for a thermarest I don't generally take one either. I =
use a Mt Washington II Pad (just under 8 ounces and that's the full length =
version - 60").

I consider this a minimalist gear list instead of ultralight. I use the lat=
ter term because it still gives me the options of taking things that some w=
ould consider non-essential or luxury items. My camera stuff and journaling=
 stuff would fall into that category. By lightening my load in other areas =
I can carry these "extras" and not be over burdened by them.

  ** Ken **

On 11/21/02 at 8:45 AM, janl2@mindspring.com (Jan Leitschuh) wrote:

>Here's a fun little gear list, for your amusement:
>
>http://www.promountainsports.com/upk.shtml
>
>What would YOU have to add...
>I don't see rain gear, or a Thermorest...
>or TP, for that matter...
>;-)

**  Kenneth Knight    Web Design, IT Consultant, Software Engineer  **
**       krk@speakeasy.org        http://www.speakeasy.org/~krk     **
**        Ultralight backpacker   http://www.speakeasy.org/~krk     **