[pct-l] Reading material & Pack Weight

[firefly at eatel.net (firefly)]

Yesterday I wrote a long response to this but accidentally sent it to an
individual instead of the group. So here is a quick repeat:

RUN to this website: www.trailquest.net  and look up "Dancing Light Gear". I
have the Tacoma for 2 Tent, and had it custom made to be big enough for 3
people instead of two. (This is to accomodate 2 people and a large dog, but
that's a long story. <G>)
When I am solo, I use a Hennessy Hammock, but the Tacoma is the BEST tent I
have ever owned. About 2 years ago, when I was transitioning to lightweight
backpacking, I spent months researching shelters. I read Jardine's book,
re-read Colin Fletcher's book, and even tried making my own silnylon tarp. I
don't have the patience for sewing, especially with slippery silnylon. I
have probably owned a dozen shelters over the years. No telling how much
money I wasted in the past 5 years before I bought the Tacoma. It is not
cheap, but it may be the last backpacking tent I ever own. Mine is 45 square
feet, with a bathtub floor, and weighs under 3 pounds. I forgot the exact
weight. It sets up with hiking poles, which I use anyway. They also make the
Tacoma as a SINGLE, or as a tarp instead of tent. They have other shelters,
too, all extremely lightweight. They sell alcohol stoves, rain gear, etc.

Trailquest is custom made gear done by expert ultra lighters Carole Wellman
and David Maulding. They hike every summer, and all their gear is made to
order. They are on the CDT trail right now so the store is closed until they
return. They have the ideal life. They hike all summer and make gear the
remainder of the year.

Even if you don't buy any of their gear, I don't know anybody who knows more
about safely hiking light. They go farther than I am personally comfortable
with, but if I hiked as much as they do I might change my thinking on that,
too.

Another outstanding source of info is the Backpacking Light Yahoo group.
Huge group, very, very smart and nice folks there.

Marsanne