You're a Wimp! So lighten up your pack!

Host Steve talks about going lighter when backpacking during his solo 3 day trip of Mt. Rainier's Wonderland Trail. Toting a total pack weight of 18 pounds, including extra food, Steve covers over 30 miles a day without sacrificing safety or basic comfort. With a tent, pack, pad, and sleeping bag weighing less than 4 pounds, he has all the necessities and comfort he needs. Includes scenes from the Goat Rocks Wilderness, when Steve and his 14 year-old daughter did a 3 day trip, each carrying everything they needed for independent lightweight hiking. Steve and Cassie are Trail Ambassadors for Gossamer Gear.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• wonderland trail
• gossamer gear
• mount rainier
• backpacking light
• williswall

[ab8xx]

You are spot on. Great tips. Couple of questions: What brand/model rain shell is that? Also, how quick does "The One" go up and is it a bear to pitch in nasty weather? Thanks

[burgess77]

@ab8xx That shell was made by Arcteryx, it's not a current model, but it might equate to the now hyper expensive Alpha LT. I bought it at the time for it's light weight (9 ozs), simplicity and sturdiness (3 layer Goretex). As for "The One," it is not a quick pitch, as you are using 2 trekking poles for support and about 6 stakes. Everything's a compromise, so I accept it's "ease of pitching" limitations for the light weight (1 lb) and protection it provides.

[MaynkorX14]

Unfortunately for some of us we can't lighten our pack because we don't have the money for the outrageously priced ultralight gear, And if I really needed to lighten the load I'd have to leave something behind, instead of replacing it by emptying my wallet at rei. In a way I'm glad I don't ultralight Bpack, cause I know I'm tougher than the people who do.

[burgess77]

@MaynkorX14 You make a good point about equipment expense, some of it can be pricey. However, I still use stuff I bought more than a decade ago, so find that ultimately backpacking can be fairly cheap. There are lots of sales and used gear out there also. One of my other tenets is don't put something in your pack if you don't need it, so I tend to carry fewer items than many people. As far as being tougher, I guess it's better not to go there.....

[TheMattFrom1996]

@burgess77 I think that UL hiking is iresponsible and expensive, irresponsible because normal UL hikers do skimp on carrying neccesary safety equipment and/ or adequete shelter resulting in helicopter lifts and injurys etc, secondly it is also very expensive, what $300 for a cuben tarp? My view is that lightweight hiking is ideal because you shed significant amounts of weight whilst still not spending too much cash wheras with UL you may shed 100 grams on a sleeping bag but have to pay $200 more

[burgess77]

@TheMattFrom1996...I respectfully disagree. Depending on the trip, I go light, UL, or HL. I use Blizzard technology for bags and shelter (super cheap), I have made some of my own gear. Yes, Cuben is expensive, but in some cases you're saving pounds, not grams. My daughter and I were going Hyperlight recently and got stuck at a 7000' pass due to snow conditions, forcing an unplanned bivy. We spent the night in relative comfort, so I disagree with your "unsafe" assumption. Experience trumps all.

[stevebungay]

Loved your vid & tips. I'm 62 and have just started. I go up the mountain, sometimes in cool weather, and don't carry poles, so it's hard to get my weight down, so I appreciate your vids. I hauled 15 kgs up there a few months ago, and it's far too much, so I've started reducing (got a NeoAir & some propper clothing). If you see my clip, (Mulhacen in winter) Perhaps you could give some tips on mountain walking. I probably won't be out in colder than -10 c.

Thanks again.

Regards Steve.

[JEHIAHL]

Great video. I believe UL packing is the best way to go. There is so much more pleasure in gouing UL. I can't believe the weight I used to carry around. It was such a drag. Thanks for the video.

[kvt617]

You defintaly swayed my decision to opt for UL gear! Thanks :)

[MeanJRod]

everything you said is so true.... i been telling people the same thing for a long time it's nice to see someone else that has the same views as i do

alot of people think going UL mean not having any comfort... i feel i have more comfort being UL then i ever did with a 25+lbs pack

[MaynkorX14]

@freewill51 What did I say that made you come to the conclusion that my brain is not being used? And you could in fact make the argument that someone struggling on all fours in the end is indeed tougher than the well equipped thru hiker. Making assumptions about who I am and the experience I have is just ignorant, and humility aside, I'm tough as hell, and I know what the trails can do.

[freewill51]

@MaynkorX14 So people who use their brain and cover 30 miles a day are not as tough as you on all fours trying to cover 10 miles a day? Tough talk. You are either 14 years old or have never actually been on a backpacking trip in your life. The trails don't care how tough you are. They will spit you out any time they want.