Ultralight Backpacking to the Elysian Fields

In a real world backpack to a remote and virtually inaccessible area of Mt. Rainier National Park, my 15 year old daughter and I, Trail Ambassadors for Gossamer Gear, demonstrate ultralight backpacking with basic pack weights of 9 pounds. This trip had typical challenges like heat, cold, water issues, scrambling, bushwhacking and bugs.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• ultralight backpacking
• hiking
• mt rainier
• elysian fields
• willis wall
• gossamer gear

[alexkram]

9 lbs? Wow that's heavy. I hike nude to save weight, eating only the raw plants I can harvest on the trail. If it gets cold I run in place all night. A small sacrifice for the weight savings of not carrying a sleeping bag or pad. My hiking pole is actually a carbon nanotube.

[burgess77]

@alexkram Here's some free advice...instead of running in place, just keep running down the trail. At least then you are accomplishing something besides exhibitionism

[kilolima55555]

I wonder how you do with water on a hike like this. How much do you carry with you? How much do you drink in a day? Etc

[burgess77]

@kilolima55555 On this hike water was available from the springs in the Elysian Fields. We camped up at the saddle the first night and had more than a liter for both of us. How much I drink depends on how much I sweat/heat factor. I usually drink a lot at the source (@1 liter) then carry a liter with me to the next source. I also carry a collapsible 2 liter bag for xtra water if there is going to be any significant time between water sources. IOW, it depends.....

[CarlZ993]

I'm interested in your video camera / pole mount set up. Wish you had a little video about that. Looks pretty slick.

[burgess77]

@CarlZ993 I do, check out the video "1080p mounting ideas" on my channel.

[tysy73]

@alexkram sissy, who needs a hiking pole anyway?

[nutcake72]

Sorry, I see you mentioned the helmetcam in the end of the film. Great cam. Never heard of that brand. I'm especially impressed with the fish-eye and wide-angle optics.

[nutcake72]

May I ask what cam you are using to get such good quality colour and that fish-eye effect? Is it a videocam or a photocam?

Thanks for ansering,

Mike

[kilolima55555]

@burgess77 Thanks for that answer. Water/hydration is often a thing that hinder me going ultralight.

[llt32]

What a great time! luv the tent and the camera. I would luv to purchase if able to get it to canada ! Thanks for sharing