i really got into backpacking last summer and light weight backpacking wasnt something i thought about. i was just trying to buy all the gear i would need at an affordable price. when i went on my first trip last summer with my own gear, my pack weighed almost 50lbs even tho my girlfriend carried a portion of the "community gear".

i am now preparing for my first solo trip, which is may 14th. i packed my pack a few minutes ago with my base gear (no food included, but fuel is) and my pack is only at 20lbs!

i know to many of you 20lbs is probably extremely high, but compared to my 50lb pack (with help from the gf), this is really exciting for me.

even with the added food and water, im gonna be flying down the trails.
thanks everyone