I thought at first that I could make a checklist for backpacking and use it all the time, but I realize that is not the case. I agree that every trip is unique and you should adjust the contents and weight of your pack accordingly.

I still think it is good to count ounces (or grams even), so you know where the weight is coming from, but then you can make rational choices from there.

I backpack so I can camp so I can fish. We own and use our motorhome too. I absolutely hate the "noise " from generators. I rarely use mine and if I do it is for the shortest time needed for the task. I usually pack in to a base camp and then day hike to different areas to fish or explore. I carry food,stove,cooking gear, and other emergency stuff while doing so. We leave camp in the morning and return in the evening(sometimes later <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />. When I was younger, I didn't mind forgoing comfort but as I have gotten older, I appreciate the little creature comforts. Also I probably wouldn't have the company of my lovely wife if not for the sleeping pad or tent. Another plus for getting older is you learn what works for you and what you can leave behind to lighten your load and lengthen your trip. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

My 'progress' has been in the other direction. Most of my early backpacking included pack weights in the mid-30s. Even at that weight I usually was sharing items with a trail partner and, for many years, my dog carried our nine-pound tent.

Now, I've been enamored of ultralight. Good thing too, 'cause my trail partner dropped out of backpacking and my current pup doesn't backpack either. While it's not considered 'ultralight,' my 15lb pack yields camps that are more comfortable and I eat better than I did before.

I think the key to light/ultralight backpacking is that you don't give up anything...most especially comfort.

FB

I agree with you on that Earthling. I don't ever even think about my gear once I hit the trail. I know that it is right and what I need for that trip and I do not worry at all about it. I just want to enjoy the surroundings when am in the wilderness not worry about my gear. I place all my concentration on my gear when I am at home and before I leave and after that it's over until I get home. Then if there are adjustments that need to be made I make them then so that I don't have to worry when I am on the trail on in the wilderness. Reading you talk about looking up in the sky and wondering what type of cloud is passing over head really hit home for me. I have done that so many times that I couldn't count them...Hope that helps....Happy Trekking...sabre11004...

The first step that you take will be one of those that get you there!!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

That .44 can also get you locked up in a heart beat when used in that matter. I know you were only kidding ( I hope any way) but I agree here. That is one good reason to get out into the wilderness, to get away from the noises that you are accustomed to hearing all the time in civilization. Some times the noises that every one around me seem to take for granted just drives me crazy. Well not crazy but it does "drive" me away from the city life. I don't really live in a large city but there is still enough noise here that it makes me want to get away on a regular basis...Hope that helps...Happy Trekking...sabre11004...

The first step that you take will be one of those that get you there!!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

I wonder what would have happened if that guy decided that he didn't like the way that your tent set-up looked and decided to tear it down. That's about the same thing that you did to him pulling out his wires...If you really did it any way...sabre11004... Let's hike in peace if we can... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Hector....I am totally with you on that one....sabre11004 <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Sounds about right: obsess about gear before the trip, so you don't have to think about it during the trip. That's pretty much where I ended up, finally.

As far as the lying-back-looking-at-clouds thing, I've tried it - but it suddenly gets very dark, and when I re-open my eyes, someone has moved the sun further west...

Earthling, I have to say that I am with you on that too.. I go into the wilderness to enjoy the surroundings, not to worry about how much I spent on that U.L. gear or how much weight I am carrying. I just want to enjoy the environment that I am in at any given time. Boy, what you said about wanting to know what type of cloud that is floating over you while you were just lying around enjoying the scenery really hit home with me. I have done that so many times that it just seems second nature to me. Once I take that first step, I don't worry about any thing else except for my surroundings. If there are adjustments to be made the have to get made at home because once on the trail, the worrying about it is over...Hope that helps...Happy Trekking...sabre11004...

The first step that you take will be one of those that get you there <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Eugene, I agree wholeheartedly with that, but just don't do it while driving. When I was 30, I was driving my beat-up, red '72 Chevy pick-up over to a friend's house and there was a spectacular sunset (with clouds) out the back window. I was turned around watching it and looked forward, only to realize I'd run an Irving (suburb of Dallas) policeman off the road in his squad car. Got pulled over and my explanation turned into mumbling. I got the ticket, and only after I appeared at traffic court did I realize just how steep it was. What was the ole Joni Mitchell song ? "I've looked at clouds from both sides now" -- I just don't do it anymore while driving . . .

Yes, I really did it anyway. You are lacking in logic here. Intentional and rude noise pollution versus taste in tent appearance are totally different issues. And to answer your question, I would have kicked his teeth in. I was young and mean back then. Not as young anymore, but some things never change... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Brum

Bum
Hi Dude, haven't heard from you in a while. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Goodness gracias <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> not PC? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />