With 15 pounds on your back you
can bag that peak and descend by any route--no leaving a heavy
backpack at the bottom. That's freedom. Hang your pack from one
shoulder and go 20 miles without blisters. That's comfort. Lightweight,
ultralight, or whatever you call it, it's the way to go. If you
need some convincing, see this page: The
Case for Ultralight Backpacking.
Which Backpacking Workout Routine? - May 20,
2012 - What's the best backpacking workout when you want to get
prepared for those long hikes? Obviously there are differing
opinions on this question, but we'll look at a few (including
my... Continue reading here...
Two Basic Survival Strategies - April 23, 2012
- What do you do when you are lost in the woods or face some
other type of wilderness emergency? There... Continue
reading here...
Using an Emergency Cell Phone (excerpt from
Ultralight Backpacking Secrets) - If you bring your cell
phone with you into the wilderness, turn it off. This will conserve
the batteries in case you need it in an emergency. In any case,
it can ruin a trip if members of your party are in touch with
the outside world.
Conditioning Tip - When you don't have time
to hike regularly, stay in shape without overly stressing your
knees, hips and back, by using ellipticals.
Every chapter has tips for lightweight backpacking and
wilderness survival.
I have found your book to have excellent
advice on ultralight backpacking. I rank this information right
up there with Ray Jardine as far as giving advice that is clear,
and practical. - John G
A first aid/survival kit in your pack or wet bag is a good
idea. But what happens if you drop the pack while being chased
by a bear, or it's swept away by a river you need to cross? Can
you survive in the wilderness with just what you have on? It
might be possible if you have a few basics in the pockets of
your clothing. A knife and something for starting a fire (matches,
lighter, magnesium firestick) are the most essential items, and
it can help to have a few iodine tablets for purifying water
too. A mirror for signaling rescuers might also save your life.
Pack those pockets! Also, see my page on the... Altoids Tin Survival Kit.
With 15 pounds on your back you
can bag that peak and descend by any route--no leaving a heavy
backpack at the bottom. That's freedom. Hang your pack from one
shoulder and go 20 miles without blisters. That's comfort. Lightweight,
ultralight, or whatever you call it, it's the way to go. If you
need some convincing, see this page: