Posted: 6/20/2015 2:06:08 PM EDT
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Life long backpacker here and have really gone to all light weight gear. So now, my best bud and our two dads and I are going out on our annual week plus trip into the way-backcountry. This year the dads decided to mix it up and hire some horse packers to take the majority of our gear in ahead of us then come get it after we reappear. Its a good idea since the dads arent getting any younger and cant carry 70lb packs as far anymore. The horses are going to drop our bear proof pre-packed bags about 14 miles in so its not like we're totally wimping out. This is a seldom visited area except by us and grizzlies. we know it well and love it.
So heres my problem. I don't know how to pack heavy anymore. I just cant wrap my head around it. Im a hammock guy, dont need chairs or lanterns or any of that wussy stuff, so I just cant imagine having a max weight of 120lbs available to fill... besides with whiskey and wine of course. Im not a total freeze dried meal guy but dont exactly do cast iron cooking either. It's like, homemade chilli would be good, but Bear Creek chili is great so what do you really change? I'm thinking for the others it just means taking a full length ground pad and three person tent instead of the 3/4 length pad and 2 person... but I love my hammock. Full size quality camera; tiny digitals take as good as pictures for my abilities. See what Im getting at? We are going to do a big community tarp to string up for the inevitable rainy day. The dads want a small ax... for some reason, weve never needed one before. So besides a lightweight backpacking chair that I already have and maybe a bulkier jacket then Im used to bringing, what snivel gear and foods do you all wish you had when you're hanging in the outback? |
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Extra clean dry socks.
Extra warm layers, especially sleeping layers. Maybe a pair of light camp shoes or trail runners so you can get out of your clunky boots. Heavier, more comfortable sleeping pad arrangement. Or your hammock if that's your preference. Besides the basic comfort items, when I think trail-luxuries, I am usually thinking about food. Some nice blocks of cheese, cured meats, a solid coffee making setup, some nice liquor you would enjoy, that kind of stuff. |
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LOL.
Luxury sleeping pad, tent for 1-2 more than are going to be in it. Crazy Creek chair or something similar.. I pack one. Tripod for full sized camera. Fresh food for as long as it will last day wise. Beer/Wine/Liquor. Bring a few six packs and that way you can have a beer, chilled in the nearby cold water, after dinner. Fishing gear. I backpack in luxury for 25-27lbs+food/water so I dont know unless you want to bring a 2 burner coleman stove. I did see one guy backpack in a single burner coleman stove with propane, two 10" frying pans, two soft coolers with full sticks of butter, a frozen quart of milk, meat, potatoes, onions, a 3 man tent, and then keep it all in the tent to "protect it from the bears"..... in grizzly country in BC Canada! |
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110lb hooker and 10lbs of blow!!!
Kidding. is the gear at a re supply point or at the destination? Answer will dictate recommendations. If at your "basecamp" I would throw a pillow, tarp and cot in there for some seriously fine rest. Load it up with heavier foods you wouldn't normally take; Mountain Dew and a zebra cake is the breakfast of champions. A camp shower would be handy as would a small kitchen table for meal prep/cards. Guitar? I am jealous man. My summer getaway is taking my bike up to the Arctic Ocean... Not quite as relaxing. |
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Once you go hammock, you never go back. Maybe a pillow.
I have done the horse thing once or twice as well. The first time the wrangler looked at our meager stack of supplies and just shook his head. He went to his truck and brought out a couple full sized camp chairs and a cooler with ice and beer. He left those at the site. It was awesome. The second time we were more prepared. We brought our own soft coolers and beer, and ice. Our own large camp chairs. Lots of cookable food, a tripod and hanging grate. The best part is, you just hike in with a day pack with your essentials and water. Camp will be there when you get there. |