Favorite luxury items?

[Max Dilthey]

Everyone carries something they shouldn't, except for the absolutely weight-crazy. What do you carry that you could leave at home for a better base weight?

My first is obvious: a DSLR camera (Nikon D7000). It rides on my straps and gets used every trip, no exceptions.

Second: Thermarest Z-Lite sit pad. I have completely fallen in love with this little pad. I always strap it on, and I am always thrilled that I brought it with me in all weather.

[Peter S]

Hi Max

Kindle, smartphone and camera.

[Ken Thompson]

This thread is till going. Same subject.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=63530

[M B]

comfortable sleeping pad
warmer bag

[Max Dilthey]

Whoops! Didn't see it, Ken!

[John Holmes]

Astounding how a couple of swigs at the end of a hard day of hiking makes everything feel better.
There is no greater luxury than that.

[Max Dilthey]

Ha! Love it.

[Nick Gatel]

I carry everything I need, so nothing is a luxury. I assume everyone does the same. Need to one person maybe a luxury to others. It doesn't matter.

[Stephen M]

well said Nick.

[Max Dilthey]

Need VS want, I could ditch a lot.

I don't need a pair of sunglasses, but I want them.
I don't need a sleeping bag when I pack my coat, but shivering for 6 hours is no fun.
I don't need a camp towel, but it makes a number of jobs easier.
I don't need a spork, but it makes eating a lot less messy.
I don't need a pack liner, but I like dry clothes.

The list goes on….

I think some of my items pass the need/want barrier quite obviously, like the above, but others are definitely luxuries that I do not need to have a good trip. I wouldn't miss my sit pad, but I certainly enjoy it when I do have it.

Then again, I am very masochistic when I camp, so going without something feels like adventure more than sacrifice. For me, the line between luxury and essential is clear.

[Alex H]

I concur with Nick. Some would say my 6 oz. chair is a luxury but not for me, it makes my long nights in camp extremely comfortable and inviting.

[M G]

Never all at once but some of these at times

1. An unread copy of Harper's magazine: brain massage and fire starter
2. good watercolor paper pad, my travel brush set and a small palette of my favourite paint pigments
3. A few drops of Everclear added to a cup of hot chocolate
4. Have yet to try it out yet but my new Tenkara Iwana rod when fishing will be a possibility.
5. On very rare occasions these days, climbing gear
6. binoculars

[Nick Gatel]

Max,

For your personal comfort and general happiness it sounds like you need sunglasses, a sleeping bag, a camp towels, a spork, and a pack liner. Why apologize or even consider what others think? Why even ask?

[Eric Blumensaadt]

1. Full length Theremarest ProLite

2. Olympus TG-1 camera (waterproof to 30 ft., drop resistant, intuitive menue)

Everything else including a GPS I truly need.

(Unlike a new Bushnell HDMR riflescope which I only "need".)

[Richard Lyon]

1.A book. Especially in summer when days are long here in the Northern Rockies. Something to do when it's still light and camp chores are done.

2. Reading glasses. Needed for item 1.

3. A flask with Jack Daniel's. Perfect ending to a great day.

[Max Dilthey]

Nick,

I tried to explain this. I think we view luxuries differently. When I give up those things, i'm not less happy, i'm differently happy. Still happy. They are definitely ancillary to me having a good time, so I consider them luxuries for a different kind of fun.

This thread? Curiosity, not self-actualization.

[Heather Hohnholz]

Kobo Mini Ereader

Air pillow & down-filled pillow case

MYOG Camp chair

[scree ride]

adds up to 20 pounds

[Delmar O’Donnell]

I understand Nick's interest and perspective; it's similar to mine.

A list of things that I COULD leave home, but usually don't:

– a larger than necessary knife (sometimes up to 6 oz)
– a pair of silk longjohns to sleep in (a 7 oz penalty)
– a pair of rainpants (4 oz penalty)
– a watch
– a drinking "tumbler" fashioned from a soda can — not necessary but handy
– scissors from a victorinox swisscard (knife would probably do)
– note pad for scribbling
– sit pad
– cell phone (sometimes)
– items in med kit that are for comfort, not for staying alive

Add these up and I could save well over a pound and a half, leaving them at home.

[Brian Johns]

if there's water, a fly rod about 10 oz. with reel and a few flies;

often a relaxing adult beverage (for night time and in case of snake bite or need to sew myself up a la Rambo); and

That's about it. The sit pad (2 oz.) is factored in to my weight already, serves as my pack's back pad and has too many other uses to leave behind. My cell phone is also multi-purposes, reasonably light and already factored into my base weight.

I guess this thread has made me realize I'm a totally boring hiker. Maybe I'll buy a Gameboy.

[rowan !]

I like to bring a couple of fresh Valencia oranges. They are rather heavy but amazingly delicious and refreshing on a hot afternoon!

[Peter S]

The definition of need needs to be set if this discussion is to make any sense.

I need to stay hydrated, reasonably well fed, and have the possibility to be warm and dry. And enough sleep. That's it.

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