In search of simplicity

I've never associated Arcteryx anything with simplicity. Quality, yes. But simplicity, not so much.

I am going to have to agree with Ben there. I had a Bora 50 before switching to the light side. While it was a quality pack and pretty much bombproof, I think it weighed like 4 lbs. To think my former pack weighed only 2-3 lbs less than my total setup now…

Nat,
Just some thoughts

pack: the Golite Jam2 (from the two packs you listed) or maybe a ULA Conduit.

sleeping bag: look at WM extremelite series, the ultralite super, the alpinelite or the versalite. WM makes great bags!

shelter: I would suggest a Oware cattarp 1.1 or 1.5 as an option. These tarps are very simple, affordable and are good quality. This alone will save over a pound and provide equal or better protection. Also look at MLD's silnylon Grace solo or duo if you have time to wait.

True! The Bora 50 may not seem simple, but it's one of the few packs I've carried that can double / triple duty for heavy trail work, backpacking, climbing trips (which can have heavy loads at times),as well as traveling. I guess that the idea of simple to me is something that can just about do it all with little fuss or worry!

I will admit the Golite Jam is a wonderful pack and has been brilliant for climbing, traveling, and backpacking, the only drawback is carrying very heavy loads (which I try to avoid, but sometimes it happens!), can be difficult, but then again, conditioning my shoulders would prolly solve the issue!

I actually have WM ultralite a great tidy bag! Just wondering about the Apache MF /DL for covering the bases.

Cat tarp 1.5 looks like a great option!

As silly as this may sound I'm willing to carry a little extra poundage if it = less fuss, less muss!

Have you given a thought that you are spending time on simplifying your tools (packs, bags, etc.) but not your activities (heavy trail work, backpacking, climbing trips, traveling…)?

Methinks simplifying should start from within — taking inventory of self, then outward to relationships, activities, possessions, etc. — to achieve a balance that works for you and those around you. Then acquire the tools necessary — and discard the rest.

Makes no sense to discard perfectly good tools that you need for your activities. You post because you have a desire to simplify. But I don't think whacking at your tools is the right place to start. If you engage in the same activities, then you will just end up buying back much the same tools.

You can't have your cake and eat it too. If you want to pursue all kinds of exciting activities, then you'll need the gear (just don't over accumulate, although that's probably not a problem for you). If you want "ultra simplicity" — then methinks you'll need to orient your lifestyle and priorities appropriately.

Good point Ben!

You're right I do need to simplify things within my life, my life activities are complex…at the same time that is one treasure hoard that is absolutely wonderful!

In reality I really miss the pre-cursor of when I first moved to California with nothing more than a backpack, a blanket and few articles of clothing and as silly as this may sound, it reflected me mentally and life-wise

In reality, I actually don't own much (but still more than I should)…(no bed to say, no furniture, all my clothes fit in my backpack, some books, etc, this prolly stems from my upbringing, it's not that I don't like stuff, I just don't need it…and it has been great b/c complexities of enjoying life has been the greatest possession for me!

However, recently, I have ended up with stuff through one means or another, and your're right Ben, whacking at my tools is prolly not a good idea, but whacking at what will lead to a balanced means will prolly do much better.

I'll def have to go on a walkabout and think this over!
thanks!

Like many people I have acquired far too many "useful" odds and ends over the years: my gear cupboard seems particularly full of such things. After a while I began to look at the things I tended to reach for again and again, the reliable, faithful old stand-bys.

With few exceptions I find that almost any weather is handily and comfortably faced when wearing a simple Ventile smock. Thin and breathable enough to wear as a shirt in the heat, windproof and comfortable over a thin baselayer, waterproof enough for all but the worst of cold winter rains. No need to treat it gingerly when it comes to washing, either, which means no special chemical preparations, and it shrugs off the odd campfire spark better than any synthetic top. In short, it's something I can wear and largely forget about, leaving me to get on with other things, not in itself a passport to simplicity but a great help in that direction.

Nat:

Believe you me, I too go back and forth.

I haven't settled down enough to focus on any kind of an "optimal balance" — and until I do, all I have is a moving target. So, in the meantime, I just settle for the "middle road" — not too simple and not too cluttered.

For three-season hikes, I have basically two sets of gear — an UL set for tough hikes (like Mt. Whitney) and a heavier (more creature comforts) set for the more relaxing hikes.

Pack: Zpack Z1 – 6 oz / Mountainsmith Ghost – 35 oz.
Tent: GG The One – 17 oz / BA Seedhouse 2 SL – 46 oz.
Stove: alky stove / Snow Peak Gigapower canister
Water treatment: Micropur+Frontier Pro – 3oz / First Need purifier – 15 oz

But back to your posts… given what you wrote, you should keep both GoLite and Arcteryx packs. :)