Good afternoon.
I have been lurking on this site for about a year. After a really bad trip on a simple overnighter (caused mostly by poor decisions on my part), I have had to reassess my passion for all things backpacking.
In the past, I have lurked quietly here, taking in as much of the information on this site as possible. Still, I ignored your reasoning for persuing lighter loads, sure of the fact that you are all lying when you decree that you sleep like kings and queens with nothing more than a single sheet of Tyvek and 36 inches of 7 strand.
While my feet healed over a six week period, I came to the conclusion that I can no longer continue to punish my body, carrying 40-45 pound loads for a simple weekend trip. Further, I concluded that I have been extremely close minded, swearing on all that was holy that it was not possible to be comfortable in camp without bringing the kitchen sink.
Well, I have seen the light. I must either give up backpacking, or get serious about cutting some major weight.
So here is my proposal. I can irritate everyone on this board to no end by asking an endless number of questions which have been asked a million times
OR
I can take pictures of my current gear, weigh everything, then throw myself at the mercy of the board for a complete gear makeover.
I do have a few preferences and some special considerations. Still, I am curious as to what can be accomplished with the forums’ collective knowledge to convert an experienced novice (aka mere middle aged mortal) carrying way too much weight, into a happy BP’er again.
I’ll create a gear list with weights. We can deal with each item, vote to keep it, alter it, replace it, or fling it. I’ll add the new items to the list and we’ll see how far we can take it, to lighten my load while remaining comfortable on the trail and in camp.
So how about it ? Is anyone willing to help and have some fun with this project ?
It’s got to be better than yelling at me for not using the search function when I ask questions like,”What the best UL backpack ?” or ” What’s the best tent/sleeping system?”
