I have been camping for my whole life, and seriously on my own as a hobby for the past 15 years. I think I might have learned more in the past few years than the other 13 years. I thought I was slick 3 years ago when I cut from over 30lbs to around 23lbs. Then I found this place plus some youtube vids that gave me new insights, and I cut down to 15lbs. Then I start thinking about the summer when it is warm, buy a summertime sleeping bag, and make my own UL backpack… and I cross a line I thought was impossible just a year ago: a sub 10lb gear list.
Well today I took a study break and packed by day-hike bag for a fishing trip tomorrow. Then things start to click. I have gone on a total of five overnight camping trips this year, and have been paying very close attention to what I use and what I don't use. Thing is, I am a pretty busy guy with fatherhood and university taking up most of my time. I can only go on one to two night trips for now. This means I don't have to worry as much as someone doing a thru-hike for a month. So I sat down and did some thinking and weighed some stuff and came up with my first sub-5lb SUL gear list. It will have to wait a few months for me to test it out, and I promise that I will!
So here she blows.
Location: SW Sweden
Duration: 24-48 hours
Water purification: Boiling
Fuel: Wood
Solo or with friends, no matter.
Average distance to be hiked: 15-20km
Weight in grams
Backpack 325 2nd hand corduroy cloth rucksack
Sleeping bag 505 Synthetic sleeping bag, stuff sack
Ground pad 211 Homemade plastic tarp w/space blanket
Shelter 435 Homemade 2.5m x 2m plastic/space blanket tarp, rope
Survival kit 100 Matches, bic, candle, string, whistle, plastic bag, duct tape
First aid kit 105 Gauze roll/pads, sewing kit, safety pins, band aids,
butterfly strips, Tylenol, medical tape, alcohol pads, tea
bags, latex gloves
Rain poncho 50 El cheapo plastic
Cook kit 125 Snow Peak titanium 700, 2 tin foil lids, rag, sponge
Cell phone 87
Knife/sheath 143 Mora Bushcraft Forest
Mess kit 35 Plastic spork and mug
Water bottles 41 Platypus 1 liter, recycled plastic .5 liter
Hygiene kit 37 Toothbrush/paste
Hobo fishing kit 45 Tin can, line, bobber, hooks
BASE GEAR TOTAL — 2244 grams — 4.94 pounds
There is no soap because I found that I never used it, just washed up with spring/lake water, and I am fine with that.
There is no map or compass because I have explored several big patches of woods enough that I know them like the back of my hand.
Yes I have tested out the hobo fishing kit, yes it really works (and easier than I thought) and I really did catch fish with it before (mostly perch).
I welcome any questions, concerns, feedback, etc. Thanks! :)
