Backcountry Aesthetics

I like your multi cultural place setting. Nice arty Mora.

I love kuskas. I need to carve myself one some day.

Very nice. Some folks seem to think we should eschew aesthetics when we venture into the backcountry. I like it better your way!

I think there's a time and place for everything. I've done my share of carrying 3 ounce cook kits. I certainly wouldn't be carrying the set above of I were trying to do 30+ miles in a day.

There's something to be said for having beautiful kit in unfamiliar places. If you become lonely or frightened, something that reminds you of home can be a godsend.

Bamboo sushi mats can actually be pretty UL. I often carry one as a work station – so I can make wraps and what not – and not get any of "God's Salt and Pepper" in my meal (that was my English Nana's claim of what sand was….yuck)

Been slowly organizing the garage due to the Boss's orders :(

Came across some old stuff. I am very found of the classic stuff I started out with. To me they are all beautiful and functional, although not real light.

On the left is a Sigg-Tourist cook set. Includes 2.5 qt and 3.5 qt pots, pot holder, lid can be used on either pot and as a frying pan. Very easy to clean. Also holds a Svea 123 perfectly.

The knife is a Buck model 121 Fisherman knife, circa early 1970s. Back in the day it was easy to supplement meals with trout and the Sigg pan came in handy.

In the center is a Sierra Cup which was once probably the most common item used by backpackers. The cup on the right is a Rocky cup. The bend in the handle makes is much easier to hold than the Sierra cup, and I found the taller profile more convenient. Both hold about 10 or 12 ounces if I remember correctly.

The Boss prefers I get rid of all the old stuff that takes up space, but I can't bear to part with a lot of it. About once a year I do a weekend trip with all the old gear to include my old Kelty D4 pack. I get a lot of weird comments if I run into people, especially with my white beard and the old aluminum Tracks hiking staff.

I often return to this thread, both in my mind and on the web, to appreciate the ideas and beauties of backcountry simplicity. It is basic and commonplace, and I enjoy that.