Hi everyone,
I have not been around the forum for a while, but I have certainly been thinking about upcoming trips this summer, and appreciating all I’ve learned from this community.
I thought I’d post about an experiment I’m trying – I just started a MeetUp group called Puget Sound Lightweight Backpacking Club.
Here’s the link:
I’ll paste the description below. My plan is to start simply, with a monthly Zoom meeting. If you happen to live around the Pacific Northwest (or, frankly, you can live anywhere, I don’t mind), consider joining!
The group launched this morning, and so far 10 other people have joined. I am not sure who will attend – a bunch of newbies who are looking to learn; a bunch of people much more experienced than me; or a mix? We’ll find out… But I am hoping to get some people who have experience and knowledge to offer.
Of course, one resource I will share with members is this list.
Let me know if you have any thoughts or suggestions about what might make this work!
-Andrew
Description:
Hey there, do you like backpacking, but wonder why your pack needs to be so freaking enormous?
Have you seen people ambling along in the backcountry with tiny packs and wondered, “How is that even possible?”
Are you maybe interested in dipping your toes into the world of lightweight backpacking, but don’t know where to start? Okay, click join.
OR… are you already a sub-ultralight backpacker who wants to talk about the pros and cons of alcohol stoves, compare x-mids, pleximids, and retromid shelters (I don’t even know what those are!), and delve into esoteric lightweight philosophies about packing theory or PPPPD (Pounds Per Person Per Day) food weight calculation?
Or are you somewhere in between, and would like to meet other people in the Pacific Northwest who are interested in these topics? Maybe you want to tailor your gear and camping strategies to the particularities of Northwest weather and geography, or find some new camping companions. Well this group is for you, too!
I envision starting off simply with a monthly group on Zoom. It would look something like this:
1) Introductions (who you are and how you got into UL backpacking, or why your are interested);
2) A very quick overview of what lightweight backpacking is, for anyone brand new to the idea;
3) We all share one handy piece gear, or maybe a piece of gear we hate and want to replace;
4) Then open the group up for general: Questions, successes, or challenges we are facing around lightweight backpacking; trip reports or upcoming trip plans; and anything else that emerges.
My hope is that this group can be an inclusive, supportive, encouraging, and informative space for people at any level of the lightweight backpacking journey. The goal is not to “teach” anyone how to do it (although hopefully we can all learn from each other). The goal is to help people find a backpacking system that is safe, light, works for them, and hopefully build some community around this great activity!
Due to my schedule, I don’t expect to be planning actual backpacking outings, but this could be a great place to meet potential trip-mates.
