Who says that monocles are unsexy and out of style? Strip back the chain, the metal rod, your dignity, and any wire framing, and your antique monocle (or even your old pair of glasses) becomes an ultra-cool, super-efficient, lightweight backpacker's vision tool. At least, that's how it happened for me.
Before I chronicle the birth of the monocle, let me recap the metamorphosis that has taken place:
Fall of 2006, frustrated with the expense of typical backpacking gear, I set out to find a new, more efficient way of engaging in my favorite pastime. Inadvertently, I stumbled across Backpacking Light and was immediately drawn toward the 'light.'
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Metamorphosis 4: Monocle
Great article. Although it was not unthinkable to add an empty can of Pabst Blue Ribbon to your pack, it was definitely unthinkable to buy PBR in the first place! Were they out of beer?
>>Great article. Although it was not unthinkable to add an empty can of Pabst Blue Ribbon to your pack, it was definitely unthinkable to buy PBR in the first place! Were they out of beer?
A great read, and at least they weren't drinking Piels Light…
Thanks for the monocle tip. I'll have to try that when I wear my contacts. I have several pair of old reading glasses I can scavenge. Would work great for map and menu reading, too.
I won't try and defend myself on that one. I will say, however, that a warm Pabst followed by a backpacking trip makes the Odells IPA taste all the better upon return! (Besides, we WERE in Utah. A guy only has so many options…)
Glad ya'll enjoyed the article.
N. Boddy
Come on admit it. PBR is everyones guilty pleasure. The kind of beer that creates a necessity for a cozy (to cover the label). There are lots of good brews local to Utah though. Squatters, Uintas, Red Rock, and i think Desert Edge Breweries. Great article. Thank you for adding to the list of little alternatives that allow us to ditch gear and enjoy living like animals. :)
If one more person puts down PBR this thread is going to get ugly! ;)
Seriously, I love fine beer but for an over the counter generic beer PBR rules!
When I go out west I pick up a 12 pack of Tecate.
Narragansett is now available at the local packie as well.
-buy the way Im sipping a PBR as I type this.
"I'd rejoiced in a beautiful morning for no other reason than to see it."
Beautifull!
Eins
I completely agree about the PBR or as it's known in these northern lands, "peeber". Boddy, fantastic article. Very insightful, great imagery, and descriptive writing. …makes a guy really want to dawn a pack and go for a nice long (and comfortable) hike. Can't wait to read your next article!
Why two contact lenses when one will do?
Old style is better.
A micro light weighing less than 1 ounce can go a long way! It’s saved my life more than once while needing to look for things in my pack in the middle of the night.
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