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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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