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Some of you may have read that I refuse to own anything beyond what can be packed into my truck, strapped onto my truck (bed and mountain bike), or fit on the hitch deck of my truck. I wish to explain the why and what of how this came to be. The vehicle I have is a Ford Excursion which happens to be the biggest SUV ever put into production in the USA. Also, keep in mind that I have to keep the front passenger seat open when I move so that my dog has somewhere to sit.
Yes, this will fit into tent camping before it's over.
I began this process of thought after my mother passed away a few years ago. I was the one who went through her "estate" and I concluded that people in general own too much stuff. I included myself in that. I thought about all of the things I owned that never saw the light of day because I never used them. So I set about getting rid of those things a bit at a time. It is amazing what I have been able to whittle away and honestly, I do not miss anything that is gone. I will not get into exactly what I have kept unless asked to do so.
I keep all of my camping gear in footlockers except my sleeping pad and sleeping bags, and backpack, of course. Most people do take way too much stuff when camping (in my opinion), and I used to be one of them. My backpack used to weigh 50lb or more when going out for 2-3 nights. An injury sustained while in the military necessitated a drastic change in what I take while backpacking. Yes, I know there is a difference in backpacking and other types of camping. I still say people take too much junk, in general.
I have been able to get my summer base weight down to 14lb 2oz. Base weight is considered backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and tent. Otherwise known as the "Big Four." My winter base weight is currently 17lb. I believe I could up that winter weight a bit and be comfortable to around -15. Maybe I should test that out next winter...
Getting the gear on my camp/hike/hunt wish list will allow my summer base to drop to 7lb 12oz, and winter to drop to 10lb 130z. I then have a wish list for extreme winter camping (-20 down to -50) and the base weight for that is 23lb 15oz.
I do not attempt what is called "Ultra-lighting" because I think it compromises safety and common sense. Anyway, there you go, and I hope this gets some of you thinking.
Disclaimer: I realize that those of you folks with families might want to try some variation of this, but please discus the idea with them before you put the Xbox/30 pairs of color-coordinated shoes/collection of old porno magazines on craigslist.
Yes, this will fit into tent camping before it's over.
I began this process of thought after my mother passed away a few years ago. I was the one who went through her "estate" and I concluded that people in general own too much stuff. I included myself in that. I thought about all of the things I owned that never saw the light of day because I never used them. So I set about getting rid of those things a bit at a time. It is amazing what I have been able to whittle away and honestly, I do not miss anything that is gone. I will not get into exactly what I have kept unless asked to do so.
I keep all of my camping gear in footlockers except my sleeping pad and sleeping bags, and backpack, of course. Most people do take way too much stuff when camping (in my opinion), and I used to be one of them. My backpack used to weigh 50lb or more when going out for 2-3 nights. An injury sustained while in the military necessitated a drastic change in what I take while backpacking. Yes, I know there is a difference in backpacking and other types of camping. I still say people take too much junk, in general.
I have been able to get my summer base weight down to 14lb 2oz. Base weight is considered backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and tent. Otherwise known as the "Big Four." My winter base weight is currently 17lb. I believe I could up that winter weight a bit and be comfortable to around -15. Maybe I should test that out next winter...
Getting the gear on my camp/hike/hunt wish list will allow my summer base to drop to 7lb 12oz, and winter to drop to 10lb 130z. I then have a wish list for extreme winter camping (-20 down to -50) and the base weight for that is 23lb 15oz.
I do not attempt what is called "Ultra-lighting" because I think it compromises safety and common sense. Anyway, there you go, and I hope this gets some of you thinking.
Disclaimer: I realize that those of you folks with families might want to try some variation of this, but please discus the idea with them before you put the Xbox/30 pairs of color-coordinated shoes/collection of old porno magazines on craigslist.
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