Stupid Light?

[mtwarden]

I was thinking that a good way to cut weight might be to forego fuel and stove and bring foods that don't require cooking/heating. I have yet to try this though.

I've tried it. It works OK in the "summer", but shoulder seasons/winter I want warm meals and warm beverages. My stove, pot and a small fuel canister (~ 5 days worth) is a pound—a pound I'm not skimping on

 

[Ferrulewax]

I've been playing around with an UL loadout for here in the East. Headed out this Tuesday for a 2 day one night about as light as possible. Poncho tarp for rain gear and shelter (7oz) esbit cook kit (5 oz w/ food). Still debating if I want to bring the saddle or hunt from the ground.

https://lighterpack.com/r/1an6m3

27lbs Includes:
-k2 frame, k3 3200 w/lid (5lbs) I would like to try a k3 1800 for even lighter weight
-rifle (5.28 lbs)
-Saddle Kit (6.06)

Mild weather and a lack of truly remote areas make it considerably easier to be UL here.

 

[Beendare]

I've been around the block on this UL trend....random thoughts I hope help you.

I've spent many nights out with what's on my back- which in some cases was nothing back when I was night hunting hogs with dogs [depredation]...

.... and a couple times in my 20's in the Rocky mtns in Rain and snow when my mini mag light took a dump at least I had a daypack with some stuff on those occasions. Those are miserable.

Going UL doesn't matter as much if you are hunting from a spike camp. If you are trying to do the Youtube hunting style where they pack the world around with them everywhere- then it matters. If you have a big loop in the backcountry you are making to find critters, then that makes sense.

A guy learns what he needs to be comfortable. Quality gear doesn't weigh much...and then just don't overpack. When you get some bad weather you will be glad you have that Tarptent double rainbow over a coffin bivy that saved you 8 oz.


I spent 8 days solo backpack elk hunting- my camp and gear dump pictured- and no way I do that with a 30# setup that I use when scouting and making a big loop for 3 days. I packed in a backpacking chair on the 8 day hunt and it was worth every ounce for these old bones....but then I wore the same pair of pants washing them on day 4. Use the right pant and you don't need 2 pair.

When you get up over 2-3 days there is no weight savings by not bringing a stove due to the freeze dried weighing less. Plus, NO Coffee.....NO tea....NO hot chocolate? Thats Heresy! What kind of special forces wannabe does that? Grin