Mustachianism and Backpacking

[Glenstache]

I've been taking a rainy day to plan out some backcountry trips for the coming spring and summer. It has occurred to me that lightweight backpacking is somewhat the mustachian version of the camping world. People not partaking in it often see it as uncomfortable, while lightweight backpackers see it as  reducing to the elements that make the experience enjoyable. You are as much a slave to your pack weight as to your spending habits. Less unnecessary weight and less unnecessary spending allow you to put more of your energy into the things that are satisfying and worthwhile.

[Bracken_Joy]

The irony here is that most people spend a fortune building up their low weight packs ;) So the analogies dovetail in a hilarious way, IMO.

[Glenstache]

The irony here is that most people spend a fortune building up their low weight packs ;) So the analogies dovetail in a hilarious way, IMO.

So true, so true. :)

Mostly it just comes down to bringing less. I still chuckle when 40 miles into a 75 miles trip I was doing with a good friend, I finally asked about how his pack appeared to be riding weird. We then proceeded to redistribute weight to balance it better, but also discovered that he was carrying such "lightweight" items as a full size set of binoculars. We discussed ways to reduce weight and after that trip and after reading some Ray Jardine (amongst others), he became a bit of a lightweight evangelist... and left the binos behind. 

I will say that using a food dehydrator to make just-add-water meals for backpacking was a bit of a revelation. That was in the 90s when a housemate spent about a week cooking tasty rice and veggie dishes and dehydrating and bagging them in prep for a month long trip. So much better than the disappointing concoctions I'd been making from boxes of instant potatoes much less the dreaded REI store-bought backpacking meals.

[arebelspy]

I'm all about lightweight packing.  The wife and I backpacked around Europe with a 28L bag each, and it was even more space than we needed.  Paying high amounts for "ultralight" often may not be worth it, but there are times where it can be.

[Glenstache]

I'm all about lightweight packing.  The wife and I backpacked around Europe with a 28L bag each, and it was even more space than we needed.  Paying high amounts for "ultralight" often may not be worth it, but there are times where it can be.

yes, indeed. Mostly, it makes getting to places like this much more enjoyable.

[Bracken_Joy]

Oh, I absolutely agree lightweight packs and items can be investments worth making. The concept just gave me a chuckle though, since I have a friend who got all about the backpacking. He did one major multiday (JMT) and has never gone again- on to the next hobby. So that's what annoys me I guess, when people use it as another exploding fountain of consumerism, rather than a conscientious investment into an activity they do often.

I love the dehydrator idea. Recipes please?

[sol]

I spent a few years on the ultralight bandwagon in the late 2000s, and it allowed me to do some truly epic solo trips that otherwise wouldn't have been possible. 

I still dig on the less is more mentality when out on the trail, but as I age my backpacking trips have become less about maximizing distance and more about maximizing the experience.  My current sleeping pad, for example, weighs a whopping 44 ounces but is just as comfortable as my bed at home and can be used straight on top of snow (R-8 all by itself). 

That sort of little luxury has become important to me.  I carry more coffee and spices on my trips than I used to, even though they are needless weight.  I've had to upgrade my packs to something more substantial to allow for unusual requirements like carrying skis or pulling sleds.  My base pack weight has definitely crept back up over the last ten years.

Some of my ultralight gear has held up better than others.  I never found a truly lightweight water storage solution that was worth diddly squat, and I wore out a couple of lightweight packs.  My two pound summerweight down sleeping bag is still in good shape but it's really only appropriate for the nicest of nights at low elevation, I learned after spending too many nights in it while also wearing every article of clothing I had with me.

By contrast, my ultralight tent (Golite Hex3) is still going strong and one of my favorite pieces of gear.  And I still use my alcohol penny stove and walmart grease pot combo for any trip that only requires cooking two meals or less, that thing is money.

[Glenstache]

Bracken-joy, this will get you started on the dehydrator better than I could explain it: http://www.backpackingchef.com/dehydrating-food.html

Basically, I try to have small "pieces" for easier rehydration. Sometimes, adding spices separately is a good way to get better flavor. On the whole, it is hard not to end up better off than with the commercial meals, but it is a question of how complicated you want things in the backcountry. I prefer the simplest it can be. SO prefers a bit more complicated prep, but her meals turn out better. I'd recommend doing a trial run at home first. If you don't have a dehydrator, definitely buy off of CL or a yard sale. They are kind of like bread makers in that people buy them for $90 and sell them almost unused at yard sales for $5.

I agree with Sol about balancing comfort, etc. and have been eying some of the more comfortable sleeping pads lately. Wearing out gear is the best fate it can possibly have.

[mtnrider]

I think if you go with the Jardine method that Glenstache mentioned, you can build your own gear.  This is relatively frugal and you gain the skills to know how to repair it too.  I made myself some clothes, a tarp, and a backpack.

Ultralight hikers often come from the long-distance fold, and are relatively frugal because of this.  Making your own alcohol stove, using a cheap aluminum pot, and using grocery store vs freeze-dried meals is the norm.

But yeah, like many things, companies have sprung up to supply those who can afford the lightest and best looking gear.  And that's fine*.  All that snazzy gear pales in comparison to the brand new giant SUV parked at the trailhead.  :)

* I admit I have an expensive lightweight Goretex jacket - kept it for 20 years though.

[Bracken_Joy]

* I admit I have an expensive lightweight Goretex jacket - kept it for 20 years though.

Speaking as a PNWener, Goretex is NEVER an unnecessary expense, haha.

[jmusic]

All that snazzy gear pales in comparison to the brand new giant SUV parked at the trailhead.  :)

I've heard that thieves are now catching on and breaking into cars parked in such places, especially with empty bike racks.  FYI, hide (or don't bring) valuables in the car...