View single post by Ablejack
 Posted: Thu Apr 2nd, 2009 09:43 am
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Ablejack



Joined: Wed Mar 28th, 2007
Location: Buffalo, New York USA
Posts: 332
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 As an Appalachian Trail thruhiker I opt for much lighter equipment. I currently carry a small Granite Gear or a Gregory G series. Both of these packs weigh in at less than three pounds. A base-loaded pack (no food or water) weighing over twenty or so pounds is fine for camping but not really suited for backpacking. Basically if you spend most of your time hiking and you travel ten to twenty miles a day, go light. If you hike only a few miles a day you may want to carry more luxuries for your campsite.
It is also safer to carry less. You are much more agile and stable with a light pack (and light shoes) which cuts down on fatigue, and stumbling. Of course there's also the obvious stresses on your muscular/skeletal system. Most experts advise not to carry more than 20% of your body weight under any circumstance, even if you are fit.
I really don't mean to rant, just trying to be helpful. There are also many ultralight hikers (Ray Jardine, famously) who profess severe weight restrictions that demand more hearty souls than mine. These guys often carry no tent and move swiftly along trails. Basically, however you do it, Get Out There!