Ultralight Backpacking for Lightweights

[ShastaBubba]

Hey Everybody,

New member here. I have been backpacking for 50 years, off and on, and am extremely blessed to live in NW Montana with access to GNP, "The Bob" and many other awesome places to explore.

Recently, I've begun making a Utube video tutorial series aimed at helping people who are either new to backpacking, or 'traditional' backpackers interested in lightening their load without being fanatical. The goal is not to simply carry the lightest possible pack, but rather to increase the ability to enjoy being in the wilderness by decreasing pack weight. Also, I want to help people overcome any anxiety they may have about backpacking in general, or going ultralight.

Currently, this is an entirely altruistic endeavor, intended just to be helpful, but wasn't sure whether such a link would be allowed and didn't want to violate policy with my first post! If it okay, I'd love to share; if not, then I'll just say, "Howdy" and glad to be a part of this community (seems like friendly folk!)
Thanks!

 

[GeorgieGurl]

Hey Everybody,

New member here. I have been backpacking for 50 years, off and on, and am extremely blessed to live in NW Montana with access to GNP, "The Bob" and many other awesome places to explore.

Recently, I've begun making a Utube video tutorial series aimed at helping people who are either new to backpacking, or 'traditional' backpackers interested in lightening their load without being fanatical. The goal is not to simply carry the lightest possible pack, but rather to increase the ability to enjoy being in the wilderness by decreasing pack weight. Also, I want to help people overcome any anxiety they may have about backpacking in general, or going ultralight.

Currently, this is an entirely altruistic endeavor, intended just to be helpful, but wasn't sure whether such a link would be allowed and didn't want to violate policy with my first post! If it okay, I'd love to share; if not, then I'll just say, "Howdy" and glad to be a part of this community (seems like friendly folk!)
Thanks!

I’m certainly interested!! I’m getting ready to go on my first ‘real’ backpacking adventure, and it’s a biggie! Grand Canyon Rim to Rim! I just got my pack and am now in the process of collecting all the other things I’ll need – and that would be EVERYTHING! I’m a small person and want to go as light as possible, but I also know that ultra light things are uber expensive and I don’t have that kind of money. So I’m interested in learning all I can!

 

[ShastaBubba]

Hey there GeorgieGurl! (always wanted to say/sing that). You have a great attitude which I'm sure will serve you well as you explore the world of backpacking. You are exactly the type of person I am making these videos for -- to help folks who are new to this activity to avoid the mistake of buying all heavy gear, then having to return or sell it when you learn about the lighter weight options. In the description of my first video, there are a couple of links to budget gear lists that you might take a look at -- ultralight really doesn't have to be uber expensive! You just need to know what's available, which often means learning about the small, 'cottage gear' companies, since the big names are still not making much light stuff (getting there though).

A great place to start is on Hikelight.com --they have a selection of lightweight gear (not just one company's products), as well as a whole series of short instructional videos.

Since no one has told me not to post, here's the links to my videos: Chapter One: Why go Ultralight?

and Chapter Two: Where to start? Change your Shoes!

This weekend, I'll be filming chapter three, which will be a brief review of all the shelters I've tried and my ultimate choice (teaser). Hope they're useful and please let me know if you have questions.