A Scout’s Campfire

Lightweight Backpacking Versus “Be Prepared”

May 10th, 2007 spryken

Bruce Lewis, over at LightBackpacking.com, got me thinking. He just posted an article on how getting gear lists for your trek doesn’t always prepare you for what you really encounter on the trail.

I am attempting to overcome my early training and tendencies in backpacking, that is I am trying to go light. Not UltraLight, just lighter. The training I’m talking about is the Boy Scout Motto, “Be Prepared”. As Boy Scouts, we are taught over and over to be prepared. Besides the motto, one of the Eagle Required Merit Badges is Emergency Preparedness (either that or Lifesaving).

As I prepare for a backpacking trek, I try to gather all the pertinent information. What is the normal weather patterns for the locale? What is the weather forecast? What types of wildlife may I encounter? How crowded are the trails? What are the options for campsites? etc, etc.

I use to carry anything I thought I might need and anything that one of the boys might need or forget. Now, I try to evaluate the possible need against the cost of the weight. I still want to be prepared, but I want to be prepared in under 25 pounds.

After each trip, I unload my pack, taking a good long hard look at what wasn’t used. That’s right, I evaluate everything I didn’t use. Most of the time that includes my First Aid kit. I will not omit a First Aid kit, but no longer carry enough bandages to wrap King Tut!!

My “mess kit” has been reduced to one pot, a bowl and spoon. I have learned that with a pocket knife and spoon, you can eat anything. I do still carry a mug for my tea/cider.

I have reduced the amount of clothing I take. But I still carry my rain gear and depending on altitude, season and location, my cold weather gear.

Common Sense!! That is the ticket for balancing Preparedness with Light Weight Backpacking. Of course, Common Sense is very uncommon.

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