Ultralight Camping and Backpacking
I spend several nights a week backpacking near and far, with or without my bicycle. Few things in this world are as wondrous as sitting next to a fire by a river at night. I want to share with you the ways of the forest, so that you too might enjoy nature to it's fullest, in utmost comfort.
Those of us who have grown up in front of TVs and computer screens, in large and crowded cities, often become completely detached from any realistic view of what we are or where we came from.
Everything is put into perspective after a week in the bush, or even an evening in the park.
Those of us who have grown up in front of TVs and computer screens, in large and crowded cities, often become completely detached from any realistic view of what we are or where we came from.
Everything is put into perspective after a week in the bush, or even an evening in the park.
But first, a question...
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Where to start
The basics
Before embarking on any kind of epic mission, there are a few things to consider. Perhaps the most crucial is who, if anybody, you will bring along. I consider it unwise for an inexperienced person, or even a veteran survivalist to attempt this type of activity alone. The farther and longer you plan to go, so proportionally does the danger of going alone increase. Of course, there is one definite benefit to going it alone, and that is the unique sense of being totally alone with nature. Ultimately though, it will be far more enjoyable, safer and comfortable with a like-minded comrade. Remember, you can share certain things, like a grill or a pot, and he/she has a backpack too.The next step is to plot your course. The environment and distance of your destination will determine what exactly you need to bring with you to comfortably exist there. For this task I invariably turn to Google Maps. The two main things I look for when selecting a spot are:
1. A patch of undefiled trees at least 200 meters by 200 meters in size.
2. It's "forgotten-by-civilization" factor, meaning, its not likely to be heavily trafficked, and isn't already an actual campground. (That's cheating.)
The idea is to find a place where you can remain undisturbed by other people. The bonus variable is if the place has a river. I always try to camp near a river, it makes everything that much more majestic.
What You'll Need
Basic Equipment
Once you've chosen where you want to go and decided that a little rain won't bother you, the final preparatory task is to pack your bag. As I mentioned before, what you bring will depend on several things, but these are the absolute minimums.
- Ultralight shelter -The most important piece of equipment in your bag, if you plan to sleep outdoors. While there are several options available, my preferred choice is the Clark Jungle Hammock.
- Some method of creating fire - I think it's good to have several ways of starting a fire available to you, when I go out I always take at least 1 Bic lighter as well as my flint and steel.
- 2.5 liters of water for every 24 hours you plan to be gone - If you're willing and able to carry more water after your bag is packed, do it. This is really the most important thing you're carrying. If you're taking a bike, consider adding extra bottles and holders to the frame. If it's hot and you're hiking around, and run out of water, you have to resort to some drastic measures.
- Small outdoors kit - This should be a small waterproof container with the following items in it: Water purification tablets, band-aids, a couple fish hooks and fishing line, and an extra lighter.
Emergency Magnesium Rod Fire Starter Survival Camping
For $4 there's no reason not to have one of these on you.
Amazon Price: $3.78 (as of 07/05/2009) 
Variable Items
Customize your loadout
If you've packed all 4 of the above items, your short term survival is pretty much taken care of, but to really enjoy your trip there's several other things that you need.
- Food - To be genuinely ultralight you should try to bring staple foods that are low-volume, notably flour and rice. Slightly more decadent, but absolutely worth it if you're willing to carry it, is meat. Steaks, ribs, sausages, burgers.
- Sleeping Bag - You should select your sleeping bag for smallness and lightness above all else. I use a Kelty Cosmic 35 degree model which is 2lb. 10oz. It's not the smallest or the warmest but it's a decent little bag for the price. I've winter camped in my hammock with it and a small fleece blanket and stayed warm.
- Cooking gear - Small grill, a metal cup, a small pair of tongs.
- A good knife - A buck knife with a locking blade is ideal.
Kelty Cosmic 35 Degree Sleeping Bag (Deep Blue) - Long
Amazon Price: $79.95 (as of 07/05/2009)
Cosmic 20 Degree (2009) Sleeping Bag - Long
Amazon Price: $89.94 (as of 07/05/2009)
Other things
I plan to feature here several outdoor survival and camping products which I have personally tested out, with my assessment of them.
-Clark Hammock
-Jetboil
-Portable mini grill
-Mini axe
-Tripod chair
-Clark Hammock
-Jetboil
-Portable mini grill
-Mini axe
-Tripod chair
Reader Feedback
susannaduffy wrote...
This lens would be a good one if you fixed up your bio :) I'll pop back later to have a look
Posted June 26, 2009
