If you are new to the outdoor backpacking scene you will quickly learn that gear can be expensive. Especially lightweight gear. One of the statements I get from new people I take out in the backcountry is “What if I need it”? So they tend to carry the kitchen sink until there first 15 mile hike and 2,000 feet elevation gain. The second statement I get when they decide to start really thinking about weight is: “That’s really expensive”.

It’s easy to get sucked into the hype of lightweight gear. Technology and good marketing can lead a new person to drop some serious cash building a lightweight system.

First, let’s define “lightweight”. Depending on weather and the time you expect to backpack in the wilderness, this can vary. I like to say it’s between 15 and 25 lbs. On a typical 2 day trip 23 lbs is usually my total pack weight. I like to cook gourmet . Having defined the weight, now how to we lighten the load on the cheap?

First, it’s the Big 4. Pack, Shelter, Pad, and Bag. This is where you can drop some big $$$. So here are my tips, or examples of how I did it on the cheap and still had quality gear.

The Pack:

I use the GoLite Jam 35L Pack. I’ve had this pack for 5 years and it’s well tested. At $119.00 you can’t beat the price nor the weight.
It weighs in at 1 lb 11 oz. | 770 g

Shelter:

I use the Globe Skimmer Ultralite (10×12) Tarp by Equinox. It weighs in at 18 ounces and it has always kept me dry. The cost is $129.00 compared to one person tents that run well above $200 bucks. I would also recommend trying the 8×10 tarp for only $92.00 to save some money and weight.

Sleeping Bag

I totally recommend Marmot Aspen 40° F Minimalist Sleeping Bag for a Spring, Summer, and early Fall bag. At a total price of $70.00 and a weight of only 1 lbs 6oz you can’t go wrong. I did a review of this bag a few years ago with amazing feedback. They also make a 15 degree bag that is just as cheap and good. You can only find this bag at Dicks Sporting Goods.

Pad:

Two choices here: I use either the Thermarest Pro Lite Plus (small) for $89.00. Weighs in at 150z.

Or go to Walmart and buy the J Fit Extra Thick Pilates Pad and pay only $19.00 bucks. Cut in half and you have a pad that weighs 140z. I use this pad in Warmer Spring, Summer, and Early Fall.

This makes you total pack weight for the Big 4 (assuming you go the Walmart Pad way) a little over 4 lbs. That also makes your total cost (assuming you go the Walmart Pad way) $337.00 bucks for the Big 4.

I dare you to beat THAT!!!

Backpacking in the Winter is unlike any other season of the year, for obvious reasons. My last backpacking trip (January) temps got down into the teens at night. Is that by definition Winter? I guess the answer would be what region are you backpacking in?. The Southeast (where I am) is obviously much different than Northeast. Is packing for a 15 degree night in the Southeast the same as packing for a 15 degree night in the Northeast? No

Backpacking for Winter requires careful thought and planning. Weather and elevation are going to play key factors in how you pack for your trip. In the Southeast for example, backpackers can expect temps to rebound during the day. Low of 15, high of 50. In the Southeast you are probably NOT going to run into 2 feet of snow. So how do you pack for a cold night and warm days?

I was quite warm under a tarp recently when the temps got down to 15 degrees at night. I had 3 layers and a 15 degree Marmot Adventurer sleeping bag with a 2mm ground cloth and a Long Thermarest underneath. However, during the day when temps reached a balmy 45 degrees, I had only 2 layers and never over heated.

My total pack weight was 28 pounds for two cold nights and 3 days in the 40′s. Having said that, I mixed Winter gear with Fall gear. In other words, I didn’t take snowshoes, snow stakes, a white gas stove, nor winter down snow pants. Here is my clothing pack list:

Long sleeve base layer REI Midweight Polartec® Power Dry® Zip-T
Mid layer Delta AR Zip Men’s
Nail Driver Soft Shell Pants (these are excellent for cold nights and warm days) You will NOT need long johns with these.
First Ascent Downlight Jacket for camp. (I sleep in this and adds an extra R Value to my sleeping Bag. It’s also extremely packable)
Smart Wool Winter Socks
NorthFace Tent Bootie
Mountain Hardwear Balaclav
Wool Hat, and gloves.

One added piece of gear I brought but didn’t use, but I think is necessary is my Marmot Greenland Baffled Jacket. I bring this for two reasons. One, it makes a great pillow, and two, weather can change quickly in the mountains, so I bring an 800 fill jacket for the “just in case” scenario.

And NEVER forget your Hardshell or Rain Jacket. I bring a Marmot Precip Jacket. It’s especially useful when stopping for lunch on a windy balmy 50 degree day.

This gear list would obviously change in high altitude conditions when snow and high winds would be prevalent. For AT Thru Hikers, who start in January this could work for you.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone here at TheBackpackerTV.  We hope everyone  has a safe and happy holiday.

Take a moment and enjoy a segment of “A Christmas Story”.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

The Worcester Range is a small group of mountains in the Stowe area in Vermont. They lie due southwest of the town of Stowe VT.

Don’t let their size fool you! Some trails to the summits of these mountains gain over 2000 feet of elevation in 2 miles. They are located in a unique position, first they allow a view of Mt. Mansfield and the Greens that cannot be had from the Greens themselves. Second they are closer to New Hampshire and have good views of the Whites.

Anyone attempting to climb Worcester Mountains and reach the summit should look for detailed information on the Worcester Mountains area in the topographic map (topo map) and the Mount Worcester USGS quad. To hike and explore the Vermont outdoors near Worcester Mountains, check the list of nearby trails.

This backpacking trip is part of the Johnson State College Outdoor Program. Video was shot by Andy Lockey

Bald Mountains is the name of both an individual Mountain Treasure and of the larger conservation area it anchors. Both the conservation area and the Mountain Treasure lie on both sides of the ridge that separates Tennessee and North Carolina. This region forms part of the western flank of the southern Blue Ridge that runs northeast from the Smoky Mountains. The Bald Mountains are made up of ridges that trend from the southwest to the northeast.

The Appalachian Trail winds its way, mostly along the crest of the ridge, along the length of the Bald Mountains. Side trails drop down from the ridge into stream valleys, and a number of loop routes facilitate exploration of the area.

Video shot by bedelay

Andrew reviews the Magellan eXplorist 510 TOPO Edition.

Rugged and waterproof (IPX-7), the eXplorist 510 combines high sensitivity GPS reception with easy to read mapping and accurate navigation. Find your way using more than 30 navigational data fields. Create waypoints, record tracks, and route from point to point. The integrated 3.2 mega-pixel camera, microphone, and speaker enable outdoor enthusiasts to record geo-referenced images and voice notes.

The eXplorist 510 packs the most accurate maps into the palm of your hand. The World Edition map allows for 2D or 3D viewing angles. It includes a complete road network in United States, Canada, Western Europe, and Australia and major roads throughout the rest of the world and provides cartographic orientation in almost any location. This unique, preloaded map also includes water features, urban and rural land use, and a realistic shaded relief background.

For the complete review visit their website: http://www.outdoorgeartv.com/?p=4751

**Be sure to head over to OGTV and enter their Holiday Gear Giveaway for a chance to win an eXplorist 510 TOPO. Contest starts 12/03 and ends 12/21/12.**

Video Shot by JamesOGTV

We are always looking for cool gear that can be used on a multi-purpose basis. One of them is the Marmot Zion Jackent.

Polartec NeoShell fabrics not only make the Marmot Zion Jacket lightweight and waterproof, but also provide breathability and stretch for skiing, winter trekking, climbing or mountaineering. We like this for a few reasons. It is lightweight and waterproof. Great for Backpacking in cold rain. It’s a bit on the pricey side. But if you are like me, you use your gear until it falls off. This we think will be in your closet for a long time.

If you have ever hiked in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, you know how the weather can turn on a dime. It’s also one of the reason’s whey SAR is so important in that area.

The Appalachian Mountain Club plays a vital role in search and rescue operations in the White Mountains. Partnering with New Hampshire Fish & Game, U.S. Forest Service, and a number of volunteer organizations, AMC is able to provide a valuable service to the millions of outdoor enthusiasts who visit the New Hampshire backcountry every year. For more information about AMC, visit http://www.outdoors.org.

Video  by AppalachianMtnClub

If you have never been to the Mount Rogers Recreational Area, and you love the outdoors, this is a must see!. This is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the South with breathtaking views of rolling hills and green grass you will ever see.

Located in southwest Virginia, the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (NRA) manages approximately 200,000 acres of National Forest land near Mount Rogers. the Virginia Creeper Trail; the Mount Rogers Scenic Byway which traverses over 50 miles offering views of the National Recreation Area and open rural countryside; the 5000 acre Crest Zone featuring elevations over 4,000 feet, large rock formations, and a mixture of mountain balds and spruce-fir forests; a herd of wild, free-ranging ponies; and the highest elevated road in the state of Virginia leading to the summit of Whitetop Mountain.

There are over 400 miles of designated trails on the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Trails range from primitive single-track to old logging roads and railroad grades. Some are for foot only, others allow horse and/or bicycle use. Plan your trip carefully if you are looking for solitude. Trails in the high country as well as the Virginia Creeper and Appalachian Trail are popular destinations, particularly on weekends.

kookiemoose once again captures the beauty of the Appalachian Trail and the magnificence of Mount Rogers Recreational Area.

The vast majority of those who visit Rocky Mountain National Park overlook seeing what some call one of the most private, yet easily accessible areas of this national treasure.

The drive to the Wild Basin area in Rocky Mountain National Park at the southeastern edge of the Park traverses spectacular scenery, climbing through forested areas, providing breathtaking views of the Continental Divide, Longs Peak, Mount Meeker and Twin Sisters.

Thunder Lake occupies a marshy basin deep in the Wild Basin Area of Rocky Mountain National Park. While much of the hike passes through dense forest with limited views, the lake vicinity is exceptional and notable for its excellent fishing and backcountry camping options.

An unmaintained but well-established route continues west of Thunder Lake to Boulder-Grand Pass (12,061′), which connects the east and west sides of Rocky Mountain National Park:

Video from Shane Ermitano

This documentary is about a new hiking route created by outdoor educator and author, Erik Schlimmer. The route is for hikers who want something more challenging and more wild than previously existing trails in the Northeast.

The Adirondack Park is the largest park in the lower 48 with an area of 6.1 million acres. It is larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Glacier National Parks combined. The 235 mile trail starts at the northern border of the Adirondack Park of upstate New York and travels all the way to the southern border, passing all kinds of forests, lakes, streams, wilderness areas, wildlife, and some of the most scenic views in the nation.

Explore this newly created 235 mile hiking route through the entire Adirondack park of upstate New York.

The guidebook for the route, “Blue Line to Blue Line” has already been written by Schlimmer and is in the pre-press stage. A custom map set is also being prepared to be used along with the guidebook.

Filmmaker Ryan Whitten will be traveling to the Trans Adriondack Route during the summer of 2012 to gather footage that will be used in making a documentary about the route. With interviews from the route’s creator, Erik Schlimmer, as well as Ryan Whitten’s trip footage, the 6-8 minute video will serve to spread awareness about this new trail and hopefully make hikers want to hike from “Blue Line to Blue Line.”

The funds raised on Kickstarter will help cover the costs of travel and production and any donations are sincerely appreciated.

The release date for all Trans Adirondack Route materials is January 1st, 2013. This will include the documentary, guidebook, maps, and website for the route. All donation rewards will be shipped as soon as possible after the release.

Pledge a few dollars and help these guys out, what a great way to give back to the outdoor backpacking community.

The Kalalau Trail is an 11 mile trail that leads from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach on the island of Kauai in Hawaii.

The Na Pali Coast is a very special place. The pali, or cliffs, provide a rugged grandeur of deep, narrow valleys ending abruptly at the sea. Waterfalls and swift flowing streams continue to cut these narrow valleys while the sea carves cliffs at their mouths. Extensive stone walled terraces can still be found on the valley bottoms where Hawaiians once lived and cultivated taro.

The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to this part of the rugged coast. The trail traverses 5 valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted pali. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush valleys. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapi’ai and Kalalau.

Originally built in the late 1800s, portions of the trail were rebuilt in the 1930s. A similar foot trail linked earlier Hawaiian settlements along the coastline.

For most backpackers in good condition hiking the 11 miles will take a full day. Get an early start to avoid overexertion in the midday heat.

Video shot by Scott Rasak

[geo maps]

You have to love a great hiking boot, and Keen has always provided (in my opinion) one of the best options in today’s market when it comes to comfortable backpacking boots. The Keen Gypsum Mid hiking boot is no exception. It’s rugged, yet extremely lightwight.

TrailMagazine has put together a great video explaining the Keen Gypsum Mid Hiking Boot.

They’re light, comfortable, robust and waterproof. These are just some of the things that Trail magazine’s Dan Aspel had to say about the Keen Gypsum Mid hiking boots.

KEEN designed the Men’s Gypsum Mid to provide stability and support on light hikes or when you’re just kicking around town.

• Waterproof nubuck leather upper with KEEN.Dry waterproof breathable membrane for all-weather protection
• Removable dual-density EVA footbed for shock absorption
• ESS shank and TPU heel stabilizer for added stability
• 4mm multi-directional lugs provide traction on variable terrain
• Non-marking rubber outsole

Very comfortable right out of the box. I wore these for 4 days while backpacking (roughly 20-25 miles). The boots were very comfortable until the last mile hiking down the mountain. My heel started to rub a little. No blisters but it was only the last mile. I do like the boots and plan to wear them on my next trip. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. They stayed waterproof in a good 5 hour down pour. Traction was great even on wet rock. The extra padded foot bed was nice with a 50 lb pack on.

If you have this boot, give it review and let us know what you think?

This time of year (Fall) is when most hikers, backpackers, and campers really get motovated to get out into nature and soak in all the colors of Fall. So we put together the top 5 trails or hikes we think might just get you outside.

• The Appalachian Trail - The Appalachian Trail is the ur-scenic trail and the first one completed in the U.S. Finished in 1937, the trail starts atop the suitably epic-sounding Mount Katahdin in Maine and terminates 2,175 miles later, on Springer Mountain in Georgia. Try the 104-mile section that wends through the Shenandoah Valley National Park in Virginia. With neither the humidity of Georgia nor the arduous climbs of New England, it’s gentle and addictive, beset on all sides by oak trees and yawning vistas of fall color. The nice thing about the AT, it covers 13 States, so almost anyone on the Southeastern Seaboard, has no excuse whatsoever.

• Hoking Hills State Park  - Not everything in Ohio is flat. Hocking Hills, an hour south of Columbus, is every bit the equal of better-known parks, and threaded with waterfalls, towering hemlocks, and limestone gorges. Hike the plunging gorge of Conkle’s Hollow, opting for the Rim Trail for a thorough workout. Southern Ohio has some of the best backpacking around. Fall is one of the most beautiful times in Southern Ohio as the colors are brilliant and and scenery is stunning.

• Smoky Mountain National Park - Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best places in the country for viewing fall colors. Due to the diversity of trees and its broad elevation range, leaf peepers and hikers can usually enjoy the beauty of fall colors for several weeks in the Smokies. The timing of the fall color season depends upon many variables, making it virtually impossible to predict the exact dates of “peak” colors in advance. One of the most important variables is elevation. At the higher elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains, fall color displays begin as early as mid-September with yellow birch, American beech, mountain maple, hobblebush, and pin cherry beginning to show their autumn colors. If you’re looking for good fall color hikes during this time period, you’ll want to be at the highest elevations in the park. However, you’ll also want to avoid hiking in areas that are predominantly spruce-fir forests.

• Porcupine Mountain Wilderness in the U.P of Michigan - The Porkies cover 60,000 acres and is Michigan’s largest state park. Within the park is a block of old-growth forest comprising almost 35,000 acres and considered by some to be the biggest and best stand of virgin Northern Hardwoods and Hemlock in North America. This forest makes for some particularly attractive color during the fall. You can get some of the best fall color pictures in the Upper Peninsula.

• Charles Deam Wilderness - Lots of trees make for great fall colors! The Charles C. Deam Wilderness is a great place to hike in the Hoosier National Forest about an hour south of Indianapolis near Indiana University just outside of Bloomington. On Tower Ridge Road about five miles from Knightridge Road lies a fire tower, which is excellent for leaf viewing. Even though most of the leaves seemed down in the forest, from the fire tower enough reds and oranges were visible to make the scenery spectacular.

Which one would you hike?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

For backpackers that have traversed  2179 miles of the Appalachian Trail, one of the biggest conquests must be arriving at the trail sign for the Hundred Mile Wilderness corridor. While the 100 Mile Wilderness is not a “true” wilderness, the character of the land, the rugged terrain, the pristine lakes and ponds and the far reaching and unspoiled views encompass the emotional feelings of being isolated from the hustle and bustle of the civilized world. 

This video was shot by Martin Rye and Phillip Werner (www.sectionhiker.com) with music by Terry Bond.  Two out of three are members of the BackpackerTV. We are really happy to see them enjoying such a beautiful part of the AT

The Hundred-Mile Wilderness is the section of the Appalachian Trail running between Abol Bridge just south of Baxter State Parkand Monson, Maine, USA. It is generally considered the wildest section of the Appalachian Trail. This section of the A.T. is crossed by several logging roads and is maintained by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club. It consists of a small corridor of protected wilderness surrounded by large tracts of public and private land controlled by paper companies. An increasing amount of the adjoining lands are being protected by groups like the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Nature Conservancy.

In 2000, a series of new logging roads and a marked side-trail offered hikers re-supply and lodging opportunities between miles 55 and 65 heading northbound from Monson. This commercial refuge is not officially recognized by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and has been controversial since it became accessible.

Great video guys!!!

So many amazing pieces of gear that came out of this years Outdoor Retailer show that I just had to write about one of my favorites. The Black Diamond Revolt Headlamp might be one of the coolest gear items I’ve seen in a while. It mixes the quality of the Black Diamond name with renewable energy and common sense.

What? A USB cable to charge your headlamp while your driving to your outdoor destination? NO way? YES Way!

The 110-lumen headlamp ignites on three AAA rechargeable batteries OR regular batteries. Recharge the batteries with a USB cable plugged into the headlamp. Settings allow for full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, red night vision and lock mode. The ReVolt weighs in at 3.4 ounces, The real wow factor here is the $59.95 price tag. It will be available Spring 2013.

Now available at http://www.outdoorplay.com also

Each year thousands of would be hikers/backpackers explore the beauty of the backcountry. We go to great lengths to filter our water, carry first aid kits, and take great pics. However, one can’t say enough about the Lyme Disease caring Deer Tick.

This video by National Geographic is an excellent example of how pesky these guys can be. Our point being. Check and double check your entire body after a hike in the woods, especially where dear roam, (which is just about everywhere).

From the CDC website.

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks; laboratory testing is helpful if used correctly and performed with validated methods. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. Steps to prevent Lyme disease include using insect repellent, removing ticks promptly, applying pesticides, and reducing tick habitat. The ticks that transmit Lyme disease can occasionally transmit other tickborne diseases as well.

This video was shot by Tamerisq on Viemo. When I first watched it I thought, wow cool…and then Gangman Style showed up. Then I thought….Very Cool.

Backpacking the Sierras during late summer. Sequoia National Park’s Lakes Trail is known for its beautiful glacier lakes, off-trailing, and solitude when backpacking. We had a blast!

A short film featuring Andrew Lee, Matthew Moore, and Patrick O’Malley includes the stunning New Mexico wilderness. Shot during our May trek over five days. A short trip in the scheme of things, but long enough to burn a place in our memories for a lifetime.

The Santa Fe National Forest is one of five national forests in New Mexico. National Forests are America’s great outdoors, here to serve the American people at work and play. Some of the finest mountain scenery in the Southwest is found in the 1.6 million acre Santa Fe National Forest. Elevations rise from 5,300 to 13,103 feet at the summit of Truchas Peak, located within the Pecos Wilderness.

The first 2 1/2 miles are all in beautiful tree covered forest and as you begin to get over 11,000 feet, you begin to see groves of Aspen. I think there were also Birch trees further down the trail, but it was difficult to tell.

The Beattys trail is 22.5 miles long. It begins at Jack’s Creek Trailhead and ends at the Santa Barbara TH on the Carson National Forest.

My good friend and overseas backpacker Terry Bond reviews the Hurricane 200 Expedition Tent by Vango. Vango who is a UK operation, makes some awesome equipment.

Classic geodesic symmetry, flat pole sleeves, pre-bend poles and ripstop polyester make the 2 man Hurricane 200 a strong mountain tent. Colour coded poles make it straight forward to pitch and escape the elements, and having two doors with porches for storage keeps the inner clutter free, and access easy in tough conditions.

Total Weight 4.20kg
Pack Size 46 x ?16cm
Pitching Time 15 mins

VIDEO PRODUCED BY TERRYBND
http://terrybnd.blogspot.co.uk/