RE: the newbie ?

Just a couple of my thoughts

The point for me is to carry what I need without feeling what I'm carrying. Minimalist isn't part of the equation--I don't carry all that much less gear than anyone else. It's just that what I do carry weights less. At my age I'm losing the physical ability to and am not interested in carrying the 30-40-50lbs. of the past. If I knew what I know today and the gear was available I wouldn't have carried that much in the past either.  Some consider lightweight as a sacrifice in comfort and safety but that certainly doesn't fit with my experience.  I have shelter from the elements, sleep warm on a soft pad in a warm bag and carry my gear in a pack designed for the weight.  Just considering those basic elements the weight for a three season trip my weight is less than 5lbs. Fully loaded with food for a 3 day trip my pack weight is under  10 lbs. I have hot meals, 2 cups of coffee each morning, brush my teeth, have reading material for entertainment-all the things just about everyone carries.
It takes time to understand your capabilities and that of your gear.  I do believe in one thing though-the more you backpack the less you need. One you start taking a serious look at your gear with a focus on lighter alternatives, dual use and  elimination of unused items
 your pack weight will begin to drop.  

> To: [email protected]
> From: bacncheesmurrder88-/[email protected]
> Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2012 06:48:43 +0000
> Subject: [BackpackingLight] the newbie ?
> 
> so im new to the whole minimalist, lightweight backpacking scene but am no stranger to carrying a heavy pack over long distances, (ARMY.)  i guess my question is... is the point to see how light you can get, or to see how little you can bring?
> without advise, i myself would bring just what i needed and not anything more, not worrying about the weight of it. but i may be missing the point of this style backpacking?