Hi. OK bit of a philosophical view on kit here, might get lenghty...
I am quickly getting sick of going out in the woods with my Sabre 75 (with side pockets) filled to bursting with "essential" gear. Its awkward, too heavy too bulky, just too much!! If anyone has watched half as many films as I have you would have seen the epitomy of woodsman, the Elves. (Hear me out!) Theyre portrayed as forest dwellers who travel light with minimal gear and craft items of very light construction. And I came across the idea that I would attempt to Elvenise my equipment. I.e. Miminise what I really need and to find lighter (and preferably natural materials and neutral coloured) replacements. I have swapped over from tent to hammock, or bivvi, and I'm currently sourcing materials for a custom made ultralight hammock. I have found a lovely titanium pot to replace my heavy zebra billy, titanium spork instead of steel KFS etc etc
I have read the threads about sleeping bag vs blankets and the discussions usually address warmth to weight ratio, but i have not read much about the bulkiness. I usually put my bag in my rucksack then wonder where all my 75 litres went! I am trying to work out what equipment I'd need to sleep out with no bag or blanket at all! Ray mears built a shelter in the Rockies and a long fire stating he could sleep out with no bag to -50C!! So lying clothed, next to a fire on my thermarest prolite 4, basha if need be, and maybe just a cotton bivvi to cut out some wind and protect the mat from embers, I could survive reasonably cold temps? Any thoughts?
Also designing a custom bag. Has anyone done this too and what type was it? materials used? any nice ideas?
So, fantasy imagary aside, I would love to hear form anyone who carrys a 40L or lighter for a week in the woods and what they carry. I will post a list of the stuff i usually carry in all seasons at some point.
I am quickly getting sick of going out in the woods with my Sabre 75 (with side pockets) filled to bursting with "essential" gear. Its awkward, too heavy too bulky, just too much!! If anyone has watched half as many films as I have you would have seen the epitomy of woodsman, the Elves. (Hear me out!) Theyre portrayed as forest dwellers who travel light with minimal gear and craft items of very light construction. And I came across the idea that I would attempt to Elvenise my equipment. I.e. Miminise what I really need and to find lighter (and preferably natural materials and neutral coloured) replacements. I have swapped over from tent to hammock, or bivvi, and I'm currently sourcing materials for a custom made ultralight hammock. I have found a lovely titanium pot to replace my heavy zebra billy, titanium spork instead of steel KFS etc etc
I have read the threads about sleeping bag vs blankets and the discussions usually address warmth to weight ratio, but i have not read much about the bulkiness. I usually put my bag in my rucksack then wonder where all my 75 litres went! I am trying to work out what equipment I'd need to sleep out with no bag or blanket at all! Ray mears built a shelter in the Rockies and a long fire stating he could sleep out with no bag to -50C!! So lying clothed, next to a fire on my thermarest prolite 4, basha if need be, and maybe just a cotton bivvi to cut out some wind and protect the mat from embers, I could survive reasonably cold temps? Any thoughts?
Also designing a custom bag. Has anyone done this too and what type was it? materials used? any nice ideas?
So, fantasy imagary aside, I would love to hear form anyone who carrys a 40L or lighter for a week in the woods and what they carry. I will post a list of the stuff i usually carry in all seasons at some point.