The evolution of kit

[Scottishwanderer]

How many people started of with the 120 litre bergen and now down to ye olde 35 litre?

The amount of kit i used to take is unreal.

I just spent 4 days in a local wood with sleeping bag, pot, ferro rod, knife, saw, sak, water and food. I used to carry two tarps, 100m of paracord, stoves, bungees, wool blanket, sleeping bag, roll mat and about 200 hundred other things.

 

[beenn]

I never took alot of kit but i have slimmed it down a fair bit

Alot of my kit now had more than one use which helps alot

 

[Corso]

me neither I always wanted to go light as possible - I still probably carry more knives than i need but thats just an excuse to play

I also tend to bring along the bow too not 'realyneeded' but it one of my fav woodland activities (field archery)

 

[rik_uk3]

I've started using a holdall these days.

 

[lannyman8]

depends on the time of year, in the winter my pack size is made 2x as big because of my winter sleeping bag, i would like to get a down bag but cant afford that, sooooooo, the army issue it is.....

 

[Retired Member southey]

I still take a big bergan weather camping or walking, even if it a third full, I just prefer it all strapped down and small but still able to open it up and put stuff i find or buy on a wonder about,

 

[vizsla]

i no what u mean southey i usualy come back with half my pack full of wood for carving

 

[blacktimberwolf]

The opposite for me, I started with a 50 ltr, then moved up to a 65ltr & now I'm using a 100 ltr bergen. A 35ltr. bag would just about carry my sleeplng bag.

 

[BillyBlade]

The opposite for me, I started with a 50 ltr, then moved up to a 65ltr & now I'm using a 100 ltr bergen. A 35ltr. bag would just about carry my sleeplng bag.

Pretty much the same - the bottom compartment of my 88l rucksack swallows my 4 season synthetic bag, and thats it!

The rest of the sack can be pretty light based on what food I'm taking though.

 

[sandbender]

"...How many people started of with the 120 litre bergen and now down to ye olde 35 litre?..."

Much has changed over the decades, for travel and long walks I started out with 70-80 liter packs, now I'm down to 50 liters. The biggest change has been in knife choice, some of the embarrassingly large survival type things I used to think I needed have all been replaced with a Mora or something of similar style and size.

 

[Scottishwanderer]

i suppose it is still summer so my 35 will probably increase in size in winter when i add a bigger sleeping bag, but hopefully i can keep it down to my 45 litre pack.##I don't mind carrying a lot but i prefer the freedom of not having to hall a lot of stuff in.

I have also had the phase of "why bring one knife when i can bring 5" but i like my knife and use one for everything now.

 

[Man of Tanith]

my kit has evolved in several directions
i can go with only a 70litre pack in winter for several days or three packs worth of goodies for just one night or blanket knife pot water and grub for when i really want minimalistic feel
it depends on what i want to achieve
the 70ltr pack in winter was done in part to prove to myself i can do it with less kit
the three packs for an overnighter was done to try out shiney new toys and go for excessive comfort
blanket knife etc was erm an experience and i coped but it showed me i like my comforts

 

[yomperalex]

Recent evolution for me is:

- the type of food and the amount of cooking gear I take;
- the amount and type of clothing;

I'm sure I've only discovered what many have long known, but personal mistakes are often the best teacher

Alex

 

[Man of Tanith]

but personal mistakes are often the best teacher

Alex

oh so right there mate

 

[drewdunnrespect]

I fully agree and have come to the conclusion that I am a heavy weight camper

 

[3bears]

my kit has evolved in several directions
i can go with only a 70litre pack in winter for several days or three packs worth of goodies for just one night or blanket knife pot water and grub for when i really want minimalistic feel
it depends on what i want to achieve
the 70ltr pack in winter was done in part to prove to myself i can do it with less kit
the three packs for an overnighter was done to try out shiney new toys and go for excessive comfort
blanket knife etc was erm an experience and i coped but it showed me i like my comforts

lol it seems i'm not alone!

 

[tomongoose]

I have evolved the other way I used to camp quite light and now I seem to take more stuff to play with than before

 

[Wayland]

I've gone both ways.

When I'm cutting out on foot I travel pretty light these days but I seem to end up taking an enormous amount of stuff to fixed camps and meet ups.

As said, it's all about having toys to play with.

 

[Paul_B]

I take a totally pragmatic view, or try to, in that I pack for what I am doing. If car camping or only carrying the kit a shortish distance I won't worry about weight as much. I will take my big tent (its still a smallish vango spectre 200) and a load of comfort stuff. Even if that means a few repeat trips. Although I do hate the repeat trips to pack the car up again, it's always worse packing up than unpacking the car.

The other type of trip I do (which is more these days) is pack on back and out for a day walk to pitch up where I end up. Then on again the next day. This style of being on the move does require a lighter kit IMHO. I am a fit and strong walker but for me it is a totally different experience if I am overloaded or not. A trip this year, despite my knowledge and experience and better judgement, I overpacked and felt it ALL trip. On the other hand a light pack and I can walk freely and not get tired. It's a different experience and that is what I am there for an enjoyable experience. ITs what matters above gear IMHO.

 

[John Fenna]

My backpacking days are pretty much in the past now so my kit is getting bigger!
Strangely enough most of my bulky gear is home made (blanket smocks, storage baskets etc) made in the woods but saved and used on other camps to avoid cutting new green timber (tripods, sectional table etc) or are for water storage on fixed camps or for project working (tool kits, leather, prepared willow and bramble for baskets etc, flint knapping kit etc)
My major backpacking trips were mainly done with 60l packs and that was before the days of super lightweight kit......