The evolution of kit

[BillyBlade]

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

Agreed Sir. Any damn fool can be uncomfortable, after all.

I can do 'minimalistic' if I need to, I managed 4 days last year with not much more than a pair of sub 4" knives (both folders) a sleeping bag and a firesteel. But I didn't enjoy it, because the focus of the trip became about surviving and keeping hydrated, fed and dry more than it was about enjoying and connecting with nature.

I can do that better warm in a bivi bag with the moon on my face and a hot brew of bovril next to me.

As long as it fits in my rucksack, I'm happy to take it. Much respect to the guys who do this with just a belt pack and a kendal mint cake, but that isn't me any more

 

[Man of Tanith]

something i have noticed after my latest trip is that although i seem to pack many many things all of them get used so i feel justified taking them. add children and i find i take more bits for the what if scenarios i find running through my mind. you know what if they get soaked what if they get cold what if they get bored etc etc
yet if i just limit myself to one pack i still cope just as well i just have to make bits i dont have. perhaps this makes those trips a more 'bushcrafty' camp (whatever that is)

 

[Paul_B]

Well I still need to take the plunge and reduce kit down to as minimal as possible. I will tarp and bivvy but taking less spare clothes or even warm clothes. If I walk until time for kip then I can wear my down quilt for warmth. Perhaps leave that synthetic top and fleece behind. One day I will see how little I need and how low my comfort levels need to be. A sack, bivvy, tarp, quilt and short section of CCF. Do you really need much more? For total comfort an UL stove and pot. A scoop and go philosophy with water and job's a good'un! One day though. In the meantime its full waterproofs, spare clothes and the other gubbins I overload myself with (about 10kg with food and water).

 

[SI-Den]

For me it depends on the situation, just me for a weekend in 'warm' weather then I can go light. But if I'm out with my children or with the cadets then I'd take more - often to make up for what they don't have!!

Also, in the 'winter' I'd take more, warmer kit, extra change of clothes etc - nothing worse than spending a night out in wet clothes in winter - brings back not so happy memories of stag, in the snow in 'hopwas wood' with frozen rolo's........

Den

 

[Bushwhacker]

I just don't care. I'd rather rely on my wits than kit.

 

[vizsla]

depends how witty you are though