Originally Posted by
Bekologist
Nice setup sergeant. I can hardly sew stuffsacks straight. great homemade bags.
And avenue of the giants is great, the approach from the south coast a bit hilly.
I have one of the smallest Hennessy Hammocks, and i find it unacceptably bulky and heavy to carry on a UL trip.
this isn't a criticism of anyone in particular, just notions i've got about what constitutes UL touring today.
I think i should lower my the standards i set for myself, get some bigger bags, and become comfortable pushing my notions of UL into welterweight category. i could leave the nylon whisps for clothing behind and pack substantial clothes, bring a tent and feel good that i'm still UL!
like asana has been alluding to, and correct me if i'm wrong, but UL is more mindset than gear choice.
'ultralight is dead'
http://bedrockandparadox.com/2012/10/18/ulisdead/
and to quote a comment on that post:
"simplicity, skills, knowledge, minimalism, etc, will live on."
thats sort of where i'm coming from. route, weather, terrain, re-suuply, and experience goal of the trip - all figure into the mix of what works.
coast biking in alaska? extra gear and weight not appropriate or even needed on the journey becomes a hinderance when bushwacking and loading and unloading boats. see Mike Curiaks notes on how he got burned not listening to the guys about bringing a really big pack to jam almost everything into, and for running brakes, when they wouldn't be needed...
road tour in the lower 48 where supplies and shelter (if needed) can often be found within 100 miles max, perhaps even every 20-30 miles at most?
very different set of choices to balance.
on road / off road? likely leave the carbon bike at home, and ride something that will handle the anticipated terrain.
all good.
curious to see what mr. bek comes up with.