Due to some downsizing in my life, I am changing my usual, some would say, luxurious mode of travel, to become a man of the people. That's right I'm getting down and dirty, and backpacking. Actually, I really like hiking and camping. There is a freedom in knowing that everything that you need to survive is on your back. Fortunately now days we have new modern light weight equipment, that eliminates a significant portion of the weight I had to hump around in Boy Scouts, and with other groups.
Even better, today we have Ultralight Backpacking. This technique involves carrying the minimimum of weight, and is a much more pleasant way to backpack.
I'm taking The Golite Jam 70 litre pack (pictured above - click on the link to go to their website) to do the Camino de Santiago in Spain. This pack weighs only 880gm. Unbelievable for a 70 litre pack. But, it includes the following features:
•Double-Wishbone™ hipbelt with quick-access zippered stretch pockets
•Removable foam back pad
•High-void meshes on back panel and shoulder harness
•ComPACKtor™ system reduces volume via easy to use anchor/strap system
•Large front organization pocket
•Side stretch water bottle/accessory pockets
•Side compression/accessory attachment straps
•Twin ice axe loops and handle straps
•Internal hydration sleeve
•Cinch and roll-top closure system with top compression strap
•Load lifters control and transfer weight closer to the body (Jam 70 and 50 only) I already had the Golite 50 Litre, but I've upgraded to the 70 Litre pack just so I can fit in all my electronics. I think they call this Flashpacking. So, now I'm a Ultralight Flashpacker.
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Form follows function. So, the first step to packing for a trip, is to work out what you will be doing, and where you are going. As I will be backpacking for five days I will need a backpack, and as a result I'll leave my wheeled luggage at home. The size of the backpack will depend on what you want to bring with you 'on the road."
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In conclusion I recommend Ultralight backpacking and Golite equipment in particular, however there are many great manufacturers, particularly in the United States. I order most of my equipment from the United States on the internet, and ship direct, or via a shipping agent. In my next blog posts I will go into more detail about what gear I will be bringing, and more information on The Comino, and Spain.
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Further reading:
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Ultralight Backpacking: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultralight_backpacking
