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    Boy Scout Ultralight Backpacking Guide

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    1Lanista
    The document provides guidelines for ultralight backpacking, defining it as examining gear critically to only bring necessary items in their lightest form. It recommends target backpack weights under 10 lbs for weekends and 15 lbs for weeks. Specific gear tips include using tarps and single-layer sleeping bags. Daily mileage varies from 10-30 miles depending on pack weight. Layering is also discussed, emphasizing moisture-wicking and wind protection. Essential emergency items should still be brought.

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    Boy Scout Ultralight Backpacking Guide

    Uploaded by

    1Lanista
    172 views4 pages
    The document provides guidelines for ultralight backpacking, defining it as examining gear critically to only bring necessary items in their lightest form. It recommends target backpack weights under 10 lbs for weekends and 15 lbs for weeks. Specific gear tips include using tarps and single-layer sleeping bags. Daily mileage varies from 10-30 miles depending on pack weight. Layering is also discussed, emphasizing moisture-wicking and wind protection. Essential emergency items should still be brought.

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    Original Title

    ULTRALIGHTLIST

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    The document provides guidelines for ultralight backpacking, defining it as examining gear critically to only bring necessary items in their lightest form. It recommends target backpack weights under 10 lbs for weekends and 15 lbs for weeks. Specific gear tips include using tarps and single-layer sleeping bags. Daily mileage varies from 10-30 miles depending on pack weight. Layering is also discussed, emphasizing moisture-wicking and wind protection. Essential emergency items should still be brought.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    172 views4 pages

    Boy Scout Ultralight Backpacking Guide

    Uploaded by

    1Lanista
    The document provides guidelines for ultralight backpacking, defining it as examining gear critically to only bring necessary items in their lightest form. It recommends target backpack weights under 10 lbs for weekends and 15 lbs for weeks. Specific gear tips include using tarps and single-layer sleeping bags. Daily mileage varies from 10-30 miles depending on pack weight. Layering is also discussed, emphasizing moisture-wicking and wind protection. Essential emergency items should still be brought.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 4

    BOY SCOUT ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING GUIDE

    Those who prepare for all the emergencies of life beforehand may equip themselves
    at the expense of joy. -- E. M. Forster

    Boy scout backpack weight requirement:


    Somewhere I have read 35lbs or 20% of bodyweight. (Does that mean we adults need a
    40lbs pack?). Either number is unrealistic. Weight depends on a number of different
    parameters. (See some below: Decisions to make)

    Ultralight backpacking – Definition:


    Ultralight backpacking is a way of thinking, an idea, a “backpacking philosophy”. It is
    about examining critically to see if you really need it or not and if yes, what is the lightest
    weight item you can find (or afford to buy).

    Daily possible mileage (approximate):


    55 lbs pack = 10 miles
    40 lbs pack = 15 miles
    30 lbs pack = 20 miles
    20 lbs pack = 25 miles
    10 lbs pack = 30 miles

    Another Layering Method:


    A person in the wilderness either MOVES or STANDS. If it moves, it generates heat, so
    the primary function of the clothes should be to remove perspiration, and protect from
    wind. If he or she stands, than heat is not generated, so a layer of insulation should be
    added on the outside.
    If one moves then one needs:
    Wicking polyester layer on skin to remove moisture
    Wind Jacket to block wind and transfer moisture to outside
    If one stands then one needs:
    Wicking polyester layer on skin to remove moisture
    Wind Jacket to transfer moisture
    Insulated Jacket to block wind, keep warm and transfer moisture outside
    (Note that the insulated jacket is on the OUTSIDE, so it can be easily put on/taken off.)

    Decisions to make:
    Type of trip (season, chance of rain, chance of bugs, altitude, etc.)
    Need or not (Do I have to have it? If yes, no metal!) Explain Pareto rule.
    Weight savings benefit (Start with the heaviest items, pack, tent, sleeping gear)
    Multiple uses (Can you use an items for multiple functions? Insulated jacket can
    also be used for sleeping.)
    Cost vs. weight savings (Which is better, reduce weight by one ounce costing
    $100, or one pound costing $10, so start with the heavy or cheap items)
    (Tips for adults: the cheapest way to go ultralight backpacking is to lose weight.)
    Priorities:
    Traditional thinking (Better to have it, even if I will not need it.)
    1. How much does it cost?
    2. Is it good looking?
    3. Does it do the job?

    Ultralight thinking (If I need it and I don’t have it, then I don’t need it.)
    1. Do I need it?
    2. What is the lightest version that does the job?
    3. How much does it cost?

    WARNING:
    Always carry emergency items. Don’t save weight by leaving out those.
    (Fire starter kit: lighter, birthday candle, dry tinder, a small knife, a set of cold
    weather, storm proof clothing: insulating jacket, rain jacket, mittens, warm hat)

    Shopping tips:
    Never buy an item without knowing what it should weigh (see targets below) and what it
    does weigh (listed from catalog or actual in store).
    If you buy in store, ask for a store scale or take your own kitchen scale with an aluminum
    turkey roasting pan to measure the true weight of the item. (see demo at the meeting)
    Tent: use tarp
    Sleeping bag: use single layer (see GoLite)
    Shell jacket: uncoated nylon, full length front opening zipper, 3 oz
    Insulated Jacket: full length front opening zipper w. Polarguard 3D
    Rain: use umbrella, see GoLite
    Shoes: light running shoes (need 1-2 sizes larger), 12 oz
    Flashlight: LED
    Water filtration system: in the bottle

    Target weights:

    TOTAL GEAR WEIGHT TARGET: <10 lbs for weekend, <15 lbs for a week
    (food excluded)

    PACK <1-2 lbs


    SHELTER <1-2 lbs
    SLEEPING GEAR <1-4 lbs
    FOOTWEAR <1-2 lbs
    CLOTHES <3-4 lbs
    MISC. <1-2 lbs
    (FOOD <1-2 lbs/day)

    All you have to know: it is possible.

    2
    The contents of an actual 9.23 lbs backpacking pack used on the Pacific Crest Trail

    Pack 13.5 oz
    Umbrella 9 oz
    Mylar umbrella covering 0.8 oz
    1 person silicone tarp 12 oz
    Stakes, stowbag 2.6 oz
    Ground sheet, space blanket 1.2 oz
    Foam pad 4.8 oz
    Camera, film 6.6 oz
    Water scoop and through 0.3 oz

    Sleeping quilt w. mosquito net 33 oz


    Sleeping bag stowbag 1.8 oz
    Stove, fuel, windscreen, stowbag 20.8 oz
    Cook pot for one person 5 oz
    Water bottle 1.6 oz

    Hat, fleece 1.2 oz


    Shell jacket, breathable nylon 6 oz
    Mittens, fleece 1 oz
    Shell pants, breathable nylon 3 oz
    Socks, 2 pair thin nylon 1.2 oz
    Shower booties, coated nylon 0.8 oz
    Face towel, cotton, 12” square 1.8 oz
    Clothing stowbag (garbage bag) 1.3 oz

    Ditty bag #1, nylon mesh 0.2 oz


    Windex to clean eyeglass/camera 0.4 oz
    Half cotton bandana to clean above 0.1oz
    Compass 0.8 oz
    Spoon, lexan 0.2 oz
    Eyeglass bag, fleece 0.2 oz
    Flashlight with 1 AAA battery, spare bulb 1 oz
    Pocket knife 0.8 oz
    Toothbrush 0.1 oz
    Dental floss 0.1 oz
    Hydrogen peroxide (antiseptic) 0.5 oz
    Cord 0.5 oz

    Ditty bag #2 0.6 oz


    Medical kit: betadine, metronidazol, 2.7 oz
    Diasorb, Amoxicillin, Campho-Phenine
    Antibiotic, zinc oxide, Mycelex (athlete foot)
    Aspirin, multi vitamin, 1 tsp salt
    Foot care bag 2 oz

    3
    Sewing kit: heavy thread, 3 safety pin, 0.1 oz
    3 needles
    Lighter 0.5 oz
    Can opener 0.2 oz
    Repellant 1 oz
    Emergency fire starter: small lighter, 0.9 oz
    stick matches, birthday candles in bag
    Spare AAA flashlight battery 0.5 oz
    Valuables: traveler’s check, credit card, 1 oz
    Cash, driver’s license, in plastic bag
    Toilet kit: toilet paper, Dr. Bronner’s soap 2 oz
    Journal pad, maps & pen 2 oz

    Total pack weight 9.23 lbs

    Clothing worn that was not in the backpack


    Sun hat with wire rim 2 oz
    Shirt, polyester 4 oz
    Watch 1.5 oz
    Shorts, spandex 4.3 oz
    Socks, 2 pair thin nylon 1.2 oz
    Shoes 22 oz

    Total clothes weight: 2.19 lbs

    Resources, catalog, books, websites, video:


    http://www.rayjardine.com/index.shtml
    Beyond Backpacking: Ray Jardines Guide to Lightweight Hiking
    http://www.golite.com/
    Lynne Whelden: Lightweight Backpacking Secrets Revealed (2 hrs video)
    http://members.tripod.com/halbertri/noteson.htm
    http://www.monmouth.com/~mconnick/
    http://www.patagonia.com/store/mens/
    http://www.marmot.com/technology/tech_anatomy_moist.html
    http://www.monmouth.com/~johno/
    http://www.backpacker.com/subs/pop/0,4489,,00.html
    http://onestep4me.tripod.com/
    http://www.ultralightbackpacker.com/snowcamping.html
    http://www.backpacking.net/
    http://www.cyberturf.com/tornado/
    http://www.ultralight-hiking.com/
    http://www.speakeasy.org/~krk/travels/backpacking/backpackingFrames.html
    http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/rwgross/ultralig.htm
    http://minibulldesign.com
    http://zenstoves.com
    Troop 10 backpacking resources
    http://troop10.scouter.net/backpacking/index.html

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