How light do you travel?

[Fireman78]

I bring the same gear for an over nighter or a week trip it seems. I am a creature of habit when it comes to that. However, I am always refining and improving my gear as I get older and wiser. (And have more $$) HAHA!

Favorite things...
ARB Fridge.
Mombassa Roof Top Tent
Folding Aluminum Table
Ragasco 3 gallon Fiberglass see-through propane tank.
Petzl Myo XP Headlamp
Mountain Hardwear down "Puffy"
Mont-Bell Down Super Stretch Sleeping bag.
Zodi Instant hot shower
PETT Toilet/shower set up.
and of course my Dodge Power Wagon

:coffeedrink:

 

[Scott Brady]

When I started traveling by motorcycle, I seriously changed my "excess gear" mantra. I travel much more light and efficient now.

However, there are always "luxuries" worth bringing, if it is something you enjoy. Like a big pillow, or a comfy chair, or a set of nice stemware if your wife enjoys a great wine at sunset. It is not about suffering, but balancing weight, cost and the captivating effect of too much gear. I know guys that hardly see anything when we travel, as they never stop fiddling with the truck and electronics and all the elaborate set-up. Balance!

 

[CSG]

I always bring my down pillow from home no matter where I travel. Easy to stick in the rig and it feels like home. One must have *some* comforts after all.

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

I have recently had to adjust to a Jeep wrangler after having a Toyota truck fully outfitted with every creature comfort I could afford, I chose to downsize and take less crap to make my adventures less work and more enjoyable. I did like having a fridge and a comfy bed in my roof top tent but my biggest issue was weight, when fully loaded I could barely make any hills faster then 35mph.
I have been trying different stuff and packing different ways to find what works good for me and i agree what you bring depends on who goes and what your doing when you get where your going. Most of my adventures involve fishing or hunting, I rarely go camping just to camp out and I dont really bring anythng extra to make my girlfriend more comfortable then I want to be and no complaints yet from her.
So what I bring on a normal weekend trip is basicly the same as a weeklong trip with the exception of food and water, and other then basic tools and gear I do bring a larger BLS rescue pack because I am a certified EMT with proper training to use the gear. As for camping stuff I have my cooking equipment in a Pelican 1400 and non perishable food items in another Pelican case, keeps everything dry and clean. my shelter items include a down sleeping bag, 4 season tent, thermarest pad and pillow all this is put into a waterproof duffle bag.
I do pack very light but still have plenty of comfort when I get to the lake. I have been considering buying a small Tentrax trailer to haul a small boat and some extra gear but then it will start all over again adding more and more stuff.

I like that. It's a little of this, little of that depending on who's going.
Pretty soon, you have a lot of stuff!
That's just how it is. I like to camp in more remote areas and the corner store just isn't there.

I hate "credit card camping" anyway. That's not my thing.

Once you decide you are going to be prepared and reasonably self-sufficient, the truck is quickly filled.

But you're on a trip! So that's all part of the fun.

The stuff you bring adds to the enjoyment.
The stuff you bring adds to peace of mind.
Couple days into beautiful backcountry, two things even the mighty credit card can't give you

It's not a competition. Who cares how much or how little you bring?
After a few trips, you break it down to what works for you.

If someone has a ton of stuff, more power to them. They are next to me enjoying the trip- that's the important part.

If someone has 2 sticks and a hanky as a bed, more power to them- same goes for them.

My more extended trips are usually in a group. Even though everyone is willing to happily help, it is always necessary to exercise personal responsibility.
Bring the minimal stuff? That's ok if you're not freeloading all your "unneccesary" items halfway into the trip.

 

[alexrex20]

Lot of good comments in here.
I can tell some come from younger guys, wait until you are over 50 and you will come to appreciate a few luxuries when in the great outdoors such as a good sleeping setup for your back and good food instead of that freeze dried stuff.

When I was younger I use to backpack a lot around Mt. Rainier on the Wonderland trail for a week at a time, and I packed light as I could.
I was not one of those persons who would drill holes into their toothbrushes though.
That is a little extreme.

I use to pack light too when car camping until my wife bore our first child then we had to take more and we switched over to a tent trailer for more room.

I also now believe in having an ARB fridge along as I can bring better fresh food and not worry about ice or soggy food.
And speaking of food, no dehydrated crap as good as it has become over the years do I want to eat when out camping.
If I was backpacking yes, but not when camping out of my vehicle.

When I am camping away from the city smog and in the fresh air high up in the mountains whether at a paid campground at Mt. Rainier at 5,000 feet, or in a back country primitive area like where I took my summer vacation this past summer, all my senses such as taste and smell are heightened.
Food tastes better, therefore I tend to cook more gourmet when camping than when at home.

Also my roof top tent is like a penthouse to me, very nice to be up off the ground and not worry about rain, mud, or dirt getting inside.
I sleep much better too in it than I ever have in a backpacking tent or large car camping tent.

I have been accused of taking too much gear with me
Not all the gear is for me, I invite others to join me on my trips and I bring extra gear in case they need something.
Plus having been a former First Class Boyscout many years ago, being prepared is in my nature.
I would rather bring along a little to much than not enough and be wanting.
Quite often I have had guests show up whom I have given directions to where I am going and they left something at home.
Most of the time I have them covered and they appreciate the fact I had that item with me.
My brother joined me on one of my trips this past summer, and he was thankful that I came prepared as he had left a few things at home.
They would have fit on his motorcycle, but he had forgot to pack them.

A few pics of a typical campsite for me.

It is all about getting out there though whether you like to pack light and scrutinize about every extra ounce you might be bringing, or if you like to bring extra stuff for the "just in case you/they need it" scenario.
Get out and enjoy the great outdoors while you still can, and do not fret over what others take on their trips.
Everyone is different and may require different stuff/gear than you to feel comfortable and safe when out and away from home.

And remember to take pictures to share with us when you do.

so... uh... any new pics?

 

[kart0ns]

wow! I think that it is insane to carry so much useless stuff around.

I like to hike very light, so during hikes I have my 8L mil-tec army bag which contains first aid kit, canteen, Garmin eTrex GPS, digital camera, detailed maps, surviving tin, head flashlight, spork (titanium spoon+fork), GP-5 soviet gasmask (it IS usefull in urbex and numerous bomb shelter exploration), SE K750i phone,pen, pencil, foil, ethanol (for burning or desinfection), raincoat, shirt.
Inside my pockets I hold most used things, such as OTF knife, hand or pocket watch (during sunny day you can know which side are you heading), razors, wallet, stove I make from can and other surviving only gear.
Other my small bag contains easy to make one person tent and wool blanket.
All of the gear weights less than 10kg (22lbs), and I can live with that for few weeks hiking daily 50km (~31 mile).

If you really try, than you can pack everything in, really. And its a lot better adventure and challange if you can make something by yourself, live without all comfort and very light.

EDIT: about toothbrush - I liked the pack which you got as present from the airplane Amsterdam-Bahrain VIP persons - small blue bag, you got good blue socks, orange earplugs, very handy toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, pen. I saved space there and put something more useful than eye covers and socks. tho its very light!

 

[Corey]

so... uh... any new pics?

Those are from August this year.
How new do you want?

 

[qayaq58]

i stay close as much as i can to the RAY WAY philosophy
www.rayjardine.com

 

[CSG]

I think if a guy wants to carry a lot of gear or be the go to guy in a group that's fine. I usually travel alone and don't need much to be comfortable. It's about being out there for me not an elaborate campsite. I wouldn't mind visiting Corey for a beer at his campsite though.

I've got Ray's book and while he travels a bit more minimally than I would, I learned a lot from him and do try to keep it simple (KISS).

 

[Corey]

I think if a guy wants to carry a lot of gear or be the go to guy in a group that's fine. I usually travel alone and don't need much to be comfortable. It's about being out there for me not an elaborate campsite. I wouldn't mind visiting Corey for a beer at his campsite though.

He he, thanks.
More than likely it will be a Henry Weinhards rootbeer.
I do bring an extra lot of stuff with me.
I pack the same for a one to two day trip, or a week or longer.
You never know who might stop by as I always have an open invitation in online for others to stop by and visit, or spend the night.

 

[NateK]

Some good info in this thread.

Usually I pack way too much crap for the weekend..
I'm trying to make it a bit easier by actually setting up my truck for it now that I have my own with 4x4.
It's hard not to pack tons of stuff when you bring the girlfriends along because she HAS to be comfy and happy so she'll go again.
An Engel is in the plans as well as some semi-permanet storage in the back seat.
But I always have plenty of stuff in my truck, tools, cleaning supplies, extra shoes, a blanket, old towel (for cleaning the dogs wet/muddy feet) and random other crap.
I'm trying to (slowly) pack more and more lightweight and phase her into it though!