READERS COMMENTS

this is nuts i would never go backpacking without a compass, map, first-aid kit, multi tool and fire-starter those are musts and all are at 10% or below right now. I can't believe that only 1.6% think he should bring an ipod... come on, that makes the trip soooo much better.
Posted: Jul 30, 2009 jesse

He may not need extra underwear, but making him choose chocolate OR whiskey on this crazy adventure?!! Thats just harsh. haha
Posted: Jul 04, 2009 Skip

Hell with all that crap he is going throgh he needs chocolate and whiskey!!
Posted: Jul 03, 2009 Cod fish

I can't believe less than ten percent would send him out with a map or compass.
Posted: Jul 01, 2009 Daryl

Rockies above 10k the weather can get nasty. Hope people don't vote absolute minimalist stuff just to put him through hell and don't consider where this trip is (although, as others mentioned, we don't know exactly where this is yet).
Posted: Jul 01, 2009 Anonymous

This article and 'challenge' is useless without specifics of the trip, there's not enough info to make a reasonable call on the gear. Essentially, this challenge is the opposite of what a good backpacker would do, go ultralight on no intel. Since we have no intel, the smart thing to do is not go light at all, bring a tent and a warm bag. You say you're going above 10k in the Rockies, but that's not enough info to know what to bring. Are you planning any snow climbs? When/where exactly are you going, the Park, colorado trail, tetons, what? Expected temps, snow conditions, water levels, rain, buggyness, beariness, ground/water/shelter conditions at each stop and importantly can you (legally) build a fire at all stops?


Posted: Jun 29, 2009 inboulder

I like those thin hiking short style swim suits. No undies needed cuz you have the built in mesh thing. The boys are secure, yet can breathe. With a little bit of ingenuity, you can buy almost everything at Walmart. :) Light weight dining fly (for cover), nylon cord, small multi-tool, and the ever useful trash bag(s). What more do you need really? :)
Posted: Jun 25, 2009 coyote

Any combination of the above gear could be ample depending on the actual trip (which is not yet specified). Light loads go with good site intel. Average (heavy) loads go with single choice kits for terra incognita. Too bad the backyard is often feared/unknown. A heavy pack will ultimately hurt me. A light one might merit an occasional route change. Good to see this topic.
Posted: Jun 25, 2009 Anonymous

Forget the convertible pants. They're heavy and you're probably never going to wear the bottoms when you're moving. If you have shorts, long johns, and rain pants you will be set. That's been my clothing of choice in the Sangre de Cristos the last two times I've been.

Oh, and you should take the SPOT so readers can track you.
Posted: Jun 23, 2009 Matt

It would be nice to know when and where, but I think you're going to want that lightweight down jacket. Those hail storms can be nasty... especially when the weather goes from 95 and sunny to 40 and crappy.
Posted: Jun 22, 2009 Mr. Bucket

I like the reviewing the stats after I voted. I found most interesting, the number one shelter choice (at my voting time) uses treking poles, and yet not many voted to bring any.

I'm wondering the when and where. RMNP in Aug? Lean on the old school lessons, and you'll need less than you listed.
Posted: Jun 22, 2009 Misha7

- external frame pack
- springbar tent
- dutch oven
- coleman sleeping bag
- maglite (police style extra long)

That should do it.
Posted: Jun 21, 2009 old_school

I agree with above comment what about a fire starter and chapstick?


Posted: Jun 21, 2009 Nicole

If the weather gets sucky, you are going to want (need) fire & shelter: bring a good knife & a (preferably several) reliable means of starting a fire! IIRC, the Rockies busted Survivorman ...
Posted: Jun 19, 2009 Anonymous

If the weather gets sucky, you are going to want (need) fire & shelter: bring a good knife & a (preferably several) reliable means of starting a fire! IIRC, the Rockies busted Survivorman ...
Posted: Jun 19, 2009 Anonymous

Camera so we can see how comfortable you are :)
Posted: Jun 19, 2009 Joe

Posted: Jun 19, 2009 Anonymous

How about firestarter and chapstick?
Posted: Jun 18, 2009 lady of the woods

Great idea! Too bad it has been done countless times at BPL. A for effort, F for originality.
Posted: Jun 16, 2009 Anonymous

5 days doesn't warrant a change of clothes. Just a base layer to sleep in. There was no mention of temps so it was tough to select gear, but if you were planning on bringing a golite ultra then it seems the tempos won't get too low.
Seeing as you are not counting clothes and accessories in your baseweight, I can't imagine you would need more the 3 pounds of gear. Take a look on the market, plenty of UL stuff out there.

Posted: Jun 16, 2009 Steve Evans

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