Idea's for "Easier" Camping >>> In Here.
Posted: Wed 14 Nov, 2012 12:13 pmHi Guy’s ... When it comes to weight, most of us experienced hikers already know our limits. The physical limitations, design, and style of hiking, are just a few variables that greatly affect how much weight we choose to carry. Therefore what one regards as acceptable weight, may not be for another. Once you realize this, you will be able to make your own decisions on whether something is too heavy, or not.
I’d say my Base weight is approximately 17kg. I guess it helps to know the standard measurements of other hikers when discussing such things, but for me, it’s yet another personal thing.
My mate and I often just weigh our packs before leaving out the door, and then when returning. It can help to know how much consumables you actually use for later contemplation on tweaking the system.
As useful as Ultra light gear is, it's not always particle. My Hiking buddy and I are always assessing, to improve our comfort and recovery as well as camp layout with ergonomics in mind ...
Anything that avoids us having to bend over is first on my list. Using rope/cord to make a clothes line is great for accessing towels, water, food, and clothes whilst at the same time keeping the site cleaner. Using a chair that supports the back speaks for itself. We use “Alite Chairs” and this is a good example, of how the use something, can also effect the outcome.
These chairs way only 500grams and give great back support, however require the use of your legs.. In saying that, a sweet spot can be achieved that gives excellent relief similar to that of loungers; with the added bonus of quickly adopting an upright position for cooking and eating.
Hammocks are the ultimate when it comes to ergonomics and deserve an entire article on its own. There is a slight learning curve to fully utilize all the benefits, however most people swear they will never go back to a tent, after having actually slept in one..
Trekking poles greatly assist with weight distribution as does waring our hydration packs on our chests. Lately we found waring a set Crocks, lets the blood flow and keep the feet dry, cool and warm.... they weigh next to nothing and provide so much more relief to the over all bare foot experience.
Something I just came up with regarding comfort and ease of use at base camp, was a shelving system derived from a broken light weight aluminum chair that doubled as a small table. I suffer from reflux which makes bending over bad enough. I can now enjoy simply making a cuppa or re-hydrating a fine restaurant meal as though I was in my kitchen regardless of the terrain. I walk backwards and forwards as though in the kitchen, and with getting out of the hammock as easy as getting out of a wheel chair; what else could one think of. Here is a photo I took this morning ... I do take along a feather weight aluminum runner (not pictured) to support my spider burner for the lower shelf ... but I will explain that later when I have finished tweaking it:
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Back Packers Shelves by L_Plate_Dave, on Flickr
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I did later check for impact on the tree after dis-assembly to which I am please to report was none!. I loaded up the shelves with a cup, consumables, gas canister, Full loaded Pot for cooking and checked for Heat up against the bark. Tension is adjusted by raising the hoochy cord (which connects to front of shelf) up the back of tree. Being mindful of tree type/bark, it might perhaps be wiser to use thin straps to act as hugers. The total weight is currently 430 Grams. I do use an additional piece of aluminum not pictured to help support my burners spider frame on the lower shelf. I am sure the system will work on smaller trees, however am yet to test this. I do note* that having the burner as far away from the tree is a must and using a low setting will ensure that you don't stress the tree. I got my water boiling and was able to have my palm continuously against the bark. I yet to perfect this design with safety in mind.
Another aspect of Pack mulling is of course taking Luxuries!!! ... It's about making the effort to reach those hard to get places, the ones you know that people with cars can't get to ... It doesn't have to be 10km's, it can be as little as one ... although for us, the further we go with the most we can take, within our limits ... is what "we" regard us FUN ... After you finally setup up and take a look around, you can really appreciate your efforts. Take a seat and recline for a moment ... Use the Binoculars for birding and star gazing, Listen to the SW radio now your in a spot to use one, hook up the PS3 controller to the 7inch Tab and frag away. After the 3 course meal enjoy the Out Door Movie with the LCD projector and phone. ... If using a Hammock, taking a leak during the night is as easy as stepping out of Bed, although I suggest you take a few steps like you do at home. Read a book, go explore ... set up a day pack and now go ultralight, shoot some pics and head back to base if it were your home.
Sigh... Pack up is about 40 minutes and hardly any bending required ... The reason I don't want to return is not the pack up but missing the serenity of it all. Which in itself denotes the emphasis many people place, on lacking of appreciation & enjoyment, whence taking, so many devices along.
Both our wives will complain, that with so much gear, pillows, home theater and all, Why don't we Just stay, why even go at all! I guess the simple answer is that we love being comfortable and don't want to return ...
We love the challenge and being set up like so, means we can stay longer ... we often search for more locations during an extended stay.
It has taken time to practice and test the gear, but having done so, we no longer find ourselves with little to do, nor are bothered with sharp sticks and rocks, or getting all cramped up from sitting, sleeping and bending into uncomfortable positions...We actually find taking more is less ... STRESS ... its all about knowing and working within your limits. How you plan, move and Use your tools.
Just felt like sharing ... if you have any great ideas on comfort and gear ... ease of use or wish to share your own thinking on less effort ... please do. It would be much appreciated
Happy Trails.
I’d say my Base weight is approximately 17kg. I guess it helps to know the standard measurements of other hikers when discussing such things, but for me, it’s yet another personal thing.
My mate and I often just weigh our packs before leaving out the door, and then when returning. It can help to know how much consumables you actually use for later contemplation on tweaking the system.
As useful as Ultra light gear is, it's not always particle. My Hiking buddy and I are always assessing, to improve our comfort and recovery as well as camp layout with ergonomics in mind ...
Anything that avoids us having to bend over is first on my list. Using rope/cord to make a clothes line is great for accessing towels, water, food, and clothes whilst at the same time keeping the site cleaner. Using a chair that supports the back speaks for itself. We use “Alite Chairs” and this is a good example, of how the use something, can also effect the outcome.
These chairs way only 500grams and give great back support, however require the use of your legs.. In saying that, a sweet spot can be achieved that gives excellent relief similar to that of loungers; with the added bonus of quickly adopting an upright position for cooking and eating.
Hammocks are the ultimate when it comes to ergonomics and deserve an entire article on its own. There is a slight learning curve to fully utilize all the benefits, however most people swear they will never go back to a tent, after having actually slept in one..
Trekking poles greatly assist with weight distribution as does waring our hydration packs on our chests. Lately we found waring a set Crocks, lets the blood flow and keep the feet dry, cool and warm.... they weigh next to nothing and provide so much more relief to the over all bare foot experience.
Something I just came up with regarding comfort and ease of use at base camp, was a shelving system derived from a broken light weight aluminum chair that doubled as a small table. I suffer from reflux which makes bending over bad enough. I can now enjoy simply making a cuppa or re-hydrating a fine restaurant meal as though I was in my kitchen regardless of the terrain. I walk backwards and forwards as though in the kitchen, and with getting out of the hammock as easy as getting out of a wheel chair; what else could one think of. Here is a photo I took this morning ... I do take along a feather weight aluminum runner (not pictured) to support my spider burner for the lower shelf ... but I will explain that later when I have finished tweaking it:
_______
_________________________________________________________
Back Packers Shelves by L_Plate_Dave, on Flickr
__________________________________________________
I did later check for impact on the tree after dis-assembly to which I am please to report was none!. I loaded up the shelves with a cup, consumables, gas canister, Full loaded Pot for cooking and checked for Heat up against the bark. Tension is adjusted by raising the hoochy cord (which connects to front of shelf) up the back of tree. Being mindful of tree type/bark, it might perhaps be wiser to use thin straps to act as hugers. The total weight is currently 430 Grams. I do use an additional piece of aluminum not pictured to help support my burners spider frame on the lower shelf. I am sure the system will work on smaller trees, however am yet to test this. I do note* that having the burner as far away from the tree is a must and using a low setting will ensure that you don't stress the tree. I got my water boiling and was able to have my palm continuously against the bark. I yet to perfect this design with safety in mind.
Another aspect of Pack mulling is of course taking Luxuries!!! ... It's about making the effort to reach those hard to get places, the ones you know that people with cars can't get to ... It doesn't have to be 10km's, it can be as little as one ... although for us, the further we go with the most we can take, within our limits ... is what "we" regard us FUN ... After you finally setup up and take a look around, you can really appreciate your efforts. Take a seat and recline for a moment ... Use the Binoculars for birding and star gazing, Listen to the SW radio now your in a spot to use one, hook up the PS3 controller to the 7inch Tab and frag away. After the 3 course meal enjoy the Out Door Movie with the LCD projector and phone. ... If using a Hammock, taking a leak during the night is as easy as stepping out of Bed, although I suggest you take a few steps like you do at home. Read a book, go explore ... set up a day pack and now go ultralight, shoot some pics and head back to base if it were your home.
Sigh... Pack up is about 40 minutes and hardly any bending required ... The reason I don't want to return is not the pack up but missing the serenity of it all. Which in itself denotes the emphasis many people place, on lacking of appreciation & enjoyment, whence taking, so many devices along.
Both our wives will complain, that with so much gear, pillows, home theater and all, Why don't we Just stay, why even go at all! I guess the simple answer is that we love being comfortable and don't want to return ...
We love the challenge and being set up like so, means we can stay longer ... we often search for more locations during an extended stay. It has taken time to practice and test the gear, but having done so, we no longer find ourselves with little to do, nor are bothered with sharp sticks and rocks, or getting all cramped up from sitting, sleeping and bending into uncomfortable positions...We actually find taking more is less ... STRESS ... its all about knowing and working within your limits. How you plan, move and Use your tools.
Just felt like sharing ... if you have any great ideas on comfort and gear ... ease of use or wish to share your own thinking on less effort ... please do. It would be much appreciated
Happy Trails.