I have my final four which is my tent, my backpack, my sleeping pad and my sleeping bag. I have compared weight and I have cut ounces as much as possible. It really is an "Art" this whole ultra-lite thing. I have been hiking about 60-70 miles a week getting prepared to go on my PCT hike. I have been trying to eat well. Emphasis on "Trying". I try on my pack everyday and also look at all of my personal items along with the ten essentials and ask myself "How can I cut some more weight"? It really is addicting. Today I poured my powdered toothpaste inside of a zip lock container so I would not have to take the whole bottle. I also trimmed a few zippers and left some stuff sacks at home. I have pulled tags off of my sleeping bag and changed hats about a million times. I have worn clothing out in the rain and snow to "Prove" that it really is waterproof. The list goes on and on. It is becoming an obsession. I keep on reading the same books over and over. I also just got the new Backpacking Magazine about new gear. Maybe I will change my final four again. My favorite companies are still Patagonia, REI, and Western Mountaineering. I also like backcountrygear.com.
I am going to be learning how to go "Stove-less" and make a lot of meals with a dehydrator. I already learned how to make a alcohol stove with a pepsi can and/or cat food can. This is great, don't you just love learning? I sure do. For me it is like school for your hobby. I love to read and research.
