Through the years I have logged hundreds-if not thousands-of trail miles and in so doing I have developed and refined my trekking style (hiking technique, camp routine, pack method) to maximize my enjoyment of “the great outdoors”. I am not opposed to adopting fresh approaches or new gear into my trail style and, so, as part of my preparations for another attempt to thru-hike the John Muir Trail I have been perusing the on-line journals of other thru-hikers for innovations and ideas to improve my chances of successfully completing the hike. The journals form a broad collection of adventure writing. I have been able to glean tid-bits of wisdom from the cornucopia of whimsical musings, spiritual reflections, detailed accounts, and rambling tales. The insightful commentaries are filled with useful suggestions for long distance hikers. Alas, most of the ideas I have already evaluated and either incorporated into my routine or discarded with the extreme prejudice of bad experience. One idea I am not willing to give a whirl is the ultra-light method.
Ultra-lighters are trail blazers-literally and figuratively-covering huge distances in short periods of time and innovating trekking as a sport. It is not uncommon for ultra-lights to cover 20, 30, or even 50 miles (depending on the terrain) in a single day! By carrying minimalist gear and supplies these freaks of the backcountry have to move fast. When hiking and camping outfitters failed to improve their products to accommodate ultra-light endeavors the ultra-lighters developed their own gear. In the process, they created a high-end niche market that could not be ignored by the major manufacturers of outdoor equipment. Thus-to the benefit of all trekkers-hiking and camping gear has been drastically improved over the last 15 years through innovative design and the development of superior, light-weight materials.
I praise ultra-lighters for their accomplishments and contributions to trekking, so why I am not willing to join the ranks? There are several reasons, the least of which being ultra-lighters are like Christian missionaries(almost as annoying) attempting to spread the ‘word’ of light weight backpacking. You can not have a conversation about trekking with an ultra-lighter without their inevitable epiphany tale of discovering the joys of ultra-light hiking and how you should convert and become a ‘born again’ hiker. Give it a rest, will you!? Trekking is a leisurely pursuit for me and as such I like to take it slow (by ultra-light standards) and enjoy the flora and fauna on the trail. I prefer a good pace not a death march. I appreciate the break from the ‘rat race’ that backcountry hiking affords but I still like my creature comforts-like a tent (not on the ultra-light gear list) or dessert (not on the ultra-light menu). Further, I think it is dangerous to trek without a proper first aid kit or, where required BY LAW, a bear canister. Gear commonly sacrificed by the ultra-lighter to shave precious ounces.
Before you fire off an angry letter, I am not saying that ultra-light hikers do not appreciate the hills, mountains, and valleys through which they hike. I am quite certain they do. Nor am I saying ultra-lighters should carry a tent, other ‘luxury’ items, or even a first aid kit (I do believe there is no excuse for not having the required bear canister). I’m just saying all that is not my cup of tea so stop preaching to me. You know what? You want to be a minimalist? Try do it like the man: John Muir would take a wool coat, chunk of bread, some tea, a cup, and some matches and set off for 3-4 days in the Sierra Nevada…in the fall! No sleeping bag. No air mattress. No tarp. No cross trainers. Of course, everyone knows John Muir was insane, so must we all, all be insane.