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Topic: A little help, advice, anything......!
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11/12/2011 at 12:45pm
Location: Otley Outfit: Terra Nova Laser Com
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Joined: 25/9/2005 Platinum Member
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I often read that going light is more a state or mind than a case of grammes here and there and I think that's true. The handle of a toothbrush is not saving kilogrammes, of course it's not, but acceptance of unnecessary weight can build up. If you take the attitude that "it's only 50 or 100 grammes" but do that ten times across your kit list, it adds up to 500-1000 grammes.
The most significant weight saving opportunities come from tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and cookset. But being conscious about the weight of other things can mean another 1-2kg off total pack weight. It doesn't necessarily mean being anal about weight, just conscious - leaving behind or lightening things that, in themselves, are insignificant but taken together make a difference.
For some backpackers, an "excess" of 1kg, 2kg, maybe more, is neither here nor there, but for people who do a lot of ascent with a pack, it can be the difference between enjoyment and hard work. The big picture for me is enjoying my trips and apparently insignificant weight savings on multiple items contribute to that.
------------- Richard
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11/12/2011 at 1:00pm
Location: Outfit:
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Sanhozay........
I sort of agree with what you're saying. The point I'm trying to make is that too many people take it as a mantra without looking at the big picture. . . . .
People will comment on the un-necessary weight in, for example, a tooth-brush handle, but then carry countless pounds of un-necessary weight themselves. Vis: they'll save the vast amount of 1/3 ounce by shaving the handle, but will they then replace all the alloy (or, heaven forfend, steel!) tent pegs for titanium? No, they won't.
Will they save weight by removing (ie, cutting off!) all the superfluous straps and buckles on their pack? No, they won't.
Will they, alternately, use the lightest possible pack to save weight? No, they won't.
That's the whole point. If you're going to cut down your tooth-brush handle, away you go. It's a free country. But, if you don't do absolutely and utterly *everything*, and I mean literally EVERYTHING else to save weight in the process, then, I'm sorry but what's the point?
------------- Camping........ Fishing........ Fishing........ Camping........ Oooh. Decisions, decisions
:-)
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11/12/2011 at 1:24pm
Location: Beautiful Warwickshire Outfit: Various tents
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As Richard says, 'lightweight' is more about an attitude, an overall approach, than nitpicking specifics.
As Richard also points out, there is a difference between walking on level or undulating lowland and semi-scrambling up steep hills - if you want to be fast and fleet on the hill, pack light and pack for balance.
Yes, of course, load-lightening applies across the whole spectrum - from using alloy or Ti pegs to the clothes and boots you wear. And, of course, anyone who is serious about weightsaving will select a light tent and use the lightest pack that suits their needs (and choose a pack with the straps, attachments, cinches and closures that best suit their own intended use - thus meaning their are no 'superfluous' straps or attachments).
The toothbrush issue is merely an exemplar and has become a red herring. It is the overall reduction that counts. And, as the advert says, every little helps.
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13/12/2011 at 10:29am
Location: Outfit:
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Hi Skep,
- Sigh -
Let me see if I can explain it this way: If you want to be "fleet and fast on the hill" then , yes, I understand that weight is all...... but......
First off: if you have all the lightest, and I mean *lightest*, possible kit so that you can be "fleet and fast on the hill", then fine - away you go but, frankly, if, and I stress IF you get to that point, the extra 1/3 of an ounce that you save by cutting the handle off your toothbrush becomes irrelevant: If the extra 1/3 of an ounce means the difference between success and failure then you would have to stop if you had two rain drops on you - because the extra weight, etc...... QED
Second: If you *haven't* got all the lightest kit then what is the point of cutting your handle off?? Again, QED.
Third. If the issue "has become a red herring" why, as I said, has it become a mantra? The thread started because the poster was wanting advice and one of the first replies was to 'cut the handle of your toothbrush'. Why? Why say that right at the outset when it's pointless when there are numerous other - eminently more sensible - pieces of advice you can give?
Sorry, but I'll stand by my original assertion.
Bimbles.
------------- Camping........ Fishing........ Fishing........ Camping........ Oooh. Decisions, decisions
:-)
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