Backpacking

Well I uploaded a bunch of pictures from the camera so I could post on the family blog and came across the pictures of my new tent. I am on a quest to lighten my load for backpacking. I started this quest about two years ago or so after I went winter camping with Marcus and Drew. I had a very heavy pack and decided that there needed to be a way to escape the pains of the heavy pack and create more enjoyment out of the trek. Thus I began to research a more lightweight alternative. WOW!!!!! There is plethora of information out there revolving around lightweight, ultralight weight, minimalist....yada yada yada. There is a style for everyone and everyone is willing to share. So I might as well join in. I have spent many hours researching and developing my own comfort level of lightweight. And I am far from there yet. I don't have a surplus of cash laying around to try and buy everything I would like so this conversion is a very gradual process. Last year I got a Backpack, the Granite Gear Vapor Trail, to be exact.( I will take some pictures and upload them later.) I also learned how to make a soda can stove, made a couple, and used them. It is fun making things sometimes. (again I will take some pics and post them later.) I also adopted a 3/4 length sleeping pad. This year I acquired my shelter. It is a Henry Shires Cloudburst 2 Tarptent. I have spent numerous hours researching tents, hammocks, tarps, bivys, and every sort of shelter out there. In the end I decided to go with the Tarptent. It provided the protection I wanted with a great weight.

You can see that it is very similar to a tent. I am anxious for the weather to improve so that I may head on out backpacking. I have a number of trips I want to take around the state. I will probably be looking for individuals who want to go with. If you are interested msg me. I will post a list of the trips I want to take and maybe I can drag people along with me. Well I will get some pictures of some of my other gear and put together my desired trips. I don't plan on taking them all this year. Maybe I will throw together a poll of where everyone thinks is the best place to go out of my desired trips. I should have some time later so maybe I can scramble something together. Later