2. The Long Way There
The idea of traveling light appears simple, but achieving it requires dedication. Easy to say, hard to do.
A person has about two weeks of physical strength in reserve before the weight of a heavy pack makes itself felt. Then the body cries for replenishment and the extra burden can wear you down. Expecting these demands, you can train with test equipment under simulated conditions and weigh every article of gear.
For ultralight hiking, the tradeoff swings on the hinge of comfort and safety. How do the comforts you carry during the day contribute to your safety at night? Can better mobility improve your response to typical emergencies?
For me, the ultralight hiking style began as a safety and survival strategy. The unforseen benefit turned out to be the extra hours it gave me on the trail every day. Those extra hours intensified my awareness of nature and stimulated my physical metabolism.
Initially, this light “idea” was only a glimmer. Stella’s daily walks were teaching me much more than I knew.
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