Occasionally, someone on oregonhikers.org mentions a useful link, which has been collected here.

There is a lot of information out there about reducing backpacking weight. If you reduce weight, you can go more miles and be more comfortable. Many people go through the transition from heavier equipement to lighter. You have to be careful to not go too light - some lighter equipment doesn't hold up to abuse, and you need to stay warm and dry under changing conditions.

This is a compilation of some of the information out there:

• backpacking.net Reducing backpack weight Click on "Reduce backpack weight".

• backpackgeartest.org User reviews of hiking gear Manufacturers donate gear to volunteer testers who write reviews. They're always looking for new testers.

• zenstoves.net Cooking options with Zenstoves Zenstoves has a pretty complete discussion of backpacking stoves, especially lightweight stoves like alcohol stoves.

• Paul Magnati Backpacking Beginner Primer Good information for beginner backpacker

• Essential Ultralight Backpacking Skills Basic rundown of ultralight backpacking

Gear suppliers:

• REI Ubiquitous retailer of backpacking, hiking, bicycling, boating,... equipment. Seattle based. Sort of expensive when not on sale. Nice refund policy. Not necesarily the lightest weight gear. Employees are knowledgeable, but maybe not so knowledgable about ultralight gear.

• Next Adventure Portland retailer that carrys lightweight gear.

• The Mountain Shop Been around forever

• Oregon Mountain Community Long time Portland climbing and hiking gear retailer.

• hikelight.com new store in Troutdale

• backcountrygear.com Online gear supplier.

• Sixmoon Designs Beaverton, Oregon, maker of tents and packs.

• Gossamergear Austin Texas based maker of ultralight gear.

• tarptent California maker of lightweight tents.

• marmot Supplier of backpacking and hiking equipment based in Santa Rosa California. Their Precip jacket is a favorite.

• froggtoggs Alabama based maker of rain clothes. They make the Froggtoggs driducks rain suits. Very breathable. Several models from about $20 to $40. Not very durable so you probably have to replace it each year.

• Black Diamond Switzerland based maker of climbing equipment. They have some lightweight tents, like the Mega Light.

Books:

• "Beyond Backpacking" by Ray Jardine was, perhaps, the creation of the ultralight backpacking movement. Ray thruhiked the PCT, Appalachian Trail, and the through hike through the Rockies, and other adventures, innovating lightweight gear along the way. There are several more recent books and web sites rayjardine.com.

Page Contributors

• retired jerry