Originally Posted by
PaulKidd
Mick....I guess it just depends on how much weight you are willing/able to carry on your back, and how long you
are going to be "out" and what you want to do while
you're out there.
I agree
A weekend hike is one thing, but a 2-3 week trek is quite
another....That's back-packing. I wouldn't bother carrying any extra (back-packing) for a weekend...And might not even for a few weeks, but I would if it were longer, especially if it was 'back-packing' in your terms, of having to physically lug that pack around everyday, all day, instead of just throwing it on a bus to the next destination.
If I don't actually have to carry it on my back, then I'm
perfectly happy to pack whatever I want....but if the
weight of my pack is a consideration, then I'm perfectly
willing to forego all the shave gear! That's me too, but I'm still limited, as most of my travel is by motorbike, and often when going camping/travelling in general, I have to resort to lugging some stuff in a small pack as well as whats loaded on the bike.
You've been in the infantry...you know how much the
weight of your pack matters, right? My bloody oath I do! And I'm glad I don't have to run around with that gear anymore...Too many physical ailments (tendons and joints) to do that for anything other than occassional recreation now anyway.
Frankly, at my age now, "roughing it" means having to
stay in a motel without a bar! I'm not there yet, but I feel I'm not too far behind you! :)