Lightweight Backpacking and Camping book review

I finished reading Lightweight Backpacking and Camping this week and it was definitely worth the price ($25). I wrote about some of the things I learned in a recent post and this is a follow up to include more of the points I took away from the book.



Key things I learned:

Waterproof lining inside of your pack (a trash bag for example) works better than trying to keep your whole pack dry.

Closed cell foam pads are warmer than air mattresses. Use both (air for comfort) and keep them under you by either lashing them together with straps (for couples) or buying a sleeping bag with a pocket to keep pads underneath you.

Tarps are lightweight and open (good ventilation and great views); but they look like a real pain in the ass (my opinion, not theirs).

Vitamin C tabs or electrolyte additives are a good idea, especially if you're treating your water with chemicals.

Purell doubles as hygeine and emergency fire starter.

Passive cooking allows you to boil water and not have to simmer a dish on the stove. This means you can boil water for macaroni or something, put it in a flat-bottom ziploc and avoid dirtying your cook pot. You're looking for items with cook times of less than eight minutes.

Pre-planning should include giving someone detailed trip plans, packing notes on evacuation options and packing A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness and Travel Medicine.

Pack fiber foods, Imodium and disposal blue shop towels. The runs will hurt you pretty bad out in the bush.

Like I said, great book, one of the most helpful I've ever read on any topic. I highlighted a ton of info and I'll likely become a member of their Web community ($25).