Why I like a heavy kit...


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chinookpilot77

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So I posted some pictures of a mod I made to my boots down in the self made gear forum, and it got me thinking about a few things that I'd like to share with you. I'll paraphrase what was said there and make it applicable to this thread.

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I think its kind of foolish to constantly be chasing the lightest kit possible. For instance, once I wear my kit for several months, my body will be conditioned to it, so no big deal on extra weight. If I were to find myself in an actual survival situation, I can easily lighten my load.

I use the same concept in my larger backpack. I say pack everything, dont make it lighter, make it heavier! Then, once you are conditioned to a heavier pack, and things go south for whatever reason, you can always stash some of your things under a rock and come back for them later, hand them off to a buddy, whatever.

I view every day as an opportunity to challenge myself and become stronger or more fit. I have competed in strongman and powerlifting at a national level, and I still run 15 miles a week. I'm 6'3" and I'm currently 265lbs. (cutting from 290). I've been in the Army almost 11 years. A few extra pounds of gear will not hurt me, but make me stronger.

My large bag is 40lbs with a full load of water...I dont do the ultralight thing, never have, never will. Its not a lack of ability that makes me carry a larger kit, it is for the above reasons. Too many people in the bushcraft / wilderness survival game think that carrying less is somehow a badge of honor, or a mark of talent.

In reality, the more you use your kit, the less it's weight is relevant because you are more conditioned for it. I use my kit several times a week, for various things, and I stay in great shape from the Army, and other activities I train in.

Now if a suburbanite fattycakes that sits behind a computer desk all day and does more internet BC'ing than actually spending time afield straps on a hefty pack, that could suck for them. But maybe they are just woodsmasters and only need a SAK and a Tic-Tac to survive comfortably for a week or two hehe. (no offense meant to any suburbanite-fattycake-desk dwelling-woodsmasters out there) :1:

So, while I understand most people's thoughts on a lighter kit, I still say carry more ALL the time, and reduce the load if you feel you have to, should the situation arise.

In the meantime, I'll go check out my boot mods, and give an honest assessment of the additional weight. I am a bit of a glutton for punishment in the physical realms of things, admittedly. I enjoy challenging myself on a daily basis...a heavier kit/bag/boots will not hold me back once I have a chance to condition my body to them.

Something else I'd like to throw out there:

Weight x Distance = Work

You can increase your weight while decreasing your distance and the work stays the same. The inverse is also true.

Because my time is a finite resource, i no longer have to choose between going to the gym or going to the woods when i combine my hobbies.

I understand my opinion may not be a popular one on this board. If you do not enjoy physical labor or strength/endurance training, then yes, you'll probably want the lightest kit possible. As for me, I'll continue to lug the heavy loads while I'm not in danger, and shed them if needed.
 
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To each his/her own. I'm sort of in the middle on this issue I guess. I will say that as the years pass and you age, the weight of your pack will become more of an issue. But I do see your point overall. Interesting subject. Thanks.
 
There are all kinds of folks and all kinds of philosophies regarding gear on BCUSA, that's what makes it the best bushcraft site around in my opinion.

The idea of loading up to improve physical conditioning is something I hadn't thought of before and certainly worth considering.
 
I would love to have a pack that weighs less but those that know me know I pack pretty heavy. It sucks to have to go without something because it weighed too many ounces.
 
I'd never see any woods time if my pack weighed over 40 pounds. Mine clocks in just under 30 w/ food and water, but has plenty of options and is light enough that I don't mind actually getting out and using it. I see some merit in your choice, but lightweight to me isn't about trophys and merit badges is more about thoughtful gear choices, dual use items, and planning ahead. I have never felt like I was missing anything or that I wish I brought more on any trip I've taken with a light pack, I have however wished I left unused gear at home because climbing up a mountain with 40 pounds of gear sucked.
 
LOL You consider a 40 pound pack with a full load of water heavy?

But to reply to your premise yes I do buy into the "more you know the less you need" theory. One can choose to go with a higher level of comfort (I do) but that does not change what I think is one of the few basic truths of bushcrafting.
 
No problem with heavy packs here. The wife and I pack whatever we want and just carry it. Sometimes when we are trying to cover miles, we will pack lighter. If we are out with the grandkids we pack more stuff to have fun and be comfortable with! The main thing is, just get outside and have some fun. Make some memories!
 
You titled this thread "Why I like a heavy kit..."

I liked that. It wasn't titled "Why everyone should like heavy kit". Your reasons for carrying what you do are just that, your's. I happened to have carried heavy packs for the same reason you do in the past. I don't so much lately because of injuries but I'm working back up to it.
 
Thanks bud. I'm no expert on all things bushcraft. I'll readily admit there are many things I have yet to be exposed to (flintknapping) and am still continuing to learn (various primitive fires).

There are things I do extremely well, like skinning and butchering game. (helps that I worked at a slaughterhouse for a few years). I also guide pig hunts on the weekends.

BUT, I hope that I can continue just to share the way I do things, offer a differing opinion, or maybe show somebody something and they think "man, why didn't I think of that?"

If everyone did that, we could all learn more. Not every technique will work for everyone...BC is an individual thing, not only with gear, but with skills as well.
 
I think that the "more you know, less you need" philosophy does not necessarily negate the heavier kit idea. I tend to carry a heavier kit, but as my knowledge increases and I gain the ability to do more with less, I still like to have the same amount of gear. I think that making my physical ability to manage a heavier load is important. It's another way to maintain physical conditioning for when I may need it. I once read a quote "The more you bleed in training, the less you bleed in combat." I think that idea holds true here as well.
 
I am no minimalist, when hiking solo my pack with water and food and my belt kit is just over 40 lbs, when the wife is along I exceed 53 lbs with extra water and her camera gear. That does not include a sleep system, just the tarp and hammock for shelter. I wear my gear for 5 mile hikes all the time just for conditioning in the Florida heat. People look at me like I am crazy, but if they asked for help I would have everything needed.

Good post, I would rather pack it and not use it than not pack it and need it :)

And I have lost 16 lbs since doing this, so I am diggin it
 
I know some people pack extra for comfort, or whatever reason. For me its more of a time factor. I have X amount of time in the woods and I want to accomplish Y.

That means bringing a trap, not collecting debris. That means using bank line or paracord, not "rolling my own". Fire? Man a bic mini sure is handy! :)
 
Not "skewering" you on your philosophy, but I definitely don't share it. Haha.

I actually really like weight training and challenging myself physically and I feel I can do that just fine with a lightweight pack. I just walk a a little farther for every pound I shed from the pack. I'm no UL camper, but my full load (water and food included) for 2-3 nights is usually under 30 pounds. Winter weather would change that of course. The lighter weight means that with that good physical conditioning you're talking about I can cover more ground in a day, rock scramble where a pack much heavier would effect balance, and be a little less beat up at the end of the day.

I don't claim to be in perfect shape or anything, but I think I'm doing pretty well and still prefer the lighter pack. Then again I'm a small framed guy, weighing in at 152. My left knee also craps out on steep down hills with a heavy pack and a brace only helps so much.

If you like a heavy pack though, more power to you man.
 
chinookpilot77 said:
for them later, hand them off to a buddy, whatever.

I view every day as an opportunity to challenge myself and become stronger or more fit. I have competed in strongman and powerlifting at a national level, and I still run 15 miles a week. I'm 6'3" and I'm currently 265lbs. (cutting from 290). I've been in the Army almost 11 years. A few extra pounds of gear will not hurt me, but make me stronger.
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In my early 20s at 5’9” and 150 pounds I could carry a 100plus pound ruck a LBV and a rifle for days. Now at over 40 and out of that lifestyle a 50 pound ruck gets my attention and a 30 pound one feel pretty comfy. All the compounded sports type injuries have added up. So I would say, one avoid injury, two don’t stop rucking and three carry what floats your boat, just don’t ask me to carry your gear. :)
 
My only concern with carrying too much weight would be injury.

I keep my weight down, but if I'm on a training hike, I generally will carry an extra 10 lbs or so. Enough to help keep me working a little harder, but avoid injury.

I think it's funny when people talk about carrying enough stuff to be comfortable. To me, carrying less is more comfortable! :) It just depends on what your focus is; hiking, relaxing by the fire, bird watching, taking pictures... everyone has a different set of priorities. I always consider the weight of everything carried though, even if I choose to carry a heavier item for whatever reason, I at least weigh (pun intended) the options.

Az
 
when I am with the scouts I tend to overpack as do I for day trips but when it is just me and my boys I trim down. I over pack with teh scouts because many of the boys or their parents are first timers and I want the trip to end positive which usually means letting someone suffer for a short while then loaning/sharing a peice of my equipment/supper. For daytripping I am always worried about the what if's New years day I did a hike with my 8 and 10 year old niece and nephew as well as my brother in law and my son the kids were teasing my about bringing a head lamp but after them taking time to check out all the abandonded cellar holes and have lunch with hot cocoa it was dark before we hit the truck. What Uncle could resist saying "boy if we only had a flashlight". When I am with my boys I know that they have what they need and we actually purposely share items plus they are big enough to schlep as much or more gear than their broken down old man.
 
Great discussion and an interesting topic. As usual, to each their own - everyone has a different worldview of what their time in the woods/wilderness will and should be like and we all will tailor our adventures, time and equipment to fit that vision.
 
Horned Toad said:
In my early 20s at 5’9” and 150 pounds I could carry a 100plus pound ruck a LBV and a rifle for days. Now at over 40 and out of that lifestyle a 50 pound ruck gets my attention and a 30 pound one feel pretty comfy. All the compounded sports type injuries have added up. So I would say, one avoid injury, two don’t stop rucking and three carry what floats your boat, just don’t ask me to carry your gear. :)
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You dont happen to know Ted Tucker or Eric Johnson do you? Two big old boys in the weapons platoon of the 75th, around your time frame.
 
If you don't mind the weight, then more power to you.
But lets see you walk 20 miles per day for 5 days straight in high elevation with that pack ;) If you can do that, you are one tough mofo.
 
I started out with a green Kelty Tioga with a non-padded hip belt that looked like a seat belt. With 50-55 lbs in it by the end of the 15-17 mile day in the Sierras, I was ready to call for a medevac...
It took about a week of walking to get it to where I could even touch my hips lightly with my fingertips. Then there were the heavy leather Lowa boots...

I have learned to pack much lighter, use an internal frame ruck with a great hipbelt, and ditched those Lowas years ago.

As was said, don't go into the wilderness to rough it but go in to smooth it...

Like the guys above, I am in the middle, balancing durability against light weight.

Regards,

ezra
 
Pack light -- freeze at night

I didn't have enough mentors for bush craft growing up but I do remember one old timer telling me "pack light - freeze at night". Nevertheless I have make that mistake -- especially with cotton clothes. I have also had a pack that slowed me down. Its a constant battle.
 
I seem to come middle of the road on this one... Could I do without 50% of what's in my pack? sure. Will I pack a specific gear just for one outing just to lighten the load? No. I carry the same pack on my outings that also resides close by me 90% of the time. Most of my items are multi use/function. Even if I go out for a few hours I still carry the same weight pack that could sustain me comfortably for say a week. I agree with chinook on this one because I believe we have our reasons for carrying a heavier load.
 
" suburbanite-fattycake-desk dwelling-woodsmasters " lol – I love that ! I'm going to steal that and use it somewhere, but I’ll shorten it a bit so it doesn’t use so many letters !

Each to his own. Its great to be able to discuss such topics and see what others think.

The concept of lightweight hiking to me is to force me to question each piece of gear. In the olden days I could carry a heavy weight, but I'm not so keen on doing that anymore.
If follows on from that, when I replace equipment, weigh will be a factor in my choice (along with others factors too)

I’ve used a heavy pack for training (fitness walks), so that I could more easily carry a light pack for the actual hike, that is:
I get fit (and train) so I can do a hike, I don’t hike for fitness.
 
The problem is over time heavy weight will break down your body. Ask any Special Forces guy that is retired or claose to it. A 100 of lightweight gear is still 100 lbs. Saying that some people take the lightweight thing to far IMHO since it leaves little if no room for unaccounted for situations. It is your time in the woods and I dont believe anyone should tell you how to hit the woods, but think about the long term effects. BTW one lb on your feet is like 3 lbs on your back.
 
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