Minimalists know the value of technology

June 12, 2005

CASEY RESSLER/Frontiersman Valley Life Editor

Bryan Price cringes when he sees paved camping sites, with pickup trucks loaded down with enormous tents, sleeping bags that weigh 10 pounds each and all the other creature comforts that make "truck camping" so much fun to thousands of Alaskans.

Price, like a lot of hikers and campers, prefers to live off of things he can carry on his back - sometimes for as long as two weeks - and that means going light. Every ounce counts when minimalists pack for a backpacking trip.

"If you have the right equipment, you'd be surprised at how much you can bring and still stay light," Price said. "You have to think about the duration of a trip, not just one day at a time."

Technology certainly has helped minimalists get lighter over the last few years. New synthetic fibers have allowed manufacturers to make sleeping bags lighter - and still warmer - than ever before. Cooking has become light duty as well, thanks to ultralight titanium stoves and pots. Tents have gone from heavy canvas to extremely light and durable shelters that are stronger than ever.

"One luxury I pack is my North Face tent. I've tried a bivy before, but I just like having a little more room," Price said. "It doesn't add a lot more weight than a bivy, and on extended trips, it's worth it. Years ago, even small tents were heavy. Now, the poles are light and sturdy, and the materials are great."

When weight is an issue, packing things that serve multiple purposes is a must. Price said he has a titanium mess kit that consists of two pieces.

"A small pot so I can boil water and cook with, and a 'spork' that I can use to as a knife, fork or spoon," he said. "My stove weighs a couple of ounces, and I only use it when I absolutely have to, to save on fuel."

He packs small items inside the pot, including his stove, to save on space in his backpack. Price's backpacking friend, Monty Greene, said having a second person along can make things a lot easier.

"I know he's bringing the cooking stuff, so I don't pack that. I have a small survival kit, so he doesn't waste space in his pack for it. If you are doubling up things, it's wasted space and more weight," Greene said.

When it comes to food, it's safe to assume minimalists aren't packing hamburger patties, packs of hot dogs and cans of baked beans. Dehydrated foods are light, and the new ones are as tasty as ever. Most of all, they are packed with calories.

"On extended backpacking trips, you have to be aware of your body and keep it fueled," Greene said. "I make sure to have a few energy bars with me. The dehydrated meals are great because they don't take up a lot of space."

For water, both Greene and Price pack a couple of Nalgene bottles as well as water purification tablets. Boiling water is one option to make it safe, but that uses fuel quickly. Two tablets can purify a day's worth of water.

While a week spent living out of a backpack may not sound like a vacation to some, Greene and Price wouldn't have it any other way.

"You wouldn't believe some of the things we've seen. Things you would never see along the road system," Price said. "Alaska is a great place to live, and a great place to explore. I'd feel like I was missing out on everything Alaska is about if I didn't get out there."

Price said in addition to a tent, he always affords himself a few extra ounces in the form of a couple of Snickers bars.

"Energy bars are good, but nothing beats a Snickers," he said with a chuckle.