I have a buddy (old college roommate) that I've been backpacking with for over 30 years. When we were young we carried heavy packs and looked and sometimes felt like beasts of burden. Every year we told ourselves that we shouldn't carry so much stuff, yet every year we kept adding one more thing to our packs.
Finally, one year on a trip when everything in our pack was wet, I looked at my friend and said, "The only way we're ever going to bring less is if we get smaller packs and force ourselves to only carry what will fit."
We both went out and bought smaller packs. I pitched up with a Dana Design 'Bomb Pack,' ....he had something similar from Gregory.
We still spent a week cold and wet, constant rain, water running under and into the tent.
The next year (this was 12 years ago) he showed up with a Clarks Jungle Hammock (North American). I took one look at it and knew that next year I'd be having one of those suckers!
I bought the Ultra-Light model from Clarks. I have never been wet again!
Along the way I've acquired other models. I have a Clarks Tropical (which I never liked), an Exped Scout (which I also don't like), and most recently, an NX-150 from Clarks. I have to say I still prefer that old Ultra-Light model best!
We have both since refined all our gear, bought even smaller packs, and changed the kind of clothes we wear.
I'm getting too old to sleep on roots and rocks. I'm getting too old to carry loads that should be strapped on a mule. And,....it would seem that I'm getting smarter in my old age.
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