The cables are up to help hikers climb the vertigo-inducing Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. This 10-hour  iconic American hike is not for the out-of shape or the faint-of-heart. To get an idea of both the agony and the ecstasy involved , check out this informative and inspiring video.

Much has been made in the past day about a New York Times story chronicling Swiss hikers taking to the trails in the nude. “There’s not much to discuss,” one hiker told the Times. “It’s freedom. First, freedom in your head; then, freedom of the body.”

The hikers were interviewed on the trails of the Appenzell region, an idyllic slice of the Alps near the Austrian border. I’ve written about the area in this story for the Star Tribune. There were lots of laughs and peculiar sights along the way, but, alas, no nakedness. What I experienced was more akin to this video of senior citizens lapping the youngsters who clogged the trails.

One of our campsites — Little Claire Lake — in Sequoia National Park.

I received something unexpected in the mail last Friday. It was a hand-written letter (first one I’ve gotten in months.) The writer, Hans E. Arlton, said that he normally enjoys my articles but that the recent tale about backpacking in Sequoia National Park puzzled him. “Why would anyone carry a 50-pound pack today? When I started wilderness camping in the ’70s, I used a 35 lb kit. Now it’s half that.” He enclosed a list of his gear for a 13-day trek on the distance of the John Muir Trail; The sum total? 17 pounds, 10 ounces. Plus 12 pounds of food.
I have gone on serious backpacking trips only four times in my life. I don’t own a good light backpack. I had borrowed a friend’s vintage Lowe backpack, which by itself weighs 6 pounds. I also had a 4.5 pound sleeping bag. And, I’ll admit it, I overpacked on clothes. But I also don’t own the latest ultralight doo-dads. Arlton goes on to upbraid me (gently) a little more. “The question is not what you ‘need’ to bring. It’s how much risk, deprivation and discomfort are you willing to assume.”

I had a great time on that trip, and I enjoyed myself. But there was a fellow on the trip who managed even better with just 35 pounds of gear (including his 12 pounds of food) and it convinced me I need to try to lighten up next time. I wrote back to Mr. Arlton, and swore on a titanium camp cup that I will pare down next time. And i’ll buy my own ultralight backpack and bag. It’s time. Anyone else care to “weigh in” on the topic? (more…)