Words and Photos by Diana Davis
In this heavy world, it feels good to lighten things up.
Almost every friend I know who has undertaken a thru hike (Colorado trail, Camino del Santiago, Pacific Crest) ended up mailing things home.
They realized the effect of the literal weight they carry.
But, what about when we are not bike packing, hiking, mountaineering? What about the weight we carry through our daily lives?
I once saw a book that photographed people around the world and all their possessions. They put all their belongings outside–as in every single object including furniture was placed in front of their houses. It’s called Material World: A Global Family Portrait – by Peter Menzel.
The book was published in 1994, and Americans had a lot of stuff back then.
What about today? The new homes I see being built around town all have three car garages. More, more, more. What is the actual cost of infinite growth? Does it make for greater happiness, less stress, more time?
Global stats would say no. I would say no.
I would argue that even if you don’t feel it in your joints the way you do on foot or on a bike, the weight of your unnecessary possessions drains your wallet, your overall time and energy, and not to mention has some serious environmental impact.
It’s a constant reminder for me to simplify.
I do this easily after each outdoor trip when I assess what I used. The only things I continue to carry even if I did not use them on the previous trip are a first aid kit, headlamp, and a rain jacket. Otherwise, I make notes to lighten up for the next adventure.
Traveling light, but not so light while in Colombia
A vivid example was our beautiful and over-packed trip to Colombia a couple of years ago. My husband and I had our HMG packs perfectly organized for our island getaway and jungle trek. But what is not so visible in any of our photos–is our duffle that we left in the hostel in Cartagena and again in Santa Marta. Such time wasted of unpacking, repacking and lugging that thing to the next hostel only to leave it there for days as we were off adventuring with the things we actually needed.
Now, I am packing for my next trip. Not my usual adventure travel but rather a more typical vacation–to visit my best friend and her family and to experience the wondrous island of Kauai. I plan to hike, snorkel, surf, read, write, and meditate.
My next vacation – seeking the island life
How light can I go? What do I really need?
When I implement what I have learned from past trips, I realize I should be able to keep it simple, as well as save money by flying with only a personal item such as a backpack that can condense for airline travel and expand with food supplies, etc. when on the ground and adventuring.
I pack my newly updated Southwest pack, measure the dimensions required by the airlines to be considered a personal item, unload, assess, remove items, repack, remeasure. Honestly, it takes me a few tries to pair it down enough.
What do I really need?
All packed!
Simple feels so good and light, but it takes effort and intention. It takes my brain switching from perceived need to actual need.
Experiences are so much more important to carry than possessions, but we need the right tools and the right gear that allow for a full and safe experience.
As I see our world materialistically grow and expand, watch as new mansions cloud ridge lines in my town, I feel driven to make small daily changes to buy less, carry less, and live more.
I realize that I can utilize the mindfulness I have when packing for outdoor adventures and travel to influence my daily decisions and actions. I can live a Hyperlite Lifestyle – both on and off the trails.
Ahhh…simplicity and the island life.
