found myself leafing thru a BACKPACKER magazine, tonight.

[vash]

wife wanted to cruise a B&N. so coffee in hand, i settled in a chair at the magazine rack..WTF??

backpacking as gone friggen high tech!! i saw a review of some device that logs onto GPS sats, and lets you send and recieve text messages from anywhere on the planet! saw a sub 1lb solo tent..a tiny shower device that gives you a seven minute hot shower.. i was so curious, i just started taking pictures of the articles to research the product later..

and backpacking food..whoa!! things are looking up!

ironic i was sitting there with a slightly swollen right knee..i aint going anywhere anytime soon.

[vash]

mmm...maybe i can get Jim to buy one for our elk trip..

DeLorme inReach 2 Way Satellite Communicator for PN 60W

[Evans, Marv]

I thought they quit printing that years ago. Shows how much I'm up on things. I sold a bunch of my old stuff at a swap meet earlier this year. Everything was snapped up except for an expedition parka. Got $125 for a 40 year old sleeping bag. It was in great shape, because I didn't use it much. It was so warm I had to open it up & use it as a blanket. I think I'll get an issue of BP mag & see what all this high tech stuff is about.

[fanaudical]

Backpacking has and hasn't changed. The basic premise of escaping civilization with just the stuff on your back is still there. Newer/better materials and gear design are the game changers. Lighter-weight synthetics and more options for waterproof gear make things easier, as do the more efficient stoves. There are certainly a lot more prepared-food options for backpacking, though I mostly still prep my own.

I think some gadgets have gotten way out-of-hand. Do you need the titanium espresso maker? The satellite locator? Compact night-vision binoculars? In my opinion, the "real" backpacker still leaves the electronics at home, files a good route report with friends and local authorities, and enjoys the trek with just the bare essentials.

[HardDrive]

I put on boots. I throw water, food, a basic 'I'm fuched' kit and a pistol in bag. I drive to the base of a mountain. I walk away.

I don't read magazines about it. I don't talk about it. Because neither of those things have anything to do with hiking.

[Nostril Cheese]

An emergency GPS locator is about as high tech as I would go..

[Rick V]

Originally Posted by fanaudical

In my opinion, the "real" backpacker still leaves the electronics at home, files a good route report with friends and local authorities, and enjoys the trek with just the bare essentials.

I agree, I go to the mountains to get away from "progress"

[Tishabet]

Put me in the "I love the new technology" camp. I have backpacked literally thousands of miles, and would never disparage the purity of the thing... That is why I have become an ultralight backpacker. No espresso maker, gps, etc for me thanks, but having a basic pack with a weight that keeps dropping over the years gives me satisfaction. On my last major trip my basic pack (everything minus fuel, food and water) was around 13 lbs... It is a great time to be a backpacker.

[flatbutt]

I just had to replace my old (30 yrs) 2 man tent. I bought a Marmot 3 man/ 3 season that weighs less than 2 pounds. Now that is amazing. I also bought a new water purifying set up. Goodbye Giarrdea(sp?).

[willtel]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

I put on boots. I throw water, food, a basic 'I'm fuched' kit and a pistol in bag. I drive to the base of a mountain. I walk away.

I don't read magazines about it. I don't talk about it. Because neither of those things have anything to do with hiking.

You just did.

[vash]

i think the same bug up my butt that makes me wonder what a new set of suspension bushings will do to my 911 makes me appreciate the "latest and greatest" backpack gear.

as i get older and more sore..i would appreciate some lightweight gear.

i DONT backpack. as a matter of fact..my last fifty miler, i was a whining beotch. i hated it. only thing that makes me strap on gear is bowhunting. my junk needs to be light, because hunting gear isnt.

in one month, lowwyder993, and i will be yodeling up on some idaho mountain looking for elk to stab with arrows..ahahhaha..he is going to crap when i tell he we may need to sleep up there occasionally. hahahah

[RWebb]

game changer for me was the change from canvas tents to nylon


agree re hi-tech electronics, but used to backpack or ski in the most advanced electronics I could buy or build to my remote study sites

[Mericet]

Originally Posted by vash

.a tiny shower device that gives you a seven minute hot shower..

.

Any details on the shower device?

[porsche4life]

Backpacker Magazine - Your Backpacking, Hiking, Camping, Outdoor Gear, Adventure Travel, and Skills Magazine is their website. Lots of cool short articles daily.

[vash]

Originally Posted by Mericet

Any details on the shower device?

Nemo helio pressure shower. Dunno much about it.

[Mericet]

Originally Posted by vash

Nemo helio pressure shower. Dunno much about it.

Thanks!

[recycled sixtie]

My most recent backpacking/tenting trip 2 weeks ago included:
cell ph. - acts like emerg. locator if turned on
gps -shows location and elevation
tent 3 lbs
sleeping bag good to 38F
binocs
camera
one hiking pole for balance and fording streams
etc. etc
Total weight of backpack 30 lbs.
Young guys had 40lbs+ on the trail.
15 lbs would be a dayhike pack for me!

[aigel]

I liked the satellite communicator until I read that you can tweet and post on FB with it.

Last time I went on a 2 week deer hunt into the middle of nowhere by myself, I rented a satellite phone to check in every few days with family. That cost more than the device you linked to. I think another big trip like that and I'll go for the communicator device instead of a phone rental ...

Come to think - one may be able to rent one of those communicators for little money? Or borrow it from Jim after you are back from the elk trip!

Shower? Now that's just ridiculous!

G