A Life of Luxury: Luxury Items on the Trail

I read somewhere that you’re either a camper or a backpacker, but never both. Each have a very different idea of luxury.

Sure, it would be great to hit my camp spot, settle in and blow up a thick four-inch air mattress and inflatable pillow. Then slip into super comfy camp shoes and make some hot chocolate or crack open a beer and bury into a good book. Maybe play some cards or, if I still have the energy and the camp spot allows it, throw a football around while playing some music.

But, as a backpacker, this is not a possibility.

For the sake of my small-framed body carrying the weight, I’ve got to figure out which items make the cut and which don’t. I’ve experimented with a bunch of luxury items, the most interesting probably being when I was in college and desperate for a weekend away and I brought homework (hardly a luxury).

Oh, the Possibilities

After Mount Rogers, I will be able to exchange for a lighter sleeping bag, saving a pound, and send some of my heavier clothing home as well. I may send for some luxury items then.

iPod

The one I get the most slack for because, apparently, the only way to live is to have music on your phone and I’m still in the rock ages that I don’t.

Considerations:

• It’s 3.5 ounces.
• I’m not sure I can actually go that many months without music .
• I ran a whole marathon without music so maybe I can?
• I’m sure I could figure out how to get music from my Apple laptop to my Samsung phone, but then I’d use my phone battery for music when I’d rather use it for a camera.

Verdict: If I want it, I’ll send for it after Mount Rogers.

I think the wonder and newness of the trail will be enough for me at the beginning of the trip and I’ll be fine without it. However, the wonder will eventually wear off. And I also know what a motivator music can be, so of all the items being left behind, this is the one I suspect I’ll mostly likely send for after I dump my cold-weather gear.

Portable Charger

I expect this is on most hikers’ lists. Phones aren’t just a way of communication but GPS, cameras, and (apparently) music devices.

Considerations:

• Its purpose is limited.
• On airplane mode my phone can last for days.
• I won’t waste battery on music.
• I use maps so won’t use much battery on GPS.
• I use my phone for photos and take a copious amount of photos.

Verdict: Coming.

Photos are my favorite. Also, I know much of the trail has service and, for the sake of my poor worried mother, I can carry a little extra weight to be able to check in with her more frequently.

Mini Tripod

Considerations:

• Photos! They really are my favorite.
• There will be plenty of people on the trail that, I’m sure, will be willing to take a picture if I ask.
• It’s two ounces.
• It can stand on its own or be attached to a tree, which is actually quite handy.

Verdict: Not coming.

Even at two ounces, I just can’t justify this one. Plus, with all the people on the trail, it really is not likely necessary. Besides, I could always selfie it up if I really wanted to.

A Book

I don’t actually need to make a pro and con list here. A book lover since forever, a book is coming with me, no question about it. I’ll leave a stack behind so one can be sent to me every time I send one back. I’ve actually weighed some of my books to see which ones will make the cut (ten ounces or less).

A Lightweight Journal

Considerations:

• It’s 3.5 ounces
• I’ve never carried one before but, then again, I’ve never gone on such a long trip before.
• I want to remember as much of this experience as possible.
• I could always log things into an electronic notepad on my phone but battery would be a concern.

Verdict: Coming.

Pictures and videos are great but nothing can remind you of what you were thinking and feeling like going back and reading your own words about what you were thinking and feeling. People like to think that they remember everything, but if you don’t remember it then you have no idea that you don’t remember it. I’m not taking my chances.

Inflatable Pillow

I’ve probably got a pretty even split on the amount of times I’ve backpacked with and without a pillow. I had it with me on a trip to Yosemite and, with the cold and wind and altitude sickness I was experiencing, it’s possibly the only reason why I got any sleep at all.

Considerations:

• In general, I’m not a good sleeper, and a pillow always helps.
• I can bundle extra clothing into a stuff sack and use that as a pillow.
• If it’s cold and I’m wearing all my extra clothing than I can’t.
• Sleeping on uneven ground is difficult and I’m using a foam sleeping pad, not an inflatable one.

Verdict: Not coming.

I gotta make cuts somewhere. I run cold and the sleeping bag I’m starting with adds a full pound. As far as sleeping comfort goes, I’d rather be warm than have my head elevated.

Camp Shoes

Considerations:

• Weight. I realize this is a consideration for all of these items, but camp shoes are the luxury item on my list that will add the most additional weight.
• Having to get up in the middle of the night and putting sneaks back on is a pain.
• It’s heaven taking your shoes off and giving your feet a break at the end of a long day.

Verdict: Coming.

On a stretch of the Long Trail this past summer I wore camp shoes for the first time. It was glorious. I will, however, compromise. I’d love to bring my Chacos but at one pound, six ounces I simply can’t justify that one. Instead I’ll be bring 6.25 ounce Tevas.

Ultimately, this whole list could change, but as of now this is where my head is at. We shall see!

Until next time.