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Apr 9, 2024 : Sly the Navigator The Trek

Gear

When I was hiking 12 years ago, my empty backpack alone was about four pounds. When full, I could count on carrying about 50 pounds when hiking for a few days.

That is too much when I have to deal with daily pain, and had to invest in ultralight gear. Bear in mind that when I discuss gear, I am NOT sponsored by anyone and I can discuss gear freely without any bias.

I chose the ZPACK Arc Haul as my backpack of choice. When I do a Summits on the Air hike carrying my two-pound radio gear, I always bring my ten essentials. The modular pockets on the hip belt are super-convenient, and I added a CTUGs Nalgene bottle holder on the hip belt as well.

Here is my Lighterpack list, my “big three” reads about 7.5 lbs and my estimated base weight is about 15 lbs. Should you be interested in discussing my gear choice please feel free to DM me.

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Sly the Navigator
Apr 9th : Sly the Navigator
Author Page
Sly the Navigator's Bio

After 25 years in the Canadian Airforce, I have been struggling with major chronic pain for the last 10 years which at one point confined me to a couch 20 hours a day unable to do anything nor sleep. Refusing to accept the fact that i could not hike anymore i embarked on a very long and difficult journey to fight against pain while also trying to live with it. Major changes in treatment and pure stubbornness enabled me to start walking from a few hundred yards a day to miles in a matter of years. I now can combine my amateur radio hobby with hiking for a sideline activity called “Summits on the air”, where i bring a portable radio set on a summit and contact “chasers” for points. I will attempt thru hiking the Long Trail and document my hike, trying to hack a way trough the daily pains which are still very much present.

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