da rules
- Do your own thinking; there is no paint-by-numbers solution.
- What’s right for you, is.
- Be smart, stay safe.
- Choose gear appropriate to the season.
- Know the landscape, your limits, and the weather forecast.
- Take no more clothes than you can wear at one time.
- Always have a dry set of clothes to sleep in.
- Don’t carry more than one item that serves a given function.
- Take only as much food as you will eat.
- Take only as much fuel as you will burn.
- Use fuel to heat treated water rather than to boil raw water.
- Don’t carry water.
- Sleep in a bag that’s too light. Use extra clothes as jammies.
- If you need it and don’t have it, then you don’t need it. (Ray Jardine)
- If you have it and don’t use it, then you don’t need it. (Ray Jardine)
- 3-pound rule: the minimum combined weight for bedding and shelter is 3 pounds (taking a heavier bag means a lighter pad and shelter, and vice versa -- it’s a three-way tradeoff).
- Make each piece of gear do at least two things:
- Use gloves for: keeping hands warm on cold days, potholders, keeping hands warm in bed, bug protection, sun protection.
- Use trekking poles for: hiking support and balance, stakes, filter hanger, camera support, clothes drying rack.
- Use baking soda for: tooth paste, deodorant, mouthwash.
- Use a strap for: pack cinch strap, pack hanger, camera strap, water bottle and/or water filter stabilizer.
- Use sunscreen for: sunscreen, chapped-skin ointment.
- Weigh everything. Choose the lightest option that will work. Look for something even lighter.
- Focus on replacing your heaviest gear first (usually shelter, bedding, clothing, pack, and cook gear).
- Begrudge every ounce.
- Choose items that can back up each other. Example: sewing kit, safety pins, dental floss.
- Remain comfortable. If you’re comfortable then you’re probably OK.
- Cook less.
- Practice stealth camping. Use the landscape to your advantage. Be opportunistic.
- Camp at low elevations, but well above water.
- Wash, drink, and cook where there’s water.
- Camp where camping is good, regardless of where the water is.
- Use shade to keep cool.
- Use sun to keep warm.
- Use geography to provide extra shelter.
- Learn to read the landscape for water sources and camp sites.
- Think of gear as a consumable. If it doesn’t wear out in a season or two, then it’s overbuilt.
- Customize everything.
- There’s always a better way.
- There’s always a lighter way.
- Brian Frankle’s pack rules:
- The weight of a lightweight pack in ounces must be able to comfortably support 100% of its weight in pounds. Example: a 37 oz pack should carry a 37-pound load with no problems.
- The weight of an ultralight pack in ounces must be able to comfortably support 150% of its weight in pounds. Example: a 14 oz pack should carry a 21-pound load with no problems.