[Hootowl99]

Yep... not much gear at all but the important gear. My backpacking days are over now. Age, knee and ankle shut me down. I’m good for several mile hikes but not with a backpacking level load out or on rougher or off camber trails. Did a 10 mile day hike in early April but only loaded with water, energy bars, poncho, cordage, down vest and self defense. I will not go that long again.

I truck camp only now so weight is not an issue. Still though, my load out is pretty minimalist compared to what many or perhaps most folks would consider essential. Most of the weight is for a 4gal plastic Jerry can, a canvas chuck bag and a good ice chest mainly loaded with beer, Dr. Pepper and water.

[kearnyirish2]

I want to try backpacking again with the kids (now young adults); haven’t gone in years, but still have my gear. I try to hike at least weekly, but have found that as I get older I need a walking stick for the hills. I don’t do 10 miles, but what I do has a lot of ups and downs (Ramapo Mountains).