Centerwalk Ultralight Backpacking - Information on ultralight hiking, gear, and more!

	Centerwalk.com Ultralight Backpacking Shed those unwanted pounds!
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"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."Walden: Conclusion, Henry David Thoreau, 1854.

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	Welcome! Whether you are new to the concept of ultralight backpacking, just thinking about getting started, or curious for information on ultralight backpacking, Centerwalk will offer some insights for the ultralight backpacker or casual reader. In addition to ultralight backpacking, the site also features information about backwoods skills. The Tracker school, a nature and wilderness survival
Photograph of the author on the AT.	school created by Tom Brown, is also discussed. So come on in and enjoy. ~ John


Evolution Of An Ultralight Backpacker Along about 1994 I returned to backpacking after a 7 year absence. During that first trip my body complained about the load, complained about sore shoulders, an aching back, and wobbly knees. This is not the fond memories I had from previous years. Surely there is a better way to do this?

	My wife and I began to shed excess gear. Why take multiple changes of clothes when one will do? Tent, who needs that? We each took bivy sacks instead and saved a few pounds. The progression continued until our fully loaded packs were down in the low 30 pound range. If we thought it might be needed, into the pack it went. And of course, durable, strong, sturdy gear is a necessity. None of that lightweight stuff for us, no sir.
Photograph of the author.

	A few moments rest during a 3000 foot climb in 1994. The pack in tow weighed in at over 35 lb. Light by most current backpacking standards, but still a heavy load compared to the freedom of an ultralight load. My adventure partner and lifelong companion similarly clad with an excess load. Her pack weighed in at 32 lb. Quite a feat for a petite woman!
Photograph of my adventure partner.

During the following year, I had the opportunity to take the Standard Class offered at the Tracker School. It opened my eyes to a whole new world. More classes followed over the next couple of years. And Tom Brown was right, taking that first Standard Class did ruin me. It changed my whole outlook on journeying into the wilderness. The destination no longer mattered, only the experience of being there and a true understanding and awareness of my surroundings. Learn more about The Tracker School. By reading books by Earl Shaffer, Ray Jardine, Tom Brown, and others I gained knowledge. To that I added experience, trial and error, and passion. An ultralight hiker was born. Learn more - read the Info page.