Initiated by distance hikers, backpackers andclimbers
,lightweight and ultralight refer to a recent and growing trend in outdooradventuring in which participants carry less weight than traditionallyaccepted. Lightweight and ultralight are philosophies and comprehensivemethodologies which lead to a more simplistic approach to sporting. Byanalyzing every necessity and maximizing the efficiency of it, participantshave reduced their base pack weights by more than half when adventuring in thewilderness.
Hikers and backpackers, for example, traditionally carried packs that were one-third oftheir body weight, or 50-70 lbs. Today it is generally accepted thatlightweight hikers carry less than 20 lbs of base pack weight making them moreefficient and more skillful athletes while simultaneously allowing them toreduce barriers and more closely interact with Nature. Lightweightathletes go faster and farther with more agility, versatility and enjoyment.
The growing ultralightphilosophy takes lightweight to the next levelin its evolution as participants carry base pack weights under 10 lbs. And more recently, a new super-ultralight philosophy has emerged forparticipants carrying less than 5 lbs. of gear, excluding food, water &fuel.
In the early 1990s, in an attempt to push boundaries and productivity, hikers,backpackers and climbers began to reevaluate the way in which they approachedtheir sports. These early pioneers of the lightweight philosophy startedminimizing their needs and maximizing their efficiency by looking at everypiece of gear they used and asking the questions: Do we need it? Can we make itbetter? Can we make it lighter?
They initially analyzed theirheaviest equipment – referred to as the bigthree: shelters, sleeping systems and backpacks. Loads were lightened byswitching from tents to tarp shelters, which were more versatile and efficientwhen used skillfully. Sleeping systems were lightened with advancementsin materials technology, such as the use of cuben fiber. And big, heavypacks were no longer necessary as total packed weight was decreasing. Cooking systems were simplified, hiking boots were replaced with trail runners,and eventually all non-essentials were eliminated. Early on, thesepioneers had to make their own gear as there was no ultralight
gear available on the market, and they quicklydiscovered how much faster and farther they could move in thebackcountry. They had more agility and energy, and without necessarilyknowing it, they were in the process of revolutionizing the approach to hiking,backpacking and climbing.
Lighter packs, lightershelters, lighter sleeping bags, lighter stoves, lighter shoes and lighterclothes all meant decreased weight, lessexpended energy, less required food, and thus, even lighter and lighter packloads. Ultimately, the lightweight revolution was like a snowball rollinguphill as participants traded weight for skill and intelligence to becomeincreasingly efficient at what they were doing.
And mostimportantly…everything that was being learned was shared. Through word-of-mouth on the trails, as well as publications bysome of the earliest pioneers, knowledge spread about this change in philosophyand this revolutionizing new approach to outdoor adventuring.
Going light is a rapidlygrowing trend in outdoor adventuring. Initially led by distance hikers, backpackers and climbers, it is now catchingon for mountaineering, cycling, kayaking, weekend hiking, camping andcanoeing. Why carry unnecessarily heavy loads when safe, more efficientalternatives exist? By researching lightweight and ultralight gearalternatives, athletes are learning they can do more and perform better byworking smarter, not harder.
Going light is not about sacrificing safety or every last bit of comfort. Nor is it about achieving specificweight standards. Going light is about getting smarter. Going lightis about getting simpler. Going light is about gaining skill andefficiency by safely minimizing your essentials and replacing inappropriategear.
选择轻量化并不意味着牺牲安全性或者任何一点舒适度。同样也并不意味着，非得达到某个重量单位。
选择轻量化其实是选择变得更聪明。
选择轻量化其实是选择让旅行更纯粹。
选择轻量化其实是一种技巧选择更好的装备替换掉你不需要的东西的同时保证安全。
Lightweight is right for everyone! Regardless of your sport, it makes sense to researchand take full advantage of the latest ultralight technologies and methodologiesavailable you – there are benefits! And lightening your load is a benefitthat will increase your efficiency, your performance and your enjoyment, giventhat it is done safely and at a level appropriate for your skill and ability.