The Ray Way - Beyond Backpacking

Beyond Backpacking, Ray Jardine's Guide To Lightweight Hiking
Practical methods for all who love the out-of-doors, from walkers and backpackers, to long distance hikers

Ray's Jardine is credited with popularizing the ultra-lite revolution in what has become the definitive bible of ultra-lite backpackers. His "Ray Way" led to a sometimes fanatic group of ultra-late followers and a new approach to backpacking. His gear designs led to the creation of the Go-Lite brand. He talks about "The Myth of Heavy-Duty Gear", how we have been duped into thinking heavier is better and "nature as adversary" and this has inhibited our enjoyment of the wilderness. Ray advocates specialized lightweight equiptment, and the idea that a minimilist philosophy enhances the wilderness experience. He shares tips developed by he and his wife Jenny through hiking over 15,000 miles in five summers of long distance backpacking on the Pacific Crest Trail and other trails.

Some ideas may not be for everyone ( like using leaves for toilet paper) and how light you go depends on environmental concerns and your own personal comfort zone. But, the philisophy outlined in this book is useful for all backpackers seeking to lighten their load and reduce impact on the environment. An interesting read and useful resource! Learn more about what the "Ray Way" can do for you. Available at Amazon.