Companion forum thread to:

Metamorphosis 3: Walking the Edge

I really liked this article. A realistic understanding of changes I have gone through; and with some new information thrown in. I really feel for the friend because I hurt my knee a few years back and it is just now getting better.

I love to see more of these articles.

I love reading these articles as well, i'm just beggining the trail to U.L. and every little bit of real experiance, mine or someone elese's, helps a great deal! KEEP IT UP.

Nice work. Great read...

Great article and great report! Curious though, which "flavor" of Dr. Bronners did the author try? If peppermint isn't your thing, give the Tea Tree a try.

Looks like a cool trip, I'll have to get in there next summer.

But.. 3 (three!) t-shirts!! Are you worried that you'll smell!?

"I know you guys aren't impressed. However, thirty-five-ish pounds as a total weight was about to make a universe of difference."

Compared to the traditional weights you came from, 35 pounds should have felt heavenly! Comfort is different for everyone, but I found that I noticed major improvements everytime I dropped even a little total pack weight... from 45 down to 40, down to 35, down to 25, etc... until I got below 20 pounds total pack weight. Below 20 pounds it all feels about the same to me - that is that it really doesn't noticably affect my stamina.

I've had similar experiences to you when hiking with "un-enlighted" companions. It usually only takes one trip to get them looking into lightweight methods! And usually I feel guilty and end up carrying some of their stuff in the meantime.

I really enjoyed my own metamorphosis process, and it has been fun reading about yours - thanks for sharing.

Edited by jbrinkmanboi on 12/12/2008 23:15:45 MST.

Is that a Golite Infinity pack?

I really appreciate the comments on this article! I had a great time getting down to that base weight, and have enjoyed going further.

The Dr. Bronner's was peppermint and I look forward to trying another. Heck, even the peppermint is tolerable with a good rinsing.

Yes, the Golite in an infinity pinnacle.

"The Dr. Bronner's was peppermint and I look forward to trying another. Heck, even the peppermint is tolerable with a good rinsing."

There is more than 1 flavor now? WOW, talk about showing my age. I have been using that stuff camping for 35 some odd years and never bothered to look at anything that was not in the familiar blue labeled bottled.

Blink...blink...blink...wow!

BTW...I loved the story, sorry to read about the weather.

Edited by malndman on 02/03/2009 11:00:18 MST.

Yeah, when I started back packing I tried using Dr. Branuers.... ew. It took a few months for me to smell it without wincing. Baking soda on the other hand works well and doesn't taste as bad. Tooth powder can also be bought at co-ops/health food stores and lasts forever. I switch between baking soda and tooth powder even at home.