For the third year in a row, The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Southwest Location offered lightweight training to Field Staff interested in working in our lightweight backpacking program and lowering pack weights on traditional courses.

The seminar began on Feb 2nd 2009 with classroom time devoted to the history and development of the lightweight program, discussion on the philosophy of lightweight backpacking and the examination of equipment commonly used by lightweight hikers.

Participants studiously weighed all their gear, and by 3pm we were on the road and headed to the beautiful Galiuaros Mtns of Southern AZ.

Although the duration of this training trip is short, we try to pack as much into it as possible. Participants were able to try various shelters, stove systems and meal ideas.







We hiked through some rugged country, on trail the first full day of hiking.



It was nice casual hiking with our light packs. I won the lightest pack going into the field "contest" with a 14.75 lb Golite Ion including 3 days food and stove (esbit), Group first aid kit and Satellite phone along with personal gear.



We camped high on the ridge of Sunset peak. After eating a quick dinner we had a curriculum discussion in the still sunny rocks above our camp.


There is a reason they call it sunset peak.

Folks really enjoyed the light packs and we made good time as we headed off trail and overland.



Some people were having a little to much fun with the light packs and were starting to get a bit giddy...



So Scott, who was teaching the training with me quickly took action and reminded everyone this is serious "biznass"



Just kidding, I couldn't resist a little creative license!

Edited by ryan_hutchins on 02/11/2009 17:18:59 MST.

Great to hear that this partnership is continuing, but what's with the heavy duty gaiters?

The gaiters... well, we have done such a good job of coaching our staff and students to go lighter that our equipment room was out of shorty gaiters. We did enough bush whacking that gaiters were necessary, so folk used what they had.