Reader Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5

I purchased this DVD as a bit of a lark. I had heard some good things about it, and wanted to actually SEE some of the ultralight gear and techniques put to use. Not only that, but one of my guilty pleasures is make-over shows, so this was totally up my alley.

For those who are unfamiliar with the DVD, Glen Van Peski of Gossamer Gear fame, takes a traditional female backpacker and transform her into an ultralight backpacker! They breakdown her pack, then Glen's and eventually give her an ultralight pack of her own!

This DVD is very professional in quality, having the look and feel of something I'd actually see on TV. The sound is superb as well, which is often lacking in many visual media offerings.

The only down side, if there actually is one, is that the DVD focuses mostly on Gossamer Gear products, but there are mentions of Six Moon Designs, ULA, and a few others. This is not the most informative source out there for the beginner ultralight backpacker, but instead works with other sources to help one understand what they've read a bit better.

All in all, a fine product. Definately worth more than the $5 I paid for it!

Rating: 5 / 5

This is a first rate DVD and worth every bit of the $5.00 cost. It does focus on gossamer gear's stuff, but the thrust is how one can lighten one's pack weight without a loss of comfort or safety.

If I had a group of traditional backpackers, this would be the DVD I'd use.

Rating: 5 / 5

I've watched this DVD at least 6times now...even though I'm a seasoned UL and SUL backpacker, I've learned a lot from this DVD and really enjoy it. I've also shown it to a couple of friends to help with their steps toward UL.

Great product and the price is insanely good. This is a perfect compliment to the Lighten Up book (also a gem!)

Rating: 5 / 5

I enjoyed it and picked up a few tips, but the audience is more likely someone who has either not yet adopted a lightweight backpacking philosophy or is in the early stages of adoption. Definitely a good value.

Rating: 5 / 5

For only $5 this DVD has a lot to offer.
I began converting to UL backpacking awhile ago, but reading books and advice on the forums just isn't quite the same as seeing it in action. I'm a very visual person and Lighten Up! was very enjoyable for me. I loved being able to watch as Glen pitched his tarp and realize that I'm not the only person who has to reposition my stakes a half dozen times before I get it right. It was also neat watching him boil his water and pulling it off when the water was just starting to bubble because that's exactly what I do. As much as anything it helped confirm that many of the techniques I had been practicing were 'right'. Since I don't hike with anyone else who is UL or even a lightweight backpacker I always wonder if I'm doing things correctly or if I could improve. Watching this DVD was a lot like having a seasoned ULer next to you telling you what they do and what you can change.
If you are just beginning to get into UL or want to show people what its all about I would highly recommend you pick up this DVD. At only $5 what is there to lose?!

Adam

Edited by aroth87 on 03/05/2007 13:14:45 MST.

Rating: 3 / 5

Overall, I can recommend this DVD to anyone. I'm sure there is at least one thing you will take away from it. I do agree that it is more of a promotional video then a "this is how you do it...Step 1, Step 2, Step 3, etc.". As for taking it with a grain of salt, you have to look at where they are, the conditions they are in and know that the gear they have might not be the best choice for where you are and the conditions you might face. I have watched it 3 times now and shown it to a friend and plan to show it to more friends. At $5 bucks, it's a great addition to your library.

Rating: 5 / 5

This DVD was a gift to me from another Forum participant (many thanks GR).

This DVD doesn't pretend to be a detailed step-by-step tutorial, but, rather, more of an introduction. In this capacity it certainly fulfills its intended purpose and creates interest. Do i wish it was longer and had more info? Sure. Is it a good Intro into some of the philosophy & practice of L/UL Backpacking? Yes.

So, i can't fault it because it doesn't make tea for me in the morning! It's not supposed to. It is what it is, and it does just what it's supposed to do. How can one find fault with that?

While it is somewhat educational, it is primarily entertaining. The presentation makes it so that you REALLY WANT to see the outcome (no. the butler didn't do it!). This is not only my UL-er testimony, but also the testimony of some my heavy-weight hikin' co-workers that i passed the DVD around to. Someone else has it now and i hope that they are continuing to put it to good use to spread the word.

I truly felt that the DVD was quite professionally done. I watched it over a year ago, but my recollection is that the video was clear and not shakey, the sound was understandable - much, much better than some amateur home video.

The only negative i could say about this DVD is that it is TOO SHORT!!!

The only question that i have about this DVD that still remains unanswered is...

...is it really true that it debuted at Cannes?

Edited by pj on 03/08/2007 02:34:54 MST.

Rating: 5 / 5

I purchased this DVD about a year ago and I must have watched it about a dozen times now. As many of the other reviewers I also bought it to SEE put into practice what I had READ about in different books. I agree that it is too short. But I must admit I was actually surprised that the film does not only cover Gossamer Gear products. And you know, it's an introduction... I recommend purchasing a BPL Premium Membership for everyone who wants to know more.

It's a great film, I'm gonna watch it again in the near future and I'll pass it on to my friends.

Rating: 4 / 5

I really like this video, high quality, good sound. Glenn takes a veteran hiker threw the world of UL. The lady saves alot of weight. I wish Glen would take us on a even deeper way of saving weight, maybe some real secrets of UL and SUL. I would guess that most members of this website already know the information on the DVD. This DVD is perfect for new peolpe to UL.