We pitted a traditional mountain-man minimalist against his new-age, techy counterpart to decide who will take home the crown in the Battle for the Featherweight [Backpacker] Title.
By Mountain Outlaw Staff
Backpacking gear reviews come in many forms: headlamps with the most red-light strobe settings; the top five roomiest tent vestibules; the most efficient titanium-coated spork on the market.
But rather than test the industry’s micro solar chargers (What? You’re backpacking!), Mountain Outlaw’s editors are giving our readers practical backcountry knowledge combined with beta on some of the lightest backpacking gear on the planet. Weight matters.
In this corner…
Jeff Saad
Occupation: Chiropractor Backcountry technique: Minimalist Gear weight: 18 pounds Philosophy: “The less you carry, the less you have to buy.”
[quote align=’right’]“I have two to three uses for everything. Carrying less doesn’t mean you have less. I’m sustainable out there.”[/quote]Jeff Saad takes his backpacking seriously. He starts his campfire with flint and steel. If it’s raining, he heats oatmeal with U.S. government-issue tri-oxane tablets and he once poked holes in a trash bag to avoid carrying a waterproof jacket.
Saad is all about packing light – his gear weighs all of 18 pounds. He doesn’t carry a tent (sleeps under a tarp). He won’t pack-in a camp stove (cooks over open flame on an ancient 6-by-3-inch grill grate and a 1-liter titanium pot). He strains coffee grounds through his mesh tarp bag to avoid the bulk of filters. He’s a minimalist and proud of it.
In this corner…
Ersin Ozer
Occupation: Outlaw Partners’ Media and Events Director Backcountry technique: Light, technical, ultramodern Gear weight: 25 pounds Philosophy: “I have the equipment I need to be quick on the trail and not sacrifice anything that will help me enjoy the mountains to the fullest.”
[quote align=’right’]“Sure, you can carry 18 pounds, but you’ll be sleeping under a tarp.”[/quote]
Ersin Ozer is on top of his gear, gizmo and gadgetry game. New gear is lighter, he contends, and he’s willing to back it up. We outfitted Ozer in the latest, lightest gear we could find to see how he fared against Saad and his minimalist technique. Ozer believes sporting light, efficient gear ensures he won’t be caught with his rain fly down.
The Review
by Ersin Ozer
Oboz Firebrand II BDry hikers
1 pound, 2.3 ounces Built with variable terrain in mind, these lightweight kicks are versatile. They were tested through shallow creeks, traversing scree-covered slopes, and tromping in the mud. The best features, in addition to waterproofing, are the tough, reinforced rubber toe caps and snug BFit Deluxe insoles that support high-impact zones underfoot. $140
Ozer has everything he needs for a night in the woods, but even with his loaded Arc’teryx Altra pack weighing in at only 25 pounds, he trails Saad and his 19-year-old, 18-pound Kelty. Point Saad.
Arc’teryx Altra 50 Backpack
3 pounds, 4 ounces Backpacks have traveled far since the days of bulky, aluminum frames. The Altra 50 is built lightweight and strong with ripstop fabric and a 50-liter chamber including side and top access zips, one-handed side pockets, and a lid with two zippered compartments – and still has room for a 2-liter hydration bladder. The narrow profile hugs your body and adjusts easily to minimize pull and maximize mileage. $289
Saad thinks Ozer’s Big Agnes tent has nice bells and whistles, but he’s already set-up his tarp shelter and lounging inside. Point Saad. Ozer has everything he needs for a night in the woods, but even with his loaded Arc’teryx Altra pack weighing in at only 25 pounds, he trails Saad and his 19-year-old, 18-pound Kelty. Point Saad.
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 tent
2 pounds, 5 ounces With enough room to sleep two, plus your dog, the featherweight Fly Creek UL2 takes up minimal pack space while keeping you light on your toes for that extra mile. This tent is a breeze to set up and take down, and its breathable nylon and poly mesh eliminate perspiration for a dry night’s rest. $350
Jetboil Flash Lite stove
11 ounces New for 2015 and 3 ounces lighter than previous Flash models, the Flash Lite cooking system is perfect for multi-day treks and a critical asset during fire-restriction years. Throw in the Jetboil Coffee Press attachment – which stores inside the 0.8-liter vessel – and you’ll have two cups down before your buddy using his caveman method boils his water. $100
Ozer shares a cup of Joe pressed in his Jetboil Flash with Saad, whose water is still heating in his two-decade-old pot on the fire. Two points Ozer (one for coffee on the quickstep; one for sharing).
Duckworth Maverick Snorkel Hood
7.5 ounces, men’s large These threads are made with 100 percent merino wool from Montana-raised sheep and the Maverick Snorkel makes an ideal baselayer for a big day on the trail. The close-fitting hood keeps your dome warm at night while you’re hanging by the fire and it’s designed to fit under a bike or climbing helmet. $120
Our conclusion: Minimalist or modernist?
Both philosophies have their place on the trail, but no matter what route you decide to take, remember the importance of preparation and savvy.
Be familiar with your surroundings. Carry a map, compass and, if you’re in Montana, bear spray – and tell someone where you’ll be and when to expect your return, lest you suffer an “Into the Wild” fate. Have the necessary skills before you head into the mountains. – Joseph T. O’Connor
This story was first published in the summer 2015 issue of Mountain Outlaw magazine.
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 15 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 23 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description information. Please wear layers, bring water and snacks. Bear spray recommended.
Time
July 22 (Monday) 9:00 am - September 23 (Monday) 12:00 pm
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 22 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 30 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be
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Event Details
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be taught by a variety of teachers from Santosha and BASE. This summer all proceeds will go to Big Sky Band-Aid, aside from the first one on the 26th that is happening during Pride week- all funds donated for that class will go to Big Sky OUT. A delicious lunch will also be served by Gourmet Gals following our practice each Wednesday (included in donation). You are welcome to donate with cash at the event or you can Venmo @Santoshabigsky and make a note for Community Yoga. Hope to see you in the Park!
Time
July 24 (Wednesday) 12:00 pm - September 23 (Monday) 1:00 pm