Boot Camp

by Karl Kunkel

Several active and prospective PATH members gathered at the Chapel Hill residence of Parthena Martin and Clint Kawanishi September 22 for a primer on backpacking. The course was a prelude to a one-night backpacking trip they were scheduled to take the following weekend at Cold Mountain, near Lynchburg, Virginia.

The session covered clothing selection, packing techniques, meals, footwear, hygiene, sleeping bags and tent selection. PATH member George Cole, who has been into ultralight backpacking for several decades, shared his knowledge of the subject by showing his 18-pound backpack, hydration system and hammock-and-tarp sleeping unit. Most of his gear was custom-made, including a poncho with zippers he uses for rainy weather. George is an editor of an educational website dealing with minimalist backcountry camping: backpackinglight.com