I recently found this recommended list of backpacking equipment, which notes that a knife, firemaking supplies, and a flashlight are seldom carried. However, deodorant appears to be a necessity. I understand that you might not need a knife for the type of camping that this guy does, but I see a knife and fire as a survival necessities. Also, no whistle, mirror, food gathering equipment, etc. He packs light, but aren't there some things that he shouldn't do without?

This is what makes me a light hiker and not ultralight. I could be UL very easily if I didn't carry my preparedness gear. My wilderness EDC is an extra pound or two of base weight. Put into the context of what he doesn't carry and how he eats, there is no reason in his mind for a knife. YMMV

He is a RayWay guy. Nothing wrong with that but I am guessing from his site he is more into the long hikes on established trails and living in a self sufficent bubble that precludes having to cut anything. Though even Ray says he carries a small swiss amry classic or some scissors.

Little or no margin for the unexpected or unusual. But he does have experience, which can compensate to a degree. He seems to stick to the established backpacker interstates, e.g. the Appalachian Trail. In wilder country some adjustments might be a good idea. I notice no FAK, a very bad idea, in my opinion. If you don't need it, someone you encounter will.

his perspective does have some good points - for him.

imho, this boils down to your own personal comfort zone.

he's comfortable relying on others to provide what he doesn't deem necessary to carry. if you re-read the article with this in mind, you'll see what i mean.

he's also appears comfortable relying on others to find him if he becomes lost or injured.

for me, i carry those items he may deem unnecessary because i'd like to be comfortable while trying to self-rescue myself, or if unable to self-rescue, to be safe, warm, dry, hydrated and comfortable awaiting others.

I wouldn't want to be hiking with this gentleman.
He's harping about deodorant, but sees no use for soap or a toothbrush. Yikes !!!!

It's foolhardy to be in the wilderness without a knife, even on an established trail.

He's the kind of outdoorsman we read about here periodically; the solo hiker who runs into misfortune and has to be rescued or, as too often is the case, dies on the trail.

Mother nature doesn't care about how much gear you carry.

UL hikers play the odds.
Most know the risks.

There's a one-armed hiker somewhere, who might argue the usefulness of a knife.

I can't agree with the "knife-seldom" bit. There are too many knives that weigh so little. And knives are so useful. I understand the UL philosophy but this is not a UL article. Its an article about "starting backpacking".

More often than not, I am reminded of this:



- Quote from Laurence Gonzales: Deep Survival. (Highly recommended reading, by the way).


I try to learn a few tricks from the ultra light crowd, there's a lot of weight and volume to be shed from my packs. What I am missing from these particular UL is the extra layer of protection - as noted earlier in this thread, the equivalent of a PSK kit and some first aid items doesn't offset you by more than a pound or two, but is worth more than its weight in gold when something bad happens.

Those UL hikers have their shelter, hydration and food pretty well covered. But what about a repair kit (some duct tape, sewing needles, cordage, zip ties?)? Signaling? And of course, a knife... the ultimate wilderness multitool.