We are in the final prep phase for our trip. Today included researching train schedules, fares and a practice pack. While trying to travel light, we must plan for extreme weather conditions and exposure issues as half of our time will be hiking the Dingle Way and several other smaller trail loops. No outside overnights are planned as we look forward to evenings at B&B’s and local pubs, however, should the weather prevent us from making the next town, we should be able to survive the night with our ultra-lite shelter and a few supplies.
The numbers are in: Pack #1 weighs in at 27 pounds and Pack #2 weighs in at 25 pounds. Not bad…when we hiked the Tahoe rim trail in ’08 we carried 30 pounds each.
Why keep it light? Mobility and practicality. If you plan a laundry stop during your trip, then you can keep your packing slim. For a twenty-one day trip we are packing the following: two tee shirts, long underwear, two pants, one skirt, underwear x4, socks x4, fleece and rain jacket, hiking boots and spare shoes.
Hiking gear: ponchos from Six Moon Design (convert into ultra-lite shelter), ultra-lite sleeping bags (good for hostels use), hiking poles, rain pants, gaiters and a jetboil stove.
Other essential odds-n-ends include : maps, head-lamps, gloves, Kindle (my must have) and a book for my non-Kindle partner. We are not taking cell phones but do have an emergency beacon (Spot messenger)