I started this ultralightbackpacking website, in 2002, now, thankfully, widely imitated.

I was inspired to model this website after that of the Southwest Ultralight Backpacking website and to spend my first winter in the american southwest desert country.

In spite of the fact I was entirely unfamiliar with anything different from the Pacific Northwest and Montana, I found out I could be reasonably well prepared and well-equipped.

My background includes family camping, since childhood. I accompanied my dad for his outdoor photography hobby. My dad loved canoeing. We had an Old Town wood and canvas Trapper canoe. I got to paddle in front.

I took up mountaineering, at the encouragement of a teacher. My second year, I was a rope leader. I was 15 years old. My involvement with mountaineering brought me to Mountain Rescue. I was trained by George Martin.

He and his friends with him had also trained Lou and Jim Whittaker.

While I was in the U.S. Army, the only wilderness at hand was on San Francisco Bay and ocean. I was crew on Bold Flight, a Newport 30, winning the YRA Division R Season Championship, in 1974.

In addition, I took up bicycling, kayaking, solo hiking and solo camping.

There had been quite some change since I got my start hiking and family camping in the 1950's.

First, I had worn old clothes. Next, hand-me-down boy scout pants and packs. Then, army surplus and Filsons. Finally, my real introduction to specialized clothing and gear was the REI, Pike Street store. I got Raichle boots, an ice axe, rucksack and a British ventile cloth mountaineering jacket. I knew immediately this equipment and this clothing was better suited to our trips in the mountains

I remember my first lightweight backpacking effort. I removed the canvas sack from the wood and rope frame on a pack for boy scouts, carrying all "the 10 essentials" including extra clothing and extra food in that little canvas packsack for our Mt. Townsend summit trip on snow. I was challenged. I dumped out everything right there on the trail. Everything was inspected, by one and all. After that, no one challenged my pack.

I remember I had worn knee high insulated packs for footwear.

I have had more and more comfortable and practical clothing and gear since.

For one thing, now, I don't have hand-me-down clothing and gear. For another, there are very nice things to choose from.

How did I choose? I provide all the detail of clothing and gear choices. I share all that experience and information with you.

Here is my gear, now.