As the day warms up, Mike shows his lightening fast form for shedding his wind shirt.		Now we're in water aplenty, criss-crossing Holcomb Creek. Here's Mike is using his Lightrek poles to steady him as he crosses a wobbly log 'bridge'.
	Glen's load is so light by this time it doesn't take much to just launch off the rocks...		Glen pauses on the trail, with a peek-a-boo view of Mount Baden-Powell in the distance behind him.
	Mike scurries across the sketchy part of the bridge over Deep Creek. This is NOT recommended, and is not safe! Cross instead down by the creek. From this point, we turned left, headed up Hook Creek Road and various trails to get back to our parked vehicle.

What did we learn? We like lighter packs more than heavier packs. Strolling down the trail with an XUL pack is addicting. Glen indicated it was going to be hard to go back to his 'normal' base pack weight of between 5 and 6 pounds, now that he had 'tasted' what 3.7 felt like. Obviously, going with loads like these depends on having some knowledge and experience. If you haven't already done so, pick up Don Ladigins book, Lighten Up! To lower your pack weight, technique is more powerful than gear choices, though obviously the gear is an important part. It's just that to use really light gear, you need to have the techniques. Simple example - hiking after dinner, between dinner and bedtime. If you stop while it's warm and hike until you set up camp for bed, you don't need to take much in the way of insulating clothing.

But check through the gear lists... you might be surprised to find how much is covered there. Glen had a separate shelter, full rain gear, top and bottom insulating garments, and hot food... all at 3.7 lbs.

Glen's XUL Gear List
Mike's SUL Gear List

Please lighten your load responsibly. Never take less gear than required for your particular trip, experience level, and travel group. These are trained professionals on a closed course - don't try this at home. Well, okay, try stuff LIKE this at home, just do it in small increments as you gain experience... you know what we mean.