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In excess of 30 middle age castles still remain in the southeast region of England as reminders of the days when The united kingdom was a land split by ruling families who built formidable fortresses to guard their lands from invaders, both international and domestic. Modern castle trips make it easy for visitors to get an idea of how important these magnificently conserved complexes are to the rich historical past and customs of Britain.

Exploring the the royal collections of distinctive aristocrats like Mary Queen of Scots in the course of guided tours of the Arundel Castle in West Sussex offer tourists an idea of the grandeur and grace that were all around the British aristocracy in medieval times. The expert guides tell tales that bring the past to life as they recount famed struggles and tales that surround this exciting castle.

At the majestic Guildford Castle, visitors can safely go up to high on top of the Great Tower to see the wide ranging view that was utilized by the castle’s defenders to see nearing opposing soldiers. Indoors are displays that let tourists see versions of the castle as it was initially made in the 1300s. Educational videos reveal the part that Guildford Castle played in British heritage.

When the magnificent Herstmonceux castle comes into view, visitors are astounded by the moat that emphasizes how powerful defenses were essential to dissuade invaders when this castle was built in the violent times of 15th century England. Even though once in ruins, the castle has been wonderfully restored and is now house of the Queen’s Bader Institute. Encompassing the castle next to the moat are public grounds that represent the Elizabethan age when lands were stylish play areas for the aristocracy. Immediately after the twisting forest paths that head to forest sculptures that are displayed in the Shakesphere garden, Rose Garden and the Herb Garden give tourists a sense of how the beauty of valiance was once played out amongst these spectacular settings.

High upon the well-known white cliffs of Kent, the Dover Castle’s breath-taking sights across the English channel make it apparent why this historic site has been used for centuries to secure the south eastern shores of Britain. Dover Castle was designed by William the Conqueror in 1066 after his victory at the Battle of Hastings, but there are ruins around the castle that date back much further, and evidence of developments through the years. Witnessing the many versions of this strategic site, which include a hall once referred to as Arthur’s Hall, gives present day tourists an idea of Britain’s rich history.

When you enter into Hever Castle, the childhood household of Anne Boylen, the homely atmosphere is quite different from other southeastern English castles. The displays of individual items and recreations of the dresses worn by the six wives of Henry the VIII echos the wealth of 16th century Tudor life style. But the group of weapons, armor and tools of torture and execution in the Council Chamber speak of a much darker side of life full of high intrigue and authentic threat that lurked in the medieval courts.

Find out more details about some of the many Castles in England

Are you thinking of taking a theatre break in London so that you can see the West End performance of Calendar Girls? Fortuitously you can find cheap theatre packages on the World Wide Web from your very own PC or mobile phone.

Calendars Girls was made into a stage play from the highly-successful and highly-reviewed movie of the same name. It first opened in 2008 at the Chichester theatre, the musical then relocated to the Noel Coward Theatre in in the Capital and includes big names such as Arabella Weir, Kelly Brook, Janie Dee, Debbie Chazen, Helen Lederer, and Jam Leeming in the top roles.

It is advised that you use one of the main search engines to find out about theatre businesses that provide London theatre offers. You can type in “london theatre bookings” or “london show and hotel” to discover theatre websites that sell theatre breaks solely for the Calendar Girls performance.

It is crucial that you look around and compare the various internet sites rather than using the 1st page that comes up on the search engine result pages. The price of the theatre package is of course a main factor but you should always look to see everything that is offered in the deal.

Most theatre businesses will let you to acquire your breaks entirely online. However, make sure to check that the theatre company is a trusted source and is not one of these fly-by-night outlets before making any type of purchase. Try speaking to family, friends and colleagues that you regard if they have used the service in the past. Ask to see how things went during their break. Did the break live up to the publicity, or were there plenty of things missing in the service? Check the theatre website’s privacy policy and make sure that they have bonds to guarantee their packages.

When you are ready to pay, you should be sent to a secure page. You can easily tell when a webpage is safe by the presence of a padlock picture in your web browser’s status bar.

Calendar Girls is an inspirational story of an everyday Yorkshire lady who embarks on making an impact in the world by getting money for Leukemia research. This means that they end up posing for a nude calendar as part of their fundraising campaign in this hilarious and uplifting story. Uncover the best theatre breaks in London online.

Luckily, through the magic of the internet you can quite easily and purchase the best London theatre breaks straight from your computer.

There’s nothing better than a great ballgame. So how do you relive the thrill of a great match in your very own home? Enjoy web based football games, but don’t settle for any old game. Play games based on being a club coach. They give you the chance to experience a great deal of fantastic action and command the domain of sports all from your own living room.

By connecting with others, you can play in scheduled league matches, tournaments and friendlies in loads of diverse locations, while you develop the greatest squad and become the best player on the planet, just like in the real world.

Internet based championship manager sims are the closest most of us will come to coaching a squad, so it’s a relief that most are fantastic. Take my word for it, you’ll have great fun while making legions of new and entertaining buddies from various diverse walks of life.

If you select the right site, you too can enjoy championship management sims and look after your very own squad. See true to life footage as you rise through the ranks and lead the most celebrated squad in history. Very little can beat the wonderful feeling of directing a squad to the top spot. You’ll have to keep a look out for certain essential game assets to experience the most fun. If you want to play eleven-a-side contests with true to life match footage then make sure that you find a web site that offers it because some don’t. This should be affordable. In fact, you can even find all these assets at no cost on some web sites. Want to find out what the other players are up to? A special events schedule can help you keep an alert eye on what’s happening around the league. Events schedules let you catch special competitions and discover who is playing and when. League tables let you keep a watchful eye on how much better you are than everyone else, so you can make your buddies jealous.

The most beautiful game, football, with all of its artistic and athletic virtues is never better than when you take part and enjoy yourself. Don’t wait, play online today! You’ll regret it if you don’t.

Calling all sports fans! If you would like to be part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Volunteer Programme is the ideal method to get involved. Volunteering at London 2012 gives you the chance to get nearer to your sporting heroes, enrich your local community and encounter the pleasure of the Olympic Games in London firsthand. Who can volunteer for London 2012? About 70,000 volunteers are necessary to help the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games run smoothly. Volunteers from a variety of communities and backgrounds will be hired and taught to the highest standards for London 2012. Previous helping out knowledge is not essential to become a London 2012 Olympic Volunteer, but candidates must: * Be 18 or above by 1 January 2012 * Agree to a minimum of ten days’ volunteering at either the Olympic or Paralympic Games * Show up at at the least three London 2012 volunteer training sessions * Be eligible to volunteer in the UK * Pass security background inspections Helping out duties during London 2012. London 2012 helpers will be given particular jobs, relating to their skills and training. There will be two types of volunteers; specialist and generalist. Specialist volunteers will need existing skills or qualifications, such as sport or medical training. Generalist volunteers won’t require any skills or qualifications, aside from the proper London 2012 Volunteer training. They might be given tasks in sections such as: * Event services * Uniform distribution * Olympic Village operations How to become a London 2012 Olympic Volunteer: Applications to become a London 2012 Olympic Volunteer will open up this year, but you can register your interest now. Register on the official London 2012 website to add your name on the volunteering list and receive frequent email updates about the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Helping out before London 2012. If you reside in one of the East London Host Boroughs near to the Olympic Park, you could be part of a pre-London 2012 helping out program called Changing Places. Changing Places has been set up to help local communities prepare their area for London 2012, and seeks to: * Encourage local people to boost public areas for example parks and open spaces * Allow people to learn new pastimes and skills * Increase the quality of the local surroundings for the London 2012 Olympic Games and beyond On the other hand, if you have office-based skills you may want to register to become a Trailblazer Volunteer. This requires helping the London 2012 Organising Committee to prepare for the Olympic and Paralympic Games by working one day per week in their London office. Volunteering after London 2012. It is hoped that long after the Olympic Games have finished, the London 2012 Volunteer legacy will go on. This is a fun chance to be part of a wide-reaching volunteering network, bettering the lives of local communities all over the UK. Learn a lot more concerning the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

For those trapped in the often tense, lacklustre-at-best present day, nothing can spark more enthusiasm than a trip back to the past?especially when that period is set in the roaring 20?s, the time of prohibition in which unabashed debauchery and careless nihilism soared to new heights. Chicago: The Musical is just such a blast from the past, providing never-ending drama that takes place from the very first act. The entertainment value of the storyline alone is motive enough to watch this show, but for those who would like extra motivation, here are five good reasons to go watch Chicago: The Musical. 1. The Music Guaranteed to continue to keep you engaged, each musical number in Chicago is based on a traditional vaudeville act; most of them are actually inspired by particular famous vaudeville performers, including Judy Garland and Mae West. The score was composed by John Kander, winner of the Tony, Laurence Olivier, Emmy, and Grammy Awards. Songs include ‘All that Jazz’ along with ‘Razzle Dazzle’ 2. The Awards Chicago: The Musical itself has been the winner of a number of awards, which include eleven Tony nominations in the 1976 original run of the performance and a Tony in 1997, the Drama Desk Awards, Outer circle Awards, and Drama League Award. An Academy Award-winning film edition of the musical was released to considerable critical acclaim in 2002. 3. The Dance numbers The musical Chicago has become identified with its choreography, engineered by highly regarded choreographer Bob Fosse, who has picked up eight Tony Awards for his occupation. Of particular fascination here are the numbers ?Razzle Dazzle,? ?Cell Block Tango,? as well as ?We Both Reached for the Gun.? 4. The Staging Theatre sets, style, choreography, and sheer aesthetic spectacle for this stage show are unequalled and the performance often knocks down the fourth wall, pulling the audience towards its visceral world. 5. The Idea If nothing about theatre shows enraptures you, then the intellectual fodder put out by the themes in the story of Chicago: The Musical is ample to get anyone?s mind operating. Chicago isn?t shy about mentioning how glamourised bad guys become once they enter the public eye, nor does it abstain from the central theme that people all over are totally in love with scandal, no matter how depraved. Learn more information and buy tickets for Chicago the Musical

We all know where to get the greatest beers on earth. We know how to pick out the very best beers at the local pub. But have you ever taken into consideration a trip to your local, independent brewery? Learn the excitement in store and exactly what to expect to have if you decide to do so! Serious about your beer and local traditions? Ever been to a brewery? Well it could work out to be a great outing! There’s the 300 year-old brewery in Faversham, Kent in Southeast England. Shepard Neame has a guided tour that takes about 80 minutes. They will show how they use the classic brewing methods yet merged with the most up-to-date technology and create a yummy variety of of ‘Kentish Ales and speciality Lagers’. You will find the traditional mash tuns, you’ll have a taste of the natural mineral water they use straight from the Brewery’s well and also stepping into a re-created coopers working area. Probably the top section of the tour is that all audience member participation is nurtured! You will taste the hops and other ingredients that go into creating the top of the top local beers. The entire visit here usually takes about 2 hours, this includes the tasting and the Brewery Store visit where you can purchase souvenirs and of course take home some tasty beer! Another place to visit for a tour of a very fine brewery is The Hogs Back Brewery, which is found in the village of Tongham, Surrey, between Farnham and Guildford just off the A31 ?Hogs Back? road. It is set within 16th century farm buildings in this quaint little village. You may anticipate a large amount of sampling of the award winning beers, and ales they create. ‘Our flagship real ale, ?TEA? (Traditional English Ale), has proved to be a favourite of cask conditioned ale drinkers throughout the UK and is the proud winner of many awards’. Viewing local independent breweries is like a walk in the park with exclusive little goodies, taste-testing lots of unique flavors of beers and ales. Most of the breweries have adorable little restaurants where you can sit and eat an amazing meal after all of the walking . You may even become a little drunk soon after all the sampling! In 1970 there became a new development and craze in microbreweries. Small company proprietors turned a small business with considerable profit to producing top quality brews that sell in the UK and abroad. These microbreweries also offer tours too. Uncover more info about local Breweries to visit

Disney’s stage edition of the much loved classic ‘The Lion King’ is now showing in London’s West End. The stageshow mixes singing, dancing together with beautiful scenery and costumes to produce a breathtaking show. Audiences will like hearing recognizable tunes from the movie, and even various brand-new songs written specially for the musical edition. Altogether, the Lion King Musical offers terrific amusement for all age groups. In the early 1990s, it sounded like the market of theatre was falling down. Together with the expenditures of producing a musical theatre show increased sharply, few people were prepared to fork out for pricey theatre tickets when they might just as effortlessly visit the movie theatre for a small percentage of the price. Fortunately, Disney rescued the troubled Broadway world, first with a stageshow adaptation of Beauty in the Beast, and then a stageshow of the Lion King. Now, this fancy modern musical can be seen at a variety of venues, including the Lyceum Theatre, situated in London’s West End. Here are five reasons why you must attend this stunning show. 1. Appealing to All Age ranges Clearly, the Lion King is a hit with kids. But the rhythmic music and sophisticated story makes it an interesting performance for grownups too. Young adults will take pleasure in reminiscing of the first time they saw the movie as small children. 2. Award Winner The Lion King has received a number of known awards, including eleven Drama Desk awards and six Tony awards. It was also nominated for an additional five Tony awards. Any show that is the receiver of this amount of awards is clearly worth observing. 3. Brand new Songs Everyone is in love with the songs from the movie rendition of the Lion King. A lot of the favourites from the film are integrated that you can sing along with, such as ‘Be Prepared,’ ‘Circle of Life,’ ‘I Just Can’t Wait To Be King,’ and ‘Hakuna Matata,’ are featured in the West End show. But there are also a number of brand new songs that were composed for the musical edition. These new songs include ‘Endless Night,’ ‘Shadowland,’ and ‘One By One.’ 4. Lovely Costumes One might wonder how a musical show of the Lion King is able to show wildlife like giraffes and zebras while using humans as actors. This feat was done along with the help of various excellent costume designers. It is interesting to see the costumes, which are both complex and easy. The awesome thing about these costumes is that they manage to communicate human characteristics while retaining crucial animalistic elements. This anthropomorphic balance between animal and human helps keep the story believable. 5. Unique Scenery There a count of complicated scenes in the Lion King that could not work without the use of complex scenery and props. One such scene is the stampede, during which wildebeast props on rollers make a powerful feeling of danger together with the animals racing towards you giving the illusion of depth. Along with great music, lovely costumes and unique scenery, the Lion King musical is one of the most entertaining shows in decades. A must see for adults and children alike! Find out more information about the Lion King Musical and buy tickets

With its reputation for cutting-edge style, architecture and artwork, it’s really no surprise London hosts much of the neatest design-led hotels worldwide. The following is our own pick of the top 5 London hotels when the surroundings will most certainly be as impressive as the service

Sanderson

A hidden gem in the West End, the Sanderson London hotel’s a compelling mix of unique, stylish and refined. Where else would you see Salvador Dali’s iconic red lips sofa coupled with vintage 1960s mosaics and hand-crafted African furniture? The 50s building that contains the 5-star hotel was altered into a beautiful, dreamlike environment by renowned French designer Philippe Starck. An additional design highlight is Philip Hicks’ open-air Courtyard Garden, an exclusive place filled with lush vegetation, fountains, mosaics and a reflecting pool.

Charlotte Street Hotel

A night at the wonderful Charlotte Street Hotel London, built just north of Soho, is usually a must for literary and artistic sorts visiting London. Inspired by the legendary ‘Bloomsbury set’, a 20th century group of artists and writers of which involved Virginia Woolf, interior designer Kit Kemp has introduced original art from the group’s own illustrious artists: Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and Roger Fry. Their fascination with Matisse along with other vivid French painters meanwhile forms the foundation for the drawing rooms, while the inspired style continues inside brasserie with a mural of present day London life.

The Zetter

In a past life, this kind of classy boutique hotel in east London would have been a Victorian warehouse. Renovated by restaurateurs Michael Benyan and Mark Sainsbury, The Zetter opened up in 2004 to instant acclaim and was selected as among the world’s 50 coolest hotels by Cond© Nast Traveller. Each of the London hotel’s fifty nine rooms ” including the lush roof-top pad ” is individually designed using a combination of vintage and modern. The attention to detail and design continues all over the hotel and in the adjoining Bistrot Bruno Loubet and Atrium Bar.

St Martin’s Lane

Using encouragement from the theatrical surrounds, St Martins Lane hotel is really a stunning addition to London’s West End. Found in Covent Garden, the snappy design brings together the modern and baroque with a playful sense of humour. From the extra-large luminescent yellow-glass revolving doors to the jam-packed art columns of the Asia de Cuba restaurant, there’s plenty of eye candy to feast upon. While for individuals who want to communicate their own creativity, many of the London hotel’s rooms include a unique light installation with a colour to reflect your every mood.

The Mandeville

Located in London’s stylish Marylebone Village, The Mandeville Hotel recently underwent a £15million refurbishment. Interior designer Stephen Ryan has given the London hotel’s public areas an innovative, modern day twist with French upholstered walling, Venetian masks, witty paintings and neon lighting. At the same time in the bedrooms, the marriage of classic and contemporary continues with luxurious fabric from leading design houses such as Canovas, Zubor Catherine Huntley and Brunswick.

Click here for more information on London Hotels

Many people learn to sail by going sailing with their friends or parents. But how do you get started if you do not know anybody with a boat? Or perhaps you want to undertake formal training to acquire a recognised qualification. Many yacht charter companies will require potential customers to hold a recognised qualification prior to them chartering a yacht. Sailing in many countries is looked after by national associations or federations. The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) in the United Kingdom and in the United States the ASA (American Sailing Association) to name but two.

These governing bodies have designed a series of courses that enable people to obtain internationally recognised qualifications. The courses are rarely run by the national body itself. Private companies can apply to run the courses to national associations/federations and if approved they can then offer recognised courses to people wanting to learn to sail.

Courses are available both on the water (practical) and shore based (theory) for sailboats, power and motor boats, dinghies as well as supplementary courses such as sea survival and diesel engine maintenance. This article will look only at courses for sailing boats and the structure of courses within the United Kingdom.

The the number of people carried on board for the practical courses will vary but normally will not exceed an instructor and 5 students. I completed my own Day Skipper Practical with just one fellow student and the instructor. The higher the student/instructor ratio, the less one to one time everybody gets with the instructor but the cost per person is reduced. It is also preferable, I think, to have a mix of people taking different courses. 5 people taking the Coastal Skipper Practical Course aboard the same boat will have a reduced amount of time in their role as skipper.

Getting started - The first course we’ll look at is called Start Yachting, no previous experience is required and over two days participants will be shown how to steer a yacht, how to handle the sails, a little ropework and an insight into safety on board. The Competant Crew course is again aimed at complete beginners, no previous experience is required. This course last five days and in addition to steering and sail handling participants will be shown how to keep a lookout and row a dinghy.

The first shorebased course is called Day Skipper Theory. A little on the water experience is desirable. The course requires 40 hours and two written exams are taken at the conclusion. Primarily about the basics of navigation, seamanship and the weather, when completed you should be able to navigate a boat in familiar waters in daylight.

The Day Skipper Practical follows and can be completed in 5 days or over 3 weekends. This can be undertaken in either tidal or non-tidal waters and the certificate issued at completion recognizes the distinction. Experience is required, participants should have spent five days at sea with 4 hours night sailing and have logged 100 miles. The course covers boat handling, seamanship and navigation and pilotage. When finished you should be able to skipper a yacht in familiar waters in daylight.

The Watchleader Practical course, as the name suggests, teaches the responsibilitiesof a watchleader, navigation seamanship, safety and collision avoidance. Experience is required, participants should have have logged 100 miles and spent five days at sea with 4 hours night sailing. After the 5 day course you should be able to take the watch on a sail traing vessel.

The second shorebased course is called Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory. This course is in part a preperation for the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore practical examinations. It continues on from the Day Skipper theory course looking again at navigation and meteorology and also considers safety, collision avoidance and passage planning. Some practical experience is necessary and you should understand theory of navigation to the level of the pervious Day Skipper theory course. The course takes 40 hours and concludes with three examination papers. When completed you should understand the theory of navigation required to undertake coastal and offshore passages.

The Coastal Skipper Practical Course follows the theory. Again this can be taken in tidal or non-tidal waters and again the certificate issued at completion recognizes the distinction. This course is aimed at skippers wishing to make coastal passages by both day and night. It assumes you will have spent 15 days at sea with 2 of them as skipper and have 8 night hours. You should have logged 300 miles. You should have practical skills equivilant to the Day Skipper Theory Course and theoretical navigation to Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory. The course lasts 5 days and deals with boat handling, safety and emergency situations, pilotage by day and night and passage planning. You will be expected to plan and skipper a short passage.Upon completion you should be able to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night.

You can follow this up with the Coastal Skipper Sailing Practical Examination. More experience is required, 30 days at sea with 2 days as skipper and 12 night hours and you should have logged 800 miles. You are also required to hold a First Aid Certificate and a VHF SRC Radio Operator’s Certificate. You should undertand theory to the level of the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster shorebased course. Course content includes boat handling and seamanship, collision avoidance, safety, passage making and navigation, meteorology and ability as skipper. Upon completion you should be capable of skippering a yacht on coastal passages by day and night and with the additional of a commercial endorsement you can skipper commercial vessels under 24 metres in length up to 20 miles from a safe haven. For one person you should expect the exam to take between 6 - 10 hours, if two people are taking the exam this will increase to between 8 -14 hours.

The next level is the Yachtmaster Offshore Sailing Practical Examination. Canditates are required to have spent 50 days at sea with 5 days as skipper you should have logged 2,500 miles. You should have made 5 passages in excess of 60 miles including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper. Again you are required to hold a First Aid Certificate and a VHF SRC Radio Operator’s Certificate. You should undertand theory to the level of the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster shorebased course. You will be expected to demonstrate your ability as the skipper of an offshore sailing yacht, including questions on collision avoidance, navigation, pilotage, meteorology and boat handling. After a sucsessful completion you should be able to skipper an offshore sailing yacht by day or night. For one person you should expect the exam to take between 8 - 12 hours, if two people are taking the exam this will increase to between 10 -18 hours.

Back on shore for the Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course. This provides the knowledge required for those wishing to sail long distances. It covers ocean passage making and astro navigation including the use of a sextant. I’m sure the purists will disagree but personally I’m not convinced of the relevance of astro navigation and the sextant. I once crewed across the Atlantic for a couple who were making a circumnavigation. Seeing the sextant on board I asked the skipper if he could give me a demonstration of it’s use. He pointed me in the direction of the book that went with it saying he’d relied upon GPS for the last 12 years. “What happens if the GPS packs up?” I asked. “We use the spare one” he told me. The course lasts 40 hours and when completed you should understand how to plan and navigate on an ocean passage.

Finally the Yachtmaster Ocean Sailing Oral Examination on passage details and sun sight information. You must have successfully completed the Yachtmaster Offshore practical exam. You should have made a 600 mile passage as either mate or skipper and be able to take sun-run-sun sights and compass check by azumuth. You will receive questions on the techniques and problems of ocean passage making, including navigation, passage planning and ocean meteorology.The exam lasts a minimum of 1 and 1/2 hours and upon sucsessful completion you should be able to skipper a sailing yacht on an ocean passage.

For information on other courses available please click here. To find a coures in your area visit our Marine Directory.

Contrary to what many think, ultralight backpacking is not just about the freedom to hike more miles or to take your whole pack up the mountain with you. It is also about comfort and safety. Backpackers with heavy loads work too hard and threaten their joints too much. Challenges may add to the experience, but why suffer more than is necessary?

The Disadvantages Of Traditional Backpacking

Lack Of Freedom

You can’t easily take a side trip up that hill, just to see what is there. If you do it without your pack, you have to go back the same way to get your pack.

It’s A Hassle

Putting on and taking off your heavy pack quickly becomes a chore. You start leaving it on even during rest stops, just so you don’t have to deal with it.

It’s Tiring

Backpacking is clearly more tiring with a heavy pack, and you probably won’t enjoy yourself as much when you are tired.

More Injuries

Sprained ankles, blistered feet, sore muscles, and back and knee problems are just some of the common consequences of too much weight on your back.

Slowness

More weight equals slower progress, which means less access to wild places (you can’t go as far on your four-day trip), or it means less time to for enjoyable activities, like a swim in a mountain lake, or a relaxing evening in camp.

More Dangerous

More injuries, and the inability to move quickly when a storm is coming or an emergency requires you to get to a road, means that backpacking can actually be more dangerous with a heavy load. Add to that the possibility of bad decisions due to tiredness.

The Ultralight Backpacking Alternative

Done the right way, ultralight backpacking gives you more freedom, more comfort, more safety, more enjoyment and less suffering than traditional backpacking. It allows you to move faster, but notice that I say “allows.” It doesn’t require it. It just gives you the option. That’s more freedom.

I have yet to meet or hear about a person who has tried lightweight backpacking for a while, and then gone back to a heavy load. I’m not saying it is for everyone. Bad ankles may require heavy hiking boots, and bad habits may require a big pack to satisfy them. But even a backpacker who needs a pillow and big rectangular sleeping bag, can find these in lighter forms.

You just can’t understand the sense of liberation felt by a convert to ultralight backpacking, until you try it yourself. When I, with my eleven-pound pack, walk past overloaded backpackers struggling up steep trails, I remembered being in their place, and I know I am enjoying myself more now.

Misconceptions About Ultralight Backpacking

Lighweight Backpacking Means Sacrifice

Not so. Bring your favorite camera! A lighter load means you can stop to use it more easily. If you leave behind the things you don’t need, and bring a lighter backpack, tent, and sleeping bag, you can more easily bring that telephoto lense or whatever is really important to you.

Lighweight Backpacking Is Less Safe

The opposite! Bring all the safety items; a sleeping bag, first aid kit, shelter, water purification, etc. Just bring lighter versions. A light load makes you less likely to lose your balance and fall, or to otherwise injure yourself. It also means faster response to iffy situations.

A note about safety:

It is lagely a matter of knowledge and experience. A trained survivalist will always be safer backpacking with no shelter than a neophyte with the best tent. Learn a little about how to use you equipment properly, or to read the sky for comimg storms, and you can go lighter and safer.

Lightweight Backpacking Is Less Comfortable

Is it less comfortable to have 18 pounds on your back than 50? Is it less comfortable to have an ultralight sleeping bag if it keeps you just as warm? I stopped getting blisters (totally) when I started using running shoes instead of hiking boots. Cut the weight on your back by twenty-five pounds, and you can add back a heavier coat, if that is what you need to be comfortable.

Lightweight Backpacking Is Expensive

Ultralight sleeping bags are expensive. Almost everything else needed for ultralight backpacking can be found for the same price or cheaper than traditional gear. There are many sub-three-pound backpacks under a hundred dollars, for example.

Bottom Line:

Try it. The first time you are fifteen miles into the day, and you realize that you can easily run up that hill-just to see what is there, you’ll know you made the right decision.

Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of going light. His advice and stories can be found at The Ultralight Backpacking Site. (http://www.the-ultralight-site.com)