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Ray Jardine
Generally considered the pioneer of the lightweight backpacking movement, Ray Jardine (born 1945) popularized lightweight methods and philosophy in his well-known book Beyond Backpacking, which was a sequel to his original book Pacific Crest Trail Hikers Handbook (1996). An updated issue of Beyond Backpacking is scheduled to be published soon. Jardine has hiked the PCT three times, the CDT once, and the AT once, all with his wife Jenny. In addition, Ray and Jenny have done many other notable adventures together, which can be read about at their website [1].
Ray and Jenny Jardine promote learning to make your own gear in order to gain psychological independence from gear manufacturers and advertising. They sell kits with detailed instructions for making quilts, tarps, net-tents, and other basic gear at their website. The gear they use is simple and fool-proof, though no longer at the "cutting edge" of ultralight equipment, with recent advances in the use of cuben fiber, ultralight down quilts, and other equipment. In addition, the Jardines advocate the use of natural, organic food and generally cook their food over open fires. Their general philosophy is one of simplicity and maximal connection with their natural environment.
See also
- rayjardine.com - personal website
