An Ultralight Path

The last issue of “N” magazine had a couple of articles in it authored by me. This is one. I’m adding several extra illustrative photos that weren’t in the magazine, here.

An Ultralight Path for Nude Hiking

Defined as two naturists, DF and I love to immerse ourselves in nature, our bodies as naked as possible. We value the added sensual exploration and awareness, the oneness, the spiritual augmentation, and the liberating sense of freedom. I like to experience the body’s natural instincts, the way it steps and climbs in so many ways, and across the seemingly infinite myriad of nature’s make up.

Several years ago, we began hiking the deserts and forests of Arizona nude. There was a period of inhibition and fear. We walked with wraps in hand, shuffling for cover when someone approached. In stealth, fully listening, we smuggled our naked bodies through uncertain terrain. We got more comfortable as time brought more experience and through our dialog with similar-thinking people. Realistically, on the trail, one to four oddballs out of one hundred encounters may object. Personally, we have had more people inquire and then spontaneously join our nudity than give us dirty looks. We comport as ourselves and others act similarly.

We also, found a plethora of options and strategies to have an abundance of natural treasures all to our clothes-free selves. We started by hiking further. I bought a four-wheel-drive, and we were able to drive and camp away from people, and to then walk further into unencumbered natural states.

We became more enthusiastic with what we were experiencing, realizing health benefits both mental and physical. The more we hiked, the more the passion for being nude amongst nature captured us. We began to discover more of what was hidden in the wilds, and thirsted for it. We felt overwhelmingly blessed, standing naked in the middle of the astounding and awesome.

I hadn’t been backpacking in decades, and my back had problems. Imagining myself carrying 40 pounds for miles was out of the question, but I discovered the idea of “ultralight” backpacking. The great thru-hikers had been honing this, and an industry has grown to meet demand.

I figured that in order to keep distance from other people on the trail, sleeping far from trailheads creates multiple options. Most people day hike. One way to experience a wonderful spot is to enjoy it toward evening when most have hiked home. In the morning, it takes a while for dayhikers to return. Weekday hiking adds further solitude.

Another strategy is to backpack a few miles in and establishing a base camp. From this, there is the delight of awakening to true nature, and we can freehike further from there with much less effort and far fewer people. We have more time to stop and smell the wild roses. It isn’t so much the goal, but the moment-by-moment walk in the between. Would you rather pound through ten or more miles in a day with a full pack, or three to six with minimal weight from a base camp? A personal nude playground can become huge.

Often, the first concern is the weight to carry. Most people carry ten pounds in their day packs alone, and many nearly 40 pounds when backpacking overnight. We now backpack with less than ten pounds each to overnight camps, plus our water. Bottles of water weigh a couple pounds, but if we are near a water source, we can use a two-ounce water filter system instead, saving backpack weight.

The next question was expense. An ultralight backpacking investment can be hundreds of dollars. We didn’t want to spend the money until we knew we’d like backpacking. I managed to set us up for less than $200. We loved it. I bought a tiny four ounce cook stove with a matching titanium pot and a water filter at the backpack shops. A fast-food restaurant provided plastic eating utensils. We arranged some easy dehydrated food. We arranged some layers of clothing to stay warm, a windbreaker, sweat shirt, long sleeve T, thick wooly socks and thermal leggings. Toilet paper, a tooth brush, everything was kept simple and austere. Then I found inexpensive lightweight sleeping bags and a $30 four pound tent. I had an old backpack and Breeze borrowed one from a friend. That first rig weighed a few pounds more than our goal of ten, but it got us out there a few experimental miles for a couple of nights. We loved it, but were also sure that we were ready to invest in a true ultralight setup.

As time went on, I researched and incrementally added new lighter equipment to strip weight away. Experience taught us what we truly needed. There is always room for improvement. I learned the caution to be aware that it’s sporting goods, not candy and toys.

The first investment was a pair of ultralight soft air mattresses. A good night’s sleep makes a big difference in mental clarity, attitude, and aching body parts.

Our evolution has brought us to a comfortable and easy arrangement, which has taken us into varying scenarios and terrains. We can awake to grand vistas, inviting brooks, and remote hot springs. In the evening we find peace around a campfire, and skies filled with stars thick like a glittering blanket.

We bought down jackets that each weigh only 8oz. and discarding bulk and weight. Our special down quilt is only 17 oz.. We found ultralight backpacks at less than two pounds. Who needs a frame when the load is so minimal?

Each ounce, at the end of the day, can feel heavier. It’s worth focusing on weight, as the less you carry the further you can hike comfortably into the wilderness. And the further you get, the easier it is to enjoy your outdoor time free of clothes. I have even created a more Spartan solo overnight arrangement that weighs around six pounds. This includes warm clothing, which stays in the pack, placed there, just in case.

I’ll say that clothed or not, hiking past the trailheads is best practiced with one, or more competent partners. Sharing the load can mean more than equipment.

We have, now over years, honed our needs. Our investment is justified and well researched. I’ve reached my 70s, but because of this investment, I feel assured that I will be spicing up a healthy life for many years to come.

I am on the forum of FreeRangeNaturism.com often, if you would like to converse.

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