New technologies and designs have revolutionized long-distance hiking. Ultralight backpacking gives thru-hikers the freedom to travel more comfortably without the base weight carried by hikers 10-15 years ago. Base weight includes the pack, sleeping bag, first-aid kit and minimal gear.

"It's really amazing that they can make this stuff so light," said Gazdik. "I carry a frameless pack, a little stove, tent, sleeping bag ... everything I need. It's less than 15 pounds. With water and some food and stuff, it's still like there's nothing on my back. At my own pace, I can walk all day." Gazdik's gear list, in ounces:

• 33 Bear Vault 450 bear canister
• 32 Granite Gear Virga backpack, belt pockets
• 32 Contrail tarp tent, stakes, sack
• 24 Mont-Bell Down Hugger sleeping bag
• 10 NeoAir Regular sleeping pad, sack
• 10 First Aid kit
• 9 Clothing
• 7 Filter bottle
• 7 Mont-Bell down pants
• 6 Poncho cape
• 7 Mont-Bell down jacket
• 6 3 pairs socks
• 5 Wind jacket
• 4 Titanium pot
• 4 Titanium cup
• 4 Zip-off pant legs
• 2 Gloves
• 2 Head lamp
• 1 Hat
• 1 Esbit stove, wind screen
• 1 Lighters
• 1 Platypus 2-liter water bottle

TOTAL 207 OZ. OR 12.9375 POUNDS BASE WEIGHT PLUS FOOD AND WATER

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