Backpacking expert Andrew Skurka uses the term “stupid light” when referring to the bad decisions made in the quest to lighten a pack. Repair items, for example, are so rarely needed you might be tempted to leave them at home. But don’t. For example, the minor weight penalty for carrying these two simple items is well worth it: (1) An adhesive nylon patch to fix a rip in a tent or a tear in a sleeping bag or down jacket, and (2) a splint to use if you break a tent pole, keeping your tent erect instead of collapsing on top of you.

Jeff Moravec

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