Not quite ready to hit the trails?

Whether you're brushing up or learning fresh, you're sure to learn something at the Backpacking 101 seminar at 7 p.m. Thursday at REI, 1376 E. Woodmen Road.

On the agenda: choosing a pack, clothing and footwear; understanding what you need to get where you're going and enjoy your trip once there.

No need to register. No need to pay. See you there.

(Photo courtesy of GoLite, a leading maker of lightweight gear.)

Lighten up, eh?

If you're looking to lighten your load, it's worth talking to professionals at a local shop like Mountain Chalet, and even REI, for tips on where to cut back. I'm sure the folks at REI will be helpful. I KNOW the crew at Mountain Chalet will ask all the right questions to see about getting you some good gear. (I shop at both, btw.)

If you want to do some comparison surfing, here are some sites to check out:

www.golite.com

www.prolitegear.com

www.backpackinglight.com

www.litebackpacker.com

Do you have a piece of lightweight gear you think the rest of us should consider? Let us know.