What do an ultralight backpacking guru and a legendary Lake District walker have in common? More than you might think. Glen Van Peski, founder of Gossamer Gear and author of Take Less. Do More., and Alfred Wainwright, famed for his walking guides and his maxim about “unsuitable clothing,” share a kindred philosophy: adventure is less about what you carry and more about how you approach it.

In their own ways, both Van Peski and Wainwright challenge us to rethink our relationship with the outdoors, focusing on simplicity, resilience, and joy. Let’s unpack their ideas (pun intended) to see how combining their insights can inspire a more fulfilling connection with the natural world.

The Wisdom of Taking Less

Glen Van Peski is a modern minimalist maestro. His book, Take Less. Do More., is a bible for ultralight backpackers, urging them to pack only what’s necessary. For Van Peski, this isn’t just about reducing pack weight—it’s about liberating yourself to fully experience the outdoors.

“Weight,” Van Peski writes, “isn’t just on your back. It’s in your mind.” Every extra ounce is a mental and physical burden, detracting from the joy of the journey. By stripping down to essentials, you can hike farther, climb higher, and see the trail in a new light.

This philosophy resonates beyond gear. Van Peski’s approach is about simplifying life, focusing on what truly matters, and letting go of the rest.

Wainwright’s Take on Weather (and Life)

Now, enter Alfred Wainwright, the patron saint of damp tweed and misty fells. Wainwright famously declared, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” In his 1973 book Coast to Coast, he wasn’t just offering practical advice for rainy days but advocating a mindset of adaptability and positivity.

Wainwright was no stranger to wet socks and whipping winds, but he saw these inconveniences as part of the adventure. He’d sing quietly as he walked and claimed, “One can forget even a raging toothache on Haystacks.” For him, discomfort wasn’t a deterrent but a reminder to appreciate the beauty around him.

If Van Peski teaches us to shed physical weight, Wainwright teaches us to shed mental resistance. Rain, cold, or muddy boots? All just part of the deal when you’re out where the wild things are.

Where Minimalism Meets Positivity

What happens when we combine Van Peski’s ultralight ethos with Wainwright’s weather-ready wisdom? A recipe for mindful, joyful exploration.

Both men urge us to focus on the essentials: the thrill of the trail, the beauty of the landscape, the freedom of being untethered from the trappings of modern life. They remind us that adventure isn’t about having the fanciest gear or the perfect conditions—it’s about showing up, embracing the experience, and finding delight in the details.

Here’s how their philosophies intersect and complement each other:

1. Pack Light, Pack Right (Van Peski x Wainwright)
   For Van Peski, the less you carry, the farther you can go. For Wainwright, the right gear (even if it’s just a trusty tweed jacket) makes all the difference. Together, they remind us to be intentional with what we bring. Do we need a dozen “just in case” items, or can we rely on clever, multipurpose gear and a bit of grit?
2. Embrace the Elements
   Van Peski’s mantra of minimalism extends to mental baggage: accept the trail as it is. Wainwright takes it a step further—don’t just accept the rain; revel in it. You’re not “suffering”; you’re earning your memories.
3. Shift the Focus
   Both men advocate, in their own ways, that adventure is about mindset. A heavy pack or a gloomy forecast only holds you back if you let it. By focusing on the journey, rather than the minor inconveniences, you discover what truly matters: the view from the summit, the sound of a stream, the simple joy of walking.

A Practical Guide to Walking Light and Living Fully

If you’re ready to merge the philosophies of Van Peski and Wainwright, here’s how to get started:

• Audit Your Pack: Take a hard look at what you carry. Do you really need all of it? Could you trade weight for versatility?
• Invest in Quality: Wainwright’s tweed might not cut it today, but modern outdoor fabrics are game-changers. Choose gear that’s light, durable, and designed for your conditions.
• Check Your Attitude: Rain or shine, remember that the weather is part of the adventure. A lightweight poncho might not keep you 100% dry, but with the right mindset, you’ll hardly notice.
• Practice Mindfulness: As you walk, take moments to soak in your surroundings. Sing quietly, if that’s your thing. Let the trail work its magic.
• Prioritize Experience Over Equipment: Fancy gear is great, but it’s not what you’ll remember. Focus on the moments, not the material.

The Ultimate Adventure Philosophy

If Wainwright and Van Peski could walk together, they’d probably get along famously. One might carry a waterproofed Harris tweed; the other, a featherweight jacket. One might pause to hum a tune on the trail; the other might jot down tips for shaving a few more ounces off a pack.

But their shared belief is clear: The outdoors is for everyone, regardless of weather or pack weight. What matters most is how you approach it.

So, the next time you’re debating whether to head out in questionable weather or agonizing over what to pack, remember this: take less, do more, and never let unsuitable clothing—or unsuitable thinking—keep you from the trail.

Now go find your adventure. Rain or shine, it’s out there waiting for you.