We can learn a lot from the passions of others.
The founder of Six Moon Designs is a thru-hiker—that’s someone who sets off on a major hiking trail like the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail or the 2,600-mile Pacific Crest Trail and hikes the entire length. That’s a lot of miles and a lot of gear strapped on your back. So, founder Ron Moak aka “Fallingwater” tired of the weight of his gear and set about creating lightweight backpacks, tents, and even umbrellas for those like him who travel like turtles, their homes on their backs. The result is ridiculously light gear that can have a practical application for pilots who need to mind weight and balance calculations. The company’s first product was the Europa tent, a single-walled shelter that weighs just 33 ounces (that’s about the weight of a loaf of sliced bread). A two-person tent, the Haven, is just 34 ounces ($375). The poles and stakes are lightweight, too. The backpacks are made of Robic nylon or sailcloth, are also lightweight and water resistant. They have adjustable torso lengths and range in price from $155 to $350.