Now I'm Down to 15 lbs :)

“Well I finally weighted all my gear and my base weight (before water, fuel, and food) is down to 15 Lbs. I could probably even shave another pound off of that if I convert the hipbelt on my Kelty Flight pack.

I also just ordered a down vest from Cabelas, $25.00, after trying my fathers out. That with a long sleeve shirt, my rain shell, and a t shirt underneath, brings my total clothing for a 3 day trip to only 3 lbs total. I even tested it outside at 40 degrees and I started sweating in just a couple of minutes.

The lighter the better!!!

Last summer I was down to 22 lbs, I'm excited to try it all out next week on an overnight to Halfdome!!! I'm way too excited!”

“that is great i wish you luck. what are you using for a pack and tent”

“I'm useing the Kelty Flight...I noticed that the Flight is not on there site anymore, but the Cloud4500 is almost the same. Only the Flight wasn't sooooo expensive. It was made of different fabric. I think they want people to pay for that white pack.

I'm ditching the tent this year. I've never needed one in the Sierras so I'm just taking an emergency (space blanket) shelter that only weighs 10oz. I could rig something up if I actually need the rain protection. Really though, I have spent every night, in the last 7 years, sleeping under the stars with a tent in my pack. It just seems illogical to keep carrying it.”

“i sometimes dont feel like putting tent up and sleep outside. but one time i didnt bring it at all and i was pissed to hell get out cause it poored i ended up like making a lean to with branches and fraun palm leaves. that sucked”

“There's nothing like shedding pack weight.

How much does that Kelty Flight weigh? I found that my pack was one of my heaviest items and replaced it with a 19 oz. GoLite Gust.

How about posting an item-by-item pack list with weights.”

“that actully seems like a good idea steve hiker that way we could have some idea on ways to cut away weight”

“Ok...I'll go get it. give me a sec.”

“thanks bro”

“right now my pack is the heavist thing also...but it's ok...cause according to leatherneck and rabbitman....michelle carries all the gear!...”

“i just went from an internal to an external and it weights more but i love this pack i am so excited to get it out on the trail its a dana design shortbed and i will tell you its a bit heavier but its got these weight wonder polls that distribute the top weight to the hips and it is awsome i highly suggest it.”

“If I don't have 45 pounds on my back I feel like I am playing hooky.”

“You really should have that mole looked at, bacpac.”

“Pack: Kelty Flight (2 lbs)
I have it striped down to the main bag with the frame inside, and the top compartment attached. I took off the side and rear compartments. I could cut more weight by taking off the ISO gel hip belt and useing the strap belt option.

Food/Cooking:
(1 lb 4 oz total)... Aluminum Pot/lid, V8 can stove with simmer mod. (alcohol burning).. Utensils, salt/pepper,

Shelter: (5 lbs about)
2 lb 13 oz Down Bag 15 deg., foam pad 9 oz, ground plastic, & Space Blanket 10 oz

First Aid Kit (1 lb total):
bandaids, moleskin, tape, lipbalm, sunscreen, insect repellent, Iodine water treatment

Toiletries: (1/2 lb total)
bio soap, TP, toothpaste/brush, camp towel

Necessities: (1/2 lb total)
topo map, petzl tikka headlamp, tiny knif, nylon cord,lg garbage bag.

Clothing: (3 Lbs total)
long sleeve shirt, shell pants, 1 pair extra undies & wool socks, 1 extra synthetic t shirt, 1 dwn vest, 1 rain shell, fleece hat.

Goodies: (2 Lbs total and optional)
Camera, cell phone, book

I'll probably take the phone and the camera. so I guess that makes about 16 lbs.”

“Why do you need a cell phone?”

“To call my wife....I usually get reception from the passes....We just got married last August. So it's kind of nice to get that hello.”

“Dr. Laura, the mole is not on my bac. It is a little lower. Could you take a look for me?”

“I've got the larger Dana Longbed. Heavy pack, but it is VERY comfortable!”

“Its all in your head!!!!

If you want to have it with you then bring it.

If you know you are not going to use it leave it at home!

8)”

“My Kelty Flight 4500 is 3.0.8 lbs.

Its got the top pocket, 1 compression strap, padded waist belt. I'll have to re-weigh it. I also cut the extra straps that were dangling.

I've been carrying 31-35 lbs for snow camping and its been comfortable. Not sure where I can cut weight and still be comfortable. I had to add the 0 deg bag, another layer of capilene, down booties and toe warmers to the winter pack.

When I get my Bearikade weekender I'll lose another 10 oz.”

“I agree Crazy Mike!

One thing I learned last summer on an 8 day stretch of the PCT was that my 2 lbs of fishing gear wasn't worth it's weight. I caught plenty of fish, but I found that after a day of difficult hiking I wanted to just relax in camp. Fishing was more like a chore than fun.

I do love fishing though and I will still fish and hike, but I not if I'm planning an ambitious long trek.”

“Well, maybe I'm wrong, but I had it at 3.5 lbs total weight... Of course, I cut all the extra straps off, and took off all the little gear loops. May be the 2 lbs was without the ISO Hip Belt.

Oh well, I love that pack!
It's quite comfortable!”

“yea i looked at the long bed i just dont need that much space i like the designs that dana makes they are well made especially the wands that make it easier on the shouldars.”

“If I don't have 45 pounds on my back I feel like I am playing hooky."
bacpac


I have three backpacks. My last one and the only one I now use, is a JanSport Alaska 115, with an internal frame. It weights 7 pounds. The extra weight is well worth it. The pack is a pleasure to carry because it rides so well and the straps never hurt. It has more space than I'll ever use. The top compartment is removable as a fanny pack and I have used it for hikes from a base camp.

Except for a simple overnight w/o food, I usually carry 35 to 45 pounds total. The weight is no problem because I exercise a lot with workouts, weight lifting, bicycling, swimming and aikijutsu (plus working on my feet around 35 hours per week). (My knees are a problem, though.) Naturally, I can notice the difference when hiking with 35 instead of 45 pounds. But, I have been on a perpetual diet, and I backpack to strengthen my leg muscles. So, to me it is another exercise program, a very enjoyable one. For last summer my cardiologist instructed me to go mtn. backpacking again (for my 5 bypasses), so my trip was tax deductible.

Lift some weights, exercise, and you won't have to cut the handle from your toothbrush, remove the cardboard from within the roll of toilet paper, etc. to save some ounces!”

“I have the white one like yours thinair--it is quite comfortable with the web belt--it is the only one I use. Be sure to figure out how you will set up your shelter in advance--perhaps in the back yard--then you will be prepared and dry if things cut loose on you. Have a good trip--Mary”

“My primary concern with packweight is the long-term impact on my knees. Taller folks often run into knee trouble later in life.”

“My total pack weight including food and fuel is 18 lbs. I carry a Golite Breeze that weighs 15 oz. My tent is a MSR Zoid 1. I love packing light! I used to carry 30-45lbs. I will never go back to regular backpacking because it is now so much more enjoyable to hike. I have also increased my speed by going ultralight. I gave a program at the Sierra Club tonight on Ultralight backpacking and several people took notes! It was a lot of fun sharing information with the folks. I don't want to be critical of anyone who prefers traditional backpacking because it is all about personal preference. For me the ultralight system works and I am happy with it.”

“Nowslimmer, I workout, I excercise, I could carry a 40 lb pack if I had to. It's never been a problem, but like katibug, I enjoy going light soooooo much better! I'm also looking to do some more ambitious days with 20 to 25 miles in them this summer. Even being in shape I know I couldn't do that much with 40 lbs...well maybe, but it wouldn't be fun.

Don't worry, I never mess with the tooth brush or the paper :)

Oh and I just got back from a workout where I carried my pack 5 miles over some hills at a park and back. I had it loaded with 46lbs of water & bench weights. The pack does fine with that weight too :)”

“If the weather forecast looked pretty grim for the week-long hike, would your base packweight still be that trim?”

“Rite on katibug, and when you pack light you don't need a heavy pack with the beefed-up springs and hydraulic shocks.”

“I am not worthy! The pack I carried on my last trip was 55lbs. I admit, however, that I am not a minimalist. Hmmm...maybe if I eliminated my Thompson submachine gun and 50 rd. ammo drum...”

“I would like to go lighter, but I don't want to give up my chair, or my camera, and I like to be comfy while we're sitting out at night when everyone is freezing. I'm working on losing more weight.

I'm happy with the Kelty Flight.

Mary, do you leave the stays and the flat thingie in for the back support? I'm wondering if I really need that if I have my thermarest there.”

“I need the space for being "Sherpa-Dad" when I take my wife and two kids backpacking...like this weekend!

I'm thinking of getting the Shortbed for my wife.”

“SN-I've tried playing around w/the support on my flight. I left the stays, removed the plastic/foam and inserted my pad behind the stays. It seemed to be too time consuming to get the fit rite each time.”

“That answers my question. I like things simple. Thanks!”

“I have my stays out but I think for weight over 20 or 22 pounds it would not carry well. Marge (the old gal) was on the WWWW trip. She has the flight. She said she just puts her pad in a circle in the pack and stuffs everything in the middle--I will have to try that --it sounds easier than folding the pad and keeping it towards the back.”

“The best way for me to reduce my packweight was to reduce the size of my pack. I ended up with a Coleman Internal Frame 4500 cubic inch pack. (I know that it isn't the cool brand but it fit my budget) With the exception of my sleeping pad, I do not attach anything to the outside of my pack.
To reduce clothing weight, I got a small Mountain Hardwear stuff sack for my clothes. If it don't fit in the sack it don't go.
Same with cooking stuff and such like that. Food is the only exception, I will not limit the amount of food I take. I usually have more than I need, but I think this is a good thing.
My pack is around 40 pounds when I am all loaded up and ready to go. It sounds heavy but after a bit on the trail, it don't feel to bad.”

“Snow Nymph, regarding your chair, you already have a thermarest, get a chair / sleeve for it. You'll save a pound or 2 and still have a GREAT chair.
You can test mine out on the Montanarama trip. But only for a little while!!!”

“Snow Nymph's chair weighs 18 ounces--I have carried one for years. It gets you up out of the dirt and it is amazingly comfy. I have tried the chairs that use the pad and they don't come in even close.”

“I've always used my ridge rest up against a log or a rock...it's always been a bit dirty, but it works. The thing only cost $10 bucks so I'm not worried about a little dirt. :)”

“Buddur, if the weather was grim, I would pack my tarp w/stakes which weighs about 2 lbs.. I've never had to use it though.

I want that 10oz sil shelter.”

“MP, seeing as you've tried both, keep your chair. 8^)
I'll still let Nymph try my pad/chair so she can make up her own mind. So there! neener neener!

By the way, I made Phil a convert. But then again he didn't have your chair to compare it to.”

“Kelty discontinued the Flight. They have replaced it with the Satori, which looks like an interesting pack. Has anyone seen one of these yet? I need a lighter pack, and am considering the Osprey Aether 60, the Mountainsmith Auspex, and the Kelty Satori.”

“This is a great thread - I love picking up little tips like these.

I snow-camped (1 night) a few months ago and ended up with about a 35 pound pack (a couple pounds of that was ski gear). I probably had a bit more than my share of group gear, so could have been a bit lighter. But I'm used to the 40-45 pound pack I usually carry in the summer, so it seemed super light. However, every trip I learn a little more about what I feel comfortable cutting and what is good to keep in the pack. e.g., Why cut a 1 ounce comfy pillowcase, which sounds wimpy, when you can easily cut something else with a marginal utility that weighs 5 times as much? What I like to do is total up all the "frivolous" stuff and see how much it weighs - it's usually only about a pound or two. My theory is: can you really tell the difference between 30 pounds and 32 pounds? or 40 and 42? or 20 or 22? Probably not.

I, too, take my son packing, so I have to carry a lot more than my own stuff. This summer, we're planning a trip (same trail as Montanapalooza, but later in the summer) with me, my son (age 7 by then), and my dad (age 69). Right now, it looks like about 43 pounds for me (including a food canister), 10-11 pounds for son, and 40 pounds for "grandad." That seems pretty light to me for non-ultra-light backpacking for a 4-day trip.

One question for all - I love having a water filter, but mine (First Need - got it several years ago when it was one of the only ones on the market) seems heavier than a lot that are on the market now - any recommendations for a lighter, well-working filter??

Snow Nymph / MaryPhyl: I'm curious about the 18 oz. chair - can you describe? Might be good to bring one to share as group gear. . . .”

“Marty: Search the thread for filter and there's a lot of info. Your best choices would probably be to go with a PUR hiker or use treatment tabs.

If I'm just doing a weekend warrior trip, I'll do a light pack but like the five dayer I'm about to embark on, I want all my luxuries. Chess set, Gerber sport axe, fry pan, grill, kite, 2lb tri tip, fresh veggies, Spanish flash cards, etc. etc.”

“Martyb,
When are you doing the E. Rosebud trail?
I'm starting (from Alpine side)with a group of 4 on July 31.”

“Hi gear,

Not 'till about Aug. 25 - timed to coincide w/son's brief school break (year 'round school). Really looking forward to it. Should get some good reports from the 'palooza. Still deciding whether to fly or drive up there (from CA) - fares are outrageous now, but it's a looooooong drive. You in MT?”

“Martyb,
No, I'm coming up from South Alabama.
It's a great trail; I did it a few years ago. The elevation is a little tough on the lungs coming from sea level, but other than that, it's a fantastic route.
Bring your flyrod, the trout are everywhere. It is a fairly kid friendly route. There were only a few stream crossings, and none were overly difficult.”

“http://www.slinglight.com/

Spendy little things. They were $60 when I started buying them--20 years ago? They will recover them for you for about $20 so unless you tear up the frame (or your cheap kids swipe them) they go on forever.

I have to tell that on my last couple of trips I took two sections of a z-rest instead-- I fold them the wrong way and keep them on the outside of the pack to use all day--my elderly buns do not like even soft rocks as much as they used to--just getting that pack weight down LOL”

“Gear, Thanks for the add'l notes on the route - can't wait! We're used to that sea level to mountain elev. change - just gotta pace oneself. Son is a veteran - first trip at age 3 - he's psyched, too.

MaryPhyl, Thanks for the URL. Is that you in the photo?! Heh heh. . . .

Yeah, I've always just used my sleeping pad on a rock as a "chair," but maybe I'll get one for my dad to use - he's pretty old, ya know. Wait a minute, so am I!”

“I tried the other chair a few years ago, I think it weighs a little more, and I didn't like having to put the thermarest in and out. I've had the Sling-lite since the early 80s, and I love it! I'm short enuf I can even lay back and sleep in it.
Sleeping in the Sling-lite

martyb: If I carry it, I'm sitting in it! Share it and you might not get it back........j/k. Since I do this every weekend, the chair saves my butt. Its called a Sling-lite, and its got a aluminum frame. I strap it to the back of my pack with one compression strap. After 26 days on the JMT, the material ripped. So for the last 4 days I sat on rocks. I still have a scar from where the rocks scraped against my Sling-lite spoiled butt cheeks.
I sent it to Sling-lite with a check for $25 and its good as new!”