New Guy's Gear

“Hello every one, I'm Eagle6, an Eagle Scout/Backpacker/New guy to the forum from Southern Illinois.
After going out to Philmont Scout Ranch in Northern New Mexico, I discovered that my gear was a little heavier than what it needed to be. Even though my pack was the lightest in my crew, I still could have cut down on some things. Since then, I have made some big decissions about gear selection. What I'm about to say goes out to all of you new people out there who are a little apprehensive about what to take and what to leave behind. Be advised that I am by no means an expert on "THE WAY" to backpack, but I hope that my experiences can help you have an easier time on the trail.

1) Leave the big 5,000+ cubic inch pack at home. I used a 3950 Kelty Trecker, and found that I still had room. Now I use a 3600 Kelty Moraine (and love it). Plenty of room, but not too much.

2) Get a light weight sleeping bag. Even though I still use a fairly light Slumberjack Borealis 15 degree, I am in the proccess of purchasing a 3 pound, 11 oz. bag.

3) Get a light weight tent. I use a Ureaka! one man spitfire. Very light and plenty of room.

of course, there are other things that you could cut back on like clothes, too much fuel for the stove,etc. But I have found that the three things that I just mentioned are a big step in the right direction. It all depends on what you really need. For instance, I dont use a ground pad or pillow any more. (then again I am young)

Thanks for reading!
Eagle6”

“Wow you are getting a 3lb 11 oz bag? Where did you find one so light?”

“Eagle, great post! That's a good start to a lighter pack. You may want to see if you can find a lighter weight sleeping bag. What temp rating is the 3# 11oz one going to be? I know it's hard when you're young to buy the lightest and best but if you tell us your specifications there are many on this site who'd be glad to help you find a good deal on a lighter weight bag.
You hit the nail on the head lightening up your big three items but the next best thing you can do is borrow a kitchen scale and start weighing everything you might take. Choose the items that weight the least and you'll lose more weight. Happy trails!
last edited: 3/07/07 7:14:06 AM”

“Hey eagle 6, on the bags go with a lightweight 32deg and an even lighter + 40deg then in the colder months you can double them up. Or a really lightweight 20deg. + a bag liner (Usually adds 10 deg.)

Check this out!
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,75028_Lafuma-37F-Down-Sleeping-Bag-Warm-n-Light.html”

“OOOH...good idea jack, Does anyone here remember the Half bags a few years ago. You were supposed to use them from the Chest down and wear a down jacket on top....Must have been a bust.

6, there are a slew of discount places to get GOOD stuff.”

“Sorry, but I like my 13#, XL, Army Surplus Bag with a cover.

BTW, you're a Troll until you come forth with some data on your info page. From where in Southern Illinois do you hail? -- Cotton country?
last edited: 3/07/07 9:15:18 AM”

“hey only one troll from so. il. eagle,and that is me!i'm in the marion area,and you?”

“Sassafras is checking out the new guys gear.”

“Nimblefoot, I'll make you pay. Someday you'll bump into me on the trail and just keep in mind I'm young and fast. Well, okay, I'm not fast, but I will be again oneday and then you better watch out! ;)”

“my sleepy bag is 2 lbs. 8 oz :)

Thats my winter bag. -5 rating :)”

“and sass IS fast :) Dont let her fool ya!”

“Not right now I'm not, lol. Spirit I'm hoping I'll be able to keep up at Mammoth with the moesiest of the moesiers.”

“Im sure you'll still be faster then me lol

its a shame I wont be making that trip :(”

“Yeah, Cause I'm keeping that damn applesauce until I see you, even if it's ten years from now!”

“A 3 3/4 lb sleeping bag is far from light. Shoot for something around 2 lbs. There are several choices in the 15 to 35 degree range. If you are going to go with just one bag I would recommend the 15-20 degree range.”

“Philmont was great! I have lightened my load by 10 lbs. since then. Pack, sleepbag, and tent are all much lighter now.

I use the 1 lb 15 oz. Mountain Hardware Phantom 15 sleeping bag. 15 degree bag for under 2 lbs.”

“Well I keep trying to get the ultralight weights but I carry some additional medical and related gear which adds weight. No biggie the 40# I carry is VERY comfy and if it works for you...GO for it.

Heck I have a friend who takes 65# and had NO problem with his load.”