Gear Spreadsheet

“I going to make myself a gear spreadsheet/checklist, and was wondering what type of information I should put on it. Any advice on making one would be helpful. Thanks!”

“I suppose weight, bulk, other required gear to go along with this piece, maybe alternatives to this piece. I think one of the regulars has something similar, or did something like this to figure their weight/bulk. I don't remember who it was though.”

“Maybe a place to record if you really used this item the last time you carried it. I found that I kept packing things I never used or could use something else in it's place. Weight becomes very important when you're old like me!”

“Guilty!

I have an Excel spreadsheat with just Item and Weight (in Lbs and Total Ounces). When you have the list done you can sort the data with a click according to the weight. Even make a graph as a graphical representation of weight vs item.

However, I only use it to make individual spreadsheets as gear checklists for trips.”

“"Phil's Pack Weight Estimator" is available from Phil's Photo Page. There is a downloadable EXCEL spreadsheet version available from the page. It lists gear and weights so you can estimate your backpack weight. Customize it for yourself and your gear.

I think if you combine several resources together, you will have what you want.”

“I've got one too. You can play with it online if you have Internest Explorer at:
http://members.nbci.com/sgtr0ck/xl_packing.html

If you want to download it, go to: http://members.nbci.com/_XMCM/sgtr0ck/_private/Example.exe”

“Buddur, that sounds cool, do ya have a link to it?”

“Nope...I'm unlinkable!”

“My Mom bought me a desktop paper shredder for Christmas?? I took it back to Staples and got a 5 pound postal scale to weigh my gear and fill in my spreadsheet.

It is amazing how much weight you can cut by having all your gear weighed and adjusting to the trip conditions.”

“I've been looking to get my base weight down around 20 - 25 lbs. I just bought a 4995 cubic in2 pack (kelty Flight) that only weighs 3.5 lbs. A 15 degree long down bag that weighs 2lb 13oz and I'v got a 3 man tarp tent that only weigs 2lbs stakes and all.

It's amazing how much weight you can save by finding lightweight stuff like that. The pack could have easily been 6lbs, the bag 4.5, a tent 6lbs.”

“I have no discipline. I've purchaced lightweight items for two out of the "big three"...bag and tent...but I always find ways to make up for the weight. I can't get under 30lbs to save my life!”

“I think my scale has been one of my best gear purchases. Function, weight, price. It's easy to see function and price, but you need a scale to see the weight sometimes.”

“My pack (including contents) was 40 lbs even at the end of my trip this weekend.”

“Go for what is comfortable. I used to carry 30 pounds without food and water.

I will say a 15 pound empty pack feels like nothing these days.”

“Thanks for the suggestions. I downloaded Phil's spreadsheet, but it was in a different language and I coudn't read it. I also tried both of SGT ROck's, but his web page spreadsheet never loaded. Any advice, thanks!”

“I can e-mail it too you.”

“Okay, my adress is: alaskan_packer@backpacker.com. Thanks for the help!”

“Okay, my adress is: alaskan_packer@backpacker.com. Thanks for the help!”

“Open pack. Insert gear. When pack is full, stop. Close pack. Put away extra gear. Put on pack. Go.

Simple system, works every time.

8-)”

“I am with you on that one NV... Or you can be poor like me and only have the gear that you need... You know take all your gear with you on every trip...”

“Exactly, JB, what I need, fits, and what doesn't fit -- the solar shower, the coffee pot, the bigger flashlight -- is heavy stuff I don't need.

8-)”

“Alaskan Paker, I just sent it out, check your e-mail.”