Still trying to lose weight...any suggestions?

[FSG]

Right now Im at a base pack weight of 30 pounds. Id really honestly love to have my entire pack weight be there when I leave. Im doing this on an extreamly low budget and cant afford to spend the big money on super light new gear, but Ive been able to find some pretty good deals so far.

I know what is killing me right now is the 8 pound pack. I could drop about 3 of those pounds by removing the frame and the waist belt, but I really like being able to take some of the weight off of my sholders, it really makes a big difference, Ive spent time walking around with it both ways, and even with the 3 extra pounds, having the belt makes it more comfortable a mile down the road. Id gladly go to a lighter pack but I cant see shelling out a hundred dollars for something Im going to use for one week and then pack up until next year some time. Right now Im using a Military MolleII full pack. It just happens to be what I have available. It was free (ok, Uncle Same paid for it).

The rest of my weight comes from here:

ENO Hammock 1lb
Sleeping Bag 2.5lb
Underquilt 1lb
Tarp+Cords 1.5lb
Stakes+Cordage 1lb
Katadyn Hiker Pro 2lb
Cooking pot/canteen cup/lexan spoon 1.5lb
Camelbak 3L bladder 8lb (full)
Toiletries/FirstAid/Matches/lighter 2lb
Clothing 3lb
1 pair Ex-officio pants ($10 at a thrift store! Yay)
1 moisture wicking T-shirt
1 waffle weave lightweight gym 3/4 sleeve hoodie
1 lightweight fleece pullover
1 pair long underware (pants and sleeveless top, mainly for sleeping, can wear under clothes if I need another layer)
2 pair moisture wicking socks
1 pair wool socks (also, mainly for sleeping in)
1 sports bra


All of those weights are an aproximate, I used a bathroom scale so I dont have oz's of each item. As you can tell I also dont have a stove yet, I think Im going to try building a homemade pepsi can stove for the lightness and cost. So that will add the weight of the stove and a bottle of Heet. Plus I need to add food still...We are only hiking for 5 days in October in North Georgia, but Im still looking at ending up with over 40 pounds and Id really like to be able to enjoy my hike more. Any thoughts?

[Ladytrekker]

I would right off get rid of the bladder. I don't use them.

[DAKS]

can you trim any weight outta' the toiletries and first aid? 2lbs. seems kinda' heavy IMO. good luck!

[bullseye]

FSG,

Base pack weight is the weight of all of your gear minus consumables in your pack. The 8 pounds your counting for your bladder doesn't really go towards that weight. That being said, your more like 22 pounds base weight. Not bad. There's nothing wrong with a bladder - I use them all the time. That's a HYOH thing. Just don't fill it all the way unless water is scarce. 1-2 liters at the max should be all you need for most sections of the AT. Just camel up at your water sources.

You mention 3lbs of clothing. Is that the list under it or is 3 extra pounds?

As far as shelling out bucks for a pack, if it makes your hike more comfortable it might be a good investment. Only you can decide how much you want to tote around that extra 4-5 pounds.

[Red Hat]

You don't mention any kind of rain gear... I would get rid of the hoodie and just keep the fleece and a rain jacket. Also I'd dump the filter for Aqua Mira.

[bigcranky]

Bullseye is right that your water shouldn’t count in your base pack weight.

Just off the top of my head, things that don’t cost much but might make a difference in weight:

1. K-Mart “grease pot” pot, about 4 ounces, $5. 20-ounce wide mouth Gatorade bottle, <1 ounce. That plus your spoon will be less than 1/2 pound, and is just as functional as your current kitchen. The gatorade bottle is useful for scooping water into your Camelbak, and also in case it springs a leak.

2. Aqua Mira drops, $13, about 3 ounces. Replaces filter (which actually weighs maybe 20 ounces with everything.)

3. You seem to have a lot of weight in stakes and guy lines. Not sure if that is a measurement error, but you might look over your pile with a careful eye.

For five days in October, I would want more warm clothing. A hat and gloves to start, and rain gear of some sort (poncho, opr rain shell and pants), a rain cover for the pack, or just a trash bag inside.

I wouldn’t take the frame out of a Molle pack. You end up with a very heavy and uncomfortable frameless ruck. If that’s the pack you have, use it. In the long run, though, there are plenty of good internal frame packs in the 3-pound range that cost under $200.

Yes, you will start with ~40 pounds, but that weight will drop every day (and every hour as you drink water.) Good luck and have a great hike.

[Cannibal]

What kind and how many stakes and cordage are you carrying that add up to 2 lbs? That seems pretty heavy. That should be a reasonably inexpensive area to improve upon.

I know we are just talking ounces here, but you might give some thought to chopping off that attached stuff sack on the ENO and you certainly don't need the compressions straps that come with the stuff sack, not with that pack anyway.

Bladders are fine if you like them, but like others have said, don't fill it all the way. Not too many places where 2L won't get you to the next water source. Aquafina water bottles are nice and light and easier to deal with IMO, but that is certainly a HYOH thang.

I'll also agree with everybody about the rain gear, you'll wish you had it at some point. I'll admit my curiosity about what you are using for an underquilt. What season will you be hiking in? 1lb means it's gotta be down and I'm assuming full length, so unless it's a summer trip, I'm a little leery. Of course, a quilt instead of a sleeping bag is a good way to drop a chunk of weight quickly, but not always the cheapest option.

A pack is one of the best places to spend your money IMO. They can make a normal hiking trip wonderful or miserable. I actually cringed when I read the "8 lbs" part. But, I guess if it carries well for you that's all that matters.

[Acedop Walker]

its all about personal preference but I would;
dump the hammock
dump the camelback
dump the underquilt
get a lighter sleeping bag (this is my problem too, I just dont have the means right now for a new one)
only use a single titanium cook pot and one lexan spoon for your kitchen
cut down on the toiletries, remember soap is usually pretty bad for the enviornment, and I don't mind if you stink:D
1 lb of stakes and cordage seems like a lot to me

but remember it all depends on what you like to bring. the best hiker is the one who has the most fun, that's not always the one with the lightest pack but as for me, I have alot more fun when I'm not carrying a heavy pack.:banana
happy trails
Have Fun!!!!!
Alex

[wrongway_08]

Toss the weighted end on the Hiker pro, cut down the tubing. Its not close to 2 lbs, even with all that stuff added to it.

My med kit was tweezers, 4 band aids, tiny bottle of cut wash - 1oz size. Didnt use any of it.

Personally I would ditch the bra - I never used mine :)

[wrongway_08]

Oh yea, go to walmart or Target and buy a digital spice scale - you will shave a lot of weight when you start cutting grams off everything.

[Ranc0r]

Second the food scale - accurate enough to make solid comparisons about what stuff weighs. When all is said and done, put your gear in your pack and toss THAT on the bathroom scale - or a cheap luggage scale. There's your total hump weight.

7 lb for shelter and sleep systems isn't horrible. And as others have said, combined or with greater precision, it probably doesn't weigh that much at all. Ditch any skeins of paracord you might be considering taking, and get a spool of the braided mason's twine at the hardware store. Long enough, strong enough, nice bright colors you can see and doesn't weigh squat.

Cut whatever extra straps,rings and buckles you can off that Molle ruck. CFP-90? Lot's of dead weight you can trim. And it's paid for, so no warranty to void :).

I'm sure you can pick up tips in the ladies' forum, but many of the so-called sport bras have a cotton lining, extra padding so you don't show through. Cotton kills, since it stays wet and saps your body heat. All synthetic base layers, think wicking.

Making alcohol stoves is a piece of cake and the heavy ones weigh under an ounce. For 5 days, one bottle of Heet will be plenty, unless you are boiling your drinking water too.

Ranc0r
.

[cwayman1]

yeah, i would second a lot of these comments...
--> grease-pot/gatorade bottle/lexan spoon for cookset.

--> if you're taking a UQ, that's a lot of extra --and unneeded-- bulk in the lost loft of your sleeping bag... if you are 1.not too attached to your sleeping bag and 2.decent with a sewing machine... you might could try making it into a top quilt. it'll save you a decent bit of weight i believe. lots of ideas on hammockforums.net

--> which brings me to my next point... if you are under 6' tall an ENO is probably gonna swallow you whole. Grand Trunk makes a smaller hammock, not parachute nylon but i believe a polyester taffeta, that weights only like 12-14 oz WITH straps for about $20.
http://www.thetravelhammock.com/products/ultralight.htm
---- ENO's site lists their single-nest at 18oz. and Slapstraps an additional 12oz!

--> i'd drop the hoodie and stick with just the fleece+rain shell. it'll go farther than you might think

--> and 2 lbs. for toiletries/1st-aid is a bit much. small thing of TP (pull it off the roll and re-roll it), hand sanitizer(cleans and disinfects), small roll of duck tape (pull off a few feet and re-roll it), 1-2 oz bottle of all-purpose condensed soap, a few bandaids (small and big mix), small thing of neosporin... and maybe some more duck tape :D

hope this helps :)

[cwayman1]

oh yeah... and i'll also second mason line over paracord. mason line doesn't stretch as much

[Doctari]

Water dosn't count for base weight (you still have to carry it tho :p ):p but you know that.

Go get a pack, one that fits YOU! There are a bunch out there that are much lighter than 8 Lbs, & not that expensive. My (retired / loaner) frame pack, 3000 CI only weighs 4 Lbs.

[FSG]

Thanks for all the help everyone, youve given me alot to think about...

For some of the questions, Ive honestly become addicted to the camelbak, there is just something about having that tube right there that is so convieniant compared to holding a bottle somewhere and fubmling for it, and dealing with the lids.....plus Im a pretty big drinker and I like being able to carry extra water. I usually carry a bottle somewhere too, for mixing gatorade powder up in. Here in florida Ive been known to leave for a two day hike with 7L of water in my pack when we go places I know I wont be able to re-fill.

I know the tablets are much lighter than the katadyn, but most tablets are iodine based and Im allergic. Im sure there are filters that are better and lighter than mine, but it all goes back to the money thing. What I have works right now, so I'm going to keep it. Wrongway, thanks for the suggestion on lightning the katadyn, im sure I can drop a bit if I take out alot of the extra peices and extra hose.

For everything I weighed, I weighed myself on the bathroom scale, then picked up each item and recoreded how much the scale moved. Im sure for some of the items they really arent a full pound, thats just as accurate as I could get.

Im fairly certain I could drop some weight out of my toiletries/bath bag. Im still in the "mom" packing mindset when it comes to those things. The first time I weighed my first aid kit alone it was at five pounds by itself. Im still realizing I probably DONT need some of every item in my medicine closet.

I do realize my canteen cup weighs alot, but I dont know what else to make coffee in, and I dont want to make it in my regular pot because then I cant have it made at the same time as my oatmeal....ok ok, im spoiled and I need to realize that I can probably live without coffee for a week.

I do actually have a pair of gloves in my clothing stack, I forgot to write them down, they were in part of that 3 pounds I weighed. I also will have a hat, but because I figured I would be wearing it, I didnt weigh it with everything in the pack. I rarely carry rain gear, even down here in florida where it rains every afternoon around three. Thats probably because the only rain gear I own is Goretex and its extreamly heavy and bulky, even the hot weather version. I may pick up one of those $2 emergency ponchos at walmart. I have a military poncho I used to use as my tarp but its overly heavy too.

Ranc0r, how'd you know I had a skien of paracord in there? I was actually thinking that it was pretty heavy. I had packed it along with a few caribiner clips (also a bit heavy in my opinion) to hang my pack.

All of my clothing is synthetic, nothing is cotton, except my hat actually, which Im planning on replacing before the trip if I can.

Pack wise, I "might" splurge if I could find something under $50, but at that point Id be afraid I would be giving up too much on quality at that price and be afraid I would actually end up more uncomfortable in the long run. I dont know.

[dzierzak]

Just a short note - Katadyn makes Micropur tablets - chlorine-based, not iodine.

[take-a-knee]

First, don't listen to the hammock haters. Second, get a scale, some of your weights are way off. Take your Hiker Pro filter and make one of these:

http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearGravityFilter.html

Ditch the fleece and get a quality down vest. Supplement that with an army field jacket liner.

Replace your sleeping bag with a JRB No Sniveler quilt.

[FSG]

Im thinking of turning a poncho liner into an underquilt...I think its a bit lighter than what I have now. Im definitily sticking with the hammock, I just need to modify it for a bit cooler weather than Im used to down here in Florida.

For all of you who are saying I will definantly need rain gear, I went and pulled out the goretex. I grabbed the hot weather version, figured I could just layer underneath it with the clothes Im already packing instead of packing the extra weight of the cold weather version. Do yall think the jacket should be enough or should I pack the pants too? Remember Im only going for a week in early october to N. Georgia...I know Im used to hiking in Florida weather where I would rather be wet for a day than carry the extra weight of rain gear, anything non-breathable in 90 degree weather is more miserable than helpful.

I dropped some more weight out of my toiletries/first aid kit. I pulled out the sunscreen and changed to a much smaller bottle of hand sanitizer, I cant bring myself to leave the deoderant at home yet so its still in there, but I did find a mini "travel sized" version. I also pulled most everything out of my first aid kit but a few bandaids and some single dose packets of immodium, benadryl, and motrin.

Im going to try to replace the 100' of 550 cord with a nylon version, and get rid of the heavy weight caribiner. I know they are handy, but Id rather just tie a knot.

I also pulled out the canteen cup and threw in a lightweight camping mug I found at walmart. I cant put it over the fire like I could the canteen cup, but I can always heat my coffee water in the pot and pour it into the mug and then use the pot to cook the meal. I cant hold both the pot and the canteen cup over the stove at the same time anyway.

I found a few hiking backpacks on ebay for the 30-40$ range, anyone ever had an experiance buying off there?

[Jonnycat]

I use one of these for my coffee cup; weighs less than an ounce, and comes with free food in it!

http://i30.tinypic.com/2qxnl8k.jpg

[FSG]

How well does it hold up to being in your pack? I would be afraid of squishing it? Its an awesome idea though!

[Jonnycat]

I'm still using the one I bought in '96; it's been stuffed in the pack (in the food bag) maybe a hundred or so times.

Here's what it looks like right now; about the only deterioration is in the label:

http://i30.tinypic.com/2s1xglk.jpg

The lid does kinda leak a little at times, so I usually just leave the lid off. (the rubber bands are just because it's a convenient place to store extras).

[Cannibal]

Im definitily sticking with the hammock, I just need to modify it for a bit cooler weather than Im used to down here in Florida.
Good for you! Don't let the naysayers get the best of you. I'm lighter with my hammock set-up than most of the tenters could hope for. The tarp folks get me, but they sleep in the mud. :p :D
Seriously, ditch the deodorant. It'll make you smell funny compared to everybody else.

[Berserker]

Ive honestly become addicted to the camelbak
The Camelbak Unbottles are nice (I assume that is what you are using), but the 70 oz one weighs 10 oz. In comparison a 1 liter Platypus Hoser (this is the Platypus equivalent of the Camelbak) weighs a little over 3 oz. The hoser comes in different sizes so you could get a larger one, and the weight difference between it and the 1 liter version will be fairly small.


I know the tablets are much lighter than the katadyn, but most tablets are iodine based and Im allergic. Im sure there are filters that are better and lighter than mine, but it all goes back to the money thing.
Aqua Mira is chlorine dioxide, and could be a chemical option. Also, the Katadyn Hiker is a nice filter. Mine weighs 14.5 oz with everything except the bottle adaptor.


I do realize my canteen cup weighs alot, but I dont know what else to make coffee in, and I dont want to make it in my regular pot because then I cant have it made at the same time as my oatmeal....ok ok, im spoiled and I need to realize that I can probably live without coffee for a week.
Buy a lightweight plastic cup (lexan or something like that), and use the Maxwell House or Folgers singles (the coffee is packaged in "tea bags").

[FSG]

Im using the camelbak 100oz that the military provides. (gee, what a surprise?!..lol). Ive taken it out of the sleeve and put just the bladder inside my pack. Its still fairly heavy I agree. Ill look into the platypus, but you mentioned it being a 1L, Im sure they probably have larger sizes. I usually go though an entire 3L camelbak in one day on our hikes down here.

I lightned up the katadyn a small bit by removing some of the extra tubing and plastic attachments like the bottle adaptor (ok, who really can't just hold the tube inside the bottle?) I also left the sponge and servicing parts out. If the thing breaks for any reason Im only going to be gone 5 days, I can filter it though a t-shirt and boil it long enough to get me out of there.

I was wandering through walmart picking up school supplies for my oldest this morning and picked up two of the soup at hand cups. Im hoping the fact that I chose tomato soup instead of the clam chowder wont effect the durability of the cup. Oh well, the soup was good, made grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch to go with it.

I also picked up a $20 internal frame hiking backpack at wal-mart this morning. (yes, they have them). I brought it home and put all my stuff in it. I think if I managed to lighten my entire load to about 10 pounds it might carry comfortably. Im taking it back and buying more school supplies for the kids instead.

[Berserker]

I usually go though an entire 3L camelbak in one day on our hikes down here.
Unless it is a drought year you likely aren't going to have too much trouble finding water. There is usually at least a spring every few miles if not more frequently than that. Drink at each spring, and fill up a smaller bladder to make it to the next spring. No need carrying 3 liters of water unless the water sources are far apart.

[Jonnycat]

Platys rock. I keep a one, a two, and a three liter in my pack (mainly just use the one for drinking, but I like the two for camp and the three for if I'm gonna zero somewhere dry).

I also keep a 12oz one for making my milk at night (and my milk/carnation instant breakfast to go with breakfast).

[cwayman1]

another option for a coffee mug is to get one of those nabisco "packs-2-go" snacks (pic here) http://www.costgodirect.com/images/Nabis%20Chips%20Ahoy.jpg
and a 12 oz. styrofoam coffee cup and put two and two together. AND you can cut a hole in the lid, place a coffee filter with grounds in it inside the cup with the filter hangin over/around the lip of the cup, put the lid on, and pour hot water through the filter... TA DA! coffee! can't take credit. the ever thoughtful "skidsteer" came up with this one.

[cwayman1]

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=14406&c=searchresults&searchid=26761

here's some of skid's pictures :D

[Montana AT05]

Get a lighter sleeping bag. It's costly though. Montbell's are my preference, they pack down small too.

I love Hammocks. But if you're in cold seasons, then you are adding weight with a lower degree bag and a quilt. And if you're using a hammock why so much weight in stakes and line? But the lightest line available if you need it for bear bag hanging (but uhh, between you and me, I just hang my bag from my hammock or something similar).

Get rid of the water pump and go with Aqua Mira or similar (I read you are allergic to some, so hopefully one will work). A filter can weight 1 lb and is bulky...not to mention a work out to use!)

[Egads]

Eat less...I thought this thread was about dieting, silly me.

The other posts are spot on. Your sleeping bag and underquilt combo are way heavy. I carry a JRB nest / pad or JRB nest / JRB RMS for my Hennessey down to ~30*.

I'll drop the hammock and go to the ground with a tarp, pad, & bag for really low temps (w/o snow)

I agree with the others that your first aid kit is too heavy. I carry duct tape, bandages, Tylenol, benedryl, and an antacid. I always carry Aquamira 2-part liquid instead of a filter. Filters clog or fail and are heavy / bulky.

Your cookset is heavy & probably bulky. Try a Heini pot w/ alcohol stove out. If you are dead set on a canister stove, try a .7 or .9 Liter titanium pot. I go cookless on weekend summer hikes frequently.

You already identified your pack as a problem. I use several packs that all weigh much less than your pack.

Solomon Raid Revo 20 for day hikes, SUL overnight, trail runs, & MTB rides
Osprey Stratos 32 for summer or weekend hikes (love the ventilated back)
Gossamer Gear G4 for winter use (large pack for the extra down & the pad is the frame and provides a little extra insulation)
ULA Catalyst for pack mule use (family hikes) or longer hikes

Don't forget to cut weight on your feet or in your hands.

The best way to cut weight is leave behind the things you don't need. I don't obsess over weight (anymore) but usually carry far less than my peers w/o a camp comfort penalty.

Check out the attached pack list. It hasn't been updated in awhile, and it doesn't include any tents, but maybe it will help you out. Good luck meeting your goals.

[FSG]

Ha! If I could lose the extra 10 pounds my knees are carrying around every day, I probably wouldnt be needing to drop my pack weight quite as much!

I've been stocking up on pepsi cans for the past week. My weekend goal is to build an alchohal stove. We'll see what happens.

I have been guessing on my nighttime lows being in the 40's, at least thats what Ive been using for planning purposes....

Im also going to hunt around this weeknd for a friend with a more precise scale I can borrow.

[tammons]

It would help to post your complete list.

How much does your backpack weigh ??

ENO Hammock 1lb-Not bad
Sleeping Bag 2.5lb-Not bad, could be sub 2# but expesive
Underquilt 1lb
Tarp+Cords 1.5lb- Silnylon
Stakes+Cordage 1lb- Sounds heavy
Katadyn Hiker Pro 2lb- Aquamira gravity filter 2 oz. Tablets less
Cooking pot/canteen cup/lexan spoon 1.5lb - Heineken can pot - 1.2 oz

What are you cooking on. I have a complete setup, alc stove, can pot, plastic cup, spork, dishcloth that weighs about 3.5-4.5 oz depending on how its set up.

Camelbak 3L bladder 8lb (full)- I agree, ditch it and go platys or plastic 1L bottles that are free.
Toiletries/FirstAid/Matches/lighter 2lb - Should weigh about 8oz +-

Clothing 3lb - not bad

No Cotton anything!

1 pair Ex-officio pants ($10 at a thrift store! Yay)
1 moisture wicking T-shirt
1 waffle weave lightweight gym 3/4 sleeve hoodie
1 lightweight fleece pullover- Fleece is heavy for the warmth they provide.

Sunny sports has golite salsa jackets on sale for $54 and they are nice. Marked down from $150

If you have more $ get a montbell thermawrap with a hood. Either will last you for years.

http://www.sunnysports.com/Prod/GOLSJW.html

1 pair long underware (pants and sleeveless top, mainly for sleeping, can wear under clothes if I need another layer)
2 pair moisture wicking socks
1 pair wool socks (also, mainly for sleeping in)
1 sports bra

[tammons]

Oh forgot.

You should be able to hit 15-20# baseweight pretty easy.

[sbhikes]

To cut weight in the first-aid/toiletries department consider that bailing out is also a first-aid option. In other words, you only need enough first aid stuff to get out, not to keep going 5 more days. So I carry a couple of Vicodin, not a whole bottle. A couple of bandaids, not a whole bunch of them.

The only hygiene you really need to do is brush your teeth and wash your hands (sanitizer works for that.) You really don't have to do anything else, but depending on your hair, you might want to brush it. Instead of a whole hairbrush I take just the bristles (one of those rubber kinds where they come out all the time anyway).

For a cup I took a bowl instead, which was just a plastic container from some food I bought. It nestled into my cookpot and weighed nothing, especially since I cut the raised lip off the top. I like those soup-at-hand cups. I think I'd toss the lid.

I shaved weight off my cookpot by replacing the lid with something homemade. You could use foil. I made a lid from some thin aluminum someone gave me. I made a windscreen from a cookie sheet I bought at the supermarket. I made my alcohol stove from a 6 oz can instead of 12 oz. Even smaller!!

I carried DEET in a tiny visine bottle. Until the mosquitoes got real bad, it was a good enough size.

I left the TP home and washed myself instead.

I carried a pair of sleeves I cut off a fleece sweater. I could use them as sleeping socks or as leg or arm warmers. I also used them as a pot cozy. They weighed less than the sleeping socks I had before and had more uses.

I like using a bladder, too, and wouldn't go without one. I find the platypus ones to be much lighter than camelbacks. I prefer having 2 1 liter platys to one big one. When water is abundant, I like to have a little beer can holder on my waist belt with a small plastic bottle that I can just whip out and dip into streams without even taking off my pack. I don't treat water unless I think it really needs it, but when I do I use Aquamira. It's not iodine.

Go through every single item you have and see if there is any part of it you could cut off or replace with something lighter. I was surprised how much weight I could save doing that.

Packs are insanely cheap for what you get. I'd save my money and get a new pack. You can save almost a bowling ball of weight with a new pack alone.

[jersey joe]

Consider dumping the pot and stove for food that doesn't need to be cooked.