View Full Version : Please help me reduce my Pack weight!
Hello. I'm planning on doing a thru hike at end of march or start of april going north. My pack weighs 25 lbs without food or water. I'm looking for ways to reduce the weight. Here is a list of what I have in my pack. Any and all comments are welcome! Thanks!
Big 4 + 1
Bag: REI Flash 65 - 50
Tent: MSR Hubba - 44
Sleeping Bag: Eureka Casper 15degree - 49
Sleeping Pad: Big Angus in. aircore - 25
Sleep Bag Liner: Sea2Summit thermolite - 9
Kitchen
Stove: Coleman 3001 canister stove - 6.7 (might trade this for an alchy)
Pot: GSI 18 flu oz - 5.2
Water Filter: Katadyn pro filter - 11
Fishing Kit: couple hooks and spool of line
Fire Kit: couple bic lighters, 1 fire steel, 2 small boxes of matches (1 water proof the other strike anywhere)
Need to buy: Spork
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Moist Wipes x 3 ( two for cleaning messes and 1 for bathroom)
Travel sized toothbrush and paste
Travel sized shampoo and bar of soap
First Aid kit: 5+ bandaides, small neosporin tube, cortizone and benadryl for poison ivy(i get it bad), water pur tabs, tweezers, aquamira straw filter 1 oz
Small tube of sunblock
Small bottle of hand sanitizer
Small finger nail clippers
Tools
Knife: Sog trident pocket knife 3.6
Multitool: Tiny one goes for 5 bucks at cabelas
Personal defense: around 30 oz ( will not budge here)
50 feet of Paracord for whatever I might need it for (hanging food from a tree)
Clothes
Base Layer
Rocky comression top and bottom(keeps me dry)
2x lightweight wool socks
3 pairs underwear
rei liner gloves
beanie facemask for if it gets cold
neck gaiter
Mid Layer
Rocky midweight thermal top
Convertible pants
Lightweight breathable longsleeve shirt
Outer Layer
Rain Pants ( still need to purchase)
Rain jacket ( still need to purchase)
Water proof gloves? ( still need to purchase)
Sleeping clothes
REI Heavyweight long underwear top (feels more like midweights in warmth)
REI Heavyweight long underwear bottoms (feels more like midweights in warmth)
REI Heavyweight wool socks
Footwear
Bates boots 51 oz (will be wearing these till they fall apart)
NB All terrains in my pack - 11.8
Misc
Cell Phone - 5.3 ( with usb charging cable)
Energizer headlamp
Surefire flashlight
Brunton Battery Pack - 5.5 oz ( Wanting to buy this to keep my cell phone charged)
All this basicly fills my bag (4000 cu inches) full with little room to add food or water. I put everything in my bag and weighed it on a bathroom scale so its roughly 25 lbs worth. I like the idea of traveling really light and with very little but I'm having a hard time doing it.
Thanks!
You've got some room for improvement if you're willing/ able to spend the money.
You can drop about 2 lbs quickly by swapping out your hubba for a tarptent, or even more weight if you plan to use shelters and bring a tarp for emergencys.
There are lighter sleeping bag options, but again, I don't know about your money situation.
Footwear is a personal preference, but I would consider lighter boots or even using trail runners. Just make sure you are comfortable with whatever you go with. Its not worth going lighter if you're not enjoying it. That goes for all your gear.
royalusa
02-15-2011, 16:32
Ideas without buying more things:
1) Consider leaving behind the sleeping bag liner. Looks like you’ll have plenty of clean clothes to sleep in. If your bag is good to 15-20 degrees, you may not need the extra warmth of the liner.
2) Swap out the stove for the alchy stove as you mentioned.
3) Can you leave the shampoo behind and just use your bar of soap?
4) Consider leaving behind the multitool.
5) Two pairs (or even one pair) of underwear should be sufficient.
6) Swap out the NB camp shoes for imitation crocs. (OK, this one does require a purchase, but it’s minimal if you get the fake crocs. Or you may decide you don't want camp shoes if you do more hiking and less camping.)
7) Just have one flashlight/headlamp. Leave the flashlight behind.
8) Would you be willing to leave your boots behind and hike in your NBs instead? You know they say a pound on your feet is like 5 pounds in your pack.
Singletrack
02-15-2011, 16:44
Hello. I'm planning on doing a thru hike at end of march or start of april going north. My pack weighs 25 lbs without food or water. I'm looking for ways to reduce the weight. Here is a list of what I have in my pack. Any and all comments are welcome! Thanks!
Big 4 + 1
Bag: REI Flash 65 - 50
Tent: MSR Hubba - 44
Sleeping Bag: Eureka Casper 15degree - 49
Sleeping Pad: Big Angus in. aircore - 25
Sleep Bag Liner: Sea2Summit thermolite - 9
Kitchen
Stove: Coleman 3001 canister stove - 6.7 (might trade this for an alchy)
Pot: GSI 18 flu oz - 5.2
Water Filter: Katadyn pro filter - 11
Fishing Kit: couple hooks and spool of line
Fire Kit: couple bic lighters, 1 fire steel, 2 small boxes of matches (1 water proof the other strike anywhere)
Need to buy: Spork
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Moist Wipes x 3 ( two for cleaning messes and 1 for bathroom)
Travel sized toothbrush and paste
Travel sized shampoo and bar of soap
First Aid kit: 5+ bandaides, small neosporin tube, cortizone and benadryl for poison ivy(i get it bad), water pur tabs, tweezers, aquamira straw filter 1 oz
Small tube of sunblock
Small bottle of hand sanitizer
Small finger nail clippers
Tools
Knife: Sog trident pocket knife 3.6
Multitool: Tiny one goes for 5 bucks at cabelas
Personal defense: around 30 oz ( will not budge here)
50 feet of Paracord for whatever I might need it for (hanging food from a tree)
Clothes
Base Layer
Rocky comression top and bottom(keeps me dry)
2x lightweight wool socks
3 pairs underwear
rei liner gloves
beanie facemask for if it gets cold
neck gaiter
Mid Layer
Rocky midweight thermal top
Convertible pants
Lightweight breathable longsleeve shirt
Outer Layer
Rain Pants ( still need to purchase)
Rain jacket ( still need to purchase)
Water proof gloves? ( still need to purchase)
Sleeping clothes
REI Heavyweight long underwear top (feels more like midweights in warmth)
REI Heavyweight long underwear bottoms (feels more like midweights in warmth)
REI Heavyweight wool socks
Footwear
Bates boots 51 oz (will be wearing these till they fall apart)
NB All terrains in my pack - 11.8
Misc
Cell Phone - 5.3 ( with usb charging cable)
Energizer headlamp
Surefire flashlight
Brunton Battery Pack - 5.5 oz ( Wanting to buy this to keep my cell phone charged)
All this basicly fills my bag (4000 cu inches) full with little room to add food or water. I put everything in my bag and weighed it on a bathroom scale so its roughly 25 lbs worth. I like the idea of traveling really light and with very little but I'm having a hard time doing it.
Thanks!
Lumpy, My thoughts are keep what you have, except the few things you need to buy before leaving. After hiking from Springer Mt. to Neel Gap, you will have a little knowledge as to what you need. The people at Neel Gap, will sort thru gear, and tell you what you really need, and send home what you do not. If you want to go lighter, they carry lightweigt gear, and for some cash will lighten you up. Your MSR Hubba is fine, keep it.
HikerRanky
02-15-2011, 16:51
1) Go with a lighter tent if you can...
2) Instead of rain jacket and pants, get a SMD Gatewood Cape... 11oz and it covers your pack and most of you... It can also serve as an emergency shelter. Also, don't worry about waterproof gloves... When it decides to rain for 5 days, even they get soaked. Small pack towel in a plastic bag helps a lot.
3)Combine the beanie facemask and the neck gaiter... Get a merino wool silk buff that can be a hat, neck gaiter and a balaclava.
4) Personally, I would forget the filter and use AquaMira and a bandana.
5) Leave the SureFire flashlight behind... You'll kick yourself when you lose it somewhere on the trail for the price of it.
Hope this helps....
Randy
wrongway_08
02-15-2011, 16:55
You can knock off a few ounce by trim'n stuff up - the extra tube and that stupid weight at the end of the hiker pro.
- Get a ti stove, save about 3.5 - 4 ounces there.
- Forget extra flashlight. If your headlamp has L.E.D.s, just bring that and spare set of aaa's.
Forget shampoo and soap - just get the green biodegradable bottle from Wal-mart (small size). Does everything - shampoo/soap/dish cleaner/dog cleaner ... does it all. compact and smells decent.
forget cell phone battery pack. Shorten you charger wires to save space and a little weight. You will have no problem gettn to town for charging. If anything, buy an extra phone battery, keep it charged. Less weight, more compact and cheaper.
Multi tool, forget it. Save weight and space. I never needed one and don't know anyone who used theres. Just put that moey towardss a lighter, sharper knife.
Forget hand sanitizer - you have soap and wipes (wipes I personally wouldn't bring them) you have soap and small towel, kinda over kill in my opinion.
Lone Penguin
02-15-2011, 16:56
All this basicly fills my bag (4000 cu inches) full with little room to add food or water.
Just to state the obvious that what you need then is some more capacity - a pack with no room for food is not much good for hiking with. So you may need to de-bulk if you can (or buy a bigger pack).
Lumpy89 I am going to reduce by looking objectively...I had someone do it to mine and I also helped someone else. These are a recommendation..it's up to you...
Drop this from your pack list
1.multi tool
2.shampoo and bar soap. Get a bottle of dr bonners does both.
3. flashlight Surefire is to heavy I have one and know it.
4. Change out stove. You can make or buy a 1oz alco
5. 2 pairs underware you only need one.
6. bag liner for sleeping bag
7. Neck Gaiter
8. This is a question Do you really need the heavy weight long johns if you have a Base layer already?
9. water Filter you could swith for AquiaMira drops Save some weight.
10. Save the money on the battery pack from what I hear. Not worth it.
11. The water proof gloves I wouldn't worry about. thats just my opinion tho.
12. Ditch the firesteel and match's carry the bic and buy a second when you hit a town or borrow one when you run out.Until you can replenish.
If you go with the aquamira drops you dont need the straw or filter or Tabs..
But this is all up to you . Hope it helps you...Add one extra pair of sock liners can never have enough to wick the water away..
Turtle Feet
02-15-2011, 17:05
I may have missed it, but I don't see any warm outer layer, like a vest or jacket? What about something windproof as well?
As far as your raingear, check into a Packa -doubles as a packcover, easily accessable on the trail. My experience is that it's easily manipulated for breatability too, so you're not soaking in your own sweat. Just a thought
Definitely switch to the alky stove, and drop the filter (go with the AquaMira drops).
You mention paracord for hanging, but I didn't see mention of a food bag (or water vessels for that matter).
You mention fitting everything into your pack - the tent stays on the outside (once it's wet, you won't want it inside). Things like your crocs can attach outside as well.
Singletrack is right - Winton will get you fixed up for a price, but you still have some time to do some homework and make decisions before your standing in front of the cash register. ;)
tf
Slo-go'en
02-15-2011, 17:12
I know some people like to tally the weight 'skin out' but personally, I just go by whats on my back.
One thing I don't see is a warm layer, such as a jacket or vest.
The REI heavyweight top and bottom is likely fairly bulky and taking up too much room. I'd go with a lighter wieght bottom and it looks like you already have two tops, so don't need the third.
Unless the multi-tool is one with sicssors, ditch it and get a small pair of sicssors instead. I know it doesn't take up much room or weigh much, but the fish hook and line will be pretty much useless for 99.99% of the hike.
Your "personal defence", while you say it is non-negotable now, will be one of the first things to go... (heck its nearly two pounds!)
Thank you all for the suggestions!
I guess I could cut the following:
multitool
surefire flashlight
1 pair underwear
Coleman stove
Wont buy Brunton battery pack
1 pack of hand wipes
Shampoo
Bar of soap
Bag liner can be shipped home when it gets a little warmer (Im going to play it safe)
Will look into cutting the Katadyn hiker pro and tabs for aquamira drops( the katadyn does take up quite a bit of space)
Wont buy water proof gloves
Possible additions
Pack Towel/Bandana
Alchy stove (this will be lighter and easier to get fuel for i'd assume)
Extra phone battery
Will look for "green biodegradable bottle from Wal-mart (small size)"
Aquamira drops
Will look into sock liners to keep feet dryer
Hobbs - The heavyweight top and bottoms are strictly for sleeping/emergency dry clothes and all the rest are for hiking
Turtlefeet - The warmth layer is the Rocky midweight top(its pretty warm) also I was planning on using a rain jacket of some sort to block the wind and help keep in warmth ( hope im thinking about this the right way?) I will most likely use gatorade bottles or others for my water carrying needs. Do you have other suggestions for carrying water? " the tent stays on the outside (once it's wet, you won't want it inside)" Never thought about that, but I am planning on attaching the tent to the outside bottom of the pack.
Slo-go'en - I could lighten the selfdefense area to around 12-16 ounces. This would cut a pound. Fishing line and hooks, I would like to do a little bit of fishing if this is even possible?
Thank you all for the comments! Looking forward to reading more!
Thanks Lumpy for what the long johns were for..Could you purchase a lighter base pair to do the samething? I wore a light base pair this weekend in 32 degree weather and it was comfertable.I am just adding an option for you.I dont know about the fishing but if you want to why not..You have to have something you like as well.
One suggestion is to take your gear and go out with it.See that it multi tasks and what you dont use discard as well. I've done this twice myself. Hey I hope you have a great thru..
Pretty simple really and just work in stages.
If you are serious your first step should be a 12# 3 season base wt.
#1 buy a scale.
#2 set up a spread sheet or do one by hand to get you to 12#.
#3 dont buy anything not on the spreadsheet.
#4 6# and 6# rule, big 4 - 6# and 6# for everything alse
All of your big 4 items are a bit too heavy.
Skip the liner.
Start off with a used ultra 20 at 20 oz.
Sleeping pad, should be around 12-16oz max. Prolite 3, neoair etc.
Hubba should be easy to sell and get a TT moment or other SUL tent
like the lightheart tent, sil tap + bivy etc etc. The moment weighs about 30oz.
24 for the pack. GG miraposa etc. There are a few in this weight range but buy it last. I would swap tents last too.
Ultra 20 + full length prolight 3 + Moment + miraposa + dry bag = about 5.8#
6# for everything else is the tough part
Basically your entire kitchen should weigh about 6 oz and can be almost free, medical about 2 oz, emer about 3-4 oz, Everyday stuff and navigation about 10 oz.
What kills is clothing, so spend some bucks there. SUL down vest or minima. Themawrap parka or other 16 oz warm jacket.
If you want to go hardcore the more double duty items you can use the more weight saved, IE Poncho/Tarp combined with a SUL bivy.
Insulated clothing as part of your sleep system etc.
Whatever goes in my pocket I dont count weight wise.
Even if you cant hit 123, 14# is still not that bad.
As far as poison oak and ivy, its a curse.
I am trying the Rhus Tox treatment this year and see how it works. Its supposed to build immunity.
I got a series of Rhus tox shots a while back and I did not get poison for about 2-3 years. It really worked. They dont do the shots any more that I have been able to find.
Hello. I'm planning on doing a thru hike at end of march or start of april going north. My pack weighs 25 lbs without food or water. I'm looking for ways to reduce the weight. Here is a list of what I have in my pack. Any and all comments are welcome! Thanks!
Big 4 + 1
Bag: REI Flash 65 - 50
Tent: MSR Hubba - 44
Sleeping Bag: Eureka Casper 15degree - 49
Sleeping Pad: Big Angus in. aircore - 25
Sleep Bag Liner: Sea2Summit thermolite - 9
Kitchen
Stove: Coleman 3001 canister stove - 6.7 (might trade this for an alchy)
Pot: GSI 18 flu oz - 5.2
Water Filter: Katadyn pro filter - 11
Fishing Kit: couple hooks and spool of line
Fire Kit: couple bic lighters, 1 fire steel, 2 small boxes of matches (1 water proof the other strike anywhere)
Need to buy: Spork
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Moist Wipes x 3 ( two for cleaning messes and 1 for bathroom)
Travel sized toothbrush and paste
Travel sized shampoo and bar of soap
First Aid kit: 5+ bandaides, small neosporin tube, cortizone and benadryl for poison ivy(i get it bad), water pur tabs, tweezers, aquamira straw filter 1 oz
Small tube of sunblock
Small bottle of hand sanitizer
Small finger nail clippers
Tools
Knife: Sog trident pocket knife 3.6
Multitool: Tiny one goes for 5 bucks at cabelas
Personal defense: around 30 oz ( will not budge here)
50 feet of Paracord for whatever I might need it for (hanging food from a tree)
Clothes
Base Layer
Rocky comression top and bottom(keeps me dry)
2x lightweight wool socks
3 pairs underwear
rei liner gloves
beanie facemask for if it gets cold
neck gaiter
Mid Layer
Rocky midweight thermal top
Convertible pants
Lightweight breathable longsleeve shirt
Outer Layer
Rain Pants ( still need to purchase)
Rain jacket ( still need to purchase)
Water proof gloves? ( still need to purchase)
Sleeping clothes
REI Heavyweight long underwear top (feels more like midweights in warmth)
REI Heavyweight long underwear bottoms (feels more like midweights in warmth)
REI Heavyweight wool socks
Footwear
Bates boots 51 oz (will be wearing these till they fall apart)
NB All terrains in my pack - 11.8
Misc
Cell Phone - 5.3 ( with usb charging cable)
Energizer headlamp
Surefire flashlight
Brunton Battery Pack - 5.5 oz ( Wanting to buy this to keep my cell phone charged)
All this basicly fills my bag (4000 cu inches) full with little room to add food or water. I put everything in my bag and weighed it on a bathroom scale so its roughly 25 lbs worth. I like the idea of traveling really light and with very little but I'm having a hard time doing it.
Thanks!
The stuff you won't budge on now, you'll definitely budge on later. Take as many suggestions as make sense, then get started and make all the rest of your adjustments once you see what it's really like. Worked for me. I budged on every darn thing just about.
I bought the heavyweights just for added comfort of knowing i'll be warm enough, but I guess those could be sent home along with the bag liner once it gets warm. I got a tight budget right now, still selling stuff and saving money for my thru. Thanks for the suggestions though. I do have a pair of fruit of the loom lightweight longjohns but its made of 20% polyester and 80% cotton. From my research cotton is bad for hiking conditions though. Any cheap ideas would be appreciated!
Will plastic bottles be fine to pour hot coffee/tea/coco into or should i get a lightweight mug?
Thanks again
Thanks! A scale would really help me decide on things. I will defiantly look into the Rhus Tox treatment! I usually get poison ivy really bad once a year.
Pretty simple really and just work in stages.
If you are serious your first step should be a 12# 3 season base wt.
#1 buy a scale.
#2 set up a spread sheet or do one by hand to get you to 12#.
#3 dont buy anything not on the spreadsheet.
#4 6# and 6# rule, big 4 - 6# and 6# for everything alse
All of your big 4 items are a bit too heavy.
Skip the liner.
Start off with a used ultra 20 at 20 oz.
Sleeping pad, should be around 12-16oz max. Prolite 3, neoair etc.
Hubba should be easy to sell and get a TT moment or other SUL tent
like the lightheart tent, sil tap + bivy etc etc. The moment weighs about 30oz.
24 for the pack. GG miraposa etc. There are a few in this weight range but buy it last. I would swap tents last too.
Ultra 20 + full length prolight 3 + Moment + miraposa + dry bag = about 5.8#
6# for everything else is the tough part
Basically your entire kitchen should weigh about 6 oz and can be almost free, medical about 2 oz, emer about 3-4 oz, Everyday stuff and navigation about 10 oz.
What kills is clothing, so spend some bucks there. SUL down vest or minima. Themawrap parka or other 16 oz warm jacket.
If you want to go hardcore the more double duty items you can use the more weight saved, IE Poncho/Tarp combined with a SUL bivy.
Insulated clothing as part of your sleep system etc.
Whatever goes in my pocket I dont count weight wise.
Even if you cant hit 123, 14# is still not that bad.
As far as poison oak and ivy, its a curse.
I am trying the Rhus Tox treatment this year and see how it works. Its supposed to build immunity.
I got a series of Rhus tox shots a while back and I did not get poison for about 2-3 years. It really worked. They dont do the shots any more that I have been able to find.
swjohnsey
02-15-2011, 20:27
I bought the heavyweights just for added comfort of knowing i'll be warm enough, but I guess those could be sent home along with the bag liner once it gets warm. I got a tight budget right now, still selling stuff and saving money for my thru. Thanks for the suggestions though. I do have a pair of fruit of the loom lightweight longjohns but its made of 20% polyester and 80% cotton. From my research cotton is bad for hiking conditions though. Any cheap ideas would be appreciated!
Will plastic bottles be fine to pour hot coffee/tea/coco into or should i get a lightweight mug?
Thanks again
I you insist on long johns the military surplus poly pro works good. You can use a Gatorade bottle, light, cheap.
Carry a lighter sleeping bag. Put on everything to sleep in the occassional cold snap, maybe even suffer a little.
We are leaving about the same time. I will do the approach trail 30 March. I am carrying a 40 degree bag, will sleep in a tent which is a little warmer. The clothes I carry including the stuff I am wearing are long sleeve poly T-shirt, Coolmax running shorts, 100 fleece 1/4 zip top and pants, Marmot Precip top and bottom, fleece hat and gloves.
The average lows along the early part of the AT are only going to be in the 40s. Record lows are in the 20s according to the almanac data I have been able to pull up.
Get rid of the gun. You won't be able to ship it back later.
StormBird
02-15-2011, 20:28
Big 4 + 1
Bag: REI Flash 65 - 50
Tent: MSR Hubba - 44
Sleeping Bag: Eureka Casper 15degree - 49
Sleeping Pad: Big Angus in. aircore - 25
Sleep Bag Liner: Sea2Summit thermolite - 9
Kitchen
Stove: Coleman 3001 canister stove - 6.7 (might trade this for an alchy)
Pot: GSI 18 flu oz - 5.2
Water Filter: Katadyn pro filter - 11
Fishing Kit: couple hooks and spool of line
Fire Kit: couple bic lighters, 1 fire steel, 2 small boxes of matches (1 water proof the other strike anywhere) You only need one lighter
Need to buy: Spork
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Moist Wipes x 3 ( two for cleaning messes and 1 for bathroom) You only need one, you can pick up replacements in town
Travel sized toothbrush and paste
Travel sized shampoo and bar of soap Drop the shampoo & bar of soap. Carry small bottle of camp soap instead
First Aid kit: 5+ bandaides, small neosporin tube, cortizone and benadryl for poison ivy(i get it bad), water pur tabs, tweezers, aquamira straw filter 1 oz drop the cortizone & carry gold bond powder instead. (also, consider carrying a small amount of duct tape)
Small tube of sunblock you can drop the sunblock after the first couple weeks
Small bottle of hand sanitizer
Small finger nail clippers you could cut this and just clip your nails in town with scissors
Tools
Knife: Sog trident pocket knife 3.6
Multitool: Tiny one goes for 5 bucks at cabelas
Personal defense: around 30 oz ( will not budge here)
50 feet of Paracord for whatever I might need it for (hanging food from a tree)
Clothes
Base Layer
Rocky comression top and bottom(keeps me dry)
2x lightweight wool socks
3 pairs underwear
rei liner gloves
beanie facemask for if it gets cold
neck gaiter
Mid Layer
Rocky midweight thermal top
Convertible pants
Lightweight breathable longsleeve shirt
Outer Layer
Rain Pants ( still need to purchase)
Rain jacket ( still need to purchase)
Water proof gloves? ( still need to purchase)
Sleeping clothes
REI Heavyweight long underwear top (feels more like midweights in warmth)
REI Heavyweight long underwear bottoms (feels more like midweights in warmth)
REI Heavyweight wool socks
Footwear
Bates boots 51 oz (will be wearing these till they fall apart)
NB All terrains in my pack - 11.8
Misc
Cell Phone - 5.3 ( with usb charging cable)
Energizer headlamp
Surefire flashlight Cut this. You only need your headlamp
Brunton Battery Pack - 5.5 oz ( Wanting to buy this to keep my cell phone charged) You could potentially cut this and just keep your phone for emergencies.
These are my suggestions. Hope it helps. Happy Trails!
Haha yea your probably right. I feel like once i've completed the A.T. I will have a totally different view on everything that goes in my pack (and my pack for that matter). Thanks
The stuff you won't budge on now, you'll definitely budge on later. Take as many suggestions as make sense, then get started and make all the rest of your adjustments once you see what it's really like. Worked for me. I budged on every darn thing just about.
Thanks Stormbird and Swjohnsey. I'll probably use my cellphone as a camera too so I'd like some way to keep my phone charged, might go with an extra phone battery instead of the power pack.
" you can drop the sunblock after the first couple weeks" - why no sunblock?
I bought my sleeping bag mainly because of the price i guess haha. But now that i'm more into being lightweight I'll go with something more lighter next time. For now though what I got will have to do.
Might see ya out there!
What makes you think its a gun? :D Everytime I enter the woods I have one somewhere, I don't plan on changing that for the A.T.
What do you mean I won't be able to ship it back? I am still researching how to send and receive the Item. Also notice you live in Texas, how do you plan to get to the trailhead? I plan on flying to Atlanta, but thats as far as i've gotten. I'm going to see if theres a bus that will take me to or close to the start. Thanks!
Get rid of the gun. You won't be able to ship it back later.
Lumpy Firearms can be shipped from Gun dealer to gun dealer. Also they can be taken on board aircraft but they must be unloaded in a locked case and checked they go woth the baggage and call the airport of your flying or airline....
I know this because I have shipped hunting firearms...But it isn't cheap..
swjohnsey
02-15-2011, 21:35
What makes you think its a gun? :D Everytime I enter the woods I have one somewhere, I don't plan on changing that for the A.T.
What do you mean I won't be able to ship it back? I am still researching how to send and receive the Item. Also notice you live in Texas, how do you plan to get to the trailhead? I plan on flying to Atlanta, but thats as far as i've gotten. I'm going to see if theres a bus that will take me to or close to the start. Thanks!
Suit yourself but you won't need it unless you are contemplating suicide. I am flying to Atlanta from Brownsville, taking Marta to the end of the line and then the folks from Hiker Hostel will pick me up. I will stay the night in Dahloneaga, then they will feed me breakfast then take me to Apalachola State Park. I gonna eat me a big lunch at the lodge the do the approach trail.
Suit yourself but you won't need it unless you are contemplating suicide. I am flying to Atlanta from Brownsville, taking Marta to the end of the line and then the folks from Hiker Hostel will pick me up. I will stay the night in Dahloneaga, then they will feed me breakfast then take me to Apalachola State Park. I gonna eat me a big lunch at the lodge the do the approach trail.
I use to live In Austin! I've been to the Valley really nice. Hope you have a good hike. Hope to run into you on the trail..
swjohnsey
02-15-2011, 21:44
Yeah, we ought to run into each other. If you are gonna take a friend maybe something lighter like a belly gun. Seecamp .32 or .380 is nice, stainless.
Yeah, we ought to run into each other. If you are gonna take a friend maybe something lighter like a belly gun. Seecamp .32 or .380 is nice, stainless.
Not me I was just saying he could... i am a hiker dont need it or want to...
Yea I might have something in the 12-16 ounce range which cuts the weight in half basically.
"I'd rather have and not need than to need and not have."
Thanks both for the help
earlyriser26
02-15-2011, 22:04
Drop the gun. 30 "free" oz. Or not, take it and send it home when you get tired of lugging it around. Or was it just the worlds biggest knife??? Cut the fishing gear. not likely to use. Matches, 2 bics, and fire steel? Unless you are a pyro, 1 bic and matches or 2 bics. Leave the fire steel. Whatever sleeping system you go with, try it out first.
Turtle Feet
02-15-2011, 22:27
Turtlefeet - The warmth layer is the Rocky midweight top(its pretty warm) also I was planning on using a rain jacket of some sort to block the wind and help keep in warmth ( hope im thinking about this the right way?) I will most likely use gatorade bottles or others for my water carrying needs. Do you have other suggestions for carrying water? " the tent stays on the outside (once it's wet, you won't want it inside)" Never thought about that, but I am planning on attaching the tent to the outside bottom of the pack.
As far as carrying water - I like the Platypus system (look it up on rei.com). I also carry a small 16oz size for flavored drinks, but the Platy has a hose with a bite-valve, so 'no hands' drinking. They come in different sizes - probably a 100oz is large enough. Let's face it - water is heavy, you're not going to want to have to carry 2 gallons of it on your back, right? I'm not familiar with your pack, but do you have a pocket inside that runs up and down the inside along your back? If so, that's for a Playtpus type bag.
OK, as far as your "warm layer". You're from Kansas, right? So,you know what cold is. Think of it this way - is your layering system enough to keep you warm for 24-72hrs in the woods? You could hit a stretch of 30degree cold/wind/rain (ok, probably will) that lasts for days. If you put your stuff on this weekend, and hit the woods for an overnight, would you be wishing you had something warmer on after 4 or 5 hours? If not, fine, but if you think you'd like a down vest, better to find that out at home on a weekend shake-down, than on the top of a mountain, 2 days from the nearest road, right?
Your rain gear may or may not be enough to help break the wind - depends on what it is I guess.
Thanks for the comment, I do appreciate it. And yes I am a pyro, if it were allowed I would build me a fire every night and morning to cook my meals.
Drop the gun. 30 "free" oz. Or not, take it and send it home when you get tired of lugging it around. Or was it just the worlds biggest knife??? Cut the fishing gear. not likely to use. Matches, 2 bics, and fire steel? Unless you are a pyro, 1 bic and matches or 2 bics. Leave the fire steel. Whatever sleeping system you go with, try it out first.
I will look into thoseplatypus systems. Thanks! Thats a great idea, I will try to get out in the woods with all my gear that i'll take and see how everything goes. Will try to pick a cold day too.
Thanks Turtle Feet!
As far as carrying water - I like the Platypus system (look it up on rei.com). I also carry a small 16oz size for flavored drinks, but the Platy has a hose with a bite-valve, so 'no hands' drinking. They come in different sizes - probably a 100oz is large enough. Let's face it - water is heavy, you're not going to want to have to carry 2 gallons of it on your back, right? I'm not familiar with your pack, but do you have a pocket inside that runs up and down the inside along your back? If so, that's for a Playtpus type bag.
OK, as far as your "warm layer". You're from Kansas, right? So,you know what cold is. Think of it this way - is your layering system enough to keep you warm for 24-72hrs in the woods? You could hit a stretch of 30degree cold/wind/rain (ok, probably will) that lasts for days. If you put your stuff on this weekend, and hit the woods for an overnight, would you be wishing you had something warmer on after 4 or 5 hours? If not, fine, but if you think you'd like a down vest, better to find that out at home on a weekend shake-down, than on the top of a mountain, 2 days from the nearest road, right?
Your rain gear may or may not be enough to help break the wind - depends on what it is I guess.
I will look into thoseplatypus systems. Thanks!
They are sold at Walmart as "water bladders"
If you are going to do the Rhus Tox you need to do it now. Its cheap like $14. From Eric's pharmacy but you have to do the initial treatment in the winter.
Okay so you are on a budget.
Salvation army.
Blows me away what I find in the dumpy store about 2 miles from here.
Found a down mummy bag the other day for $10.
Several down vests.
All sorts of poly stuff, fleece and poly Ts etc.
All sorts of wool sweaters,silk.
If you need a SUL camp shirt get a silk shirt. Not warm, but they do wick, cost like $3-$4 and usually weigh about 4-5 oz.
Take your scale. Everybody will think your nuts.
You should be able to find a used pack a lot lighter than yours.
If you max downsize everything, you should be able to use something like a large jam II. Just keep the total weight with food down to 25#
Mine is stripped out and weighs 18 oz. Bought mine used for $50.
A JamII would save you 29 oz ! but you need to drastically reduce your bulk.
I would get it last.
Sell the Casper (too bulky and too skinnt. I had one) and buy a Campmor 20 bag for $120. That will save you some bulk and will save 13oz.
Sell the pad and find a used small prolite 3 and carry a $7 blue foam pad from walmart. not the stiff one, the soft CCF pad. or buy a regular prolite 3 and will save 9++ oz. I just found a used small prolite 3 (11 oz) here for $35 shipped. It is like new.
Plastic bottle is no good for hot water.
Might want too do a 6oz alcohol setup like I have and put the foster pot and all into a Country time lemonade container and learn how to bag cook. Quite a few different ways you can do this.
Almost Free and saves about 17 oz
The country time lemonade container can handle boiling water, is perfect for bag cooking and is crush proof. Mark it for measuring.
Link...
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z300/tammons3/Hiking%20gear/DSC03377.jpg
Skip the nail clippers, your knife and multitool and just carry a swiss army knife. The one with the can and bottle opener, saw, screwdriver, scissors etc.
Carry a lighter personal defense weapon.
A bear spray canister should do it and would probably save a pound.
Carry 50' of triptease instead of paracord. Should save about 4 oz.
I like paracord too, but you have to cut everything.
Carry just one light and save 3 oz or so.
Raingear, just get some driducks and take some duct tape too. 10 oz.
Did not go through the cloths but dont you need and insulated jacket of some sort ??
Also for sleeping I would get a lightweight set of poly, silk, or merino johns.
Maybe you could find some deals on-line. I just bought a 550 down jacket
from Cabelas the other day for $20. Not that light at 1#4 for an XL but then again it was $20 and its pretty nice.
Lots of sales going on right now.
At any rate all of that above saves you about 6 pounds.
To get down to 12# base weight you are going to have to really cut back
You just need to leave a lot of stuff at home and really get down to the bare necessities.
Food for 5 days, 2 qts of h20 and other cosumables will be about 14# so you will be at roughly 40# as you are. You will be trashing and sending back a lot of stuff as you go.
If your base is at 12# then you will be at 26# fully loaded with food and water etc.
Also you probably need a Ursak to keep the critters out of your food.
I will post my 11#-12# list if google docs ever starts working right
Hello. I'm planning on doing a thru hike at end of march or start of april going north. My pack weighs 25 lbs without food or water. I'm looking for ways to reduce the weight. Here is a list of what I have in my pack. Any and all comments are welcome! Thanks!
Big 4 + 1
Bag: REI Flash 65 - 50
Tent: MSR Hubba - 44
Sleeping Bag: Eureka Casper 15degree - 49
Sleeping Pad: Big Angus in. aircore - 25
Sleep Bag Liner: Sea2Summit thermolite - 9
Kitchen
Stove: Coleman 3001 canister stove - 6.7 (might trade this for an alchy)
Pot: GSI 18 flu oz - 5.2
Water Filter: Katadyn pro filter - 11
Fishing Kit: couple hooks and spool of line
Fire Kit: couple bic lighters, 1 fire steel, 2 small boxes of matches (1 water proof the other strike anywhere)
Need to buy: Spork
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Moist Wipes x 3 ( two for cleaning messes and 1 for bathroom)
Travel sized toothbrush and paste
Travel sized shampoo and bar of soap
First Aid kit: 5+ bandaides, small neosporin tube, cortizone and benadryl for poison ivy(i get it bad), water pur tabs, tweezers, aquamira straw filter 1 oz
Small tube of sunblock
Small bottle of hand sanitizer
Small finger nail clippers
Tools
Knife: Sog trident pocket knife 3.6
Multitool: Tiny one goes for 5 bucks at cabelas
Personal defense: around 30 oz ( will not budge here)
50 feet of Paracord for whatever I might need it for (hanging food from a tree)
Clothes
Base Layer
Rocky comression top and bottom(keeps me dry)
2x lightweight wool socks
3 pairs underwear
rei liner gloves
beanie facemask for if it gets cold
neck gaiter
Mid Layer
Rocky midweight thermal top
Convertible pants
Lightweight breathable longsleeve shirt
Outer Layer
Rain Pants ( still need to purchase)
Rain jacket ( still need to purchase)
Water proof gloves? ( still need to purchase)
Sleeping clothes
REI Heavyweight long underwear top (feels more like midweights in warmth)
REI Heavyweight long underwear bottoms (feels more like midweights in warmth)
REI Heavyweight wool socks
Footwear
Bates boots 51 oz (will be wearing these till they fall apart)
NB All terrains in my pack - 11.8
Misc
Cell Phone - 5.3 ( with usb charging cable)
Energizer headlamp
Surefire flashlight
Brunton Battery Pack - 5.5 oz ( Wanting to buy this to keep my cell phone charged)
All this basicly fills my bag (4000 cu inches) full with little room to add food or water. I put everything in my bag and weighed it on a bathroom scale so its roughly 25 lbs worth. I like the idea of traveling really light and with very little but I'm having a hard time doing it.
Thanks!
Hey thanks for the tips! I will look into the Rhus Tox asap.
I did some snow shoveling a couple times this year in very cold temps, i think the coldest was 8 degrees. I had my rocky lightweight compression top and bottoms on, lightweight wool socks, facemask with neck gaiter, i had those rei heavyweight longjohn top and bottoms, jeans and a walmart jacket, walmart work gloves and i was decently warm through the 12 hours i was outside working.
Do I really need a down jacket or other insulating jacket? Would it be for hiking in, because i dont think i'll need it for hiking. I have a Rocky midweight thermal top that is actually warmer than my REI heavyweight longjohn top. What do you guys think?
I kinda think the Casper is a little to skinny aswell... but i think i can manage it.
I am a side sleeper, so a thick sleeping pad is a must.
You got more pics of your cooking kit?
I will look at the driducks raingear.
I think with all the suggestions to my current setup without buying anything I can shed up to 5 pounds or so! that would put me at roughly 19-20 pounds. with 14 pounds of food and water that'd put me at 33-34lbs. Thanks to you all! I still have room for impovements and I'm sure once I get on the trail I will realize things you guys have mentioned that I don't really need and I'll send em home and become much lighter!
:banana If you have more suggestions I'll be listening:banana
If you are going to do the Rhus Tox you need to do it now. Its cheap like $14. From Eric's pharmacy but you have to do the initial treatment in the winter.
Okay so you are on a budget.
Salvation army.
Blows me away what I find in the dumpy store about 2 miles from here.
Found a down mummy bag the other day for $10.
Several down vests.
All sorts of poly stuff, fleece and poly Ts etc.
All sorts of wool sweaters,silk.
If you need a SUL camp shirt get a silk shirt. Not warm, but they do wick, cost like $3-$4 and usually weigh about 4-5 oz.
Take your scale. Everybody will think your nuts.
You should be able to find a used pack a lot lighter than yours.
If you max downsize everything, you should be able to use something like a large jam II. Just keep the total weight with food down to 25#
Mine is stripped out and weighs 18 oz. Bought mine used for $50.
A JamII would save you 29 oz ! but you need to drastically reduce your bulk.
I would get it last.
Sell the Casper (too bulky and too skinnt. I had one) and buy a Campmor 20 bag for $120. That will save you some bulk and will save 13oz.
Sell the pad and find a used small prolite 3 and carry a $7 blue foam pad from walmart. not the stiff one, the soft CCF pad. or buy a regular prolite 3 and will save 9++ oz. I just found a used small prolite 3 (11 oz) here for $35 shipped. It is like new.
Plastic bottle is no good for hot water.
Might want too do a 6oz alcohol setup like I have and put the foster pot and all into a Country time lemonade container and learn how to bag cook. Quite a few different ways you can do this.
Almost Free and saves about 17 oz
The country time lemonade container can handle boiling water, is perfect for bag cooking and is crush proof. Mark it for measuring.
Link...
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z300/tammons3/Hiking%20gear/DSC03377.jpg
Skip the nail clippers, your knife and multitool and just carry a swiss army knife. The one with the can and bottle opener, saw, screwdriver, scissors etc.
Carry a lighter personal defense weapon.
A bear spray canister should do it and would probably save a pound.
Carry 50' of triptease instead of paracord. Should save about 4 oz.
I like paracord too, but you have to cut everything.
Carry just one light and save 3 oz or so.
Raingear, just get some driducks and take some duct tape too. 10 oz.
Did not go through the cloths but dont you need and insulated jacket of some sort ??
Also for sleeping I would get a lightweight set of poly, silk, or merino johns.
Maybe you could find some deals on-line. I just bought a 550 down jacket
from Cabelas the other day for $20. Not that light at 1#4 for an XL but then again it was $20 and its pretty nice.
Lots of sales going on right now.
At any rate all of that above saves you about 6 pounds.
To get down to 12# base weight you are going to have to really cut back
You just need to leave a lot of stuff at home and really get down to the bare necessities.
Food for 5 days, 2 qts of h20 and other cosumables will be about 14# so you will be at roughly 40# as you are. You will be trashing and sending back a lot of stuff as you go.
If your base is at 12# then you will be at 26# fully loaded with food and water etc.
Also you probably need a Ursak to keep the critters out of your food.
I will post my 11#-12# list if google docs ever starts working right
StormBird
02-16-2011, 02:37
" [COLOR=red]you can drop the sunblock after the first couple weeks" - [COLOR=Black]why no sunblock?
I'm sure some hikers will come along to back me up on this one. You need sunblock in the beginning because there are no leaves on the trees and you will definitely get burned in the first couple of weeks. After that, you are under tree cover for the majority of your hike. The only other time I could think of when I needed sunblock was hiking through farmland in PA in the middle of the summer, but even that only lasted a couple days.
Well that makes perfect sense. Thanks!
Whats the best way to keep ticks off? Spray?
I'm sure some hikers will come along to back me up on this one. You need sunblock in the beginning because there are no leaves on the trees and you will definitely get burned in the first couple of weeks. After that, you are under tree cover for the majority of your hike. The only other time I could think of when I needed sunblock was hiking through farmland in PA in the middle of the summer, but even that only lasted a couple days.
bigcranky
02-16-2011, 09:33
End if March for a thruhike you'll want something warm in camp, which is why people are suggesting a down jacket or vest. You will not wear it hiking ever.
Same with sun block, you'll really need it starting out, but by mid-May the leaves will be out enough that you can swap it for bug spray. DEET sorta works against ticks, but permethrin works better (spray it on your clothes, not your skin!!!!)
You won't need a firearm. If you seriously went by the adage "I'd rather have it and not need it" your pack would weigh 100 pounds. Think about it. (I carried a rifle every time I went in the woods for six years; was happy to stop doing that.)
Your overall list is pretty traditional, which is why you are having some issues fitting it all inside a lightweight pack. If you can get your base weight below 20 pounds, then you'll be happier with the pack. 16-18 pounds base would be even better (and very doable even on a budget for an April 1 start.)
Good luck and happy trails.
4eyedbuzzard
02-16-2011, 10:04
Lumpy,
In all seriousness, from one gun owner who carries concealed to another, seriously analyze and rethink your decision to carry on a thru-hike. Unless you are authorized to carry under LEOSA, there are many states where you will be committing a felony by carrying. Penalties can be very severe, felony conviction and up to 3 years mandatory in NJ, NY and others. That pretty much will ruin your life.
FWIW, virtually all the severe violent crime on the AT (murders and rapes and such) has involved young women - not lumpy guys. Just sayin'.
I have 3 differnt sizes, 8 oz, 18 oz and 24 oz. Complete WO fuel bottle they weigh 4,5 and 6 oz respectively.
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z300/tammons3/Hiking%20gear/cookset1.jpg
Here is the 8oz
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z300/tammons3/Hiking%20gear/1cupstovekit.jpg
18oz
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z300/tammons3/Hiking%20gear/cook4.jpg
24oz
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z300/tammons3/Hiking%20gear/24ozkitresize.jpg
I understand cutting weight - no one should bring their entire closet or pharmacy - but seriously I think sometimes you people go WAY too far. 850 down does the same as 600 down but at less weight, right? Cool! Pay more, get 850 and lose some weight. I understand that concept. But do without first aid kit of any kind? Or toilet paper? If you're too whimpy to tote toilet paper do you really need to be hiking?
Your body will adjust to whatever weight you carry, you'll put on muscle enough to tote the load. I don't mean bring 100 lbs of stuff but cutting some of these ounces are hazardous to your health. And the extra crap you have to do to make up for not having what ya need isn't worth dropping a few ozs. I'll max my weight limit and then when I cut weight in one place I'll add something else that I WANT to bring, I'm man enough to carry it. I might be stupid but I won't be miserable.
Also for your pistol, there are other threads that go into detail about different local and state laws concerning ALL weapons and the federal regulation from the ATF site that protects your right to carry your weapon regardless of other jusridictions and how to do so.
HYOH
A Ruger LCP weighs like 10 oz.
Here is one of my lists.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0ArT1lVGeXD9EdFpIVE9KcDJDTUVWS2hVaVNSU3RmW FE&hl=en#gid=0
I am into hammocks right now, but it might help you out.
There are no water shoes, no camp clothes etc on this list. Its pretty lean, but I suspect packing it up i would end up at about 12#-12.5#.
If you ever poke around over at BPL there are a few people over there working on SUL 5# packs which is interesting, but a bit too minimal for me.
bigcranky
02-16-2011, 10:56
If you ever poke around over at BPL there are a few people over there working on SUL 5# packs which is interesting, but a bit too minimal for me.
Not sure how many 5 pound base weights are making it on thru-hikes, with a couple of notable exceptions. For a weekend hike, I can do without a lot of stuff. For a six month hike, not so much. I'll want a camera, so I'll need the charger. Maybe a phone, so another charger. Something to read, maybe a spare set of clothing for camp or town stops. A month of my prescription meds weighs more than 2 days, etc.
In my personal very humble opinion, a 12-15 pound base weight is the sweet spot for a long distance hike. Enough for long term comfort both on the trail and in camp.
Most of the 5#er guys are cranking out big miles per day.
The guy that owns Zpacks does thrus with SUL gear but a lot of his gear is cuben.
That said the difference between 5# and 8# base is basically nil and 8# is a lot more doable and user friendly although still too expensive.
Sassafras Lass
02-16-2011, 14:13
Hello. I'm planning on doing a thru hike at end of march or start of april going north. My pack weighs 25 lbs without food or water. I'm looking for ways to reduce the weight. Here is a list of what I have in my pack. Any and all comments are welcome! Thanks!
Big 4 + 1
Bag: REI Flash 65 - 50
Tent: MSR Hubba - 44
Sleeping Bag: Eureka Casper 15degree - 49
Sleeping Pad: Big Angus in. aircore - 25
Sleep Bag Liner: Sea2Summit thermolite - 9
Kitchen
Stove: Coleman 3001 canister stove - 6.7 (might trade this for an alchy)
Pot: GSI 18 flu oz - 5.2
Water Filter: Katadyn pro filter - 11
Fishing Kit: couple hooks and spool of line
Fire Kit: couple bic lighters, 1 fire steel, 2 small boxes of matches (1 water proof the other strike anywhere)
Need to buy: Spork
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Moist Wipes x 3 ( two for cleaning messes and 1 for bathroom)
Travel sized toothbrush and paste
Travel sized shampoo and bar of soap
First Aid kit: 5+ bandaides, small neosporin tube, cortizone and benadryl for poison ivy(i get it bad), water pur tabs, tweezers, aquamira straw filter 1 oz
Small tube of sunblock
Small bottle of hand sanitizer
Small finger nail clippers
Tools
Knife: Sog trident pocket knife 3.6
Multitool: Tiny one goes for 5 bucks at cabelas
Personal defense: around 30 oz ( will not budge here)
50 feet of Paracord for whatever I might need it for (hanging food from a tree)
Clothes
Base Layer
Rocky comression top and bottom(keeps me dry)
2x lightweight wool socks
3 pairs underwear
rei liner gloves
beanie facemask for if it gets cold
neck gaiter
Mid Layer
Rocky midweight thermal top
Convertible pants
Lightweight breathable longsleeve shirt
Outer Layer
Rain Pants ( still need to purchase)
Rain jacket ( still need to purchase)
Water proof gloves? ( still need to purchase)
Sleeping clothes
REI Heavyweight long underwear top (feels more like midweights in warmth)
REI Heavyweight long underwear bottoms (feels more like midweights in warmth)
REI Heavyweight wool socks
Footwear
Bates boots 51 oz (will be wearing these till they fall apart)
NB All terrains in my pack - 11.8
Misc
Cell Phone - 5.3 ( with usb charging cable)
Energizer headlamp
Surefire flashlight
Brunton Battery Pack - 5.5 oz ( Wanting to buy this to keep my cell phone charged)
All this basicly fills my bag (4000 cu inches) full with little room to add food or water. I put everything in my bag and weighed it on a bathroom scale so its roughly 25 lbs worth. I like the idea of traveling really light and with very little but I'm having a hard time doing it.
Thanks!
Easiest way to trim weight (as everyone else says) is to drop $$ on lighter-weight versions of your pack, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad.
Stuff sacks can do wonders to compress things, including your clothes - use them to get their volume down.
As far as the other stuff:
* 1 lighter, 1 firesteel. Nix the matches.
* You could dry your wet wipes and rehydrate them as you need them, this would save you quite a bit of needless water weight.
* I've got longer hair that gets dried out very quickly so I'm bringing a travel-sized mint shampoo and mint conditioner - I'll take the weight penalty, + mint for the natural smell that is less likely to arouse Mr. Bear's olfactory senses. But my husband is just rockin' Dr. Bronner's for soap, shampoo, and emergency toothpaste; it's very versatile and I'd advise you to do the same. If you find, after the first 150 miles or so, that you can't stand not washing your hair or using 'proper' soap or whatever, buy some then.
* Bring 1 pair of underwear, if any at all.
4eyedbuzzard
02-16-2011, 23:11
A Ruger LCP weighs like 10 oz.
Yeah, the same as my Kel-Tec P3AT.
Even the weight of a 30 oz pistol isn't all that much.
But the added weight you're going to have on your back at Rahway if you get convicted under the Graves Act in NJ is going to be right about 300 lbs. And his name be Tyrone. You'll definitely be packing a concealed gun then.
That's a good one.
Besides what good is a pistol hidden inside your pack.
I at least want it where I can get to it PDQ.
Bear spray and a Kabar would be better and more exiting.
Seems like I remember reading about a buy from Colorado, and did not know the NJ laws. Moved and took his handgun and I think he had it in his car and it was not registered with the state. Something like that and he had never been arrested and got some serious jail time.
Yep, here it is.
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/a-must-read-nj-man-s-ridiculous-gun-conviction
I was thinking, and I remember this from somewhere... You are allowed to transport a firearm through these anti-gun states if you are passing through. And I'll be passing through each state. I will look more into it, I appreciate your comment.
Lumpy,
In all seriousness, from one gun owner who carries concealed to another, seriously analyze and rethink your decision to carry on a thru-hike. Unless you are authorized to carry under LEOSA, there are many states where you will be committing a felony by carrying. Penalties can be very severe, felony conviction and up to 3 years mandatory in NJ, NY and others. That pretty much will ruin your life.
FWIW, virtually all the severe violent crime on the AT (murders and rapes and such) has involved young women - not lumpy guys. Just sayin'.
sixguns01
02-17-2011, 11:37
Hello. I'm planning on doing a thru hike at end of march or start of april going north. My pack weighs 25 lbs without food or water. I'm looking for ways to reduce the weight. Here is a list of what I have in my pack. Any and all comments are welcome! Thanks!
Big 4 + 1
Bag: REI Flash 65 - 50
Tent: MSR Hubba - 44
Sleeping Bag: Eureka Casper 15degree - 49
Sleeping Pad: Big Angus in. aircore - 25
Sleep Bag Liner: Sea2Summit thermolite - 9
Kitchen
Stove: Coleman 3001 canister stove - 6.7 (might trade this for an alchy)
Pot: GSI 18 flu oz - 5.2
Water Filter: Katadyn pro filter - 11
Fishing Kit: couple hooks and spool of line
Fire Kit: couple bic lighters, 1 fire steel, 2 small boxes of matches (1 water proof the other strike anywhere)
Need to buy: Spork
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Moist Wipes x 3 ( two for cleaning messes and 1 for bathroom)
Travel sized toothbrush and paste
Travel sized shampoo and bar of soap
First Aid kit: 5+ bandaides, small neosporin tube, cortizone and benadryl for poison ivy(i get it bad), water pur tabs, tweezers, aquamira straw filter 1 oz
Small tube of sunblock
Small bottle of hand sanitizer
Small finger nail clippers
Tools
Knife: Sog trident pocket knife 3.6
Multitool: Tiny one goes for 5 bucks at cabelas
Personal defense: around 30 oz ( will not budge here)
50 feet of Paracord for whatever I might need it for (hanging food from a tree)
Clothes
Base Layer
Rocky comression top and bottom(keeps me dry)
2x lightweight wool socks
3 pairs underwear
rei liner gloves
beanie facemask for if it gets cold
neck gaiter
Mid Layer
Rocky midweight thermal top
Convertible pants
Lightweight breathable longsleeve shirt
Outer Layer
Rain Pants ( still need to purchase)
Rain jacket ( still need to purchase)
Water proof gloves? ( still need to purchase)
Sleeping clothes
REI Heavyweight long underwear top (feels more like midweights in warmth)
REI Heavyweight long underwear bottoms (feels more like midweights in warmth)
REI Heavyweight wool socks
Footwear
Bates boots 51 oz (will be wearing these till they fall apart)
NB All terrains in my pack - 11.8
Misc
Cell Phone - 5.3 ( with usb charging cable)
Energizer headlamp
Surefire flashlight
Brunton Battery Pack - 5.5 oz ( Wanting to buy this to keep my cell phone charged)
All this basicly fills my bag (4000 cu inches) full with little room to add food or water. I put everything in my bag and weighed it on a bathroom scale so its roughly 25 lbs worth. I like the idea of traveling really light and with very little but I'm having a hard time doing it.
Thanks!
Here's my take-
Pack- try out a Golite Pinnacle. Roomy, Comfy and under 2lbs
Tent- tarptents! I like to be enclosed. Picked up Gossamer Gear "The One" tent. Weighs under 20oz and fits me and my gear
Dump the Liner- you have enough clothing
Bag- Much lighter options out there. Montbell Hugger #1. 15 degrees and weighs less than 2lbs
Kitchen- Try Trail Designs Caldera Cone Keg-H system (pot, stove, and cone). Weighs 6oz Alcohol Fuel is lighter than a canister
Switch out the filter (I do Love the Katadyn Hiker) with Aqua Mira drops or tablets. I use the tablets
Do you really need the Knife? I use Derma-Safe blades. Weighs almost nothing. I also carry the Leatherman Squirt which weighs 2.3oz
Switch HeavyWeight sleeping clothes for MidWeight.
Rain Jacket- Dri Ducks. 5oz
Rain Pants- If you can find them try to get Golite Reed Rain Pants. Weigh 6oz and are amazing.
Switch out the Paracord with Kelty TripTease Line. Weighs less than half of the paracrod and will cover all basic uses of paracord (Bear Bagging)
Do you need two flashlights? I carry a two but never really needed too.
Energizer Headlamp (2.2) from Home Depot and MightyLite Mini (2.2) flashlight which turns into a lantern. Make sure you use Lithium batteries. Twice the price but half the weight and last a hell of a lot longer than normal batteries.
I went through the same thing you are now going through. Took some time and of course some cash to cut my weight down from 30lb base weight to 11lb base weight. I never gave up security and comfort.
I sold my gear on eBay and used that cash to fund my lighter gear. Check out eBay for some good random deals and Steep and Cheap.
I also found a lighter gear heaven- Backpackinglite.com's gear swap forum. It's like this one but on steroids. Found amazing deals on lightweight gear there. My The One tent goes for $325 seam sealed; I got it for $125 on BPL Gear Swap. Can't beat that.
Also, they have a lot more input for cutting weight and gear choices. They also list sales and amazing deals that companies are having.
Hope this helps and Have Fun
Yes I agree. I threw my list out here to lighten up a bit but also to get rid of unnecessary items.
I understand cutting weight - no one should bring their entire closet or pharmacy - but seriously I think sometimes you people go WAY too far. 850 down does the same as 600 down but at less weight, right? Cool! Pay more, get 850 and lose some weight. I understand that concept. But do without first aid kit of any kind? Or toilet paper? If you're too whimpy to tote toilet paper do you really need to be hiking?
Your body will adjust to whatever weight you carry, you'll put on muscle enough to tote the load. I don't mean bring 100 lbs of stuff but cutting some of these ounces are hazardous to your health. And the extra crap you have to do to make up for not having what ya need isn't worth dropping a few ozs. I'll max my weight limit and then when I cut weight in one place I'll add something else that I WANT to bring, I'm man enough to carry it. I might be stupid but I won't be miserable.
Also for your pistol, there are other threads that go into detail about different local and state laws concerning ALL weapons and the federal regulation from the ATF site that protects your right to carry your weapon regardless of other jusridictions and how to do so.
HYOH
I've got something the size and weight of the keltec and ruger lcp.
I know your allowed to transport a firearm in your vehicle through these anti-gun states but theres procedures on doing so. Wonder if it's the same with transporting a firearm in your pack as your passing through each state? I am going to research more on this for sure. But I am a legal CC permit holder, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Vermont are the only states that honor my permit that I will be passing through so the rest I'll have to figure out the legal way on doing so.
Yeah, the same as my Kel-Tec P3AT.
Even the weight of a 30 oz pistol isn't all that much.
But the added weight you're going to have on your back at Rahway if you get convicted under the Graves Act in NJ is going to be right about 300 lbs. And his name be Tyrone. You'll definitely be packing a concealed gun then.
Hey thanks! These are good suggestions. I will look at Backpackinglite.com and see if I can lighten anything up. A lot of people are suggesting aquamira drops, how long do they take to sanitize the water? Are there harmful chemicals in them?
Yea the knife only weighs 3.6 ounces and it has many useful uses. Plus I never leave home without it.
Here's my take-
Pack- try out a Golite Pinnacle. Roomy, Comfy and under 2lbs
Tent- tarptents! I like to be enclosed. Picked up Gossamer Gear "The One" tent. Weighs under 20oz and fits me and my gear
Dump the Liner- you have enough clothing
Bag- Much lighter options out there. Montbell Hugger #1. 15 degrees and weighs less than 2lbs
Kitchen- Try Trail Designs Caldera Cone Keg-H system (pot, stove, and cone). Weighs 6oz Alcohol Fuel is lighter than a canister
Switch out the filter (I do Love the Katadyn Hiker) with Aqua Mira drops or tablets. I use the tablets
Do you really need the Knife? I use Derma-Safe blades. Weighs almost nothing. I also carry the Leatherman Squirt which weighs 2.3oz
Switch HeavyWeight sleeping clothes for MidWeight.
Rain Jacket- Dri Ducks. 5oz
Rain Pants- If you can find them try to get Golite Reed Rain Pants. Weigh 6oz and are amazing.
Switch out the Paracord with Kelty TripTease Line. Weighs less than half of the paracrod and will cover all basic uses of paracord (Bear Bagging)
Do you need two flashlights? I carry a two but never really needed too.
Energizer Headlamp (2.2) from Home Depot and MightyLite Mini (2.2) flashlight which turns into a lantern. Make sure you use Lithium batteries. Twice the price but half the weight and last a hell of a lot longer than normal batteries.
I went through the same thing you are now going through. Took some time and of course some cash to cut my weight down from 30lb base weight to 11lb base weight. I never gave up security and comfort.
I sold my gear on eBay and used that cash to fund my lighter gear. Check out eBay for some good random deals and Steep and Cheap.
I also found a lighter gear heaven- Backpackinglite.com's gear swap forum. It's like this one but on steroids. Found amazing deals on lightweight gear there. My The One tent goes for $325 seam sealed; I got it for $125 on BPL Gear Swap. Can't beat that.
Also, they have a lot more input for cutting weight and gear choices. They also list sales and amazing deals that companies are having.
Hope this helps and Have Fun
I was thinking, and I remember this from somewhere... You are allowed to transport a firearm through these anti-gun states if you are passing through. And I'll be passing through each state. I will look more into it, I appreciate your comment.
Way off base.
You better read the NJ gun laws and make a few calls, else you could end up in prison for 5 years with no parole.
From the NRA site...
It is unlawful to knowingly possess any handgun, including any antique handgun, without first having obtained a Permit to Carry.
It is unlawful to knowingly possess any rifle or shotgun without having first obtained a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (FID)
Read the link I posted earlier.
They procecute not for unregistered possesion but for the an actual crime using a weapon even though you never committed the crime.
I appreciate the info dude. I'll defiantly do my research before heading out. I do not want to do anything illegal but I do not want to be unarmed either.
Way off base.
You better read the NJ gun laws and make a few calls, else you could end up in prison for 5 years with no parole.
From the NRA site...
It is unlawful to knowingly possess any handgun, including any antique handgun, without first having obtained a Permit to Carry.
It is unlawful to knowingly possess any rifle or shotgun without having first obtained a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (FID)
Read the link I posted earlier.
They procecute not for unregistered possesion but for the an actual crime using a weapon even though you never committed the crime.
Understand
I don't mind being armed just in case, but carrying a concealed gun in a pack of any kind across state lines is an iffy proposition. All I have anyway is a 44 mag so its Dirty Harry on the trail.
The gun laws in NJ are insane, but I am sure they are there for a reason.
The read about the guy in prison who moved there from Colorado is enough to keep me out of that state forever.
IMO I dont see why if you have a CC permit in one state it should not extend to all the states, but the gubment knows best I guess. At least they act like they do.
Awol1970
02-17-2011, 18:35
but the gubment knows best I guess.
never ever never do they know best. never.
You listed aquamira, tablets, filter and straw filter? Some dont take any form. Ditch 3 out of 4 of them. I do use the filter but like getting drinkable water in minutes as opposed to waiting half hour for drops to work especially when its hot and i have no water but if you want light weight, go with aquamira. The dri ducks can be found at Dick's along with Frog Toggs and I picked up my ducks there for $20 and ya wont need the pants part once the weather is warmer. True you can fly with a gun but not bear spray. I went to Alaska hiking and took a gun but more people there told me the bear spray is more effective being an injured animal from a bad shot will fight thru the pain to get revenge, spray will stop him in his tracks. Do use the alch stove instead, if you dont want to make one e-bay has em pretty cheep and well made. I just went winter hiking for a couple days in the mid teens and had no issues with makin my coffee fast.
Weak attempt at humor
never ever never do they know best. never.
Hehe I defiantly wouldn't mess with you, Dirty Harry... you hunt with it?
Yea the government knows best for sure:datz
I doubt the NJ gun laws are there for a logical reason. Probably a major shooting which could have been greatly reduced or prevented if there were citizens there that were legally armed and willing to do whats right. Guns don't kill people, people kill people...sure they use guns but they also use knives, cars, rocks, fire, pillows(to suffocate), rope. How come they don't put strict laws on those? Well I better stop, going to get the mod mad :D
Understand
I don't mind being armed just in case, but carrying a concealed gun in a pack of any kind across state lines is an iffy proposition. All I have anyway is a 44 mag so its Dirty Harry on the trail.
The gun laws in NJ are insane, but I am sure they are there for a reason.
The read about the guy in prison who moved there from Colorado is enough to keep me out of that state forever.
IMO I dont see why if you have a CC permit in one state it should not extend to all the states, but the gubment knows best I guess. At least they act like they do.
I agree with you, I don't really like waiting 30 minutes for water... and am not huge on chemicals either. But I'll probably end up taking the katadyn hiker pro and aquamira drops as an emergency water purifier.
I'll head over to Basspro and check out there frogtoggs or dri ducks (forgot which ones they carry) and might pick up a set. Will check out there down jackets too if they carry them. Wal-mart has a down looking jacket but I highly doubt its down, probably synthetic something. Costs like 10-15 bucks.
The guns main purpose isn't for animal protection, but two legged critter protection as they are the most dangerous creatures on earth. Although it could be used for animals too if the need arises.
I have been looking at the Trianga mini alchys, they have screw on cap with an o-ring so you can save whatever fuel you have left in it. I think they weigh in at 5 or so ounces which is a little lighter than the coleman canister stove i've got now but the fuel would be much lighter than the canisters.
Thanks
You listed aquamira, tablets, filter and straw filter? Some dont take any form. Ditch 3 out of 4 of them. I do use the filter but like getting drinkable water in minutes as opposed to waiting half hour for drops to work especially when its hot and i have no water but if you want light weight, go with aquamira. The dri ducks can be found at Dick's along with Frog Toggs and I picked up my ducks there for $20 and ya wont need the pants part once the weather is warmer. True you can fly with a gun but not bear spray. I went to Alaska hiking and took a gun but more people there told me the bear spray is more effective being an injured animal from a bad shot will fight thru the pain to get revenge, spray will stop him in his tracks. Do use the alch stove instead, if you dont want to make one e-bay has em pretty cheep and well made. I just went winter hiking for a couple days in the mid teens and had no issues with makin my coffee fast.
sixguns01
02-18-2011, 06:49
I agree with you, I don't really like waiting 30 minutes for water... and am not huge on chemicals either. But I'll probably end up taking the katadyn hiker pro and aquamira drops as an emergency water purifier.
I'll head over to Basspro and check out there frogtoggs or dri ducks (forgot which ones they carry) and might pick up a set. Will check out there down jackets too if they carry them. Wal-mart has a down looking jacket but I highly doubt its down, probably synthetic something. Costs like 10-15 bucks.
The guns main purpose isn't for animal protection, but two legged critter protection as they are the most dangerous creatures on earth. Although it could be used for animals too if the need arises.
I have been looking at the Trianga mini alchys, they have screw on cap with an o-ring so you can save whatever fuel you have left in it. I think they weigh in at 5 or so ounces which is a little lighter than the coleman canister stove i've got now but the fuel would be much lighter than the canisters.
Thanks
Aqua Mira drops take 30 minutes while the Tablets take state that you should wait 4 hours. I have never waited 4 hours for the Tabs; usually 30 minutes myself which in the long run isn't too much time. I carry small packets of powdered flavored drinks anyway which help with any gross flavor. Plus it's always nice to some flavor for your drink.
I live in NJ and come from a cop family. The gun laws are strict to say the least. You need to a concealed firearms permit which isn't easy to get. Watch yourself when you hike thru Jersey; if you get caught it isn't going to be fun.
Mostly for plinking and I use it for a backup when hog hunting. It barely enough to stop a growler if I ever make it up to AK.
Had a 4" barreled S+W 460 magnum, but it was way to heavy but a really nice piece.
The 44 mag is a tracker and weighs about 2#.
I carry Aquamira tablets for emergency, but the 4 hour wait makes it very impractical for every day use. Just use regular old household bleach. 6 drops per qt.
The aquamira frontier pro works well if you hook it up to a dirty platy bottle and semi sit on it like with your leg. Weighs like 2-3 oz or use it as intended.
The driducks are lighter than the frog togg suits by quite a bit and cheaper.
If I remember right the frogtoggs weigh about 20oz vs the driducks at 10oz.
You can order driducks for about $12-$13.
I have been looking for the ones that are not tan so I am not deer colored.
sixguns01
02-18-2011, 10:00
I have seen Dri-Ducks at Sports Authority, Dick's (hehe) Sporting Goods, and even at Target once. $14.99. 5oz for jacket and 5oz for the pants.
Aqua Mira tablets say 4 hours but I usually wait 30mins. I have never met anyone on the trail wait the 4hrs. Believe that was a lawyer decision; the max time no one would ever get sick to reduce the risk of lawsuit. The chemists I work with even say that 4 hours is excessive and 30-45 min is good enough; at least in most of the US.
Hey--hope this helps. you can change out your sleeping bag on the AT in the Summer. just some thoughts to consider...
Colorado Trail Gear List-1
Big Three: Wt./Oz. Wt./Lbs.
· GG Vapor Trail Pack w/ lid- 40.0
o Pack Cover- 3.8
o Tent-TT Contrail- 26.7
o Ground Cloth- 5.5
o Stakes (10)- 3.5
o Stuff Sack- 0.5
· WM 15 Degree Down Bag 45.0.
o Stuff Sacks (2) 5.2
o Neo Air Mattress 16.0
o Suff Sack 0.5
Total Big Three: 148.4 9.28
Clothing (Carried)
· Mont Bell Mistral Parka- 7.2
· Mont Bell Dynamo Wind Pants- 3.0
· Marmot Pre-Cip Jacket- 15.5
· Capaline Med-Weight Sleep Shirt- 7.5
· Capaline Mid-Weight Sleep Leggings- 6.6
· Sleep Socks (1)- 2.9
· Hiking Socks (X-tra-1)- 2.8
· Sock Liners (2)- 1.8
· UA Hiking Leggings- 6.7
· Camp Crocs- 9.1
· Fleece Hat (1)- 1.7
· Fleece Gloves- 3.1
· Glove Liners- 1.1
· Garbage Bag (39 gal.) Rain Shirt- 2.1
· Garbage Bag (39 gal.)Rain Skirt- 1.8
· Plastic Hand covers (3 pr.)- 0.5
· Extra Plastic Bags- 2.0
· Bandana (2) 2.4
· Running Hat- 3.0
· Baklava- 2.0
· Stuff Sack- 1.5
Total Clothing Carried: 85.7 5.36
Hygiene/Medical/Emergency Wt./Oz. Wt./Lbs.
· Tooth Brush-Toothpaste 2.0
· Ultraight Mirror- 2.0
· First Aid Kit- 1.3
o Medical Tape-
o Gauze-1 Roll-
o 3 Band Aids-
o 3 Alcohol Wipes-
o Tweezer-
· Toilet Paper- 2.0
· Hand Sanitizer- 1.0
· Vitamin I- 2.0
· Medications- 3.0
· Sun Screen- 1.0
· Lip Balm- 0.5
· Sun Glasses- 3.0
· Duct Tape- 1.0
· Emergency Kit- 1.3
o Needle-Thread-
o Safety Pins (4)-
o Tent-Pad Repair Kit-
· Bic Lighter (1)- 0.4
· Waterproof Matches (1 Box)- 0.3
· Spare Batteries- 1.6
· Pen-Paper- 0.5
· Petzl Head Lamp/Batteries 3.0
· Trail Maps- 14.0
· Stuff Sack- 0.8
Total H/M/E: 23.4 1.46
Cook System:
· Soto Stove/Case 3.3
· Fuel (8 oz)- 8.1
· Cook Pot- 4.8
· Spoon- 0.6
· Stuff Sack (Stove)- 0.8
· Stuff Sack (Food)- 1.6
· Bear Rope- 2.3
· Towel- 0.7
· Pot Stabilizer- 1.0
· Bic Lighter 0.4
Total Cook System: 23.6 1.48
Water Treatment:
· Steri Pen W/Batteries- 4.6
· Chemical Tabs (2 Bottles)- 2.2
· Water Bottle (1)- 6.2
· Camel Back Bladder (100 oz) Military- 9.4
Total Water Treatment: 22.4 1.40
Clothes Worn:
· Ex Officio Long Sleeve Shirt- 7.1
· Running Shorts- 3.2
· Hiking Socks- 2.8
· Sock Liners- 0.9
· Hiking Poles-Leki- 19.4
· Hiking Boots- 32.0
· Camera w/Batteries 6.6
· Camera Bag- 3.5
· Reading Glasses (1)- 1.3
· Knife/Whistle/Compass- 1.4
· Watch/chest Strap (Ht Rate Monitor)- 3.2
· Knee Braces- 6.1
· Pepper Spray (People!!!) 1.3
Total Clothes Worn: 56.8 3.55
Electronics:
· MP3/Headphones/Charger- 3.6
· Cell Phone/Charger- 4.2
Total Electronics: 7.8 0.49
Ditty Bag:
· Ditty Bag: 1.2
o Credit Cards (2)-
o Cash-
o Drivers License-
o Insurance Card-
o Phone Card-
o Extra Reading Glasses (1)- 1.3
o Emergency Numbers-
Total Ditty Bag: 2.5 0.16
Food/ Water:
Water Carried: 21.0
Food-5 Days-1.7lbs/day: 136.0
Total Food/Water: 157.0 9.81
Grand Totals:
Base Wt. In Pack: 313.8 19.61
Weight Worn: 56.8 3.55
Skin-Out Base Wt. 370.6 23.16
Total Base Weight: 470.8 29.43
(Pack+Food+Water)
Skin-Out Wt.Total: 527.6 32.98
(Base Pack/Worn/F-W)
Sassafras Lass
03-21-2011, 15:54
The guns main purpose isn't for animal protection, but two legged critter protection as they are the most dangerous creatures on earth. Although it could be used for animals too if the need arises.
That's fine and dandy, but did you jump through the legal hoops for all 14 states? If you don't and you get caught w/ an unregistered gun, you're looking @ serious jail time and a felony on your record, at a minimum. Even if a crazy situation occured where you shoot a nutjob in self-defense, you're still gonna get in trouble for carrying without permits and whatnot. Just my 2 cents . . . .
zacrobmer
03-22-2011, 14:01
There are several items you can drop or swap out, most have been touched on.
I would have to agree with the leave the hand gun at home crowd. Not because I think they are scary or evil or anything, but because of the amount of states that will not have reciprocity and do have ridiculous gun laws you will have to pass through. You have to consider that you will be amongst countless other hikers, from various age groups and backgrounds that will not have the slightest problem calling the authorities because they saw you with a handgun, or even the rumor that you do. Now I know you will say "well it will be hidden or concealed". But where? An ankle holster is not going to work; an IWB will not work unless you are a sadist. So where can you carry it that it could be accessed in the extremely unlikely event you are actually attacked? If you think that you can access your backpack in the time that it takes someone to close in on you and cause you physical harm you are kidding yourself. So when will you have it "available" to defend yourself? When you are camped for the night? Where will you keep it in a pillow under head? I assume then that you will be stealth camping or pushing on to empty shelter, because when will you have the opportunity to remove the hand gun from your hiding place and have concealed near you to "protect yourself" while you sleep?
I am all for the 2nd amendment and I have little issue with some of the new "park" laws that have popped up, I have had a CCW for about 10 years and for 4 of those fell under HR218. However, I really feel that you are asking for trouble with this, and really hope that you do not end up as some statistic for the anti-gun crowd to use showing how unsafe guns are.
You will not need a handgun on the trail.
Aqua Mira tablets say 4 hours but I usually wait 30mins. I have never met anyone on the trail wait the 4hrs. Believe that was a lawyer decision; the max time no one would ever get sick to reduce the risk of lawsuit. The chemists I work with even say that 4 hours is excessive and 30-45 min is good enough; at least in most of the US.
The 4 hours comes from a table that indicates how long to wait based on water temp and level of clarity (from clear to turbid) - unfortunately hardly any vendors post that table.
katadyn micropur says this:
The following is a list of "wait times": EPA Water #1 (clear, 20 degrees C) and EPA Water #2 (dirty, 4 degrees C) wait 15 minutes to kill Bacteria and Virus microorganisms. EPA Water #1 (clear, 20 degrees C) wait 30 minutes to kill Cysts. EPA Water #2 (dirty, 4 degrees C) wait 4 hours to kill Cysts.
simonfrank
05-21-2011, 06:50
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i didn't read pages 2 or 3, but i think you will freeze your ass off if you don't get a down jacket...
a lot of good suggestions on page 1...
PennyPincher
05-25-2011, 08:00
I was thinking, and I remember this from somewhere... You are allowed to transport a firearm through these anti-gun states if you are passing through. And I'll be passing through each state. I will look more into it, I appreciate your comment.
Yep. you just need to be licensed in the state you originate in and in the state you are traveling to. However, overnight stays may disqualify you. But concealed means concealed.
1) Go with a lighter tent if you can...
I think the Six Moons Design Trekker is almost too good a deal to pass up. An intro price of $174, good right now thru the end of this month, gets you a 24oz tent:
http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/tents.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_smd.tpl&product_id=55&category_id=7
I will most likely use gatorade bottles or others for my water carrying needs. Do you have other suggestions for carrying water?
Platypus makes 1 liter collapsible bottles that fit most side pockets real well. But the Gatorade bottles are cheaper, and come with a free drink inside!
OK, as far as your "warm layer". You're from Kansas, right? So,you know what cold is. Think of it this way - is your layering system enough to keep you warm for 24-72hrs in the woods? You could hit a stretch of 30degree cold/wind/rain (ok, probably will) that lasts for days. If you put your stuff on this weekend, and hit the woods for an overnight, would you be wishing you had something warmer on after 4 or 5 hours? If not, fine, but if you think you'd like a down vest, better to find that out at home on a weekend shake-down, than on the top of a mountain, 2 days from the nearest road, right?
In my mind, the warmth layer is mostly for when you stop walking. Humping gear up and down mountains all day will generate plenty of heat. And sweat. When you stop for lunch, or stop for the day, you'll want to put something on that'll keep you warm. A down vest, or a "down sweater" weighs little, compresses down to nothing, but costs a bit. Not just a comfort item. Could be a survival item if stuck in cold snow, and will certainly increase the warmth of your sleeping bag.
One last thought. Your 65L pack ought to be fine - both in terms of volume and weight carrying capacity. It might be a bit heavy, but it's not bad. Your issue right now is not enough room for food. Consider that you'll need to carry ~ 2 lbs of food/day, times up to five days. So, besides the obvious advantages of reducing weight by leaving stuff out, and/or replacing what you have, you really need to reduce bulk.
I'd guess that your sleeping bag is taking up a lot of room. An 800-fill down bag rated at 20 degrees, along with a set of long johns, wool socks and a down sweater, should get you through anything. And it'll compress down to almost nothing. Not cheap, but can be found on sale. My Marmot Helium +15 Long weighs 32ozs. Dump the liner.
Lots of folks have suggested reducing the clothing you listed, so I won't repeat all that. But it'll reduce your bulk. Here's a link to Mountain Crossings list, which includes what they think thru hikers need for clothing:
http://www.backpacker.com/2007/images/november08/mtncrossmeth_445.jpg
Bring Aquamira drops vice that bulky filter.
Wear trail runners instead of boots and don't carry an extra set of shoes in your bag. A pair of crocs hanging on the outside will weigh less than what you have, and will leave room for food.
That Hubba is bulky. But, if you plan to carry it outside of your pack, it's not going to affect how much food you can carry.
Good luck and hope to see you out there.