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View Full Version : Got a little worried today...



L Tee
10-04-2007, 17:26
I had an old external frame pack from when I used to hike in high school (which I havent used in probably 7 or 8 years) and put a 25 lb dumbell in it to give me and idea of what a 27-30 lb pack would feel like and it was heavy! I think I just scared myself into going ultralight. Im now shooting for 20 lbs or less. I recently lost like 25-30 lbs of weight (drank a lot of beer in my first few years or college) so my body is somewhat used to it but it still is heavy on your back. Im starting to think people with 40 lb packs are crazy! (if you have a 40 or more lb pack dont take offense to that it was just a comment).

Anyways just thought id share that. Oh and Bass Pro shop is worthless.

Skidsteer
10-04-2007, 17:47
Concentrated weight, like a dumbbell or big bag of water, "feels" heavier than the same amount of weight in actual gear more evenly distributed.

rafe
10-04-2007, 17:53
Ultralight takes some practice. "Light" is much easier to achieve. By that, I mean a base weight around 16-18 lbs. (Base weight = total weight MINUS food, water, and fuel.) To get lighter than that requires real effort, IMO.

Back in the bad old days (10-15 years ago,) 35-40 lbs. pack weight was typical for thru hikers.

L Tee
10-04-2007, 17:57
I mean im sure its possible to do it with a 40 lb pack and I guess when you dont have any other choice its the way to go. I think I meant more in between light and ultra light. Some of the stuff people use as shelters seems like peices of cardboard/paper and fishing line.

hopefully I didnt just give someone an idea :)

rafe
10-04-2007, 18:21
What I'm trying to say, lee, is this... There's a certain amount of weight reduction that you can get simply by buying light stuff -- usually at a premium price. That ought to get you into the "light" category, more or less. The next step can't be had by spending more; it involves changing habits and routines and learning certain skills -- eg., learning to select campsites and using a tarp, instead of pitching a tent. And though the UL folks won't say so, I believe it also involves some diminishment of comfort and convenience (eg., using a Ridgecrest pad, or dry leaves, instead of a Thermarest.)

Appalachian Tater
10-04-2007, 18:47
Regardless of your age and condition, a lighter pack is more comfortable to carry.

hopefulhiker
10-04-2007, 19:17
Except for water, the idea is to take "just enough" I would try to aim for around thirty pounds give or take....

oldfivetango
10-04-2007, 19:30
I recall that somebodys granny did a thru with pf flyers or keds
for shoes and a shower curtain(i think) for a shelter.

Being in the "crazy" 40 lb or over class,I admire the hardiness
of the UL to L crowd but I have got to have things like first aid
kit,some extra toiletries & clothes,and a water filter.

Oh yeah,I loved my SVEA 123 R but alochol is the only way
for me to go solo.
Oh,and don't worry about insulting anyone in here,General,it happens
all the time.:D
Oldfivetango

Manach
10-05-2007, 10:53
Keep in mind here that I'm speaking from the perspective of the research I've done, not practical experience. I'm still working on accumulating the proper gear myself.

Also, you'll probably find a lot of this stuff right here on WhiteBlaze, or you may have seen it in various other places. I don't know what all you've read. But maybe having it here in one place will make the research a bit more conveniet for you.

There's lightweight and there's ultralite. Going lightweight requires research, forethought, and a willingness to give up certain overpriced, unnecessarily complicated and heavy, brand name gear. Going ultralite requires certain know-how that one can really only acquire through experience, as well as willingness to give up certain comforts and take certain risks (like using a duct tape first aid kit).

Some simple and cheap things you can do to go light:

1. Use a soda can alcohol stove. Buy one from a cottage industry like Mo Go Gear for about $30 or make your own for next to nothing.

2. Use a quilt instead of a sleeping bag. The insulation beneath you is crushed beyond usefulness during sleep and is, therefore, extra weight. A good quilt costs as much as a high end sleeping bag, but you can order a kit from Ray Jardine to make your own in about eight hours (with a simple home sewing machine and no experience) for under $100.

3. Use a tarp instead of a tent. The weight savings are incredible, a good tarp kit can be had for under $100 (including a small ground cloth and bug net), and such a set up provides much better ventilation than most tents.

4. With your base weight low enough you can use a "virtual frame" pack which utilizes your sleeping mat as a frame. Many of these are nearly as durable as standard packs, weigh little more than a pound, and carry very well. Check out BGT for reviews.

It doesn't have to be costly to go light, and it can be a lot cheaper, especially if you're a di-it-yourselfer. Check out:

http://friends.backcountry.net/m_factor/
http://www.gossamergear.com/
http://www.backpacking.net/
http://www.hikelight.com/
http://www.ula-equipment.com/index.htm
http://www.lwgear.com/
http://www.mogogear.com/index.html
http://www.rayjardine.com/
http://www.thru-hiker.com/index.html
http://www.geocities.com/amytys/
http://royrobinson.homestead.com/

Blissful
10-05-2007, 11:18
Concentrated weight, like a dumbbell or big bag of water, "feels" heavier than the same amount of weight in actual gear more evenly distributed.

This is really true. Your test was not a good one for the feel of weight by any means. Even when salespeople put those sandbags in the backpack, your own gear is the best (I know having tried on upteen amount of backpacks before and during). Load up the gear you have now and try it out (though a good backpack that carries the weight properly can't be overstated either). Weight I found is really cut in ounces not pounds. Others who have their gear also have made a list and had it critqued here on White Blaze by some of the old timers. But even if you start a little heavy, Neels Gap is a good place to get rid of some stuff. It takes time to figure out what you need and don't need.

But there are some things I wouldn't do without. My pocket rocket stove. A tent (one only needs to be in 50 m/hr winds with cold temps - and those kinds of conditions happen early on a hike with the spring changes. Now I saw a guy handle a thunderstorm in his tarp and do okay - or so he said. But that's not me. We also had to tent in the snow in TN - a real possibility down south with a NOBO start). My 15 degree synthetic sleeping bag and silk liner to start. Not sure how a quilt can keep you warm enough in the teens, to be honest, but that's me. Guys tend to be hardier, I suppose.

faarside
10-05-2007, 11:29
;)

Being in the "crazy" 40 lb or over class,I admire the hardiness
of the UL to L crowd but I have got to have things like first aid
kit,some extra toiletries & clothes,and a water filter.


Ditto for me and then some!

I was and still am in the 40+ club. To me the outdoors is THE place to be, and I enjoy having "my stuff" close at hand even if it means paying a slight premium (in weight) for that privilege.

Perhaps I'll change my tune as I age a bit more - we'll see :)

sonic
10-05-2007, 11:57
[quote=oldfivetango;419853]I recall that somebodys granny did a thru with pf flyers or keds
for shoes and a shower curtain(i think) for a shelter.

That "Granny" was Emma "Grandma" Gatewood. She did hike it in Keds, used a shower curtain as a shelter and a gunny sack for a pack. She also cold camped. She actually thru-hiked 3 times. She did the AT in 1955 at the age of 67, she hiked it again in 1960 and then again at age 75 in 1963, making her the first person to hike the trail three times (though her final hike was completed in sections). In addition she walked 2000 miles of the Oregon Trail and hit the mayor of Portland on the head with an umbrella when she thought he was belittling her trip.

fehchet
10-05-2007, 12:12
Yes and Miss Gatewood hitched a lot. WE have all heard that. An amazing accomplishment whether she hitched or not. I wish I had met the lady and hiked with her. My pack is 23# with 5 days of food. It will cost me $500.00 to reduce my weight by 2 pounds.

taildragger
10-05-2007, 12:27
Go with what you feel comfortable mentally and physically.

I know that for me, I've given up on the idea of using a tent for long hikes, I've made the switch to down (It hurts, but hot dern its TOASTY!!!), made my own stove (mainly cause I was broke) and my weight is starting to plummit (used to have about 60lbs skin out, I'm trying to get into the 40lbs skin out weight if I can)

Blissful
10-05-2007, 14:18
That "Granny" was Emma "Grandma" Gatewood. She did hike it in Keds, used a shower curtain as a shelter and a gunny sack for a pack. She also cold camped. She actually thru-hiked 3 times. She did the AT in 1955 at the age of 67, she hiked it again in 1960 and then again at age 75 in 1963, making her the first person to hike the trail three times (though her final hike was completed in sections). In addition she walked 2000 miles of the Oregon Trail and hit the mayor of Portland on the head with an umbrella when she thought he was belittling her trip.

I believe her Keds are on display at Mt Rogers Outfitters in Damascus.

Manach
10-05-2007, 15:57
Not sure how a quilt can keep you warm enough in the teens, to be honest, but that's me.

Going light requires that a lot of your gear does double duty (sometimes more). In regards to sleeping bags vs. quilts it's a matter of employing clothing as part of your sleep system. You have to use layers of clothing, wool socks, warm hats, etc. All of these add warmth to your sleeping system, allowing you to carry a lighter sleeping bag (if you have the money to shell out for it) or a lighter quilt (especially if you can make your own and save a lot of money).

Most people are familiar with the Big Agnes sleeping bags. They have no insulation underneath because that insulation becomes crushed and useless anyway. Same concept as a quilt.

Guys tend to be hardier, I suppose.[/quote]

One of the most informative lightweight sites I've encountered is Mara Factor's. She details the difference between lightweight and ultralight, talks about ways to get your pack weight down without sacrificing a lot of comfort or money, and has a very realistic approach to the subject.

L Tee
10-06-2007, 15:55
those were some great links Manach. I appreciate the input.

Manach
10-06-2007, 17:26
http://hikinghq.net/going_light.html

I forgot one really good one, from WB's own Sgt Rock.

Brooklyn Lioness
10-06-2007, 17:49
I used to backpack in my teens and early 20's, and I think the heavier my pack, the more I felt like a real backpacker! I just started again this year. I'm 20 years older, I've had a lot of medical issues, gained a lot of weight, and am not as active (not yet!). I bought a lot of new gear and had a base weight of 17 pounds. I really don't think I could have done it with the packs that I used to carry. My gear allowed me to do this. Trekking poles also really helped! I'd like to get a little lighter, but I know I'll never get ultralight.

Roland
10-06-2007, 17:51
Welcome to WB, Emily, and welcome back to the outdoors.