View Full Version : Pack weight
I have spent countless hours reading AT hikers journals, and I am really concerned at how everyone seems to obsess over the weight of their packs. I am a 59 year old female, very experienced hiker, and carry 15-17kg when my pack is fullyloaded with tent, 6 days food and 2 litres of water. I cannot imagine leaving anything out that I currently carry. My luxury is that I carry an Exped mat and an inflatable pillow. Do people think this is too heavy for the AT.
ALLWEN
4eyedbuzzard
10-05-2010, 09:48
Given 6 days of food at 4kg (or so) + 2kg of water that's a 9 to 11 kg pack with everything else. Let's see, roughly 19 to 23 lbs base weight in English units. A bit heavy for summer on the AT by many people's thoughts, but without knowing what temperatures / weather conditions you're packing for it's impossible to say. Temp and weather will dictate tent, sleeping bag, clothing, fuel, and even food. Beyond that it's your choice as to how much in the way of "luxury" you're willing to carry or not carry, or how much very lightweight (high $) gear you can or will acquire. I try to stay under 15 lbs without food/water and I could go a bit lower but can't justify the cost of ultra light, very expensive new gear, or leaving some things behind, especially here in NH where you really do need to be prepared for some cold weather even in the summer. Hey, you're carrying it all up and down those mountains, not me - who am I to judge?
Thanks for that. I am talking of a winter pack weight. that is with merino thermals, fleece, down jacket, raingear and extra socks included. My sleeping bag is a North Face 15deg bag (weight under a kg).
I have spent countless hours reading AT hikers journals, and I am really concerned at how everyone seems to obsess over the weight of their packs. I am a 59 year old female, very experienced hiker, and carry 15-17kg when my pack is fullyloaded with tent, 6 days food and 2 litres of water. I cannot imagine leaving anything out that I currently carry. My luxury is that I carry an Exped mat and an inflatable pillow. Do people think this is too heavy for the AT.
ALLWEN
Don't worry about it. All these folks obsess about weight cause it is the in thing to do. If you are as you say a very experienced hiker, then you know what you are doing. 17 kg total weight is not bad. I don't see why you would be concerned. Also, why not afford your self some luxuries like a nice thick exped mat. I carried close to 40 pounds most of the time while thru hiking the AT.
All that really matters is that the load is comfortable for you. If some one else gives you a hard time for carrying more than 10 pounds or not being an ultra lighter that's his/her problem. to heck with 'em!
Wolf - 23000
10-05-2010, 11:43
Allwen,
If your happy with what you are carrying then go with it. Who cares what others carry - I don't. Never did, never will. What kills me is when hikers add a bunch of extra stuff to their packs then bug other hikers on what they should leave out.
Wolf
Moose2001
10-05-2010, 11:55
Allwen,
If your happy with what you are carrying then go with it. Who cares what others carry - I don't. Never did, never will. What kills me is when hikers add a bunch of extra stuff to their packs then bug other hikers on what they should leave out.
Wolf
Amen! I get so tired of hearing people brag about what their pack weighs or trying to prove how good they are by carrying so little. Carry what works for you and what you're happy with. As the hike progressess, you may find you want to change a few things.
northernstorm
10-06-2010, 00:17
Just pack what you can carry and still enjoy yourself at the same time. :rolleyes:
IronGutsTommy
10-06-2010, 02:37
yeah as long as the load feels good on your back and legs, youre golden. youre the only one that can decifer that. I think pack weight discussions do have their merits for helping newbies by giving them a reference point, gear lists do this even better. but when weights and lists become concrete ideas somethings wrong. Ive seen posts where people say dont bother carrying a nailclipper, get a swiss army knife with a clipper.. um, no. nail clippers weigh virtually nothing and im not dealing with torn nails from using a jack of all trades, master of none to shave .05 ounces off my weight. the only weights ill worry about while doing a thru is the weight of "billy bobs 2 lb burger challenge"
Allwen,
If your happy with what you are carrying then go with it. Who cares what others carry ...
Wolf
Could not agree more. As for me, 37lbs is way more than I will ever carry.
THANKYOU so much, I feel heaps better now, knowing that weight isn't such a major issue. Over the years I have dropped my packweight from 22kg down to 15-17kg and to lose anymore I feel like I would be on either starvation rations, naked (God forbid) or in for an uncomfortable hike. In Australia hardly anyone worries too much about their pack weight - but then again we don't have mountains!!!!
gipcgirl
10-06-2010, 04:53
I have spent countless hours reading AT hikers journals, and I am really concerned at how everyone seems to obsess over the weight of their packs. I am a 59 year old female, very experienced hiker, and carry 15-17kg when my pack is fullyloaded with tent, 6 days food and 2 litres of water. I cannot imagine leaving anything out that I currently carry. My luxury is that I carry an Exped mat and an inflatable pillow. Do people think this is too heavy for the AT.
ALLWEN
Hi ALLWEN
I have just completed 1860 miles of the AT I used a ULA pack (ultra light weight) and carried 25lbs which included 5 days food 2 litres of water a msr tent and my rain gear etc. i.e everything I needed for my hike. I hiked the whole way in Keen sandals they also doubled up as my camp shoes. I am 61 years old extremely fit and an experienced hiker. I found this to be an ideal weight for me to carry and had no problems. Most women I have met hiking generally carry to many clothes. I would rather carry more food than extra clothing that I don't really use every day.
The only reason I did not finish is that I ran out of visa time. Doing it again in 2011. I am also from West Australia.
gipcgirl
Post a complete gear list with weights (ounces and pounds not stones and kilograms please) and let everyone review it. Also let us know when and where you're hiking since that will determine what types of clothes you'll need.
4eyedbuzzard
10-06-2010, 08:15
. . . but then again we don't have mountains!!!!
You will find that this plays significantly into wieght decisions / weight consciousness. I can walk on reasonably level terrain all day with 40 - 50 lbs in a pack with good suspension with no problems. Start going up and down 500, 1000, or (gasp) 3000 feet :eek: at a clip (yeah, my home state of NH has some pretty tough ups and down) and you'll likely start paying a lot more attention to weight. The AT has an estimated cumulative elevation gain and loss of some 600,000 feet over it's length - it isn't all ridge walking. And a lot of those tough ups and downs occur at both ends of the trail GA - VA, and NH - ME, so there are some really tough sections where a heavy pack will make you pay.
Lone Wolf
10-06-2010, 08:24
I have spent countless hours reading AT hikers journals, and I am really concerned at how everyone seems to obsess over the weight of their packs. I am a 59 year old female, very experienced hiker, and carry 15-17kg when my pack is fullyloaded with tent, 6 days food and 2 litres of water. I cannot imagine leaving anything out that I currently carry. My luxury is that I carry an Exped mat and an inflatable pillow. Do people think this is too heavy for the AT.
ALLWEN
start with what you got. add or subtract as you go. don't post a gear and clothing list.
LW, why not post a gear list and let those that want to weigh in (no pun intended) do so?
Lone Wolf
10-06-2010, 08:47
LW, why not post a gear list and let those that want to weigh in (no pun intended) do so?
she already stated she doesn't want to leave out anything she already has
To repeat the enduring refrains: HYOH - hike with what makes you comfortable - it's just walking.
BUT
I suspect that some thru-hikers obsess over pack-weight because
1. Preferences change over a 2100 mile hike - a thru-hike takes a long time; many (most?) hikers find they hike longer and farther as their hike progresses. More time on the trail vs. time in camp means greater emphasis on packing light.
2. Stress accumulates - hiking and climbing for months on end takes a toll on your body. Walking heavy can make injury more likely and irritates existing aches and pains. While it is always possible to take a zero day to recover, it may be easier/cheaper to travel light(er).
My point is - a long trip is very different from a short trip and you may find that your hiking style changes - be ready to mix up your gear choices and be aware of lighter gear options. I believe this applies even to very experienced hikers.
Staff at Neels Gap and ADZPCTKO might back me up.
-ed
garlic08
10-06-2010, 10:04
Weight matters tremendously to me. I'm one of those who is very excited about my light weight pack, but only because it got me back out on the trail. At age 40, I gave up backpacking with inflamed knees and ankles. It would take three months to recover completely from a 100 mile hike (in mountains), carrying my 45 pound pack. Injuries and weaknesses got the best of me.
Now I'm in my mid-fifties and don't consider a hike long unless it's 1000 miles, and I have hiked over 3000 miles some years recently. My current pack is less than 10 pounds base weight. Getting to that weight was a wonderful journey of self-discovery in itself. I addressed many fears I didn't even know I had.
There is absolutely no way I'd be hiking these trails with a heavier pack. Lightening the load is not a matter of preference or a hobby for me, it's a necessity.
Suttree above is right on as far as I'm concerned. Stress accumulates--some can handle it, some can't. Some adjust and stay on trail, while many don't and go home.
Please indulge (or ignore) some of us who are excited (and yes, sometimes obsessed) about our lightweight style of hiking. Sometimes we tend to tell others about it. (Notice I say "style", not gear. It's not all about the gear. Often it's about not even having the gear to begin with.) It was because some other hikers (like Lynne Whelden and Ray Jardine) talked and wrote about their styles of hiking that I was able to learn about other possibilities, and I hope others will do the same if they want to. If they don't want or need to learn and adjust, that's OK too.
sparky2000
10-06-2010, 10:24
The thought that fear is the primary reason that one carries "more" weight might be sound - then again, clothes are often useless. Food every third day is enough. Water at the 'well' is often enough, ect.
Tipi Walter
10-06-2010, 10:58
Could not agree more. As for me, 37lbs is way more than I will ever carry.
So, would you carry more if you wanted to do a 15 day trip without resupply? Of course you would. AT backpackers are a specialized group of hikers since they only have to carry around 4-5 days worth of food, and not 15 to 20 days, so there's a near-obsession with light pack weights. "How low can you go?" doesn't really apply when carrying 40lbs of just food for a 20 day trip.
My list of equipment & clothing:
MY 2 LUXURIES FOR AT Exped 7 Down Mat & Inflatable pillow - non negotiable, I have a spinal fusion, and this luxury ensures only bearable aching overnight.
30deg North Face bag - 850grms
Sea - Summit liner
Crocs
I carry the gas cannisters - usually 2 (Husband carrys stove, pots,bowls and cutlery
Half the tent - Copper Spur3 - 900grams
Petzl head light - 3 spare AAA batteries
Plastic insul mug
Mobile (Cell) phone
small solar charger for phone
PLB - unsure if we will bring this (Personal Locator Beacon)
I carry our breakfasts and Lunches (Husband carries evening meals and drink makings)
2 x 1 ltres of water
Steripen
Clothing
2 x pair undies
1 x bra
2 x pr hiking socks
1 x pr liner socks for sleeping
1 merino thermal top for sleeping
1 merino leggings for sleeping
1 raincoat - paclite
1 rainpants - paclite
1 pr crocs for camp
1 montbell liner (underjacket) down jacket
Wearing:
undies & bra
1 pr socks
merino camisole
merino long sleeve top
fleece
beanie
neck muff
gloves
skins (compression leggings)
sports kilt (extremely lightweight)
boots.
Toiletries
sea to summit hiking towel
minature brush
tooth brush/paste
toilet paper & ipoo trowel
extras
silver emergency blanket
compass
AT companion
Maps?
Compass?
Chargers for phone and camera batteries
First Aid comprises - compression bandage, fixomul, anti diahorrea tabs, betadine
6 months medication for 3 prescription tablets!!!!!!
Thats it.
I have hiked for 3 months with this kit and I used everything except the anti diahorrea tabs!
Pack: Osprey Ariel 65ltr.
All my gear is kept in sea to summit ultra sil dry sacks and I have one of the light weight sea to summit pack covers
Camera is clipped to my pack belt
If I have 4 days food then this usually comes in around 15kg which I think is about 33lbs. Other than my exped and pillow I can't see anything in here that is heavy.
Trailbender
10-06-2010, 12:30
Amen! I get so tired of hearing people brag about what their pack weighs or trying to prove how good they are by carrying so little. Carry what works for you and what you're happy with. As the hike progressess, you may find you want to change a few things.
That is true, but for me, there was a direct correlation between hiking enjoyment and pack weight.
You may or may not find that doing a long trail is a different kind of backpacking experience from what you are used to. I didn't hike the AT so I have noticed a bit of a cultural difference compared to the PCT. On the PCT hikers mainly hike, they don't "camp." By "camp" I mean they don't find some great campsite and loll around for half the day. They get up early, hike all day into the evening and camp is just a necessity for sleeping. On the AT there are some who focus on hiking and some who seem to like the camping.
Because you might find that you hike more than you camp, you may find that a lof of the things you consider necessities now rarely or never get used. And so you begin sending things home.
This is how many of us come to lighten our loads. Others do so from necessity due to pain or injury.
Saffirre8
10-06-2010, 13:34
i am one of the way few that is just CRAZY cause my pack is anywhere from 35-50lbs depending on if its summer or winter weight and it is what it is. i would rather be prepared even for an overnigher then get on the trial and wished i brought something that i didnt. i guess i always over prepare for hiking, but then again i also carry food for my dog as i feel he is go little young to carry his own pack yet. Agreed i can alway get all NEW Super ultra light gear but the again i really dont have all that extra money for good super light gear. i went as light as i could with the money i had and agreed i could leave alot of stuff out of my pack and i ALWAYS try trust me but i do carry ALOT of water which is most of my weight. i would rather be loaded down with water then not to have any at all, but that is just my way of hiking and i am ok with that. To each his own, but i sure an jealous of all of you that have 20-30lb packs. I think i carry 10 lbs of water alone....like i said i am just CRAZY, but i like it like that.....
What months will you be hiking and where? Are you going to Thru or section hike?
Summer week long trips find me carrying a pack between 23 and 25 lbs. with everything I need. Add about 3 lbs. for fall and 6-10 for winter (I often carry marinated, cubed beef to skewer over a fire the first night). I actually cut back on my fuel in the winter because, unless prohibited, I'll have a warming fire.
Moose2001
10-06-2010, 14:26
Allwen - I had the same question as Don H. about when you were going to start. Unless you're doing a January start, I think you have way too many clothes. Here's my take on your list:
30deg North Face bag - 850grms - Most thrus use a 20 degree down bag. 30 degree might be too cold for you for a spring start.
small solar charger for phone- Leave at home. You've got your regular charger with you.
PLB - unsure if we will bring this (Personal Locator Beacon) - for sure leave at home.
On your clothing list - you have a down jacket, a fleece a merino camisole and a merino long sleeve top. Plus merino thermals for sleeping. That's way more than you need. I would leave the down jacket at home and keep the fleece. Unless you're doing a January start, I'd forgo the merino camisole and long sleeve top for a lightweight hiking shirt. You'll be much more comfortable.
1 montbell liner (underjacket) down jacket
merino camisole
merino long sleeve top
fleece
beanie
neck muff
gloves
skins (compression leggings)
sports kilt (extremely lightweight)
silver emergency blanket - leave at home.
Trailbender
10-06-2010, 15:50
You may or may not find that doing a long trail is a different kind of backpacking experience from what you are used to. I didn't hike the AT so I have noticed a bit of a cultural difference compared to the PCT. On the PCT hikers mainly hike, they don't "camp." By "camp" I mean they don't find some great campsite and loll around for half the day. They get up early, hike all day into the evening and camp is just a necessity for sleeping. On the AT there are some who focus on hiking and some who seem to like the camping.
Because you might find that you hike more than you camp, you may find that a lof of the things you consider necessities now rarely or never get used. And so you begin sending things home.
This is how many of us come to lighten our loads. Others do so from necessity due to pain or injury.
The AT is also a lot more brutal, terrain-wise, than the PCT. That might be why some people stop earlier.
Trailbender
10-06-2010, 15:54
Allwen - I had the same question as Don H. about when you were going to start. Unless you're doing a January start, I think you have way too many clothes. Here's my take on your list:
30deg North Face bag - 850grms - Most thrus use a 20 degree down bag. 30 degree might be too cold for you for a spring start.
small solar charger for phone- Leave at home. You've got your regular charger with you.
PLB - unsure if we will bring this (Personal Locator Beacon) - for sure leave at home.
On your clothing list - you have a down jacket, a fleece a merino camisole and a merino long sleeve top. Plus merino thermals for sleeping. That's way more than you need. I would leave the down jacket at home and keep the fleece. Unless you're doing a January start, I'd forgo the merino camisole and long sleeve top for a lightweight hiking shirt. You'll be much more comfortable.
1 montbell liner (underjacket) down jacket
merino camisole
merino long sleeve top
fleece
beanie
neck muff
gloves
skins (compression leggings)
sports kilt (extremely lightweight)
silver emergency blanket - leave at home.
I would take the emergency blanket, unless you are carrying a synthetic bag. I started with a down bag, but later got a 15 degree synthetic. A synthetic bag can be soaked and still retain 80% of its warmth. I know people don't plan on getting their bag wet, but murphy happens, especially in the woods.
I would also carry a firesteel and learn wilderness survival skills.
Danielsen
10-06-2010, 15:56
If you use a groundcloth for your tent, I'd keep the silver emergency blanket and use it for that instead. I find them surprisingly tough and in theory they may or may not add a negligible boost in warmth underneath but more importantly, they're lighter than most groundcloths, super cheap, and widely available. They're pretty useless for keeping you warm or adding warmth to your sleeping bag, though, as they trap moisture.
To address the overarching topic, there's nothing wrong with carrying as heavy a pack as you can handle. I've carried a 45 lb pack and survived (and even had fun!). But I do think that if you have the option of lightening your load, whether through lighter gear or omitting unecessary/redundant gear (I agree with Moose that you won't need nearly so many insulation layers, just stick with a couple good ones and good layering technique), it may be worthwhile to do so and it may even increase the enjoyment of your hike.
Danielsen
10-06-2010, 16:01
I would take the emergency blanket, unless you are carrying a synthetic bag. I started with a down bag, but later got a 15 degree synthetic. A synthetic bag can be soaked and still retain 80% of its warmth. I know people don't plan on getting their bag wet, but murphy happens, especially in the woods.
If your bag is soaked, that silver blanket isn't going to give you a whole lot of warmth anyways. A little heat for a couple hours, and then you're soaked again from condensation. I've learned this the hard way... a couple times! (fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice...)
Best strategy: keep your bag dry. This isn't the Olympic National Park. Most down bags are reasonably water resistant these days anyhow (I've camped in plenty of hard lake-effect rain but my bag has stayed dry thus far).
Trailbender
10-06-2010, 16:06
If your bag is soaked, that silver blanket isn't going to give you a whole lot of warmth anyways. A little heat for a couple hours, and then you're soaked again from condensation. I've learned this the hard way... a couple times! (fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice...)
Best strategy: keep your bag dry. This isn't the Olympic National Park. Most down bags are reasonably water resistant these days anyhow (I've camped in plenty of hard lake-effect rain but my bag has stayed dry thus far).
It won't be comfortable, but a survival blanket will keep you from dying, at least. I used one for a couple of weeks on my thru, it was only comfortable down to around low 50's. It would keep me alive in much lower temps, though I wouldn't sleep well.
Moose2001
10-06-2010, 16:06
Keeping your sleeping bag dry isn't rocket science! Simply make sure it's inside some type of plastic bag. I've forded chest deep streams, hiked in 2003 and camped in aftermath of hurricanes and have never had a wet sleeping bag.
You mention 6 months worth of prescriptions. I would try to carry only one months at a time. Beside reducing weight and volume it prevents you from loosing a whole lot of pills and money if they get wet, or even just damp. have you considered a bounce box?
Also leave the poo trowel home, use a stick or the heel of your boot to dig a shallow hole.
Danielsen
10-06-2010, 16:24
It won't be comfortable, but a survival blanket will keep you from dying, at least. I used one for a couple of weeks on my thru, it was only comfortable down to around low 50's. It would keep me alive in much lower temps, though I wouldn't sleep well.
I have to admit my own experience has been to the contrary. Unexpected camping on nights that got down into the 50s, my experience was that it gave me about one hour's warm sleep before I woke up shivering and soaked in condensation. I flipped the blanket over to the warm side and got maybe 20 more minutes of warm, but that wasn't even long enough to get back to sleep. After that I found there was no difference in warmth with or without the blanket, so I got rid of it in hopes of at least drying off a bit. Caught 15 minute naps on and off for the rest of the night, not very fun.
Then for some dumb reason, I tried it again on a different occasion. Maybe I figured there would be less condensation since it was less humid. When I woke up wet again, I just packed my stuff up and kept walking. Thus, I spent the night warm. After the day warmed up, I slept in the sun a couple hours and felt MUCH better.
Either way, I don't feel like those blankets would do any better keeping me alive past a couple hours than nothing at all, at least not as blankets. After 2 hours using one, I'm wet and just as cold as the air all around. Without the blanket I'd be just as cold but dry. As barriers to bad weather they are useful, or to reflect heat from a fire. Mostly they're used to wrap accident victims and such to heat them up if they're going into shock, which makes plenty of sense since they're not likely to need wrapping up for longer than a few hours. But I think considering them to be serious backup for a sleeping bag is potentially dangerous thinking, as you could end up cold, bagless, and soaking wet rather than simply cold and bagless.
mweinstone
10-06-2010, 16:25
4eyebuzzard wolf23000 and lwolf make the case airtight. they have summed up the entire idea. there posts represent the definitive answer. no further elaboration can be needed. personal strenth varys. heavy and light are not points on a scale. at nols i carryed 90 lbs. i was 16. the years before that, i carryed 65 on the AT and thaught i was the lightest thing since bulbs.
The AT is also a lot more brutal, terrain-wise, than the PCT. That might be why some people stop earlier.
Could be, but even on the most brutal days on the PCT I never met anyone who stopped early because the trail was hard. Mostly the only time anyone stopped early was for timing the big passes on the John Muir Trail section. Or else they were not feeling well.
garlic08
10-06-2010, 17:23
The AT is also a lot more brutal, terrain-wise, than the PCT. That might be why some people stop earlier.
I have hiked both the AT and the PCT, and I saw a huge difference in what people carry. My PCT average day was just under 19 miles. My AT average day was just over 20 miles, because I carried far less food and water so my pack was lighter. Terrain is definitely an issue for more miles on the AT than it is on the PCT, I agree!
Stir Fry
10-06-2010, 17:44
I have sectioned about 1000 miles over 7 years, and have met about 3-4 hundred hikers and I have never met anyone on an extended hike; more then a weekend, that had a pack much under 30 lbs. On W/B you would think that most are out there under 20 lbs. I have tryed to get that low never got below 23-24 lbs though. Using a light pack, tarp, other light gear. No fun. So, now I have a comfortable pack, a little heavy by W/B standreds, Hammock w/ under quilt, canister stove ect. Base is about 25 lbs. loaded with food water about 35-36, for 5 days. On my last section I had fun, felt better at the end of the day, hiked better without pain, was refreshed in the morning and all with a little heaver pack then in the past when I tryed to go light. Your weight will be good if you are comfortable. What i am trying to say is do not let weight be the main factor for you. In the end you still want to have fun.
My experience was similar to that of Garlic's, and different from what Stir Fry reports --- after getting out of the snow early on, I think my pack weight on the AT this year tended to be in the lower 20's, including food and water. On the PCT, one carries more water in the first 700 or so miles, and occasionally thereafter, and on average carries a bit more food weight, a day or two more than typically needed on the AT.
Terrain and trail quality is on balance harder/lousier on the AT; my average mileage wasn't all that different, perhaps because I started the AT with more experience than the PCT (plus I started the AT with a couple of more experienced guys that kept me moving at a decent clip ...).
In that context, 15 Kg including 4 days of food seems high to me, particularly if the OP wasn't carrying a 4-days worth of food sufficient for a thru-hiker's hunger. If planning a multi-month trip (as suggested by the medication comment and the inclusion of the AT companion), then my suggestion to the OP is to post weights of each and every item and state when the start date is planned for, and ask for feedback in that context. The different between an average pack weight in the low 20's vs. one in the low 30's is very significant, perhaps even "profound".
If no long trip is planned then ... "never mind" ... :-)
Wow, so much info and so much of it differing. I am very grateful to all of you for you help and advice.
We start a THRU HIKE on the AT on March 17th 2011.
The thermals I layer are Icebreakers and the camisole is 150 weight, the long sleeve thermal I always walk in (both summer and winter in Australia for extended walks) is a 200weight with a mesh side panel. My night time merinos (which I use as extra layers if needed) are also only 150weights. My fleece is a micro fleece and I walk in it for at least the first hour or two each morning. My down jacket is very tiny, weighs bugger all, probably under 300grms, it is one of those under jacket liner things, and I use it when I get to camp.
I have done a 2000km hike in the Aussie autum/winter over a 12 week span and these clothes only just provided me with sufficient warmth, occasionally I verged on feeling chilly, particularly when the paclite raincoat failed and I was drenched to the skin.
I had included the silver emergency blanket because I lead school wilderness walks and it is just always a part of our first kit. I will gladly leave that behind, I would never use it in my sleeping bag, too noisy.
I expect my north face bag to be sufficient with me wearing thermals and the sea to summit reactor liner in it.
GOOD IDEA about using a bounce box for medication. I have to bring it all with me as I can't get an Australian prescription filled in the US apparantly. Are the bounce boxes reliable? I can't afford to lose it.
My biggest fear is the cold, to you American's it probably is just winter/spring weather, but I will be leaving Aussie in the last month of summer, so probably temps of 104deg + when I leave. In the winter where I live we rarely get a night time temp as low as 30 deg and even day temps rarely below 55deg. I wear this gear in both winter and summer here so you can imagine I am a little nervous about your sort of temps.
On the plus side, we tend to walk 10hr days if there is enough daylight, so we don't tend to spend as much time in camp to get cold!
I guess if I use a bounce box for my medication I could also send ahead stuff I am finding surplus. I think I would sooner start off with enough stuff to be warm and shed it as I find it not needed. Because we don't know anyone in USA we don't have the luxury of getting it sent to us quickly. How far ahead do you send bounce boxes. We do want to minimise how much town time we spend, no more than once a week at the most.
I really appreciate everyones opions on this sight. I don't struggle with the weight of my pack at all, it is just the different terrain that will make this a harder walk with that weight I think.
Wow, so much info and so much of it differing. I am very grateful to all of you for you help and advice.
I really appreciate everyones opions on this sight. I don't struggle with the weight of my pack at all, it is just the different terrain that will make this a harder walk with that weight I think.
a bit confusing because, as you found out, you will get 10 different opinions if you ask 10 people. Gear and pack weight discussions abound in the first month or so of your hike but (thankfully!) tend to disappear as the novelty wears off and the herd thins out.
My advice: don't stress over your pack weight and gear list, especially if you have any experience (and it sounds like you do) and already own decent gear. It's easy enough to adjust as you go.I am guesstimating that 90% of people's planning is spent on gear and weight when these things are really such a small part of a thru hike. Good luck!
Trailbender
10-07-2010, 12:30
a bit confusing because, as you found out, you will get 10 different opinions if you ask 10 people. Gear and pack weight discussions abound in the first month or so of your hike but (thankfully!) tend to disappear as the novelty wears off and the herd thins out.
My advice: don't stress over your pack weight and gear list, especially if you have any experience (and it sounds like you do) and already own decent gear. It's easy enough to adjust as you go.I am guesstimating that 90% of people's planning is spent on gear and weight when these things are really such a small part of a thru hike. Good luck!
Weight is a huge part of a thru, actually. I wouldn't have enjoyed my thru with a heavy pack, it would have felt like a burden.
Weight is a huge part of a thru, actually.
then it is. Personally I think the gear/weight discussions are a waste of time. Why? I pretty much had around 40 lbs (+/- 3 or4 lbs.depending on food and water status at the time). Was told by many it was "too heavy" but I know that some of the thru hikers I met who did their hikes back in "the day" carried 50 or 60 pounds (or more). The ability to complete a thru - hike is 95% mental (if you think your pack is heavy then it is)and 5% luck. As they say, the gear (or lack of it) don't get you there.
also, people tend to obsess over ounces in their pack when they are carrying way more than that on their body. I lost 35 lbs. of weight - enough to compensate for the fact that I didn't have the lightest gear in the world.
To the original poster, trust your own instincts and judgement and carry what you want.
Trailbender
10-08-2010, 12:24
then it is. Personally I think the gear/weight discussions are a waste of time. Why? I pretty much had around 40 lbs (+/- 3 or4 lbs.depending on food and water status at the time). Was told by many it was "too heavy" but I know that some of the thru hikers I met who did their hikes back in "the day" carried 50 or 60 pounds (or more). The ability to complete a thru - hike is 95% mental (if you think your pack is heavy then it is)and 5% luck. As they say, the gear (or lack of it) don't get you there.
also, people tend to obsess over ounces in their pack when they are carrying way more than that on their body. I lost 35 lbs. of weight - enough to compensate for the fact that I didn't have the lightest gear in the world.
To the original poster, trust your own instincts and judgement and carry what you want.
I am 5'11 and 145, which is why I didn't want a heavy pack. I carried 100 lbs of gear in Iraq, heavy stuff sucks, and is the reason I got a medical discharge for lower leg stress fractures.
Sure I could complete a thru with a 50 lb pack, but it would not be fun, and I would probably develop medical problems again. You gotta carry what you are comfortable with, for me, this is a lighter pack. I generally max at a little over 30 lbs, and that is with polypros, a hat, and thick gloves.
flemdawg1
10-08-2010, 14:12
My list of equipment & clothing:
MY 2 LUXURIES FOR AT Exped 7 Down Mat & Inflatable pillow - non negotiable, I have a spinal fusion, and this luxury ensures only bearable aching overnight.
30deg North Face bag - 850grms
Sea - Summit liner
Crocs
I carry the gas cannisters - usually 2 (Husband carrys stove, pots,bowls and cutlery I would only carry 1 until it was mostly empty, then get a 2nd one. No use starting w/ 2 full canisters.
Half the tent - Copper Spur3 - 900grams A tarptent Rainshadow 2 would be substantially lighter.
Petzl head light - 3 spare AAA batteries your husband has a headlamp right? Borrow his if yours goes out.
Plastic insul mug
Mobile (Cell) phone
small solar charger for phone leave it behind, put your cell in airplane mode or turn off to save batteries between towns.
PLB - unsure if we will bring this (Personal Locator Beacon) leave it
I carry our breakfasts and Lunches (Husband carries evening meals and drink makings)
2 x 1 ltres of water What sort of container are your carrying them in?
Steripen
Clothing
2 x pair undies just 1 spare
1 x bra
2 x pr hiking socks I wouldn't take more than 3 pairs total (2 spare(including sleeping), 1 worn) keep the sleeping socks, lose the 2nd spare set of hiking socks
1 x pr liner socks for sleeping
1 merino thermal top for sleeping
1 merino leggings for sleeping
1 raincoat - paclite
1 rainpants - paclite
1 pr crocs for camp is this a 2nd set? You have a pair above.
1 montbell liner (underjacket) down jacket
Wearing:
undies & bra
1 pr socks
merino camisole I would either make it a full short sleeve shirt or leave behind, no use wearing something extra just to hold your boobs.
merino long sleeve top
fleece fleece or down jacket not both
beanie
neck muff
gloves
skins (compression leggings)
sports kilt (extremely lightweight)
boots. have you considered trail runners? You're not alpining.
Toiletries details? feminine supplies ok
sea to summit hiking towel
minature brush
tooth brush/paste
toilet paper & ipoo trowel most of the areas have forest duff, that can easily be dug w/ a stick, no need for a trowel
extras
silver emergency blanket practically useless, leave it
compass
AT companion
Maps?
Compass? 3 lines above
Chargers for phone and camera batteries i use the 4Mp camera on my phone, unless you're a serious photog i'd leave the camera & charger.
First Aid comprises - compression bandage, fixomul, anti diahorrea tabs, betadine
6 months medication for 3 prescription tablets!!!!!! Have you considered trying to visit a Dr stateside who might write you a prescription to take w/ you?
Thats it.
I have hiked for 3 months with this kit and I used everything except the anti diahorrea tabs!
Pack: Osprey Ariel 65ltr.
All my gear is kept in sea to summit ultra sil dry sacks and I have one of the light weight sea to summit pack covers How many dry sacks? the only thing you really need to keep dry are your food, drugs, clothes and sleeping bag. A 1 gallon ziplock can handle your food and meds, and a plastic garbage bag or trash compactor bag can handle the sleeping bag and clothing.
Camera is clipped to my pack belt
If I have 4 days food then this usually comes in around 15kg which I think is about 33lbs. Other than my exped and pillow I can't see anything in here that is heavy.
Bottom Line, there are some areas that you could lighten up, however nothing that is glaringly heavy. With your breadth of experience you'll be fine either way.
I have spent countless hours reading AT hikers journals, and I am really concerned at how everyone seems to obsess over the weight of their packs. I am a 59 year old female, very experienced hiker, and carry 15-17kg when my pack is fullyloaded with tent, 6 days food and 2 litres of water. I cannot imagine leaving anything out that I currently carry. My luxury is that I carry an Exped mat and an inflatable pillow. Do people think this is too heavy for the AT.
ALLWEN
When your experience shows that you would not want to take anything out of your pack, then don't. Not unless further experience and knowledge changes your opinion. At that point you're at I believe the best course of action is to seek out lighter alternatives for existing gear. For example, Kookabay might be able to save you quite a few ounces with a custom down air mat and pillow that uses lighter fabrics and a higher grade of down.