Need Help With Weight

[BuckeyeBill]

The following is my gear list that I am thinking of going with for my thru-hike. After reading and watching several videos about gear, this is what I came up with. I would really ike to keep the Pack, Tent and Stove. So if you see any other place I can trim weight, please let me know. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

1 17 oz Adventure Medical Kits Adventure First Aid Family Kit

1 8 oz. AT Guide Book

1 3oz. Ben's 30% Wilderness Insect Repellent 4oz pump Spray

1 16 oz Black Diamond Distance FL-2-Poe Trekking Poles

1 3.7 oz. Black Diamond Storm Headlamp

1 9.6 oz. Campmor Men's Storm Venture Waterproof/Breathable Rain Pants 31 Inch inseam

1 12.8 oz. Campmor Men's Storm Venture Waterproof/Breathable Rain Parka

2 11.50 oz. Campmor Men's UPF 50+ Travel Shirt will be wearing one (Weight = one shirt in pack)

1 4 oz. Casio SGW400H-1BU Twin Sensor Altimeter Barometer, Thermometer Watch

1 2.5 oz.Coghlan's Store and Pour Contain Alls

2 6.50 oz.Coldpruf Platinum Midweight Underwear Crew Shirt Men's will be wearing one (Weight = one shirt in pack)

2 6 oz. Coldpruf Platinum Midweight Underwear Pants - Men's will be wearing one (Weight = one pant in pack)

1 6 oz. Coleman Exponent Hand Trowel Shovel

2 14 ozColumbia Sportswear Aruba III Pants 32” Inseam Men's will be wearing one (Weight = one pant in pack) Will convert to shorts.

1 22 oz. Columbia Sportswear Ten Trail III Fleece Tall Jacket Men's

3 1 oz. Cotton Bandanas

2 .5 oz ExOfficio Give-and-Go Brief – Men's will be wearing one (Weight = one in pack)

1 2 oz. Adventure Medical Kits Dental Medic Kit

1 Hi-Tec Midland Mid Hiking Boot – Men's

1 11 oz. Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfliter

1 32 oz. Kelty Light Year 40 Degree Down Sleeping Bag

2 6.48 oz. Kelty No-Bendium II Gold Stake 6 Pack

1 5 oz. Kelty Raincover Backpack Accessory

1 38 oz. Kelty Recluse 2.5 Insulated Air Pad

1 60 oz. Kelty Salida 2 – 2 Person Tent

1 7.5 oz. Kelty Salida 2 Tent Footprint

1 78 oz. Kelty Trekker 65 External Frame Pack

1 1 oz. Kelty Triptease Lightline Reflective Cord 50 ft.

1 9 oz. Campmor Mummy Sleeping Bag Liner

1 7 oz. Leatherman Sidekick Multitool

1 .5 oz. Light Water Kit – Weight Saver Bottles

1 3.5 ozMaglite Mini

1 9.5 oz.GSI Outdoors Nform Ultralight Soloist Cook System

1 .3 oz. MSR Alpine Salt and Pepper Shaker

1 3.5 oz. MSR Dragonfly Expedition Kit

1 14 oz.MSR Dragonfly Stove

1 MSR Expedition Fuel Bottle Cap replacing child proof cap on fuel bottle

1 5.6 oz. MSR Fuel Bottle 20 Fluid Ounces

1 3.68 Nalgene Wide Mouth Loop-Top 32oz Bottle

1 No. 4 Straight Small Needle

1 No. 8 Straight Large Needle

1 Opsak Odor Proof Barrier Bags 12x20 3 Pack

1 Opsak Odor Proof Barrier Bags 28x20 2 Pack

1 Opsak Odor Proof Barrier Bags 9x10 3 Pack

1 Outdoor Research Crocodiles Gore-Tex Gaiters – Men's will be wearing these.

1 1.8 oz. Outdoor Research Fleece Ninjaclava Balaclava

1 6.4 oz. Platypus Big Zip II Hosers 2 – 2 Liter/70oz

1 19 oz. Rafters Orlando Water Sports Shoes Men's Camp shoes and river crossing shoes.

1 .8 oz. eat to Summit Alpha Light Knife Fork and Spoon

1 2.4 oz. Siva Ranger 515 Compass

1 Texsport Deluxe Zippered 24x42 Canvas Duffel Bag will be shipped home, used for airine travel.

1 6.7 oz.Ursus Ultralite Bearbag

3 10 oz. Wigwam Merino Wool Comfort Hiker Socks wearing one pair

3 10 oz. Wigwam Thermax Liner Socks wearing one pair. Thanks Again\ Buckeye Bill

[trapper]

wow what is the total weight of all this?

[swjohnsey]

The following is my gear list that I am thinking of going with for my thru-hike. After reading and watching several videos about gear, this is what I came up with. I would really ike to keep the Pack, Tent and Stove. So if you see any other place I can trim weight, please let me know. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

1 17 oz Adventure Medical Kits Adventure First Aid Family Kit Ditch

1 8 oz. AT Guide Book Take about 1/4 and bounce the rest

1 3oz. Ben's 30% Wilderness Insect Repellent 4oz pump Spray

1 16 oz Black Diamond Distance FL-2-Poe Trekking Poles

1 3.7 oz. Black Diamond Storm Headlamp

1 9.6 oz. Campmor Men's Storm Venture Waterproof/Breathable Rain Pants 31 Inch inseam

1 12.8 oz. Campmor Men's Storm Venture Waterproof/Breathable Rain Parka

2 11.50 oz. Campmor Men's UPF 50+ Travel Shirt will be wearing one (Weight = one shirt in pack) You need one

1 4 oz. Casio SGW400H-1BU Twin Sensor Altimeter Barometer, Thermometer Watch

1 2.5 oz.Coghlan's Store and Pour Contain Alls

2 6.50 oz.Coldpruf Platinum Midweight Underwear Crew Shirt Men's will be wearing one (Weight = one shirt in pack) You need one

2 6 oz. Coldpruf Platinum Midweight Underwear Pants - Men's will be wearing one (Weight = one pant in pack) You need one

1 6 oz. Coleman Exponent Hand Trowel Shovel Ditch

1 14 ozColumbia Sportswear Aruba III Pants 32” Inseam Men's will be wearing one (Weight = one pant in pack) Will convert to shorts.

1 22 oz. Columbia Sportswear Ten Trail III Fleece Tall Jacket Men's

1 1 oz. Cotton Bandanas

2 .5 oz ExOfficio Give-and-Go Brief – Men's will be wearing one (Weight = one in pack)

1 2 oz. Adventure Medical Kits Dental Medic Kit Ditch

1 Hi-Tec Midland Mid Hiking Boot – Men's

1 11 oz. Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfliter

1 32 oz. Kelty Light Year 40 Degree Down Sleeping Bag Most will say the bag is marginal/inadequate

2 6.48 oz. Kelty No-Bendium II Gold Stake 6 Pack

1 5 oz. Kelty Raincover Backpack Accessory

1 38 oz. Kelty Recluse 2.5 Insulated Air Pad Too heavy

1 60 oz. Kelty Salida 2 – 2 Person Tent Too heavy

1 7.5 oz. Kelty Salida 2 Tent Footprint Ditch

1 78 oz. Kelty Trekker 65 External Frame Pack Too heavy

1 1 oz. Kelty Triptease Lightline Reflective Cord 50 ft.

1 9 oz. Campmor Mummy Sleeping Bag Liner Wear you cold weather clothes

1 7 oz. Leatherman Sidekick Multitool Ditch

1 .5 oz. Light Water Kit – Weight Saver Bottles

1 3.5 ozMaglite Mini You have headlamp

1 9.5 oz.GSI Outdoors Nform Ultralight Soloist Cook System

1 .3 oz. MSR Alpine Salt and Pepper Shaker

1 3.5 oz. MSR Dragonfly Expedition Kit Ditch or bounce

1 14 oz.MSR Dragonfly Stove Good stove kinda heavy for the trail

1 MSR Expedition Fuel Bottle Cap replacing child proof cap on fuel bottle

1 5.6 oz. MSR Fuel Bottle 20 Fluid Ounces Use small bottle it will last 4 - 5 days

1 3.68 Nalgene Wide Mouth Loop-Top 32oz Bottle Use a couple of Gatorade bottles

1 No. 4 Straight Small Needle

1 No. 8 Straight Large Needle

1 Opsak Odor Proof Barrier Bags 12x20 3 Pack

1 Opsak Odor Proof Barrier Bags 28x20 2 Pack

1 Opsak Odor Proof Barrier Bags 9x10 3 Pack

1 Outdoor Research Crocodiles Gore-Tex Gaiters – Men's will be wearing these.

1 1.8 oz. Outdoor Research Fleece Ninjaclava Balaclava

1 6.4 oz. Platypus Big Zip II Hosers 2 – 2 Liter/70oz Again Gatorade bottles

1 19 oz. Rafters Orlando Water Sports Shoes Men's Camp shoes and river crossing shoes. Ditch

1 .8 oz. eat to Summit Alpha Light Knife Fork and Spoon

1 2.4 oz. Siva Ranger 515 Compass

1 Texsport Deluxe Zippered 24x42 Canvas Duffel Bag will be shipped home, used for airine travel.

1 6.7 oz.Ursus Ultralite Bearbag

3 10 oz. Wigwam Merino Wool Comfort Hiker Socks wearing one pair You need 2 - 3 pair of socks most folks seem to prefer Darntuf

3 10 oz. Wigwam Thermax Liner Socks wearing one pair. Thanks Again\ Buckeye Bill

You can save a bunch by getting a good tent, pad and pack. You gonna spend $5-6k on a thru-hike, what is an extra $500.

[Don H]

When you leaving? Makes a big difference in clothing if you're leaving in Feb. NOBO or June SOBO?

[fredmugs]

In addition to what swjohnsey stated I will add....

I'm not a fan of fleece.
This is up to you but I would consider trail runners vice boots.
You do not, I repeat NOT, need a compass.

Are you carrying any electronic devices that you could store the guide book on?

[Maddog]

+1...Maddog

[Maddog]

You can save a bunch by getting a good tent, pad and pack. You gonna spend $5-6k on a thru-hike, what is an extra $500.

My bad...+1...Maddog

[fins1838]

Camera-Bring 1. Scratch the Gaiters (your wearing boots)

[bigcranky]

That's a lot of stuff. Sorry to pile on. Have you used these items for backpacking yet? Have you purchased all of them? There's much duplication, and some items are not ideal for a thru-hike.

The big first aid kit is not useful. You'll need some blister pads, some large bandaids, and some pain reliever, also a couple of benadryl tabs and some anti-diarrheal. My first aid kit is larger than many at 3oz. After losing a crown in the middle of a section hike, I did add a small tube of dental adhesive. Good idea.

I would carry the whole guidebook.

No need for bug spray in March. Keep it if you are a sobo.

You have a lot of clothing, especially spare clothing. Most long distance hikers don't carry anywhere near that. For a March start in Georgia I have carried one s/s wool base layer, one l/s wool base layer, one wool boxer brief, one light wool long john bottom, and two pairs of running shorts. I'm wearing some combination of that all the time on trail and in camp, depending on the weather. For warm layers I carried a wind shirt, a microfleece zip tee, and a down parka, then added my rain shell and rain pants as needed. Also a light fleece hat for hiking and a warmer hat for camp; same with gloves. This set will keep me warm in the usual conditions for a March or April start at Springer. This gives me two things: I can wear whatever I need to match the conditions, and I always have something dry in my pack to put on at the end of the day. YMMV, of course.

I had a Kelty LY 40-F down bag for several years. If I were starting in March in Georgia, I would freeze in that bag. It might possibly be enough to start in July in Maine, but probably not. This is NOT an area to try to reduce weight. A good 2-lb 20-F rated down bag is your friend here. You can always swap out for the Kelty when you get to central Virginia. BTW the liner is not going to be enough.

You say you really want to keep the pack, tent, and stove. OK. That's over ten pounds on those three items, plus another 2.5 pounds for your sleeping pad. All of these items are perfectly fine in and of themselves, but they are overbuilt for long distance hiking. Based on a simple WAG, your base weight (everything without food and water) is fast approaching 30 or 35 pounds. Add two liters of water and 4 days of food and you're pushing 50 pounds. It doesn't sound like that big a deal, but there is a substantial difference between 50 pounds on your back, and 35, or even 30. You will realize some savings when you reduce the duplication of items in your pack. (For example, if you must carry a second light source, get a Photon micro light and leave the Maglite at home.) But most of the big weight savings will come from replacing the "traditional" gear with lightweight gear. You won't lose any comfort or functionality, and the cost is often the same or less (except for the sleeping bag), but if you can get your base weight to 20 pounds or less you'll see a substantial improvement in hiking comfort. Take it from another old guy....

I think this is starting to ramble, so I'll stop here. Good luck, and if you provide some more details on your hike you'll get better advice.

[Camel2012]

Ditto on what's been said. Just remember, most hikers, have 1 set of clothes for hiking and one for camp. Not a big advantage to carrying extras. Just use your base layers, rain suit, and fleece to layer when needed. When you get to town, strip and wear rain gear while washing everything you own.

[Slo-go'en]

Clothes: This is what I carry for an early April start:

2 - t-shirts (synthetic, wicking) one for hiking, one for camp/sleeping.
2 - underware - nylon
2- extra socks, no liners (one pair liners if you want)
1 - pair of pants, zip offs
1 - thin, light wieght long johns - silk is good.
1 - long sleeve shirt (helps prevent sun burn before the trees leaf out - don't forget sun block for your face too!)
1 - long sleeve thermal top to match long johns.
1 - warm layer - fleece jacket or wool shirt
1 - wind/rain shell
Optional - 1 nylon running shorts, nice to have if motel has indoor swiming pool or hot tub
Oh, don't forget a fleece hat and gloves! Balaclava is okay, but I perfer a simple beanie cap.

I like using gaiters in the spring when it's wet and muddy out, but the OR gortex ones are serious overkill. Just get some light, coated nylon ones.

The way the weather has been changing recently, a 40 bag might be okay, even for an early April start. Between the liner and other clothes, he'd survive the occasional 20 degree night. Cold spells typically don't last more then a day down there that time of year. Of course, if he's starting earlier then April, thats a different ball game.

Lighter pack, tent, stove and cook set, along with fewer accessories would be a good idea. Try to get your total base weight down to 20 pounds or less, even if it means buying new stuff. It will be less expensive to do it now and give you a better chance of making it through the critical first couple weeks to a month on the trail.

[BuckeyeBill]

Thanks for the advice. I pan to start April 1 for those who asked. Also this is a preliminary list of what I intend to purchase for my trip. That may change some things. As far as what SWJOHNSEY said I would like to reply.
The First aid kit is going to be pared down. I am buying it for some of what it contains, instead of trying to find them seperately.
The Guide book will be loose leaf when I leave, so i will be carrying only small sections.
The extra clothing was basically for camp and town use. I am open to paring it down as well. Thanks
Trowel shovel ws for catholes, I tend to crap a lot when walking.
Dental Kit Gone will just have toothpaste/brush and floss.
I agree the tent, pack and pad are heavy, but my bosy like some comfort. To me the Internal packs, though lighter ar nothing but duffel bags with straps. The tent is actually lighter than a solo gunnison.
Bag liner is gone will just wear cean clothes to bed.
Everyone up to now has said carry a multi-tool\
Mag lite gone, good point
Will Bounce expedition kit
Stove, I like to be abe to simmer food.
I could downsize the fuel bottle
I planned to use the Nalgene for cooking in camp
Platypus will allow me to drink on the go
Ditching the water shoes as camp shoes.
Socks, I have used iners in the past and realy helped with blisters
Gaiters I tend to kickdirt and rocks into my boots, causing blisters.

Again thanks for the suggestions
Buckeye Bill

[BuckeyeBill]

Oh I forgot, leaving April 1 Northbound

[Hosaphone]

Trowel shovel ws for catholes, I tend to crap a lot when walking.

If you must have a trowel, check out the ones QiWiz makes. They'll save you 1/3 a pound: http://www.qiwiz.net/trowels.html

Everyone up to now has said carry a multi-tool\

What do you anticipate needing pliers/screwdrivers/etc for on the trail? Personally all I ever use is a blade and scissors. A 2oz Mora knife will give you a much better blade, and you can get tiny ~.25oz scissors from Walmart that will do a much better job than multitool scissors anyways: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Westcott-3...iolet/21633519

Platypus will allow me to drink on the go

I think you should at least give drinking from bottles a try - for this you will need a pack with pockets that are easily reached while hiking. You may like how easy it is to see how much water you have left, do drink mixes, etc. Or you may prefer the convenience of drinking from a bladder.

I'm a fan of platy's for a different reason. I like to have one 1L powerade bottle, and a 3L platy for backup. This is nicer than having 4 plastic bottles, because the platy weighs less than 3 bottles and takes up less space when you aren't using it (and you will rarely need to carry more than 1L at a time).

The regular hoser bladder weighs a few ounces less than the big zip.

However, on that note....

1 11 oz. Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfliter

The Sawyer Squeeze filter will save you more than half a pound and is easier to use. Also, get the in-line adapter plugs for $5 and you can use it as an in-line filter. With the big zip platy, this could be an awesome system. To fill up water, simply unzip the bladder, scoop up some water and go. No need to pump or anything, it filters as you drink. Doesn't get any easier than that.

[swjohnsey]

Yeah it does. Just don't filter. The water is mostly coming out the side of a mountain.

[Slosteppin]

Kelty makes some good durable equipment BUT it is really heavy for backpacking. Even REI sells lighter weight equipment that works just as well.

I used Kelty tent and pack long ago. Really good for car camping.

[Deadeye]

Wow! That's a 30+ pound pack without food, water, and the "dark matter" that always adds a pound or two. Rather than pick it apart peice by peice, I suggest looking at this list and comparing what's being carried. You may choose not to give up stuff just to save weight (a comfortable pack, for example) but at least you can see that someone else has all they need, plus 7 days food, for less weight than you're starting with.

http://thelightweightbackpacker.com/27-pound.html

[MyName1sMud]

That's a lot of stuff. Sorry to pile on. Have you used these items for backpacking yet? Have you purchased all of them? There's much duplication, and some items are not ideal for a thru-hike.

The big first aid kit is not useful. You'll need some blister pads, some large bandaids, and some pain reliever, also a couple of benadryl tabs and some anti-diarrheal. My first aid kit is larger than many at 3oz. After losing a crown in the middle of a section hike, I did add a small tube of dental adhesive. Good idea.

I would carry the whole guidebook.

No need for bug spray in March. Keep it if you are a sobo.

You have a lot of clothing, especially spare clothing. Most long distance hikers don't carry anywhere near that. For a March start in Georgia I have carried one s/s wool base layer, one l/s wool base layer, one wool boxer brief, one light wool long john bottom, and two pairs of running shorts. I'm wearing some combination of that all the time on trail and in camp, depending on the weather. For warm layers I carried a wind shirt, a microfleece zip tee, and a down parka, then added my rain shell and rain pants as needed. Also a light fleece hat for hiking and a warmer hat for camp; same with gloves. This set will keep me warm in the usual conditions for a March or April start at Springer. This gives me two things: I can wear whatever I need to match the conditions, and I always have something dry in my pack to put on at the end of the day. YMMV, of course.

I had a Kelty LY 40-F down bag for several years. If I were starting in March in Georgia, I would freeze in that bag. It might possibly be enough to start in July in Maine, but probably not. This is NOT an area to try to reduce weight. A good 2-lb 20-F rated down bag is your friend here. You can always swap out for the Kelty when you get to central Virginia. BTW the liner is not going to be enough.

You say you really want to keep the pack, tent, and stove. OK. That's over ten pounds on those three items, plus another 2.5 pounds for your sleeping pad. All of these items are perfectly fine in and of themselves, but they are overbuilt for long distance hiking. Based on a simple WAG, your base weight (everything without food and water) is fast approaching 30 or 35 pounds. Add two liters of water and 4 days of food and you're pushing 50 pounds. It doesn't sound like that big a deal, but there is a substantial difference between 50 pounds on your back, and 35, or even 30. You will realize some savings when you reduce the duplication of items in your pack. (For example, if you must carry a second light source, get a Photon micro light and leave the Maglite at home.) But most of the big weight savings will come from replacing the "traditional" gear with lightweight gear. You won't lose any comfort or functionality, and the cost is often the same or less (except for the sleeping bag), but if you can get your base weight to 20 pounds or less you'll see a substantial improvement in hiking comfort. Take it from another old guy....

I think this is starting to ramble, so I'll stop here. Good luck, and if you provide some more details on your hike you'll get better advice.

A+ reply.

Great info.

[Abner007]

Here are really nice and most informative post. I am totally agree with you all. And wants to appreciate you that you share this post here with us. According to me for weight loss you should try to concentrate to your diet and exercise. Make sure that you take low fat and carbs in your diet. And drink coffee to boost your metabolism. Anyway thanks to you for your this kindness.

[Double Wide]

I too was stubborn about carrying a Nalgene bottle. Right up until the time I walked from Springer to Hawk Mountain. It's never going in my backpack again. First of all, it's heavy, second of all, it's wide. I can use a 1 liter Smartwater bottle instead--and the Smartwater bottle is long and skinny, so getting it in and out of the side pockets of my fully-stuffed Osprey is easier.

Get the smallest fuel canister you can carry. It only needs to last five days max.

Probably could also ditch one pair of sock liners. I rotate two pairs of Wigwam Merino Silk Hikers, then wear a lighter pair of merino wool socks for camp and sleep when it's cold. Haven't caught a blister yet with that setup.

Hope that helps.