[pct-l] Base Weight Calculation

[LumberJack]

I thought this was an interesting question, so Ill pipe in. When I did the PCT, I just used the 'standard' shorts, t-shirt, shoes and weigh everything else that would be in the pack when you start. This worked well. The true base weight calculation may be more accurate, in the sense of how much are you really carrying, but as you hike, you generally lose weight anyways, so the answer gets convoluted. 

My story is probably less than many, but I started at 146, and dropped to 136LB.
After you do all those weight calculations, you missed that thing around your belly (or wherever your body puts those reserve calories).

I wouldn't spend your life on this calculation. I totally agree on the no food, water of fuel, omitted from the base weight, and anything in your hands, i.e. your walking sticks probably should be counted as part of the base weight, but keep it simple. The point of the trip is fun. 

Yes I understand that part of the trip is seeing how light you can go, or far you can go in a day, I am guilty of totally enjoying the prospects of doing some major miles, but don't forget to enjoy the flowers on the way, the beautiful meadows, and the gorgeous sunsets. 

For those who haven't heard from me for awhile, hello again, &  It  It looks like Ill join Robo Cop for the highlights of the wind River range in Wyoming on the CDT, as he completes his second thru hike this Spring/Summer.

Mountain Goat
PCT 2005
http://trailjournals.com/themtgoat

Ikem Freeman 
    ikem.freeman at gmail.com
       

    Tue Mar  3 21:20:39 CST 2009
    
      

I love this question, and I don't think it gets asked enough!

I like the term "true base weight" ... dress like you are leaving for campo,
including your loaded pack, treking poles, hat, gloves, wallet, watch,
everything you'll have in your pockets (are you taking your car key and
house key, and if so, WHY?), your empty fuel bottle and empty water bottle,
and any food containers (tubes, baggies), etc. Don't include any fuel, food
or water (consumables). Step on the scale.

Now, step off the scale, take off all your clothes (and your hat). Step back
on the scale.

The difference between your body and simi-loaded back less the weight of
your naked body is your "true base weight".

This is an important question because I hear so many people on the trail say
that their base weight is 12 - 15 pounds, but I know that are NOT including
the weight of their treking poles, boots, the clothes they are wearing,
their wallet, stuff in their pockets, etc.

In '08, the Beadman was walking SoBo in S. CA, and I swear that he was
carrying at least 3 lbs of assorted car keys, key remotes, etc. It weight
almost as much as a camp chair, and I sure know that I'd much rather be
carrying a camp chair than useless car keys!

Hope this helped!

O. (Oscar) Ikem Sofar
http://100biketours.blogspot.com