[pct-l] My Gear List - Need Some Experienced Thoughts

[Austin Williams]

Hi John,

Okay, let's see what we can do here.....



Your 3 heavies (sleeping bag, backpack, shelter) should certainly be under 5
pounds (If not under 4 lbs).  Actually, depending on how minimalist you are
going for... and that maximum number of days between resupply points on your
schedule, you could get this near/under 3 pounds.  If you haven't hit this
mark let me know and I'll help.

Your kitchen (including stove, pot, silverware, etc etc) should weigh no
more than 8oz  (actually, it could be under 6oz). If you haven't hit this
mark let me know and I'll help.

After that, I'd be focusing on clothes.  We'll focus on layers.  Exactly 4
layers for your upper body (no more, no less).  Exactly 3 layers for your
lower body (unless you plan on doing 10-15 mile days and spending the rest
of the day camping... then go with exactly 4 layers). And protection for
your extremities.  Done thoughtfully, this could be a lot lighter and
cheaper than most people imagine.  For example, all my clothing for my 2008
journey cost less than $250 (not including shoes).  Some people spend that
much on a single pair of Golite pants!  Let me know if you'd like some help
with this.

Then we look at all the "small" stuff: first-aid kits, maps, cellphones,
accessories, etc.  first-aid kits are often overbuilt (Billy Goat's first
aid kit consists of exactly one thing: a bandanna).  I include 2 bandaids
(cuz I'm a wuss sometimes), duct tape, and superglue (easier than stitches).
The very general thru-hiker's firt-aid instructions go like this: stop the
bleeding, straighten whatever's bent, and get to town for help.  It doesn't
take very much hardware to do that.

My emergency survival kit consists of: knowledge primitive living skills (0
oz), and a very lightweight flint (weighs a few grams).

As for accessories: if you don't need it don't bring it.  :)

-Austin

12 pounds is not unreachable.  My base pack weight is 8-9 lbs (depending on
what clothing is calculated into that), and I think I hike rather
comfortably.

On Fri, Dec 10, 2010 at 2:52 AM, John Abela <pacificcresttrail2011 at gmail.com
> wrote:

> Hello All,
>
> I am (or thought I was) getting close to nailing down my finished gear
> list.
>
> However, I am unhappy with my pack weight. As in, very very unhappy. I
> target goal was 9-12 pounds. I am at 18.35. sigh.
>
> I know I could get rid of 46.2 oz (2.88 pounds) if I ditched some heavy
> rain
> gear and a pad and went with a colder bag (30 rather than 15). But that
> would still put me over 15 pounds.
>
> I would really appreciate any sort of feedback anybody out there could give
> me. I have pretty much always been shooting for 12 lbs, but that is 6
> pounds
> less than where I am at, and I just don't know where to cut it out from yet
> still have a viable amount of gear.
>
> Hopefully this google spreadsheet will load for everybody...
>
>
> https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0As-hvbUBJ_X_dHJXU3ZDb2VlOElUczlWS3JaUmNtNGc&hl=en&authkey=CLCE2LAO
>
> I thought for sure I would get closer than what I have... seriously bummed
> out...
>
> Thanks,
> John
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-- 
Austin Williams

www.PlanYourHike.com
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"Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up anyway."
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