[pct-l] Pack weight

[Austin Williams]

Hi,

I agree with Diane.  But I'll add my thoughts too.  I hiked with an 8-9 lbs
base pack weight.  My pack itself weighed only about 9 or 10 oz, so that was
a huge help.  How much does your pack itself weigh?

As for clothes, I'll tell you how I did it, and you can decide whether that
will work for you (and yes, I think you should bring your rain shell in
SoCal, for sure).

I had two layers for my head: a non-cotton beanie, and a 2 oz runner's cap
(to keep sun and rain off my face).  Bought both at Ross super cheap.  I
also brought a pair of polarized sunglasses that I wore around my neck at
all times, and a weightless head net to keep the mosquitoes at bay.

For my upper body, I had four layers (used them all, never thought about
sending any back).  A base layer (thermal tops), a "summer" layer (an ultra
light runner's T-shirt), a warmth layer (microfleece pull-over sweater), and
a rain/wind shell (a 9oz rain shell from Columbia Sportwear).  Other than
the rain shell, I bought all those clothes at Ross and only spent about $30
(total).

I had one pair of weather resistant gloves for hand warmth.

For my lower body I had only 3 layers:  Thick thermal bottoms (Under Armour
brand), runner's shorts, and a rain shell (rain pants).  The rain pants were
just waterproof jogging pants I bought at Ross for $8.  I cut out the cotton
interior, which left a 9oz rain/wind shell.  A 9oz rain/wind shell for under
$10!  Try finding that anywhere else.  :)

I found that I did NOT need a warmth layer for my lower body (I discovered
that I don't need them, even in late winter/early spring).  In the mornings
and at night - when my lower body get's cold - I just put on my three
lower-body layers and I'm fine.  The rain shell traps in a TON of heat.

I never carried more than 4 pairs of socks... and usually only carried 3
pairs.

For more weight reduction, go with a tarp instead of a tent.  You'll hear a
lot people complain "tarps aren't better than tents", but unless their base
packweight's are 8 pounds or less, I wouldn't listen to them.  I use a
homemade tyvek Tarp.  Including cord, plastic groundsheet, and ground
steaks,the shelter weighs about 17 oz.  It was far more spacious than any
tent of a similar weight, and I only ever use the tarp when it was
threatening to rain anyway.

You're three heavies (shelter, sleeping bag, backpack), plus your kitchen
set up, will be you're heaviest items.  If you've got those things under 6
pounds you're way ahead of the game.  I use they following rules of thumb
for myself:

- pack itself must be no more than about 16oz.
- shelter must not be more than about 16oz.
- sleeping bag must not be more than about 32oz.
- kitchen setup should not be more than about 8 oz.

I follow these rules of thumb, and so my 3 heavies and kitchen weigh a total
of about 4.5 pounds  (my sleeping bag is a little heavier, and my pack
itself is a lot lighter, but whatever).

I hope it helps.  More on clothes at
http://planyourhike.com/clothing/index.html  .

I hope it helps, and good luck!

-Austin
PlanYourHike.com