[pct-l] 12 pounder challenge

[dgiese at maine.rr.com (Dave Giese)]

My base weight is also around 20 lbs. and I carry similar gear.  One 
thing you might consider is leaving behind the tent body but taking the 
fly.  That way you'd have the camping options you desire and still have 
excellent rain protection.  I'm assuming your bivy sack works as a 
ground sheet and has bug protection.  One item I like to carry in the 
Cascades is a combination rain poncho and pack cover made of sil nylon. 
  Mine weighs only 4 ozs. and allows me to save my parka for breaks and 
use around camp.  I can dry out my clothing at the end of the day by 
wearing everything inside my fairly dry parka as I eat.
One question - I've always carried between 28 and 32 oz. of food per 
day depending on the time of year and trail conditions but I noticed 
that you only pack 24 oz. per day.  Are you able to hike comfortably on 
that supply?  I'd like to be able to drop some weight in that 
department for those 5+ days resupplies but I'm always apprehensive 
about running out.
Do It Yourself

On Sunday, February 22, 2004, at 01:57 PM, CMountainDave@aol.com wrote:

> This is my basic pack for just about anything except climbing Rainier. 
> It
> takes into account several potential soggy days in a row while hiking 
> in the
> Olympics. It is also meant for a nine day alpine climbing trip in a 
> non desert
> environment with temps down to the mid twenties. Note the absence of a 
> bear can,
> water filter, and hiking poles. Note the addition of a bivvy sack for 
> camping
> options, ice ax for snow climbing and items for more than just 
> rehydrated
> meals. I shoot for 35 pounds total weight for a 9 day trip. I rather 
> doubt that I
> will ever get my base down to 12 pounds for a nine day alpine climbing 
> trip
> unless I am willing to just crawl into my 40 degree sleeping bag 
> (fully clothed)
> after 16 hours of hiking and a rip and stir "meal". Even going 
> tentless would
> only lower the base by about a pound and a half. If I went alcoholic, 
> my fuel
> for a nine day trip would start at around 1.5 pounds
>   So tell me 12 pounders, what would YOU toss on a 9 day alpine trip, 
> and
> why. I'd like to see your lists for a 9 day alpine trip for 
> comparison.  I can
> see 12 pounds for a 4-5 day Grand Canyon trip ( I'm shooting for 15 
> pounds) or
> the Mojave PCT hike, but the rainy Cascades are another fish to fry
>
>
> PACK        67 (with 4 removable pockets)
> SLEEPING BAG        28
>
> PAD 11
> TENT    48 (with stakes)
>
> BIVY SACK       17
>
> 2 COMPACTOR TRASH BAGS 3    (pack fly and clothing/sleeping bag bags)
> KNIT HAT        2
> POLARTEC 100 SHIRT      8
> POLARTEC 200 JACKET     13
> PARKA       12
> POLARTEC 100 PANTS      8
> EXTRA SOCKS     5
> EXTRA LINER SOCKS       2
> GLOVES      3
>
> 2 WASH RAGS, 1 TOWEL    2   (one for dishes)
> SIERRA  ZIP WOOD STOVE      17
>
> 2 POTS AND LID      (including grip handle) 9
>
> FORK, SPOON, 2 CUPS     4
> WATER CONTAINERS        5   ( I like dromedary bags)
>
> CAN OPENER  1/4 oz
> TOILET PAPER    6 oz (enough for a 9 day trip)
> TOILETRIES  4 ( comb, toothpaste & brush, floss, soap)
> FIRST AID   6 (various and sundry pills, bandaids, compress, whistle, 
> elastic
> bandage, chap stick)
>
> INSECT REPELLENT    2 (very little needed if you wear pants and a long
> sleeved shirt.)
> KNIFE TOOL  3
>
> 2 CIGARETTE LIGHTERS        1
>
> MAP AND COMPASS     2  (use back of map for diary)
> REPAIR KIT  2 (tape, needle, thread)
> STRING      3 (hang laundry and food)
>
> 2 Mini LED lights    1
>
> 4 EXTRA AA BATTERIES (for stove and camera)     3
> ALTIMETER WATCH      wear - do not count
> PENCIL      1/4 oz
> SUNCREAM        2   (for snow  travel only. A tan, pants and a long 
> sleeved
> shirt otherwise)
> SUNGLASSES      1  (only used for snow travel)
> DIGITAL CAMERA 5
> ICE AX      13 (long, not short)
> TOTAL           318.5= 19lbs 14.5 0zs
>   I double checked the weight by putting together the entire pack and 
> it
> actually weighed slightly less at 19 lbs 12 oz.
>    David C
>