[pct-l] Followup Backpack Question

[msaenz at mve-architects.com (Mike Saenz)]

All excellent points from a respected expert.

I've heard a lot about "systems", "multiuse", and "kits" since I've been on the PCT.
Are there web sites which describe gear lists, break down individual item weights, how one piece of gear is used for more than one purpose, etc? preferably gear lists of successful PCT thru-hikers?

I would have loved to see a breakdown of each piece of gear Billy Goat displayed at ADZ!!!!
A sub-9'er! I'm still blown away by his system!
And what was even more amazing, his stuff was low-tech, scrounge around the kitchen kind of stuff!

Not that I'd personally be comfortable with his system (where would I pack my oilcan???), but a definitive breakdown of items/weight/uses from various folks like Billy Goat, Yogi, and you too Ron, would be an education.

BUT- please refrain from posting your gear lists on the PCT-L! I was just wondering if there were established web sites for this.

M i c h a e l   S a e n z
McLarand Vasquez Emsiek & Partners, Inc.
A r c h i t e c t u r e    P l a n n i n g    I n t e r i o r s
w  w  w  .  m  v  e  -  a  r  c  h  i  t  e  c  t  s  .  c  o  m

 -----Original Message-----
From: 	Ron Moak [mailto:rmoak@sixmoondesigns.com] 
Sent:	Thursday, May 27, 2004 10:41 AM
To:	pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject:	RE: [pct-l] Followup Backpack Question

>> I don't really know what the perfect capacity would be, but I would say
that a 2000 cu. in. pack wouldn't be out of the question--with a 4800 cu.
in. pack being the absolute largest capacity that I would even consider at
this point.  Thoughts? <<

The size of the pack obviously depends primarily upon the volume of gear
plus food. For the PCT my pack is approx. 12 pounds base and consumes a
volume of about 1500 cubic inches. Inside of the pack it takes up about 2/3
of the volume of the main bag. The food will take up the remaining amount
plus the extension, if needed. On the PCT one generally doesn't have
re-supplies of longer than 7 days unless you desire it. I carried a 3500
cubic inch pack and it was more than adequate.

The analogy of a PCT hike as an expedition is a false one. Expeditions
generally are long duration with little if any re-supply. Re-supply on the
PCT averages every 3 to 4 days with a couple of longer stretches. With a
little work, you can comfortably hike with a pack of 3500 to 4500 ci.
without having to cram gear or pack it outside the pack.

In regard to your earlier question about pack weight and size, I'd recommend
against your 6+ pound pack. As several people mentioned, it's not the days
but the miles and hours required to hike them that ultimately determine pack
comfort. Hiking 12 hour and 25 mile days is significantly different from
your typical 5-day 50-mile trek.

Others also cautioned against carrying heavy packs and citing examples of
people who quickly left the trail to downsize their gear selection. I'd also
caution against starting out with too light of gear. It is quite easy these
days to purchase ultralight gear without understanding the underlying
principals behind its use. I saw too many people starting out this year with
ultralight gear and still carrying in access of 40 pounds. All the while
attempting to carry it in packs designed to be comfortable at 20 pounds or
less. Needless to say many of them also left the trail to readjust their
gear for more sensible selection.

If and when you decide to change your pack, make it the last decision of
your trip. Do so only after you've acquired the rest of your kit. If you're
new to ultralight, my advice is to ignore popular convention and not start
by concentrating on the big three (Pack, sleeping bag, shelter). They should
indeed be the last items changed on your road to going light.

Instead start with your clothes, cooking gear, personal gear and
miscellaneous items. The reason being is these items are reasonably
inexpensive to swap out as you fine-tune your system. With ultralight you
are looking at your gear in terms of a system.  As such, you need to start
learning the discipline of multiple-use items. Every thing you carry should
have at least two uses and even more if possible.

When you get your secondary gear into the range of 5 pounds then start
looking at the big three. Starting with your shelter/sleeping system.
Depending upon which system you choose, you may need to make additional
changes to your clothing selection.

Finally there's the pack. As you've probably already guessed, it's easier to
carry ultralight gear in a heavy pack than heavy gear in and ultralight one.
Last but not least go on at least one overnighter with your intended kit.
Carrying a full food load and attempting to cover at least 3/4 the daily
distance you plan in hiking in the early stages of your hike. Also try to do
this early in the season when conditions aren't optimal. Preferably your
pre-hike will encounter some rain or snow.

Even when selecting ultralight gear, you still need to prepare yourself both
mentally and physically for the worst-case scenario you're likely to
encounter while on the trail. With ultralight you're using your acquired
wisdom to offset any weakness inherent in the gear.

-- Fallingwater



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