[pct-l] Pack weight to body weight ratio...

[dude at fastmail.ca (dude)]

way back when, when I was in scouts, they used to say that your pack 
weight should be 1/3 of your body weight or less.   These days everyone 
pretty much agrees that the lighter you can get, the better.  I can 
tell you from personal experience that I can walk twice as far in the 
same amount of time, and with less effort and less pain, carrying 15 
lbs as I can carrying 50 lbs.

I've carried a multi-day pack as light as 12 lbs and as heavy as 70 or 
80 lbs.  These days, if I am simply "hiking", my pack is rarely heavier 
than 20 lbs.  Alternatively, if I am *climbing*, then my pack weighs 
closer to 50 lbs.

As far as what is "scientifically" better or more efficient, I can't 
imagine that any stidy in the world would say anything other 
than "carrying lighter weight is easier on every part of your body from 
knees to feet to back to shoulders, etc.  If you look hard enough, you 
can find studies on hikers' knees which may tell you something.  I know 
I've seen studies like these.

Hope that helps.

peace,
dude
eugene, or


> Hey : does anyone have any thoughts about body weight to pack weight
> ratios , for optimum physiologic work while hiking?? I have tried to
> find some science on this to no avail ( so far ) Don ( malachi , trail
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