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

[dsaufley at sprynet.com (dsaufley@sprynet.com)]

My observation is that after 400+ miles, most overloaded hikers are desperately looking for ways to lower their pack weight.  The overflowing hiker boxes that are stored in our garage are a testimony to this phenomenon.  

In 1997 (our first year hosting) the hikers spoke about "Pack Gong Night" at Idyllwild.  It basically consisted of hikers sitting around in a circle, displaying the contents of their packs, and having to justify their useless and redundant items to the collective group, and getting the thumbs up or down on keeping the item.  Of course, I don't know how many adhered to the whim of the mob, but I'm sure it helped a few lighten up their loads.  Haven't heard of this game in recent years, but we've seen plenty of counselling going on here, along with major divestitures and new purchases.

-=Donna Saufley=-


-----Original Message-----
From: Brett <blisterfree@isp01.net>
Sent: Jan 7, 2005 5:15 PM
To: Kraig Mottar <kraig.mottar@verizon.net>, pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: Re: Re: [pct-l] Pack weight to body weight ratio...

Better yet, _decrease_ your packweight as your fitness 
increases. The more fit you become, the more mileage per day 
you may want to hike. A lower packweight will translate to 
higher daily mileages for little or no additional effort. 
And because you will gain the ability to hike higher daily 
mileages, your food weight between town stops - and your 
water weight between sources - will decrease accordingly.

The lighter you go, the more you can lighten further. Don't 
fall into the trap of experience/fitness equating with a 
higher packweight. It's a fool's bravado.

- blisterfree



> You may be right. Though, for long trips, more weight will 
> be neccessary. Though, as time goes on and I get into 
> better shape, more weight might be a challenge. I will 
> probably do as you say, and start with 20 lbs and increase 
> as my fitness increases.
>
> Happy trails,
>
> Kraig
>


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