[pct-l] How to Measure Pack Base Weight?

[steve_peterson at sbcglobal.net (Steve Peterson)]

Here's what I've ended up doing:

I care about pack weight per se only because it helps me gauge how well I'm 
doing in lightening my load compared with where I'd like to be. I chose a 10-lb 
base pack weight because it was a nice round number and seemed to be doable 
(based on how many others seemed to be reaching that weight), whereas 8 lbs is 
just too hard for me to do (for a long hike like a thru-hike). I don't count the 
bear can because most gear lists don't include it, so not including it makes 
comparison easier. I mentally add it when I prep for a hike, though, so I know 
what I'm actually lugging up the hills.

I omit fuel, food, and water--that way I can multiply per-day amounts by the 
number of days I'm out to get total pack weight. Also, most gear lists I've 
examined (at least ultra-lighter's gear lists) don't count "consumables" so I do 
the same for easy comparison.

I count all containers ('cept the bear can): water containers, fuel containers, 
and containers for foods like olive oil. Personal choice there, but I try to be 
fairly rigorous about this. Ultimately all these weights have to add up to what 
I weigh on the scale as I hike away from the trailhead.

I count my umbrella even though I carry it a lot of the time. I also use it as a 
pole for my tarp so it's logically part of the "shelter" budget, I 
suppose--others use clothing for shade which they count differently and 
something else for a shelter support; doesn't matter how it's categorized, it 
still weighs something so I include the umbrella in the base weight. If someone 
else has a base weight lighter than mine, then I can easily deduct the umbrella 
since it's usually the only significant difference (but I learned that over time).

Foods prepackaged just count as "food" and I allow myself about 2.2 lbs/day 
(including the packaging)-- I don't try to deduct the packaging, even when I 
repackage to avoid weight (that is, I don't weigh the baggies).

I don't count "typical" clothing worn (t-shirt, shorts, shoes, socks), nor do I 
count my wristwatch. It's all as light as it's ever going to be and I'm not 
trying to beat any "skin out" records or anything.

Ultimately you have to really examine someone's gear list, rather than just go 
by their base weight, to see what they're really up to. Some people use their 
trekking poles to support their shelter whereas others have a seemingly heavy 
shelter because they have separate tent poles. Others don't even take cameras, 
while some (Northerner) take heavy SLRs and tons of film. Some people use 
ponchos for shelter so their "shelter" weight budget looks amazing, but would 
they really do that in Northern Washington in late September? And short people 
have an advantage because their clothing, often their packs, and usually their 
sleep systems are lighter because it can all be smaller. Nuthin' you can do 
about your height.

  Then, occasionally, you see someone with something that weighs half of what 
your something weighs, you investigate, and you learn something you didn't know 
before. Or someone has a novel way of getting along without something that you 
traditionally carry and now can leave behind. And that's when all this really 
pays off!

For me, the goal is insight, not numbers--although paying attention to the 
numbers often leads to the insight.

--Steve

dsaufley@sprynet.com wrote:
> I was leaning that direction; it seems fair.  I didn't know if there was any kind of rule of thumb as a baseline.  
> 
> We're just so excited at how much we've been able to lighten our loads -- thanks to our many great teachers!  
> 
> L-Rod
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: yogi <yogihikes@sbcglobal.net>
> Sent: Aug 31, 2005 11:16 AM
> To: pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
> Subject: [pct-l] How to Measure Pack Base Weight?
> 
> I'm sure you'll get many responses to this, and I probably shouldn't even respond, because I've never weighed my pack!!!
>  
> My understanding is that base weight is EVERYTHING except food and water.  Some people exclude the clothing they're actually wearing.  Some people exclude their camera or other luxury items.  I remember when Freefall won the lightweight gear contest at the Kickoff in 2003, he omitted his HUGE camera from his base weight.  Yet he carried the camera in his pack on his hike!  In my opinion, if you're carrying it or wearing it, then it counts as weight!
>  
> I would include everything you listed as part of your base weight.  But that's just me!
>  
> yogi
> www.pcthandbook.com
>  
>  
> 
> 
> dsaufley@sprynet.com wrote:I'm hoping that someone can advise me on the proper way to measure your pack base weight. I know it's supposed to be without food & water, but what about:
> 
> - fuel 
> - fuel container
> - water containers
> - food bag
> - clothing
> - bear cannister
> 
> The clothing is particularly tricky; how much do you wear when weighing your base? You could technically wear everything, and not count any of the clothing in the base. 
> 
> Anyways, thanks for your help in advance. 
> 
> L-Rod