[pct-l] Pack weight

[wpsnotebook at charter.net (Richard Woods)]

First of all, I think a pack base weight is a benchmark for my use, a 
tool, and not really a comparison with others.

Given that, my base weight is everything except the consumables that 
will change from day to day. Yes, I count the junk in my pockets, and 
the weight of my camera, because I'm humping it when I leave the 
trailhead. When I load up for another trip I'm asking myself, "Ok, so I 
took this last time, but did I need it? How often? Enough to justify 
carrying that weight? Is there something out there that works as well 
for less weight? Do I need the full-size Leatherman or will the little 
Leatherman Micra on my keychain work as well (it does, and I leave the 
keys at home)." I can't get by with light trail runners, so I have to 
wear the boots I need to keep from rolling an ankle. Those boat anchors 
laced to my dogs weigh more, but they're essential gear for me. On the 
other hand, the cat can stove I carry works great, and my entire 
kitchen, including the fixins for my next hot meal, fits inside a 
titanium pot. I have an MSR Whisperlite, but haven't used it in a year 
or two. Less weight and bulk with the can stove and it works just as 
well, with less effort.

To me, my base weight benchmark is what I use to remind myself that all 
those cool little doodads might not be so vital after all. I load up 
the stuff I want to take, and step on the scales for a reality check. 
Do I really want to schlep 50 pounds of hardware? I end up with a pile 
of essentials, a pile of convenience stuff, and the luxury items I 
decide to lug just 'cuz I want 'em. It ALL adds up, and you may fudge a 
little when you tell folks on the list what your base weight is, but 
you can't lie to your feet. Gotta agree that going lighter allows you 
to go farther and faster.

Last trip, I loaded up a second time with everything but water in my 
bottles - my gear and food minus my nekked weight was 38 pounds. I felt 
good about that.   The weight I really want to shed is the spare tire 
around my waist! I'm working on that....

Ok, Ok, I'll come clean, I haven't decided whether my hiking poles 
count. I'm lifting them with every step but not really carrying the 
weight so much as moving it......and I haven't sorted out the issue of 
accumulated trail dirt yet ... seems to me your base weight actually 
increases every day without a shower?

Mo Jo