Re: [Philmont]: Re: Bears and Pack weight

> Someone posted an initial weight of 38 lbs before food/crew gear and
I thought that was excessive.

Hey, I resemble that remark! :-))

I know I'm carrying a bit more weight than hard core lightweights. I
typically carry the stove and a spare tank of fuel and a repair kit,
along with the crew first aid kit. Then there are creature comforts
like my campstool that my weary rear end really appreciates at the end
of the day and my hiking poles which are the cheapest available and
therefore heavier. I also carry more water than my hiking buddies
because I just need more water than most. And my old $85 external frame
pack probably weighs more than the newer models, but it fits and feels
like an old friend. I also use a full length sleeping pad. I always
take gloves and a fleece hat due to some circulatory problems along
with my personal medicine pack (you'll get old some day, too). I also
use several compression sacks because it allows me to compartmentalize
my pack and everything is in plastic bags. And, oh, did I mention the
microwave and color television? They're really not all that heavy if
you can talk a scout into carrying the batteries. :-))

I cut pack weight where it is practical *for me*, but draw the line
where I might compromise the trek or make myself so uncomfortable that
it's just not fun. Looking back over the trips I have been on, I've
got this down to *my* list of essentials. YMMV.

I did find a really effective way to lighten my load before the last
Philtrek. I lost about 20 pounds of fat. A pound of body fat is just
as heavy as a pound of pack. And you don't have to buy anything to get
that weight off. :-))

YiS
Doug

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Received on Thu Jun 2 07:04:53 2005