RE: [Philmont]: Base Weights

> From: Dr. Bob Klein
> medium sized external frame packs) to about 27.5 pounds
> (adults and very
> large Scouts, usually carrying large internal frame packs). Actual
> carry weights leaving Basecamp (includes everything) have
> ranged from a
> low of 34 pounds average to a high of 39 pounds average

These numbers are very much like our own. I can't understand how people get
pack weights over 50 pounds - they have to be carrying way too much stuff.
I know if I try to carry more than 45 pounds, my knees start to hurt. My
pack will weigh between 30-35 pounds fully loaded, and we won't have anyone
in our crew with more than 40, and those would only be the boys who decided
they have to carry rec gear and excessive snacks. We may exceed that only
on a day we have to carry water to a dry camp.

I can't imagine carrying a pack that weighs 9 pounds empty. That boggles my
mind. I thought it was quite a compromise when I went from a 4 pound
external to a six pound internal! But then, I can't understand needing a
6500 ci pack for a philtrek.

However, I consider my carry weight a bit heavier, since I'll be wearing
hiking boots, carrying trekking poles and clothes that I'm wearing - an
extra 4-6 pounds. Maybe that is what some people are doing?

The heaviest pack I've carried in recent years was a winter backpack (with
gear down to -5) R2R2R in the grand canyon with five days of stuff, and that
came in at 42 pounds fully loaded, food, water, clothing, winter gear,
crampons, etc. Philmont treks never need to carry more than four days food,
and no winter gear, so I don't understand these 60 pound pack weights. My
knees would die if I tried that.

If I was an ultralight nut, I could probably get my carry weight down to 25
pounds or so, but then Philmont ranger would get mad because I don't have
all the stuff they want me to carry :-)

My opinion is that your personal stuff on your back should weigh no more
than 20 pounds, add food, water and crew gear from there.

Regards
Don Roberts
Philtrek 05 808-K

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Received on Tue Sep 28 19:07:58 2004