Just about at 20lbs!

[One Half]

Fully loaded backpack with 7 days food is at 20.5lbs! And when I figure out that I don't need a backup canister of fuel, it should drop under 20 lbs!

Woo hoo! Looking forward to my trip in 2 weeks!

[One Half]

and now that my load is light I can upgrade next year to a UL backpack and shave at least 21 ounces off!

[Wolf - 23000]

and now that my load is light I can upgrade next year to a UL backpack and shave at least 21 ounces off!

Why wait? Years ago when I first started backpacking in 1989 and throughout the 1990s, I used a book bag that cost $10 - $20. Nothing fancy, just something kids used for school. It wasn't as light as light today's UL packs but depending on which pack I found weight in around 8 oz for not a lot of money. It going a little old school but it still works. Just an option.

Wolf

[One Half]

Why wait? Years ago when I first started backpacking in 1989 and throughout the 1990s, I used a book bag that cost $10 - $20. Nothing fancy, just something kids used for school. It wasn't as light as light today's UL packs but depending on which pack I found weight in around 8 oz for not a lot of money. It going a little old school but it still works. Just an option.

Wolf

My pack is 2 lbs 8 oz. I can't really get much less than that unless I go to one of the new fabrics. And since my husband and I already bought me a new tent and sleeping bag from zpacks this year, a new backpack will have to wait until next year.

[Wolf - 23000]

My pack is 2 lbs 8 oz. I can't really get much less than that unless I go to one of the new fabrics. And since my husband and I already bought me a new tent and sleeping bag from zpacks this year, a new backpack will have to wait until next year.

2 lbs 8 oz. is a lot heavier than the packs that I used for my thru-hikes even back in the 1990s. In K-Mart for example, under kids school supplies are school book bags that are less than a pound. No special fabrics needed just plain nylon. If you keep your total pack weight in the 10 - 15 pound range, it is really all you need.

Wolf

Wolf

[One Half]

2 lbs 8 oz. is a lot heavier than the packs that I used for my thru-hikes even back in the 1990s. In K-Mart for example, under kids school supplies are school book bags that are less than a pound. No special fabrics needed just plain nylon. If you keep your total pack weight in the 10 - 15 pound range, it is really all you need.

Wolf

Wolf

Thanks. I certainly did pay big bucks for this pack so for now I am happy with it. I got it at an end of season sale at REI for $69 a few years back. It fits very well and is comfortable over all the terrain I have been on. Maybe I will check out the backpacks come "back to school" season and see how they fare for me.


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[Heliotrope]

2 lbs 8 oz. is a lot heavier than the packs that I used for my thru-hikes even back in the 1990s. In K-Mart for example, under kids school supplies are school book bags that are less than a pound. No special fabrics needed just plain nylon. If you keep your total pack weight in the 10 - 15 pound range, it is really all you need.

Wolf

Wolf

And you might find one with Dora the Explorer on it. An added bonus


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[TTT]

Well done! Was watching a video of a guy who proudly stated at the beginning of the hike that fully loaded he was 13 pounds. The first night he slept in his tent. The second night he spent 2 days in town. Then he was back in his tent and ordering pizza. The next day he had run out of food.

[One Half]

Well done! Was watching a video of a guy who proudly stated at the beginning of the hike that fully loaded he was 13 pounds. The first night he slept in his tent. The second night he spent 2 days in town. Then he was back in his tent and ordering pizza. The next day he had run out of food.

won't be me! I don't eat pizza.

[lwhikerchris]

won't be me! I don't eat pizza.

lol you will...

[4eyedbuzzard]

What temperatures are you carrying gear for?
What is your actual food weight for 7 days?
Does 20.5 lbs include water carried?

[One Half]

What temperatures are you carrying gear for?
What is your actual food weight for 7 days?
Does 20.5 lbs include water carried?

My bag is rated at 40. I can go a little below that and still be snug.

My food weight is just under 7 lbs. I freeze dry all my own. see the thread in my signature.

Does not include water. Mostly I hike with 1 liter, depends on sources.

[Maineiac64]

Gear list?

[One Half]

Gear list?

It's late now but maybe I will get to it tomorrow?

[4eyedbuzzard]

My bag is rated at 40. I can go a little below that and still be snug...

Hopefully that's a conservative WM, or other quality bag with a true to temp rating - and you have extra insulation to add to it if you hit a couple of really cold nights. It's not summer yet in the mountains. Average lows in GSMNP in early May is around 40°. But daily deviations from that average can be substantial - like lows in the 20's. Pack weight is only meaningful when environmental conditions, and hence gear required, is known. It's nice to have a lighter pack. It's even nicer to be warm.

[One Half]

Hopefully that's a conservative WM, or other quality bag with a true to temp rating - and you have extra insulation to add to it if you hit a couple of really cold nights. It's not summer yet in the mountains. Average lows in GSMNP in early May is around 40°. But daily deviations from that average can be substantial - like lows in the 20's. Pack weight is only meaningful when environmental conditions, and hence gear required, is known. It's nice to have a lighter pack. It's even nicer to be warm.

I am well aware of mountains. Been in the Whites many a time. I have a zpacks 40 degree bag, a silk liner, silk long johns (these things add like 10 degrees to ME) plus shorts and shirt for sleeping. A long sleeve and my puffy jacket that I used to wear exclusively in MA and NH in terrible temps and my head buff. I will be quite comfy down into the 30s and high 20's. Low 20's may be a little uncomfortable, maybe.

[4eyedbuzzard]

I am well aware of mountains. Been in the Whites many a time. I have a zpacks 40 degree bag, a silk liner, silk long johns (these things add like 10 degrees to ME) plus shorts and shirt for sleeping. A long sleeve and my puffy jacket that I used to wear exclusively in MA and NH in terrible temps and my head buff. I will be quite comfy down into the 30s and high 20's. Low 20's may be a little uncomfortable, maybe.

Sorry to second guess you. Just concerned a bit as our northern blood thins out a bit after being in TX for a while Sounds like you got it covered. Have a great hike!

[One Half]

Sorry to second guess you. Just concerned a bit as our northern blood thins out a bit after being in TX for a while Sounds like you got it covered. Have a great hike!

Thank you. I hear that about the blood thinning! And I'm brave enough to admit when I make mistakes so I will post up a trip report when I get back.

[Hosh]

Thank you. I hear that about the blood thinning! And I'm brave enough to admit when I make mistakes so I will post up a trip report when I get back.

If hemoglobin was that important, us high altitude folks would be able to hike the AT on a sack of Snickers.

[glassman]

Hopefully that's a conservative WM, or other quality bag with a true to temp rating - and you have extra insulation to add to it if you hit a couple of really cold nights. It's not summer yet in the mountains. Average lows in GSMNP in early May is around 40°. But daily deviations from that average can be substantial - like lows in the 20's. Pack weight is only meaningful when environmental conditions, and hence gear required, is known. It's nice to have a lighter pack. It's even nicer to be warm.

My bag is rated to 20°and I plan on bringing a liner too! Being cold is a bummer!

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