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  1. #1
    Registered User DownEaster's Avatar
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    Default Backpacking gear spreadsheet NOT for Excel?

    I'm looking for a through-hiker's spreadsheet that's already got item categories filled in, so I can just go in and enter the weights for my convertible hiking pants, & c. Please, no recommendations for anything to do with Excel; I don't have it and don't want it. I can use OpenOffice Calc, or Google docs, or anything else that's free.

    I'm not looking for anything fancy; I'm just hoping to save on a bunch of data entry grunt work. I figure this sort of thing has been done by plenty of people already, but so far all I've found is spreadsheets that require Excel.

  2. #2

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    I believe if someone sent you an Excel file, you would have the option to save and open it with one of those other spreadsheet programs.

  3. #3

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    You could also down load the MS Excel viewer for free. It does what it says, let you view excel documents and it is free.

    http://filehippo.com/zh/download_mic..._excel_viewer/

  4. #4
    Hiker bigcranky's Avatar
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    Yeah, if there is an Excel file that you want to use, upload it to Google Docs and you can use it there.

    I use a Google Doc spreadsheet set up something like what you want. It has categories/cells for everything I might ever take, and I just fill in what I am taking on any given trip and it totals up the weight for me. I'm sending you a PM with a link to the file, just open it, and make a copy for yourself (File > Make A Copy and choose your own G-drive to save it.) I'll leave it up for a day or two.
    Ken B
    'Big Cranky'
    Our Long Trail journal

  5. #5
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    Default Backpack spreadsheet I use with excel AND Open Office

    I can use this with Open Office

    BackpackSpreadsheet blank.xls

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by PAHiker View Post
    I can use this with Open Office

    BackpackSpreadsheet blank.xls
    Put an x in the left column to add that line to your list. Be sure quantities are correct.

  7. #7
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    Libreoffice (LO) will also read Excel files and you can then save it in ODS format, which will work in LO as well as OpenOffice. You don't have to write your changes back to xls or xlsx.

    The only glitch I regularly encounter with MS Office compatibility with OO or LO is when the files are password protected. LO and OO typically can open older MS Office formats with password protection, but when they can't, it's with the more recent file formats. I doubt you'll have this issue.

    That said, it shouldn't take you that much time to create your own from scratch. I've done it ... as a checklist for packing for a dayhike or overnight bp trip. It's maybe 75 rows, which sounds long, but I don't take everything (since there are multiple types of packs, bags, cameras, etc., on the list) - I pick and choose what items I need/want for the nature of the hike and expected weather conditions. The checklist helps me to not forget some of the important but small things (like maps, sunrise/sunset info, mosquito net, contact lens stuff).

  8. #8
    Registered User DownEaster's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Deacon View Post
    I believe if someone sent you an Excel file, you would have the option to save and open it with one of those other spreadsheet programs.
    The last Excel backpacking sheet I tried that with failed.
    Important! You must install the Analysis ToolPak to use this spreadsheet.
    I can't use Excel-proprietary stuff in non-Excel programs.


    Quote Originally Posted by Wolf - 23000 View Post
    You could also down load the MS Excel viewer for free. It does what it says, let you view excel documents and it is free.
    Why would I want a view-only spreadsheet? The whole point is to alter the contents to add my own gear.

  9. #9

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    Have you looked at Geargrams?

  10. #10
    Registered User DownEaster's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by CalebJ View Post
    Have you looked at Geargrams?
    Never heard of it, but just glancing at it now it seems to require Flash. I've been Flash-free this last year, and have had roughly one-third as many required system reboots compared to the previous year.

  11. #11
    Registered User gbolt's Avatar
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    Some one else shared this Google doc with me so I copied and changed it to include my items, like, BigCranky stated. It has the general items listed first and then you add your specifics next to it; just like you want. I feel it is great for an AT gear list. Feel free to click on the link: http://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...OH2LaV44ecUFuA.
    "gbolt" on the Trail

    I am Third

    We are here to help one another along life's journey. Keep the Faith!

    YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCik...NPHW7vu3vhRBGA

  12. #12
    Registered User BuckeyeBill's Avatar
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    if you send me a PM, I can build you one that will work with Open Office. The one I have for myself list Product Number, Supplier, Description, Color, Size, Weight in ounces, Quantity, Unit Price, Total Price (will automatically calculate price based on Quantity and Unit Price), Total Weight in both ounces and pounds, as well as total price. I set it up when I was ordering all new equipment.

    If this is more than you want, let me know just what you need.
    Blackheart

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by PAHiker View Post
    I can use this with Open Office

    BackpackSpreadsheet blank.xls
    Did you try opening this one? I have Open Office at home and can open it fine.

  14. #14
    Registered User DownEaster's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by PAHiker View Post
    Did you try opening this one? I have Open Office at home and can open it fine.
    I'll check it out tonight.

  15. #15
    Registered User DownEaster's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by PAHiker View Post
    Did you try opening this one? I have Open Office at home and can open it fine.
    Pretty bare bones, but what's there seems OK in OO Calc.

  16. #16
    Registered User linus72's Avatar
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    try lighterpack.com its pretty cool no spreadsheet neccesary
    Doin' the trail one section at a time
    You can read about my adventures at
    http://happyonthetrails.wordpress.com/

  17. #17

    Default Backpacking gear spreadsheet NOT for Excel?

    I use OpenOffice instead of Microsoft Office for all of my documents so here is a link to a Excel spreadsheet that I have downloaded and opened with OpenOffice with no problems. It also has a tutorial video.

    http://blackwoodspress.com/blog/2755/backpacking-gear-planner-2/
    " Rover, Wanderer, Nomad, Vagabond call me what you will " Metallica

  18. #18
    Registered User q-tip's Avatar
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    Send me a PM with your email and I will forward extensive xl gearlist.

  19. #19
    Registered User MikekiM's Avatar
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    Default

    LIghterPack is my goto.. Though I wish I could reorder the lists. Other than that, it doesn everything I need.

    I've tried GearGrams but I can't get into the flow of it.

    I have two other excel spread sheets that will open in GooDocs, but the formatting/macros gets scrubbed. They still work, but aren't nearly as pretty. Both were the winners of an online gear list contest.. I think it was on BPL a few years ago.

    If anyone wants them, I'll get them out.

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