slackpackin' katahdin on a thru-hike is a weenie thing to do
I may add a couple things. I'd rather carry a few extra pounds and be comfortable in camp, than have a slightly less heavy pack during the day, but skimp on camp comforts.
My thought on that is from my experiences. Your hiking all day in GA, you get to camp and your arse is done. All your going to wanna do is eat and crash, especially carrying a heavy load. Why risk an injury at the start due to a "HEAVY" load. I know clothing is very important for warmth, but not all the what I call unneeded items. Not sure about others, but do not think there will be much time spent at camp unless you setup around 1pm or 2pm everyday.
I don't know
Yep, but that's you, not me. I know from my experience what I like.
On my last three week section, I was very glad to have my in camp comforts, and would not have gotten rid of them. (Anyway, my pack isn't exactly heavy, I'm just carrying a few extras) I love my "un-needed" items.
2010 AT NoBo Thru "attempt" (guess 1,700 miles didn't quite get me all the way through ;) )
Various adventures in Siberia 2016
Adventures past and present!
(and maybe 2018 PCT NoBo)
Nah, no offense taken! Just pointing out that I would rather have a couple extra pounds and not skimp on in camp stuff- planty of people would not.
2010 AT NoBo Thru "attempt" (guess 1,700 miles didn't quite get me all the way through ;) )
Various adventures in Siberia 2016
Adventures past and present!
(and maybe 2018 PCT NoBo)
Meant plenty, not planty. (Invasion of the body snatchers....)
2010 AT NoBo Thru "attempt" (guess 1,700 miles didn't quite get me all the way through ;) )
Various adventures in Siberia 2016
Adventures past and present!
(and maybe 2018 PCT NoBo)
Whistle, I am not a gram wheenie and I don't lecture people on the weight of their gear. What I wasn't sure of is what your experience level is? You mention hooking more gear to the outside of your pack. Colin Fletcher ("The Complete Walker") referred to this once as having Gear festooned from your back. This makes walking fast, or up and downhill a little more tricky, as well as in areas that require intricate footwork (such as bending and leaping for footplacements. All that gear festooning from your pack will knock you off the center of gravity.
I once watched a newbie in the Dacks about a mile from the TH in the early 90's with a large canteen slung over one side of the frame and a pair of sneakers laced together, slung over the other side. Every time he bent over or took a large step or stepped down, he was wacked in the head by either the swinging sneakers or the swinging canteen. I followed behind him for about 3-4 minutes and then passed him - I hoped the folks he was with would explain a better way to pack his gear before the end of the his trip.
.....Someday, like many others who joined WB in the early years, I may dry up and dissapear....
Also, if something is swinging from your pack (and not properly strapped down), it doubles the weight.
(Example- your thermarest doesn't fit, so you roll it up and tie string around it, then hook it to your pack, where it hangs loosely. It'll feel like two thermarests instead of one, because of the bouncing. So strap it down really tightly, and it'll feel much better.)
2010 AT NoBo Thru "attempt" (guess 1,700 miles didn't quite get me all the way through ;) )
Various adventures in Siberia 2016
Adventures past and present!
(and maybe 2018 PCT NoBo)
Heaviest doesn't mean toughest.
I'd say Earl Shaffer would be the toughest considering the condition of the trail when he did his first hike.
Remember a couple years ago when Coup carried approx 130 pounds from Springer to Neels. Something like 15 pounds base weight and the rest food.
When I hiked through GSMNP I pass a guy that had 2 canteens, a full sized axe and a big camcorder case strapped to his pack. The canteens and camcorders were swinging wildly from side to side as he walked.
From behind all you could see were his legs.. Everything from his butt to over his head was pack. It was simply amazing.
They were so comfy! Love those slippers. Those slippers and that new mug I got make my in camp time so much better!!!
2010 AT NoBo Thru "attempt" (guess 1,700 miles didn't quite get me all the way through ;) )
Various adventures in Siberia 2016
Adventures past and present!
(and maybe 2018 PCT NoBo)
Paul "Mags" Magnanti
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The true harvest of my life is intangible...a little stardust caught,a portion of the rainbow I have clutched -Thoreau