High Sierra Topix

Eric,

Might consider combining this thread with the last one on pack weight. Seems that the both topics will cover the usual stuff.

Russ

ERIC wrote:The threads have been merged

What I dont see on your lists is the libation used to salute the mountain gods. I usually prefer some amber nectar (Bourbon) but for more bang for the weight use 151 rum (which I also like). I also like fermented grain so I include a couple of 24oz Steel Reserves. The empty can makes a good drip coffee maker.

My calculation is 4oz of ETOH per guy/gal per day. By the last night there is usually enough for a last night in the Wilderness party.

I know this was discussed in another forum so if you want to move it, so be it.

I heartily second the motion on the spreadsheet. If you have a decent scale and you weigh every item you'll find some surprises - I know I did. Your general description of what you bring does not sound much different from what I would have, except I don't fish and don't carry a GPS, but I would expect to be around 30 lbs for 10 days, so I'm guessing we have a similar list of items, but each of my items is probably lighter than your comparable item. You won't want to replace every item on your list with the lightest version on the market all at once - unless you 're filthy rich - but having a spreadsheet with all the actual weights helps to identify items that would make a big difference if you switched to a new and lighter option, and it helps to identify things you can just do without that would make a difference.

My brother takes the spreadsheet one step further - he lists his current gear with weight, and then the next option with weight and cost, with a final column showing cost per oz saved, that way he can maximize his dollars each year.

I like my comfort, so I am not an ultraligher by any stretch of the imagination. On my two longer trips this year, my total weight at trailhead, including food and water, was 33 lb for a six day trip with a scout troop from Onion Valley to Whitney, and 39 lb for what was planned as an eight day loop from Roads End over Cirque Crest. The only real difference between the two trips was the amount of food I took, and I took too much food on the second trip.

I bring a full coverage tent (Marmot EOS 1P) and full insulated air mattress (Insulmat). Other items:

Pack - Osprey Atmos 65
Stove/Pot - Snow Peak Giga/smaller pot from Brunton IB set
Canister - Bearikade Weekender
Bag - Western Mountaineering Summerlite

I carry a good first aid kit and a well-stocked repair kit, this is derived from the fact that I frequently go with scouts and I need to be prepared to take care of them. I only bring one set of spare clothes, one wool shirt, and one rain shell. And to say that I am interested in knives is an huge understatement, so I am never deficient in that department. I always bring a fixed blade (a very light one that I had a custom maker here in Visalia make for me) as well as a couple light folders and a Leatherman Squirt. Over the last seven years, I have purchased one major item of gear each year to reduce my weight, and in the process have dropped 20 lb from my total pack weight. And my decision to stop carrying a .45 has helped, too. It was just a lot of weight (don't worry, I'm legal, I have a permit).

I find that pack-weight 10 to 35 pounds is all the same. Last trip, my pack was 33 pounds and I never gave it much thought. For me it is all a balance between weight and comfort, which is why I carry a one pound chair (which includes a headrest). My tent is 1.5 pounds, pack and sleeping-bag is about 3 pounds each (I could probably take off 1.5 pounds with a newer WM bag), I won't compromise on a less than comfortable hip-belt, I gave up on dehyd food long ago (except for very long trips), and my stove is little more than a gas can and nozzle-stove (that can hold up the titanium pot). The pad is inflatable. Food works out to about a pound a day. I do not obsess about every ounce as long as it is all under 35 pounds.

This is a great post, with some fine ideas that I am going to continue to explore in the future. I'm off tomorrow for 5 days with a 37-38 pound load....12 miles in, 12 miles out! Gasp..actually, that is a bit of an improvement for me, the spreadsheet definitely helps.
I am carrying 4 pounds of fishing gear, including a roomy fanny pack, 2 rods, 2 reels, etc; I have 3 layover days to fish- the extra weight should be worth it. (or maybe not!)

i am doing a 3 week trip starting this afternoon.
my pack weighs 64 pounds.

four weeks back, i did a 2 week trip with my kiddo.
my pack weighed ~70 pounds.

many years ago, i used to carry a large format camera on 3 week trips.
the heaviest i recorded was my pack weighing 104 pounds.

i'm glad those days are over but i miss the large format images.

You're the man! I am doing all I can to save weight, but I have to balance that with having a good time, acc. to my terms. That's what I am there for.

lostcoyote wrote:i am doing a 3 week trip starting this afternoon.
my pack weighs 64 pounds.

four weeks back, i did a 2 week trip with my kiddo.
my pack weighed ~70 pounds.

many years ago, i used to carry a large format camera on 3 week trips.
the heaviest i recorded was my pack weighing 104 pounds.

i'm glad those days are over but i miss the large format images.

Wow.. I mean Wow!!! 60lbs sounds/feels painfull unless downhill. wait, that's painful too. Makes my hips hurt just reading your post.. I've decided that 45 for me now is max, as my legs don't go numb.. That's after a usual load of 53lbs lately. Last year i did a 75lb pack all downhill, but that was 10 miles out and it hurt. I was hunting and picked up some extra "weight."

I understand the camera load issue, even the fishing load issue. For me, I now try and target my fishing gear (mostly based on contacts on this forum.)

64 lbs... wow.

I know a good pack with sturdy suspension will make it feel like less, but ....

I usually hit 20-25 lbs for a 2-4 night, more for longer (food is usually the variable) or colder temps (more insulation please! cold sleeper!). 2 lbs is my fishing gear.