I have not weighed it all out, but I am pretty sure that my pack weight for my recent trip to Humphreys Basin was in the neighborhood of 50 pounds +/-, including food and water, pretty much standard for me. For years, I have been known as a pack mule, willing to carry pretty heavy loads. I don't think 50 pounds is too much, at least not in the sense that I am uncomfortable, but it is more than I should carry. A lighter pack would probably free me to consider many more options in the off trail arena, which would open up many possibilities. I drink a ton of water, so carry a 100 ounce Platypus bladder and a 24 ounce bottle with electrolyte fluid, which I regularly finish in a matter of a few hours - I don't like the idea of stopping to filter water frequently, which necessitates dropping and dismantling the pack, etc. The pack that I carry is an Osprey Aether 75, which I find to be quite comfortable. I have made gear upgrades recently, including a better sleeping bag (Marmot Arroyo 30 degree 800 FP down), a Big Agnes Seedhouse SL3 tent (to be used solo, as well as when out with my wife), and a comfortable, but heavy inflatable sleeping pad (Exped Synmat 7 Deluxe). I carry light but warm SmartWool shirts (short and long sleeve), a warm but light down jacket, and light silk long underwear, specifically for use in the sleeping bag. Crazy as it sounds, I also carry 2 (yes, I said two) bear canisters - one a Garcia for storage of my food and trash, and a BearVault Solo 250, which holds my stove (MSR Simmerlite) and titanium cookpot, my coffee mug, as well as a bottle of wine in a Platypus bladder, and all of my toiletries, plus any extraneous items. When I get to a camp spot, I do not at all worry about bears/critters, owing to the dual canisters - everything scented is stored. I also like to carry fishing gear, and in the case of my last trip, had both a fly fishing rod and a spinning rod, but tackle was kept very basic. Sure there are many out there who would advise getting rid of this or that, but for me it would be like starting all over. Where to begin?
Cheers,
Herm
I am not in a hurry, so don't be hasty.