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Re: [at-l] GSMNP Proposed Itenerary redux



-----Original Message-----
> So what a normal weight

I may have a generalized answer to that, based on what's already been
posted.

Normal can be 1/4 of the officially approved Insurance Company guideline
weight for your body type and height -- which for me is 25 pounds.  That is
NOT 1/4 of what I weigh -- no comments please!

Normal can be just the weight that allows you to hike for 10 plus miles and
not hurt extensively -- a few twinges from old injuries or age, but not
'killer pain' --

Normal can be the weight that allows you to hike at a comfortable pace all
day long without numerous 'out of breath' stops but as many 'vista' stops as
you want and still make it to the pre-selected campsite area in time to fix
a leisurely supper.

Normal can be the weight which allows you to hike up a fairly steep uphill
without stopping to catch your breath.  Normal can be the weight which
allows you to hike down that fairly steep hill without having your knees
sream at you when you get to the valley below.

Normal means no "kitchen sink" and "extras" for "just in case" -- which
never happens anyway or is so rare as not to warrant the extra weight in
your pack.  Remember that Muir went out with a loaf of bread and some tea
leaves for a week at a time.  Lynne Whelden recommends an overnight with
just some bread and water -- you'll be AmAzEd that it's not all that hard to
survive on that.  Let's you look again at your food and realize that you
won't starve on an overnight or two if your meals aren't elaborate or
well-balanced -- I think it may have been a fomer ThruHiker who started the
first AYCE buffet -- your after the hike refill of nourishment.   For longer
trips you need to be sure you're getting all the proper nutrition, but for a
weekend -- it won't kill you -- YMMV and don't do this in ExTrEmE
conditions, of course, cuz it could kill ya.    But basic 3 - season
backpacking for a weekend of 2 to 4 nights -- you can carry lighter food --
or less food -- I love it when I figure out exactly what to eat and end up
with one food-bar left as I get to the car!   I eat that on the way to the
restaurant.

Normal for me is not normal for you, because there is no One Definition of
Normal Backpacking Weight.

But maybe I've given you some food for thought?
Coosa




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