Re: [at-l] next round

Sounds like you might like the Backpacking Light list. Folks use all sorts 
of things for weight from postal scales, food scales, and the like. I've 
occasionally taken stuff to the local Kogers and weighed in produce.

There is no standard pack weight. There are packs that weigh in the 2 pound 
range for 3000ci, as well as 8 pound plus packs (recent TNF packs come to 
mind). Prices often go up on the lightest packs made from high tech 
fabrics, although there are very inexpensive and light packs (such as 
GVP4). Light weight often comes with gawdawful colors, lack of hip belts, 
and shorter life span (for the pack). I have 2 packs, and always expect to 
have at least 2. I will keep my TNF Beheamoth pack (about 4000ci and 8 
pounds) for winter and sullen children, and use the Gregory Bombpack for 
warmer weather and lighter loads (3000ci and around 4 pounds).

The pack can be dangerous. A large volume tempts you to load up and carry 
more weight. The suspension may also want the additional weight for 
comfort. You may be able to do with much less weight or volume, 
occasionally both. I like using a compression sack for dry clothes and my 
sleeping bag, but can be tough to fit into the Bombpack. It leaves the 
Beheamoth almost empty.

Food seems to fit about 1 - 2 qt Ziplocks per day, for me. Less volume per 
day if I am out for more than 4 days.

I like your idea of getting the pack last. Sometimes you can organize stuff 
for the pack to use equipment. For instance, the GVP uses a ZRest as part 
of the suspension. Makes sense if you are carrying a bunch of foam stuffing 
between your pack and your back that it have a dual purpose.

OrangeBug

At 10:08 PM 12/26/2000 -0600, Billie H. Cleek wrote:
>1. What in the world is everyone using to weight their stuff
>with? Electronic scale? Mechanical Scale?
>
>2. I'd also be interested in finding out what the standard pack weight
>is. I don't mean load weight. How much does your empty backpack
>weight?
>
>3. What about your standard size? I'm definitely planning to buy my
>pack last (I'm getting a new one), but I'd still be interested in your
>average pack size.
>
>4. How much of your pack load (volume, not weight) is taken up by food?

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