[at-l] Pack weight

[yumitori@montana.com (Ron Martino)]

> My Kelty WEST COAST is 7.1 pounds.  Is that an excessive amount for a thru
> hike?
> It is my first REAL backpack and I really enjoy the pack and its features
> work for me. Is there better for much light?
> 
> Ron//High Anxiety

	Here's my take -

	It's heavy for its size.

	You are happy with it.

	People have hiked the AT with heavy packs.

	What you carry up top, in your head, is more important than what you
carry on your back. You want to do a thru, really want it, you will get
a lot further, regardless of the weight of your pack.

	But that aside, you will be a lot happier, less prone to injury, and
better able to keep your goals in mind, if you are comfortable. Maybe
the pack stays - because you really enjoy it. But there's other ways to
reduce weight.

	Are you familiar with the group at BackpackingLight
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackpackingLight/)? They're a great
resource, too.

	Ron, too...
-- 

yumitori(AT)montana(DOT)com