Re: [at-l] Pack this...

[kahley7 <kahley7@ptd.net>]

This is a tuff list cause you don't have alot of crazy stuff!
Just heavy versions of necessary stuff so to lighten it it will cost you
bucks!  The biggest three items are the pack, bag
and tent so these are the most obvious ways to cut
your load.  But it takes money.  It's probably hard to justify
spending until you feel the weight for a couple weeks.
And you may be big and fit and strong and able to handle it
unlike me.....<g>.  That said...

>
>     104  Kelty Super Tioga

Too heavy by probably two plus pounds

>       6  Kelty Pack cover

A hunk of contractors plastic bag weighs much less and
you can have an extra in your bump box

>      49  Survivor 20* Sleeping Bag by Slumberjack

Slumberjack makes great camping gear.....if you have a
car to carry it..What does it weigh?

>      79  Eurika Timberlite tent w/poles, pegs, sealer and stuff sack

Another one of the big three....very popular years ago...
If it weighs more than 4lbs....I would replace it. You could save
3-5 pounds just here.
Why sealer??  Seal it and test it before you leave. Put some
in your bump box for recoats.

>      33  Therm-A-Rest standard/ long

Too heavy... a luxury and you should have only one luxury <VVBG>
>    34  Peak-1 442 Duel Fuel w/fuel

>      22  Fuel Bottle MSR 22 oz. (full)

Too big ..most folks get by with an 11oz

>       9  Aluminum pots, Lifter and spoon

Pots..as in more than one?  One pot .one lid one spoon
Does the Peak use a windscreen? Don't forget a lighter <g>

>      17  First Need water purifer

'Hiker' is lighter

>           6  Insulated Cup, Alladin 20oz.

I like insulated cups but get one from a bagel shop
and save a half pound

>       9  Through Hikers Handbook
>       4  At Data Book

Only carry the sections you need

>       5  Notebook, Pen
>       5  "Parachute Cord" 3/20 ft. pieces
>       6  AM/FM Radio/earphones

luxary....leave it home till you can dump your winter gear
or better yet, get it in time to combat the VA blues.
Unless you are like me and need music....

>       3  Suess Army Knife

How big?  some of them weigh a pound!  will you really
need that corkscrew?  <VVVBG>  BTW Patience will
open a wine bottle with a flat blade...trust me...I know!

>       6  First Aid, Mole Skin, Bandaids, Ibuprofin, Mycitricin,
>       6  Tooth brush,Tooth Paste,
>       7  Long John Pant, Polartec 100
>      10  Long Sleeve Shirt, Polartec 100
>      16  Jacket,zippered, Polartec 200
>      14  Long Pants,zip leg convertables, nylon
>       9  Shorts, nylon
>       8  Socks,Smart Wool, Liners, 2pr. each
>       1  Poly glove liners
>       9  T Shirt
>      11  Rain Coat  (Bellweather)
>      12  Rian Pants (Bellweather)

I'd loose the rain pants and the zip legs and carry a set
of longees for camp and a _lightweight_ pair of slip on
nylon pants with ankle zips. Lots of folks don't agree
with this.  You should have a dry pair of longees for
camp though  .I can carry two pair of longees and my
elcheapo nylon pants for less weight than fleece, rainpants
and zip offs. Pluss all that fleece is bulky and requires
a bigger pack.  All this stuff is sooo interconnected <VVBG>
Lots of stuff=a big load=a big pack=a heavy pack=???

>       ?  Wearing as I step out at Amicacola
>          Nylon shorts
>          T shirt
>          Smart Wool socks
>          LL Bean Cresta Hikers
>          Hat,  yet to be selected

Gotta have a proper 'dickhead hat' .that's a warm knit
or fleece hat that does evil things to your hair if you take
it off.  I'm sorry I forgot when you are leaving but if it is early
you might consider a ballee to keep your noodle warm when you
sleep. They don't fall off like hats in the nite.
Disclaimer....I am not a thru hiker.  But by listening to the smart
folks on this list I have reduced my packweight from 45 lbs
w/food and water to 36lb w/food and water (winter version)
and am a muuuuuch happier hiker for it.  It's all up to you of course.
But the jokes about the gear that is scattered along the first 20 miles
north of  Springer are based in truth.


* From the Appalachian Trail Mailing List |  http://www.backcountry.net  *

==============================================================================