[pct-l] Base Pack weight

[David Ellzey]

I agree with the Comfort Weight category if it means that the weight adds to your enjoyment hiking and camping. I've noticed a lot of people seemingly getting used to being miserable on the trial not because they are carrying too much but not the right things for how they enjoy life. Note I did not say they need to carry more weight, although it might end up that way.

<<rant on>>
I also have noticed hikers committing to uber-light gear lists when they are either too inexperienced or lack confidence (or both) in wilderness endeavors. Some seem to be quick learners and become the latest evangelists for uber-light loads while others are not so lucky. But I do not think uber-light is for everyone.
<<rant off>>

So ideally for me it's taking only what I need to enjoy both my hike and the camp, proportionally of course since most of the time is spent hiking. But taking into consideration that if you don't sleep much at night you're not enjoying the hiking much. I do not pack anything out of fear having learned long ago that wilderness skill/experience and backwoods ingenuity can get you where you need to go safely without relying on much gear. And yes, my base weight is 15 or lower.

Bigtoe

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Paul Cronshaw
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2009 2:17 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Cc: jimbravo at wildblue.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Base Pack weight


JB,

There have been a number of postings on the PCT-L with suggestions to decrease your base pack weight.  

A friend and I give UL and LW backpacking presentations to local boy scout troups and public libraries.

Here is my 2 cents worth in the form of a link to my powerpoint presentation.
As you view each slide, you might pick up a few ideas to help in your goal for a base pack wt. between 10 and 15 lbs.

http://picasaweb.google.com/beemancron/LightweightBackpackingPresentation#

FWIW I have settled into a new category of BP weight that was coined by Bernie at Practical Backpacking = "Comfort weight".  Take the gear that makes you enjoy the wilderness in a comfortable way.

Happy Trails.

Paul "The Beeman" Cronshaw 		 	   		  
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