Devin Ashby
Don't Bust The Crust!
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2016
- Messages
- 72
As someone who has recently got on the Lightweight/Ultralight bandwagon, I am late to this large discussion, but thought i'd share my two cents since i've been focused on saving weight lately.
A few things that have helped me shave weight the past few trips i've been on revolve around being very choosey about what gear I leave behind, how much food I actually need and balancing the line between being comfortable and going as Andrew Skurka says, Stupid Light.
Food: This was a pretty big thing for me to help me not overpack food that I am taking. NOLS has an incredible system that helped me think more about the food I am taking. I have never liked dehydrated meals, and don't remember the last time I ate one of them. But the NOLS bulk ration system is meant mostly for large groups of 4 or more that would be cooking together. However, I learned the most from it that you plan your meals as a Breakfast and Dinner only, with trail food as your "lunch". Typically I plan meals that put me around 1.25 pounds of food per day. Then I plan foods that are super high in calories and fat. This pretty much guarantees that I don't over pack food, and have too much that I end up bringing home.
Necessary Gear versus Luxury Gear: This was a hard one for me to figure out. Basically what I mean by this is when you are packing you can save a bit of weight by choosing how you want to pack your backpack. I've started using a garbage bag liner when I know weather is going to be bad. But I ditched my sleeping bag stuff bag/compression bag completely. I now use a 38 liter pack for 2-4 days. Stuffing your sleeping bag in the bottom of your pack saves weight cause you're leaving behind the bag, and allows you to maximize space in the bottom of your pack. Leave stuff sacks behind in general if it's just not needed. I leave behind the bag for my sleeping pad and use a rubber band to keep it rolled. I have also noticed that the last several trips i've been on i've taken a mini lantern, but I have been in my tent for maybe 10 minutes total before bed. Headlamp will suffice. Use the practice of separating out your gear when you get home with what did I use and what I didn't use and then discuss with yourself why you didn't use it. The just in case mentality is what has killed me on weight in the past.
Overpacking: This revolves around clothing more than anything. I got a huge kick out of a video from @Jammer about taking jeans on a big trip he did. That's what really got me thinking. Thanks Jamal! But really, I used to overpack clothing that I would find myself never wearing. Now I plan my trail clothing, then I take one insulated jacket, a rain jacket, a base layer, extra undies, one extra pair of socks (usually sleeping socks for colder nights), thermal pants for colder temps, and long pants. Cold nights I bring liner gloves and a beanie. I've been known to bring 3-4 pairs of socks, extra shorts, t-shirt, etc.
Certainly buying gear that is lighter weight will make a big difference, but it's not always necessary. Also keep in mind that a lot of this revolves around a warm season system, and 2-4 days on the trail. I'd make adjustments as needed.
Other things i've decided to leave behind to save weight are heavy things like a camp chair. I've got to the point where I don't mind sitting in the dirt or sand with the ants and bugs. In order to not be spammy either, but if you're interested I can share a video of a gear list I have for my 11 pound base weight system. But will share personally through DM instead of spamming people away from this forum.
A few things that have helped me shave weight the past few trips i've been on revolve around being very choosey about what gear I leave behind, how much food I actually need and balancing the line between being comfortable and going as Andrew Skurka says, Stupid Light.
Food: This was a pretty big thing for me to help me not overpack food that I am taking. NOLS has an incredible system that helped me think more about the food I am taking. I have never liked dehydrated meals, and don't remember the last time I ate one of them. But the NOLS bulk ration system is meant mostly for large groups of 4 or more that would be cooking together. However, I learned the most from it that you plan your meals as a Breakfast and Dinner only, with trail food as your "lunch". Typically I plan meals that put me around 1.25 pounds of food per day. Then I plan foods that are super high in calories and fat. This pretty much guarantees that I don't over pack food, and have too much that I end up bringing home.
Necessary Gear versus Luxury Gear: This was a hard one for me to figure out. Basically what I mean by this is when you are packing you can save a bit of weight by choosing how you want to pack your backpack. I've started using a garbage bag liner when I know weather is going to be bad. But I ditched my sleeping bag stuff bag/compression bag completely. I now use a 38 liter pack for 2-4 days. Stuffing your sleeping bag in the bottom of your pack saves weight cause you're leaving behind the bag, and allows you to maximize space in the bottom of your pack. Leave stuff sacks behind in general if it's just not needed. I leave behind the bag for my sleeping pad and use a rubber band to keep it rolled. I have also noticed that the last several trips i've been on i've taken a mini lantern, but I have been in my tent for maybe 10 minutes total before bed. Headlamp will suffice. Use the practice of separating out your gear when you get home with what did I use and what I didn't use and then discuss with yourself why you didn't use it. The just in case mentality is what has killed me on weight in the past.
Overpacking: This revolves around clothing more than anything. I got a huge kick out of a video from @Jammer about taking jeans on a big trip he did. That's what really got me thinking. Thanks Jamal! But really, I used to overpack clothing that I would find myself never wearing. Now I plan my trail clothing, then I take one insulated jacket, a rain jacket, a base layer, extra undies, one extra pair of socks (usually sleeping socks for colder nights), thermal pants for colder temps, and long pants. Cold nights I bring liner gloves and a beanie. I've been known to bring 3-4 pairs of socks, extra shorts, t-shirt, etc.
Certainly buying gear that is lighter weight will make a big difference, but it's not always necessary. Also keep in mind that a lot of this revolves around a warm season system, and 2-4 days on the trail. I'd make adjustments as needed.
Other things i've decided to leave behind to save weight are heavy things like a camp chair. I've got to the point where I don't mind sitting in the dirt or sand with the ants and bugs. In order to not be spammy either, but if you're interested I can share a video of a gear list I have for my 11 pound base weight system. But will share personally through DM instead of spamming people away from this forum.
I'm bringing three packets of tuna and three packs of gummies for Day 1. I'm eating it all before I go to bed on the first night.
