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Over the years my base pack weight has become lighter and lighter. It took many miles and years of tinkering to get to this point, though! I have been asked if I had gear lists for the different trails I've done. Up until now, I did not. Since I am dealing with multiple trails and equipment from a decade of thru-hiking, I do not recall the exact weights. The BASE PACK WEIGHT is a guess. I also did not list every item, only the "biggies". Obviously some of the items in 2009 are different from their 1996 or so counterparts. The lists should prove to be instructive, though. I also have my current gear list posted (as of May 2009).
GEAR LIST FOR THRU-HIKES, 1997- 2006 NOTES: - I did not include most of my clothing as that has changed very little from 1997. I still hike in shorts, wear generic polypro and wear a synthetic hat. I may wear a long sleeve shirt, wear sunglasses and use a boonie hat for sun protection. I also use running socks with lighter footware. Other than that, my clothing has changed little.
- I used the same sleeping bag since 1997 until 2006. It really is worth paying more money for a good bag. I did put some new down in it after the PCT. After the CDT, it was time for a new bag. :(
- Also not included are the weights of sundry items that are less because of equipment used. A plastic bottle for fuel vs. a metal bottle for example.
- I have my full gear list posted as well. It reflects my May 2009 gear.
Looking over my list, you can see a big jump from my AT gear to my Long Trail 1999 gear. After humping a 50 lb pack over the mountains for over 2000 miles I vowed to NEVER DO THAT AGAIN! :) My shorter hikes (The Long Trail and the Colorado Trail hikes), were used to refine my techniques a bit. I feel that my current gear list is more or less reflective of my 2002 PCT gear list, but with refinements: Frameless pack, down bag, trail shoes instead of boots, alcohol stove and aluminum pot. I can picture doing all my future long walks with my PCT 2002 gear. I would not want to any of my long walks with my AT 1998 gear!
After the Long Trail in 1999, there was a gradual decline in my base pack weight. I am at the point where I can get lower only if I spend more money for shaving ounces rather than pounds. It gets to the point that I have to ask myself how much money is worth spending to lose more weight in my pack? I notice very few thru-hikers dip below 8lbs. The people pushing the weight envelope tend to be out weeks rather than months. Just an observation that may or may not conform to reality. ;-)
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