Hey guys, I posted my pack list a while back and I've made changes since and cut more weight and was looking for ways to cut more. I got a postal scale which has helped me pick out the items that needed to be replaced like my 2.5lb pants and 3.5lb boots. So from a 50lb pack back in March on my first ever hiking trip to a 11.49lb base weight now for 3 season. I'd love to get below 10lb base weight.

Pack
-Gossamer Gear G4(16.9oz)

Sleeping
-Marmot Nanowave 45(3 season, 32.6oz-eyeing a Marmot Plasma 40 to replace this but don't want to spend the money)
-North Face Cat's Meow 20(winter, 47.6oz-eyeing a Marmot Helium to replace this but don't want to spend the money)
-Gossamer Gear Nightlight sleeping pad(4.4oz, also is 'frame' for pack)

Tent
-Eureka Spitfire 1(replaced factory stakes with titanium ones, 49.4oz total-eyeing tarp tent contrail 1 as replacement)
-polycryro groundcloth(3.7oz)

Raingear
-emergency poncho(1.4oz)

Navigation
-tiny globe compass(0.4oz)
-Garmin 450T w/lithium batteries(only take this if I'm trying to find something like a waterfall, same batteries as camera & headlamp, 6.2oz)
-trimmed laminated map of trail/area(~0.4oz)

Clothing
-Bandana(sometimes worn, also use as water filter for the big stuff, 1.1oz)
-1 tshirt(worn, 3 season only, 6.5oz-considering doing w/o this)
-1 wrangler fishing shirt(worn, 9.9oz-looking for a lighter replacement with large front pockets as this has)
-1 pair of golite convertible hiking pants(worn, 11.8oz)
-1 pair cotton socks(3 season, worn, 2.3oz)
-1 pair smart wool socks(winter, worn, 3.4oz)
-1 pair invo8 hiking boots(worn, 20oz)
-1 pair of gym shorts(3 season, 6oz-considering doing w/o this)
-1 pair of flip flops(9.5oz, not willing to give up camp shoes but open to lighter options)
-1 pair top and bottom of Marmot's wicking base layer underwear(worn, winter, 13.4oz)
-1 belt(worn, 3.9oz)
-1 safari hat(worn, hit or miss on whether I decide to bring it, 5.3oz)
-1 pair marmot base layer gloves(winter, 1.1oz)
-marmot spike hat(winter, worn, 1.9oz)
-marmot zeus vest(winter, worn, 11.6oz)

Safety
-qtips(0.1oz)
-duct tape(0.9oz)
-germex(1.2oz)
-signal mirror(1.8oz)
-spot 2 elb with lithium batteries(on belt loop, 4.9oz-keeps wife and family off my back)
-Fox 40 micro whistle(0.4oz)
-compact 0.380 pistol w/bullets(in pocket, 12.2oz)

Fun
-collapseable fishing pole(including extra line and hooks, 5.2oz)
-zeiss miniquick monocular(0.8oz)

Fire
-exotac nanostriker(0.5oz)
-3 cotton balls(0.1oz)
-1 box of coleman waterproof matches(0.2oz)
-1 bic mini(0.4oz)

Cooking
-snowpeak 600 titanium mug(2.8oz)
-evernew titanium alcohol stove(winter only or during burn ban, 1.7oz)
-snowpeak titanium short spork(0.5oz)

Knives
-Victorinox Swisschamp(in pocket, lightest I could find w/pliers[for fishing] and a saw, 6.7oz)
-Esee 4(on belt, not willing to give this up unless for similar sized knife, 11.5oz)

Electronics
-Nikon digital camera w/lithium batteries(in pocket, same batteries as headlamp & GPS, 8.5oz)
-Fenix HL21 headlamp w/lithium battery(same batteries as camera & GPS, 2.6oz)
-spare lithium batteries for spot 2 elb(aaa, 0.7oz) and camera/headlamp/gps(aa, 1.6oz)
-cellphone(6oz)
-casio watch w/temp and compass(worn, 1.9oz)

Water
-chlorine dioxide drops(3oz)
-platypus softbottle(0.8oz)
-platypus 2L bladder(3.4oz)

Wordly Items
-fishing license/driver's license/cash(0.4oz)
-Jeep keys(1.1oz)

Other
-trash bag(1.2oz-considering ditching this)
-60ft of paracord(10ft is in different lengths for tying various things while the 50ft is for hanging my food, 7.1oz)
-2 tubes of carmex(0.8oz)
-toilet paper(pretty sure you won't convince me to ditch this, 4.4oz)
-safety sunglasses(0.9oz)
-colgate wisp(0.1oz)
-dry bag for hanging food in(1.1oz)
-exped trekking pole(7.1oz)

3 Season Base Weight:11.49lbs
3 Season Skin Out(minus consumables): 18.19lbs
3 Season Pack Weight w/consumables(3 day): 18.96lbs
3 Season Skin Out w/consumables(3 day): 25.6lbs

Winter Base Weight:12.31lbs
Winter Skin Out(minus consumables):20.49lbs
Winter Pack Weight w/consumables(3 day): 19.78lbs
Winter Skin Out w/consumables(3 day): 27.96lbs

Thanks in advance for the help.

I would recommend saving 23.7 oz by ditching the .380 and the ESEE. I would reconsider this recommendation if you are realistically faced with unusual circumstances, like hiking in close proximity to our southern border.

In more than fifty years of climbing and backpacking experience, including a lot of SAR and a fort years career in national parks, including eight years with a LEO commission, I encountered exactly one situation in which firearms were involved. Fortunately I was not armed, or I suspect my antagonist would have shot me dead without any discussion.

If I were to carry, I would go for something with more firepower - my favorite is 357 Magnum. A good, hot stove will be more valuable in winter or stormy conditions than any firearm. Come to think of it, about three of my SAR incidents involved the victims of accidental discharges, including one fatality. Statistically, you are safer without firearms than with.

Take a good first aid course - weighs nothing and will do you a lot of good.

I have been considering picking up the Ruger LCR in 357 mag. Regardless the pistol to me is the rather carry it and never use it than need it and not have it. And I've only encountered one hostile group(3 teenagers) ever when hiking but I was able to keep a distance and talk my way out of any real trouble.

As far as the ESEE I'm up for something lighter in weight without losing functionality. Its great for working with wood in combination with the saw on the SAK. Plus I've had to use a knife(which is another reason for me to not just rely on a SAK sized knife) once before when attacked by a deer(when hunting not hiking), hard to use a gun when on the ground trying to wrestle a deer. Needless to say I got some meat in the freezer though I was a little beat up. I know the chances of it happening again are slim but makes you cautious.

There is no way to evaluate your gear without more information.
Where do you hike? What is min/max temps? Are you warm-wet, cold-wet, cold dry, warm-dry condtions? How long are you out? 2 days, 10 or more? What kind of terrain- trails, off-trail, bushwhack, high altitude, talus? Please elaborate.

I do most of my hiking in the southern half of Arkansas. If its below 20F I won't be going which isn't a probelm since below 20F is not common. I've hiked in up to 105F but we've had temp up to 120F in summers past. I won't be hiking if its that hot. Normally I do 3 day hikes with the occasional 4 or 5 day hike thrown in. I'm mostly on trails but do bushwhack occasionally when waterfall hunting.

Sounds like you're up, Bill. (billstephenson is located in your area, and a true wealth of knowledge - he can mislead you a lot better than the rest of us! )

Get rid of the Esee and 0.380.... try it for a weekend and see how it goes

You could get a much smaller pocket knife and add a small pair of forceps. Much more functional than those pliers and you should be able to drop considerable weight from a swiss champ. I have something like this:
http://www.basspro.com/Scissor/Pliers/pr...93-00000abdc268

How about replacing the paracord with dyneema... 50 ft is 1.25 oz:
http://lawsonequipment.com/All-Products/Dyneema-IronWire-p514.html

If you want to change get a lighter sleeping bag consider a quilt from enlightened equipment. Ridiculous deal but prices are going up Jan 1.

You can get rid of the ground cloth.

Why carry spare batteries for the spot?

A couple of things popped out at me:

First, down sleeping bags. Yes, high quality down bags are hideously expensive. However, they last several times longer (when properly cared for) than do synthetic bags. (Synthetic insulation breaks down relatively rapidly when compressed and loses its loft.) When you "amortize" the cost of a high-end down bag (800+ fill down) over it's useful life, it will cost less per year than the (probably) 3 synthetic fill bags you'll run through in the same time. So save your pennies and $$$! I get along fine with one 20*F sleeping bag for 3 seasons, but with your temperature extremes, I'm quite sure you don't want to do that! 105*F plus high humidity plus a 20*F bag gives me heat stroke just thinking about it! I'd suggest replacing the winter bag first, for the most weight savings. The summer bag isn't so urgent, and a quilt might be an even lighter option when you get that far.

Second, I strongly recommend you ditch the cotton socks. Cotton soaks up moisture really fast and is very slow to dry. (Think about what's the last thing out of the clothes dryer.) Result--your feet get wet from sweat and stay wet all day. In winter, that means cold! Either merino wool or good wicking synthetic socks will be far more comfortable, because your feet will be dryer!

I'd want a warmer sleeping pad for winter, although that's an individual matter. If you find you're getting cold underneath, that's a pretty good sign that you need more pad. I was once in a situation (18*F) in which my side next to the ground was shivering but the top side was quite comfortable, making it quite obvious that I needed something warmer than a NeoAir!

More important: Either dry bags or a pack liner (such as a 2 mil unscented trash compactor bag) are needed to keep your insulation (sleeping bag and insulating clothing) dry. In addition to heavy rain, even highly experienced backpackers have been known slip and fall during a stream ford. (Don't ask me how I know this! ) Your pack contents should be able to take several minutes of immersion. The consequences of your insulation's getting wet can be serious or fatal!

As Glenn mentioned, billstephenson is from your area.

I like the idea for being able to ditch the Swiss Champ. Can get a much smaller SAK with a saw and still have the awl and pin.

ESEE would be highly missed, I use it quite a lot.

I've never heard of the dyneema, I'll have to get some.

Thanks.

I think you double counted your camera.

I do not take spare batteries, even for a 10 day hike. Just put new ones in when you start.

I do not think a tiny gun would do much against anything large enough to be a serious danger, like a bear. For the 11 oz, bear spray is my choice, when in grizzly country. Where I hike there is absolutely no need for a pistol. But I am not familiar with your neck of the woods. Do you have snakes?

4 oz TP seems a bit much for short trip. I use natural stuff and use TP just for the final clean-up. It is really no big deal if you run out end of trip. But, I agree, take some.

What are you taking for first aid? You may be a bit deficient there.

The tent is heavy, but moderatly priced. If you can swing the $$, there are lighter one-person tents out there.

Since you're carrying in your pockets a pistol, a fairly heavy pocket knife and a digital camera, plus you've got a 11-1/2 oz knife and a SPOT II on your belt/belt loop --- I suggest that you don't even think about "base weight", but just focus on skin-out weight.

For my part I think I'd be a bit uncomfortable with that much weight in my pockets, but hopefully that's where this stuff is most comfortable for you and nothing tends to fall out!

In terms of whole-system weight reduction, I too would drop the gun and knife, and go with a lighter pocket knife when you're not fishing. And consider which trips you really need the SPOT for. Ditto earlier comments about spare batteries, given relatively short trip durations; unless starting with very low batteries then for anything but camera/cell phone I think in terms of weeks and even months between replacing batteries. If you night hike a lot, obviously that changes.

Ditto comments on paracord, it's heavy and bulky. Do you in fact use 50' to hang your food? In AZ if I remember correctly, is this something you really need to do? My experiences in SoCal and New Mexico suggest to me that maybe you don't, but I've no experience in AZ.

If night hiking is unlikely you can save a little weight with a lighter headlamp.

How often do you get rain when you're hiking? Rather than a tent and an emergency poncho, consider perhaps something like a Golite poncho, pitch it as a shelter if you're concerned about weather. Definitely skimpy in heavy rain, but I doubt you get all that much? Something to consider, anyway. On the PCT a poncho is all I carried through all of SoCal and that worked fine for me. In New Mexico I pitched my tent at night more to add a little warmth (and because I was just sort of "used to it") rather than out of much concern about rain.

I completely agree with comments about the sleeping bag; a Cat's Meow is a heavy, bulky sucker compared to what you can get in the same warmth class with a decent down bag. Compared to most of your other gear, that's what stands out the most to me. Well, that and the gun & fixed-blade knife. Relative to a lot of "pretty light" backpacking setups I've encountered on various trails, those really stand out too as sort of "out of place". I.e., in the few cases that I run into people with a large fixed blade knife and possibly a pistol showing as well, the associated gear tends to be indeed more along the 50 pound category.

I suggest that if you're that concerned about personal safety that a very light personal mace sprayer might be a better choice, to include that perhaps a person is more likely/willing to use it at need.

The OP said Arkansas, not Arizona.... Definitely more rain there!

Yeah I know I carry a lot of TP. I use to carry on exactly what I needed for the normal amount of movements and then after spending 2 days using leaves because I had lots of extra movements on one trip the TP amount went up.

As far as first aide I ended up ditching the bandages I was carrying. I have germex for disinfecting, a pin and tweezers on my SAK, and then duct tape. What else do you recommend?

I have been looking at the Tarp Tent Contrail 1, save me about 19 ounces. Do you have any better suggestions in the $200 or less range?

The camera is in my shirt pocket for easy access. I use to leave it in the pack but I ended up missing a lot of animals that way.

SPOT is never something I wanted to carry but a keep my family off my back item.

And on the 50ft of paracord, I'd already decided on my next trip I will find the highest branch I would possibly be trying to hang food from and then cut off what wasn't needed since I agree its more than I need.

And the ESEE is down from what I had at 50lbs when I started. I had a 3lb kukri with me, lol. Now that could split some logs.

With y'alls input I've made some changes and here are my new weights. To me at this point its all about spending money if I want to really get much ligther. The weights in parenthesis are weights without my GPS since I don't typically take it.

3 Season Base Weight:10.53lbs(10.14lbs)
3 Season Skin Out(minus consumables): 16.61lbs(16.23lbs)
3 Season Pack Weight w/consumables(3 day): 17.99lbs(17.61lbs)
3 Season Skin Out w/consumables(3 day): 24.08bs(23.69lbs)

Winter Base Weight:11.60lbs(11.21lbs)
Winter Skin Out(minus consumables):19.25lbs(18.86lbs)
Winter Pack Weight w/consumables(3 day): 19.07lbs(18.68lbs)
Winter Skin Out w/consumables(3 day): 26.72lbs(26.33lbs)

Changes:
-ditched the compression sacks for my sleeping bags(weighed more than I thought), made sure they'd fit in my bag too.
-ditched sack that came with tent stakes for ziploc
-ditched the cotton tshirt
-got a new lighter fishing shirt
-ditched the gym shorts, golite pants are zipoffs afterall
-ditched the safari hat(rarely wore it anyway)
-stove had a stand that I ditched for half an ounce, works about the same without it
-ditched the Victorinox SwissChamp in favor of a Victorinox Camper and Leatherman Sytle PS without losing any of my needed functions but losing weight(plus I already had those two items so didn't have to spend extra)
-ditched paracord for dropline, found orange high vis 115lb test when looking for forceps in the fishing department at walmart. Already threw it in some trees in the back yard to test it out. I don't think it will hold up as long as paracord but its 0.1oz/10feet and $2/250ft.

Okay guys I bit the bullet and spent some money on a better winter bag at y'alls advice. Getting a Marmot Plasma 15.

Also have in the mail a Six Moon Designs Wild Oasis to replace my tent.

Assuming the manufacturer weights aren't way off my total skin out for a 3 day with some other changes I made will be just above 20lbs for both winter and summer(not such a huge gap as when my old winter bag added so much weight). Pack weight of under 15lbs for a 3 day(base pack weight under 8lbs for 3 season, under 9lbs for winter). And yes I do still have the gun and the ESEE.