Backpacks
Here's my current pack inventory:
Around town: Ellington leather rucksack.
"Fastpacking" Dayhikes & Trail Running: Osprey Flash--1000 cu. in., weighs 1 lb, 8 oz. You know that Mountainsmith has a good rep for lumbar packs. Well, I tried them (the Day Pack & Tour Pack) and the Osprey Flash is way ahead. In the first place, the belt on the Mtnsmith packs is, basically, cloth. The Flash has a new hipbelt which uses 4-way stretch nylon laminated to 1/4" open-celled foam to provide a snug, cushioned fit without sacrificing breathability. The pack is well-supported with a delrin hoop that runs around the perimeter of the backpanel (which has an integral 1/4" foam backing for added comfort). When I pull the hip compressors tight, I can feel the delrin distribute the compression around the entire pack and pull the load into my body. In addition, it has an external compression pocket for my jacket when I'm not wearing it. On the outside of the compression pocket is a small zippered pouch for small essentials. On each side of the pack is a mesh water bottle pocket (comes with two 20 oz bottles). Very comfortable and hugs the body like skin.
Dayhikes (3-season): Ferrino Skylite 45
Dayhikes (winter): Dana Design Big Sky--2200 cu. in., weighs 3 lbs, 15 oz.
I like the beavertail shove-it pocket on the back--esp. for snowshoes & wet stuff--and the panel-loading/top-loading flexibility.
Overnight to 3 days: Osprey Kestrel Pro--2400 cu. in., weighs approx. 3lbs 6oz. For a pack this size, it has a wonderfully crafted suspension, which Osprey calls "Kinetic". It has a framesheet and single 2/3 length aluminum stay, behind padding of open-cell foam covered with ballistic mesh; a very supportive and comfortable hipbelt; and two sets of snugger straps (same as the bigger Osprey packs) which (1) snug the pack to the belt and (2) snug the pack into the lumbar region. This pack is more than adequate for 25 pounds (or more).
Over 3 days (3-season): 1997 Mountainsmith Mountainlight 4000--4000 cu. in., weighs 2 lbs 5 oz. (with Tramp pocket--2 lbs 3 oz. without it). This pack is not the perfect lightweight solution, but I liked it enough to keep it. Okay, let's get the complaints outta the way: (1) the lumbar pad doesn't nestle squarely into my lumbar--as much as I would like, and (2) the hipbelt is a little flimsy--not a problem, at first, but after a few miles it tends to bunch up a bit. Other than that, I like it alot. It feels almost weightless, yet has a pretty snug, stable suspension. It is very comfortable with 30 lbs. 35 pounds is max with this pack !
Overnight or longer (Winter): 1998 Mountainsmith Mountainlight 5200--5200 cu. in., weighs 3 lbs.
NOTE: All pack weights reflect what remains after I surgically remove everything that I think is superfluous.
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Binoculars / Cameras
BINOCULARS:
Zeiss 8x20 monocular, 2 ounces, Ze ery" page.
CAMERAS:
Sanyo VPC-G200, Color Digital Camera, 10 ounces. and a
Olympus Infinity Stylus EPIC 35mm Camera, 5 ounces.
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Boots
FOR TRAINING:
For training, I use a pair of 5+ lb Raichle Eigers (only available at REI) for training. I hike 2 miles up and down the hills around my house almost every night after work with a pack, all year round. The Eigers (in addition to leg weights) keep my feet and lower legs in good shape. They are very comfortable, but I don't like them in the bush because the tops are so low and don't fit close to the skin (not to mention their weight). I don't want to wear gaitors all the time, even the low ones.
FOR OFF-TRAIL ALPINE SCRAMBLING (IN THE SNOW):
For off-trail scrambling and heavy trekking (mainly when I know there will be snow & ice), I use a pair of Dolomite Ortles-G with the heavy-duty green-dot Vibram Sole with crampon notches
front and back. They have GTX lining and are similar in design to the Vasque Alpine and Glacier. I have
never worn a boot that fits the way they do. Right out of the box, no break-in, no blisters. Weight is about 4.5 pounds, I think.
FOR OFF-TRAIL ALPINE SCRAMBLING (ON ROCK):
I also have a pair of Raichle Mountain Trekkers (See Backpacker Mag: Aug 95). They are similar to the REI Eigers--albeit lighter, 3.8 lbs--, but with higher, more snug tops. They have Vibram lug soles, 2.8 mm leather, with a serious rocker, which makes them super comfy on the trail. I use them for day hikes, long-distance backpacking, and for off-trail scrambling (when little or no snow & ice will be encountered--not because they aren't good on snow & ice but it's easier to kick steps in the snow with the Dolomites, and their Gore-Tex lining provides for added warmth in those conditions).
FOR HIKING & TREKKING:
I use a pair of Vasque Journeys. They are the same as the Sundowner, except that they are a dark brown, and for some reason fit different than Sundowners. I never could get comfortable in Sundowners, but the Journeys fit perfectly. They are one-piece leather, with a very nice, deep, self cleaning hard rubber tread. They have a Gore-Tex bootie and weigh about 2 1/2 pounds (per pair). Very light, yet very substantial. They are mid-height, yet snug enough at the ankle to prevent entry of scree. More than substantial enough for a 35 pound pack.
FOR LIGHT & FAST TREKKING & HIKING:
I have a pair of Vasque Exodus Low cross trainers. They are very comfortable. They weigh about 2 pounds per pair. Very light but sturdy. I trained with them for awhile and they are comfortable carrying a 30 pound pack. I still don't know how well they will do on loose scree and such, yet.
I recently (1/98) got a pair of Merrell M2 Peak Speed Runners. They, too, are extremely comfortable. They weigh 1 lb 14 oz per pair (I weighed them on two different scales). Very light but sturdy - actually, more so than the Vasque Exodus. The Peak Speed Runners have a substantially stiff Vibram outsole. That together with the Superfeet insole that I added, this shoe provides very good support for a 30 pound pack, although I don't yet know how well they will do on loose scree and such, yet. Stay tuned.
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Cookware
One cooking pot--a 1 liter (one person) or 1.3 liter (2-person) Titanium pot. It has a tight fitting lid, silicon-covered, heat resistent handles, and rounded bottom edges for good heat exchange. The whole setup weighs a mere 6 ounces. It is made by Evernew. REI sells them.
One 12 oz thermal cup (REI)--5 oz w/lid and 4.5 oz w/o lid.
I carry two Nalgene Lexan water bottles, either 16 oz (weight: 3.5 oz), 32 oz (weight:5.5 oz) or a combination of the two, depending on the conditions I'll be in.
UPDATE (3/97). I may put my Nalgene Lexan water bottles in the gear archives if I have success carrying my new Platypus bottles. Carrying two 1-liter Platypi bottles (.6 oz each), instead of the Nalgene, I reduce my packweight by about 8 ounces. That's 1/2 pound !
UPDATE (1/98). I'm still carrying at least one Nalgene. Sometimes one 16 ounce Nalgene and one 1-liter Platypus. I probably won't go entirely one way or the other. I'll continue to use combinations that best suit the intended usage. I plan to try out my 2 1/2 liter Platypus as part of a hydro system, this Summer.
I also carry a small nylon, zippered pouch which is covered on one side with breathable mesh. In this, I put
a toothbrush, a vial of toothpowder, daily vitamins, a vial of garlic powder, and my one and only eating
utensil--a "permaware" lexan spoon. This entire cooking utility pouch--full, for a 5 day trip--weighs 2.5 ounces.
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Food
Here’s my food list.
Breakfast:
Hot chocolate (Land O' Lakes Classics--1.25 oz per pkg)
Coffee (Caffe d' Amore Cappuccino--.75 oz per pkg)
Coffee (Boyer Single Brew Gourmet--.26 oz per pkg)
Instant oatmeal (Quaker Oats--1.25 oz per pkg)
Granola bars (variety)--1.6 oz each
Dried fruit (apples, raisins)
Lunch:
Gorp (nuts, dried fruit, m&ms)
Bagels
String Cheese
Jerky, salami, or smoked salmon
Crackers
Dinner:
Instant soup (Lipton's Chicken Noodle & Cream of Chicken)--.6 oz per pkg
Freeze-dried dinners (preparable in their own foil container)
--Mountain House: Lasagna, Spaghetti, Pasta Primavera, Chili Mac
--Mountain House (All Natural): Noodles & Chicken, Chicken Polynesian, Beef Stroganoff
Occasional Freeze-dried desserts (Mountain House--Fruit Crisps (peaches, strawberries, yum !--2 oz per pkg)
Snacks
Same as lunch, except add: Tiger's Milk Bars, Cliff Bars (except Apple, yuk), granola bars, Licorice Sticks, Chewing Gum, Gatorade
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Knives
I've got a boxfull of these things. Leatherman, SOG, Gerber, Victorinox, Spyderco, large Swiss Army Knives. I quit carrying all of them. I quit carrying a larger Swiss Army Knife, primarily, out of my frustratation that they all have large screwdrivers and can openers as basic tools. In the bush, I have no need for those tools.
Anyway, here's what I'm carrying now:
A Swiss Army Classic: small utility blade, scissors for cutting moleskin, a small screwdriver for probing, scraping, etc., and, of course, the toothpick and tweezers. Weight .8 ounce
A Spyderco Ladybug: 1.75 inch, extremely sharp 50% serrated blade for serious cutting. Weight .6 ounce.
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Outdoor Clothing
LAYERING SYSTEMS: (keep in mind, I spend ALL my backcountry time (all four seasons) in the Washington Cascade Mountains and to a lesser degree, in the Olympics.)
Summer:
Thermals: Lt.Wt. (top & bottom) (Marmot DriClime)
Vest: ultra-light, micro-loft, wind-proof Puffball--8 oz (Patagonia)
Jacket: ultra-light, micro-fleece, Windstopper--16 oz (Marmot)
Ultra-Light RainGear: 3-layer GTX (Marmot)
--Stormlight Jacket--18 oz
--Stormlight Pants--10 oz
or
Ultra-Ultra-Light RainGear: Gore Activent
--Marmot Anorak--10 oz
--Patagonia full-side-zip pants--8 oz
Baseball Cap (wool &/or cotton)
Stocking Cap: micro-fleece, windstopper (REI)
Gloves: 1 pair expedition liners (REI), 1 pair Windstopper w/griplite (REI)
Overmitts: 1 pair "Lobster" ultralight, ripstop nylon GTX rain mitts--1 oz. (OR)
Socks: 1 pair Thorlo Hiking, 2 pair Polypro Liners
OR Mtn-Low Gaitors (optional)--4.5 oz
Early Spring & Late Fall: (Same as Summer, except:)
Add Mid-Weight Thermals (Marmot DriClime)
GTX OverGloves (OR) and Liners (REI)
or GTX OverMittens (OR) and mitten liners (REI)
Crocodile GTX Gaitors (snow) or Mtn-Low Gaitors (OR)
Winter: (Same as Summer, except:)
Add Expedition Weight Thermals (Patagonia)
Add Volant GTX/Down Jacket (Feathered Friends), 18 oz
GTX OverGloves or Mittens (OR) and Liners (REI)
Crocodile Gaitors (snow) or Mtn-Low Gaitors (OR)
Moonstone Advantage GTX Parka and Pants (in place of the lightweight GTX). I also use the heavier GTX raingear sometimes for offtrail travel where heavier garments withstand the bush better than the ultralight.)
Also, during bug season, I carry and use an ultralight bug shirt and pants in lieu of smelly, sticky, bug juice. It seems to work okay, and the weight is negligible.
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Sleeping Systems
SLEEPING BAGS
For Mild Weather: (to 20 degrees)
Feathered Friends Swallow: Dryloft 130, 800-Fill Goose Down, rated 20 degrees, weighs 2 lbs, 1 oz.
For Cold Weather: (below 20 degrees)
Feathered Friends Snow Bunting: 1.1 Ripstop Gore-Tex, 700-Fill Down, rated 0 degrees, weighs 2 lbs, 15 oz.
SLEEPING PADS
For Three-Season:
Cascade Designs Therm-a-Rest Ultra-Lite II: 1 " thick, 47 inches long, 14 oz, self-inflating.
A section of closed-cell foam for sitting:: 1/2 " thick, 13x18 in, maybe 1 oz
For Winter: (same as three-season, plus:)
Cascade Designs RidgeRest: 72" x 20" x 5/8", 14 oz, closed-cell.
For Ultra Lightweight Three-Season Trips:
Cascade Designs RidgeRest: 48" x 20" x 5/8", 9 oz, closed-cell.
CHAIR ?
How'd I let this happen. Cascade Designs recently came out with the ultralite Thermarest Chair Kit. It only weighs 10 ounces. I tried it during an Alpine Scrambling trip last Fall (Sept 96) and it sure was comfortable and relaxing. Anyway, my daughter had to have one. While I had the wallet out, I bought one for me too. We'll see how it goes with this "added" weight. I'll take this on slow-paced overnighters.
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Stoves (with fuel for a four-day outing)
For 3 Season--to 20 degrees:
Primus 3273 Titanium Stove with windscreen and a 3.5 oz 70/30% butane/propane fuel canister--lasts about 45 minutes--total weight 9 ounces.
For Winter--less than 20 degrees:
MSR WhisperLite w/11oz fuel bottle & carrying sack : weighs 30 ozs.
NOTE: If melting snow for water, I would carry more fuel than indicated above.
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Tents / Bivy
All-Seasons--Solo:
All-Season, single-wall, Sierra Designs Divine Lightening-- actual field weight: 2 lbs, 12 oz
All-Seasons--Two person:
4-season, single/double-wall, Stephenson Warmlite 2R--actual field weight: 3 lbs, 6 oz
Lightweight w / Bivy:
Bibler "Todd-Tex" Bivy, actual field weight 18 oz, waterproof/breathable top half, tent bottom, factory seam- sealed.
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Water Filters
I carried the First Need for several years. Now I pack the Katadyn Mini Filter, a ceramic micro strainer, pump action. Although it is harder to pump than some, and produces only about 1/2 liter per minute, I like the design (doesn't get tangled up in hoses like the Sweetwater Guardian, among others), its tiny size, easy field maintainence, long filter life, and the light weight--8.2 ounces.
However, having said all that, I must add that I'm looking for something better. The Katadyn is just too hard to pump. I usually end up using my daughter's PUR Hiker. It is easy to pump and relatively lightweight but I get tangled up in all the hoses. I'm still looking. Maybe next year a better one will come along.
UPDATE (2/9/97): I just purchased a PUR Hiker, which weighs 11 oz. I am going to carry and use it for a few months, then decide if the Katadyn Mini will be added to my backup gear closet. Until then, I'll just leave this section the way it is.
UPDATE (1/11/98): I vacillate between the two filters - no winner, yet. The PUR is easier to pump but I dislike wrestling with the hoses and trying to keep the output hose from contaminating the other. Big pain. The Minifilter is lighter, smaller, and no output hose to mess with. Sure, it's harder to pump, but I work out regularly, anyway.
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Other Stuff
Utility Bag: 18 oz
Petzl Micro Headlamp w/bulb replacement
-- (I'm currently looking at the Princeton Tec Solo Headlamp (waterproof, and Halogen or Krypton bulbs)
Tekna AA Light w/battery-status led & bulb replacement
2 extra AA Lithium batteries
Expedition sewing kit (on multi-day, long-distance outings)
Fire starter w/strips of duct tape around the box
Fox 40 Plastic whistle
Spyderco LadyBug Knife
2 boxes of waterproof matches
Emergency fire starters
30 feet of Kelty Triptease Lightline (cord)
Rubber band & Cord Lock
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Avocet Alpin Altimeter/Barometer/Watch/etc. with lanyard (rather than wrist band): 2 oz
Space Emergency bag (on day trips only): 2 oz
First Aid Kit: 6 or 13 oz
Bolle Sunglasses w/soft case: 1.75 oz
Nikon Glacier Glasses: 3 oz (for Spring & Winter snow travel)
BackPack Rain Fly (on multi-day, long-distance outings when there's a good chance of heavy precipitation)
Pack Towel: 1.5 oz
Leki Super Extreme, 3-section adjustable Poles (w/oversize baskets for snow hiking)
Climb High 3-section adjustable Pole with Leki Trekking Tip (for hiking, stream crossing, etc.)
Atlas 8x22 Snowshoes or Redfeather Blackhawk 9x30 Snowshoes
Snow Shovel--Voile compact ultra-light
Ice Axe--Cassin ultra-ultra light DragonFly
Speedo Surfwalker Camp Shoes--14 oz.... (sometimes, under certain conditions)
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My Current Pack Weights (Jan, 1998)
Current Pack Weights--includes total water & food weight at the outset:
-- Day Scramble or Hike (w/2 qts of water): 15 pounds or less (depending on water load).
-- Overnite (with Bivy): 16 to 20 pounds
-- Overnite (withTent): 17 to 21 pounds
-- Long-Weekend (3 day): 19 to 25 pounds (w/ Osprey Kestrel, 2 lbs water, tent)
-- Extended Backpack (5 day): 23 to 32 pounds (w/ Mtnsmith Mtnlite 4000, 2 lbs water, tent)
-- Extended Backpack (7 day): 27 to 35 pounds (w/ Mtnsmith Mtnlite 4000, 2 lbs water, tent)
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Areas for Improvement
-- Quit drinking coffee ! Coffee dehydrates, saps energy, and adds to pack weight.
-- Reduce dependency on commercial freeze-dried foods. I want to pre-prepare more of my foods to ensure
I'm getting the proper nutrients AND LESS SALT.
-- Keep seeking out the ultimate 2 pound pack that feels like a Terraplane.
-- See how light I can go with boots/shoes.
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