Posting this here because although not a beginner, this is our first round attempt at lightweight backpacking for the wife and I. We have made 2 weekend trips with this gear and the things we didn't use were whistles, first aid, rain gear tops and down sweaters (deet was not packed). The sweaters made nice pillows but the new down bags were so much warmer than our old synthetics we were over dressed even in our long underwear/PJs. Also the packs are Deuter act light 40+10's. Although on the heavier side, they were a conscious decision as we feel they carry even lighter weights better in light of minor back injuries.

We could use a brutally honest critique of our base weight. Although not ultra light we are hoping we are getting into the light weight zone. As we always go together the shared weight is obviously our greatest advantage. The couple stuff sacks that I do carry are home sewn coated lightweight rip stop nylon for a little extra protection for the sleeping bags and the neo air x-lights. Thinking of ditching the sleeping pad SS. The stove pouch is sewn of pack towel material for a little protection (stove legs are a little pointy). It is much lighter than the original crux stove pouch.

This will be our colder weather gear load for the months shouldering winters. I hope to loose at least 2 lbs. off the base weight in summer months by purchasing lighter bags or quilts and leaving more clothing home. Unfortunately I anticipate having to add that back in water weight during those months as medical issues require me to constantly hydrate.

Item- Pounds

Sleeping bag 15 deg. and SS (ss=32g) 2.266
Sleeping pad and SS (ss=12g) 0.798
Tent 1.613*
Fly 1.362*
Poles 1.018*
Tyvek footprint 0.379*
Tent stakes 6, caps 0.207*
Pack 3.549
Pack liner 0.136
Sawyer filter system and SS 0.357*
2 Water bottles 0.154
Water bottle hose 0.127
Rain gear top 0.789
Down sweater and SS 0.776
Light weight fleece 0.652
Long underwear top/bottom 0.912
Underwear spare 0.136
Fleece Hat 0.119
TP 0.154*
Compass 0.171*
Headlight 0.171
Knife 0.110
Lighter 0.048
Soap, Deet 0.052
Stove 0.194*
Stove pouch 0.008*
Fuel 0.467*
Plastic cup 0.145
Plastic spoon 0.035
Small pot 0.308*
Whistle 0.022
Pack towel 0.035
First aid 0.158*
Line 40ft paracord 0.158*

Sub total 17.586

*Gear total split 2 ways = 6.554 lbs /2= (3.277)

17.586-(3.277)= Base weight

Total base weight 14.309 lbs
folks, jimmyb

PS looks like the columns will not line up like in my spreadsheet.