THEORY OF WEIGHT
This section is for those who may not be familiar with backpacking and may also offer ideas to those who are.
Since the object of backpacking is to get out away from it all where it is quite remote, the quality of life and even survival itself, in extreme cases, can depend upon what is carried in. This can amount to quite a few items, and if one forgets something which is easy to do, one will have to do without.
The theory of light weight backpacking is essentially weight versus necessity and comfort. One could pack a piece of plastic
(See at bottom)
instead of a tent and save in weight from 2 to 7 pounds. One could eliminate a stove and water purifier and rely instead on building fires and boiling water. John Muir hiked for weeks with nothing
but a knee length coat and many loaves of dried French
bread. Everyone may have a different theory as to what they are willing to carry in relation to what they want to have in the back country. What is outlined here is a personal preference, but also covers most of the basic elements. The keys to light weight backpacking are knowing what gear is needed and what is not. And it
is organization. For me organization means to compartmentalize my gear into categories in which a set number of items is contained. For instance a method of organization is to keep one's backpack on standby ready to go, except for the things that are relative to the individual trip, like amounts of fuel and food. In preparation for a trip, one needs only go through each compartment and pocket of one's pack, to check and
replenish what is needed.
PACK
2 lbs |
TENT
3 lbs |
SLEEPING BAG
3 lbs |
CLOTHING
2 lbs |
COOK GEAR
2 lbs |
FOOD
6 lbs |
MISC
1 to 2 lbs |
A categorization of gear organization, is listed in the table at the top and bottom of the page. Clicking on
an item links to a page which describes each of the individual items contained within the category. Gear organization is helpful to the memory, but organization also includes the proper weight distribution and easy access to gear both on the trail and in camp. The table
at left lists the basic elements of backpacking in terms of ideal weights. Ideal means 2 pounds for each category, which may be difficult to obtain, because
of what is available on the market, technically possible like a two pound sleeping bag for 30 degrees, and what the individual may have a knowledge of and can afford. This table indicates a two pound base for what might be possible and as a measure for what one may now be carrying. Big muscle
people may of course carry much heavier loads and
may not be restricted to suggestions made her.
PACK:
The pack is two types as the interior and exterior
frame. The frame of the exterior frame pack is separate from the pack bag. A tent, sleeping bag, clothes bag or foam sleeping pad may be hung from the frame
independently of the pack bag, either above or below it.
The frame on an interior frame pack is built into the wall of the pack bag. All or most elements of the backpacking trip are carried inside the pack. The
ideal here is again a two pound or less pack and
frame, including pack bag, shoulder straps, waist
belt, securing straps and ties.
Each of these types of packs have their advantages and disadvantages. The basic distinction between the two is that the exterior frame is considered a trail pack, while the interior is considered as better for
off trail, cross country, climbing and rock hopping.
The advantages of the exterior frame are that it stands up, allows some space between the pack and the hiker's back which reduces sweating in the back area, and also allows the whole weight to be rested upon the waist and hips, and some transfer of weight between the waist belt and the shoulder straps. The disadvantages are that the pack usually extends to the top of the hiker's head or higher, making it less stable, more cumbersome and difficult to negotiate low hanging branches or cross streams on logs. The interior frame pack is carried
more from the shoulders. It tends to be form fitting
and flexible, is carried close to the body and moves with the individual, thus allowing for better mobility and balance. Its disadvantages are that one will tend
to sweat more where the pack rests against the back,
and most of the gear has to be crammed into the bag, which may make accessibility difficult.
DISTRIBUTION:
Weight distribution may be the preference of the individual. As a general rule weight might be distributed as light on the bottom to heavier and heaviest in the middle, to lighter and light on top.
The exterior frame pack may be used as
an example. The weight is stacked in layers from the foam mat underneath the pack bag. Fuel, rain gear and the water pump may be stored in the lower pack bag compartment, and light things like matches, rope, sewing and first aid kits in the lower side pockets. Food, cook kit, fishing gear, shovel, a tent, clothes or sleeping bag may be stored in the upper pack bag compartment, with more food in the upper side pockets. Any or all as the sleeping bag, clothes bag or tent may be carried on top. This packing should be up and down is a straight line and not extend further out from the frame more than 9 inches. The further
out the pack extends from the frame the more back pull that may occur.
In terms of the backpack weight itself when empty, there are many and various types of both frame and cross country packs, many with elaborate carrying systems. However some of these packs by themselves can weigh up to 7 pounds empty. Where weight is of especial concern, this weight will have to be added to the total.
Ideally the lightest pack as 2 pounds or less
is most the desirable.
Two or more people can travel lighter than one, since
any number of people could share things like the same stove, water pump, tent or fuel.
Plastic or Nylon cover:
Many years ago I traveled around Europe for almost
a year using a piece of plastic for shelter instead
of a tent. Could also use water proof nylon.
It should be longer than the sleeping bag and wide
enough to put the bag on, fold over the top and
back under. Fold the corner back open for head exposure and to
see the stars, and cover for wet weather. The one thing that is a requisite in rain is that the underlying
end under the bag does not stick out further than
the top otherwise it will act as a catch and the rain will run under the sleeping bag, wet night.
Or if one has a mat one can just spread a sheet of
plastic or nylon over the top, and anchor it with
rocks. The downside here is that the sleeping bag
can get dirty.
