ArizonaHikers Portal Index
HomeHome   BoardBoard   AZH GearAZH Gear  FAQFAQ  RulesRules   SearchSearch
MemberlistMembers  ArticlesArticles  CalendarCalendar  GalleryGallery  LinksLinks      RegisterRegister
ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messages   Log inLog in
Best way to shed a few pounds
Goto page 1, 2, 3, 4  Next
 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    ArizonaHikers - Community Based Hiking Discussion Board Forum Index -> Lightweight Backpacking Email to a Friend
  View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Suz





Joined: 27 Nov 2005
Posts: 3186

PostPosted: 11/5/2007, 5:23 pm    Post subject: Best way to shed a few pounds Reply to topic Reply with quote

Okay, I'm trying out the new sub-category! (thanks Tom for setting it up)

I like George's idea of shedding a few body pounds to lighten the load. It's healthier for the long run and probably makes the trek easier.....for those of us that can spare a few pounds.

For me using a scale to weigh everything makes a huge difference when I'm planning for a long trip. My food is the best place to shave extra pounds. I learned a lot from many of you when I planned for my LCRG trip and got it down to a pound a day.

What are some other creative ways to shed a few pounds of gear?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
azbackpackr
Hi Tech Wizardess




Joined: 31 Dec 2005
Posts: 3639
Location: Needles CA

PostPosted: 11/5/2007, 5:48 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

This last trip to the Canyon I left my tent in the car. I had checked the weather forecast first, of course. Boy, was it nice to sleep under the stars, and my pack was fairly light. I also always bring too much food, but this trip I had only a little bit left over. I would like to invest in lighter gear all around, but can't afford it at the moment, so I just do what I can. I didn't bring any changes of pants or t-shirt, I had only my long underwear for a change of clothes. I had only 3 pairs of socks for 4 days, usually I bring 4. This works out okay in very dry weather. Some unnecessary things I really don't want to do without, such as a small paperback book. I don't bring a big camera, just a Sony Cyber Shot, fits in my pocket.

I really could lose some of that middle-aged spread, too, but it's hard to do!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
fairweather8588





Joined: 30 Dec 2003
Posts: 716

PostPosted: 11/5/2007, 5:53 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Some of the easiest ways to lighten your load is to look at other sites that are dedicated to lightweight backpacking. Places like www.PracticalBackpacking.com and www.BackpackingLight.com have members both who are just looking to save 5 lbs on a 30lb pack, or trying to stretch the limit to a 2lb packweight for the Appalachian Trail (there is one nut whose trying to do that). There are plenty of posts to search from with others with questions regarding sleeping bags, shelters, clothing, and kitchen gear
_________________
But let the mind beware, that though the flesh be bugged, the circumstances of existence are pretty glorious


Kerouac
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail AIM Address
azbackpackr
Hi Tech Wizardess




Joined: 31 Dec 2005
Posts: 3639
Location: Needles CA

PostPosted: 11/5/2007, 6:08 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Thanks for the info!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
oliverr99





Joined: 04 Jul 2006
Posts: 632
Location: Glendale

PostPosted: 11/5/2007, 6:38 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

I could shed some weight, just off my body!! Actually, I bought a tent, a while back, from REI. It weighs only 1lb., a solo tent. I like it, enough room for me and a few essentials. Thanks fairweather for the websites!
_________________
Anne
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" -- Dr. Seuss
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
fairweather8588





Joined: 30 Dec 2003
Posts: 716

PostPosted: 11/5/2007, 6:43 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

A few more gear websites, although I'm not saying to go out and buy a 4 oz Cuben fiber tarp, are www.MountainLaurelDesigns.com www.GossamerGear.com www.GoLite.com www.ULA-Equipment.com www.NunatakUSA.com www.JacksRBetter.com

Some of these sites will contain helpful info about lighter hiking philosophy as well as links to other website
_________________
But let the mind beware, that though the flesh be bugged, the circumstances of existence are pretty glorious


Kerouac
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail AIM Address
desertgirl





Joined: 19 Jan 2003
Posts: 3350
Location: Chandler, AZ

PostPosted: 11/5/2007, 6:54 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Thank you Tom for setting this up Very Happy
_________________
Photos: http://www.pbase.com/desertgirl/galleries
Life is but a dream ...there is no end to what you can dream!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Davis2001R6





Joined: 12 Dec 2003
Posts: 5591
Location: Italy

PostPosted: 11/5/2007, 7:11 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

How about a diet? ...
.
.
.
Ok I meant for myself. Heck losing 30lbs will make my 20-30lb pack seem like nothing.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
desertgirl





Joined: 19 Jan 2003
Posts: 3350
Location: Chandler, AZ

PostPosted: 11/5/2007, 7:21 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Davis2001R6 wrote:
How about a diet? ...
.
.
.
Ok I meant for myself. Heck losing 30lbs will make my 20-30lb pack seem like nothing.


Same here Embarassed
_________________
Photos: http://www.pbase.com/desertgirl/galleries
Life is but a dream ...there is no end to what you can dream!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
desertgirl





Joined: 19 Jan 2003
Posts: 3350
Location: Chandler, AZ

PostPosted: 11/5/2007, 8:10 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

I think on my next GC trip (familiar terrain) I am going to make a pointed effort to have 18 lb base weight for winter. That way camera, food & water included I can comfortably stay under 30lbs at start. I know that not lightweight but its 33% lighter than 45lb start weight!

I think I am going to give up

1) Water filter 18oz
2) Jet boil cook system 18 oz
3) No nalgenes (since I do not have a filter)
4) Make do with 2 pairs of socks (Usually pack 1 per day ...)
5) Repack dry food and carry less snacks
6) Confused any other thoughts
_________________
Photos: http://www.pbase.com/desertgirl/galleries
Life is but a dream ...there is no end to what you can dream!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Suz





Joined: 27 Nov 2005
Posts: 3186

PostPosted: 11/5/2007, 9:05 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

desertgirl wrote:
Davis2001R6 wrote:
How about a diet? ...
.
.
.
Ok I meant for myself. Heck losing 30lbs will make my 20-30lb pack seem like nothing.


Same here Embarassed


Hey our 71 year old school nurse has lost 30 pounds in one month while on Optifast---and under medical supervision (not her own)....I couldn't do it.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
bigfoot





Joined: 19 Oct 2005
Posts: 64
Location: Austin, TX

PostPosted: 11/5/2007, 9:09 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Somehow I feel my pack getting heavier by
1) Water filter 18oz
2) Jet boil cook system 18 oz
3) At least 1 nalgenes (since I will be carrying the filter)
4) And Febreeze...since Ambika will make do with 2 socks...

Assuming I was not carrying it already...

In Vino Veritas... Bouncing

Laughing
_________________
Do onto others as you would have others do unto you.

Do not compare yourself with others; you will end up bitter or vain - for there will always be people better or lesser than yourself.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Suz





Joined: 27 Nov 2005
Posts: 3186

PostPosted: 11/5/2007, 9:12 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

That was FUNNY!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
paintninaz





Joined: 06 Jan 2003
Posts: 3515

PostPosted: 11/5/2007, 9:12 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

bigfoot wrote:
Somehow I feel my pack getting heavier by
1) Water filter 18oz
2) Jet boil cook system 18 oz
3) At least 1 nalgenes (since I will be carrying the filter)
4) And Febreeze...since Ambika will make do with 2 socks...

Assuming I was not carrying it already...

In Vino Veritas... Bouncing

Laughing


rofl Cracked Up ROFLMAO
_________________
~Tracy

“Friends make the bad times good — and the good times unforgettable.”
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sacred_datura





Joined: 18 Apr 2007
Posts: 138
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona

PostPosted: 11/5/2007, 9:38 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

I want to lose 15 pounds by March so I can look svelte when I go visit my hometown.

I have gotten a lot better about what I pack. I used to over pack food and clothes but I've realized I don't need 1/2 the stuff I bring, especially in summer.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Back to top
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    ArizonaHikers - Community Based Hiking Discussion Board Forum Index -> Lightweight Backpacking All times are GMT - 7 Hours
Goto page 1, 2, 3, 4  Next
Page 1 of 4

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum