The Thin Red Line

BoyNhisDog · Posted: 7/14/2004, 6:44 am Post subject:

Now I know that most everyone here knows what they are doing out there but when it comes to the few times I day-hike with someone I haven't hiked with, I do care what they are carrying. The unprepared can affect not only themselves but the rest of whom they are around. Mostly what I care about is; the persons water supply, rain/weather gear and are they bringing their own food.

Even in a group situation, we should all take responsibility for our own salvation. If one person dehydrates, goes hypothermic in a monsoon rainstorm or just plain bonks because they didn't think to bring some food along, it may put the rest in a precarious situation.

I like to see an overestimation on water. I know its heavy and a pain to hump all day but in our reality it keeps you healthy and refreshed. While most people who meet an untimely end outdoors die of hypothermia, we have the added heat equation that kills a certain amount of folks every hot season as well.
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Seize from every moment its unique novelty and do not prepare your joys
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desertgirl · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ

One of things that I have learnt over many a trip is the quality of food that you carry -- now on my longer trips I ensure I have calorie dense foods in convenient packages (or lack there of !). Also, the quality of food sustains you for longer durations (slow energy release allowing you more miles before you stop for another meal)

This has allowed me to leave behind pot /pans as well as heavier foods that you need more of ... Over the past few year this alone has allowed me to shed ~3 lbs (not much but its a step in the lighter direction)

I'd rather carry extra water that stuff I can easily do without!
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Life is but a dream ...there is no end to what you can dream!

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

Folks,

Lets all play nice -- after all it is an educational discussion.

Each of us "Hike our own hike" & "Live to backpack another day"-- but we can all benefit from shared learning!
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Photos: http://www.pbase.com/desertgirl/galleries
Life is but a dream ...there is no end to what you can dream!

jmzblond · Posted: 7/14/2004, 8:37 am Post subject:

BoyNhisDog · Posted: 7/14/2004, 9:05 am Post subject:

JW · Posted: 7/14/2004, 12:09 pm Post subject:

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

JW63,

Well Horse Shoe Mesa was bit different (turned into the absolute best food fest on trail Very Happy

) Thanks to all those that carried extras) but if it turned out the way I had planned -- Had the same listed below but I brought along a tub of hummus & some pita to share. On short overnighters - I tend to a bit lax on minimizing wt. but still watch it.

I usually have prepackaged meals from www.trailfoods.com (BF/Lunch/Dinner) If I don't eat packed food for lunch I usually try to ensure I either have snacked enough or make sure I catch up on calories a 2 stage dinner if I have had a hard trail day +dehydrated veggies + snacks (2-3 powerbar like foods)+ highcal trailmix - more nuts than sugar + coffee (Oh Yes!) + beef jerky + dessert - Cheeseits; dehydrated fruits and some other snack that catches my fancy + gookinade/Gatorade . Ramen Noodles is backup or when I crave a saltcrammed soupy hot comfort food!

I used to run 2lbs /day for food but have been able to trim it down to just over 1 lb ( a bit higher in winter) through studying my usage & increasing calorie density.

I try to optimize on the amount on water needed to cook ( max of 16 oz!/meal - usually 8-10oz ). I make sure I keep up on fluids as water & electrolyte mix.

I usually will have 30-40oz in reserve when I am done with my hike ...just playing safe.

Some more info below:

Backpacking takes an amazing amount of energy (long trips are great weight-loss plan!). Backpacking food needs to supply your body with roughly 2,500 to 5,000 calories a day, the lower figure for easy summer hiking, the higher figure for cold-weather, intense mountaineering. The middle-ground, 3000 to 4000 calories, is right in line with the 1 ½ to 2 pounds of food guideline.

http://www.backpacking-guide.com/backpacking-food.html
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00034.html
(Check section on cooking/food)
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Photos: http://www.pbase.com/desertgirl/galleries
Life is but a dream ...there is no end to what you can dream!

maryphyl · Posted: 7/15/2004, 4:17 pm Post subject:

maryphyl · Posted: 7/15/2004, 4:24 pm Post subject:

matt gilbert · Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Posts: 698 Location: Mesa

Who would have thought that "ultralight" could become a controversial subject...

I'm all for having all the necessities, plus a bunch of niceties, but I would think we would all agree that saving five or ten pounds allows us to go that much further, see that much more, and generally enjoy it all just a little more. I won't go into the gear I use unless someone asks but my pack generally weighs in at about 30 - 35 pounds with food and water for a three day trip. I find I am comfortable with this, which makes me more comfortable with my ability to be safe in the back-country. That's really what it's all about isn't it? Being safe and enjoying the time spent back of beyond.
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Cogito ergo ambulo cum sacculo
-Matt Gilbert

maryphyl · Posted: 7/15/2004, 4:32 pm Post subject:

Hnak · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 1766 Location: Prescott, AZ

maryphyl · Posted: 7/15/2004, 4:49 pm Post subject:

It takes a lot of thought to pack a light pack safely. It takes a lot of work over time to think how one might cut the weight. I have spent years working on this problem and making careful purchases and decisions. Some were good ideas and some were not. In thirty years of doing this I have helped countless others to reduce the weight in their packs. Have the courtesy not to make too much fun of those of us who care and would like to trade ideas. I will be 60 next year and if I had not gotten my load down I would not still be out there hikin.
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Shikekeh hozhoogo naasha.
I walk in beauty.

Hnak · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 1766 Location: Prescott, AZ

You can count me as one of those that you have helped... And I do appreciate it! Agree

maryphyl · Posted: 7/15/2004, 4:57 pm Post subject: