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Suz
Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186
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Posted: 11/5/2007, 5:23 pm Post subject: Best way to shed a few pounds |
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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? |
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azbackpackr Hi Tech Wizardess
Joined: 31 Dec 2005 Posts: 3639 Location: Needles CA
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Posted: 11/5/2007, 5:48 pm Post subject: |
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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! |
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fairweather8588
Joined: 30 Dec 2003 Posts: 716
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Posted: 11/5/2007, 5:53 pm Post subject: |
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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 |
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azbackpackr Hi Tech Wizardess
Joined: 31 Dec 2005 Posts: 3639 Location: Needles CA
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Posted: 11/5/2007, 6:08 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the info! |
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oliverr99
Joined: 04 Jul 2006 Posts: 632 Location: Glendale
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Posted: 11/5/2007, 6:38 pm Post subject: |
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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 |
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fairweather8588
Joined: 30 Dec 2003 Posts: 716
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desertgirl
Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ
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Davis2001R6
Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 5591 Location: Italy
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Posted: 11/5/2007, 7:11 pm Post subject: |
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How about a diet? ...
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Ok I meant for myself. Heck losing 30lbs will make my 20-30lb pack seem like nothing. |
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desertgirl
Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ
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Posted: 11/5/2007, 7:21 pm Post subject: |
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Davis2001R6 wrote: |
How about a diet? ...
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Ok I meant for myself. Heck losing 30lbs will make my 20-30lb pack seem like nothing. |
Same here _________________ Photos: http://www.pbase.com/desertgirl/galleries
Life is but a dream ...there is no end to what you can dream! |
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desertgirl
Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ
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Posted: 11/5/2007, 8:10 pm Post subject: |
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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) any other thoughts _________________ Photos: http://www.pbase.com/desertgirl/galleries
Life is but a dream ...there is no end to what you can dream! |
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Suz
Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186
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Posted: 11/5/2007, 9:05 pm Post subject: |
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desertgirl wrote: |
Davis2001R6 wrote: |
How about a diet? ...
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Ok I meant for myself. Heck losing 30lbs will make my 20-30lb pack seem like nothing. |
Same here |
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. |
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bigfoot
Joined: 19 Oct 2005 Posts: 64 Location: Austin, TX
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Posted: 11/5/2007, 9:09 pm Post subject: |
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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...
_________________ 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. |
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Suz
Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186
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Posted: 11/5/2007, 9:12 pm Post subject: |
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That was FUNNY! |
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paintninaz
Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 3515
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Posted: 11/5/2007, 9:12 pm Post subject: |
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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...
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_________________ ~Tracy
“Friends make the bad times good — and the good times unforgettable.” |
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sacred_datura
Joined: 18 Apr 2007 Posts: 138 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
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Posted: 11/5/2007, 9:38 pm Post subject: |
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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. |
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