My backpacking gear list – 16 year old AT section hiker

[Ian Newcomb]

Hey guys, first time of this forum, I'm 16 and in love with backpacking, cant get it out of my mind, and i put together a comprehensive list of what take every time I go out and hike, I have most of my gear dialed in but i was hoping for suggestions regarding how to make my 15 pound lighter, possibly sub 12 pounds and be the only ultra light 16 year that I know of, at least personally, haha. All feed back is welcome, my nest trip will be this weekend on the long path loop, every weekend until then there will be some sort of overnight trip until summer where i am planning to do an extended 3 week plus trip, given that i'm ready.

Sleeping (50 oz)
Campmor 20 degree down sleeping bag – 36oz
Neo air – 14 oz
Shelter (50oz)
Solo Marmot eos 1p – 44 oz
Marmot eos 1p ground sheet – 6 oz
Packing (47.3)
Opsrey Talon 44 – 42 oz
Outdoor research rain cover – 5.3oz
Cooking + Water – (35.4oz)
MSR quick Solo 1.3L pot – 7.6oz
MSR windpro stove – 6.8oz
MSR isopro caniser – 4 oz
Bear bag – 4 oz
MSR 2 liter bladder – 5 oz
1 nalgene – 5 oz
Aquamira – 3 oz
Essentials (24.68 oz)
Black Diamond spot – 3 oz
First aid kit – 3.68 oz
map (2 oz) and compass (1 oz)
basic pocketknife (3 oz)
toilet paper (3 oz)
toothbrush, paste, and dental floss (2 oz)
sunscreen (1 oz)
bug repellent (1 oz)
liquid soap (1 oz)
quick-drying pack towel (2 oz)
extra ziplocks and garbage bags (2 oz)
Clothing (31.5)
Rain jacket – 13.6 oz
North face insulated jacket (to be purchased) – 10.9 oz
Long underwear – 5 oz
Extra socks – 2 oz

Grand Total = 238.88/16 = 14.93

I need a lighter sleeping bag for the summer, that will reduce some weight but all responses, positive and negative will be gladly appreciated, as well as all feedback.

[Ian Newcomb]

I also need suggestions for a new bear bag, the Campmor employee caught be off guard and sold me this gimmicky bear bag, Just need some recommendations from real backpackers!

[Michael Levine]

1 nalgene – 5 oz ( check into platypus for lighter bottles).

Opsrey Talon 44 – 42 oz (Look into SMD swift/PCT or golite jam for lighter packs).

OR Rain Cover 5.3 oz ( you can line the inside of your pack with a trash compactor bag to save weight vs this).

Eos 1p/ground sheet 50oz (You can switch to a bivy/tarp combo to shave weight, end around 14oz).

MSR cook stuff (switch to alcohol stove to shave off a significant weight).

knife -> razor blade (WITH CASE) to shave weight there.

[Dale Wambaugh]

I'm going for constructive, not negative :) The tent is an anchor. Consider a Gatewood Cape and polycro ground sheet for a 3+ pound reduction (shelter and rain gear). You can cut about a pound off your cook kit (no utensils listed) and bear bag (needs a rope weight).

Sleeping (50 oz)
Campmor 20 degree down sleeping bag – 36oz
Neo air – 14 oz

Shelter (50oz) <—- Start over with lighter stuff!
Solo Marmot eos 1p – 44 oz
Marmot eos 1p ground sheet – 6 oz <—- go for polycro window film. $5/1.5oz!

Packing (47.3)
Opsrey Talon 44 – 42 oz <—- okay, but could be lighter
Outdoor research rain cover – 5.3oz <— replace with trash compactor bag

Cooking + Water – (35.4oz)
MSR quick Solo 1.3L pot – 7.6oz <— too big/heavy for solo
MSR windpro stove – 6.8oz <— could be less than 2oz
MSR isopro canister – 4 oz <— no free lunch there :)
Bear bag – 4 oz <— way too heavy
MSR 2 liter bladder – 5 oz <—- okay, Platypus is lighter
1 nalgene – 5 oz <— What is this for? Use a recycled water bottle if really needed
Aquamira – 3 oz <— big supply

Essentials (24.68 oz)
Black Diamond spot – 3 oz <— good lamp, but there are lighter
First aid kit – 3.68 oz <— looks like a lot
map (2 oz) and compass (1 oz)
basic pocketknife (3 oz)
toilet paper (3 oz) <—- don't let Clelland see this :)
toothbrush, paste, and dental floss (2 oz)
sunscreen (1 oz)
bug repellent (1 oz)
liquid soap (1 oz)
quick-drying pack towel (2 oz) <—- I like bandanas
extra ziplocks and garbage bags (2 oz) <

---

????

Clothing (31.5)
Rain jacket – 13.6 oz
North face insulated jacket (to be purchased) – 10.9 oz
Long underwear – 5 oz
Extra socks – 2 oz

Grand Total = 238.88/16 = 14.93

[Author]

Posts