Base Weight poll…

[Ryan Gardner]

I'm interested in seeing what everyone's attitudes are as far as lightweight, UL, and SUL. It seems like most of the people who post their gear lists are under 10 lbs, and a lot of the "talk" is about reaching SUL. However, I have a sneaky suspicion that many people on this site are fine with a base weight that isn't "technically" UL; it works for them and they have an enjoyable time hiking.

First, list your current average 3-season base weight, including things you ACTUALLY end up taking (camera, book to read, etc). (This is what you actually own, not what you hope to own next month when you get that well-deserved raise).

Second, list the base weight that you would like to someday reach; the base weight you will feel satisfied with and be happy.

---

I currently hover around 8 to 8.5 lbs.

I would like to eventually reach 5lbs 11oz. (My first REI pack weighed that much – I want to be able to say my entire setup weighs as much as my first backpack alone did).

[Adam Rothermich]

Well, for true 3 season, ie- into late October here when I bring my Kinsman pullover, camera, and warm hat, my base weight comes in at 5.88 lbs.
For the majority of the time (any time its above 40* before bed time) I drop the Kinsman and switch out the fleece hat for a Smartwool beanie and come in at 5.17 lbs.
I can drop my weight to around 4 lbs for summer hikes if I leave behind my camera and cell phone and go no cook. I've only done this a handful of times though because the warm food is worth the extra 3 oz for my cook set to me.
I'm currently very happy with that range. I've also got a handful of 'luxury' items that I may throw in here or there, but they generally don't add too much weight. I could definitely go lighter but not all the time, some things are just nice to have along.

Adam

[Derek Cox]

around 6.5 lbs i'd guess. on paper its about 6.1. im satisfied with this weight. i dont plan on spending a ton or skimping on anything to get it a little lower. between 5 and 8 pounds i really cant tell much of a difference, especially once food and water is thrown in as well.

[Brett .]

IMO, it is difficult to compare two peoples "three season" base weight. The variables of size, metabolism, and of course geographic location are all significant. And of course the more hard-core among us take a minimal number of items, not even bringing the essentials.
I would suggest posting a "function" list (20'F bag, stove, base layer, insulation layer, shell layer, etc..) Then let people post their corresponding "item" list (Montbell #2, caldera cone, wool1, cocoon jacket&pants, precip jacket&pants, etc..)

[Steven Evans]

Like most, I have a number of lists depending on where and when I am going, but as an example, I did the La Cloche Silhouette trail (5 days) last year at 7.8 lbs. I can go lower, but that is really comfortable for me. To replace some of my key equipment, such as my poncho/tarp and bivy, for lighter stuff would mean some serious cash. I spend a lot of my time working on the simplicity of my 3 season pack now. Trying to reduce the amount of stuff I bring.

However, I am still working (very hard) at getting my winter weight down. I'm at about 15 lbs right now, and dropping fast…still waiting for that sub 1# 4-season freestanding tent and 6 oz winter bag. ;)

Good thread…after reading Bretts comments, that's a very good idea – and will allow for an easier comparison.. Ryan, set the conditions!

[Mark Verber]

3 day trips…

4lb 11oz base; 10lb full when I am going fast, light and no bear canister

9lb 14oz base; 16lb 12oz full normal 3 season trips, above freezing, no bear canister

11lb 6oz base; 18 lb 5oz worst case 3 seasons with lows down to 20F and need to carry a bear canister

I will sometimes do SUL trips when I am TRYING to be super minimalist… but I don't normally do this because I haven't been able to sleep comfortably 100% of the time. With the release of the BA Clearview I might use my fast/light setup on a significantly larger number of trips provided I don't need a bear can. In this case my base weight would climb to 5lb 4oz or so.

I have found that carrying 10lbs is "better" than carrying 20lbs from a sense of "freedom", but my endurance doesn't seem to be impacted until I am somewhere between 25-30lbs. For the last couple of years I have mostly not changed gear to lower my weight. Gear changes have been mostly to make things faster / simpler / easier. My "normal" base has gone up a slight bit because I am trying to simply decisions about what to pack so I can just grab my pack and go rather than worrying if I have the exact load for the conditions I expect.

–Mark

[Adam Rothermich]

–MO, it is difficult to compare two peoples "three season" base weight. The variables of size, metabolism, and of course geographic location are all significant. And of course the more hard-core among us take a minimal number of items, not even bringing the essentials.–

Brett has a really good point. Where I hike, 3 season hardly ever gets below freezing, so I can carry an 18 oz down quilt and be perfectly comfortable. Also, water is fairly easy to come by and I rarely carry more than two 1 L bottles. Someone hiking in drier regions may have a lot more weight in water containers than I do. I also don't need pants except for the very early and late parts of the season. All of this helps me get away with carrying a lot less weight than a lot of people would feel comfortable with in their area.
Just because a Midwesterner like me could probably get away with a couple of water bottles and some food stuffed in his pockets for a summer trip doesn't mean you could do that somewhere where the weather is unpredictable.

Adam

[Shawn Basil]

Lightweight in pretty much all climes and places. About 12 in a southeastern summer (late April through early October) thru 18 or 19 (Winter in snow in the Smokies high-country). I was close to 18 base on the JMT this summer – bear cannister…….

[Ryan Gardner]

Brett, I knew when starting this post that we really wouldn't be able to compare apples to apples, and your point is well stated. I was going to add some criteria and ways of displaying your weight so we get a better comparison standard, but it got complicated and I just decided to let it be as is.

I didn't mean for this to be a "competition" by any means. I almost find the commentary about the base weight more interesting than the actual number of lbs.

— Derek: "between 5 and 8 pounds i really cant tell much of a difference, especially once food and water is thrown in as well."
— Adam: "I'm currently very happy with that range. I've also got a handful of 'luxury' items that I may throw in here or there… I could definitely go lighter but not all the time, some things are just nice to have along."
— Steven: "I can go lower, but that is really comfortable for me."

That's what I find interesting. More along the lines of what you feel happy at.

But… just so it is somewhat equal, by "average 3-season", I was thinking no technical climbing, no need to bring ice axes and crampons, etc. If you fit on the extreme end of the spectrum (Southern US versus Alaskan Range) then specify that in your post.

Thanks for your support at the polls this Super Tuesday.

[Brian UL]

For when its not going to go below freezing at night:

7.5-8 pounds is normal
variables are the weather, which can make me add weight or lighten up a little more. I sometimes bring tools for practicing primitive skills that will add a little weight as well. I will add that I like some durability and hate to baby gear. I also like a somewhat minamalist aproach and dont want to think about my gear too much, but defiantly think a lot of thought needs to go into it. Its all a balance I guess.

[EndoftheTrail]

Mine range between 8-12 lbs. — veering lighter on harder hikes and heavier on easier routes.

[Mike Hinsley]

My personal base weight varies between 8 and 12lb depending on weather and terrain.

I've kinda decided that the kit I have is now sensible both in durability and weight for the conditions I can expect.

Instead, I've started to look at ways of carrying that load more comfortably and more naturally so that things like my CoG are not much affected and that muscles get to work in the most natural way.

I've kinda concluded that if the luggage weight increases by 4oz or so and results in a perceived pack-weight reduction of say 4lb then that's worth a lot more than trying to spend money to reduce pack weight further.

Once you've got a short list of light functional kit it's difficult to pare it down without significant side-effects.

For exaple, my normal walking does involve scrambling over rocks and going through forests. These are both things that will rip apart SUL packs so I go for a lighter pack that's more resistant to these things.

My winter sleeping bag is twice the weight of my summer one and so get packed when the weather justifies it.

I don't carry a trekking pole very often but when I do its a Leki Ti one. I include it in my base weight. When I take a pole I'm expecting to be using it in terrain that is hostile to carbon – rough n rocky – and so the extra weight (200g cpw 100g) is justified for me by the strength and durability. On average it's still less than carrying Carbon all the time…

[Paul Wozniak]

Ryan,

I too am very interested to see what others aspire to. I applaud the SULers and hope to use some of their innovations down the road, but don't aspire to SUL myself. My base wt of 8.5 lbs for my 3-5 day Midwest trips down to 35F is very satisfactory for me. My goal is to stay below 9 lbs.

I'm now interested in simplification and bushwhacking durability. Wish list: Lighter tarp but large enough to Bushbuddy under. Steripen. I want a light-luxurious-35F pad solution (oh, for a comfortable bed. help!). I have an idea for a bivy-(rain/wind)transformer-mosquito shelter (warm/buggy). Sort of a big baggy bivy that pops up into an airy bug-free nest with a view.

My real-life list is below, I don't carry a book or a camera. Hope it formats well but I didn't know how to attach a spreadsheet.

Paul

GEAR WT. PACK WT.

PACK Jam2 21.0
ttl 21.0 21.0

HOME compactor bag 1.0
quilt, Speer 20.0
pad 6.0
bivy 6.0
tarp 16.0
ttl 49.0 49.0

WORN smartwool crew 8.0
boxers 3.0
pants, EMS 12.0
socks, thin 2.0
Inov8 Flyroc 26.0
hat, crusher 3.0
watch/compass 2.0
glasses 2.0
ttl 58.0 0

CLOSET Thermawrap UL 9.0
windcoat 5.0
long johns 7.0
socks, sleep 2.0
Rain Cape, ID 5.0
balaclava 1.0
ttl 29.0 29.0

ALL-IN-ONE KIT
Lite Tripper 1.5
Victorinox 1.0
lighter 1.0
tinder 1.0
spoon 0.5
salt 0.5
soap 1.0
toothbrush 0.5
med container 0.5
Rx 0.5
aspir./antihist 0.5
Micropur tabs 1.0
repair contnr 0.5
spare compass 0.5
spare lamp 0.5
matches 0.5
spare tinder 0.5
needle / thread 0.0
duct tape 1.0
stakes x 8 2.0
cord 1.0
tackle 2.0
lic,cash,credit 1.0
ttl 19.0 19.0

HARNESS lamp/clip 1.0
bandana 1.0
map 1.0
ttl 3.0 3.0

PANTRY Bag w/ cord 1.0
Bushbuddy UL 5.0
Trek 900 3.5
lid,Trek 900 1.5
stove sack 0.5
bowl,orikasa 1.5
food 1.75 lbs/day variable
garbage sack 0.0
ttl 13.0 13.0

WATER 2L platy 1.0
powerade bottle 1.0
water variable
ttl 2.0 2.0

grand ttl 136

[Elliott Wolin]

Although I aspire to a sub-10 lb base weight, I would have to spend a lot to replace existing equipment, and I suspect a number of people feel the same way (especially if you are talking about 3-5 people's worth of gear!). Stuff I can make myself inexpensively has or will get replaced, but I can't make everything.

Some of our equipment was purchased when we understood about lightweight techniques, but not UL, and as the stuff is not too heavy and still perfectly servicable, it will remain in use for a while. E.g. all our packs weigh between 2 and 3 pounds, and these will only be replaced when they wear out. Same for our sleeping bags, all within 1.5 to 2 lb range. I did make an alpine-upgrade two-person RayWay synthetic quilt, though, for about 1 lb 11 oz per person if I recall.

Other stuff seems to be non-negotiable, at least with some members of the family (e.g. very comfy 1.5 in thick Thermarest pads).

So, despite silnylon tarps (I made them), titanium cookware, very light gas stoves (we like to cook), etc, our base weights for three-season still come in around 12-14 lbs. And they will for a while (unless I win the lottery…except that I've never purchased a ticket…).

[shawn weld]

My wife would kill me if she found me weighing all my gear (so I must rely on everyone else's gram obsessions). I'm guessing my Jam2, Squall2, Marmot Pounder and BA pad (luxury item) weigh around 6 pounds. Because I ran out of cash, I'm now focusing on getting lighter by dropping a few pounds of bodyfat. Instead of shortening my already light spoon and cutting off the unweighable (is that a word?)tag on my 3oz shirt I could save hundreds of dollars and lug less weight by just getting my bodyfat down (goal 12 – 15%, currently about 18%). I'm an idiot (just so you know).

[Dale Wambaugh]

Ryan wrote: "I'm interested in seeing what everyone's attitudes are as far as lightweight, UL, and SUL. It seems like most of the people who post their gear lists are under 10 lbs, and a lot of the "talk" is about reaching SUL. However, I have a sneaky suspicion that many people on this site are fine with a base weight that isn't "technically" UL; it works for them and they have an enjoyable time hiking.

First, list your current average 3-season base weight, including things you ACTUALLY end up taking (camera, book to read, etc). (This is what you actually own, not what you hope to own next month when you get that well-deserved raise).

Second, list the base weight that you would like to someday reach; the base weight you will feel satisfied with and be happy….."

I think you are right about how people approach UL base weights and IMHO, what is important is that you now have a choice– you can find equipment to get weights down to incredibly low levels, or you can dial in where your are comfortable with the weight, cost, durability and safety of the kit you use. I also assume that many will swap out heavier items with lighter when they wear out.

I do think there is some speculative list-making, just to see what can be done and it's a healthy exercise, sharing and comparing with others here. As with anything on the web, you never know what is real or fantasy— caveat emptor!

My three season base weigh is 12 pounds and that does not include camera, radio, books, etc. For mid-summer I can get down to ten pounds. That is light enough for me and gives me the comfort and weather coverage I want.

[Peter McDonough]

3 season weights–

On my haunts in Texas: 2.1 pounds
In colder spots: 3.4 pounds

[Steven Evans]

"I didn't mean for this to be a "competition" by any means. I almost find the commentary about the base weight more interesting than the actual number of lbs."

For sure, it is good to just see general comments about the gear lists and weights. The funny thing is, my friends who browse the site, but don't practice the faith, can't believe how light the pack weights are :)

[Frank Perkins]

>3 season weights–

> On my haunts in Texas: 2.1 pounds
> In colder spots: 3.4 pounds

I'm calling shanningans, unless it's for a day hike….

[Doug Johnson]

My current SUL list is about 3.5 but this is only for minimalist solo outings and serious distance endeavours. If I'm trying for some personal record or I want to have the most minimal setup to focus on the experience of walking, I use that gear. Not shenanagins- that's a quilt, cuben pack, cuben poncho tarp, cuben bivy, cocoon jacket, camera, etc. but no stove. Some of the gear on my latest list is gear left to buy for summer but if I only add up what I currently have, it's still less than 4.

Everything beyond this varies a lot. When hiking with friends, I tend to carry 7-8 pounds (Tarptent, eVent jacket, downmat pad, quilt, cocoon top and bottom, alcohol stove, single ti kettle, good tequila, etc).

For winter, it's more like 12-15.

When carrying my son, it's a team effort and I carry about 35-40 pounds total. But that's food and my kid too- and he's getting heavier every day!

I really have two hobbies- gear and backpacking. I really enjoy the minimal side of backpacking- especially solo- and that's where SUL comes in. But when going for the enjoyment of backpacking with friends or family rather than a physical event, I put in what I want and don't weigh everything. These days, I know my gear well enough that the choices made are what's best for the trip, not a weight goal. The only gear list that I look at much is my SUL list and that's used on about 25% of my trips.

Great conversation. SUL is a certain focus at a certain time of year. But Backpacking is about experience, not scales. UL and SUL backpacking, after the gear is selected and packed, is about an enhanced experience and new possibilites due to less weight that you have to carry.

[jim bailey]

Glad this thread was started, way too go Ryan! spent the last few years trying to carry the lightest load to get through whatever season I was out in. Experimented with SUL the past two summer’s and realized that sleeping was more important then the lightest pad available, since camping is only allowed in designated site’s in the national forest which I frequent, compacted soil or tent platforms seem to require a bit more cushioning, found sub 6lb to work best in two 1/2 month window up in this local with warmest early/mid summer temperatures. Pretty confident with the rest of the seasons now reaching lightest base safely carried year round.

Summer (June – mid Aug) 5lbs 10 oz
Temperature highs in upper 70’s lows in the low 40’s/mid 30’s

Spring-fall (April-May), (late Aug-November) 6-8lbs
Temperature highs 60’s lows in the 20’s

Winter (Dec-Mar.) 12-17lbs (highest weight would be carrying snowshoes, crampons, ice ax ,etc.)
temperature highs would be 30’s lows -10 below 0

[Mike W]

…

[Ronald Cordell]

This is a great topic, thanks Ryan.
I've always been a little confused by "base weight" that doesn't include consumables, and I don't have my gear weight spreadsheets here at work to calculate the base weights. But I *can* say that the most recent trip on the Art Loeb trail with a group of slower people I had a total weight (wet) of 26 pounds, including the tequila. That was for sub-freezing weather, so I took the Torso Lite pad, 20 deg bag, canister stove, Ti pot, tarp tent, water filter.

By the same token, I did a 7 day hike on the southern AT with no re-supply in May and came in at 24 pounds total (wet). That was with alcohol stove, Marmot Atom bag, Torso lite pad, Ti pot and spoon, tarp tent (26 oz), water filter.

Areas that I'd like to work on to drop more weight: poncho/tarp combo for 3-season, possibly a lighter pack, different water filter/purification. I currently use an Osprey Atmos 50 pack which is a delight but comes in at over 3 pounds. The lighter packs like the GoLite Jam or Jam 2 I don't find very comfortable on my shoulders and my back. Water is a problem in the southeast, especially the past couple of years, so having a filter that can pump/filter from a little puddle spring is a good thing. I can make improvements by combining the poncho/tarp and have been eyeing the Gatewood Cape or maybe I'll make my own.

[Charles Grier]

I do all of my hiking in the western U.S. and want to be prepared for temperatures near freezing, at least in the mountains, all year around. This, plus the fact that I'm getting a little long in the tooth, adds a bit of comfort- and security-inducing weight to my pack.

I have a trip planned for the Grand Canyon this coming May. I anticipate fairly warm weather and I will be carrying a base weight a bit over 12 pounds including a book, binoculars, camera and Prolite 3 short mattress. I am also planning to hike the JMT in late summer. Here, there is the possibility of temps below freezing in the mornings and some chance of rain or snow/sleet. I'll take a bit more in the way of clothing for this trip and the base weight, again including binoculars, camera, book and mattress will be a bit over 14 pounds. This weight is without the required bear cannister; my base will be nearly 17 pounds with it.

I could cut out a bit of weight by using a tarp rather than a tarp-tent and by going to a UL pack rather than the 3 pound Golite Quest I use. But, I like the weatherproofness and bugproofness of a tarp tent and find that most of the really light packs ride like a beer keg with shoulder straps.

I have reached the age where I prefer to hike a bit shorter distances, carry a bit more weight and have a bit more comfort and security than is provided by a hankie-size tarp, bivy, and 45 degree quilt. So, my 3-season base weight ranges from about 12 pounds to about 17 pounds and I am quite happy with it.

[Jaiden .]

My 2.5 season base is around 13-14 lb, and goes up to 17 in the winter. The other 1.5 seasons can be quite cold here.

packing: 2.5 lb (vapor trail and a fanny pack)
sleep system: 5lb (add 1 lb for winter) (hammock, JRB, pads)
clothes: 2.8lb (add 3 lb for winter)
Other stuff: 4.7 lb

I'd like to get down a couple pounds, but don't have much room without changing things that are important to me such as the Hammock, camera, cellphone and "survival" gear – Nothing is that heavy, but for example I carry a multitool AND a decent folder AND a mini swiss. Extra compass, extra LED light, multiple firestarters, stuff like that.

One thing I'd like to do is to get a larger poncho tarp (which doesn't exist) to use over the hammock. Either that or figure out a way to rig it that will keep me dry. This would save me 11 OZ. And if it won't rain, I save over a pound by losing my precip/reed combo.

How do I feel about it? Well, I'm here aren't I? I am interested in reducing weight, but not at the expense of comfort. I have no real interest in the bragging rights of SUL, but I do always have an eye on weight when I make purchases or add something to the packing list. I've learned a lot from you folks, but I think I choose a more moderate path.

I like the hammock. My new JRB quilt is very warm and lighter than my old synthetic bag, but we'll see if it's too warm this summer. I may hack up the synth bag into a quilt for warmer temps.

I've already spent a ton of money on gear, and hesitate to spend any more. Only something like a hypothetical 5×9.5' cat cut cuben poncho tarp could make my xmas list this year unless I win some money or something. I'm pretty happy with what I have overall, and for me a few ounces doesn't matter all that much.

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