Hello,
I'm new to this site, so i apologize if this question has been asked elsewhere, or if i'm posting it in the wrong area. I'm an amateur hiker (3x Philmont Scout Ranch, eagle scout, various weekend trips in MA) who's become fascinated with ultralight backpacking. I'm also an avid runner, running between 70-85 miles most weeks. I'm going to be running (note: trail running is almost more like hiking than running at times) the MA section of the AT in June of 2010 for charity in a time-trial format. So i'm trying to go as light as possible. I'm assembling a gear list now, and i was wondering if you could critique it; offer suggestions?
Integral Designs Silicoat backpack – 4.5oz
Shelter
Equinox ultralight bivy cover – 6.5oz
Clothing
Saucony speedlight shirt – 3oz (change shirt on restock, clean @ water stops once a day)
saucony performance short (See above) – 2.1oz
Patagonia capilene bottoms – 3.7oz
generic light longsleeve – 4oz
2x saucony elite socks – 6oz (3oz p/pair)
1x Saucony grid A3 flats – 6.7oz
Accessories
Bug net – 1oz
Photon light – .2oz
fire starter – 4oz
Map – 1oz
Aircore Pro Ursalite rope – 1.3oz
trashbag for raincoat – 1oz
MSR pack towel ultralite – 1.2oz
empty plastic soda bottle – 1oz
Food
1.5lbs (will restock 1/2 through)
Purification tabs – 1oz
Total weight carried: 60.4oz (3.77 lbs)
any suggestions?
I'm guessing this will take appx 5 days, possibly 4l. The only way i could possibly see of reducing weight would be to replace the food w/ Joe's Moose Goo (would this be a good idea?)… as this would most likely cut weight considerably.
Sorry for the length of the post, forgive me.
Edit: oh, i'm going to be restocking food, and exchanging clothing, about 1/2 through. i'm going to purify/drink water as i come to springs, and wash clothing in rivers when possible. I won't need food for meals when i first leave, when i restock, and when i arrive on those respective days, so this will cut down even more excess weight. The rope will allow me to set up the bags as a shelter.
