scale

When I first went ultralight almost thirty years ago, we didn't have the tiny digital scales that we have today. Back then, I used three separate scales to do the job. First, I used a spring postal scale which did fractions of an ounce up to one pound. Second, I used a spring baby scale which did ounces up to 30 pounds. Once I got everything loaded, I would step on the spring bathroom scale to compare my body weight against the body weight plus backpack.

Since then, I have replaced the bathroom scale with digital, and I have replaced the postal scale with a tiny digital scale that does fractions of a gram up to 500 grams, or ounces (maybe $10?).

My shelter, with all of its pieces and parts, adds up a bit. However, I can break it down and weigh each piece and part to calculate a total weight.

–B.G.–

Wow…that's quite the system. Preferably, I'd like something a wee bit simpler than that (: Have you managed to find a digital replacement for that spring bathroom scale (the one that measures to the ounce, up to 30 pounds)?

"Have you managed to find a digital replacement for that spring bathroom scale (the one that measures to the ounce, up to 30 pounds)?"

No, I have never had a scale like that.

–B.G.–

I use a Digiweigh brand postal scale that goes to 35 pounds in 0.1oz increments. The platform is abut 6"x9" and if that is too small, I zero it with a cookie sheet on top. Works great. You'll find all kinds of cheap digital models on eBay: http://business.shop.ebay.com/26-50-Pound-Capacity-/50954/i.html_

It really does help if you weigh *everything* and get it in a spreadsheet. You will learn a lot about your equipment choices.

A simple digital baby scale will do half ounce precision to 40lbs or so, and has a fairly large tray (designed to accommodate a wiggling baby). I don't think they're too expensive? We've had one for gear for years (and now even have babies to put on it as well).

I use a digital postal scale that I picked up years ago at a Sam's Club for under $30 and for big stuff I have a digital fish scale (with the hanging part), I think we spent maybe $20 on that? Works well!

@Dale – thanks for the info! I think a postage scale is about perfect (bonus: I can now weigh all the stuff I sell on ebay to provide accurate shipping quotes!) Looks like I can get a 30lb scale with an accuracy to 0.1 or 0.2oz for about $25 (: Only downfall is the platform size, but I'll try out your cookie sheet idea. Can't wait to start weighing all my gear!

@Erin – thanks for the suggestion – I actually looked at baby scales initially because they seemed perfect in terms of platform/accuracy/max weight, but they're just so expensive! I think the cheapest (digital) one you can find is around $60 ):

@Sarah – thanks! I think I'm going to get a digital postal scale. Btw, I love your photo! Did you take that from Sunrise? I was in the park for about 3 weeks last summer, and heading back this summer!

Sophia, yep! I live relatively close to the Sunrise entrance :-)