Newbie to UL (or maybe just L) 1st gear list for summer VA AT hike.

[Tim Cleary]

Here is my 1st full attempt at a 4 week summer AT section hike thru central VA and MD hopefully. As a newbie I feel decent about it but really wanted to get some ideas.

I have never attached images before so here goes below. If I see it is garbled I will edit and try again.

Main questions:

What am I missing?
Yes, I know my pack is really heavy but I like it a lot. Any other suggestions for shaving weight?

[Tad Englund]

Tim, here's my quick glance:

Pack cover- nix you have a liner

Dump the hydration bladder, hoes and Nalgene and you save over 1/2 a pound, add another 1 oz pep bottle instead

nix the extra briefs and use the extra shorts

nix the camp shoes

Nix the drysacks that is what the pack liner is for. You can use a lighter option for food- like a plastic grocery bag.

I'm not big on electronics in the backcountry so I'd say nix it but that is a personal thing.

good luck, enjoy

[James Neal]

This isn't going to save any weight, but I alway like to carry a couple of benadryl tabs. It is nice to have for any type of allergic reaction. Might even save your life.

Jim Neal RN

[David Drake]

Pretty sure you've overestimated some of the weights and/or made typos. For example, a beanie won't weigh 10 oz. 2 mini Bics are only 1 oz total. Your FAK and essentials total seems high as well.

I also have an Exos 58 and like it a lot, even though my current gear is lost in it and I wish I'd bought the 46 instead. Not much weight savings with the smaller pack, though. You can ditch the lid and save ~5 oz. Strip off the ice ax toggles (reversible) and trim some straps for a couple ounces more. If you're going to carry 28-30# I think you'll be glad to have a fully framed pack.

If the Kindle really weighs 12 oz I'd nix it.

Get accurate weights on some things, drop pack cover and heavy water containers (as mentioned by other poster) and you should be able to drop below 10# base, even with the Exos.

[Tim Cleary]

Thanks for valuable comments. I have made some plans for changes. Most importantly, I have realized that my scale is fundamentally off (dam* you, Escali) so I will improve list then repost in a few days.

Look for updates, thanks for advice—hopefully can get closer to 10 # soon.

Tim

[Greg F]

If your are comitted to the electronics I would try to consolidate them into one device. Probably the Iphone. It can be used as both a reader and music player. This also saves on chargers. You would have to evaluate if you had enough battery power though for your usage. Also if you have the Iphone or Kindle you probably don't need the pen and paper.

The water bottles you only need enough capacity for your longest stretch between sources so those can be reduced.

I wouldn't take an emergincy blanket unless you are going to wear it around your neck as the only reason you would be without your sleeping bag or other warm clothes would be if you lost your pack. So if the E-blanket is in your pack it becomes redundent. I like e-blankets to toss in the day hike pack for peace of mind but they don't make it in my Backpack.

I also like having a high SPF chapstick and for its small weight I wouldn't give it up. Sunburnt lips aren't fun.

[Mike Clelland]

NOTE:
All the previous comments are excellent.

_________________________

NIX tent and take a tarp. Save over a pound.

Mini bic weighs 0.4 oz each

NIX emergency blanket.

Get a lighter backpack!

NIX extra shorts

FOOD – Go down to 1.3 lbs / day

NIX the trash bag thing. you'll have an empty plastic bag after you eat your first meal.

NIX steri pen and go with ONLY aqua mira.

NIX all stuff sacks (except for food and stove gear) and JUST use the pack liner.

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