Half a year ago, I joined BPL and posted my very first gear list. I weighed over 10kg, and I got a lot of good feedback (along with being mocked a bit, but that was to be expected).
I kept an open mind, and slowly started to cut back on weight. I have since been out testing many different combinations of gear, experimenting, and making progress. And I have been doing all this quite a lot. This year alone I have been out backpacking/camping 13 times. I have found that I have more time and energy to devote to the fun stuff (fishing, picking berries/mushrooms, swimming, etc.) as my backpack got lighter, and I could also go further and further. I used to let out a slight grunt while planning a trip that had to start with a 10km hike, knowing I would be tired by the time I got to the campsite. Now 10km is no big deal, and I have had a great time going further and doing more exploration deeper into the woods.
Money was an issue. I saved up some, and lucky for me for my birthday my friends and family really came through with some great gear (everyone knows I am nuts about backpacking/camping). I did a lot of MYOG stuff, with mixed results, but still a good chunk of pretty good results. For example, my MYOG 450g backpack turned out great, but it is somewhat fragile, so I only use it if hiking on established trails and other non-rough terrain that could shred up the pack. I mostly go off trail, so durability was important for me in choosing a pack, as was weight distribution and volume, so the Golite Jam won out.
Anyhow, this last gear list I just finished up I am the most happy with. I must note that a few items are on their way in the mail, such as my bivy and tarp. I can't wait to get out there when the last few pieces of my gear list puzzle fall into place.
Location is SW Sweden, trip duration is 1-3 days, fall 2011, deep woods type terrain mostly off-trail. This list is also for a higher chance of rain (it rains a good bit here, especially in the fall), I have another list with a lower chance of rain that clocks in at 3673 (8.09lbs), and if I don't go off-trail much/at all, I can switch the Jam for my MYOG bag and it would come it at 3283g (7.23lbs).
Don't have the time to get into consumables just yet, but in the future I will post a total backpack weight along with a breakdown of consumables here in this thread next time I can get out.
I would be more than happy to answer any questions about my list, and welcome any/all feedback. Special thanks to those of you that have given me feedback/encouragement to get to this level, you know who you are! :)
The gear list is on my profile in PDF, or check it out at geargrams here: http://www.geargrams.com/list?id=4031
Total base weight is 4003g (8.81 pounds)
