Here’s my gearlist from that trip. You can download it as a PDF.
Gearlist: SUL Durable Sierras
As you can see, the base weight is 6.4 lbs without the canister or 8.5 lbs with it. It even includes my iPhone. Total Pack Weight was 17lbs.
The only thing not included is a Montbell vest (5.5oz) I threw in at the last minute. I was not needed at all. I did wear it once, just because I had it.
I put my iPhone in the left chest pocket and all the “Access” essentials in the right. That way everything I need for that day on the trail is handy and I never have to take my pack off to get at something. Full days snacks are in the left pack side pocket and 1L water is in the right. Lunch is in the main outside mesh pack pocket with mosquito net, gloves and rain jacket.
Once on day 2 morning, there was enough room in the bear canister to stow the cookset in there too. So that was no longer in the front mesh pocket.
@rambler: I typically only use shelters that require 1 pole to pitch or have an outer hang loop. As such I find a stick or hang it from a higher object like a tree branch or overhang.
@bubonicplay: I’ve gone with 4lb base weights XUL, SUL and UL and too frickin’ heavy. For me the next step is just refining and simplifying my kit. It’s not about weight anymore, because it’s so light that I’ve reached a point where changes based on weight don’t effect the performance or my energy. So I’m more interested in finding a system that performs efficiently, simply, that takes as little mental effort as possible to use and is robust. I’m pretty much there. Of course there will always be tweaks and as new technology comes into play that will affect my kit too. I don’t like fiddling with gear or having it distract from the point of going which for me is to experience nature by foot for multiple days at a time.
