help planning

Have you taken any sort of beginner backpacking class lately? That could help a lot.

For a standard backpacker, the old rule of thumb is that they ought to keep their total load to 20 or 25% of their body weight for a three or four day trip. For five days, that might be a few pounds more. If you are very strong and athletic, then you can handle a higher percentage, but you may not want to do that. If you are at 30 or 35% of your body weight, then you probably won't have a good time, especially at altitude.

For an ultralightweight backpacker, the rule of thumb is that they ought to keep their base weight to 10 pounds or less. If you are not quite an ultralightweight type, then maybe 12 or 15 pounds for base weight… per person. Then add in the weight for consumables (food, fuel, etc.). For starters, think of 1.5 to 2.0 pounds per day for consumables. You can go lower, but only if you have tested that. If you make poor food choices, then this will go higher than 2 pounds per day.

This gets more complicated since you stated "tent for 2."

–B.G.–

Thank you. Living in the middle of nowhere in the mid-west does not afford many opportunities for backpacking classes. and yes, it has been a long time. I appreciate your answers. Kathryn

This is a great place to start:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/what_a_scout_needs_for_backpacking_part_1

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/what_a_scout_needs_for_backpacking_part_2.html

Although aimed at boy scouts, should give you a really good idea of what to bring when backpacking.

“Is there a source (or does anyone have an opinion) that gives information about how much to expect some of the following to weigh (for a woman):
backpack
sleeping bag
tent for 2
ground cover/pad
stove”

Hi Kathryn,

I’m going to give you some equipment examples so you have something to work with. I’m not necessarily recommending any of them.

What level of comfort are you expecting from your sleeping bag? Women typically need more insulation than men (emphasis on “typically”) so if that holds true for you, you may want to overshoot the lowest temperatures expected by 10*.

Let’s say you expect nighttime lows to be 30* and you want a 20* sleeping bag, you can get get something like the Kelty Cosmic Down, not to be confused with the Kelty Cosmic which is over twice the weight for synthetic insulation. I bought one of these bags for the kids and I believe it’s roughly 2.5 lbs. I think it is an incredible value.

Edit: can’t get the link to work but you can find them on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Cosmic-20-Degree-Sleeping-6-Feet/dp/B009PRNUM4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395323839&sr=8-1&keywords=kelty+cosmic+down

One example of a popular two person tent is the Tarptent Double Rainbow which weighs in at 41oz. There are much lighter options out there.

I’d avoid frameless packs for the time being. One option for a lightweight internal frame pack is the ULA Circuit which weighs in at 39oz.

There are a number of comfortable sleeping pads out there that weigh less than 18oz and some even half that.

I feel most of the items I’ve listed here are middle of the road weight wise but heavy by BPL standards. Still, you’re looking at a total of 8.6lbs for the gear I’ve listed so it wouldn’t be difficult for you get a base weight <15lbs and total pack weight of 25lbs for a five day adventure.

If you’re willing to try mids, tarps, quilts, sleep with your down sweater, etc, then you could shave several pounds from this.

Be careful with your clothing selection and the “you never know” items. They’ll sneak up on you quickly.

Many people recommend buying all of your gear and saving the backpack for last to ensure you have something capable of carrying all of your gear comfortably.

thanks for all the great advice. I feel more confident as I proceed with my planning. So glad I joined Backpackinglight. K