Gearlists -
Keeping them over the years lets me review how my backpacking style has changed - How much I've learned. It has become clear that I will never be done tweaking my packlist and creating "The Ultimate" gear list will never be as final as it seemed when the ink dried.
Looking at some of my first packlists is almost embarrassing - An extra pair of Levi's, a clean pair of socks and undies for each day, etc. What was I thinking?
While I have confidence that nobody reading this is still packing jeans, there may yet be a few weight-saving tips surrounding common backpacking gear which, assuming that all apply, could save you the same 9-lbs that they have for me.
With the exception of the Patagonia Lightweight Long Underwear Bottom and the 1.3-Liter Evernew Titanium Pot, all the "Lightweight" alternatives given below cost less than their heavier substitutes. Most cost 3-5 times less and, in the case of the Pepsi-Can stove, the difference is $10 (material) versus $99 for the MSR DragonFly - incidentally, the "Material" cost for 1 Pepsi-Can stove will allow you to build around 30 stoves (go dumpster-diving for the cans).
Finally, you may notice that the amount of pack space that the "Lightweight" alternatives use is less than that of their heavier counterparts. Depending on how many of these suggestions you implement, the end result could mean a smaller, and probably lighter, pack saving you even more weight.
Pack
Osprey "Impala" 3900 cu/in pack 76 oz The only thing I can stress here is to avoid just buying a pack because it will hold your gear and weigh less. If your pack is not comfortable, you'll find yourself taking more frequent rest breaks and possible even quiting earlier in the day. I'll take a few extra pounds sitting comfortably on the back any day over sore shoulders, hips, back, neck, etc. Osprey "Aether" 3900 cu/in pack 53 oz
Shelter
Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight-2 Footprint 9.2 oz Visit the following link if you're interested in getting your hands on some Tyvek. 3x7" Tyvek Groundsheet 4.4 oz
Sleeping
The North Face "Blue Kazoo" 20° sleeping bag 42.3 oz Neither of these bags hold up to their "rated" temperature. Add about 5° to what's listed. Anyway, for 3-season camping the Top Bag is really all that I need. I use a sleeping bag liner, which provides extra warmth and keeps all the dirt and body oils off of my bag. Should the temperature drop into the 30's, I'll just put on whatever extra layers are necessary (i.e. fleece, long underwear, knit hat, etc.) Rab Elite 32° Top Bag 20.3 oz
Therm-A-Rest "Ultralight" Full Length Mattress 22.7 oz As long as the temperature stays in the 40's or higher, I don't even notice any ill effect of not making up the missing 1/4 length at the foot. If insulation was an issue, I could easily use my empty pack. When you compare a 3/4 to a full length pad, however, it's actually more like 2/3. Dimensions for a 3/4 length pad are 47-inches, and 72-inches for the long models. RidgeRest 3/4 Length Sleeping Pad 9.5 oz
Kitchen
MSR "Dragonfly" Stove w/Fuel Pump 13.9 oz After making and testing my own alcohol stove, I'll never go back to anything else for simple, one person, cooking where my main reason for the stove is to boil water. It takes 6-minutes to boil 16-ounces of water with the Pepsi Can Stove, as opposed to 90-seconds for the DragonFly. However, the DragonFly takes longer to set up and I just can't ignore the weight savings. The Pepsi Can Stove has no moving parts and there's nothing that can really become clogged up. I also save pack space, as I can fit the Pepsi Can Stove in my cooking pot, along with other cooking items like my lighter, windscreen, spoon, and knife. If I wanted to, I could fit my 4-oz fuel bottle in there as well however, I don't like to risk fuel spilling on the inside of my pack. Pepsi Can Stove 0.4 oz
MSR 11oz Fuel Bottle 2.9 oz Since the "cooking" extent of my meals typically involves nothing more than adding boiling water, I don't need more than 4oz for a 2-3 day trip. Even on extended trips, I could get a Nalgene 8oz Fuel Bottle that weighs only 1.2oz. Either way, I'm saving weight over the smallest MSR bottle. Nalgene 4oz Fuel Bottle 0.8 oz
MSR 2-Liter Alpine Pot/Lid/Pot Holder 15.9 oz Nothing but savings in this deal. My experience hasn't shown any longer boil times in using Titanium cookware. In fact, water comes to a boil faster in my Evernew Pot than when using the MSR pot on the same stove, with the same amount of water. This makes absolutely no sense, as the MSR pot has a wider base and the water is thus spread out over a greater surface area. 1.3-Liter Evernew Titanium Pot/Lid/Integrated Pot Holder 5.8 oz
Metal Fork/Knife/Spoon Set 2.5 oz My first mess kit included one of those metal spoons with the prongs on the handle that hold the fork and knife during storage. As I was looking for "lightweight" alternatives, this was also one of those items replaced where I learned that an once here-and-there quickly adds up to pounds. Today I primarilly use a Lexan spoon (mixing, eating, etc) but I also like having a plastic knife from a fast food restaurant (free) around for cutting a block of cheese, etc. Yeah, I could use my Leatherman but, for 0.1oz, the saving aren't worth the hassle of cleaning the food oils and other residue off my "good knife". Lexan Spoon/Fast Food Restaurant Plastic Knife 0.4 oz
Lexan Bowl 2.4 oz I now eat everything out of my REI Double-wall "insulated" plastic mug. I used to carry both the mug and the bowl, but found that I never used them simultaneously. I try not to eat out of the pot - I don't carry soap into the backcountry and like to be able to have boiling water free of any food additives from a previous meal. The cup is much easier to clean - I don't have to worry about the non-stick coating getting scratched either. The 1/4-cup through 1-cup measuring lines on the side of the cup are an added bonus. No Substitute 0 oz
Water Treatment
Pur "Hiker" Water Filter 13.8 oz The Sweetwater Anywhere filter is a simple gravity filter designed to be used with hydration systems. Rather than putting a "dirty" tube into your water source and filtering water through the "clean" tube into your container, as with conventional filters, you fill your container with, and carry, "dirty" water. The filter is found in a "drip line" between the water bag and the end of the line. For those of you envisioning a clogged filter, place a small piece of coffee filter around the bottle threads before securing your hose. This will sift out the excess debris in your water. Sweetwater Anywhere Inline Water Filter 2.3 oz
2 48oz Nalgene Water Bottles 11 oz I need the "Platy" system to use the Sweetwater Filter. Outside of the weight savings, I've found that I really like the ability to just unhook the drinking tube from my shoulder strap and sip away - Much easier than having to reach for the Nalgene bottle and then reach again to blindly stuff it into it's pocket or, worst yet, have to take the pack off entirely to get a drink of water. I went with the "Big Zip" model because it makes for a quick and easy re-fill out of a stream or lake - Just "Dip and Zip". 3-Liter Platypus "Big Zip" Hoser Hydration System 4.5 oz
Clothes
Fleece Top (PolarTec 200) 19 oz Characteristics such as the length and thickness of zippers, drawstrings around the waist, the number and depth of pockets, and the thickness of the material can really impact the weight of your fleece. I find that, when I'm moving with a pack, I can get by with just a t-shirt, knit hat, and fleece gloves down into the 40's. It's when I rest that I need the insulation, and for short breaks the PolarTec 100 suits me just fine. To block a cold wind, I just put on my PVC poncho. When in camp, I can make a small fire or just get into my sleeping bag to combat the cold. If there's a possibility of temperatures falling into the 30's, I'll just pack along a lightweight insulated vest. I find it's easier to be comfortable if you have the flexibility additional layers, rather than a single, thick, garment. I ended up going to REI, buying a variety of lightweight fleeces, and then trying on and weighing each top at home. After I made my decision, the rest went back to the store. Fleece Top (PolarTec 100) 8.9 oz
REI MTS Long Underwear Bottom 8 oz Nothing beats Patagonia Capalene for weight-to-warmth. It cost me almost twice as much as the REI option, but between the quality, dry time, and weight savings it was worth it. Patagonia Lightweight Long Underwear Bottom 5.2 oz
Nylon Rain/Wind Jacket and Pants, Backpack Rain Cover 24.1 oz My only issue with the Poncho was that when a strong wind came in, it would fly all around and eventually tear itself on a branch or tree that it got snagged on. I took care of this problem by rigging a belt on the outside of the poncho. I use a 60" nylon strap so that the belt could be secured comfortably with the pack underneath the poncho, allowing the poncho to also double as my pack's rain cover. This solution costs under $7 and is so affordable that I've bought a second poncho (REI) in a bright orange color so I don't get shot while enjoying the fall colors during Michigan deer hunting season. PVC Poncho and Nylon Strap 1x60" w/Side Release Buckle 10.2 oz
Hygene
Cascade Designs Pack Towl, 20x40" (Viscose) 4.9 oz I love being able to jump into a lake or river with the confidence that, no matter how cold the water, I'll be warm and dry within 5-minutes of getting out. The Pack Towel is a key component in being able to accomplish this feat. The Viscose material absorbs water quickly and you can hand wring it 90% dry in no time. There's really no reason to carry a larger version of this product - Just wipe, wring, and repeat until all the water is off of you. The size that I pack is the "kitchen towel". The material also dries very quickly, so I never worry about having to drag around a water-logged towel all whole day. Cascade Designs Pack Towl, 10x14" (Viscose) 0.9 oz
Misc
Victoronix "Scout" Knife w/Locking Blade 3.6 oz I find that the tool I reach for the most while in the backcountry are scissors. For the majority of pocketknives/multi-tools, scissors are secondary to blades... except for the Leatherman "Micra" where the emphasis is on the shears. Not only do I get a fantastic pair of scissors, but it's in a very lightweight package as well. Leatherman "Micra" 1.8 oz
Base Kamp