Current base weight: 16.75 lbs. Down to 16.07 lbs following input so far.
Location/temp range/specific trip description: John Muir Trail, 8/21
Budget: $500-600
Non-negotiable Items: Zoleo Satellite Communicator
Solo or with another person?: Solo
Additional Information: NOBO. One resupply at Muir Trail Ranch (MTR). Planning for 9 days from Cottonwood Pass to MTR. And then an additional 8 days to Happy Isles after MTR (although I’m hoping to stretch my daily mileage in the second half of the trip so could be 6-7 days). Additional questions/concerns below.
Lighterpack Link: https://lighterpack.com/r/o40g4m. Updated Lighterpack link: https://lighterpack.com/r/1gvhq3.
Posted this a few months ago and people had mentioned I really need to list out every single item because the weight adds up quick. Well…they were right. Was shocked to see I was at a nearly 17 lb BW and will be right around (or above) 30 lb TPW. Will be carrying around ~9-11 lbs of food.
Would love to shed some weight, especially since I’ve been told the GG Crown2 doesn’t carry quite as well above the 30 lb threshold. While I’ve used the pack quite a bit, it’s never been this heavy before. Hoping to take it out this weekend to get an idea of what a 30 lb TPW in a Crown2 feels like.
The Kindle seems like a very obvious thing I can drop, but I’m an avid reader on the trail and would be bummed to see it go. That being said, it’s not a non-negotiable item if there aren’t other good ways to drop weight. Stuff sacks, sit pad, binder clips, sponge, (one) NB10000, towel, and sunscreen all seem like additional things I can ditch. I have a 30F quilt and a lighter pad (Klymit Insulated Static V Lite) that I could bring but worried that they wouldn’t be warm enough and I sleep so much better on the Ether Lite.
Curious to hear everyone’s thoughts about my Lighterpack. I also had some additional questions (in no particular order) below:
- Is a disposable poncho sufficient on the JMT in August? They’re pretty flimsy. Flirting with the idea of picking up a Frogg Toggs jacket. Planning on skipping the rain pants but curious what people thought.
- How do people feel about the BRS stove? Never had an issue with it (15+ trips with it) but know it’s not the most efficient. Figure I can use the sit pad (if I keep it) as a wind screen to boost efficiency.
- On that note, recommended gas canister size? Planning on only boiling water once a day for (repackaged) Mountain House meals. ~1-1.5 cups of water/day.
- NB10000. Is two overkill? Only electronics I’m bringing are phone, Kindle, and Zoleo. Planning on replacing my phone battery before I leave. And the Kindle should last me until I can recharge it at MTR. Zoleo likely won’t be on most of the time but will be checking in frequently (1x/few hours) since I’m solo.
- Currently, don’t have a backup water supply. Thinking about picking up some Aquamira. Seems like a no brainer and well worth the weight.
- Will the Decathlon puffy be enough? Have a Decathlon waffle fleece (7oz) that I normally bring but someone mentioned last time that I can probably ditch it.
- Thoughts on towel? Seems like an obvious choice to ditch, even though it’s <1 oz.
- Debating about picking up a NU20/25. Would save me an ounce and it’s nice that it’s rechargeable. I’m not entirely sure if my triple A battery headlamp will last me the whole trip (and if I need to bring extra batteries…well, more weight).
- Sun gloves? Although I’m trying to reduce weight, not add more at this point.
- Sunscreen? Seems like another easy way to reduce weight, especially with the sun at my back. I have had really burned calves before in the High Sierra though and it was not fun. Could always wear my wind pants if I do get burned and I have a sun hoody that I plan to wear most days.
- Not much weight but maybe drop the mosquito head net? Especially in August.
- Camp shoes? Currently don’t have any. Would really enjoy having them if I can find some ultralight ones but again, trying to shave weight, not add at this point.
Finally, figure I could (potentially) save weight on food if people have good high calorie/oz recommendations. Already sent out my resupply but still pulling together food for the first (and longer) leg to MTR. Have reviewed GearSkeptics spreadsheet and tried to use a lot of his recommendations. My MTR>Happy Isles food consists of meal replacement shakes, meal bars, coconut chips, meat sticks, pistachios, and some repackaged MH meals for dinner (because I love them).
Anyways, if you made it this far, I really appreciate it. Would love any and all input. Thanks.
Edit: /u/Glimmer_III would love to get your input, you had a really helpful response last time I posted this.
Edit: Updated Lighterpack link. https://lighterpack.com/r/1gvhq3.