The Backpacking Angler

[Sheriff Joe]

You may want to consider a chemical water treatment if you are really looking to shave ounces. Although I do like and sometimes use my filter, I generally go with PolarPure iodine (crystals in a small jar) -it weighs about 3 oz. empty, and you fill it up with streamwater to make a solution, then put 2 capfuls per quart of water. It does have a shortcoming or two (taste being foremost in most people's minds), but I've been using the stuff for so long that for me, the taste of iodine equals refreshment. Plus it never breaks or clogs, and one little bottle is good for something like 5000 quarts.

There are also other alternatives like Potable Aqua.

Eliminate all bowls and plates except for a lexan spoon. You can eat out of the pot or the food bag.

I also like to listen to music/books while I hike, so my weight splurge has recently been my iPod and a Solio solar charger, which works like a dream.

Tents are also unnecessary. The truly hardcore ultralight hikers I know generally use some kind of tyvek or sill nylon tarp and just bring a few extra ounces of deet. Plus it rarely rains at night in the Sierras.

I'm loving this discussion, and although I'm considering going full ultralight for the JMT in a couple weeks, I don't think my Go Lite Jam 2 can accomodate a bear canister and 10 days worth of food (for the Vermillion Valley-Kearsarge Pass section) plus all my gear. Sticking to my huge, heavier Dana Designs pack. It does make it significantly easier for long haul hikes to carry 20-25 lbs. vs. 40-45, but I like being a badass. Plus, hiking 15 miles a day with a full pack for 3 weeks turns you in to a machine. Lungs and legs, baby!!!

[rayfound]

Joe, I am so jealous of you guys and your JMT trip. its something I really want to do at some point. The bear can thing is a bummer.

[rkfiske]

I second that, hiking the JMT sounds like a trip of a lifetime. I'm sure you guys will have memories to last you forever. You are right about 15 miles a day and 40lbs on your back, you'll come back a beast of burden!

[COCarp]

Interesting recommendation with the base camp filter. For some reason I just glossed over those when looking for a filter. I don't actually have a filter yet since I've been on the fence for a bit about which one to get. I had it down to the katadyn hiker pro that my friend has and the msr miniworks. Now i'm considering perhaps getting one of these base camp filters. Anyone else want to pitch in with their experiences with any of these that I've listed or alternatives they like to use?

I have the MSR Expedition and have had the same water filter for over 10 years. Yes it might be a little on the heavy side but works great. A plus is that you can clean it in the field, purge it and your back in business in minutes.

http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/water-treatment-and-hydration/expedition-water-treatment-and-hydration/miniworks-ex-microfilter/product

[anacrime]

I'm curious, as you finish your list, what do you think your final pack weight will be including food, fuel, etc...?

Food and fuel is all relative to the # of days. Typically about 1.5lbs of food per day. And this is for luxury type foods. Many UL gurus are more stringent when it comes to calories per ounce. Some will only pack protein powder and mix it with water.

Not 100% sure what we're using for fuel yet, so can't say. If I was soloing fuel would be 3-4oz of alcohol per day, which includes morning/afternoon tea or coffee.

The more important thing to consider is baseweight, which is all of your non-disposables. Last summer I had a baseweight of about 9lbs for weekend trips. It'll be a tad more for this trip because of varying altitudes and the bear can. I expect it to be sub 12 though, including fishing gear. Might even be sub 10. I'm pretty happy with that. To go lighter you really need to shell out an arm and a leg. My gear list is really budget oriented.

Obviously doing a thru hike like the JMT, pack weight becomes a crucial element for being able to pound out the miles, but do you think you would change your approach if you were doing more of a destination hike (Hike into a basin, then just hike 1-3 miles a day to move to a different lake/stream)?

No I wouldn't change much. I don't feel like I need much to be comfortable. I'm usually too distracted by the woods to feel hungry, cold, tired, whatever. I might bring heavier food if anything. Mike (MK4) packed a bag of wine in last year on a weekend trip. We were all incredibly thankful those couple of nights. I'd be down to pack the next one in.

what kind of food are you doing for the trip? You doing mountain-house type stuff or something else? I generally assume a little less than 1lb per day for food. If campfires are legal where you're traveling, are you guys planning on bringing some tin foil and butter to do some foil-pouch trout? (Wild onions are often available)

I think we're going to do a mix of both freeze dried stuff and shared meals. I'm probably going to repack the backpacker meals into freezer ziplocks to save weight/space. Also I usually don't eat the entire thing so two bags can be divided into three meals.

I'm not against eating backcountry pan sizers. The preparation and cleaning up is more of an issue to me. You're not supposed to cook em near where you're sleeping either, so that's a minor issue as well.

You've also clearly invested some money to get "outdoors" clothing... which tends to be a heck of a lot lighter than the "regular" type stuff I use (Regular workout shorts, warm-up pants, cotton T-shirts, costco boxer shorts, JC Penny warmth/rain jacket). This looks to be a place that a lot of us could really shave a few pounds with the synthetic materials.

Everything I buy is either on sale or used, and has been spread out over the years. "Regular" sorta stuff is a real pain in the butt for a sweaty guy like me. Cotton just doesn't dry, and it stinks after a day. Merino is a Godsend to me. I really use the heck out of all my clothes. Most of my stuff has rips, holes, or pulled threads. I look like a freakin homeless! The nasty beard doesn't help my case either.

[rayfound]

I've always been a bit curious about "base weight"... Do you consider everything except fuel and food?

[anacrime]

Yeah. Beware of cheaters though! Some try to leave out the clothes on their back, the camp shoes, sleepwear, etc.

[rayfound]

Yeah. Beware of cheaters though! Some try to leave out the clothes on their back, the camp shoes, sleepwear, etc.

That's what I've seen. Some people are like Pack/Bag/shelter/stove=base. Seems the only point in cheating is to show a lower base weight so you can brag online.

[Benny]

What sleeping bags most of you ultralight guys carry and how much does it weigh? Also as far as traveling in bear country, do you guys carry bear canisters to protect your food? It would really suck if you're out in the back country and some wise old bear got a hold of your food.

[BirdDog]

I easily have 30 bag nights a year in the wilderness, and unless its mandated by the NP or wildnerness area, I carry an URSACK. I have never had my food stolen or chewed on by a bear.....ever. I like to think its is a combo of camping in pristine areas(I try to stay a mile or so from popular backcountry camps), and keeping a clean camp (I usually dont eat bacon, meats, super smelly items).

[Benny]

Just finished reading and watching the videos about the URSACK. I'm definitely going to order one, it beats carrying around my heavy bear canister. Thanks for the info on the URSACK

Here is a link if anyone else might be interested CLICK URSACK

[BirdDog]

Be careful using the ursack in certain areas, not because it wont work, but because cetain angencies wont consider it a bearproof container (absolute bu!!$hit). Apparentyl during the "control test" the bear was able to puncture a bottle of honey, and since the honey leaked out... they suggested a bear could get the food out of the bag. Most PCT through hikers use these and just risk the fine from a ranger, which I would love to know the fine, just as I would like to know the fine for hiking with a dog!!!

I have 2 of them.....love them.

[rayfound]

Benny, just be careful, the URSACK, is not yet approved in areas where Bear canisters are required. Hopefully it will pass the test, but its not approved yet. So you'll still be stuck with your heavy bear can.

[BirdDog]

.....Oh also Shane or Brian.......

I read you guys like to repackage your freeze-dried meal into better container. I have done it for a few years and it save tremendous space. Look into OPSAK or Allosak (sp?). They are smell-proof, and can be boiled in.....a bit pricey but worth it. I cook in them without problem.

[Benny]

Yeah I read that the Ursack was still not approved. I would more than likely use it when visiting the UKR. I have taken my bear canister on treks to the UKR even though it's not mandatory, I just feel my food safe in them and I will not have any problems with bears. The Ursack seems to work and will cut big time weight, and that's what I'm interested in doing.