Everyone has different equipment and favorite items. I always enjoy seeing everyone’s gear and checking out what they have. Hearing their thoughts, what they like, what they dislike. How they got their base weight low. Upgrades they have done.
It seems never ending this obsession with gear! I thought I was done buying anything else, and then something else comes along that is lighter, or better, or on one heck of a good sale, too good to pass up sale! I say it over and over, I am good, it’s perfect! My pack is perfectly balanced and my base weight is good!
When I first started backpacking, oh my oh my, my pack was oh so so heavy. I was a beginner. I was getting gear little by little, and as cost effectively as I could. I wasn’t seriously worried about a base weight, to be honest, I didn’t even know what “base weight” was. So if you are new to backpacking let me explain base weight.
Base Weight: Base Weight is the total weight of your entire gear kit, excluding consumables which are food, water, and fuel. Consumables are not included because the amount varies by trip length and conditions. A lightweight backpacker (LW) carries a base weight under 20 pounds
The Backpack:
Lets start of with my actual backpack! I get a bunch of slack for this pack because it is not a “name brand” pack! How dare I not have an Osprey or a Deuter?!? It’s sacrilegious!!! I don’t care! I was going for something affordable, and I fell in love with this pack!! It’s not any heavier than the same size Osprey’s. So many things I love about it. It’s comfy, well made, I have used this since 2013 and been on many many a trip. I like the head cut out, so it’s not tapping my head every step and I can look up and around, everything I own (now) fits in it. So I don’t have to dangle stuff on the outside or strap my tent to the outside. It has pockets galore! It’s the Teton Escape 4300. 70 liters, 4.75 lbs. Link to check it out. Teton Escape 4300
So lets take a look at my pack over the years… and get a good laugh!
First up, we have my second ever backpacking trip, May 2013! I was soooo excited to be going on this trip! Hidden Forest Cabin, 5.5 miles 2,000 feet elevation gain. I was even more excited because my pack only weighed 35 lbs!!! YES! 35 lbs! It was a freakin overnighter! **shaking my head** That thing on the back of my pack, that thing is my Kelty, self inflating sleeping pad. It weighed 6 lbs all by itself! But it’s a Kelty! Kelty is supposed to be good backpacking stuff… right?!? Man was I a hot mess!
Next up we have my big trip of the year! This is the trip I was training for. This was the trip that all the gear was purchased for. This was IT! Havasupai Falls, June 2013! 10-12 miles, depending on what site you look at and who you talk to. I had dumped the “6 pound sail” and opted for a foam sleep pad instead.. lighter, but just as bulky! That thing bounced off the back of my legs for, I am going to say, 11 miles! But it only weighed 2 lbs! And to my excitement, my pack only weighed 38 lbs! But hey… It was four days worth of weight!
Jump ahead a little to November, 2013…. Well at least I learned a better way to carry the sleeping foam thing… Here I am on the night “hell froze over”! Cima Dome, overnighter, 2.2 miles, such excitement, my pack only weighed 25 lbs! Again its only over night, but granted it was going to be a cold one. Cold was indeed an understatement! I had frost on my tent, and I froze all night, especially after my 10 hour hand warmers died, when I opened them up at 4:oo PM. Lessons learned! This doesn’t include the 8 lb gallon of water I carried.. because there was no water, so yeah, I better bring a gallon! This was the trip that really changed it all! My tent sucked, my sleeping bag sucked, my sleeping pad sucked… I was cold and I was miserable! The area was gorgeous, the company amazing, but it was “Hell Froze Over” cold! It was time for an up grade or two!
Here I am now. July 28, 2015. For my first PCT section hike, 4 days, 3 nights, 54.35 miles, sharing food weight with Jupiter, my packed weighed 26 lbs! Now THAT is more like it! Everything fits inside. HapPy GiRL!
And for a quick last minute trip. This was October 2015 almost all current gear. Last minute overnight trip to Forsyth Trail, Pine Valley, UT. 1.5 miles to base camp. Pack weight 21 lbs, with the “luxury” items of chair, slippers and cool weather clothing!
The Tent:
So the first thing I ditched was the tent! If you read my previous post “Forsyth Trail, Fall Colors” I hinted at the last time I had been up there, we had a terrible hail storm. This was the trip I had really decided my tent was sub-par! I had picked it up at Big 5… (I know, I know.. but I do get my shoes at Big 5 and LOVE them) They had a car camping tent on sale $25.. but they were out, no rain checks to be given, none left in town. So I did my biggest baby impression, which I don’t do often, I usually move on and believe that it wasn’t meant to be. But I still had not picked up my backpacking tent yet, and dang it I was on a budget! So salesman sends manager over, I big baby fit the manager and point to a $105 backpacking tent. Can I get this one then, for the $25 coupon? *pouty sad face* Ok! So I ended up with the Hi Tech V 2 Lite I did love this tent since it’s trail weight was 1.5 lbs! I used my trekking pole instead of the pole it came with. Reviews said “doesn’t do well in rain” Who cares? Right? I live in Las Vegas I just won’t go out in the rain. Oh and IT WAS ONLY $25! Well as you will see below… you just never know when a rain and or hail storm will come out of the sky!
And this is why it gets the bad rain reviews! Notice the flat foot area? It leaked like a sieve, even seam sealed, and pooled water. The next morning it was flat as a pancake!
I am still on a budget, a I work for a non profit budget, but I needed to upgrade my tent. To be honest, I am already currently eyeballing different tents. I do like this tent a great deal, it was hard for me to upgrade, due to my current tent weighing 2 lbs more then my old one. The only feature I don’t like about my current tent is the entry. I wish it had a side entry.
My current tent is the Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 1 : Link to the Zephyr 1
The Sleeping Pad:
Next up we have my sleeping pad. You saw all of the previous sleeping pads. Now I have the Klymit Static V Link to the Klymit Static V I really do like the design of this sleeping pad. And it folds down into a stuff sack the size of a nalgene water bottle. No more foam pad to strap to my pack. I wish the R Value was higher then 1.3, Klymit does have an insulated pad with an R Value of 4.4 and one ounce more. When it comes time to up grade, more than likely that is the direction I will go. When I purchased this pad the only insulated one weighed in at 25 oz as opposed to 18.1 oz. Yes that 7 oz makes a difference!
The Sleep System:
I started out with a cheapo from Walmart. The Suisse Sport McKinley Mummy Bag. With a name like McKinley it must be toasty! And 3.5 lbs and 30 degree. Makes for a GREAT car camping bag. The 3.5 lb Anchor is what I nicknamed that thing. I am not a huge fan of the mummy. I have always felt cramped and restricted. But EVERYONE uses mummy bags, right? It’s the best way to keep warm, yes? Well WOW! Was I wrong. When I decided to do my first section hike, I knew I needed to upgrade the sleep system. But everything was so expensive, and I think I have said it before, I am on a budget. A, I work for a nonprofit, budget! So I took to Facebook and a variety of groups. Enlightened Equipment Quilts kept coming up over and over as what people are using. So I did my research and here is a link to my blog on the Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt: Made in the USA! My Thoughts in the Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt I just love this quilt! I cannot rave enough about it. And it only weighs 15.82 oz. (for my set up, these are custom made)
The Cooking System:
This is my original cooking system, I have not found any need to upgrade. I use the Jet Boil Flash: Link to the JetBoil Flash this system comes in at 14 oz. There is a lighter version if I had to do it all over again and had the $$ I would go with the Flash Lite, which is 3 oz lighter than the standard Flash. I love this system, because it also comes with an accessory that I can use to put my pot/pan on and cook my dehydrated meal on as well.
The Pots/Pans/Dishes:
My original pot and pan system did ok. I really can not complain too much about it. I bought the whole set for a nice cheap $30 GSI Bugaboo mess kit The handle is a bit heavy and as with all pots/pans it’s bulky. The kit weight 10.7 oz. The first part of this kit I ditched was the bowl and the cup. I upgraded to this super cool cup, bowl and plate set, called Fozzils, the set folds flat, snaps together to use and weighs 4 oz. I use my cup for coffee in the morning and it holds it just fine. I also love this set because it scrapes clean easily. Now speaking of folding down… after years of using my pot/pan set up and loving it, Sea to Summit had to come out with the X Series! While they are a bit pricey, I think they will be well worth it. I have not used the system yet, so PCT will be it’s trail run, or is that trial run? I was so excited about this new system, because they fold flat into each other! They weigh a bit more at 20.3 oz, but I think they will be worth it. The pot also has a lid, with a strainer.
So to sum it all up, my current system is:
I use a MSR Alpine Spatula that folds up and tucks away nicely and weighs in at only .7 oz REI link to the MSR Alpine Spatula
I also had this fantastic little silverware set from GSI, Stacking Cutlery: Stacking Cutlery link it only weighed 7 oz, but alas the fork disappeared into the fork vortex in the sky! After a month of searching, I finally gave up, so since I was ordering a new one, I went titanium! With the Light my Fire Titanium Spork Titanium Spork link it comes in at only 0.70 oz! So I will be making up for some of those ounces gained when I picked up the X- Series cook system.
The Water Filter:
For the water filter, I went with the good old pump action Katadyn Hiker Pro. Katadyn Hiker Pro link it’s weight comes in at 11 oz. I really tried to like the popular Sawyer Squeeze, I really did. I borrowed Magic Man’s to give it a try and the scoop and squeeze, scoop and squeeze method, just did it in for me. I liked that I could toss my intake hose in a shallow pool and stand up straight while hand pumping the water. My arms are stronger than my knees. Also if the water source was super shallow, it was difficult to get a good amount in the scoop with the Sawyer Squeeze system. But again, I seriously tried to like it. In some of the streams, Jupiter and myself were able to filter 4+ liters of water faster than Magic Man could filter 2 liters.
The Water System: I have two different water systems, depending on how far I go between water souces. My preferred method is two 1 liter Smart Water bottles and the Aqua Clip. Aqua Clip link It is also the lightest method at 4.6 pounds for 2 liters and the clip. For longer distance between water sources, I also include my 4 liter MSR Dromlite and the Hydration Kit accessory. This method with 2 liters of water weighs in at 5.8 pounds, so when I can use the Aqua Clip, it saves me a little over a full pound. MSR Dromlite link and Hydration Kit accessory link
The Rodent Proof Sack:
I tested this product at home, by putting my pups favorite snacks and some jerky in it and leaving it on the floor. They all walked right by and only looked at it, because it was on the floor. The next day, I put the same items in standard ziploc bag, they had so much fun tearing that bag open to get their snacks! I have never had an incident with any rodents either. One of our beginner trips, a lady left her peanuts in her tent and boy did the squirrels have a feast and made a mess! None of the others in Opsaks were touched. These product comes in at 1 oz per bag. Opsak link
The Clothing:
NO specific weight on these items, as each will be different depending on size.
Undies: I haven’t paid much attention, until recently about clothing items, what to wear to keep the, well… smells at bay. I did on my first section hike, upgrade my undies. After asking around, the name that came up the most was Exofficio. So I chose the Give and Go Full Brief’s. No ride up’s here, they do have other style’s but due to my body shape, I prefer the brief’s. I also trail tested these, not on purpose, but I do have a funny story to share. Last morning of a 4 day, 3 night section hike, just rinsing these undies each night, I hung them on Jupiter’s hammock line. He got up in the morning, sleepy-eyed and walked face first into these. Much to my horror, of course! I ran right over to take a precautionary sniff… WHEW! These guys had done their job! I purchase a couple more pairs of these. Exofficio website link
Bra: My first section hike, I just used a standard cotton sports bra from, Wal-Mart, it worked great on day hikes, but smelled horrible after day 2, I knew I needed an upgrade. I have trail tested this during my training hikes, and I believe it will work well. It’s super comfy, and I think it will do a good job keeping the stinkies away. I will update after my trip, if it is any different. I picked up the Moving Comfort Hot Shot. My only complaint would have to be the little padded inserts, any time I have washed them, they twist and I have to refold them. I may just remove them completely. Moving Comfort Hot Shot Sports Bra link
Sleepwear: My first section hike, I knew it would be warmer weather, so I just used a cami with a shelf bra and a pair of guys boxers with the flap sown shut. This time, it may get chilly at night, so I upgraded. I have not trail tested these, but I went with the Ice Breaker brand. I did find the leggings on the Ice Breaker clearance sale and my mom had a coupon on Sierra Trading Post for the shirt, shop the sales, this will save you a ton of pennies! Ice Breaker Oasis Leggings link and the Ice Breaker Tech Lite Tee link
Socks: There are so many good socks out there that it’s definitely a personal choice. I am really wanting to try the Injinji toe socks, but just haven’t picked any up yet. When I wear-out the ones I currently have, I will more then likely upgrade to those. Currently I have the Smart Wool toe socks, but I am unable to find them any longer. I cover those up with an unknown brand of wool hikers with the Cool Max technology. When I originally purchased these I thought that Cool Max was a brand. But I like the toe socks as they keep the friction between the toes away. On my first section hike, I did get a small blister on the little pinky toe, but my boots were new, and I have had zero issues since then.
Boots/Shoes: Your most important item! I am just not going to go there, every foot is different, what works for me may not work for you. I bought a pair of Brooks Cascadia’s that were HIGHLY recommended. Thankfully I did not pay full price, those gave me the worst blisters I had ever had. If you find something that works.Keep it!
Pants/Shirt/Skirt: I am still trying to figure out what works best for me! I know the pants I really like are the Columbia Sportswear Anytime series. Columbia Sportswear Anytime link For shirts I have had good luck with the Terramar brand (and these are fequently on Sierra Trading Post). Terramar link I do have a skirt, but I purchased it on clearance and it looks discontinued. If I end up hiking in a skirt and loving it, I may drop the extra pennies for a Purple Rain hiking skirt.
Jacket/Pillow: This is a new addition to my pack, but I have field tested it and I am pretty happy. My old down jacket, was just a little bit of a poor fit for me, slightly small, no hood and not quite as toasty as my new one. When I saw the Columbia Sportswear Omni Heat Shimmer Me II on sale at Sierra Trading Post, I just couldn’t pass up the 70% discount! After having several friends say they loved the Omni Heat, it was a done deal. Especially since it was in my color and had a hood! This jacket weighs in at 18.3 oz. However it was discontinued, but they have several other Omni Heat jackets available. Columbia Sportswear Omni Heat jacket selection
Buff: I love love love my Buffs. I have a half Buff and a full Buff. But I also carry a floppy fishing style sun hat for times when I need to keep the sun off my face. Buff link
The Solar Power: My first section hike, I had purchased a terrible horrible cheapo solar power device that did not work at all. Without having any additional funds, I was stuck using an iWalk external battery, which barely made it charging my cell phone for the 4 days. I kept it on airplane mode or off the whole time, just to conserve battery power. For Christmas, my parents purchased me the Goal Zero Nomad 7 and I picked up it’s battery pack partner, the Flip 10. The Nomad 7 weighs in at 12.8 oz and flip 10 weighs in at 2.5 oz Goal Zero Nomad 7 link and Flip 10 link.
The Tracker: I picked up a used SPOT tracker from Ebay. I like the system, when I can remember the sequence in which I need to check in and track. The newer models are easier and have a track button, I have the Gen 1. It works great, I am able to let my family and friends know I am ok at the end of the day. I also paid additional for the “tracking” program, so my family, friends and coworkers can follow along on the hike. Some of the new models have a type and send feature that mine doesn’t. SPOT Personal Tracker link
The First Aid Kit: I usually take my kit apart and put it in a ziploc bag. I bring pain medications, electrolyte tabs, band-aids, antibiotic ointment, ace bandage wrap, tweezers, burn cream, alcohol swabs, iodine wipes, splint, insect bite ointment, anti diarrhea meds, bandage scissors, a couple sizes of gauze bandages, etc. You know your basic first aid kit. I also include my bright green duct tape, that I wrap around my hiking poles for in case of hot spots or anything else that might need taping. And new to the pack is some Mom’s Stuff Salve that came highly recommended. Mom’s Stuff link
The Luxuries: On shorter over night or base camp and day hike trips, I take along some luxuries. If I can get my weight down in the food and water department, I will take the luxury items as well.
REI Down Booties: If its going to be chilly at night, I will toss these baby’s in to wear around camp as well as to bed at night to keep the toes warm! Down Booties link
REI Flex Lite Chair: I love to be able to bring this along to have something to rest my back on. It weighs in at 1 lb 10 oz, so I need to make sure I have weight down to justify bringing it along. On the longer trips, food and water out weight the needs of a chair. REI Flex Lite Chair
Also on short trips, I usually bring whatever book I am reading at the time of the trip.
The Food: I usually dehydrate my own food. Not only does it taste better, you know what is in it, but it weighs oh so much lighter. I have several recipes throughout my blog, if you want to check them out. Most people use the rule: 2 pounds of food per day per person. For my upcoming PCT section hike; CA Section A, Campo to Warner Springs, I’ll be on trail for 9 days, with 1 zero day. For the first 3 days, my food only weighs 3.3 pounds and for the last 6 days, my food only weighs 8.6 pounds. If I am not bringing my own food on the trail, I only buy from Packit Gourmet. When you open a package of their food, you can not only see the difference, you can smell it as well. They use only organic foods when available. Just turn one of those other brands over and take a look at the ingredients, AND the sodium amounts! NO THANK YOU! And their taste? Packit Gourmet meals don’t require you to bring additional spices just for some kind of flavor. It is really worth while to check them out. Packit Gourmet link
My Base Weight: My current base weight with my new products, jacket and solar power is 17.49 pounds!
I will have 6 liters of water for additional 13.23 pounds of water, and 3.3 pounds of food, so my starting PCT weight will be 34.02 pounds. The second leg my start weight will be 39.32 pounds.
I am a HUGE researcher. I think sometimes the research is more fun then the trip…. ok well no, not really. But I do love my researching! When I am in search of new gear, I call it “gear hounding”. I even have friends that just mention that they are thinking about something new and all my senses come to life and I swear the gears in the brain start smoking. I immediately go into research over drive! And soon their emails, text messages and Facebook in boxes come alive with links.. “look at this” “check this out” “have you seen this” So even if I am not gear hounding for myself, I will have no problem researching for my friends.I just have a deep obsession and love for gear hounding.
I want to add that I have not been endorsed or paid by any of these products, and the links are just added so you can check the products out. I highly recommend shopping around, Sierra Trading Post , BackCountry, Moontrail, and Steep and Cheap are just some of the places to find discounts and deals. Especially if you are on a budget, like myself. I have found the best deals on Sierra Trading Post or shopping the product sites directly in their off season or when they are changing out their seasons.
If you are trying to see exactly what your base weight is, or where you can improve on your gear weight, here is a link to a really good website that I found: WeighMyGear.com
It can be done on a budget, with shopping and planning and gear hounding.
I hope you have enjoyed taking a look at the evolution of my pack from 35+ pounds for an over night trip, down to 21 pounds!
The Journey IS the Destination!
Journeys of Snake Jumper 
Hello. I feel very grateful that you share your experience as a women while hiking. Im about to do a section at the PCT in June 2016. I’ve been dehydrating my own food but without any luck. I read you have a blog about dehydrating food. Can you share it with me? I couldn’t find it in this blog. Thank you!
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Thank you very much! 🙂 My recipes are included here in my blog. They are call “There has to be a better way to eat on the trail” You just have to scroll through. Or up in the right corner there should be a tab with lines, that will bring you to the Category’s.
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I hope this helps and makes it easier Joeanally 🙂 https://journeysofsnakejumper.wordpress.com/category/trail-recipes/
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I couldn’t read this out loud to Dick because I had tears in my eyes blurring my vision and my mouth couldn’t form the words because I was laughing so hard!
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