Weekend Pack weight anyone getting under 45lb and how?

[FisherKing]

Besides the "I sleep under a tarp people," I'd love to hear how everyone is lightening up their packs.  You ditching the spotting scope, going all ti..etc.


Cheers

[kentrek]

put up your gear list..should have no problem getting you down ten pounds 

[boneaddict]

I'll probably ditch the camera this year and seriously hunt.   I have a big one I am after.   

[Bean Counter]

I'm thinking of picking up a pair of 15x56 binos and leaving both the 10x32s and the spotter behind. That should cut quite a bit of weight.

[Mudman]

I like items with multi uses.  My 655gps is gps radio weather alarmclock camera etc.  Small binos, Water filter, multi tool knife, paracord and one of most important to me a book to read with plant/tree/grass info on whats edible medicinal and useful in many other ways including Indians use of local plants etc.

[MLHSN]

put up your gear list..should have no problem getting you down ten pounds 

That's a good idea.  I'll post mine while I'm at it.  Up until this point, I've just been a backpacker/fishermen.  I'll post my normal backpacking list first and then what I plan on taking for my first year hunting.

Golite Pinnacle pack 1 lb 14 oz.
Golite Adrenaline 20 deg. bag 1 lb 14 oz.
Neoair pad  9 oz.
Tarptent with bug netting, 1.5 lbs
clothes  2.5 lbs
food and adult beverage for 4 days 10 lbs.
2 liters of water, 4.4 lbs
Platypus Gravity filter 11 oz.
Snowpeak Litemax stove, fuel, ti pot, cup and spork 1 lb.
fishing gear 1.5 pounds
headlamp, gps, camera, first aid, bug/sunblock, batteries, etc 2 lb

With that, I'm sitting around 26-28 lbs usually.

If there is a chance of rain I take frogg toggs and if it's suppose to rain a lot I take my gortex so that's either .75 or 1.5 pounds more for rain in the forcast.  Some lakes I really want to raft so I'll take my 4 lb packboat.  When I want to go really light and cut some food/clothing I get in at 23 lbs.  When I splurge I hit 35 lbs. 

Additional gear I plan on taking for hunting.

Cabelas external frame (going to attach my ultralight pack to it and take straps to attach meat.  The web site says 4 pounds but it feels lighter then that to me.
Binos 1 lb
game bags 1 pound
rifle 7.25 lb or
bow 5 lbs

If I'm hunting, I'll plan on going with my light backpacking gear so with hunting gear I'm going to try going in with 35 lbs and hopefull come out heavier.   Some of the ways I cut weight:  Share the filter and stove with a buddy.  If he carries the filter I just take a 3 liter platy bottle and drink tube (4 oz, saves me 7 oz.)  1 fuel bottle will last two for 4 days, that saves .5 pounds.  I like to eat well while backpacking because I hate freeze dried food (ie, steak, fajitas, etc.) but will probably cut a couple pounds for hunting.  I'd like to add a spotting scope eventually but I've already spent enough on my initial hunting gear for now.

And the biggest weight savings, cutting the midsection.  That's why I joined the HW biggest looser comp.  I need to drop 30 lbs.  I can't believe I gained 30 after getting a desk job. 

Thoughts?  Ways to cut weight?  Things I'm missing you think I need?

[Mudman]

Lose the water and filter and get a katadyn type filter.  4-5lbs there. :dunno:Pretty good setup you got!

[kentrek]

put up your gear list..should have no problem getting you down ten pounds 

food and adult beverage for 4 days 10 lbs.
2 liters of water, 4.4 lbs
Platypus Gravity filter 11 oz.
Snowpeak Litemax stove, fuel, ti pot, cup and spork 1 lb.
headlamp, gps, camera, first aid, bug/sunblock, batteries, etc 2 lb

 Some lakes I really want to raft so I'll take my 4 lb packboat.   

game bags 1 pound

Thoughts?  Ways to cut weight?  Things I'm missing you think I need?

i hardly eat when in the back country for some reason so my opinion differs than with alot of people but id think you could get away with half as much food,prolly 3 pounds if ya do alil research..food is fuel..fuel gets flaverd with hunger 

for booz just take grain alc and bring cider packets..first swigs are alil rough but it gets better the more ya drink it 

2 liters of water seems a bit much, once you know where your water sources are it really doesnt take much to water to get around,but you know your body much better than i do so do whats comfortable..next time your on a trip tho try not to drink so much an see just how much water ya really need,it very surprising

water filter seems excessive,tablets are much lighter..also do some research on your own on the odds and reasons for getting sick off back country water..its prety interesting and an eye opener

try out the cat can stoves..there pretty rad an you can pack exactly how much fuel ya need
http://andrewskurka.com/2012/myog-hybrid-alcohol-twig-wood-stove/

get a high end game bag from "gote" or "caribou" and should cut down alil there

maybe upgrade you pack but thats spendy

just replace the batteries before you head out then you dont need to pack extras...unless your in very cold weather
first aid kits can sometimes be reworked to cut down

more ya know the less you need,try not to pack for "what if's"

other than that looks good 

what kind of pack raft are ya using ? and how do ya like it ?

[fillthefreezer]

if I'm going for a weekend with a buddy its not too hard to get under 45lbs. if its just a scouting trip even easier.

[MLHSN]

Lose the water and filter and get a katadyn type filter.  4-5lbs there. :dunno:Pretty good setup you got!

I'm not quite following how that will save 4-5 lbs.  The system itself only weighs 11 oz. and it's what I carry water in.  I've tried the chemical treatment which can save me about 6 oz. but I just never got use to it.  I would come to a water source thirsty and have to wait at least 30 min. to drink the water.  Plus it tasted a bit different.

[Mudman]

Sorry maybe I misunderstood.  Thought you were packing 2liters plus with you plus filter for camp.  My suggestion was a hiker pro or type filter where you filter any source and only as much as ya need when ya need it.

[MLHSN]

Kentrek, I'm usually going about five miles between water so I like to have about 2 liters if I'm going steeply uphill.  Sometimes I want to knock out ten miles without stopping also so that's why I might have more water.  If I know water sources are close I'll often go down to a liter and save 2 pounds.  I do like my food,  I have to get the calorie intake in the backcountry or else I bonk.  I could, and often do, cut down the weight of food by 3-4 pounds when I want to go really light.

I have a cheap Sevylor trail boat.  They have some really nice ones out that are lighter and more durable for about $400.  I'm happy with my $50 raft.  It's lasted me a lot of trips.  However, my buddy has bought two and popped both so maybe I just got a good one. 

As far as booze goes, I'll often put a fifth of 151 in one of those thin bottles that water comes in.  I put a few squirts of that ice tea mix. It's kind of like miox but ice tea.  I then add a few squirts of lemon juice.  At camp, I'll mix it about 1/4 booze/tea mixture with water.  It tastes like lemon ice tea.

[MLHSN]

I see mudman, that makes sense.  I just don't like to go without water.  I've pushed it a little to far without water before and got pretty dehydrated.  So I always take water now.

[Mudman]

I am same way.  I always have more water then I need.  My bladder is 100oz.! Same with food, I eat alot when active thats one reason I have my book so I can eat some native plants if I choose.  I would rather be happy and carry more weight then be super light.  Just trying to help with suggestions.  You have a good set up-better then I do!

[FisherKing]

I'm working on my list, you guys are making me weigh all my *sh*!
I usually head out solo so the sharing option is a no go for me.

[kentrek]

Kentrek, I'm usually going about five miles between water so I like to have about 2 liters if I'm going steeply uphill.  Sometimes I want to knock out ten miles without stopping also so that's why I might have more water.  If I know water sources are close I'll often go down to a liter and save 2 pounds.  I do like my food,  I have to get the calorie intake in the backcountry or else I bonk.  I could, and often do, cut down the weight of food by 3-4 pounds when I want to go really light.

I have a cheap Sevylor trail boat.  They have some really nice ones out that are lighter and more durable for about $400.  I'm happy with my $50 raft.  It's lasted me a lot of trips.  However, my buddy has bought two and popped both so maybe I just got a good one. 

As far as booze goes, I'll often put a fifth of 151 in one of those thin bottles that water comes in.  I put a few squirts of that ice tea mix. It's kind of like miox but ice tea.  I then add a few squirts of lemon juice.  At camp, I'll mix it about 1/4 booze/tea mixture with water.  It tastes like lemon ice tea.

ya water is pretty good insurance in big country...nothing worse than having to drop a couple thousand feet just to refill and then drink most of it just trying to get back to where ya started..thus why i pack an empty bottle 

it really just pends on what kind of trip and style your going for,im a fast(when traveling) an light person by nature so im always alil biased..every one has there own style when in the woods an it takes alil while to figure out each owns style

il have to try your tea mix..sounds alil nicer then mine 

[huntnnw]

NOPE..never will with film gear

[Smossy]

I'll probably ditch the camera this year and seriously hunt.   I have a big one I am after.   

Ever thought of a Gopro Camera set on 10-30 second intervals?
Makes for a nice quick video when spliced together plus you make sure you catch your whole trip, Without the hastle of the weight, Probably doesnt even weigh a pound.
Headmounted, good to go!

[Smossy]

I've got everything but a defibrillator in my bag.
Then again I haven't hunted with it/had to hike out meat.
I hike 4-10 mile vertical trails every weekend.
Backpack weighs roughly 55lbs and I'm about 175. Not including my bow.
Most the weigh is distributed on my waist though so it makes it easy on my back.

I just believe in better safe than sorry. Moms a med nurse, Access to all the medical goodies.

[swanny]

Under 45lbs is easy for a weekend. Next time you head out, as soon as you get home and unpack, pile up everything that you DID NOT use on your trip. Make notes, weigh it, whatever you need and don't take it next time. See how well you survive.

Weight your big 3 or 4 items. These are going to be your pack, sleeping bag, tent, and sleeping pad. To start I would look to upgrade your sleeping bag and tent. They are the two heaviest items most likely. A good 4lb tent (or less if you shop around) can be had for $200-300 now, and 2-2.5lb sleeping bags for $150-250, just depends on the temperature rating you need. If you aren't going solo, split up group gear items. Yes this does mean that you might have to sleep next to your hunting partner. But suddenly a 5lb tent is now 2.5lbs in your pack if you split it. Same goes for water filters and cook stoves or pots. If it's just two or three or even four of you, you can most likely get by with just one filter and one stove.

When it comes to food, this takes work. Food ends up weighing a lot when you start packing it up. Pick items you like and throw each days worth of food into a ziploc type bag. This will help you eat your food as you are out there, because most likely you will loose some appetite. Snickers bars are WAY better than Powerbars, so food that is easy for you to stomach is a must. Also, just because you are backpacking doesn't mean dinner has to be freeze dried. You can get some great ramen noodles and chicken/tuna in pouches that are easy to pack in/out and prepare. Mac and cheese is delicious on the trail. Mexican rice, tortillas, and some cheese is another easy to prepare and delicious meal. Just plan out your meals so you don't bring it all, because it does weigh you down if you bring to much.

[Fishhuntmike]

There is some sage advice here!

My weekend hunting pack is right at 30 pounds when I'm really careful.  This includes a spotting scope, tripod, meat bags, and a liter of water.

The ultralight gear market has boomed in the last 10 years so it's easy to spend money and shave weight!!!

Work on the big items first.  Tent (2-3 lbs), bag (2-3 lbs), pad (1 lb), backpack (3 lbs), and titanium cookware etc and you basically have it, as long as you bring only the things that you USE as posted above.

[MLHSN]

Fishhuntmike,  what pack are you using hunting that weighs 3 lb?  Coming from backpacking, it was hard for me to gulp down the idea of carrying some of the hunting packs on the market.  Many seem to be 9-12 lb.  which seems a little obsurd to me.  I ended up getting a pack frame for hauling meat that I'll attach my ultralight bag to but that still puts my bag at 5 lb 14 oz.

[FisherKing]

All, Some great advice thanks!

Just picked up a new tent from campmoor, http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___28620# my other one was 5lbs!

[Fishhuntmike]

MLHSN,

I use a Gregory Z55 pack (3lb 2oz) when I need to carry 30#.  When I go super light (20-25#) I use a GoLite Jam pack.  I use a Tarptent Squal (2#) or a Kelty Clark tent (Just under 4#) when hunting.  Other times I use the Hennessey hammock (2#).  Of course this means carrying the horns back to the truck and getting a better pack for meat hauling.  I normally use a 15 degf bag (2lb15oz) for all hunting after late September, otherwise its a 1 lb 12 oz bag rated for 30 degF.
I really like the looks of the Tarptent Rainbow for better headroom (about 2#).  Wish I had one.

Mike

[MLHSN]

How far back to the car are you going for a meat hauling pack?

I went the cheap tarptent way.  I used the plans Henry Shire's tarptent site and made my own.  I went from a 5 lb tent to 1.5 lbs for $75, it's been my cheapest weight savings.

[Fishhuntmike]

Cool you made your own tent!!

Since I usually hunt alone getting something means my hunt is over.  On average about 4 miles for a backpack hunt.  I bone out all my deer and carry them back in one load, most often with an internal frame pack with meat in a king size pillow case.  My tried and true 22 year old mountainsmith that was around 4500 cuin was comfortable and perfect for this.  I bought an eberlistock j34 after tossing my worn out mountainsmith, but it was not as comfortable for meat hauling.  I have an badlands 2200 that works pretty well at this however.

[ICEMAN]

for booz just take grain alc and bring cider packets..first swigs are alil rough but it gets better the more ya drink it 

Ha! I used to take everclear and crystal light and make snocone slushies with it. Love the high country in summer, free ice! 

[kentrek]

for booz just take grain alc and bring cider packets..first swigs are alil rough but it gets better the more ya drink it 

Ha! I used to take everclear and crystal light and make snocone slushies with it. Love the high country in summer, free ice!

sounds like you have my type of summer camps 

thatd be like a dream on some of those summer hell trips

[JackOfAllTrades]

I'll admit that snow cone slushies with everclear sounds inviting, but I never carry alcohol with me on a hike. I leave it in the truck for that quick buz when I'm dehydtrated getting back and ready to drive down those narly mountain roads.   
 
I'm using a resewn twice Remington internal frame pack that weighs in at 3.5 pounds. Tent is less although I want more head room. My bag is heavy but bloody warm! Sleep mat is comphy...  Getting around 37 pounds with dried foods. Some store bought, some I'm drying myself. I'd still like to cut another 5 pounds.
 
The suggestion earlier to go on a hike over night then pull out the stuff you didn't use is great. That's how I've been whittling down the weight. I look at what's there and look for alternatives or something that can substitute as a dual purpose item.
 
-Steve