Thru-Hike of the Continental Divide Trail

[whuppinstick]

This isn't exactly backpack hunting, but I am an avid backpack hunter (see my ID goat story in the OIL section from this year and a backcountry ID elk from two years ago - posted it up here somewhere) so maybe it can slip by.  I'm leaving tomorrow to thru-hike the Continental Divide Trail this summer.  The trail spans 2800-3000 miles from Antelope Wells, NM to Waterton, BC (just across from Glacier).  While I'll only be online every 3-7 days, I'd be happy to come through and answer questions about lightweight backpacking.  I'm not an ultra-lighter, but my weight is probably down there compared to many hunters.

My base pack weight (not including food, water, fuel) is 21.5 pounds as of this morning, which includes a 4.5 pound professional SLR camera.
I haven't weighed it yet with food and water (still packing), but expect to be in the 35-40 pound range, only because I have to carry so much water through the NM desert.

Here's a quick list of what I'm carrying:
ULA backpack (2.5lbs)
Tarptent (2lbs) (but upgrading to a sub-1-pound cuben tarp in about a week)
Marmot Helium 15 degree sleeping bag
1/4" sleeping pad
Polycro ground cloth

Aqua Mira chemical water treatment
Evernew titanium pot
Pepsi can stove with wire mesh pot stand, foil wind screen, uses denatured alcohol
half toothbrush, toothpaste, flossers, sunscreen, athletic tape, duct tape, coffee filters (for filtering cow water), small cord, sewing kit, etc.

Clothing I'm not wearing includes zip-off nylon pants, Marmot Driclime jacket, Arcteryx Theta SL jacket, OR rain pants, Patagonia cap 2 bottoms, Arcteryx merino top (those last three are being shipped to northern NM and were not included in the base pack weight), fleece hat, fleece neck gaiter, liner gloves.

I'm wearing an Arcteryx long-sleeved top (Motus top), Golite shorts, Wright socks, and Montrail shoes. Also using Leki trekking poles.

And of course, the luxury items: SLR camera, ipod nano, am/fm radio, a smartphone, and a fishing pole to be picked up further north.

I'm sort of running through this quickly and probably forgetting some things since I'm leaving so soon, but again, if you have questions I'll try to check up at my town stops and answer them.  I'm hoping some backpack hunters might get inspired to drop a few pounds from this!

Here is where I will attempt to keep an online journal: http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=14668

[deerslyr]

Wow this sounds awesome! Im staying tuned.

[dawn2dusk]

 

[jackelope]

Tag

[kentrek]

i was just thinking of starting an inspirational thread...looks like ya beat me to it.
4.5 pound camera      thing better take some really great pictures 

have a safe trip 

[christopheri]

I will be watching this too. Good luck out there

[Ridgerunner]

Sweet trip can't wait for updates.

[Skyvalhunter]

Sounds like a great trip!! Love to see some pics along the way. My 63 yr old buddy just did the Mexico to Canada PCT hike last year. Another friend and his wife did it last year and just left to do it again.  I have only done short 100 mile hikes on it but will do it when I get a bit older.
  Make sure you plan for a day of rest every 6 or 7 days but sounds like you are well prepared. I am envious, you be safe out there and take care of yourself.

[Smossy]

Goodluck!

[Wea300mag]

Can't wait for your updates and pics, will be very interesting. Stay safe!

[actionshooter]

Very cool!
I subscribed to your journal.
I see you did the PCT in 05, 

[JoeE]

Where do you work whuppinstick, and can you get me a job there? This sounds like a great way to spend the summer! Good luck!

[scottcrb]

sounds awesome ill be following as well, good luck and stay safe.

[timberghost72]

Tag

[Boss .300 winmag]

Have fun whuppinstick, watch out for people who steal your water caches, if you cache stuff. My brother inlaw AKA trail name (balls) and his daughter ( sunshine). Are doing this now, and are 200+ miles into it already. They have had some water cached stolen already.