pack weight?

[WaltAlpine]

Mid 40s isn't bad. I like to get away with as little as possible, while carrying enough clothes to be safe in case of a cold storm.
Without food, with water, I loaded my pack the other day and it was at 32.

[JPhelps]

38-40 lbs for a four day trip.

[fair-chase]

38-40 lbs for a four day trip.

^ That's my goal by next year. I know I can get about a 4 pound savings by changing my pack. The rest will be a much tougher (and more expensive) to come by.

[diggie-d]

Kentrek- I agree that would be beneficial, but I don't have said "coin" at the moment and it would be more torture hearing about lighter better gear that I cant have rite now. I also agree with your first post that it will differ a little for everyone. ive read a few threads on here that were more like gear lists and got some good ideas on my "wants" list. my "needs" list is already squared away for the most part, so that's why I was trying to stay away from a gear list because im worse with buying new gear then most women are with buying shoes! my wife says I have a problem. I will however be asking more about gear as summer approaches and my finances allow me to splurge on all the great ideas I get from many of you on here!

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

40-50 depending on details of trip.

[JM]

So if you're already familiar with backpacking, add you're gear that you need for hunting. If that weight is too heavy then discard what you think is unnecessary.

If it all seems necessary then get in good enough shape to pack it all.

My early season pack is 35 and my late season pack is around 45. Those are both without my bow/rifle

[Elkohol]

Do guys count the weight of your rifle to your overall pack weight?

[fair-chase]

Do guys count the weight of your rifle to your overall pack weight?

Yes, I also include my binoculars and bino harness. Even though they are not technically in my pack.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

This question continually comes up, and there's no "standard" by which people even talk about there weights.  Some guys don't count there weapon, some guys don't count anything they have on there body (like a guy where's his bino harness, doesn't count it), some guys are skin out (everything, period). 

But these weights can also differ significantly per trip.  I was at 48 pounds for nine days (+/-), but I had to have about 8 pounds of water with me for the hike in since there wasn't any water available until we reached camp.  That kicked my weight up to 56 pounds (then gradually it lessened...).

Good luck trying to get true accurate weights, there's multiple threads with gear lists on them, I'll post mine up tonight (after I do some off season editing for some new stuff) if I remember.

Man...can't wait for Spring.

[JLS]

Comparing pack weights can be as frustrating as comparing used car prices.

My philosophy is if I'm wearing it, I don't count it.  If it is attached to or in the pack, it counts.  I can be helpful to know your total load, bow attached and binos in the pack so that when your humping it up the mountain in the dark to set up camp, you understand why you're sweating your fanny off

[7mag.]

This question continually comes up, and there's no "standard" by which people even talk about there weights.  Some guys don't count there weapon, some guys don't count anything they have on there body (like a guy where's his bino harness, doesn't count it), some guys are skin out (everything, period). 

But these weights can also differ significantly per trip.  I was at 48 pounds for nine days (+/-), but I had to have about 8 pounds of water with me for the hike in since there wasn't any water available until we reached camp.  That kicked my weight up to 56 pounds (then gradually it lessened...).

Good luck trying to get true accurate weights, there's multiple threads with gear lists on them, I'll post mine up tonight (after I do some off season editing for some new stuff) if I remember.

Man...can't wait for Spring.

Yeah Travis, I agree. Pack weights can be very subjective based on the situation and what is included. I weigh my pack loaded, and ready to hit the trail. That includes a bladder full of water. I don't weigh the clothes I am wearing, or the binos on my chest.

[RadSav]

38-40 lbs for a four day trip.

I'd say that's about right for me too unless I'll be more than a mile from running water or a snow pack.  When we goat hunt in BC water is a 1 mile vertical hike away.  So add another 17# (two gallons) of water.  I cut that in half if rain is expected to be heavy as you can trap a gallon of water a day rather easily with a well made space blanket funnel.

[kentrek]

38-40 lbs for a four day trip.

I'd say that's about right for me too unless I'll be more than a mile from running water or a snow pack.  When we goat hunt in BC water is a 1 mile vertical hike away.  So add another 17# (two gallons) of water.  I cut that in half if rain is expected to be heavy as you can trap a gallon of water a day rather easily with a well made space blanket funnel.

Not related much to the thread but how many days does that 2 gallons get you ? What kinda temps/activity level ? In september base camp we have to pack water about half hour one way (not too bad) an I usually plan for a gallon a day per person when its hot out

[JPhelps]

September is a gallon a day minimum. I drink more if I run across it.

[grade-creek-rd]

My pack weighs 6.5 lbs...it's all the crap I put in it that makes it heavy...sorry, couldn't resist...JPhelps knows what he is talking about when it comes to gear/pack weight...but also keep in mind it all depends on where you go. I go to places with lots of water, so I carry very little and refill my water bladder throughout the day. For food I make sure to have high calorie foods (not there for the cuisine). I find myself carrying too many "gadgets" (GPS, Radio, Camera, headlamps, knives, etc) which I will try and cut down this year. Just make sure you can carry out all the stuff you take in plus an animal...

G-C-R