Backcountry Hunting Pack Weight Calculator

[WapitiTalk1]

Hey folks, I've created a backpack weight calculator (MS Excel) over the years that will calculate the weight, in pounds, that you'll be lugging into the backcountry.  All you do is plug in your items, their weight, and the tool will spit out the total weight for both your total pack in, and, your daypack configuration once you set up camp and head into the hills.  If you're interested in this tool, let me know and I'll send it your way.  I don't know, you may either thank me for this or cuss me when you see how much weight you're gonna be lugging in  .  RJ  rory@wapititalk.com 

[quadrafire]

Wow. That is way better than how I do it......
I just put mine on a scale. Who knew there was an easier way? 

[WapitiTalk1]

Wow. That is way better than how I do it......
I just put mine on a scale. Who knew there was an easier way? 

Ha, you're smarter than I am.  It's also my overall checklist so I don't leave this or that behind (which I'm prone to do).  Edit:  And at my age, my eyeballs are bigger than my appetite sometimes so it helps me to list my items/weights so I don't charge in thar with 60lbs on my back   

[quadrafire]

 

[jackelope]

It's a good way to do it because it allows you to see where all the weight is coming from on a piece by piece basis so you can adjust a piece of gear or replace it or whatever.
If you know your sleeping bag weighs 5 pounds, you know where you can shave some weight.

[quadrafire]

I was just being a smart ass Jackelope 

[jackelope]

I was just being a smart ass Jackelope 

Oh yeah I get that.

[lord grizzly]

Been doing the back pack thing for a long time. I used to weigh my gear, eventually you get to a point where you don't need to. you need what you need back there and as long as your not taking things you don't it doesn't matter what it weighs. I couldn't tell you what my pack weighs, id be willing to bet its lighter than most . I also go with a lot less than most guys too though.

[jstone]

What is a good weight for a back country pack

[jackelope]

What is a good weight for a back country pack

Prepare for 5 different answers from 5 different people.

Your weight will vary some based on season, how many days, where you're going, etc. Personally with my gear that ranges in quality from mediocre to good and my packing and organization skills ranging from mediocre to mediocre, if I can stay around 40 pounds not counting my rifle I'm  pretty excited. I was really heavy on my mountain goat trips last fall because of the weather. Was up around 50. Some guys have the really lightweight gear and the OCD working for them and will be a lot lighter than that. I tend to bring stuff that maybe I don't "need" but want. I'm also far from an expert and don't have a lot of knowledge on this.

[cougforester]

What is a good weight for a back country pack

Whatever weight is necessary for you to feel comfortable being in the backcountry for the amount of time you plan on being out plus a day or so in case of weather/injury.

[jstone]

I was thinking 40 pounds would be comfy.

[Miles]

I usually just pack everything that I think I'll need.  Once I pick it up, it's always "too heavy".  Then I proceed to take out items that I thought I needed.  This continues until I pick the pack up and say "that's not too bad".   Then I'm ready to go. 

 Every once in a while I'll toss a couple snacks or sodas in dad's pack.  It helps keep my pack light.   I still remember the time I asked him to pass me the pepsi out of his pack at about 6 miles in with 2000' elevation gain. LOL    Warning: we joke a lot, so this may not work for everyone...  There have been more then a few "mustard only" sandwiches discovered on mountain top day trips.

[dreamunelk]

I must be getting old.  I still use a scale to see what my pack weighs.

[jstone]

Do you guys use tents or just a tarp or something else to cover you. To save weight