*All gear has been weighed to the nearest
pounds, ounces, tenth-ounces (00-00.0) on certified postal
scales. Please keep in mind that totals represent dry
pack weight (food and water not included). Food and
water can add considerable weight, and that added weight
will vary according to water availability and the number of
days between re-supply. Customarily, I carry no more than
two liters of water (a tad under four pounds) at any given
time, even across barren stretches, because I travel light
and travel fast. My food bag (plastic shopping bag), on
average, contains no more than two pounds/day. So, out of
town and fully loaded for two days between re-supply, the
average for this trek, my total pack weight (water to the
next source, plus food) would likely come in well below 20
pounds.
It should be noted that ultra-light backpacks are not
designed to carry heavy loads, nor should one be trekking in
lightweight trail runners when lugging a heavy pack.
Since I’ll be blessed with the luxury of having support
during this trek, I’ll need not carry certain items and gear
normally lugged day-to-day. Stuff such as weeks of maps and data, heavier clothing,
days of food, comprehensive first aid/meds, etc., can be
left in the van, where (when needed or as conditions
dictate) they’ll be available. |