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| Geared Up |
I attended two classes at REI last month: light-weight backpacking and long-distance backpacking (AT thu-hiker style). The experience goes to show that even if you think you know stuff and have experience there are others that can contribute to your knowledge when preparing for a trek. With some of my not-so-current gear and thoughts on what I needed on the trail, I surmised I was carrying more weight than necessary. My last hike (February post) was the most arduous in recent history (with my current gear) and I felt the effects. Soon after the hike I had an annual check up with Dr. Matt and related to him some of my aches and pains, specifically arm/elbow, right knee, and right Achilles tendon. On the last day of the recent trek I felt some heat in my Achilles tendon which persisted for several weeks after the hike. Dr. Matt diagnosis: arm/elbow pain equals tennis elbow or classic tendonitis - nothing major, just take it easy; knee x-ray shows arthritis - again nothing major but no remedy, just tough it out with some ibuprofen, eventually this joint will wear out; but the Achilles tendon raised his eyebrows and he expressed some serious caution. Now this is not setting well with me who wants to increase the rigor of my hikes both in terrain and distance. He said I had to rest it or possibly develop a chronic condition that could lead to rupture; that direction was painful in another way - the cancellation of another planned hike. Major Bummer!
This combination led me to consider investing in some new and lighter gear and to more carefully choose what to pack to make my backpacking, frankly, easier with less stress on the old body, and, therefore, more enjoyable. First step was to weigh all my stuff; ounces matter and add up. My old external frame pack from Philmont days weighed in a 6 lbs. 6 oz., my water pump/ceramic filter unit, 1 lb. 3 oz., nalgene water bottle (empty), 7 oz.; radio/light, 9 oz. among other stuff. The classes suggested ways and gear to drop weight, so with a couple of 20% off coupons and some help from the Easter bunny I bought some stuff.
With this pack I am definitely up-to-date and it weighs a mere 3 lbs. which is a savings of just over 3 lbs. I used this on the Maryland AT hike (upcoming post) and the experience was transforming. I will able to carry all the stuff I need for any distance in this baby and it fits like a glove.
With no mechanical parts (like my ceramic filter/pump) this puppy comes in at 2 oz. slightly more than 1 lb. less and more reliable. I rigged this as directed in line with my MSR hydration system, filled the bladder with spring water (with bacteria probably) and had filtered water on demand for the Maryland hike. The gravity feed worked great, but took some practice. I got it now.
M had wanted me to have a new headlamp for some time so in true Easter bunny style this presented itself prior to the Maryland hike. On my last hike I nearly ran out of daylight and this would have been quite useful. It weighs 4 oz. less than the other bulky crank radio/light I was using and is more versatile (and way cool looking).
I traded in my 32 oz. (volume) Nalgene bottle for a 1 liter seltzer water bottle and saved 5 oz. I also seriously considered each item I packed for the Maryland trip. The goal was for my packed backpack to weight less than 20 lbs. without water, fuel, or food. The night before the trip it weighed in at 15 lbs.; mission accomplished. This did not include my 3 lb. tent, more clothes I will need during colder climes, and more food for a longer trek, but I am in the ballpark and have a new enthusiasm for counting every oz. that's on my back, pushing on my knees and hips, and adding stress to those precious tendons that run down the backs of my ankles.
By the way, the 42-mile Maryland hike left me feeling no worse for wear, so I believe I am on a more successful adventure than ever. Bring on some more AT.
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