Backpack Gear list Critique

SHTF

WKR
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So I have been counting the ounces in my pack and tonight I went through and itemized everything. Help me determine where I can shed some weight. 34# without water.

Let me know what you guys think and where I can lighten up my load.

 

7mag.

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Your sleeping bag is pretty heavy. I have the same problem, my bag is 4.5 lbs.

I did my math wrong, your bag isn't that bad.
 
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luke moffat

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I'd leave teh goal zero at home, get a real tripod for your spotter or leave the spotter at home and the pod, and also bring a bow or rifle along atleast some sort of weapon unless you plan on just going with the CRKT knife ;)

Looks good overall....I'd run that no problem and not look back. Look forward to seeing some hunt reports from ya!
 
OP
SHTF

SHTF

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Your sleeping bag is pretty heavy. I have the same problem, my bag is 4.5 lbs.

I did my math wrong, your bag isn't that bad.

yeah its just over 2 lbs =-). Cant get much lighter well unless I went with a golite bag but I think they are pretty close too.
 
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It's a great list. If you were looking to cut weight something like a super down jacket for insulation for -11oz. In the sleep system you could go to an exped ul 7 for -11 oz and I guess I don't understand what the ground tarp with case is? I'm guessing you could use a piece of tyvek at 4-6 oz and save 10 oz. so that 32oz if you wanted to get real picky.
 

OR Archer

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you could substitute a piece of tyvek for the ground tarp. super light weight and folds up really small. probably save you another 8-10oz.
 

Justin Crossley

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Sleeping bag and pad could be lighter but that will cost a bit. Like others have said, Tyvek ground cloth would save a few ounces and that one wouldn't cost anything. Overall not too bad. Looks like you are missing a couple things too.
 
OP
SHTF

SHTF

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Yeah this pack list is for just for up coming scouting trip. I dont have my bow and archery tackle in there as we dont plan on killing anything. The Tarp and case is just that its something I put down so my REI Stratus doesnt strike a hole since its a 2.5 inch blow up pad. Thanks for the tips. Is the Tyvek stuff puncture resistant? Thats why I have the tarp. Mountainsmith LT is my Shelter. Id love to snag a super tarp but right now the checking account doesnt allow for it. With my Bow and some different Ultralight backpacking foods I think I can keep it under 50# for 7 to 10 days. My Kill Kit would be adding in some Golite Monster stuff Sacks that weight about 3oz a piece. Gloves and a Havalon knife.
 
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id say it looks a little incomplete. pad is heavy. as said substitute tyvek, muleman had a piece in classifieds.
your water filter is heavy. whats in the hygiene kit, seems heavy. puffy is pretty heavy as well. i wouldnt pack the goal zero. my .02
 

endorice

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If I was being over critical, here would be my thoughts:
- a 21 ounce down puffy for pre-season scouting (here in CO) is too much
- that sleeping bag is heavy. Considering a light bag and wearing clothes if absolutely necessary
- that sleep pad is heavy
- ground tarp is heavy and could probably be eliminated (just depends)
- That pack is bomber, but heavy and you could probably do something lighter for pre-season scouting
- the light is the first thing I'd replace
- food is a personal choice and you might save some weight there as well.

I'm being picky, and it's not practical to go out and make a bunch of changes. When I was streamlining (years ago), I made a list of things I wanted to change. Then I looked at the price per ounce saved. I prioritized based on the most weight savings for the least amount of dollars. In the above list, I bet the light would be at the top of the list :)
 

breacher

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I carry a bic lighter vs. other fire starting methods. Never failed me but I guess its possible it could break. It would save you over an ounce compared to what you are using. Might be splitting hairs though....?
 

cmeier117

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Sleep pad - Get a new one, something under 20 ounces
Ground Tarp - tyvek
Goal zero - Don't take

With that said it looks pretty good to me. I wouldn't hesitate to use that for scouting and you shouldn't be that heavy for hunting.
 

blb078

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If you can swing $150 get a thermarest neo air x-lite, just got one the other day and like it so far, that will save you about a pound in the pad
Get this instead of a goal zero, if you need it for something other than a cell phone to to radio shack and make and adapter http://www.newtrent.com/store/android-phone-external-battery-1.html
Golite has their down coat on sale for $99 and it's 15oz
If all your warming up is water you can get a titanium cup and a cheap esbit stove which would save some weight too
 
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I just did this too and an area that could be much lighter for both you and I is the sleep system. Pretty heavy bag and pad. I have BA lost ranger 48 BA air core 24 and grand trunk travel pillow 12... its just so comfortable that I cant really be happy about spending money to upgrade in that area but it would be pretty easy to drop a pound there.
 

Snyd

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I don't know... some guys just kill me..... 34lbs is nothin. I say maybe just ditch a few things you think you can live without based on some guys suggestions if you want. Save your money and have a nice trip. Unless you really want to spend hundreds of $$ to shave a few ozs. Been there done that. It's not always worth it. Put the $$ towards some better binos and spotter or gas for your truck. I'll say it again.... 34lbs is nothin. Go find some critters!
 
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Justin Crossley

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For early season scouting and most hunting, my pad and quilt weigh 15 oz. (Xtherm) and 14 oz (Zpacks 30* quilt)
That's 29 oz total.

I think this is one area where most guys carry too much weight. If it's really cold I go to a 15* Marmot bag. (32 oz)
 
OP
SHTF

SHTF

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All Great advise for sure. Snyd Im with you on that. My friend. But My plan here is to shave as much as possible without increasing my costs to much. I have my limits. I maybe able to rework a few things based on the suggestions here and thats exactly what I was looking for is advice on where people see that I can improve. Now is it logical or economical to improve those areas? Some yes and some no. But at least I have the advice now and have some definite places to look at with my gear and what I can improve. If it means waiting for funds to do it then I go with what I got. But if I can swing something for this season Then I may do it.

Thanks again guys. This is why I love Rokslide. Great folks with Great advice.

by the way my Hygiene kit for me = Toilet paper Tooth brush Small Travel Tooth Paste and some Wipes. I know my limits and I cant stand fuzzy Teeth or wiping my arse with leaves =-). Wipes for me are very neccessary as I cant stand climbing into the bag at night being sticky from sweating all day. I gotta have something there. =-)

Thanks again everyone. I will make a list tonight and start researching and seeing what will be feasable to upgrade.
 
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