Empty pack weight

[fngTony]

Well, beings that you’re from California just means that you’re not allowed to have an opinion!


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I hope everyone took that in good humor like I did

 

[AK Troutbum]

I hope everyone took that in good humor like I did

It’s all in good fun. I figured I could say that because I’m originally from Northern California also.
But shhh, don’t tell anybody.


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[WV Mountaineer]

I see you're from West Virginia.

Highest elevation in West Virginia - 4,863 (Spruce Mountain)
Highest elevation in Colorado - 14,440 (Mount Elbert)

There is roughly 25% less available oxygen at 10,000 feet than at 3,000 feet.

Day in, day out, a backpack is nearly always worn. So the weight is multiplied by the time it's on you.

Reducing weight from your most worn gear has a huge effect on how your body feels on the last day of your hunt.

Link to an article on our site I wrote on this:

https://seekoutside.com/blog/how-to-cut-your-hunting-backpack-weight/

I've hunted both. 10 days straight last year at 9500 to almost 11,000'. I hunted about the same at 4000' in slopes that averaged 75% grade. The remarkable thing is that I was no more tired elk hunting then deer hunting here. I averaged almost 6 miles a day elk hunting and a touch under 5 deer hunting. I have yet to see where 1 pound of pack weight left me filling refreshed.


Like I said, to each his own. If it is a big deal to you then act accordingly.

 

[Billinsd]

Well, beings that you’re from California just means that you’re not allowed to have an opinion!


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Exactly!!!! LOL.

 

[Billinsd]

It’s all in good fun. I figured I could say that because I’m originally from Northern California also.
But shhh, don’t tell anybody.


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So your opinion doesn't mean anything either, lol.

 

[AK Troutbum]

So your opinion doesn't mean anything either, lol.

Well ya, it does now. It’s just that when I was growing up it didn’t.


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[RockChucker30]

So, with the logic you both seem to use, Troutbum is more of an expert because there are taller mountains in Alaska than Colorado? And WV can not be in the discussion because he lives in West Virginia? Hmmm.....

I'm in California, and our Tallest Peak, Mt. Whitney is higher than any peak in Colorado, but lower than Mt. Mckinley. And I've hiked to the to the top of Whitney.

Carry on.....

I'm from Tennessee, so my comment wasn't aimed at elevating one state vs. another, but more to bring altitude into the equation.

Altitude is hard. Altitude gain is really hard. Stacking days of gain with little sleep at altitude and lots of miles covered takes a toll on your body. Reducing pack weight is one avenue to deal with this, and a pretty easy one to tackle.

 

[AK Troutbum]

I'm from Tennessee, so my comment wasn't aimed at elevating one state vs. another, but more to bring altitude into the equation.

Altitude is hard. Altitude gain is really hard. Stacking days of gain with little sleep at altitude and lots of miles covered takes a toll on your body. Reducing pack weight is one avenue to deal with this, and a pretty easy one to tackle.

I thought I detected a bit of a southern drawl thar.

As far as Altitude goes, I couldn’t agree more and while I don’t think it’s really an issue for us (not too many people hunting in Alaska where altitude becomes an issue), I can definitely see it having a major negative impact on hunters coming from lower elevations and hunting in areas of the Rocky Mountains. IMO, it’s just one more reason to try and shave pack wt. where you can.

Again, having a comfortable pack that has adequate available space, and will allow a hunter to carry heavy loads as well as possible is first and foremost priority one, but having the lightest wt. pack that is also capable of doing that should also be a big consideration, and there are packs that fill all of those requirements well.


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[WV Mountaineer]

WV,

Question, how many long western hunts have you been on? I'm trying to get a feel for your true experience out here.
I can tell you that after a week of hunting, I find myself dropping stuff like rain gear, splitting game bags, etc from my pack just to save a few ozs/lbs. To say a couple pounds doesn't matter, well In my mind it does.

I'm far from being out of shape, but weight matters. I could care less how a pack feels heavy. They all suck. I want a light pack that can be worn day to day with as little effort as possible. Starting at 7+ pounds (which in alot of cases is still light for some makes and models) and adding just two quarts of water and you're already at 11lbs. Throw the scope, binos, rangefinder, rain gear, food etc. etc and wear that day in day out, it starts to break you down.

3 elk hunts ranging from 7-13 days. However, the west isn't the only place you hike a lot of miles in extremely steep country. I know that is hard for you guys to believe but, it is just the simple truth.

I never said I didn't minimize weight when possible. Or, I don't buy lighter clothes, sleep systems, etc... I do and am constantly searching for better alternatives that gets my pack lighter. What I did say was pretty clear but, gets lost in these discussions. I'm not questioning anybody's fitness level, their ideas, or anything of the sort. But, people are always asking about "what your pack weighs". Wandering if they are missing something because a company made one 9 ounces lighter then their competitors. I understand that to mean they like to tinker just like me when they openly state they like their current system.

Pounds equal more pounds. I never implied otherwise. But, I carry 3 liters of water, a half gallon of tree marking paint, paint gun, food, and all the tools a forester needs daily in as steep terrain you'll find any where in the world that has trees on it I know what it takes, I know what it feels like, and, I know I can't tell the difference in my legs burning more with a pound more weight in my work kit.

I've said it three times so far and I'll say it again. If you can tell the difference when its on your back, then we are different. That is no biggie. I answered the OP with my thoughts and nothing will change that. Its the way I feel about it and my pedigree of experience far surpasses most concerning time in the field carrying lots of extra weight on your back. Not being a wise guy either. Just telling you how it is.

I'll leave it with this. I didn't say any of this to argue or belittle anyone. Its simply how I feel about it. Good hunting gentlemen and God Bless.

 

[Trial153]

Discounting people’s opinions based on were they reside is pretty shallow. Because quite frankly it’s 2019 and it doesn’t take a 14 month Lewis and Clark expedition to travel and go hunt different topography and far off locations. A good acquaintance of mine that lives about 45 minutes from me , he is a more accomplished mountain Hunter then 99.9% percent of the population of hunters. he lived in NY his whole life, and it would be easy to guess his name if you really wanted to.
Also there are places in the east that would test your meddle quick enough. While we don’t have the elevation gain like out west there is formidable topography nonetheless. Off trail in the Adirondacks, northwestern NH( the white mountains) north Western Maine and the Allagash isn’t easy country by any stretch. It’s big world and there is lots of experience, sometimes it pays to learn from others experiences in other places.

 

[bozeman]

I am from AL, climbed Mt Elbert in Sept 2018, had a 15 lbs pack and by the time I got to 14,433ft, it felt like 75lbs!!! Ounces lead to pounds and pounds lead to PAIN!

 

[Felix40]

I dont really get how this can be a debate. The lightest pack that does the work you need it to and is comfortable is going to be the best every time. Thats different for different people.

Kifaru bikini frame with highcamp 4800, homemade guide lid and two large belt pouches is 5 pounds even. Works perfectly for everything I do. I carry it basically empty 90% of the time then the other 10% Im not afraid to put 100lbs in it. I wouldnt want to carry something 9 pounds empty but if its worth it to you for some extra comfort on a pack out thats cool.

And I live at 9000' feet in case that is important.

 

[Kevin_t]

Agreed this shouldn't even be a debate. For me, I can get as good a carry on a 3.5 lb pack as any other pack available. Sometimes I carry an extra pound for features. If you need a 7 , 8 , 9 or 10 lb pack because it carries weight a lot better for you .. then go for it. I can get it done lightly.

 

[Turkeyslayer7]

I will start off by saying that I’m not near as experienced as many of you but I do understand that 5 pounds can make a difference. My way of thinking is that if anyone is that concerned with a few extra pounds then in the offseason lose some weight. I’m sure everyone in this discussion is not in tip top shape, which is fine, Hell im not either. Lose 5 pounds in body weight and that’s weight that your legs won’t be carrying. Fact is, is that at the end of the day you are gonna be tired at the end of the day either way


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[Fatcamp]

All I care about is that there is a group of people to talk with that are as obsessed about packs as I am. And that are cool with hauling a bunch of meat with it.

Once you have 100# pounds that needs to go uphill your point of view changes, and I refuse to go back to the truck for a pack. And I'm a bit poor at the moment. I did assemble a pile of stuff I could sell to get myself a Kifaru frame, so there's that. Need to figure out which one works with a cargo panel.

 

[Coveyleader]

"All I care about is that there is a group of people to talk with that are as obsessed about packs as I am. And that are cool with hauling a bunch of meat with it. "

Me too, problem is you have alot of input on forums from guys with no real world experience. Sure they have the gear, talk the talk, but haven't packed an animal 1 out.

 

[Runningwater]

I always laugh at the "lose the two pounds" comments. It doesn't even relate to pack weight.

I always laugh at when folks saying losing excess body weight has no relation to reducing pack weight. Its isn't the same, but losing excessive weight (and its correlation to being and shape and eating a healthy diet) will make a much bigger difference on the quality of a backcountry hunt than reducing your pack weight by 2 pounds. I sometimes hunts with folks that are carrying an excess 20+ pounds around their middle, and struggle at times on the hunt because of it - and it bemuses me when they ask if they should buy "x" new gear, because it will cut their pack weight by 4 oz.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

"All I care about is that there is a group of people to talk with that are as obsessed about packs as I am. And that are cool with hauling a bunch of meat with it. "

Me too, problem is you have alot of input on forums from guys with no real world experience. Sure they have the gear, talk the talk, but haven't packed an animal 1 out.

Don't mistake me using my work experience as a sign of not packing meat.

Take care and God Bless fellas

 

[Beendare]

I suppose it may sound silly to some shaving a pound here...a pound there.

I'm guilty as charged...and to add insult to injury..... I had to pay big bucks for that weight savings!

I come at this whole thing from this angle; My avg backpack weight on a deer hunt at 10,000' 20 years ago was about 65#. My avg weight now is about 42#. I can feel the difference, I'm a lot more mobile - even now that I'm 20 yrs older.

No doubt, THE most important thing is that your pack fits well and makes that 80# feel like its only 60#.....and it makes your day pack load feel like nuthin. It just so happens that there are a bunch of packs on the market in that 6# +/- mark that do this- a WIN, WIN.


Can a guy be a good hunter with a 9lb pack and 6 lb sleeping bag? Sure can...[the poor schmuck] /grin