Help me with my pack weight

[archp625]

I'm going on a 6 day backpack hunt for spring black bears. Here is my gear list. Give me some suggestions.

	Number	Weight/Unit	Total	Cals/Unit	Total Cals/day
Mountain House Meals	6	5.1	30.6	460	460
Twizzlers	6	2.5	15	240	240
Snickers	6	2.07	12.42	250	250
Honey Stingers	6	1.2	7.2	150	150
Monster Trail Mix	6	5	30	700	700
Packaroons	7	1.0	7	120	120
Justins Peanutbutter packets	12	1.15	13.8	210	420
6" Flour Tortillas	12	1.1	13.2	90	180
Cliff bars	6	2.5	15	250	250
Almond Butter Biscuits	6	1.4	8.4	190	190
Black Rifle Instant Coffee	12	0.1	1.2	0	0
Bearnaked Granola Bites	5	1.4	7	160	160
		Total Oz	160.82	Total Cals/day	3120
		Total Pounds	10.05125
		Pounds per day	1.68

Item	Weight (oz)
Kifaru Reckoning Pack	115
Thermarest z seat	2.1
Nalgene water bottle	6.3
Bear spray	12
1 Liter of Water	35.27
Sleep system
WM Badger Bag	43.3
S2S Pillow	2.1
Thermarest pad	16
Shelter system
SE Cimarron Lite	43.8
Borah Tarp	7.45
Cook system
Snow peak Ti pot	25.1
Kifaru Large Pull out
S2S spork
8 oz isobutane
MSR pocket rocket 2
Mini Bic Lighter
Water system system
Sawyer Squeeze	7.0
Kifaru Medium Pullout
Hydrapak 2 L
Optics system
Sirui Tripod	45.2
Maven 15-45 spotter	45.4
Outdoorsman Adapter	3.4
Possibles system
BD Storm Headlamp	4.1
4 AAA batteries	1.6
First Aid Kit	7.0
Dark energy Poseidon Pro w/ cords	9.4
Zoleo	5.6
Toilet Paper	5.5
50 ft of paracord	3
Ammo Wallet 10 rounds	11.0
Fire system
Pyro Putty	3.6
Small Kifaru Pullout
Mini Bic Lighter
Backup matches
Kill Kit system
Tyto knife with extra blades	16.2
Black Ovis game bags
Pen w/electrical tape wrapped around it
Kifaru Medium Pullout bag
2 pairs Latex gloves
Clothes system packed in bag
1 pair ice breaker boxers	3.3
1 pair of socks Smartwool light hiker	2.4
Sitka Grey Puffy Coat	29.0
Sitka SA Traverse Gloves	1.7
Sitka SA Blizzard Mitts w/o liner just shell	4.1
Sitka SA Flash Pullover	8.6
First Lite Green Klammath hoody	14
TOTAL GEAR (oz)	539.52	33.72	Pack Weight w/o Food (lbs)
TOTAL FOOD (oz)	160.82	10.05125	Food weight (lbs)
Weapon Weight (oz)	157	9.8125	Weapon Weight (lbs)
TOTAL carry weight (lbs)	53.58375

 

[Corvus Corax]

Looking pretty good. Just knowing what everything weighs helps. Are grizzly bears a concern in the area that you are going? 12oz bear spray could be some weight lost. But, if it gives you piece of mind then leave it in! Did I miss binos? Or is that intentional? Maybe combine some kits to use fewer pull outs? Not much weight to shave there though.

 

[archp625]

Looking pretty good. Just knowing what everything weighs helps. Are grizzly bears a concern in the area that you are going? 12oz bear spray could be some weight lost. But, if it gives you piece of mind then leave it in! Did I miss binos? Or is that intentional? Maybe combine some kits to use fewer pull outs? Not much weight to shave there though.

Yes, the Unit we are hunting in is the Northern panhandle and there is a chance of grizzlies. I havent bought it yet so I could change that. I figure it was less weight than a pistol fully loaded.

I did not factor in Binos and harness. They will be on my chest and not in the pack.

 

[300wmxcr2]

To look at this a different way, most people are concerned about dropping 6 ounce from their pack weight or 2 ounces from their rifle.
I go on a diet and train before hunting season and can drop between 5 and 7 lbs, yes get fat over the winter.
That 7lbs comes right off your full carry weight, weight that needs to be moved from point A to point B. 7lbs less on your legs and feet makes a huge difference when climbing hills or even on the trail. Can you imagine what people would pay to lighten their gear by 7lbs.
Yes I do try and keep my gear as light as possible, total pack weight for 6 days is about 55lbs, but I dont worry over a couple of ounces.
And that my 2 cents.

 

[KChunter71]

Get after it!

 

[Dirtydan]

System looks pretty good but you could make some tweaks. I didn't see trekking poles and my guess is you'll use them as your shelter center pole. Also, drop down to a 4oz isobutane canister. Should be plenty for 2 boils a day x 6 days at altitude. I don't take extra batteries cause I put a fresh set in my headlight right before I go. It's splitting hairs and only saves maybe 3-4 oz but dump the P cord and pick up some Lash it/Zing it. 650lb breaking strength and lighter. You could loose the extra boxers because even after changing out you're still gonna smell like ass anyway. Also pick either a shell or the pullover, probably not going to need booth.
Yes you can certainly loose body weight to accomplish the same savings but why not try to get your body weight down AND reduce pack weight? Just my thoughts and I'm sure somebody will disagree with me.

 

[Slugz]

Ur spot on. Nearly identical to my packing list just different brands.

 

[archp625]

System looks pretty good but you could make some tweaks. I didn't see trekking poles and my guess is you'll use them as your shelter center pole. Also, drop down to a 4oz isobutane canister. Should be plenty for 2 boils a day x 6 days at altitude. I don't take extra batteries cause I put a fresh set in my headlight right before I go. It's splitting hairs and only saves maybe 3-4 oz but dump the P cord and pick up some Lash it/Zing it. 650lb breaking strength and lighter. You could loose the extra boxers because even after changing out you're still gonna smell like ass anyway. Also pick either a shell or the pullover, probably not going to need booth.
Yes you can certainly loose body weight to accomplish the same savings but why not try to get your body weight down AND reduce pack weight? Just my thoughts and I'm sure somebody will disagree with me.

Yes you are correct, I have trekking poles that I use. They wont go in my pack. They will also be combined as my center pole for my shelter.

The 4 oz makes me nervous. I did a experiment this weekend and boiled 500 mL and reweighed my gas. I basically burn 0.3 oz to get the water to a rolling boil. Im at about 850 in elevation. Do you think hunting in 4-6000 will make that much difference?

I will for sure have a fresh set put in before I go. I just worry that they could die and I would be screwed if I need to navigate at night. I like to use my headlamp at camp to cook.

I will for sure check out the Lash it/Zing it.

I think you are right about the boxers. This may be gross but it seems like everytime I go on a hunt I bring all these close and extra this and that and never actually wear them.

The flash is only if it rains. The Klammath is more of a in between layer between a sitka lightweight shirt and my sitka puffy.

I am in the process of loosing weight and working out. I am eating super low carb now and go the elliptical every other night increasing by a half mile each week.

 

[archp625]

Ur spot on. Nearly identical to my packing list just different brands.

Thanks I know I can improve on a few things but that cost $$$$. I could go to a lighter shelter like a Eolus or Silex. I also feel like I could drop some weight and get a stone glacier puffy. I haven't crunched the numbers but IM guessing I could drop 2-3 pounds possibly. It just adds up fast. I have never put number until this trip. I just went. Now I am starting to see ozs add up quick.

 

[Slugz]

Thanks I know I can improve on a few things but that cost $$$$. I could go to a lighter shelter like a Eolus or Silex. I also feel like I could drop some weight and get a stone glacier puffy. I haven't crunched the numbers but IM guessing I could drop 2-3 pounds possibly. It just adds up fast. I have never put number until this trip. I just went. Now I am starting to see ozs add up quick.

Yeah Ive rode this merry go round a few times and each time I think I can make it better I still end up in the 28 to 33lb range.

Like others have said. The more I work out the less I notice it. Im 51 and I wanna do this another 25 years so anything to save the knees is worth it.

 

[archp625]

Yeah Ive rode this merry go round a few times and each time I think I can make it better I still end up in the 28 to 33lb range.

Like others have said. The more I work out the less I notice it. Im 51 and I wanna do this another 25 years so anything to save the knees is worth it.

I appreciate the detail response. Really makes me think about a few things for sure.

My plan is to get into the best shape I can between now and May 23th. I know I can drop another 10 pounds by then off my body.

 

[Dirtydan]

Yes you are correct, I have trekking poles that I use. They wont go in my pack. They will also be combined as my center pole for my shelter.

The 4 oz makes me nervous. I did a experiment this weekend and boiled 500 mL and reweighed my gas. I basically burn 0.3 oz to get the water to a rolling boil. Im at about 850 in elevation. Do you think hunting in 4-6000 will make that much difference?

I will for sure have a fresh set put in before I go. I just worry that they could die and I would be screwed if I need to navigate at night. I like to use my headlamp at camp to cook.

I will for sure check out the Lash it/Zing it.

I think you are right about the boxers. This may be gross but it seems like everytime I go on a hunt I bring all these close and extra this and that and never actually wear them.

The flash is only if it rains. The Klammath is more of a in between layer between a sitka lightweight shirt and my sitka puffy.

I am in the process of loosing weight and working out. I am eating super low carb now and go the elliptical every other night increasing by a half mile each week.

I can get 8-10 days out of 4 oz but I don't ever take my water to boil. Get it to the point where i see the little bubbles forming and call it good.
Good luck on the trip.

 

[archp625]

I can get 8-10 days out of 4 oz but I don't ever take my water to boil. Get it to the point where i see the little bubbles forming and call it good.
Good luck on the trip.

Ok I still have some time to think it over.

Appreciate it.

 

[S.Clancy]

That's pretty good for 6 days and a 10 lb gun. On a different note, how you like that Maven CS.1 spotter????

 

[archp625]

That's pretty good for 6 days and a 10 lb gun. On a different note, how you like that Maven CS.1 spotter????

So far so good. They only thing I have to compare it to is a Vortex spotter I had. I liked the vortex but decided to get rid of all vortex items. The cs.1 fit the Bill on weight and price. I will know more after my late may hunt.

 

[Runningwater]

I get by with quality binoculars and using my sissy sticks for glassing. I've never packed a tripod and spotter for bear. Saves a lot of weight but depending on the country could see why you might bring it. That and my rifle is 3# less. And I'd likely have a bottle of decent bourbon. As others have said get in decent shape, and depending how far you're hoofing in a pound here or there won't make that much difference.

 

[Jonathan Hemlock]

Those Twizzlers are going to be a problem for you. Swap them out for Red Vines and you will reduce weight and increase your caloric content...

Seriously though, your list looks thorough and there’s no obvious weakness. You could save a couple pounds total on your sleeping bag and shelter, but those are expensive items to upgrade for one trip. If you can get by with less power you could trade the auxiliary battery for one of those little sticks you can get at a drugstore. Everything else looks like an incremental upgrade that’s expensive, saves only a couple ounces and may not be right for the trip.

 

[mighteywhitehunter]

Load the pack with what you need and go hunt. 2 hours into the hike my legs cant tell if the pack is 50lbs or 55, when I head home I hope it is a lot heavier!

 

[Jimbob]

Sitka puffy at 29 oz is heavy, what kind of temps are you expecting. My go-to puffy is a montbell ul parka at 9 oz.

Why the battery and zoleo? What do you need to charge? Only going 6 days you shouldn't need much on extra power.


I like to bring some dried-out baby wipes, great for toilet paper or a sponge bath.

Enjoy the trip.

 

[mcndrew]

Use a Gatorade/Power Aid 1L bottle instead of a 1L Nalgene.
—Save 5.2 oz, but lose a container that can handle boiling water. Cost: 2$
Do you need toilet paper?
—Save 5.5 oz, but have to use sun warmed and stream smoothed rocks, or moss. Cost: 0