So who losses weight before a backpack hunt?

[Elite]

So I’m curious who all tried to drop the weight before a hunt? I’m curious if anyone notices a difference in hiking? I am 5ft 11 and weighed 178lbs and am down to 165lbs in 5 weeks. I got on the Keto diet and I feel a lot better everyday more energy. So with almost 15 lbs lost will there be a difference or do you only notice the weight when it’s on your back?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[KHNC]

I dropped off my wife back in 2002 before a backpack hunt in CO mtns. Lost 120lbs of dead weight. Unreal amount of energy since then and my success rates have skyrocketed on tags filled!

 

[Btaylor]

I dropped 15 prior to leaving for CO. Where I noticed the difference was in my knees. Not needing to load up on ibuprofen was nice.

 

[toadmeister]

Cool topic.

I also do Keto when I need to shed weight, it's about the only thing that has ever works for me.

I'm doing a Philmont adventure with scouts next summer, want to loose 20-30# more. Those knees of mine aren't as young as they used to be.

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

 

[bozeman]

I lost weight before the first hunt in CO; last fall and felt so much better, I just kept a similar regiment to keep the weight off....definitely in the knees and lower back can tell a difference.

 

[Ray P]

I have lost almost 90 pounds from 290 to 205 in a year and a half. Im 49 years old and was athletic in my day. Took a family portrait that is still hanging in our living room. I was mortified to see I had biatch t!ts. Have owned a landscape company all my life and can presently out work anyone half my age and still hit the gym 4 nights a week. Now just working on my dream goal for a western backpack hunt. Currently walking the stairmaster and incline treadmill with a 40 pound pack and can go forever it seems like.

 

[Bcaulder]

I notice it 100% but it can't be muscle loss

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[S.Clancy]

I dropped off my wife back in 2002 before a backpack hunt in CO mtns. Lost 120lbs of dead weight. Unreal amount of energy since then and my success rates have skyrocketed on tags filled!

Hehehe.
I actually try to gain some weight before a backpack hunt, but I tend to stay lean and mean year round.

 

[AK Troutbum]

I usually start hitting the mountains pretty hard around March and also start paying more attention to what I eat, in the hopes of shedding some pounds by the time Aug. rolls around. I'm 5'8" and normally weigh around 170 when I start, and usually by Aug. I'm down to about 150 or so. I definitely notice a big difference when I'm not carrying around that extra 20 lbs. This regimen seems to work pretty well for me, although I think that as I get older (I'm 50 now), I probably should try and keep my wt. a little closer to the 150 goal. Shedding those pounds is getting harder and harder the older I get, go figure.

 

[Stid2677]

Hehehe.
I actually try to gain some weight before a backpack hunt, but I tend to stay lean and mean year round.

I agree with the above.. I try to eat and train lean, but about 10 days out I try to put on a few lbs to help when packing and hunting hard. The weight is quickly lost over a 10 to 14 day hunt. I eat a spurge meal or two once back and then try to get back to the routine.

 

[big44a4]

I put on 10 lbs for this year (5’10, 210). Dropped 8 lbs in my pack for a net +2. Ended up losing 12 lbs on the trip. All depends where you’re at. Also did more cardio leading up to trip this year and will do more next year. Always feel like I can be better prepared.

 

[bobinmi]

I'm in the process of doing that while getting ready for next year. Dropped 9lbs so far. Sitting at 236 and hoping to be closer to or under 200 by next year.

 

[daddie63]

Nice work Ray. Keep it up

 

[sneaky]

I've lost a little over 50lbs since the first of the year. I can definitely tell the difference in how I feel, and especially on my knees.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[JP100]

I try to put on weight, been trying all my life but still haven't made it haha.
I strongly believe 'total' weight matters, ie pack+person.

On a recent hunt me+all my gear was less than my mates base body weight. On unstable ground/sidling it makes a big difference.

As a guide generally smaller guys are better than bigger guys at moving in the hills regardless of experience/fitness.
There are some big rigs who are absolute beasts, but they are not common.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

 

[jorgensen.travis]

The best way to determine if what you’re doing is going to make carrying your pack easier is to start carrying your pack. Even when I was young and did very little to prepare for trips, I always practiced carry my pack around a couple of months prior to going. It’s amazing how you get used to it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rvanbw00]

While I try to stay in decent shape year round, I gradually ramp up training as I get closer to departure for a trip. Where my weight ends up it ends up. Now, for the hefty guys spending thousands of $$ to be as light and efficient as possible, it seems to make sense that shedding weight (from your pack or from your ass) would make sense in terms of sweat economics.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

I do. Typically I slough off through the winter and then cut 20 lbs from spring to September

Live2hunt custom shelters

 

[toadmeister]

While I try to stay in decent shape year round, I gradually ramp up training as I get closer to departure for a trip. Where my weight ends up it ends up. Now, for the hefty guys spending thousands of $$ to be as light and efficient as possible, it seems to make sense that shedding weight (from your pack or from your ass) would make sense in terms of sweat economics.

Your right of course but there is also more to it than that. Putting a load on your back and moving your center of gravity is a big change, not to mention comfort.

Yes, loosing lbs is easier than spending $ to shave ounces.

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

 

[flinginairos]

Lost 35lbs over the course of a year training for my hunt this year (leaving tomorrow!). I have been eating pretty clean and no issues maintaining weight. The last week I have tried to gain a few pounds because I know i'm going to lose weight during this hunt. I know that going from 205 to 170 made a HUGE difference in how I felt and it makes it much easier to climb and pack weight.