What are you willing to sacrifice for pack weight?

[Bustercluck]

As I’m sitting here weighing my pack and it came in a little over 50lbs without my rifle for an 8 day trip I was wondering what creature comforts people are willing to give up to save weight and what’s a must?

For me, I have a little bit more food than I need but I kind of packed last minute and I didn’t have a lot of time to really go over my food list and compress it a bit. I must have a Mickey of fireball or sambuca(just in case there’s cause for celebration). I’m not going without a toothbrush either.

I could save some weight going to a lighter pack, the mystery ranch Marshall isn’t the lightest bag on the market and I kind of like sleeping in a full tent so I’m bring my msr hubba hubba.

Whats everybody else doing?

[eatram]

I find that there are always some clothes that can be left behind. Same with gear (ie only bring a havalon; don't convince yourself that you NEED another knife to deal with the boning. You can do without). Batteries: have a fully charged set in each device with one battery turned around backwards as to not drain it. This way you don't need spares. Underwear; you only need one pair. Socks last up to 3 days. Lose the second pair of gloves. Get rid of the GPS if you've got the delorme. Bring less food; I minimize my food every year and I still have some left over when my circuit is done. Lastly, don't focus on the actual weight; focus on what you NEED. For instance, I NEED real meat. If I go for 8 days, I pack 8 full apples and 8 full cans of smoked oysters. The extra weight is by far less significant than knowing that once i've crested the next hill, I get to eat good.

[fuzzybiscuit]

I was thinking that foregoing the micky of Fireball or Sambuca in favour of a big fattie would cut down on some weight but then realized I’d also go through all my food the same day I smoked it so probably not the best idea.

[decker9]

I was thinking that foregoing the micky of Fireball or Sambuca in favour of a big fattie would cut down on some weight but then realized I’d also go through all my food the same day I smoked it so probably not the best idea.

For this reason, I switched to overproof rum, I only need to pack half as much lol, it goes well with a hot tea before bed.

[Bustercluck]

I was thinking that foregoing the micky of Fireball or Sambuca in favour of a big fattie would cut down on some weight but then realized I’d also go through all my food the same day I smoked it so probably not the best idea.

Unfortunately I have to be able to pass a piss test when I get home. Even though it’s legal we’re still not allowed yet...

[butcher]

I bought a lighter tent and sleeping bag. Less clothes. Less food. Minimum fuel for the stove. Less ammunition.

[mooseknuckler]

I bought a lighter tent and sleeping bag. Less clothes. Less food. Minimum fuel for the stove. Less ammunition.

Less ammo? What if you run out and you are way back in grizz country?

I run a light pack - Seek Outside 6300 (<5lbs), floorless shelter, and a quilt. It's a good system until a mouse runs over your face at 2am and wakes you up.....

[butcher]

Less ammo? What if you run out and you are way back in grizz country?

I run a light pack - Seek Outside 6300 (<5lbs), floorless shelter, and a quilt. It's a good system until a mouse runs over your face at 2am and wakes you up.....

I can run out even if I pack 40 rounds. I guess I just stop shooting sooner now!

[twoSevenO]

Leatherman ... too heavy.
Mountain house .... tastes like shit and requires a stove and kettle.
Water filter ... pills are lighter and smaller.
Stove/fuel/kettle ... no need for early season hunts. Just extra bulk and weight. I dont drink coffee and mountain house tastes like shit anyways.

[decker9]

Leatherman ... too heavy.
Mountain house .... tastes like shit and requires a stove and kettle.
Water filter ... pills are lighter and smaller.
Stove/fuel/kettle ... no need for early season hunts. Just extra bulk and weight. I dont drink coffee and mountain house tastes like shit anyways.

I learnt this season, when a guy has a pack dog along, a leatherman can be a hunt saver. Hopefully my dog learnt her porcupine lesson lol.