Lightweight Backpacking Checklist, Extended Trip

[19Kilo]

Greetings Guys & Gals,

I'm leaving in two weeks for a 7 day backpacking trip.
I laid all my gear out, and did the 'ole..."do I really need to take this" questions. Packed it and repacked it again in different configurations in my pack. My pack comes in exactly at 30lbs. Without water. My food is split as I'm getting a resupply on the 4th morning at a road crossing.

Anywho....long of the short of it is....can anyone point me to a week long lightweight packing list? I've found a few online, but was curious if anyone has a tried an true packing list to share? I'd like to shave a few pounds yet if possible.

Thanks!

[DanglingModifier]

I'd suggest changing how you are thinking about and looking for those lists. Get rid of the "week long trip" focus in your searches. Look instead for ultralight packing lists for the AT and adjust according to your needs and comfort level. If you really are trying to go light and food drops or resupply points are regularly available there isn't really a packing difference between a four day trip, a week long trip, or a marathon thru hike. Essentials are essentials. Perhaps you bring a little more or less sunscreen or bug spray, but you'll likely use the same pack, shelter, sleeping system, medical kit, cook gear, clothes and incidentals whether you are backpacking out there for a weekend, a week, or a month.

Instead just focus on packing things appropriate for where you are and what time of year you are there. The UL AT packing guides should help with that since you live in that neck of the woods and presumably will be backpacking somewhere around the east coast area. You probably won't shave things down to UL weight, but who cares. Your goal is "light". The UL packing guides will give you some good ideas and might help you shave a few more pounds off your back. Seeing how few things someone can bring for a 2,000+ mile hike humbles you and helps you redefine what you really need.

[Miguel]

I was at 24 lbs when I started my AT hike April 2nd with a hammock setup, 3 to 4 days of food, and packing for cold weather. I see you are in PA and are leaving in Oct. so I'm assuming you are planning on some cool to possibly cold weather. If you are carrying seven days of food I'd say you aren't doing too bad at 30 lbs. I know I could have gotten it lighter but but didn't want to give up a few luxury items such as cell phone and battery pack to recharge it. I found the little extra doodads was the most annoying weight I carried. I agree with Dangling Modifier...much is dictated by weather/temps and availability to resupply and find water. Have fun!

Miguel

[12trysomething]

This is for a 4.5 day shoulder season trip. Only thing I would add to get me 2 extra days is a little more food. Good luck to you.

http://youtu.be/L-w4pjjXUnE

[19Kilo]

Thanks for the replies. I sifted through my pack items once more and shaved a few items but realized I forgot a few more.....repacked and came back at 30lbs again. So...30lbs it is.

[Nodust]

http://lighterpack.com/r/coukj5

This is what I just carried on the Long Trail for my one nighter. This has been good down to 24*. I'll add a Alite chair if I'm going with others to sure around the fire and socialize.

I evaluate after each trip. Decide if I really needed something or wanted something extra. My load is always getting tweaked.

[Otter1]

Instead, Give us your current list & we'll lighten you up!

[tight-wad]

I did 6 days on the AT with hammock, <15 pounds, no food / water. NO TOYS, No nothing but shelter, cooking, warmth/dryness, light. No fun. Stink, out of this world. What do you want out of your trip? There is a weight trade off between basic survival and a mimimal pleasure experience.

[FLRider]

The biggest difference between long hikes with resupply and short hikes with no resupply is...wait for it...the resupply points. Taking a zero or nearo day to resupply, wash clothes, charge electronic devices, and rest is generally a good idea every one in three to five days (think about it as if you were training for an endurance sport). Otherwise, the only difference is being out there for longer periods.

As mentioned by others, post up a pack list and we'll take to it.

[19Kilo]

The Long Trail, Vermont - 7 Day, 77mile Hike
Rt.89 to Rt.4, Division 5-9 Section, South Bound
Saturday October 4th A.M start to Friday October 10th P.M finish
Projected Weather Forecast is high 50's to low 60's during the day and low 30's at night.
Slight Possibility of Snow on Mountain Peaks.

Packing List

~ ENO Hammock w/Whoopie's & Straps
~ Enlightened Equip. Enigma 20* TQ
~ Arrowhead Jarbridge 30* UQ
~ Arrowhead Foot Pad
~ 2QZQ Under Quilt Protector
~ Equinox Tarp

~ Katadyn Water Filter
~ MSR Pocket Rocket Stove
~ MSR Fuel Canister
~ MSR Fuel Canister Stand
~ Aluminum Foil Wind Screen
~ Stanley Cook Pot
~ Coleman Enamel Coffee Cup
~ Collapsible Bowl
~ Titanium Spoon
~ 1000ml Nalgene (2)
~ Pack-it Gourmet Insulated Steep Bag *
~ Camel Back 2L Bladder

Packed Clothing
~ Micro Fleece Bottoms
~ Micro Fleece Top
~ Zippered Fleece Jacket
~ Smart Wool Sleeping/Camp Socks
~ Cushie Slip On Moccasin (Camp Shoes) *
~ ThermaSilk Sock Liners
~ Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks
~ T-shirt
~ Combination Fingerless Glove / Mittens
~ Frogg Togg Pants
~ Columbia Rain Jacket
~ 650 Fill Down Sweater or 800 Fill Down Jacket (Undecided Which One)
~ Black Rock Down Hat
~ Addidas Wind Breaker *
~ Head Lamp

Food Carried(4.5 Day Supply) Each Day Consists of Items Below
~ Breakfast : 3 Packs of Oatmeal, Instant Coffee, Dehydrated Fruit
~ On Trail Snack - Cliff Bar, Dehydrated Fruit
~ Lunch : Ramen Noodle w/Pack-it Gourmet Ramen Helper, Dehydrated Fruit, Cliff Bar
~ On Trail Snack - Cliff Bar, Dehydrated Fruit
~ Dinner : Pack-it Gourmet Meal, Hot Tea
Resupply of Food, Fuel, Batteries & Cell Phone Recharge on Wednesday Morning @ Rt.125 Crossing (Middlebury Snow Bowl)

Toiletry Bag
~ Trial Size Antiperspirant
~ Colgate Wisps (8)
~ Trial Size Gold Bond Powder
~ Wet Wipes
~ Body Glide - Small Stick
~ Biodegradable Soap
~ Dish Wash Rag
~ TP
~ First Aid Kit
~ Foot Blister Kit
~ Medications & Ibuprofen
~ Bic Lighter
~ Vaseline Cotton Balls

Items Worn/Carried
~ Knee Brace
~ Solomon Synapse Boots
~ Outdoor Research Short Gaiters
~ ThermaSilk Sock Liners
~ Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks
~ EMS Pant/Short Combo's
~ Columbia Cold Weather Synthetic Long Sleeve
~ Merino Wool Long Sleeve
~ Bandana
~ Trekking Poles
~ 4" Full Tang Knife & Fire Steel on Neck Lanyard

~ Map
~ Compass
~ Camera w/spare batteries
~ Phone

~ Flask w/Wild Turkey American Honey


* Items I may leave behind



That's It....pick away!