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Post by hikerjer on Apr 6, 2020 17:04:08 GMT -8
Recently had an interesting discussion with a friend about "base weight " and exactly what it means.
What is your understanding of a backpacker's base weight. I just need a little clarification from experts in the filed - that'd be you guys.
Thank you.
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Post by trinity on Apr 6, 2020 17:18:38 GMT -8
My understanding has always been that base weight is the weight of everything in your kit except food and water.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Apr 6, 2020 17:30:46 GMT -8
Some fine folks consider "Skin Out" as base weight. Not me. Everything but consumables. (Food, water, fuel.) Those are the variables for any trip. 3 days or 8, the rest of the gear weighs about the same. That's base weight to me.
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texasbb
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Post by texasbb on Apr 6, 2020 19:12:48 GMT -8
Everything but the consumables: food, water, fuel
(Except that I never include the clothes I'm wearing because I don't like weighing things naked.)
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jazzmom
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Post by jazzmom on Apr 7, 2020 7:24:24 GMT -8
I calculate base weight as the weight of my packed pack minus consumables (food, water, fuel). I've seen toilet paper included ("consumable") but I pack out used TP, so I don't include it. I don't include clothes worn, shoes worn, hiking poles.
I calculate trailhead weight as the total weight of my pack at the trailhead.
The base weight is useful in analyzing where I can shave weight but the trailhead weight is what really matters.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Apr 7, 2020 8:17:23 GMT -8
What jazzmom said. I am happy to play with the grams on my base weight, but when it really comes down to it, controlling the food weight is the main place I can make a difference these days. Well, that and if we decide to leave out a couple of luxuries. Part of the purpose of my gear list is to indicate clearly what the luxuries are—and what they cost, weight-wise. I found myself debating between bringing the journal and bringing the ereader. I think if I have to choose, it has to be the former—which is strong stuff from someone who NEVER goes to bed without reading first!
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crawford
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Post by crawford on Apr 7, 2020 10:06:30 GMT -8
Yep, I'm with those above. My pack without food, water, fuel. I don't weigh the lighter in my pocket or the clothing I wear, but the stuff in my pack is weighed. That said, I don't carry too much in my pockets, sometimes my phone, a short piece of chordage, a lighter...that is about all.
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Post by tipiwalter on Apr 7, 2020 10:50:13 GMT -8
The only pack weight that's relevant to me is Day 1's pack weight including food and fuel and everything else. If I can't lift it off the ground it's too heavy---otherwise a 24 day trip w/o resupply includes 50-60lbs of just food and fuel and some books to read and burn---and my winter gear etc. So what if my 3+ week backpack weighs 100 lbs at the start? It'll be a weekend weight pack in about 20 days. And every day from Day 1 it's getting lighter.
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driftwoody
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Post by driftwoody on Apr 7, 2020 14:56:25 GMT -8
It's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture by focusing on a measurable number, such as weight. Without a doubt we can go faster farther more hours with less physical strain with a lighter pack, but at what point is camp comfort sacrificed to save a few grams or ounces?
Camp comfort does not necessarily mean luxury, especially for us older backpackers. Carrying 25 lbs instead of 20 on the trail makes little if any discernible difference to me, but a cushy sleeping pad or camp chair factors large in my recuperation from the day's miles and having a good night's sleep.
And then there's my steel guitar, which is necessary food for my soul. Just kidding actually, but I wish I knew how to play one!
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Apr 7, 2020 15:36:10 GMT -8
My Base weight for Yellowstone this Aug will be 14.75 pounds. The only thing I might add in is a 3 ounce chair. I will be comfy and warm. My camp distraction will be listening for wolves.
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Post by stevet on Apr 7, 2020 18:09:58 GMT -8
everything except food, water, and fuel. typically 15-17lbs depending on the season and expected weather.
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Post by JRinGeorgia on Apr 8, 2020 10:14:43 GMT -8
Agree with Jazzmom. It's your pack and what's in it, minus consumables. If it's in your pants pocket it's still weight but not part of your base weight.
I also usually don't try to segregate small consumables: toilet paper? I just include the starting weight (and besides I'll be packing that out anyway). Sunscreen, DEET, hand sanitizer, etc treat the same. On the flip side, baggies that my dehydrated food is in technically should be part of base weight but they get weighed with the food as consumables.
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crawford
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Post by crawford on Apr 9, 2020 6:04:09 GMT -8
It's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture by focusing on a measurable number, such as weight I'm in complete agreement, great post drifty. A small 10oz stool helps me quite a bit. Other times, depending on my spine injury, I take the 20oz Monarch. It really is a HYOH issue. A friend of mine, younger and with fewer injuries, is all about driving his weight down right now. He takes enjoyment in that because he's on a mission to grab every Adirondack peak and the lower weight matters to him. For him, it is part of the enjoyment of the whole experience. For me, I don't worry about base weight too much. I carry what I carry and can still pull 15-16 mile days (in elevation transition terrain) back to back without to much stress. If I wanted to get back to 20+ mile days I would certainly consider pack weight reduction. I just don't think I need to. If I was hiking more groomed trails with limited elevation change I can still pull 20+ if I need to, but I've grown very comfortable with my kit.
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toejam
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Post by toejam on Apr 9, 2020 9:08:25 GMT -8
It's a meaningful number for those who like to compare the size of their junk with others.
I once measured 12-something pounds of pack, tent, sleeping bag and pad. But depending on conditions that might be 4 or more pounds heavier. Then I typically carry more food than I can eat. Then I add fun stuff I want to have with me, and then I pack my fears. I'm happy if I can start a trip < 40#, and < 30# feels like I forgot something. So I think base weight is meaningless.
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davesenesac
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Post by davesenesac on Apr 10, 2020 10:09:15 GMT -8
Have never bothered to pay attention to "base weight" concepts though am familiar most do especially minimalists on web boards. The only thing I'll post on threads is "carrying weight" that is everything except one's naked body. That is what I actually carry. Easy to do on a scale by hefting the whole packed backpack before leaving while wearing the clothes one will be wearing up a trail and then subtracting one's naked weight. That noted, I have for years had very detailed Excel sheets where there are columns for weight that I'll update once a year when summer backpacking season begins as there are always a few changes to gear.
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