(I wish I could navigate these forums as well as I can wilderness terrain.) The stuff I view as essential weren't listed elsewhere in this thread, unless you folkss are discussing a short trek, or one covering familiar trail segments. How about a compass or a GPS unit and a topographical map. Sure the trail's worn into the ground and obvious to many, but who knows? Unnecessarily walking even a mile out of your way is a hassle. Also, unless we're talking about the shortest of hikes--say, those only lasting a weekend--I'd forego the trekking poles (there're sticks everywhere), the shorts, short-sleeved shirt, camisole (what's that?), sock liners, hand cleaner (redundant to the Handi-Wipes), camp stove, espresso maker (!!!), and flip flops. No offense, but for my 2 cents worth, a lot of that stuff is excessive luxury, and the short clothes are mostly only good for sunburning. At any rate, I appreciate the input from others, though, because there're so many thoughtful ideas there.

I know this kind of a hiking sin, but I didn't bother weighing my pack before I left.

I'd guess the thing weighed roughly 40 pounds with some food and water...give or take a little.

my pack when hiking with christina weighed 47lbs before adding the 7.5 with my 2 liter camelbak water bladder. add on the Godfather somedays, the PDA most of the time, little fly rod and small thingie for flies and the heavy little point and shoot camera, i was easily at 55. maybe 57. it was killing my unconditioned neck and shoulders by day 6. and i don't think it ever felt lighter as the trip wore on until maybe the 7th day. well, i think day 5 felt lighter, but 6 was back to the same feeling. ;-)

eric zamora

I'm leaving tomorrow for my JMT trip. I enjoyed so much reading about your trip, especially the pack items. So how much did your pack w weigh. I'm weighing in at 51 lbs. YIKES

Wow, gang, this was more feedback than I expected.

Truth? The espresso maker was worth the weight, but it wasn't always worth the hassle on cold mornings of using it. Thought it was a worthy experiment, tho. I'll probably try making "cowboy coffee" next time as one reader suggested to me.

As for the other stuff, I agree there's a little repetition built in. I won't address everything, but I'll mention a few things.

I saw the camisole got picked on a lot, but I figure at least it's silk (pretty light), and one of my articles of "clean camp clothes" to put on in the evening.

Guilty as charged on the writing implements. All I used was the "space pen" and didn't touch the pencil. That's writer's paranoia driven...I just really didn't want to run out of writing tools in the backcountry.

I'll check out the Emergen C idea. Intriguing.

I read several chapters from the book, as well as the scriptures.

And yes, I do bring several things in the sanitation department. I kind of figure the extra ounces are worth it to feel clean...but, they wouldn't be for everyone.

Guys, I really do appreciate all the feedback. As you know, perfecting your gear list is a neverending work in progress.

Also? The easiest thing I could probably do to shave weight is buy a new sleeping bag. Mine's a clunker!

You never mentioned how much this pack weighs. There are 5 of us making the trip starting the 4th of Sept. Good Luck.

COFFEE COFFEE COFFEE!!!!!!!!!!!

Micaela

What?!!!! No Def Leppard? LOL Have fun and keep the coffee.

I'm thrilled to be experiencing your trip vicariously. It has been my fantasy all my life to be where you are now. Never had the guts and at 65 it's a little late for me. Thanks for sharing, though.
God bless you.

I'm a coffee fiend too, keep the expresso maker ditch something else.
Have fun

I agree with the general consensus that you've got too much stuff in your pack. Leave the camisole and so many pairs of underwear at home. One extra pair at most is all you need. I use wet ones as my tp, so the tp could be left behind. Why have both camp soap and hand cleaner? Someone else questioned the trowel, but you'll need one for digging holes to bury your waste. Only one person in the group needs to carry it, though. The espresso maker is just crazy. Leave it home! Forget the pens as well. One pencil is all you need.

Somehow I think Spooky will be with you on the trail. Good luck - look forward to reading about it!

I wouldn't want to carry your pack...way too much stuff. If you haven't left yet, jettison
down to the bare essentials. Forget the shorts, zip-offs will do. Camisole? Naw! 2 underwear, you can wash. Forget the wet ones and hand wash, use a bandana with creek or lake water. Espresso maker? You've got to be kidding? Trowel? For what? Take tennis shoes instead of flip-flops, warmer and your feet will stay cleaner.
You'll be amazed at how little you can be comfortable with.
Good Luck and have fun.

How in the world can you carry or pack all of that? Well, you will definately be prepared for anything. Have fun:)

What? No matches?

It's probably too late but that pack sounds HEAVY!!! Some things to consider leaving behind:
shorts: you have zipoff pants already
camisole
underwear:try to manage with one pair, you can wash them
packet of wet ones: purell should be plenty, plus the moisture in the toillettes just add weight
small book: there's too much to do to read more than a few lines of scripture
titanium cup: you have your pot and water bottle (I know it's for the coffee, which leads me to my next one)
espresso maker: that's a lot of weight
water pills?: do you have a filter? If so, you don't need the pills
Are the water bags platypus-type? If so, okay, if not, exchange for platypus.
Water bottle: change out for platypus, saves 1/4 of a pound.
notebooks:rip out the paper and only take as much as you'll use.
small voice recorder
take one pencil, use your knife to resharpen, you don't need the pens.
Powdered energy drink: if you are referring to Gatorade, ditch it for Emergen C, much lighter and more nutrients. All the sugar in Gatorade is very heavy.
Just some thoughts. I don't know how much your stuff weighs, but there's got to be at least 3+lbs of savings mentioned here.