Imagine what 40 lbs looks like... can you?
For the last three weeks I have been lugging around a ULA catalyst comprised of duct taped zip-locks filled with play sand at varying weights. My current load is measuring in at a whooping 40 lbs. At first, each single cell within my body rejected in unison. This past Sunday, however, I noticed a change. I covered 1800 ft gain/lost in over 7 miles on nearby Grandfather Mountain in ice without "noticing" the pack weight. It could have been due to distraction from the wonderful company or perhaps, just maybe, my body is getting adjusted to the weight.
Weight. A daily interaction since birth. How could I improve this relationship? How could I lighten my load so to speak?
Take a look at my tentative gear list selection. *indicates that this will be worn rather than carried in the pack. I'm also still in the market for a camera.
The Desert should seem like an enjoyable place given these improvements with weight saving selections in gear combined with pre-trail physical training.
Gear includes the following:
pack: zpack arc blast 52L
quilt: enlightenment enigma 850DT 20 deg R/R
liner: sea to summit coolmax
pad: gg Thinlight Insulation Pad 1/8"
tarp: Zpack hexamid solo w/screen
groundsheet: tyvek look into polycryo
stakes: zpack 6 inch Orange Ultralight Titanium Tent Stakes (8)
water treatment: sawyer mini squeeze
aqua mira
water containers: 1 liter bladders (3), 1 liter plastic bottles (3)
clothes: columbia long sleeve, super bonehead (M)
mountain hardwear rainjacket
montbell down jacket
defeet UnD Shurt Tank womens*
nike pro combat compression shorts*
mountain hardwear skirt*
columbia zippants ? Rain pants or fleece
shock absorber bra*
underwear
injinin socks
smartwool
calve sleeves
defeet arm warmers
defeet gloves
smartwool beenie
first aid: chapstick
sunscreen
bug repellent
ibuprofen, naproxen, benadryl, hydrozine, and immodium pills
tiger balm
AD ointment
floss, toothpaste, toothbrush denta pix, tooth powder?
foot powder
blister kit
pads (2)
handwarmers (2)
lighter, matches
hand sanitizer
leatherman micro
atheletic tape
misc: bedrock earthquack sandles
dirty girl gaiters*
altra lone peak*
gg trekking poles*
golite chrome dome umbrella
rope
mace
headlamp
guidebook, maps
sunglasses
electronics: iphone 4
ipod nano
camera
external battery w/cords
