how would you describe the weight of your gear?

[Jason68]

Base weight 3.5kg, total 8.5kg - skipping, not hiking

[Strider]

Base weight 3.5kg, total 8.5kg - skipping, not hiking

5kg of consumables, for what length walk?

[tasadam]

To answer the question, I would say I am happy enough with it. Generally speaking, if it was too heavy I would not enjoy it as much and so I would be less inclined to want to get out there.
Define too heavy? Depends on your ability, strength, fitness, endurance, will.
My bushwalking kit I would describe as quite acceptable, without compromising on safety by carrying something that I would consider too light and inferior as a result. The difference for me is in adding 12.6 kg's of camera equipment to the packs.
Combined weight of packs fill of gear, excluding water, food, camera equipment, fuel = 26.2 kg's for my wife & I.
Add fuel, water (typical 1 litre each depending on what can be found), food at a minimum 530 grams per person per day, and that heavy camera equipment.
Some differences between winter & summer walks, or slightly heavier & more luxurious food for shorter walks, other changes as necessary but always sensibly considering safety.

[gayet]

I would class my gear weight as leaning towards heavy, primarily due to 7 -8 kgs of camera gear. I haven't weighed the current set up of cameras lenses tripod etc so it could be a touch below 7kg. I also take some luxury items like a folding chair - it enables me to walk as it helps keep the spine functioning. I try to keep it below 22kg including food fuel and camera stuff and then add a bit for water as required. 26kg is not unknown though

[north-north-west]

Mine varies depending on the camera gear I carry. With just the two basic lenses and no tripod, my winter kit is around 17kg, including snowshoes, snowpegs, waterproofs and one day's food. Add the tripod and remote and another couple of lenses and . . .

[Penguin]

Light at the beginning of the day and heavy at the end of the day's walking.

WA traverse, 14.6kg with everything but water.

The balance between weight, evening comfort and safety has bounced around this forum for years.

Part of it is about physical capacity. This little vegemite enjoys hiking more with a lighter pack, especially going down hill. My tent, sleeping bag etc have been exposed to some of Tassie's "finest" weather with me sleeping happily inside.

It has taken me a number of years to work out what is the best kit for me, sad to say the least helpful folk have been in a couple of the hiking shops. This is very true in Melbourne at the larger shops. Tasmanian shops have been more helpful with information about lighter options. The Web, my hiking buddies and this forum have been my main sources of useful data.

Keeping walking all, with 10kg or 25kg.

P

[Moondog55]

Outdoor shops in Melbourne seem to be aimed at trekkers and travellers or HA Mountaineers so that statement has a lot of truth in it. Also a lot od shop staff are themselves not ultralight walkers, most of my acquaintance are telemark skiers or Alpine/Himalayan/Patagonian mountaineers