My gear list for an upcoming 4 day overnight hike.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Never posted a gear list as such in the past, Time to share my gear list for an upcoming 4 day hike. I am still trying to reduce my pack weight further. Rain gear in one area I'm looking into. I think i can save a considerable amount of weight with my rain gear.

Item, Grams
Packing,,
GossamerGear Mariposa 2012 Pack With Standard Frame, 756
Pack liner, 93
Sea To Summit Pack Cover, 89

Shelter,,
10 X Titanium Pegs, 100
Warbonnet 1.5 Metre Tree Straps X 2, 85
Warbonnet Blackbird Hammock, 666
Warbonnet Carabiners X 2. 48
Hammock Gear Cuben 4-Season Tarp Inc Stuff Sack & Repair Kit, 203

Sleep,,
Warbonnet 3-season Yeti Underquilt, 356
Hammock Gear 20F Burrow Top Quilt, 598
Blue Foot Pad, 16
Hammock Gear Pillow, 114

Cooking,,
Sea To Summit Collapsible Cup, 61
Lifesystems Filtration System, 24
MSR Foldable Fork, 12
MSR Foldable Spoon. 13
Evernew .9 Titanium Pot And Sidewinder Cone Inc Stuff Sack, 193
Traildesigns 12-10 Metho Stove, 15
Platypus 3.0L Big Zip Hydration, 166
Source 1 Litre Collapsible Bottle, 29

Clothing,, packed......
Montane Air eVent rain Jacket, 330
Montane Slipstream Jacket, 82
Mountain Designs Socks (black). 57
Rainbird Rain Pants, 226
Nike Dri-Fit 5 Green Running Shorts, 125
Montane Terra Long Sleeve Top. 167
Macpac Long Merino, 166

Other,,
Garmin Oregon 300 GPS, 201
Silva Compass, 29
Cleanspray Hand Wash, 15
Toilet Paper, 38
Hair Brush, 16
Washing Cup, 8
Kindle Ebook With Waterproof Pouch, 291
Samsung Galaxy S2 Mobile Phone, 148
Great Walk Map, 57
Sea To Summit Towel, 130
Petzl E-Lite Headspot, 28
Foldable Toothbrush. 16
First Aid Kit, 124
Sea To Summit Pocket Soap, 14
Dr Bronners Peppermint Soap, 18
Compeed Med Blister Plasters, 20

Worn,,
Sea To Summit Event Gaitors, 303
Montane Terra Top, 167
GoLite Timber Lite Shoes, 911
Lowe Alpine Tirari Pant (graphite Grey), 336
Icebreaker Anatomica Boxer (blue). 52
Coolmax TCE Socks. 74
Columbia Hat, 75
Leki Summit AS Poles,pair. 568

Base Weight 5.75kg

Food and consumables will total 1.5kg
Will carry 1.5 litres of water

Total pack weight at start of hike = 8.75kg

[wayno]

*&%$#! hell. you must run on the smell of an oily rag with 1.5 kilos of food for four days,,, that would last me two days max.....
you've certainly got a nice light setupm

what are you wearing on your feet. let me guess. it wont be forrests two and a half kilo boots

[madmacca]

1.5 kg food seems too light for 4 days. Typical planning figures are around 700-800g per day. So 3 kg for 4 days?

You could possibly ditch the rain pants. I generally only think they are needed for alpine conditions (where freezing rain and wind can be lethal). While the Great Walk can be wet, it's not going to be wet AND cold.

[Empacitator]

Nice gear list Phillip, especially from what you would have carried 12+ months ago. I also agree on not enough food and I would prob not take the rain pants (unless conditions plan to be extremely wet)

[ULWalkingPhil]

I had 3kg weight of food for a 7 day hike on Fraser Island and had food left over, enough for another day.

Breakfast is VitaBrits Weeties, i weigh out apx 110grams of cereal for each meal with powdered milk mixed into the Weeties and sealed in ziplock bags.

During the day i nibble on food, such as Natural Energy Fruit & Nut Mix, energy bar or some long-life bread and my own dehydrated bananas.

For dinner, mostly homemade dehydrated meals of pasta or rice, home cooked.
A large plate of homemade Spaghetti not the ones you buy up town, Spaghetti and pasta made with eggs, dehydrates down to 100grams.

At Fraser Island i tried for the first time Strive foods, it was nice, but a little heavy compared to my prepared meals. I could have saved more weight on food if I not taken the strive foods with me on Fraser, but i wanted to try what every one was raving on about. The vegetable laksta, yuck. Spaghetti was good.

I actually thought my food weight was a little heavy for this hike, but after reading some of the comments here, I feel better now.

I normally wear Merrell runners that weigh 500grams for the pair, this upcoming trip I'm taking my GoLite shoes.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Hiking poles are brand new, i stopped using hiking poles about 6 or 7 months ago, I'm going back to using poles now. My last set of poles I purchased from MacPac are a nightmare to adjust, you would turn and turn and turn the %##^ things, they would not tighten, taken them to the Macpac store recently and was informed that they had made a batch with this problem, something about the screw in the adjuster, i thought they might have swapped them for the new model that replaced this pole, but no, they would not replace, was very disappointed in that.

[wayno]

yeah screw locks are more falable for the locking mechanism failing. i had carbon graphite, every time you twist them the carbon graphite gets ground off in miscroscopic balls till eventually it lubricates the poles so they dont lock, cleaning out the dust isnt easy so its too much of a pain for multi day trips....
i still have one but only use it on day walks and basically dont unscrew it. it stays extended....

[ULWalkingPhil]

yeah screw locks are more falable for the locking mechanism failing. i had carbon graphite, every time you twist them the carbon graphite gets ground off in miscroscopic balls till eventually it lubricates the poles so they dont lock, cleaning out the dust isnt easy so its too much of a pain for multi day trips....
i still have one but only use it on day walks and basically dont unscrew it. it stays extended....

Mine are carbon, the macpac store told me the screw was placed in the wrong position, with little wear, you could not get a tight enough grip on the poles, something like that, was surprised if it was a known fault, why they not offer to replace the poles at the time, When i first purchased them they where ok. Not long after the problem aroused. The new version apparently has overcome this fault, so the Macpac salesman told me.

So i have opted for what is regarded if not one of the best poles, Leki.
Had to be 145cm for my upcoming custom made shelter from Terra Rosa Gear.
Hard decision on which Leki system to opt for, the flick lock or the screw, i opted for the screw because there regarded as being stronger and they have a lifetime guarantee.

[photohiker]

Tell us about these GoLite Timber Lite Shoes, Phillip.

How long have you had them, how far have you walked in them?

Just being the devil's advocate here, we've heard from you before about failed footwear that was not properly tested and bedded in prior to your trip resulting from you limping out with blisters. If you are not 100% confident in these, I think you should leave them at home and stay with the lighter Merrells you and your feet are used to.

Can't fault the list, can't see any meths for the stove there though.. If I were being picky, I'd suggest leaving one of the Montane Terra tops behind, and only taking one of the soaps. It's only 4 days after all, is that 2 or 3 nights? Is it cold up there, you seem to have a lot of down?

What are you using for camera?

[ULWalkingPhil]

Tell us about these GoLite Timber Lite Shoes, Phillip.

How long have you had them, how far have you walked in them?

Just being the devil's advocate here, we've heard from you before about failed footwear that was not properly tested and bedded in prior to your trip resulting from you limping out with blisters. If you are not 100% confident in these, I think you should leave them at home and stay with the lighter Merrells you and your feet are used to.

Can't fault the list, can't see any meths for the stove there though.. If I were being picky, I'd suggest leaving one of the Montane Terra tops behind, and only taking one of the soaps. It's only 4 days after all, is that 2 or 3 nights? Is it cold up there, you seem to have a lot of down?

What are you using for camera?

I'm more confident in my GoPro Timberlands than my Merrells. I taken the Merrels with me on Fraser Island because of the terain and there lightweight, otherwise its the GoLite. I use the Golites off track and so far there lasting well.

They are very comfortable, after i received the GoLite Timberland, 3 days later i taken them on a 40km overnight hike and they are brilliant. Ive since worn them for apx 200km.

One thing i can say for sure, is there not waterproof, even though they claim they are, stand in a paddle for 5 seconds and your feet are saturated, they do dry very quickly. The soles are very grippy in the dry, these are my shoes of chose when i hike at Mt Warning.

Meth is included in the food weight.

The Montane tops, i like to take two with me, wear one during the day, and change into clean top for sleep.

Its 3 nights,

Its the only top quilt bag I own, and yes it does get a bit warm, eventually will purchase a summer quilt.

It can be cold, but this time of the year, it should be very pleasant with warm days.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Almost forgot, camera.

Not planning on taking a camera with me on this hike, been there many times.

I own a GoPro Camera.

I can take my GoPro and do a trip report with my gear in use if anyone is interested.

[nq111]

Wow - I bet a lot of work had gone into getting this list and that light.

If I were you I wouldn't bother trying to get lighter .

But if you had to go further:

- Why a pack cover and a pack liner? I would just take the bag liner;
- You mentioned the rainpants. Yeah - a ULA silnylon rainskirt weighs 90g in the long - I wear one over shorts even in Tassie in the snow (pants may be better). Is more than enough for QLD;
- 10x titanium pegs? That is a lot of pegs for a hammock - i only use four. Which walk are you doing? If on sand you may want something with a bit more area and bite - a standard y-peg is only 14g;
- Hammock Gear pillow - if you are comfortable with that I would take it but if you are desperate to save weight - i use a cheap inflatable u-pillow in the hammock - weighs 50g;
- Sea to summit towel - I wouldn't bother (don't carry any towel personally) but again you may want it (small luxury).
- Gaiters - on a great walk the tracks are in top condition - an OR flextec gaiter is only 90g - or dirty girl gaiters may also be good. eVent gaiters are really at their best for snow / glacier work - canvas is best for bush and for just keeping out sticks and stones the afore mentioned options;
- I would also skip the Lowe Alpine pants and walk in another pair of the Nike dri-fit shorts (Great walking shorts).

Lastly no sunscreen or insect repellent - you are walking in QLD right ?

I agree the food per day is not enough to be sustainable, but hey - only four days and has worked for you before. You may lose a little weight but nothing dangerous.

1.5l of water? What season you walking (it is getting hot now) and how far between water? Water is super heavy but having been caught short once I would never skimp - if it is hot at least 500ml per hour assuming you can get to water within 4hrs to get some more in otherwise i work on 1.5l every two hours of walking (that is not always enough so need to keep drinking in the evening to catch up). Yeah - the weight sucks!

Note: these are only suggestions - my pack weight is higher than yours due to some other comforts - and I personally wouldn't bother with most of what I have said

[stuey69]

After seeing the comments about your food weight I thought I'd do a tally up for myself.
Interesting really, came in at 1450g, so your figure reasonates pretty well with me.
The rest of the gear looks good, so you deserve to feel happy about that weight.

[forest]

Time to share my gear list for an upcoming 4 day hike.

Looks great Phil.

Does your tarp weight include lines ?? Mines the same tarp but a bit heavier with my lines. Interested to know what your using if the weight does include them as it's about 80g less than mine.

Definetely try the rain wrap. I'm a big fan of my zpacks one. Especially when it's warmer. With mesh shoes your feet are wet anyway. Good weight saving over the pants.

Your could try a lighter pouch for the kindle. I've just got mine in some bubble wrap stored in the dry sack with my clothes, quilts etc.

Food is up to you but I hover around the 500g per day for a full days food.

The gram weenie in me says your pack cover and liner are too heavy. Cuben would be lighter If your packs silnylon anyway you probably don't need the pack cover too.

If your really trying to be savage on weight drop the pillow and just use some clothes in a sack/small bag. Your could take a "spork" that would do double duty over both a spoon and fork

Ditch the towel and just take a chucks wipe or use spare clothes.

No familar with the shoes but if they are not waterproof definetly look at lighter gaiter like the dirty girl, montbell stretch etc.

it wont be forrests two and a half kilo boots

How did I get dragged into this..... LOL. Give me a break.... they are 2.2kgs

[photohiker]

The gram weenie in me says your pack cover and liner are too heavy. Cuben would be lighter If your packs silnylon anyway you probably don't need the pack cover too.

Have to agree with this. I carried the earlier version of the Mariposa Plus (without the top pocket) across Scotland using just a pack liner. Zero issues with water ingress, the pack itself is already water resistant, I suspect the new version is even more so.

Also agree re the towel. I carry a wettex which does the job for multiple uses. Very effective and 8g dry.

Oh, and Kindle. My charming son imported a Kindle Touch Paperwhite for my birthday. Self illuminated and 206g. That has to be the ideal bushwalking ebook reader! 269g in the Kindle case which I stow inside the packliner.

[wayno]

pack covers arent good at keeping the rain out anyway, they can blow off in strong wind, not to mention get damaged by bush... plus it just adds to the time to get into your pack when you need something..... acts like an anchor walking into a headwind.... i think they are only for people who want to try and reduce the dirt on their packs... if you dont want gear to get dirty, it would be easier just to stay out of the bush.... bush - dirt, they go together, end of story....

[ULWalkingPhil]

Time to share my gear list for an upcoming 4 day hike.

Looks great Phil.

Does your tarp weight include lines ?? Mines the same tarp but a bit heavier with my lines. Interested to know what your using if the weight does include them as it's about 80g less than mine.

Definetely try the rain wrap. I'm a big fan of my zpacks one. Especially when it's warmer. With mesh shoes your feet are wet anyway. Good weight saving over the pants.

Your could try a lighter pouch for the kindle. I've just got mine in some bubble wrap stored in the dry sack with my clothes, quilts etc.

Food is up to you but I hover around the 500g per day for a full days food.

The gram weenie in me says your pack cover and liner are too heavy. Cuben would be lighter If your packs silnylon anyway you probably don't need the pack cover too.

If your really trying to be savage on weight drop the pillow and just use some clothes in a sack/small bag. Your could take a "spork" that would do double duty over both a spoon and fork

Ditch the towel and just take a chucks wipe or use spare clothes.

No familar with the shoes but if they are not waterproof definetly look at lighter gaiter like the dirty girl, montbell stretch etc.

it wont be forrests two and a half kilo boots

How did I get dragged into this..... LOL. Give me a break.... they are 2.2kgs

Hi, sorry I've taken so long to get back to you on this, somehow it's missed me till now.

Yes the tarp weight includes lines. To be honest the towel, hardly get's used, so I might try the chucks next time, I have a whole packet in the kitchen cupboard. I have since purchased a UL Exped air pillow.

Pack cover weighs about 110 grams. I don't really need it, it's more there to keep my pack clean. I don't think much rain will get into my pack. The pack is made from Dyneema, which I believe is water proof, apart from the seams.

[ULWalkingPhil]

The Leki Summit Poles, I did not end up using.

Not sure I made the correct decision with the Leki Poles, I've since found some negatives with the Leki poles in regards to using them as a shelter support.

The Leki pole tips are more narrow than any other pole and they bend, Bend them to far, they snap. This is not good if you want to use them as a shelter support. There's even a warning on the Mountain Laurel Designs website in regards to the Leki tips snapping, and another problem is the Leki tips being more narrow, it's hard to find a pole extender that works well with them.

Might have to put them up for sale, Have not used them thus far, Not even on a day hike.