A collection of backpaking/hiking kilt blogs/site etc. and "rain kilts"

[Alan H]

Yes, when I look at people on the trail these days, most are carrying much smaller packs than I am.

One things that really makes things tough, is if you hike the two really big 100+ mile Sierra trails, you have to put your food in a "Bear Cannister". Not every national park or wilderness area requires this, but enough do that you might as well just start out with it, and carry it. This is a Bear Cannister... this is the size my wife carries:


When we first bought cannisters, this was all that was available, so this is what I carry.



These add about 2-3 pounds to your pack. UGH. They're totally worth it, though, if you have a bear incident.

Our tent is about 6 pounds. I carry the cloth, Joan carries the poles and stakes.
Joan has a new sleeping bag made of microfiber, which cut about a pound and half off of her load, compared to her old bag. I didn't quite spend that much money, but my "new" bag is about a pound lighter than the old one.

we both usually carry 3 changes of undergarments, 3 t-shirts, and I make do with one long-sleeved wool shirt and a rain/wind layer. Joan gets very cold, so she carries layers so that she can pile on 4-5. Add to that a pair of shorts, the hiking kilt and a pair of long pants. I've recently taken to bringing a pair of zip-off convertible pants, which are much lighter 9but not warmer) than blue jeans.

Then, of course there's the water filter, since you take a chance on giardia infection now, if you drink raw Sierra water. That's two pounds. Food is usually in the range of 6 pounds when we start out.