MODS: If this is in the wrong place or there is no good place for it, obviously do with it what you will.
On another thread Hambo asked me how I got my backpack base weight down to 7 pounds. A base weight doesn't include food or water as that varies depending on where and how far you hike between resupply. When I get home tomorrow I will drag my stuff out of the garage and take a few pictures of it with a complete detailed list of what I carry now and the exact weight per the postal scale. Yes, if you want to get fast at shooting you need a timer. If you want to reduce weight, you need a postal scale.
Until then I thought I would explain the progression from 25 to 7 pound. Just like shooting a combo of gear, experience and preference is how it's done. That takes money, time and knowledge. Side note, all my lists are for three season trekking on trails. I don't bushwack, peak bag or hike through massive snow drifts.
EQUIPMENT: The weights are from memory but close. I'll weigh it tomorrow and send a few pics.
I have no connection to any companies in my life, including backpacking ones.
RayJardine.com The theory of light/ultralight backpacking was coined by Ray Jardine. He has a few books that actually break down EVERYTHING on long distance trekking. The one I read was called, "Trail Life". Warning, he is more opinionated and crazy than even I am. That's saying something too. LOL.
GossamerGear.com Backpacks I have an out of production Hyperlite in the 9 oz range.
Golite(out of business) old breeze backpack-14 oz. Have a smaller "Day" backpack that is around 12 oz.
ULA-equipment.com Heavy weight convertible backpack. Weight is from 41 oz to 25 oz with everything stripped off. This is how I use it. Use this if your a hunter or go off trail. They are bomb proof.
Zpacks.com 900 down 20 degree long sleeping bag. 19.5 oz
TarpTent.com When I use a tent I use an old, "Moment" tent made by Henry Shires. 34 oz
Stove: Homemade alcohol stove.
What do I do with all this stuff? I started hiking when I was in my teens. I think my pack was around 4 pounds empty at that time. My longest hike was the southern portion of the Pacific Crest Trail a few years ago. I walked the crest from the Mexican border in east county San Diego to the southern Sierra just south of Mt. Whitney ending in the town of Lone Pine. A total of 745 miles plus side trips to town for water and food in 40 days and 39 nights.
On that trip I used a Golite(out of business) "Breeze" backpack, Zpacks long sleeping bag and a Henry Shires "Moment" Tent.