1 ) My wife and I

2 ) Black Hills

3 ) Days in the mid 60's - 70's Nights in the 40's

4 ) 5 Days


Item To Carry Weight

MSR Miniworks 17.8
Texsport pot 8.3
fork and spoon 0.5
s2s foldsble cup 2.2
Big A aircore pad 23.2
Big A aircore pad 22.7
Towel 0.6
water carring bag 2.1
tent stakes 7.9
tent poles 11.2
C flashlight 1.9
MSR Whisper Stove 11
1L platypus 0.9
1L platypus 1
1L platypus 1
MH pathlight3 Tent 33
MH pathlight3 cover 35
A's Pillow 5.3
C's rain coat 8
C's PJ bottoms 2.8
A's comb 0.5
first aid 8.5
toiletries 4.7
maps 3.4
fuel 13.3
C's waterbottle 6.5
Sleeping bags 83
A's pack 70
C's pack 72
A's glass cleaner 1.5
Wash tub 3
A's pj's 9.8
A's extra shirt 3.2
A's jacket 13.8
C's PJ top 4

Can you give your total pack weights?

I will respond after analizing.

31lbs. w/o consumables.

It would be easier to evaluate your list if it were better organized. For examples, click on "Community Gear Lists" under "COMMUNITY @ BPL" on the right hand menu.

Is it 31# for both? 15.5# each isn't too bad, although for the conditions you outline, could be much lighter. To significantly cut weight, there are plenty of lighter options for tent, sleeping bags, and packs.

You could drop a couple pounds refining FAK, dropping filter for Aqua Mira drops, losing redundant (and heavy) water bottle, different stove, etc. Again, study some community gear lists for examples.

If it were me, and I already owned the gear on the list, I'd prob. go with it for this trip, then evaluate and lighten up accordingly for future trips.

Christopher, here is my shot at your list (with my bias):

MSR Miniworks 17.8> way to heavy, use chemicals, steripen, or gravity filter, you will save 14 oz minimum

water carring bag 2.1> redundant you have 3 platy bottles

MSR Whisper Stove 11> light options available- use alcohol or canister

1L platypus 0.9> make one of these a 2 lt for little weight penelty, you don't have to fill it all the way and it gives you more options

MH pathlight3 Tent 33> I think this thing wieghs 5 lbs 12 ozs., you can shave a bunch here, at least 3 or more lbs. A tarp or something like a DBL Rainbow Tarp tent for example...


A's Pillow 5.3> personal choice

first aid 8.5> this can be around 2-3 oz., knowledge is key here
toiletries 4.7> what is included here?


fuel 13.3> see stove above

C's waterbottle 6.5> 6.5? (please not the old nalgene!) you already have 3 Platy's- use a old Gaterade bottle at 1.3 oz.

Sleeping bags 83> this is 2.5 lbs a piece, there are much lighter options out there. When you can afford it, this is one area to save weight that will pay off.

A's pack 70> 4+ lbs- loose half that. You can get a 1 lb 12 oz Golite Jam 50 lt for $64 at their website right now

C's pack 72> 4+ lbs- loose half that. You can get a 1 lb 12 oz Golite Jam 50 lt for $64 at their website right now

A's glass cleaner 1.5> explain?

Wash tub 3> are you bringing an infant who needs a daily bath? use your cook pot or just a wet bandana

The rest of the stuff on the list is ancillary to fixing the above first. I hope this helps and helps to plan for the future.
Tad

A more specific/itemized list would be helpful. "A's jacket 13.8" doesn't tell us much and clothing is a system. Having a well coordinated clothing system can save a lot of weight while keeping you comfortable.

There are a lot of essentials that I don't see and all the little things add up (see my generic list below):

Fire starter(s)?
Compass?
Whistle
Knife
I see one fork and spoon for two people
Bear bag and line (think critters too)


Ditch the PJ's. If you can't wear the stuff standing up (and need it), it is extra weight.
3oz for a wash tub?
Five different water containers?
I like a "real" first aid kit myself, but 8.5oz is heavy.


In general, you have light-ish gear, but not ultralight. I can't see any way to get ulralight without going at the whole works. The filter, pot/stove combo, shelter, sleeping pads and packs stand out.



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Generic gear list:

Backpack
Pack liner
Trekking poles
Shelter
Ground cloth
Guy lines
Stakes
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Knife
Headlamp
First aid kit
Whistle
Compass
Map(s)
Fire starter
Sunglasses
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Small repair kit (duct tape, sewing kit)
Water container(s)
Water treatment
Cook pot
Stove
Windscreen
Fuel container
Spork
Cup
Food
Bear bag
Line
Shoes
Socks
Briefs
Base layer shirt
Pants/shorts
Insulation layer
Windshirt
Bandana
Insect head net
Hat
Beanie
Gloves
Rain jacket/poncho
Rain pants
Potty trowel
Toilet paper
Hand cleaner
Soap
Toothbrush
Floss
Toothpaste
Comb