JMT 5: Weight matters

Fresno Bee reporter Mark Grossi has been backpacking before, and he knows the difference a few pounds can make at the end of the day. So he decided to take the contents of his pack to The Bee's postage scale to see which items could stand to shed an ounce or four.

Watch this video (the fifth in a series of eight) to see Mark weigh his sleeping bag, trekking poles and bear canister, as well as the pack itself.

In August 2006, eight journalists set out to hike and backpack their way through the 200-mile John Muir Trail, which connects Yosemite with Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks in central California.

To read about, and see photos, as well as the rest of the videos, go to the Digital Edgie-winning blog, FresnoBeehive.com/JMT.

Videos were shot, edited and produced by Will Albritton.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• fresno
• bee
• john
• muir
• trail
• hiking
• backpacking
• preparation

[ClassicCity17]

Oh, you ounce counters. If it feels light, pack it. No need to be a sissy!

[Glucoperon]

@ClassicCity17 have you carried a 50 pound pack over 211 miles of super rugged terrain at mostly above 10000 feet before? ounces matter and ounces add up especially if your old

[rainbowhiker]

Almost everything you're showing is way too big and way too heavy partner. Most of my journeys are in the 18-24 lb range with 4 qts of water in pack with everything. See my latest videos. Leave the trekking poles, get rid of your bag, it should be under two pounds, as should your sleeping gear and tent/tarp. If you will read the inexpensive book, LIGHTEN UP, by, Don Ladigin, you will find a multitude of ways to lighten your load. Counting ounces is good, but your current equipment is all wrong.

[Glucoperon]

by the way the larger, see through and easier to open blue bear canister is lighter so get one lol

[timonix2]

@Glucoperon that makes so much sense, thankfully last time someone was killed by a bear here in Sweden was... 1902... I will take a look at it though. See if it is recommended around here.

[Glucoperon]

@timonix2 bear canister! for bears. so the cant get your food.

[kylegosrawr]

haha he over thinks to much i bet he died

[hobbes95811]

@bobo1623 u have to have them on the jmt, it sucks

[CowboyKeN19]

@bobo1623 many places now require bear canisters

[CowboyKeN19]

If your going to weigh your pack and its contents, why not try to make it as light as possible? 25 lbs before food and water... why not try to get down to 15?

[cameronwojo]

at first i was annoyed with how unmanly this guy is, but then i watched it again and it's freakin hilarious how excited he is about it. way to go dude, you did it!