13 pounds so far. I will allow myself to carry 30. Halfway there. 6 miles so far for the daily distance. I may not buy a mattress, and instead carry two old ones (closed cell, open cell). My open cell can double as a chair. I still have my whisper. I need water purification, two plastic nalgene bottles, a flint and a knife. I think my fixed buck knife is too heavy. It has this big handle, and a sheath. I believe I need a folding style. considering a spot or similar. Also, I need wool leggings and a pair of thin gloves. I am condiering a small organizer but again, weight is everything.
Everything I read suggests that this activity is not bad for a healthy body, considering we do not overload it. It doesn't appear that I will have to do this activity alone. I have a plethora of people that wish to go with me. There is just no one in my family that wants to. I still plan to explore this irregardless.
On Sunday I am hiking with a pal. She doesn't always hike at my pace but the company is nice. I will keep my pack at 13 pounds for this.
I have a similar one, an older rei pack. It was my first. The thing I love about it, you can find everything easily. My Mountainsmith is like a giant duffel. I have to add some sacks for organization, but those also weigh something.
I am so rusty at this.