Michael Freed

Too much food?

I packed up 5 days worth of food for the start of my thru-hike. I have my first few days planned out and it will take me 4 to 5 days (depending on mileage) before I stop at my first hostel.

Food bag includes: Cook kit with fuel, 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, 3 snacks per day, and electrolyte drink mixes. 9.76 lbs in all.

Puts my total pack weight with 2 l of water at 30.5 pounds. Ugh.

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#whatsinyourpack #backpacking #thruhike #AT2024

Apr 9, 2024 at 3:58pmWeb
Show threadMichael FreedApr 9, 2024

I was hoping to be closer to 25 lbs all in but it is what it is. This is probably the heaviest my pack will ever be unless I need to carry more water at some point. Once I get comfortable with water, I'll probably only carry a liter at a time. That will help a lot.

I know this is way too much food. Based on past experience, I know I won't be eating much those first few days due to physical extension and stress.

I guess I have a few days to think about it. :)

2/2 End

Show threadDoug Lane 🌈 BLM 🇺🇦Apr 9, 2024
@freeder23 Have you tried the dehydrated meals in advance? Because some gastrointestinal systems react negatively to strange foods.
Show threadMichael FreedApr 9, 2024
@douglane I've had a couple of them but not all. No major issues that I remember. I've had all the other food before.
Show threadTim StantonApr 9, 2024
@freeder23 30 pounds, including 5 days of food and 2L of water, sounds about right. You hit the 2#/day weight for daily food, which is a decent weight. I agree- once you get comfortable with figuring out water sources, you can sometimes greatly reduce the water weight (except, of course, during long stretches without water sources, like on a ridge).
Show threadMichael FreedApr 9, 2024
@TimKStanton ya, food per day is right where it should be. It all adds up so fast!
Show threadJDSApr 9, 2024

@freeder23 looks great! Consumables get consumed. You won’t be at full weight long and like you said, you’ll trim your average carried food and water as you customize your process on trail.

So awesome. I think you’ve thoroughly investigated and experimented and dialed your gear and systems far more than most people. Keep that attitude and process going as you continue on trail and it’ll all just keep getting tuned.

Show threadGemma ⭐️🔰🇺🇸 🇵🇭 🎐Apr 9, 2024
@freeder23 Too much? Not enough! Also not enough water. I'd recommend adding 2 more litres. Remember that you will be drinking and sweating continuously. The extra 2 kg will melt away rapidly.