With only 2 days left, the last pieces of preparation are being put together. A neat order helps show all the gear I have with me and what I can pick at to try and save weight. From listening to other long-distance backpackers who have done a cross-country trip or any other trail, the weight will always be on my mind and I will soon be attempting to save pounds to ounces. When looking at my gear, I have everything covered.
Inner layers that are comfortable
out layers like rain gear and down jackets
a tent
17-degree comfort sleeping bag
sleeping pad
Satellite tracker
rechargeable batteries
lanterns
headlamp
solar panel
A book, Sudoku, and a journal
water purifiers
fully stocked medical kit
Propane tank, stove top, and cooking pans
All the toiletries
Bear Mace
Everything I could think of is here. To begin with, I would rather have to many things then forget anything. All I have to do is visit a post office and mail it back to my family if I am not using anything. I even now have all my food and a 4,000+ calorie, 100 carb+, and 30 grams of protein diet planned and ready.
For breakfast, we have ready to mix breakfast carnations which give me all the necessary vitamins a day and fill you up quickly with some nuts and granola as a snack. One of my water bottles will be used to mix electrolyte and hydration powder to replace lost sugars, amino acids, sodium, and nutrients. For lunch is peanut butter on blueberry bagels. A mid-day snack is going to be ramen but to be eaten as a cracker to avoid MSGs, using much water for cooking, and because I am weird. For dinner is going to be different flavoring mixtures with quinoa or couscous and mixed with the occasional sardines or tofu. The best part is going to be times that I get to eat out and enjoy myself since I will always be moving and burning calories. Every day is treat your self day.
Altogether, I have a backpack that is very close to 40lbs. The good thing is that my backpack should not be getting any heavier since I am fully stocked with gear and food.