Single Night S Rim Hike?

[Al]

I am certainly no expert on trekking poles but I can tell you from experience that you don't want to wait until the last minute.  I made that mistake, went to Whole Earth Prov Co.the day before we left town, spent a bunch of money (~$120) but got some nice Leki Makalu poles.  I really like them but don't think you need to spend near that much money to get some that will do the job.  I just noticed some Coleman poles for under $20 apiece on Amazon.

Al

[dkerr24]

The Leki poles I have are probably their most inexpensive aluminum model.  They were less than $45 for the pair.  No shock absorbers, but they do pull apart into 2 sections for easy packing.  I combine the poles along with a nice pair of Nike gel-padded cycling gloves for plenty of shock absorption.

You can definitely get into high dollar territory quickly if you buy graphite poles with shock absorbers.  Some even have the handy feature of offering a camera mount so you don't have to get out your tripod for quick shots.

[SHANEA]

I beg to agreeably disagree  on trekking poles and backpacks, etc.  The "lighter" a piece of equipment is, typically the more expensive it is.  If I'm carrying it, I want it as light as "reasonably" possible.  Ounces have this funny habit of turning into pounds really quickly. 

REI Peak UL Carbon Shocklight Trekking Poles - Pair @ 13.5 ounces for the pair @ $150.00

As I have a bum knee, I find the shock absorber indispensable.

Same concept goes with sleeping bags, backpacks, etc.  I want it very comfortable and very light weight.  Especially a backpack.  If I'm hauling stuff up on my back, I want the backpack to feel like it is not there if it is on my back and hips.   Thus, I spent several hundred dollars on a very comfortable backpack and even more on sleeping bags.

Of course, my philosophy is much different than others.    I'd rather purchase quality and light weight up front so that it will last for a very long time. 

[Al]

There is a happy medium between quality and price.  The gear must be high enough quality to be reliable and reasonably light weight but I could reduce my total hiking weight more through dieting than spending money on the highest end equipment.  But I am probably the exception.

Al

[badknees]

but I could reduce my total hiking weight more through dieting than spending money on the highest end equipment.  But I am probably the exception.

Al

You are not alone!

[dkerr24]

I beg to agreeably disagree  on trekking poles and backpacks, etc.  The "lighter" a piece of equipment is, typically the more expensive it is.  If I'm carrying it, I want it as light as "reasonably" possible.  Ounces have this funny habit of turning into pounds really quickly. 

REI Peak UL Carbon Shocklight Trekking Poles - Pair @ 13.5 ounces for the pair @ $150.00

As I have a bum knee, I find the shock absorber indispensable.

Same concept goes with sleeping bags, backpacks, etc.  I want it very comfortable and very light weight.  Especially a backpack.  If I'm hauling stuff up on my back, I want the backpack to feel like it is not there if it is on my back and hips.   Thus, I spent several hundred dollars on a very comfortable backpack and even more on sleeping bags.

Of course, my philosophy is much different than others.    I'd rather purchase quality and light weight up front so that it will last for a very long time. 

I'm in agreement with ya, Shane.  I do see the need for ultralight gear, especially for desert hiking where water is your biggest load to carry. 

I just can't justify spending $150 on poles when my $45 ones have done the job admirably for 5 years.  I don't spare any expense when it comes to hiking boots, however.  If my feet are killing me, it really puts a damper on the fun.

[jeffblaylock]

I always analyze the cost per ounce reduced as a significant (but not deciding) factor as to whether I will purchase a lighter piece of gear. I also look at potential other functions the gear might serve, quality and durability (both significantly more of a deciding factor than cost, but I'm in the "spare no expense" camp when it comes to my primary hobbies), and something I simply call the X-factor, which is, is this object going to help me have a better time when I'm out there.

By FAR, the best thing anyone can do is list out in a spreadsheet all the gear you're planning on taking and weigh each item. I have a digital postal scale which measures up to 5 pounds in both ounces and grams (and I use the grams, since it's a smaller unit). Then you can see the total weight, see what is contributing to it, and research some lighter weight alternatives. You might decide that your goal is to reduce it by 5 pounds. You can do this by (1) buying something lighter, (2) buying or taking something that will serve multiple functions, thus eliminating a piece of gear, or (3) not taking it along. Then you can analyze the cost/ounce reduced and decide whether your money is best directed at a new backpack, trekking poles, new shelter, etc. I know this is over-the-top geeky, but it works. 

Of course, a pound on your back feels the same as a pound in your body to your feet. There's no denying the best way to reduce trail weight is simply to lose weight, and that benefits your feet all the time, not just while backpacking. And it can be free (or even a net revenue gain), depending on how you go about dropping those 5 pounds. 

[bdhawk133]

I beg to agreeably disagree  on trekking poles and backpacks, etc.  The "lighter" a piece of equipment is, typically the more expensive it is.  If I'm carrying it, I want it as light as "reasonably" possible.  Ounces have this funny habit of turning into pounds really quickly. 

REI Peak UL Carbon Shocklight Trekking Poles - Pair @ 13.5 ounces for the pair @ $150.00

As I have a bum knee, I find the shock absorber indispensable.

Same concept goes with sleeping bags, backpacks, etc.  I want it very comfortable and very light weight.  Especially a backpack.  If I'm hauling stuff up on my back, I want the backpack to feel like it is not there if it is on my back and hips.   Thus, I spent several hundred dollars on a very comfortable backpack and even more on sleeping bags.

Of course, my philosophy is much different than others.    I'd rather purchase quality and light weight up front so that it will last for a very long time. 

I'm in agreement with ya, Shane.  I do see the need for ultralight gear, especially for desert hiking where water is your biggest load to carry. 

I just can't justify spending $150 on poles when my $45 ones have done the job admirably for 5 years.  I don't spare any expense when it comes to hiking boots, however.  If my feet are killing me, it really puts a damper on the fun.

My motto is.... if its the latest, greatest, lightest, and the probability of getting to "test" it for the sake of sharing with others is pretty high.........I Already Bought It!! 
Although this seems to get me in trouble with my wife more often than not!!!! 

[SA Bill]

My first "real" backpacking trip was a 6 day (I think) trek through the Weminuche Wilderness in CO. At the time I weighed about 135 pounds. My pack weight for that trip was right at 60 pounds at the start.

Needless to say, I'm trying to lighten the load this time!
  Bill

[SA Bill]

Shane:
What backpack are you using? I'm going to have to get something for this trip and I don't know where to start, other than going to Whole Earth and trying on everyhting that looks like it might do.
   Thanks!
      Bill

[Boot Canyon 1 Cougar]

Goldilocks,

An easy fix is to buy some lightweight "Sun" gloves from Sungrubbies.  These will do two things for you:  (i)  protect your palms and the inside of your thumb from blisters, and (ii) protect the fleshy part of your hand, between your thumb and pointer finger, from getting sunburned.

Here is a link: http://www.sungrubbies.com/product_index_html/product_detail_html/Sun-glove-SurGrip.htm

I've found that the "cortec" handles on the Leki Super Makalu are superior because they are so comfortable to the hands--and I cannot imagine getting a blister with the cortec (it feels like cork).  In addition, the angle in which the handle is slightly bent is more comfortable on the wrist.

[SA Bill]

A logistics question:
How do you all carry your water? For my little overnight jaunt I'm figuring I'll drink as much as I can before hitting the trail and then I'll carry 2 gallons with me. I'm planning to go slow and steady on the way up, food for dinner that will not need much water and a dry breakfast the next day. Soooo....is two gallons enough and what is the best way to transport it?
  Thanks!
    Bill

P.S. For the trekking pole crowd, I'm in the process of obtaining a pair. I'll post something when I have them.

[mule ears]

I always analyze the cost per ounce reduced as a significant (but not deciding) factor as to whether I will purchase a lighter piece of gear. I also look at potential other functions the gear might serve, quality and durability (both significantly more of a deciding factor than cost, but I'm in the "spare no expense" camp when it comes to my primary hobbies), and something I simply call the X-factor, which is, is this object going to help me have a better time when I'm out there.

By FAR, the best thing anyone can do is list out in a spreadsheet all the gear you're planning on taking and weigh each item. I have a digital postal scale which measures up to 5 pounds in both ounces and grams (and I use the grams, since it's a smaller unit). Then you can see the total weight, see what is contributing to it, and research some lighter weight alternatives. You might decide that your goal is to reduce it by 5 pounds. You can do this by (1) buying something lighter, (2) buying or taking something that will serve multiple functions, thus eliminating a piece of gear, or (3) not taking it along. Then you can analyze the cost/ounce reduced and decide whether your money is best directed at a new backpack, trekking poles, new shelter, etc. I know this is over-the-top geeky, but it works. 

Of course, a pound on your back feels the same as a pound in your body to your feet. There's no denying the best way to reduce trail weight is simply to lose weight, and that benefits your feet all the time, not just while backpacking. And it can be free (or even a net revenue gain), depending on how you go about dropping those 5 pounds. 

Jeff are you sure we aren't related?  

I agree with Jeff's statements.  As a backpacker of almost 40 years and someone who used to work in the industry, years ago, I thought I used to watch the equipment weight closely.  It wasn't until I started using a spreadsheet program and a digital scale (I own two for selling produce at the farmers' market) did I really hone in on what I was carrying and why.  Something about actually knowing what something weighs to make you think about do you really need it.  I also find that detailed notes of each trip and what I took and used to be very helpful in deciding what to take on future trips and equipment purchases.

Of course it's also a game and if you can afford to buy new equipment then it's even worse  .  I know in the last ten years I have dropped my base pack weight (equipment only, no food, water or fuel) by almost 20 pounds.  Start with the big three (pack, tent, sleeping bag) and then work on the rest.  I am amazed at how much clothing can weigh as part of the total and I think most people take too much most of the time.  Comparing the cost per ounce of weight reduced is a great way to look at it.  I replaced the cheapest per ounce iems first then worked my way up.  Of course the most in expensive things are going to win out first (like spoons and headlamps).  When it came down to the sleeping bag I had two completely fine 30 year old down bags but I could drop nearly a pound off the pack weight with a new one, but the cost per ounce was nearly $24, it took me sometime to justify that one  

The bottom line is also based on if you go a lot or just once a year or so.  I try and get out 5 or 6 times a year so it's worth it to me to have good, high quality, light equipment.  I have a more enjoyable time and my 52 year old body thanks me for it.

[Goldilocks]

Goldilocks,

An easy fix is to buy some lightweight "Sun" gloves from Sungrubbies.  These will do two things for you:  (i)  protect your palms and the inside of your thumb from blisters, and (ii) protect the fleshy part of your hand, between your thumb and pointer finger, from getting sunburned.

Here is a link: http://www.sungrubbies.com/product_index_html/product_detail_html/Sun-glove-SurGrip.htm

I've found that the "cortec" handles on the Leki Super Makalu are superior because they are so comfortable to the hands--and I cannot imagine getting a blister with the cortec (it feels like cork).  In addition, the angle in which the handle is slightly bent is more comfortable on the wrist.

Thanks!  This is exactly what I was looking for!  I also thought about getting some foam tape and wrapping the handles but that can end up being a big mess.  I think a combination of gloves and better poles will be the best solution.  I bought my first pole as an experiment to see if it really made that much of a difference hiking and I have to say it makes a huge difference.  Now I am comfortable spending more for ones that are more practical.  Thanks again to this board for all the great info and advice. 

[mule ears]

A logistics question:
How do you all carry your water? For my little overnight jaunt I'm figuring I'll drink as much as I can before hitting the trail and then I'll carry 2 gallons with me. I'm planning to go slow and steady on the way up, food for dinner that will not need much water and a dry breakfast the next day. Soooo....is two gallons enough and what is the best way to transport it?
  Thanks!
    Bill

Bill there was quite a discussion of containers here http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/forum/hiking-the-mountains/first-time-hiker-but-set-on-big-bend-heading-out-april-18th-for-3-d-2-n-t5680.15.html in case you didn't see it.  I like the playtpus 2.5 liter containers for large loads.  There was also a good discussion here  http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/forum/hiking-the-mountains/realistic-water-needs-backpacking-chisos-t5594.0.html about how much you might need.