Tuesday 20 January 2009

Trying to minimise my pack weight!

I've been glued to the computer lately trying to research some lighter weight gear.....

This is not cheap (I hope my hubby doesn't read this!), but I'm having to buy a load of cheaper alternatives to what I already have as my pack weight is currently around the 15kg mark (including EVERYTHING - water, boots etc) but I believe I can just about get it down to 13kg. Considering I'm not quite 5'2" and weight less than 8 stone I know I'm going to be feeling this weight! I'll post a list of what I'm taking plus weights soon. I'm turning into a geek!

I had a photo shoot last Friday for the local paper so I put my pack on with just 9kg in it hike to the forestry where I was to meet the photographer - but I was puffing while trudging up the big hill. Oh dear! It brought home how much fitter I need to be.

Patch is doing well - she's currently flat out on the sofa asleep (snoring!). She had sore paws again after the forestry so we really need to toughen her feet up. I ordered her a doggy backpack so she could carry a small amount herself but then felt guilty and canceled it!

I found out why I was struggling with the mapping software - a scratched dvd! I've now ordered a new Memory Map dvd and hope to get my route posted on here soon (once I figure out how!).

11 comments:

Alan Sloman said...

Hi there - Just found you (as a recently added 'follower' of my own blog.
All the very best with your planning and walk - if ever you need any help, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will do my very best to help you.
Good luck
Alan Sloman

Phreerunner said...

Hello, I picked this up from Alan's blog and will enjoy following your travels. Last year I enjoyed a day with Daryl between Lancaster and Preston. You seem to be planning well ahead.
Best of luck, and get in touch if you get stuck in the north west of England.
Martin Banfield

Marcus said...

Hello there.

I too came across your blog from Alan's. Always enjoy reading about people's preparations for any outing - let alone an epic!

You'll soon find your mojo with the lightweight gear and don't be afraid to try things out, even if you send them back as this is all part of the evolution. One things for sure, you can spend money faster than me!

Sophie Easterbrook said...

Thanks Alan - I appreciate the mention on your blog, and I may well be in contact for advise as Patch isn't helping much when it comes to that side of things!

Thanks Martin, much apprectiated. Daryl has been a real star helping me. He is so patient!

Hey "Dude"!! You are absolutely right - I have no problem spending money!! Typical woman eh?!! Now getting hold of it...that's another matter.....!

John Dunbavin said...

Hi Sophie
Just found your blog. Just to let you know that I have just returned to normality (???) after treking (with my wonderful dog - Skye) from my front door in Kendal up to Scotland and then doing all the Munros on two feet and four paws with no support. Around 2100 miles and many, many metres of up...and downs! We started last May and finished last October. What a trip. See my blog at www.johnandskye.blogspot.com
I would be more than happy to help any way I can...especially concerning long distance treking with a canine companion. If you are passing Cumbria (Kendal) then you would be very welcome to stay a night with my partner and I (and three of our dogs). I received so much help and support on my Munro round, it would be great to help others along the way. Drop me a line and let me know how it is all going.
All the very best
John D

Sophie Easterbrook said...

Wow John - that's fantastic. Well done both of you! I'll definitely be after some canine tips from you!!
Sophie

Martin Rye said...

What ever kit you buy remember that you can sleep warm and comfy in a tent and still go light. Alan Sloman is like me in that we use comfy air mats, down sleeping bags and tents. Yet we don’t have heavy pack weights. A good night’s sleep on the trail sets you up for the next day. I am looking forward to following your walk, and good luck.

Gayle said...

Hi Sophie - I'm another one that found you thanks to Alan's blog.

I walked LEJOG last year, with husband Mick, from April to July.

I see that you're getting lots of offers of help and advice, but if there's anything we can help with, then let us know.

And, if you're following McCloy's route through the Midlands (and provided that we're not away walking ourselves) then you're welcome to a bed for the night with us when you get to the Abbots Bromley/Cannock Chase sort of area.

Sophie Easterbrook said...

Hi Martin, thanks for that. I agree with the good nights sleep!!

I'll post my pack list on here over the weekend and would appreciate your thought on it if you are willing?

Hi Gayle - congrats on your LEJOG, and many thanks for the offer of a bed for a night....if you are sure you don't mind a scraggy looking dog and a matching owner then I would be very grateful! Thankyou!!

Sophie Easterbrook said...

John - I forgot to thank you for your offer of a bed for the night. I'll be going up the Penine Way and will miss Kendal - but what a beautiful area, I visited it about 10 years ago and loved it! If you were on our path I would happily take you up on your offer - thanks very much anyway!
Sophie

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