Backpacking with gear.

[Mike Anderson]

Getting a pack together and it’s getting heavy. How do you pack waders/boots/fly fishing gear for a winter Trout trip into remote streams and still have all the essentials?? At this point I can’t even imagine getting my camera gear into the mix…

My only idea yet is to not bring any change of clothes (except underwear) and use that space for waders.

[M. Wood]

If there is snow consider a sled- Mountain Smith/Kifaru makes a real nice set up. If not seriously consider if you need to wade.

[Aaron Christensen]

My only idea yet is to not bring any change of clothes (except underwear) and use that space for waders.

Could always turn the underwear inside out. 😉 But seriously, the quick dry underwear and t-shirts are excellent and light.  If they get too ripe, a quick wash is very easy to accomplish.  I use the Ex Officio.  2 pairs – dry super fast and they weigh next to nothing.

[Curtis Bias]

Hit the gym and buy a bigger backpack. 😉

On a more serious note, I used to

[Mike Cline]

If you are not using compression bags you should be. A complete change of quickdry clothing, including socks, can be compressed down to the size of a small loaf of bread.

[anonymous]

Solo trip or with a buddy?  Combine your gear if with a buddy.  Have one pack for fishing gear/ waders and one pack for the rest of the stuff. Buy a set of lightweight waders if you need em.  or cut down a pair of chest waders into hippers and make do. Or wet wade. depends on the time of year, but 99% of my trips in this fashion I wet wade.

[benjamin sandoval]

I’m curious to know what’s your pack weight, and what you would consider heavy.  

Winter backpacking is a totally different beast. You need the extra change of clothing. If your only set of clothing was to get wet you could be in serious danger of developing hypothermia. Even when backpacking in the summer it’s advised that you carry an extra set of clothing.  

As far as packing in the camera gear, that would depend on how many miles I was going to be trekking. If it’s only four or five miles on a snow free trail I would bring along minimal camera equipment. If your going to be using snow shoes and other winter equipment I’d go for a very light P&S.

Here is a winter backpacking list of articles from Backpacking Light that you might find of interest.

[Mike Lewis]

Not sure the length and difficulty of the hike you have in mind, but I have backpacked while wearing waders and boots, carrying my pack. I’ll bring a lightweight pair of sneakers of something to walk around in camp.

[Mike Anderson]

Thanks for the great advice so far.

Ben I haven’t yet weighed the pack but where I have it now it’s all I want to carry. I’m going to look into eliminating any unessential weight. I don’t expect to be in much snow with this setup, ever…

I could strap the waders and boots to the pack I guess but I’d want something lighter then G3’s. As for the Camera I’ve got a 1D body that when paired with a lens is massive and must have some protection. Next up is the tripod… It’s a Gitzo CF traveler so it’s light but the B1 head seriously defeats any weight savings. I really need to look into a lighter Ballhead.

[Zach Matthews]

Mike –

It is perfectly feasible to hike in waders if the temps are low enough.

[Mike Anderson]

Ok, I weighed the pack without a change of clothes or food/water and it’s 24 pounds. I could still get some nylon pants a few undergarments and a shirt plus some lightweight waders in I think. Might even find room for the camera if I break it down and put it in a dry sack. Tripod would be pushing it..

Zach I’m thinking of trying out the same waters your fish this year. Get in touch if you need a partner. Not sure I can keep up with your skinny ass but I’ll try.

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