Ultra lite Ultra Cheap

[JewDuh]

I was helping a friend put together a pack and he asked me what the lightest cheapest pack I could put together was. I talked about the $300 challenge (http://hikinghq.net/300_challenge.html). After looking at it a bit we realized that most all the information was out dated, and I set about designing the lightest cheapest kit I could.

I tried to make safe estimates, and do most of my rounding up, so I was quite surprised when I was finishing up to discover that I had put together a sub 10lb Kit under $200! Of course I think only a fool would venture into the woods carrying only this, but I would probably be willing to join that fool while carrying a little more gear myself

There is a little Do It Yourself in here, but I think that if you can make an Ion stove you can do it all

Main Pack Eqpipment
Back Pack , Jansport Klamath 55 , $89.95 , 35 oz http://www.sunnysports.com/prod/JNSK55.html?ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=JNSK55RD
Sleeping Bag , Bargain Bag (Synthetic) , $19.00 , 33 oz http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/us-mil-style-rectangle-sleeping-bag.aspx?a=249162
Sleeping Pad , Wal-Mart Blue Foam , $12.48 , 8 oz http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9856753
Tent Stakes , Gutter Nail (4) , $5.00 , 2 oz http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=60800-205-25049&lpage=none
Poncho , Emergency Poncho , $2.49 , 4 oz http://cgi.ebay.com/StanSport-Emergency-Poncho_W0QQitemZ230368233407QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_ DefaultDomain_0?hash=item35a30447bf&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Bivvy Sack , Gortex Bivvy , $10.00 , 16 oz http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300339356142&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Food & Water
Stove & fuel , Ion Stove & Fuel , $6.00 , 7 oz DIY
Pot , 3 Cup Pot , $6.45 , 3.4 oz http://www.combattactical.com/open-country-nonstick-p-18997.html
Water Purifier , Iodine Tablets , $1.00 , 1 oz http://www.myemergencybag.com/water-purification-tablets.html
Water Bottles , Empty pop Bottle (x2) , $3.00 , 3 oz
Cup , Infinity Cup , $2.50 , 1.8 oz http://www.basegear.com/gsi-infinity-stacking-cup.html
Eating Utensil , GSI Rehydrate Spoon , $1.75 , 1 oz http://www.basegear.com/gsi-rehydrate-spoon.html
Emergency Equipment
Space Blanket , Mylar Blanket , $1.95 , 3 oz http://countycomm.com/blanket.htm
Compass Whistle Combo , Coughlin's 4 in 1 , $4.00 , 3 oz Wal-Mart
Fire Source , Lighter , $0.50 , 1 oz Gas Station
Tools
Knife , Straight Razor , $1.50 , 1 oz http://countycomm.com/straightrazor.htm
Flashlight , Pocket LED , $1.20 , 1 oz http://www.countycomm.com/light10.htm
Repair Items
Rope , Wal-Mart Cord (25') , $5.00 , 3 oz Wal-Mart
Duct Tape , DIY Square , $0.00 , 2 oz
Sewing kit , Needle & Thread , $0.00 , 1 oz
Hygiene Items
Pack Towel , Coughlin's , $3.05 , 4 oz http://www.combattactical.com/coghlans-camp-towel-p-18028.html
Handkerchief , Cotton , $2.50 , 1 oz Wal-Mart
Tooth Brush , Fizzled Down , $0.00 , 3 oz You better already have 1
Tooth Paste , Travel Size , $2.00 , 1 oz Grocery Store
Dental Floss , Small hank , $0.00 , 0 oz
Multi Purpose Soap , Dr. Bronners , $1.33 , 2 oz http://www.vitacost.com/Dr-Bronners-Organic-Pure-Castile-Liquid-Soap-Peppermint-2-fl-oz?csrc=GPF-018787775028
Bug Spray , Deep Woods Off , $5.00 , 3 oz
Totals $183.65 , 144.2 oz , or 9.0125 lbs

I eagerly await your comments,
Judah

[kmat]

JewDuh,
You did a great job. You suprised me with a very detailed kit. I will check my gear against yours to help pare mine down some. I use a more durable knife. kmat

[ran90]

Fanatic Fringe makes a good pack, 9oz. Lacks features but it works for me.
Good work

[ritzhenson]

Nice job Judah!

[Just Jeff]

Interesting list...looks good. You could save $1.75 on the spoon by getting a Wendy's disposable one...great for short trips, free, and you don't have to wash it after the trip! Or look for Lexan spoons on sale...I got one from REI for $.50.

First aid kit?

Impressive work.

[JewDuh]

You could save $1.75 on the spoon by getting a Wendy's disposable one... Or look for Lexan spoons on sale.

I guess a disposable spoon is in keeping with the spirit of this list, I prefer a longer handle for freezer bag cooking, but the easy solution is a Dairy Queen long handled spoon.

As I mentioned I consider this list a little too far on the minimal side, but people often use kits that I consider too lacking. This includes things like leaving out a knife, compass, or 1st aid kit. I'm not saying its a good idea, but I have heard it said that Duct tape and alcohol is enough 1st aid to get you through.

Thanks everyone for the great feedback. I'm always looking for cheap and light tips.

Growing up my father used to tell me:

If you worry about the ounces the pounds will take care of themselves.

To which I would like to add:

If you worry about the pennies the dollars will take care of themselves.

[Just Jeff]

Yep - good stuff. I don't think it's safe to go w/o a map and compass, first aid kit, etc, either.