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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: jimbob on 14:42:17, 23/06/18

Title: Pack weight.
Post by: jimbob on 14:42:17, 23/06/18
We all try to carry the minimum weight we can in our packs, according to our budgets etc.
However I wonder how many of us could probably lose a stone or more without it costing us a penny. In my case, the pack I am talking about is my gut. Years ago swapped my six pack for a mega  party pack. I have set myself a target of losing at least one stone before my next long walk. I am sure my knees and hips will be thankful, and, it wont cost me a penny.
I hope.
Title: Re: Pack weight.
Post by: richardh1905 on 15:17:44, 23/06/18

Good luck.


I've managed to lose about 8kg over the last couple of years without too much pain; it can be done; just eat a bit less and increase the exercise on a day to day basis.
Title: Re: Pack weight.
Post by: NeilC on 16:17:44, 23/06/18
I'm dieting right now. I find it really hard. However so far I've lost 9 lbs.


My fatness has definitely affected my walking fitness more than any pack weight.


I'm lagging behind my fitter mate badly now.
Title: Re: Pack weight.
Post by: Troggy on 13:14:23, 26/06/18
I totally agree about losing weight. I mean from the belly region that has grown a bit too much, or my shirts have shrunk particularly around the midriff. I'm about a stone and a half overweight; so I'm taking a bit of inspiration from you lads and having a go of eating less and exercising more. A friend of mine lost 3 stone in about twelve months or so and she went to one of those lose weight meetings, so it's worked for her. That's about 3 bags of spuds per stone (if my maths is ok) 5Lb a bag (less a spud or two. Mindbogglingly, that works out to getting on for the equivalent of 40lb of King Edwards!!I only have to lose about half of that so I think I'll carry a stone of something in my rucksack and start doing some regular walking; see if I can empty the rucksack as I lose weight. I'll start tomorrow...where's them digestive biccies?!
Title: Re: Pack weight.
Post by: alan de enfield on 13:29:08, 26/06/18
I totally agree about losing weight. I mean from the belly region that has grown a bit too much, or my shirts have shrunk particularly around the midriff. I'm about a stone and a half overweight; so I'm taking a bit of inspiration from you lads and having a go of eating less and exercising more. A friend of mine lost 3 stone in about twelve months or so and she went to one of those lose weight meetings, so it's worked for her. That's about 3 bags of spuds per stone (if my maths is ok) 5Lb a bag (less a spud or two. Mindbogglingly, that works out to getting on for the equivalent of 40lb of King Edwards!!I only have to lose about half of that so I think I'll carry a stone of something in my rucksack and start doing some regular walking; see if I can empty the rucksack as I lose weight. I'll start tomorrow...where's them digestive biccies?!



3 years ago I was diagnosed with Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol , and would be dead within 12 months.


I had not appreciated how much I was over-weight.
I lost weight fairly rapidly (by walking and eating better) and for every pound I lost, I put a pound (weight) in my pack. I lost 5 stone (70lbs) in just under 12 months and was getting fed up with carrying 70lbs in my pack.
I was too thin and boney (siting in the bath or on a hard chair was painful) and gradually put back on 14 pounds to get to a 'comfortable weight'.


I have put a little more weight back on over the last couple of years but I am no longer diabetic (off the medication), am no longer taking 'blood pressure' tablets and look as if I will be taken off the Cholesterol tablets at my next review.


It takes determination, but if YOU WANT to do it, you will.


Title: Re: Pack weight.
Post by: NeilC on 14:24:29, 26/06/18
I totally agree about losing weight. I mean from the belly region that has grown a bit too much, or my shirts have shrunk particularly around the midriff. I'm about a stone and a half overweight; so I'm taking a bit of inspiration from you lads and having a go of eating less and exercising more. A friend of mine lost 3 stone in about twelve months or so and she went to one of those lose weight meetings, so it's worked for her. That's about 3 bags of spuds per stone (if my maths is ok) 5Lb a bag (less a spud or two. Mindbogglingly, that works out to getting on for the equivalent of 40lb of King Edwards!!I only have to lose about half of that so I think I'll carry a stone of something in my rucksack and start doing some regular walking; see if I can empty the rucksack as I lose weight. I'll start tomorrow...where's them digestive biccies?!


At least you've worked out the best day to start a diet - tomorrow.


Actually doing some exercise walking locally with a weighted rucksack is quite a good idea. I could easily pop some weights in mine with some pillows to bulk it out. That way you get exercise that's harder than just walking and good practice walking with a pack.
Title: Re: Pack weight.
Post by: Troggy on 18:43:33, 26/06/18
Alan, thats done me a power of good reading your post. The binmen come tomorrow and I've thrown the packets of biscuits and a couple of cakes I had, in the bin. I'm starting tomorrow because I'm off to Mid wales for a few days walking and camping...rucksack at the ready. I'll get weighed to morrow and do what neil suggested, put some weights in a rucksack and start.
Title: Re: Pack weight.
Post by: alan de enfield on 19:06:04, 26/06/18
Alan, thats done me a power of good reading your post. The binmen come tomorrow and I've thrown the packets of biscuits and a couple of cakes I had, in the bin. I'm starting tomorrow because I'm off to Mid wales for a few days walking and camping...rucksack at the ready. I'll get weighed to morrow and do what neil suggested, put some weights in a rucksack and start.



Great - go for it.
Use 2 litre 'pop-bottles' filled with water - you can then drink it or pour some of it away if it is too heavy.
2 litres = 2kg


Couple of pillows to pad out the pack, a couple of 2 litre pop bottles are a good 'starter'.
Set your self a target - once achieved treat yourself with some new toy / hiking gear.


Tip : Ice cream is the worst for me a portion twice a week and my weight increase by 1lb in a week.
Title: Re: Pack weight.
Post by: Troggy on 07:45:16, 27/06/18
Thanks Alan, I'll be starting later today and I'lluse that idea of carrying bottled water and pillow/cushion whatever and build up the weight. I wonder how much weight the biscuits and cakes put on? Not only that, they're full of sugar, so packing them in won't do much harm at all.
Title: Re: Pack weight.
Post by: zuludog on 11:47:48, 27/06/18
Ah! The never ending question of gaining weight, and how to lose it.


I'm 68 now, but at the peak of my fitness when I was walking almost every weekend & holiday, including long days in the Lake District or a few Munros a day I was about 76 to 77 Kg
Then a few things happened fairly close together - marriage & family life; rheumatoid arthritis, so although I can still do some walking & backpacking, I can no longer do the long hard days; diabetes, which makes it difficult to lose weight as you keep going into hypo if you cut down on food.
All this meant that although there were fluctuations, on Ist January 2018 I was 94,2kg - not good


So I made a renewed effort; I was able to do more day walks now that I'm retired, and paying much more attention to diet & blood sugar testing.
Today I'm 85,9kg; I know I will probably not get as low as 77 again, but I'm aiming for about 82kg


Both weight gain and weight loss have a combined or rolling effect - the more exercise and sensible eating you do, the more weight you lose, and so the more you are able to exercise and have the motivation or enthusiasm to eat properly, and so the more weight you lose, and so on
The converse is true. If you are overweight and unfit you are less inclined to do any exercise and more likely to sit around eating, so the more weight you put on......


I've tried swimming but never managed to learn; I've been to a gym a few times and not enjoyed it, so the only real exercise I do is walking
However, as my wife has pointed out on more than one occasion, I have always wanted to go for A PROPER WALK, meaning something reasonably long & hilly in the Peak or Lake District. If I can't do that I haven't done anything
It's only really in the past few months that I have made myself just get out anywhere, like walking into the town centre or around lower level paths & lanes. I still have to persuade myself to do this, yet I enjoy it when I do it


I was brought up on traditional hiking gear - wool, tweed breeches, big leather boots, and all the rest of it. Something that helped me do more walking, and to enjoy it was the change to lightweight stuff - trail shoes, synthetic sports pants; very light waterproofs, and so on.
Thus, even when in my overweight & unfit state I felt more comfortable and agile.
Title: Re: Pack weight.
Post by: alan de enfield on 11:55:50, 27/06/18
Ah! The never ending question of gaining weight, and how to lose it.


I'm 68 now, but at the peak of my fitness when I was walking almost every weekend & holiday, including long days in the Lake District or a few Munros a day I was about 76 to 77 Kg
Then a few things happened fairly close together - marriage & family life; rheumatoid arthritis, so although I can still do some walking & backpacking, I can no longer do the long hard days; diabetes, which makes it difficult to lose weight as you keep going into hypo if you cut down on food.
All this meant that although there were fluctuations, on Ist January 2018 I was 94,2kg - not good


So I made a renewed effort; I was able to do more day walks now that I'm retired, and paying much more attention to diet & blood sugar testing.
Today I'm 85,9kg; I know I will probably not get as low as 77 again, but I'm aiming for about 82kg


Both weight gain and weight loss have a combined or rolling effect - the more exercise and sensible eating you do, the more weight you lose, and so the more you are able to exercise and have the motivation or enthusiasm to eat properly, and so the more weight you lose, and so on
The converse is true. If you are overweight and unfit you are less inclined to do any exercise and more likely to sit around eating, so the more weight you put on......


I've tried swimming but never managed to learn; I've been to a gym a few times and not enjoyed it, so the only real exercise I do is walking
However, as my wife has pointed out on more than one occasion, I have always wanted to go for A PROPER WALK, meaning something reasonably long & hilly in the Peak or Lake District. If I can't do that I haven't done anything
It's only really in the past few months that I have made myself just get out anywhere, like walking into the town centre or around lower level paths & lanes. I still have to persuade myself to do this, yet I enjoy it when I do it


I was brought up on traditional hiking gear - wool, tweed breeches, big leather boots, and all the rest of it. Something that helped me do more walking, and to enjoy it was the change to lightweight stuff - trail shoes, synthetic sports pants; very light waterproofs, and so on.
Thus, even when in my overweight & unfit state I felt more comfortable and agile.



Good post & I'm with you all the way.


Living in the flatlands of Lincolnshire, its all Estate Roads, Farm Tracks and odd footpaths, I try to walk 5-10 miles 3 or 4 times a week and a bit further once a week.


Its been so hot recently that I've been doing a bit less, but got in a few miles 9:00 - 10:00pm.
I've dropped the pack weight down from 18kg to 9kgs for 'Summer'.
I tend to manage to keep up 3.5-3.6mph and get a good sweat on to burn of the calories.


Enjoy.
Title: Re: Pack weight.
Post by: NeilC on 12:38:29, 27/06/18

Good post & I'm with you all the way.


Living in the flatlands of Lincolnshire, its all Estate Roads, Farm Tracks and odd footpaths, I try to walk 5-10 miles 3 or 4 times a week and a bit further once a week.


Its been so hot recently that I've been doing a bit less, but got in a few miles 9:00 - 10:00pm.
I've dropped the pack weight down from 18kg to 9kgs for 'Summer'.
I tend to manage to keep up 3.5-3.6mph and get a good sweat on to burn of the calories.


Enjoy.


Cool - 18kg is quite a load. Good effort!