I am hoping to do Many Glacier Loop either this summer or next, depending on time. Since there are some Glacier experienced hikers here, any feedback on my gearlist would be appreciated. I am thinking late July/August:
Glacier National Park: Many Glacier Loop | Backpacking in Montana
http://lighterpack.com/r/4bd8bw
The fact you made that gear list with weights already proves you are a step ahead and at least conscientious about what you are bringing and your skill level. But here is my two cents anyway:
-You put down "quilt", do you mean sleeping bag? I looked up the item you had listed, and it's solid so I'm guessing this is just a "lighterpack.com" thing, I've never used that site.
-Tent is probably fine for the summer, it will still drop to zero(ish) though depending on where you are. So you know how hot/cold you sleep better than us.
-This is a shameless plug because I feel it's the best addition I've made to my kit since I started, but I recommend the Platypus filtration bag(
Platypus 2.0L Pump-Free Water Filter System
). It is heavier than what you have by about 5oz, but in my opinion it's worth it. No pumping or anything and it can move a decent volume of water in almost no time. Honestly though, you don't need to filter up in glacier unless you are drinking from some stagnant pond you just watched a bear shit in.
Out of curiosity, I see you have a battery pack and folding saw. What are you powering? Camera or ipad or something? And this is not me making fun of it, genuinely curious. The only electronics I bring when I'm outdoors is the headlamp and some extra batteries. And the saw? You plan on making some bigger campfires? Only certain backcountry sites allow fires. I go back and forth on this one myself. Having a little fire certainly adds a ton of character to relaxing after a good hike, but I find that I am not often sawing wood and generally I just pick up whatever scrap I can find on the ground.
You are super lightweight though capping in around 10lbs. That's impressive. The site didn't say how many days, but at 55 miles I'd expect 3-5 depending on how you want to move, that sound about right? Figure 1.5lbs of food per day you should still be well under 20lbs. The same trip for me would be like 30-35lbs so that's badass. I'm not a super heavy-weight guy but I've backed off the insanely light-weight and try to find a middle ground because I've grown accustomed to having certain things on me. Mainly my tent choices are much heavier than you, adding like 6lbs right there. Plus my pack is about 8-9lbs completely empty. But I'm addicted to it and love the way it carries heavy weight which I do often as a winter camper and mountaineer. I'm also a snob and will carry extra socks/underwear/ maybe a shirt. I like to soak and wash one pair at night and swap the other, switching every day or two, but that's a development comfort
