For working on getting my pack weight down, I weigh everything that goes in my pack, that doesn’t get eaten, on this scale. It weighs up to 2000grams (70.6ounces) and as little as 1 gram (.035 ounce) You can switch between modes: ounces or grams. Then I either write everything down or list it in this cool, free Gear Weight calculator program- . Using The Gear Weight Calculator, I can list ALL my gear and what it weighs and then check what I want to bring on a particular trip and get a total in ounces or grams. Then, I keep looking at the list and try to figure out ways to get the weight down.
Don’t assume that the gear manufacturers weights are accurate; they usually say the item weighs less than it does. When shopping for gear for a trip, I’ve brought my scale into outfitter stores, to weigh the gear. I even some times bring it with me to discount stores, like Target and Walmart and weigh the stuff there. The discount stores may have many light weight, inexpensive gear options. For instance, I once found a raincoat that weighed eight oz and cost only ten dollars at Target. Sometimes the clothes have big plastic tags on them and it makes it hard to get an accurate weight. Just ask to weigh a tag and then push the “tar” button, then it will weigh the item minus the tag weight.
