LightBackpacking.com

It’s All About Fuel

I recently tested a new line of foods (Chef 5 Minute Meals) and had been intrigued by claims that each meal is only 9 ounces, requires no refrigeration and comes with a built-in oven (no heat source required), knife, spork (spoon-fork), napkin and salt and pepper.

At 9 ounces, given all these benefits, a lightweight backpacker would give these a try.

Since I don't trust manufacturer weights, I pulled out my trusty postal scale and weighed the box and all its contents. Guess what? It weighs 17 ounces. What weighs 9 ounces is the actual food. The box and wrappings make up another 8 ounces,  essentially doubling the weight.

This is true for so much gear. For tents, especially. Manufacturers give fast-packing weight (the weight with only the fly and floor or ground cloth, sans tent) and minimum weight (stuff sack, stakes, tent and fly).

Seems like everyone plays games with weight, especially those claiming their products to be lightweight.

The lesson: analyze weight claims carefully and don't be afraid to take your scale to the store to weigh things before you buy.

Be light. Be safe. Be one with the pack. 

Other posts in this series:

• Lightweight backpacking for beginners
• Choosing a lightweight backpack
• Choosing a shelter: tent, bivy or tarp?
• Choosing a sleeping bag: How much is enough?
• Sleeping pads: The comfort factor
• Choosing a lightweight backpacking stove

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