Lowe Alpine 75+20

[thecyclops]

And what is your opinions on pole(s) vs a hiking stick?

[Gershon]

And what is your opinions on pole(s) vs a hiking stick?

I don't have one. I personally use poles, but lately I'm considering just bringing one.

[Gershon]

You will likely find you don't play cards much in the tent when it's dark. However, if that's a comfort item for you, I have no objection. Most tents have a way to hang a flashlight at the top of the tent. A lantern isn't really needed. However, it is nice to have a backup flashlight. One light flashlight each would be good.

You don't need a snake killer. If you can see it good enough to kill, you can move away from it.

Recent studies show that making an incision at the site of a snakebite does more harm than good. Sucking out the venom seldom gets a significant amount. Only 9 to 15 people a year die from snakebites. Approximately 8,000 are bitten. (No numbers on how many of these are venemous snakes.)

You can reduce weight a bit by putting your first aid kit in a snack baggie instead of an Altoid box.

[thecyclops]

Going down the list exactly,bag weighs 25lbs with no food...What is normal or acceptable food weight?

[thecyclops]

Just got 4 PDF files from Lowe Alpine on all the specs of this bag...if anyone needs this info or has a similar bag and would want the info let me know.

[Gershon]

Going down the list exactly,bag weighs 25lbs with no food...What is normal or acceptable food weight?

Many people say 1.5 pounds of food a day and then 2 after the 3rd or 4th day of hiking. If planned efficiently 1.5 lb of food is about 3,000 calories. You can save a lot of weight by repackaging food into Ziplock bags.