To be honest Jeremy, the pack you want with the gear you want and the weight you can carry, is OK.
We can always take a bit less, until the time that a bit less is dangerous.
So, if you are happy with it, that is tops.
Every year I try and take a bit less, but my fail-safe need it cuts in, and it always turns out a bit heavier.
If I plan on 3 days food, I will take 4 (because ***T) happens as you know.

There are some UL Nerds that go across with 10K or less.
They talk a lot of dogs naggers about something called base weight, and then carry more than that.

All a bit weird to me. You carries what you carries.

There will be a crisp packet aficionado come by soon to set me straight.
I'll be up a hill!!!!
With a bloody great big rucksack full of LUXURY items!

Anyway sir, that is my rant for 2014 done.
OK, that is my rant for May 6th 2014 done.

You have a good crossing sir, and I shall I expect see you in the Bree Louise or some other despotic place.

Suffolk has experienced a sudden gravity surge. I have packed the same stuff that I had last year, and it weighs 2kg more.

Well done, Jeremy. That's seems a very reasonable weight. Anything in particular that you're leaving behind or reduced in weight?

Pack weight was fine, until I started packing. Hope everyone has a safe journey.

Interesting to read all the comments.
As a first timer and soloist I've managed to get the weight down to 13kg ish ex water and carrying 3 days food. I still have the urge to throw in an extra pair of socks or food or maybe better bring that hip flask after all.

Have a good trip.

Hi Ian. Best not to obsess about it, despite what other 'experienced' Challengers may say. If you can heft it, you're happy with it on your back and confident of the gear it contains, you'll be fine. You can always post bits home when you happen across a post office!
Good luck, relax and enjoy :-)

Thanks Louise

Although I have sent some dehydrated food up to Ft Augustus and the family are joining me in Braemar for the Saturday I'm trying to eat local where I can. I'm trying to get that balance of comfort and weight. When I do DofE (Duke of Edin Award) assessing the last thing I remind the kids is not to forget to enjoy yourself.

Cheers

Can anyone explain the need to carry water? Drought in May in Scotland; I don't think so!

I won't be carrying any water though I will be carrying a little excess weight. I;ll also be eating local for the next two and a half weeks.

BRING THE HIP FLASK!!!
It's a social event don't ya know!

It was a tough call but the hip flask won and who needs water anyway after all whisky is the water of life especially if it's a good malt.
Slanj

Ian,

Do you mean a real 'hip flask'? If so, and your counting grams - I would use a plastic lucozade bottle (minus label to save weight) - weighs nothing and very robust.

Bernie

I like your thinking Bernie but If I fancy a wee dram in the middle of the night I don't want to get confused with another bottle I might have nearby if you get my drift.

Last wee bits to sort out before catching the train in the morning Ahhh.

Despite swapping various items for lighter variants this year, it's still 14 kg including 4 days food, poles, gaiters, tomorrow's lunch, and a generous hip flask! (I'll pick up the stuff for Alan's cheese and wine from my squirrelled stash in the woods near Aberchalder)

Good luck to everyone and no doubt I'll meet some of you on the way.