How Low Can You Go?

[Kelly]

I've recently embarked on a quest to reduce the amount of weight I carry, and get my Center of Gravity as low as possible. I moved my Hi-Lift from the roof rack to the swing out...

I also got rid of my large water containers, and now carry 12 of these container (filled with H2O) on the floor behind the front seats...


What other suggestions do you have for reducing weight and lowering existing weight?

 

[ColoradoPacific]

Go on a diet??? I kid, I kid! Looks like you're already putting some good thoughts into weight distribution!

1. Water is a big one actually. I know a few guys that run around with 10-15 gallons of it, when 5 gallons and a good filter will get you just as far.
2. Another big one is your battery. Replacing a factory battery with a more compact one (group 34, dual cycle) can save you a decent chunk of weight. If you have somewhere to put it, relocating a battery is pretty simple as well.
3. Just like a backpack, load your heaviest items as low as possible. Lightweight, fluffy stuff goes on top.
4. For overall weight, you can look at aluminum armor instead of steel. Usually a bit more costly, but significant weight savings. The downside, of course, is that it won't withstand quite as much abuse.
5. Looking at your picture, I would also suggest moving your tire & fuel mounts down as low as you can without interfering with anything.

 

[Kelly]

Go on a diet??? I kid, I kid! Looks like you're already putting some good thoughts into weight distribution!

1. Water is a big one actually. I know a few guys that run around with 10-15 gallons of it, when 5 gallons and a good filter will get you just as far.
2. Another big one is your battery. Replacing a factory battery with a more compact one (group 34, dual cycle) can save you a decent chunk of weight. If you have somewhere to put it, relocating a battery is pretty simple as well.
3. Just like a backpack, load your heaviest items as low as possible. Lightweight, fluffy stuff goes on top.
4. For overall weight, you can look at aluminum armor instead of steel. Usually a bit more costly, but significant weight savings. The downside, of course, is that it won't withstand quite as much abuse.
5. Looking at your picture, I would also suggest moving your tire & fuel mounts down as low as you can without interfering with anything.

LOL. Does this mean I have to stop working out my upper body? ;-)

 

[ColoradoPacific]

LOL. Does this mean I have to stop working out my upper body? ;-)

Or let your girlfriend drive while you lay flat in the back seat. :D

 

[expeditionnorth]

I had a post on expo about the mentality of heavy bulky gear & was chastised over it
I agree lightweight is better
I carry over a lot of my light weight hiking gear into overlanding
just because I (we) have the space doesnt mean I (we) need to fill every inch of the vehicle

 

[ColoradoPacific]

just because I (we) have the space doesnt mean I (we) need to fill every inch of the vehicle

 

[Wawa Skittletits]

just because I (we) have the space doesnt mean I (we) need to fill every inch of the vehicle

After the heresy it was too funny I just had to haha.

 

[stoney126]

I had a post on expo about the mentality of heavy bulky gear & was chastised over it
I agree lightweight is better
I carry over a lot of my light weight hiking gear into overlanding
just because I (we) have the space doesnt mean I (we) need to fill every inch of the vehicle

from my last trip I went solo to attend a group run. due to some laziness I just through all my regular camping gear in the jeep. and it was packed. Now this is stuff I bring For Me an the wife but still I was like its just me, why do I have all this stuff...Besides the being a big sissy I need to pack for solo runs and found gear that serves a multipurpose role( I have a pot a pan and pancake pan lol)

 

[ColoradoPacific]

I had a post on expo about the mentality of heavy bulky gear & was chastised over it
I agree lightweight is better
I carry over a lot of my light weight hiking gear into overlanding

I agree that lightweight gear is always good to have. But there are some things that should NOT be "lightweight" by any means!! Hand tools, pry bars, Hi-Lifts... I would never even consider a lightweight version of such critical items. I will take the high density, high strength of a beefy steel tool anyday, over an aluminum or magnesium replacement that may buckle or even shatter under hard use.

Lightweight comes from a combination of multi-purpose gear, minimalism, and using lightweight options in places/equipment where it won't compromise the function.

Weight saving options that some people don't think about
-Fiberglass axe/shovels instead of wood or metal
-Synthetic clothing/camping gear over organics (debatable, quality wool definitely has its place!)
-Synthetic winch line instead of steel cable (this can easily save you 20 lbs)
-Filtration vs bottled water (where feasible)
-Dry food vs canned
-Adjustible/multi-size tools instead of full sets of every size
-DON'T PACK LAST MINUTE!! You're much more likely to bring a bunch of useless junk.

Here's a good list for ultralight hiking. Understandably, we tend to carry a LOT more on our rigs. But it makes a very good point. OUNCES EQUAL POUNDS. The more little bits of weight you shave off, the better!

http://www.hikelight.com/20201ultralightbackpackingtips.html

 

[Barton Fink]

.

 

[Kelly]

Moved the heaviest things I carry (water, tools, & lead ;-) as low, and centered, as I can get them...