Death Valley: Panamint City...planning phase

Next week, I will be joining a group for a 2-night trip to Panamint City in Death Valley National Park.  The plan is to hike starting from Surprise Canyon and then cover the 6 miles to Panamint City.  This hike, from my understanding, is a bit strenuous and has an approximate 4000 foot elevation gain.  This means, my pack has to be light, compact, and agile.  The hike may require stream crossings and a possibility for some scrambling.  Having a light pack will be crucial for my comfort as well as safety.

Here's the catch though, not only does it have to be light, I also have to be prepared for the possibility of cold and snowy weather.  I know my typical 3 season gear can take me down well in the 20's but below that? Never tried.  I wanted to outline what I plan to bring as far as gear.  For food, I still have to plan my menu for the 3 days/2 nights we're going to be there - I expect my food weight to be an average 1.5lbs. per day which close to 5 lbs.

Luckily, gear and food are all ready and I no longer need to hit the local outfitting shop for any items.  So let's break this down shall we?

Big 3 Items +1:

Item Name	Category	QTY	Weight	Unit
MYOG Backpack	Big 3 (+1)	1	11	ounce
32 Degree 800FP Down Mummy	Big 3 (+1)	1	25	ounce
Thermarest Prolite Small	Big 3 (+1)	1	11	ounce
SMD Wild Oasis	Big 3 (+1)	1	14	ounce
Mountain Hardwear X Stakes	Big 3 (+1)	6	0.6	ounce

Total Weight: 3.85 Lbs.

NOTE: I might need to replace my current tent stakes with a set of DIY stakes made with old Bike Spokes. I am also debating if I should take my GoLite Jam 50...which may add a pound to my Big 3.

SMD Wild Oasis courtesy my buddy Don A. with all my gear inside.

Cooking Essentials:

Item Name	Category	QTY	Weight	Unit
IMUSA 10cm w/ DIY Esbit Stove	Cooking	1	8	ounce
Cotton Bandana	Cooking	1	1	ounce
Mini Bic Lighter	Cooking	1	0.34	ounce
Dr. Bronners (Mini Bottle)	Cooking	1	0.6	ounce

Total Weight: 0.6 Lbs.

Imusa 10cm w/ Ti Esbit Stove

Clothing (Packed)

Item Name	Category	QTY	Weight	Unit
Uniqlo Down Hoody	Clothing (Packed)	1	10.12	ounce
Old Navy Synthetic Long Johns	Clothing (Packed)	1	6	ounce
SynWool Socks (Long)	Clothing (Packed)	1	2.25	ounce
Fleece Gloves	Clothing (Packed)	1	2	ounce
Fleece Beanie	Clothing (Packed)	1	1.2	ounce
Blue Buff	Clothing (Packed)	1	1.3	ounce

Total Weight: 1.42 Lbs.

What I typically wear on backpacking trips

NOTE: Due to the cold weather, I might bring my TNF Half Zip Fleece, Insulated Pants for added warmth, and Water Shoes for stream crossings - potentially adding an extra pound or so.

First Aid Kit, Hygiene, H2O Treatment, Rain Gear, etc.:

Item Name	Category	QTY	Weight	Unit
Assorted First Aide Kit	First Aide/911	1	3	ounce
DIY Sewing kit	First Aide/911	1	0.5	ounce
Suunto M-2D Locator Compass	First Aide/911	1	1.2	ounce
Repackaged Wipes/TP	Hygiene	1	2	ounce
Wisp Disposable Toothbrush	Hygiene	1	0.45	ounce
Aquamira Frontier Pro	Water Treatment	1	2	ounce
2L Platypus	Water Treatment	1	1.2	ounce
20 oz. Playtpus	Water Treatment	1	0.5	ounce
LED Headlamp	Misc. Items	1	3	ounce
Leatherman Squirt PS4	Misc. Items	1	2	ounce
Bug Headnet	Misc. Items	1	0.5	ounce
Flex Air Pillow	Misc. Items	1	0.85	ounce
Montane Minimus Smock	Rain Gear	1	5	ounce
GoLite Chrome Dome	Rain Gear	1	9	ounce

Total Weight: 2.23 Lbs.

So where are we with the math?  If my brain is calculating this correctly, we're around 8.04 pounds (not counting the extra pound or so for additional clothes for warmth) without food and water...just a base weight.  Not bad but there's still room for improvement here.

I'm really looking forward to this trip and I can only imagine the photos I'm coming back with.  If you have any tips on how I can lighten up my gear or if you see something missing, feel free to comment below.  I am, by no means, an expert...I am still learning :)

Thanks for reading and see you on the trails...