A Study in Weight

An interesting post came out in the official MDS site the other day.  MDS Timing No 3 compared and contrasted the weight and calorie counts for Englishmen, Frenchmen and "Leaders". From a purely statistical standpoint some data may be lacking but having something to gauge against is invaluable.  Below is a summary of the data provided including my current estimates, weights are in kgs.  One must also factor into the load water weight (1.5-3 kgs).

Category	Total	Gear	Food	Calories
English	11.3	6.1	5.2	19,200
French	8.7	4.1	4.6	16,800
Leaders	7.2	2.5	4.7	16,000
My est.	8.5	4.2	4.3	18,200

While I am happy with my results, they are still estimates and subject to changes.  It will be a challenge to keep the gear weight down and perhaps even lower it some.  Items that are adding to this additional weight compared to "leaders" include:

• Camera (7.5 oz)
• Pad (8 oz)
• flip flops (4-6 oz)
• Cup/fuel/stove (6.5 oz)
• Misc supplies (4 oz)

Total 32 oz/2 lbs/0.9 kg

Each and every item adds up and eventually lines need to be drawn as to what is a luxury vs a necessity. Are you going to use the item daily?  Is it there a large benefit from using the item?  Conversely, is there a large negative impact from not having/using the item in question? I definitely wish to record the event and have a hot cup of coffee in the morning while lounging in bare feet after a reasonable night sleep.  Call me soft.

Relating to calories/count/weight it is apparent that finding high caloric foods are important.  My above numbers are based on 6.5 days at 2,800 Kcals/day which may be on the low side.  This works out to be about 120 Kcals/oz including packaging.  Most carbohydrate based foods are around 100-120 Kcals/oz not including packaging.  That is about the best you can do there.  Fats will be needed in order to get these numbers up...nuts, meat products, etc.  It is also obvious that there will have to be repackaging in order to minimize weight and volume.  Future posts will detail my anticipated gastronomical plans.