I've edited the original content of this post. I screwed up my math in the handwritten stuff in later posts, but I correct it. In this post I've updated the weight of my setup based on the completed modification of the hybrid.
You can check out how I have my hybrid set up right now here:
Major differences between mine and stock old style is exo shoulder harness, ground chair standoffs removed, half of the surface area of fork plate removed, climbing sling bridge replaced the stock webbing bridge, exo hip belt. If someone wants to weigh their stock old style hybrid, mine weighs 160 ounces as is, bare. New style hybrid weighs 192 ounces (neither weight includes ropes).
Now that that is out of the way, I wanted to show how much of a weight penalty I incur when carrying the hybrid, versus a minimal saddle. I took my kit, as is, from a hunt yesterday. I pulled every single item and weighed to the tenth of an ounce. I did not include food/water/layers. But if I did, they would further reduce the relative difference of weight between the setups.
Total of my bare minimum setup - less than 1/2 mile from the truck, I know where I'm going, don't need thermacel, etc... is 19.2 lbs with the hybrid.
If I add all the goodies for a long trip, and luxury items, and stuff to pack out deer, total weight is 24.2 lbs.
If I swap to the kestrel/ ridge runner platform, and a lightweight normal pack, weight is 16.6lbs.
If I swap to kestrel/ridge runner, and frame pack for deep trips and luxury items, weight is 23.2lbs.
I'm paying a 2.6 lb weight penalty to use the hybrid close to the truck. Or, with the kits as is, and not including food/water/layers, an 16% weight penalty.
Luxury setup - 4.5% penalty, or 1lb.
If I factor in 15lbs for food water and heavy layers, my penalty is 2.5%, or 1lb.
All of the above changes with the new generation of hybrid, with the JX3 frame instead of the Molle Frame. It's my understanding that the new version weight 192 ounces, without ropes. If someone knows I'm off here, let me know and I'll adjust. So we can add 32 ounces.
Minimal setup with New Hybrid - 21.2lbs. 22% (or 4.6lbs) penalty for close fast hunts.
Luxury setup with new hybrid - 11.5% penalty (or 3lbs)
Long distance/cold weather with new hybrid - 7.5% penalty (or 3lbs)
I'm not telling you that the hybrid is not heavier than a minimal saddle. I'm not telling you that it doesn't have other drawbacks.
What I am telling you, is that if you're honest about the weight of your kit, and honest about the time, money effort, thought, etc. that goes into hunting and equipment, the difference is probably not nearly as big as you make it in your head. The comfort and ability to be dead still for long periods of time, and especially at the best times, are important to me.
Your mileage may vary. You can obviously play the weight game yourself. This is just one guy's example....
You can check out how I have my hybrid set up right now here:
Modifications to First Gen JX3 Hybrid
I've been wanting to tinker with upgrading the shoulder straps on my hybrid. I'll start by saying two things: If you don't carry a bunch of weight, it's not necessary in any way; and if you don't want to hack things up, I am hopeful John will be looking at offering a "packout" upgrade type of...
saddlehunter.com
Major differences between mine and stock old style is exo shoulder harness, ground chair standoffs removed, half of the surface area of fork plate removed, climbing sling bridge replaced the stock webbing bridge, exo hip belt. If someone wants to weigh their stock old style hybrid, mine weighs 160 ounces as is, bare. New style hybrid weighs 192 ounces (neither weight includes ropes).
Now that that is out of the way, I wanted to show how much of a weight penalty I incur when carrying the hybrid, versus a minimal saddle. I took my kit, as is, from a hunt yesterday. I pulled every single item and weighed to the tenth of an ounce. I did not include food/water/layers. But if I did, they would further reduce the relative difference of weight between the setups.
Total of my bare minimum setup - less than 1/2 mile from the truck, I know where I'm going, don't need thermacel, etc... is 19.2 lbs with the hybrid.
If I add all the goodies for a long trip, and luxury items, and stuff to pack out deer, total weight is 24.2 lbs.
If I swap to the kestrel/ ridge runner platform, and a lightweight normal pack, weight is 16.6lbs.
If I swap to kestrel/ridge runner, and frame pack for deep trips and luxury items, weight is 23.2lbs.
I'm paying a 2.6 lb weight penalty to use the hybrid close to the truck. Or, with the kits as is, and not including food/water/layers, an 16% weight penalty.
Luxury setup - 4.5% penalty, or 1lb.
If I factor in 15lbs for food water and heavy layers, my penalty is 2.5%, or 1lb.
All of the above changes with the new generation of hybrid, with the JX3 frame instead of the Molle Frame. It's my understanding that the new version weight 192 ounces, without ropes. If someone knows I'm off here, let me know and I'll adjust. So we can add 32 ounces.
Minimal setup with New Hybrid - 21.2lbs. 22% (or 4.6lbs) penalty for close fast hunts.
Luxury setup with new hybrid - 11.5% penalty (or 3lbs)
Long distance/cold weather with new hybrid - 7.5% penalty (or 3lbs)
I'm not telling you that the hybrid is not heavier than a minimal saddle. I'm not telling you that it doesn't have other drawbacks.
What I am telling you, is that if you're honest about the weight of your kit, and honest about the time, money effort, thought, etc. that goes into hunting and equipment, the difference is probably not nearly as big as you make it in your head. The comfort and ability to be dead still for long periods of time, and especially at the best times, are important to me.
Your mileage may vary. You can obviously play the weight game yourself. This is just one guy's example....
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