Filed under: backpack | Tags: backpack, backpacking equipment, camp stove, down sleeping bag, gear, reduce pack weight, shelter, sleeping bag
No other trend has seen such an increase in following in recent years than lightweight hiking. Light backpackers cover more miles and enjoy more for obvious reasons. The availability of lighter and multifunctional equipment can make your hiking backpack so much lighter than was possible ten years ago.
1. What backpacking equipment do you currently have?
Write down what you have and the corresponding weight. You need to weigh your gear to find the actual weight. You may find that the actual weight is not the same as what the manufacturer states. This will help you get the big picture of how much gear selection impact the weight of your backpack.
2. Only pack what you need
I don’t advocate leaving luxuries behind; just don’t take all of them. Backpackers like to carry luxury items such as camping mats, binoculars, books, self-inflating pads and electronics.. Use lighter alternatives if you can or go without them.
3. Your gear should be planned around the season and weather
It doesn’t make sense to carry a zero degree sleeping bag and a four season tent on the Appalachian Trail in July. Not all clothing, shelter and sleeping bag are suitable for every season.
4. Take lightweight gear
Lighter alternatives are usually available as long as you can afford them. Start first by finding lighter alternatives for your sleeping bag, shelter and backpack. However, don’t go too light on your backpack before you reduce the overall weight of your load.
5. Look for items that have multiple uses.
Start treating your gear as a system of components that work together. Multi-functional gear and the ability to recognize the synergistic relationships between your gear is one of the key skills to reduce your pack weight. One common approach is to use a poncho as both raingear and shelter.
6. Select lightweight insulation.
Down is still the best insulation for sleeping bags and clothing because they’re warmer and lighter than the best synthetics. The main disadvantage with down is that you need to be careful not to get it wet because they don’t provide insulation when they do get wet.
7. Windbreaker as an alternative to heavy coats
Windbreakers from brands like Marmot and GoLite today weigh less than 3 ounces. Addition of a wind shirt to your clothing system can add tremendous comfort and significant warmth, allowing you to wear lighter base layers. A windbreaker increases the comfort range of your clothing system.
8. Share your backpacking gear
Hiking with a friend allows you to share some gear like a tent or camp stove for example. If you’re creative enough there are many things you can share to keep the pack weight low.
9. Develop your outdoor skills
The better you are at backcountry hiking and camping, the better you are able to make do without modern camping equipment. Acquiring outdoor skills can help you to comfortably reduce the weight of your safety kit, food, clothing and other gear. Attending backpacking clinics, survival programs and first aid courses helps.
10. Minimize packaging and use travel-sized versions
Travel-sized versions of soap, toothpaste, etc are light than standard versions. Whenever possible transfer any camping supply into smaller packages to save both weight and space.
Gradually Reducing Your Pack Weight
To reduce your backpack weight, you need to do it gradually in stages. It takes experience for you to take note of the things you can leave behind and only carry what you need. It also depends on the weather and trail conditions. Going light is more of a process than a one-time task.
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[...] gear with lighter ones if you can afford it. Try first to find lighter alternatives for your hiking backpack, sleeping bag and shelter. But don’t go too light with your pack until reducing the weight of [...]
Pingback by Lightweight Hiking to Better Enjoy Nature | The Great Backpacking Guide July 10, 2009 @ 8:07 pm[...] usually available as long as you can afford them. Try first to find lighter alternatives for your hiking backpack, sleeping bag and shelter. But don’t go too light with your pack until reducing the weight of [...]
Pingback by Reduce Your Backpacking Pack Weight | Best Camping Advice July 28, 2009 @ 8:39 pm